Little Pants LOVE and a sale at Lily Bird Studio

Cecilia at Lily Bird Studio has done it again...introducing the Ben & Mia Pants pattern!  These pants come in sizes 12mo-6yrs and feature front pockets with piping, belt loops and optional back pockets. 

These wide-leg, easy-fit pants are a staple in my kids wardrobe.  I really love the piping and belt loop details in this pattern.  As always, Cecilia's photos and instructions are very good, making this pattern suitable for beginners & beyond.

To celebrate the new pattern, Cecilia has offered a 20% off code: 'MAMALUSCO'.  Enter this code into the coupon code section at checkout to get your 20% discount.  She has so many darling patterns for both boys & girls.  Find Lily Bird Studio on Etsy, the website, blog (giveaway there!) and Facebook.  Thank you, Cecilia!

Pattern Review ~ Malibu Mega Ruffle Dress by Tenderfeet Stitches

This was my first time sewing for Amanda of Tenderfeet Stitches.  What a great pattern!  This is the ultimate in boutique sewing - layers of ruffly goodness. 

The Malibu Mega Ruffle Dress is a versatile pattern that you will be able to use for years. 

Included features:
Baby Girl Sizes: 0-3m, 3-6m, 6-9m, 9-12m, 12-18m, 18- 24m
Toddler Girl Sizes: 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T
Big Girl Sizes: 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
Instructions and charts for both ribbon and fabric ruffles
Optional one or two layer skirt
Optional bodice tuxedo accent with or without ruffles
Bow tie straps for an adjustable fit
Best Fit Charts for determining the perfect size for every child

My only disappointment with this pattern was the finishing of the bodice.  This dress has a lined bodice, so if you'd prefer a cleaner look inside the dress, you'll have to hide the bodice/skirt seam by lifting the bodice liner while attaching the outer bodice to the skirt, then pin or hand-sew bodice lining before topstitching the bodice/skirt seam.  I'm just picky - if I spend 4 hours sewing, I want the inside to be as pretty as the outside :)

I'm very happy with Amanda's instructions and detailed pictures.  Her sizing charts are helpful in making sure you get the right size for your girl.  Even a beginner could sew this pattern!  Head over to Tenderfeet Stitches and check out her other beautiful patterns.  She's also on Facebook, so become a fan to keep informed of specials and new pattern releases.  

Infant Car Seat Cover for Baby Fritz

I am so relieved to finally have Baby Fritz, my first great-nephew's infant seat finished.  My niece is expecting in early December so I needed to get this project done.  After looking for tutorials, I found this very good one from Make It And Love It  and also purchased one from Puking Pastilles.  Kayla's car seat was a different style but the principles of how to deconstruct and reconstruct were covered by these tutes. 

It went smoothly except for the canopy.  The fit was off on the side sections so I had to cut out a triangle and patch in a bigger piece.  I think it's camoflaged pretty well.... bad joke :)  The worst part was spending 5 hours ripping apart every seam and labeling each piece so I could make pattern pieces.  I used my trusty old Kenmore to sew through the thick parts.  You will need a heavy-duty sewing machine and sz 16 needles if using home-dec weight fabrics because some parts of the seat will be very thick.  Also, purchase extra-wide bias tape.  My tape was too narrow so I re-used some of the original binding.

I'm really happy with the final product.  I can't wait to see pictures of Baby Fritz in his hunter orange & camo infant seat!

 

~CLOSED~ Another Giveaway? That's Right!

Congratulations to Kristie and Jules, the winners of this giveaway!

I'm on a roll with giveaways!  It's been a blessing because I don't have any sewing projects to share :)  Dee from Fun4Me2 is offering one copy of her new Tie A Bow Around Me Peasant Dress to two winners! 

Tie a Bow Around Me Peasant Dress

Dee also offers affordable custom dresses in her shop and also the Playdate Peasant Dress pattern.  I've made both of these dresses and love the flutter sleeves!  Your girl will be cute & comfy in these dresses and they are perfect for beginners.

Playdate Peasant Dress

Fun4Me2 recently added a Facebook page.  If you love Facebook and sewing for girls, 'Like' Fun4Me2 to see what Dee is working on and find out about new patterns.  Thanks, Dee, for the giveaway!

To enter, simply leave a comment and email address.  I will randomly select two winners on Friday, Oct. 14.   Good luck!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Sorry, no chicken dinner involved, but I do have a winner of the My Memories Suite giveaway.
.
Congratulations, Paige!  I've sent you an email to confirm your prize.  I hope you love MMS as much as I do!

If you weren't lucky enough to win this time, you can still take advantage of $10 off the price of My Memories Software and $10 store credit using this coupon code at checkout:  STMMMS87580 .
Try it today!