Pattern Testing ~ Go To Leggings

I recently tested a new pattern for Go To Pattern shop, the Go To Leggings.  This is a versatile pattern for sizes 12mo-11/12 that includes shorts, capris, regular and extra-long lengths as well as a skirted option.  Also included are variations including rouching, cargo pockets, bow cut-outs and ribbon trim.  So many ways to customize your leggings!

I made the extra-long rouched leggings.  My free arm made it hard to rouche the inside of the legs, so I only did the outer leg.  These are in thermal knit and my big girl loves them!  I also made a pair of bike shorts using the pattern.  It is definitely a Go-To pattern! 

Andrea is running a sale through 11/9/12.   Use coupon code GTLDAY to get $1 off for the next 24 hours only. http://gotopatterns.com/products/go-to-leggings/

Crazy Cute Jumper ~ Pattern Review

Hailey Bugs Closet just released her latest pattern, the Crazy Cute Jumper.  This versatile jumper is easy to customize by adjusting the length for tunic or dress and mix up the fabrics.  Available for sizes 18mo - 12, the bodice is from knit and the other fabrics can be any type!  I love the jumbo ric rac trim across the bodice and crossed straps in the back, too.  Straps can be attached using snaps or buttonholes - Stacey walks you through either option with great photos & instructions. 

For my tunic-length Crazy Cute Jumper, I used knits purchased recently at a JoAnn clearance sale.  I didn't have any jumbo ric-rac, so I omitted it.  Instead of a wide band, I used a small band of contrasting knit for an enclosed hem.  It fits great and is comfy because of the knit bodice.  My leggings were made using Jocole's Ruffle Leggings pattern (a new fave!)  She's worn this every day that it has been clean for the past two weeks :)

Stacey also offers custom-made clothing and kits to sew your own designs, at great prices.  Find more Hailey Bugs Closet on Etsy & Facebook .  Thank you, Stacey, for allowing me to test this pattern!

Introducing the Olivia Reverse Knot Dress from Pink Poodle Bows

Alisha from Pink Poodle Bows just released a new pattern, the Olivia Reverse Knot Dress in sizes 6mo-12.  This pattern makes it easy for beginners to sew this criss-cross bodice dress.  Long straps and two buttonholes in the back let you tie a big bow in the back.  Add a contrast band, ribbons, or lace to dress it up.  I added a vintage lace trim at the top of my short contrast band and a ribbon hem. I also like the stiffness the ribbon adds to the skirt bottom, giving it a little extra fullness.  Find out how over at Oliver & S free Lazy Days skirt tutorial. 

Photo from Pink Poodle Bows

The only other adjustment I made was to enclose the side & skirt seams inside the bodice lining. Alisha makes this tutorial easy for beginners, so if you want hidden seams you need to know how or find an online tutorial.

The Lil Diva Pants are also now available in big girls sizes, 6-10.  They are an easy, wide-leg pant with cute contrast bottom hem.  My girl loves them and they only take 1 hr to sew!

Thanks, Alisha, for allowing me to test these patterns.  Find more Pink Poodle Bows on Etsy, Facebook, Blog & Big Cartel. 

Pattern Review ~ Little Lizard King Crown

Liz from Little Lizard King has released another quick, simple, fun accessory pattern - The Crown. 

"Make a princess tiara, birthday party hat, or super hero crown with our simple sewing tutorial! Make your own dress up/make believe costume accessory, Christmas crown, or birthday party hat, become a queen or king for a day, or create a Halloween crown. Includes sizing for 3m-adult. "



This pattern was a breeze to put together and sew.  It took about an hour from start to finish.  Choose 1, 2 or more fabrics, some stabilizer/interfacing, velcro and embelllish as you want.  I like the big range of sizes, so you could make them for babies or even adults.  I'm thinking one of these may find its way into a White Elephant gift this year :) 

I own many of her designs and really love her Tote Bag in 5 sizes.  I've made 4 so far as Christmas gifts for the kids teachers and need to make at least one more for a friend.  Her Tote Bag is extra-deep, giving it great shape and it's easy to dress up.  I added extra pockets inside, a key loop and magnetic closure, making the Medium tote a nice big shoulder bag/tote. 



 I highly recommend LLK patterns. Liz uses testers for all her patterns, so the directions are clear and the patterns will fit well. Find them on her website for instant download,  on Etsy as a top-ranked seller, her blog, or on Facebook.  I'm excited to see the coming Princess Dress!

