Oh Hello.

Well, Hello there. 

 I've finally stepped foot in my sewing room now that my morning sickness is gone. Did I forget to mention that? Yes, I'm pregnant and now that I'm finally feeling myself again I've been sewing up a storm.   I've recently had the realization as to how much I prefer books to patterns.  I'm not sure if it's because they always seem to have reference guides to techniques that may be new to me, or if they just have much better editing, but I really do love a good sewing book. My latest obsession is Little Girls, Big Style.  She gives fabulous directions on all the patterns and has a great chapter at the beginning that explains custom sewing and measuring for garments. This book is fabulous if you have some sewing experience, but would like to venture more into clothing.  

The only thing I could possibly complain about is that the sizes for her patterns run a bit small, but if you familiarize yourself with how to measure for clothing, then it doesn't really matter because you can make them to fit your little one perfectly. After getting her measurements, I figured out that Juliette wears a size 2 in width and size 3 or 4 in length and I've had fun sewing her these new tops. 

The top left photo was a little shirt I made after learning a little more about customizing, It's a combination of a few of her patterns combined.  I really have had a blast making them, now if I could just get Juju to take off her dress ups and wear them.  

A few of the fabrics I used:

Pattern Review: Lollipop Bag by Atkinson Design

The Pattern:

My Finished Bag:

I loved making this bag for a few reason:

1. The directions were very clear and easy to follow.

2. She used techniques I've never seen before, and I'm always happy when a pattern teaches me something new.

3. It took very little fabric and even less time to make it.  

You can see I left the flower off my bag, but that was just personal preference (though, I think a ribbon work flower from my Stitched Workshop would suit it beautifully).  I did however, read through her instructions for making the rosettes and they were fantastic. She used a method I've not seen before, so I'll definitely try it soon. 

I love the fact that this pattern only uses 2 fat quarters of fabric.  Dare I say? You could probably make two small bags with the fabric required for one.  Not to mention the pattern itself is only $5.50. The finished bag is great for holding makeup, jewelry, and of course, Lollipops.  After seeing how simple it was to make I may just whip up a few more as Christmas gifts.

Pattern and Fabrics used:

Pattern Review: Olivia Top by Pink Fig Patterns

Finished Top:

The Pattern: 

This top only took me about 1 to 2 hours to make from start to finish.  I was a little intimidated about the shirring, because though I've read about it in a zillion books, I've never actually done it before, but I cannot believe how very simple it really is. This pattern is a great way to start and had clear directions that made it quite simple.  The pattern has a couple different views to choose from, and you can see I didn't choose the view on the cover, because I really wanted a ruffle on the bottom. I also decided not to do the shirring on the sleeves and I really love how it turned out. It looks like a completely different top, which is nice because I know I can make this top again and again and it will look like a new pattern each time. I would definitely recommend this pattern to anyone who wants a quick garment with minimal effort.

Pick the Pattern up Here 

Oh yes, Next week I'll be posting a tutorial on how to sew shirring, so if you still feel nervous, stay tuned.

Pattern Review: Stella Dress

The Pattern:

After seeing this at Quilt Market last March, I've been itching to make it. Of course, with a million other projects on my priority list, it took a bit of a back seat, but I've finally done it.

Not to toot my own horn, but Toot Toot! I think Juju's dress is even more adorable the the pattern, but how can you go wrong with Lori Holt's Daisy Cottage Fabric?

Juliette's finished dress:

In my opinion, this pattern is intermediate, or would be a great project to teach someone with. It applies several techniques that are fundamental in kids clothes like ruffles, sleeves, gathering, rolled hems and more. I loved making this, though I wouldn't plan on having it done in one afternoon. it was not hard, but took some time, especially because when I serged the bodice to the skirt I accidentally folded over the fabric without realizing. (Curse Words!!) Let's be serious though, what's a project with out a little unpicking, right? 

The bodice couldn't be saved, but thankfully the skirt was salvageable.

 I must say, I really like Izzy and Ivy Patterns, they are easy to follow and the patterns make sense as far as how the garments are put together. I don't usually make a pattern more than once, but I may just have to on this little beauty. 

