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.

You Did It! Cat in the Hat Dr. Suess Hats

I was so happy to receive a few emails and pictures from readers who used my Dr Suess Hat tutorial this year.  Here are is Nicole's version...love it!

I was also happy to get a sweet email and photo from Tiffany.  She is new to sewing but was able to make a Cat Hat for her son.  Good work! 

I love to see photos of projects you've done using project ideas from this blog.  Thanks for sharing!

Sample Sale! Need Easter Dresses?

I cleaned out my little Nugget's closet and found many OOAK pieces and sample tester dresses that she never wore.  Makes me a little sad...I hope someone out there can take advantage of these pretty dresses.  These are all finished with a serger and made with love.  Message me on Facebook or email < mamalusco at ortelco dot net > if interested.  I'll ship for cheap!

Facebook Album HERE:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1440446104956.55491.1647155849&type=3#!/media/set/?set=a.1440446104956.55491.1647155849&type=1

Free Number Templates 1-10 for Applique

Photo from The Quilted Fish Patterns

I'm just starting a custom birthday crown and couldn't quickly find free number templates, so I made my own.  These measure 1.5" high, so feel free to resize to fit your project.  These were created with the free Clementine Sketch font.  Get the free number template download here.  Enjoy!

I've been scouring Pinterest and Etsy for ideas for a Girly Crown and found some great ones.  Check them out on my 'Other Crafty Goodness' Pinterest Board.  Send me a request for an invite if you're not on Pinterest yet.  I'm finding dozens of free patterns & tutorials that I hadn't seen yet in blog-land.  What a great resource!

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. 

Super-Sized One-Hour Bag Tutorial

Recently, Sew Can She featured the One Hour Bag tutorial from Ric Rac.  This was one of the first bag tutorials that I found but I'd never made it.   Sew Can She is having a One Hour Bag sew-along, so I jumped in!

I prefer a bigger shoulder bag, so I super-sized the template.  I was out of magnetic snaps, so I improvised with a flap closure with a snap.  Flaps usually are enough to keep a bag closed, but the snap will secure it shut if needed.  My pocket is also bigger and I sewed it down the middle to make a double pocket.  The finished size of my bag is 9.5" tall x 15" wide with a 12" shoulder drop.  It's just big enough for my wallet, organizer & Kindle. 

This bag took about 2 hours with pressing & topstitching then making & applying the covered buttons.
It's a simple, quick bag.  I think these would make great gifts for your favorite friends.  I've uploaded a copy of my template here if you'd like to make a Super-Sized One-Hour Bag, too.  If you use my template, please send me a photo of your bag...I'd love to see it!  Find more versions of the One Hour Bag in Sew Can She's Flickr pool.  There's still time to join the sew-along!

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. 

New Tote Bags

I recently made the Maddie Handbag, a FREE pattern from Homespun Threads.  It was the perfect mid-sized bag!   The Homespun Thread blog is a fantastic resource for free tutorials, including dozens for baby items, bags & crafts.  Aimee's online Bible Studies are really good, too. 

My Maddie Bag  is made of denim and Amy Butler Lotus quilting cotton as the liner & accent fabric.  It took me just as long to cut & interface my fabrics as it did to sew the thing!  I made mine 1.5" taller (13"w x 13"t) and thought it would be a great bag for ladies who like to pack along a Kindle, book or big organizer. I also added pockets across the full width on one side of the lining.  It was hard to give this one away, but it was a Christmas present for my mom.  I'll definitely be making more of these as gifts & possibly for my shop.   

I've marked down some of my tote bags & purses in the shop!  Mention you're a blog reader and I'll refund an additional 10% of the item price for your purchases- including jewelry!