Hoodies for Fall & PDF Pattern Makers

Whew!  This week flew by in a whirlwind of activities.  I did some sewing early in the week but just now got around to taking some pictures.  I decided to try a two new PDF pattern-makers for fall hoodies.

The first one I made was from Mani-Mina, the Chic Kimono for sizes 12m-5T.  The instructions were clear and the pattern was a breeze to sew.  I used a sweatshirt fleece outer and quilting cotton lining.  Fit was roomy.  I like that this pattern includes options for omitting the lining and hood.  This would also be darling lengthened into a dress. All of Mani-Mina patterns are less than $6, so a great value. Mally is now a 4t/5t so I'm hesitant to buy patterns that will only fit this year but really wanted to try this one and am glad I did.  I wish these came in bigger sizes, too!

The second hoodie I sewed was the Urban Unisex Hoodie from Heidi & Finn Modern Wears for Kids.

This pattern was sized for 6m-5t and another great value for $5.95.  Again, instructions were clear and assembly & sewing were easy.  Instead of fully lining this one,  I only lined the hood.   I used bias tape as hem tape along the neckline to hide those seams and it turned out great!  This one fits slim, so it won't last long unfortunately. I do really like the offset front seam and buttons and is why I chose this one.

I'm impressed with the number of great PDF pattern makers now.  When I started sewing boutique for my girls 3 years ago, the number of affordable PDF patterns available was very limited.  The first ones I used - and many of my old "stand-bys" - are from Whimsy Couture  and The Handmade Dress.

Some of my other newer favorites include:
The Sweet Shop /Little Print designs;

Lil Blue Boo;

Dear My Kids EasyWear - Some patterns through age 11 and many are unisex!;

Little Lizard King.

Photo from LLK - Elizabeth Claire Dress

And recently discovered
Mama Stellato ;

Photo from Mama Stellato

Sew Sweet Patterns ;

Photo from Sew Sweet Patterns

And Owly Baby - love the Yoga Pants!  Another fabulous site for instant download PDF patterns is You Can Make This. Sellers only get 50% of the sales price at YCMT, but it's a great place to shop for ideas or if you need a pattern now. Sign up for their newsletter and get dozens of freebies and hear about specials.

I know of many more great PDF pattern-makers but these are my favorite as a frugal - AKA cheap - seamstress.  Rarely will I spend more than $8 for a pattern because there are just so many more affordable options out there.  My plea to pattern makers is this: PLEASE give us more for big girls, big boys and women!!!  If you have other favorite PDF pattern makers, please share them in the comments or send my an email.  I also love to test patterns and would be happy to review in return for a blog post or two :-)
Angie ~ Mama Lusco
mamalusco@ortelco(dot)net

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