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!

GIVEAWAY ~ My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software

I think have a new hobby - digital scrapbooking!  I was warned that this may invade my sewing time (thanks, Caroline!) but decided to try My Memories Suite after winning it on Carolina Fair Designs.  My Memories Suite has also contacted me about reviewing the software and giving away a copy to my readers! 

My first page.
All page elements included with My Memories Suite software

I have never been a scrapbooker.  I usually go to a photo printing site and make photo books using their very basic page layouts.  I was amazed at the beautiful pages one can create using My Memories Suite.  Browse their Gallery for some examples of pages others have made using MMS.  I've also joined a Sunday Speed Scrap with the MMS Facebook page and want to try other fun contests from the MMS Blog.

My Second Page
All page elements shown are included with MMS software or free from MMS site!

The My Memories Suite includes thousands of options for backgrounds and embellishments.  In addition, you can find free digital scrapbooking elements on their website and many more kits and templates for sale at less than $5.  I was very impressed with the selection of kits and easy searching by price and category.  MMS is also compatible with other online scrapbooking elements you may already have or find.  

My third page
Free 'Time to Play' Quick pages

My Memories Suite has endless options for creating beautiful pages.  Start with Quick Pages - ready for you to choose a photo and drop into the frame, choose a basic template and add your paper & embellishments, or start with a blank canvas and design away! 

My fourth page - Sunday Speed Scrap
They give you requirements to help create the page...fun!

If you really want a fanatastic album, MMS allows you to add music, audio & videos to your pages.  Share pages as JPEGs, burn to DVD, Ipod ready images or movies.  MMS also has formats for making cards, calendars, posters & more.   "Go beyond pictures by showing off video of the birthday party, or record a narration to capture the memories that pictures alone cannot. With My Memories Suite you simply don't look at a scrapbook-you experience it! "

Free calendar grids

I love to make photo calendars as Christmas gifts, so I'm excited to try making a calendar using the FREE calendar elements.  I also plan to experiment with the photo editing tools and try making some new blog headers.  My Memories Suite is an excellent way to dip your toes into the digital scrapbooking world!

As a special for all of my readers, this Share the Memories code provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - a $20 value!  Copy & paste code: STMMMS87580 at checkout to purchase My Memories Suite software for $29.97 and receive $10 to spend in the MMS store.  This is an excellent value...why not try it today?

And now for the giveaway! 

 One lucky reader will win a copy of the My Memories Suite Software! 

Here's how to enter:

MANDATORY Entry #1:   

- Visit My Memories and then return here naming your favorite kit.

Optional Entries:

- Like the MMS Facebook page here.

- Follow the MMS Blog here. 

- Follow MMS on Twitter here.

- Follow Mama Lusco Handmade blog.

- Like Mama Lusco Handmade on Facebook.

- Favorite Mama Lusco Handmade on Etsy.

- 5 entries: Purchase from Mama Lusco's Etsy shop during the giveaway.

That's a total of 12 chances per person!  One winner will be chosen randomly on Wed. Oct 5th.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry and a contact email.  Good luck and happy digital scrapping! 

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.

Pattern Review ~ Oh So Chic Harlow Monroe by Hailey Bugs Closet

I recently tested the Oh So Chic Harlow Monroe dress from Hailey Bugs Closet.  Quite a mouthful, but what a cute, simple dress!  This is a very versatile pattern with sizes 12mo-14/16 girls and it comes with tunic and dress length options for each size.  Wear it year round - alone in the summer or layered over a t-shirt or turtleneck the rest of the year. 

Abby is wearing the 10/12 tunic tester version but the finished pattern for tunics was going to be shortened a few inches.  She says it's very comfy to wear and likes the big neck tie and contrast band at the bottom.  It's a quick and easy sew like a pillowcase dress in a more modern style.

I've seen Christmas fabric versions and how about this Halloween version?  Pretty cute!

Find more from Hailey Bugs Closet on Etsy and Facebook.  Stacey has two other PDF dress patterns in her shop along with affordable ready-made girls clothing.  I have one more pattern to review and a BIG GIVEAWAY coming soon!

Congratulations, Winners!

The winners of the Lily Bird Studio giveaway have been randomly chosen....

Congratulations to Jacqueline and Jen@thecraftingfiend and a big thank you to Cecilia!

I've been up to my elbows in tomatos, cucumbers & green beans this weekend.  I made 24 jars of spaghetti sauce, 4 quarts of green beans and 14 quarts of bread & butter pickles yesterday.  We still have lots of tomatos coming, so I'll be making more spaghetti sauce and tomato soup.  I've already canned 30+ pints of salsa, too.  I'll be happy to have my canning done so I can get back to sewing! 

CLOSED ~Giveaway ~ Lily Bird Studio

Hello, Readers!  I have a fun giveaway for you this week! 

My friend, Cecilia, from Lily Bird Studio is hosting a giveaway for 2 of my readers!

Lily Bird Studio offers PDF clothing patterns for boys & girls in sizes 0-10 years.  She provides computer-drawn pattern pieces and step-by-step instructions with pictures so even beginners can create beautiful clothing.  Don't be intimidated by the buttonholes, zippers or lined bodices - Cecilia makes them easy by showing you how! 

Cecilia has offered to give 2 readers one pattern of their choice from the Lily Bird Studio shop. 

Leave seperate comments for each entry step you take.

Mandatory first entry:  Visit Lily Bird Studio and name which pattern you would like to win.

Extra Entries:  -  Follow Cecilia's blog, So Tei-Tei.

                        -  Like Lily Bird Studio on Facebook.

                        -  Follow Lily Bird Studio on Twitter.

                        -  Follow Mama Lusco Handmade blog.

                        -  Make a purchase from Mama Lusco's shop and comment that you did.

Winners will be chosen randomly on Sat. Sept. 17th.  Good luck and thank you, Cecilia!

Emma's Dress Pattern Review

I tested another beautiful dress for my big girl, Emma's Dress from Lily Bird Studio.

Abby loves the paper-bag styled waist and removable sash.  The sizing on the bodice was perfect and she didn't want to take this dress off!  Emma's Dress is sized for 2-10 years.  Abby normally wears a 9/10 and the 10 years was a great fit.  The final pattern was lengthened to the dress hits at the knee, not a mini like my pictures.  She just wears little shorts underneath so she can still play on the monkey bars :) 

First button holes with my NEW vintage Pfaff!

New pattern is 5" longer in size 10 to be knee length.

As always, Cecilia's instructions and photos in this PDF pattern are excellent, so even beginners can sew with confidence.  Be watching for a GIVEAWAY from Lily Bird Studios coming soon!

See more photos of Emma's Dress over at Hopeful Threads.

I have two more dresses to test this week, so come back soon to enter the GIVEAWAY and see some more cute dresses!