Meet My Twin

I was happy to receive a hand-me-down dress form awhile back.  She is adjustable at the neck, bust, waist, hips & height and has a hemming tool...pretty cool!  Unfortunately,  I am broader, thicker and wider than her in every direction. 

My hubby made a sturdy new stand for my twin and I enlisted the help of my oldest daughter to turn her into a plus-size like me!  We added 4" to the shoulders, 2" to the bust, 5" to the waist and hips and made her my height.  I was able to use batting and fabric in my donation pile after cleaning my sewing room over the weekend.  I'm excited to have a twin dress form just my size! 

While I'm bearing all...Here is my Easter dress.  The girls both had dresses, so I was the only one to sew for this Easter.  I used Simplicity 2444, a vintage-feel knee-length dress with collar and sleeve variations.  I made the boat neck with short sleeves in seersucker and pique as my wearable muslin.  I was a size 18 by the pattern but ended up taking in 2" at the waist and lower back.  Next time I'll know where to adjust and go down a size on the top.  Darts at the waist make for easy adjustments.

I constructed the bodice and skirt separately and also lined the bodice.  I think it was easier to fit this way, rather than make a front & back like the pattern directed.  I highly recommend this pattern if you're looking for a retro-style dress with fun options.

Pattern Review & GIVEAWAY ~ from Fun4Me2

Dee from Fun4Me2 has two new skirt patterns in her shop and is offering one winner 2 patterns from her shop to celebrate! 

The new Be There or Be Square Handkerchief skirt pattern comes in a huge size range from 6mo-12.  This skirt was very fast & easy to sew.  She gives good instructions and pictures to help you make the perfect mitered corners, too.  I really like the option to make this skirt with 2 layers for extra whimsy. 

The other new skirt is the Whirly Twirly Circle Skirt, also in sizes 6mo-12.  This one comes with two length options and instructions how to add a tulle accent trim.  So cute!

Now, for the good stuff!  Dee is hosting a giveaway on her Fun4Me2 Facebook page.  Share a picture of a clothing item you have  made using a Fun4Me2 pattern for a chance to win a custom dress or skirt from Dee's shop.  Deadline to enter is April 15th.

Mama Lusco Handmade readers are also in on the fun...one winner will choose two patterns from the Fun4Me2 shop.  Leave a comment (with email, please) for each of the options below.  Winner will be chosen randomly on Monday, April 9th. 

1.  Leave a comment saying which is your favorite pattern or item in her shop.     

2.  Like Fun4Me2's Facebook page. 

3.  Like Mama Lusco's Facebook page.

4.  Follow my blog.





Pattern Review & Discount Code ~ Gigi Skirt from Lily Bird Studio

Looking for a cute, quick skirt to sew your little girl?  Lily Bird Studio has a new one, the Gigi Skirt, for sizes 12mo - 8yrs.  It's a two layer skirt with cute bias trim & accent bow.  I was able to cut & sew this skirt in under 2 hours.

My tester version turned out a little small, but the pattern has been adjusted for a true-to-size fit.  LBS uses "years" in sizing, but I've found that her "year" corresponds with typical US commercial sizing.  My chubby Nugget is a big 4 year old, but wears a US sz 6 or 6 years in LBS patterns.  Cecilia's patterns offer finished garment measurements, so you can choose the correct sizing before sewing.  I also think she offers good details and instructions so even a beginner can sew these patterns.  Her patterns are digitally drawn and this pattern printed on only a few pages. 

Find the Gigi Skirt and dozens more PDF patterns for girls and boys at Lily Bird Studio.  Cecilia is offering Mama Lusco readers 15% pattern purchases through Sunday, March 18th, using code: 

MAMALUSCOLBS

That code makes me smile, since I'm trying to lose a few lbs (pounds) in a 6 month weight loss competition with my employer.  Down 6 lbs so far! 

Pattern Review ~ Santa Monica Sweetheart Tankini from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop

My first swimsuit was a hit!  I was able to test the new Santa Monica Sweetheart Tankini pattern from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop.  This little number has a sweetheart neck, halter or v-back, optional bodice ruffle, and 2 bottoms:  a boyshort or brief.  It comes in sizes 3mo - 8. 

This was my first time sewing with lycra, but it was no problem since I'm already comfortable sewing knits.  This pattern is geared towards beginners and is very simple; no fancy finishing techniques here. I was able to make the top and both bottoms in 2 hours using only a sewing machine.  The pattern calls for elastic for the leg casings, but my chubby Nugget had great fit without using elastic. The boyshort rise was  a little high, but I'd rather have extra fabric and be modest than not enough and have her tummy hanging out.  The fit on the top & briefs were excellent!