A New Jacket & Pattern Review ~ Lily Bird Studio

I'm in love with this little coat!  I've made several jackets for my Nugget but this one has more details than the others I've sewn.  The jacket is from Lily Bird Studio and called the Mona Coat.  It has a faux- double button front, storm flaps on front & back, big collar, a full lining and wrist cuff straps. The Mona Coat comes in sizes 12 mo-8 yrs. 

I love all the details Cecilia has added to this coat!  From the gathered sleeves to shoulder patches to double-stitching the outer seams, this coat is boutique-cute.  I made mine with stretch denim outer fabric and quilting cottons for the storm flaps and lining.  This would be darling in corduroy as well or just quilting cottons for a spring jacket.  You have endless options playing with fabrics for all the many pieces of this coat. 

I was surprised how easily this coat came together.  Cecilia did an excellent job explaining the construction proces step-by-step.  As she says, "it's not hard, just a long process."  I would highly recommend this pattern but plan on it being a several-day project.  I sewed 1-2 hours a night for several days to get this one finished.  This was my first collar with a stand!

My Nugget was not wanting to model this day...such a sad face!

Photo from Lily Bird Studio

Pattern Review ~ Playtime Girl by Ellie Inspired

This was my first time sewing a pattern by Ellie Inspired.  I've purchased a few, but haven't actually sewn one until getting to test the new Playtime Girl pattern.  Playtime Girl is a comfy knit dress with single or double layer sleeves and optional bottom ruffle.  It comes in sizes 4-12 and is a quick, 2-hour project. 

While the construction process was a bit different than I'm used to, the results were beautiful.  I wouldn't recommend this as your first knit pattern but if you've sewn a few knit projects this should be no problem.  Laura's illustrations are very helpful and the sizing was perfect. 

Head over to the Ellie Inspired blog this week for Christmas Week with giveaways, recipes and holiday ideas each day this week.  She's also featuring a new pattern release & sale daily this week.  Check it out!

Featured Designer ~ Jocole & Crossover Tunic Review

Have you seen a Jocole PDF pattern? .  I think I'm in PDF pattern heaven!!!  There are many PDF pattern-makers that I stand behind but Jodi Jean would be the captain of my dream team.  I was very impressed with the helpful tips for working with knits, digitized pattern pieces, excellent instructions & photos.  Jocole PDF patterns also include a Quick Guide for sewing, providing step by step instructions without the photos.  This is very handy for more experienced seamstresses or those who don't want to print the entire PDF file. 

I recently tested Jodi Jean's newest pattern, the Crossover Tunic for my almost 9 year-old.  She loves it!  This top took about an hour from start to finish.  It is very versatile, including sizes  12mo-14 and options for hip, tunic, and dress lengths.  This pattern is made using stretch knit, so it is so comfortable your girl will be wanting to wear one everyday!  I've already asked Jodi Jean for a mommy-version. 

Along with PDF patterns, Jocole also offers custom women's clothing and modest undershirts perfect for layering.  If we weren't struggling to pay two mortgages, I would order one of everything!  My favorite piece is the Graceful Cowl Neck Dress with Obi wrap belt.

Photos from Jocole

Find Jocole patterns and place custom orders on Etsy and the Jocole website.  Keep up with the new patterns and specials by following the Jocole blog and Facebook fan page.  Tell her Angie sent you!

Abby & her new Aussie pup, Milly

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.  

Pattern Review ~ Tie A Bow Around Me Peasant Dress by Fun4Me2

Introducing......... the Tie a Bow Around Me Peasant Dress from Fun4Me2.  I was able to test this pattern for Dee and it is a darling dress loaded with options.  It comes in sizes 6mo - 7 and has a roomy fit to grow with your girl.  This PDF pattern gives directions for making a bubble hem or single layer skirt, apron option, and single or double layer flutter sleeves.  Dee also includes many examples & cutting guides for each of her sample dresses. 

I made a size 7 for my Nugget.  She normally wears a 6/7 so I played it safe and sewed up a size.  The fit on this pattern is generous and my dress was too big for Nugget.  I'm hoping it will fit next spring!
 

To compensate for the extra width around the waist, I wrapped the bow around the front and it is darling!  Wear it either way - bow in the front or back. 

My favorite part of this dress is the double flutter sleeve.  I also love how you could mix up coordinating fabrics and think the apron would look great with a border & added applique.  You can get so many looks from this pattern and it's a great value at $4.50!

Head to Fun4Me2 for your Tie A Bow Around Me peasant dress pattern today.