I'd found this vintage-looking swim fabric at the thrift shop for 50 cents/yd....score!  This suit took about 1/3 yd for all 3 pieces.  Go ahead and splurge on some cute swim fabric since it takes so little!

I give this pattern 2 thumbs up.  Don't be afraid to give it a try.  The pieces are simple and easy to sew and I bet she'll love the swimming suit!  She has another cute tankini set, too, the Coney Island Tankini.  Find it at the Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop here.

Sewing for Me ~ Simplicity 2221 Easy Tunic

My BFF gave me some patterns for Christmas and I was finally able to sew for me!  This is Simplicity E2221 cowl neck, 3/4 sleeve view A that I lengthened to mini-dress/tunic length.  I've been wanting to copy one of Jill's tunics like this and this pattern is a really close imitation.  My tunic is made in jersey knit that I found at a 50% off clearance sale at JoAnns last month. It's so comfy! 

I was impressed with the directions for this pattern.  They were easy to follow.  The fit on this top is generous, but princess bodice seams make for easy adjustments.  I took in the back by 4" overall at the waist.  For my mini-dress, I lengthened the skirt to 22".  I followed the directions pretty closely, but did baste & trim down my neck seam before applying the bias tape.  What a pretty seam!

I'm looking forward to trying view B for a summer top or dress.  I highly recommend this pattern.  Read my full review here on Pattern Review.com. 

CLOSED~Pattern Review & GIVEAWAY ~ from Pink Poodle Bows

Riley Dress & Ruffle Bottom Pants by PPB

I was excited to see what Pink Poodle Bows has been working on!  Alisha from Pink Poodle Bows provided her Fleece Aviator Hat and Ruffle Bottom Pants for big girls, sz 6-10, for me to review.  I had purchased a few of her patterns when the shop was brand new and she has come a LONG way! 

Ruffle Sleeve Top & Skirt by PPB

Her instructions were very good, there were many helpful photos and the overall design & styling are great.  I love the new Quick Pattern option, too.  For some of her patterns, PPB provides a single pattern piece for the pattern, like a crotch or arm cut-out that prints on one page, or you have the option to print the entire pattern and tape together.  I love my rotary cutter, so I prefer to cut rectanges and use the quick pattern pieces and save lots of paper by not printing the entire template. 

Aviator Hats by Pink Poodle Bows

 The Fleece Aviator Hat pattern is sized for 0-8 year olds, but I made one for a 10 year birthday party by adding 1/4" around the 8 yr pattern pieces.  My bigger-kid hat even fit me, so the pattern is generously sized.  I love the options you have with this hat.  She provides templates for making an owl hat (with ears two ways), aviator hat with goggles, or a plain fleece hat.  I used the owl eye pieces for a fun monster hat. Abby also wanted longer braids, so these were about 24" long.  I wish I had blue fleece, because it reminded me of Cookie Monster eyes.  This was an easy sew and a 1 hr project that I plan to sew again.  Highly recommended!

I also made the Ruffle Bottom Pants for girls sized 6-10.  I was worried they wouldn't quite be big enough for my 9 year-old who wears size 12, but the size 10 turned out a bit big.  Alisha provides finished measurements for the pants, so be sure to check those to your child or pants that fit well before cutting/sewing.  I was late night sewing and skipped this step, so it's my fault they don't fit perfectly.  The pattern fits large, though, so measure!  I bet having a fashion degree could be helpful.

Easy Ruffle Bottom pants & peasant top by PPB

These were also a quick, easy sew, taking about an hour.  I narrowed the bottom of the leg pieces by 2" and tapered the difference up to around the thigh (my girl prefers tight pants).  I also shortened the ruffle width by 4" to match the smaller leg bottom and added a small 1.5" ruffle to the top of the big ruffle.  I love how they turned out!  They look good with her (also big) Girls World Anna Tunic and is hippie-chic.  I'm anxious to see how often my big girl wears them...I think she looks darling!

Now for the good stuff!  Alisha has offered a giveaway for my readers!  One reader will get the pattern of their choice from her shop!  To enter, you must like Pink Poodle Bows Facebook page.  Leave a comment with your email on this post.  A winner will be selected randomly on Jan. 6th. 
For extra entries:
- Check out PPB shop and tell me which pattern you'd choose
- Become or tell me you're a follower of Mama Lusco Handmade blog
- Like Mama Lusco Handmade on Facebook

Find Pink Poodle Bows on Big Cartel here,  Etsy shop here, blog, and Facebook.  Thank you, Alisha!