This pattern is a definite recommend

Pattern Review: Little Bitty

The Pattern:

My Finished Bib:

Not necessarily a difficult pattern, but I will say I don't think I've every put this much effort into a bib. I usually just sew two scraps of fabric together, turn them right side out and slap on some velcro or a snap, but this was definitely more intricate. I've never actually quilted and bound a bib, or course, none of my bibs have ever looked this cute either. ;) I'm not sure how I feel about letting my daughter ruin it with grape juice, but there's an easy solution for that... give it away! he he he, Really though...what momma don't know won't kill her, am I right?  

I would definitely recommend making this pattern as a gift :)

Linking Here

Pattern Review: Victory Garden Quilt

The Pattern:

My finished quilt:

Being half-british myself, this pattern was love at first sight.  It uses a template at one point, which I'm usually not a fan of, but I was pleasantly surprised at the simplicity of putting these blocks together. I made the baby version, which is only six blocks and planned to hang it on my wall, but when my sister-in-law (who lived in London and Wales for a few years) announced she was having a baby girl, how could I resist?  I will admit, after binding it, it was really hard to give away. Thankfully it was easy enough to make, and I plan to whip up another for myself and maybe even a few pillows from some extra union jack blocks.  I would most definitely recommend this pattern. 

Linking Here

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Pattern Review: Patchwork Skirt by Pink Fig

Pattern:

Finished Product:

I am seriously in love with this pattern.  Talk about easy (and I'm no pro). I could never complain about directions that don't require any pattern pieces.  It's just a few simple strips of pieced squares.  This would be the perfect beginning project. I used the left overs from my Quilt as you Go project and I've already cut a ton of my scrap stash to make several more.  The pattern ranges from size 6 months to 10 years, so I know I'll use it again and again.  This one is a definite recommend.

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Linking Here

Fabrics and Pattern Used:

InLinkz.com

Pattern Review: Amy Butler's Key Keeper Coin Purse

The Pattern:

I don't often capture the process in my sewing projects, so I smiled when I saw these pictures my good friend Lizzy took and edited for me.  I love that she blurred out the messy background too :), yes, it ALWAYS looks like that.

I've made other bags from Amy Butler patterns and one specifically from her Style Stitches Book.  

I have to say, She gives good directions and though they sometimes seem long, I'd rather be over informed than lost.

I always love the design quality in her bags, they are so cute, but I have noticed (after being informed) that she calls for, what seems like an excess of fabric.  The Perfectly Pleated Clutch I made from her book called for a yard more fabric than I needed, but I've utilized the left overs in lots of scrap buster projects and  that's exactly what this project ended up being.  I used the remains from Juliette's Ruffle Pants to assemble it.

Lizzy and I made them on a whim, so we used what I had.

 Hers turned out unbelievably sweet, but sadly, someone else thought so too, and snagged it.  Guess all you can do is hope they are enjoying it :(

The bag was appropriately labeled "intermediate" in Amy's book. I'm anxious to try some of her others which range from easy all the way to experienced.  This pattern is a definite recommend. 

Linking here

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Pattern Review: Rosie Posie Pants by Pink Fig Patterns

Pattern:

My finished Pant:

You may not be into the super frilly, girly, ruffley stuff, but If you are (and I am) then you will love this pant, or any Pink Fig Pattern in that case.  These pants were SUPER simple. If you've made pajama pants before and know how to sew a basting stitch to create a ruffle, (and even if you haven't!) these pants are a cinch. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow.   These pants are a little more time consuming than other's I've made due to all the ruffles, but definitely not hard.  

The pattern calls for a rolled hem stitch on a serger, but I just used a 3 thread overlock stitch. Don't panic if you have no idea what I just said, she gives instructions to make the entire pant with a good old fashion sewing machine :) I would recommend this pattern to anyone and even/especially a beginner.

I used This and This Fabric from Anna Maria Horner. 

Linking here

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Pattern Review: Polkadots & Summer by Fig Tree & Co.

The Pattern:

My finished dresses:

Photo taken by Dear Lizzy

This pattern was very simple  and would be a great beginning project for those wanting to advance from small projects to clothing. It's always nice to have a Serger, but if you don't have one you can simply zig zag the raw edges for the same effect.

It explains how to use freezer paper to trace your pattern as well. This keeps it re-usable and you can make as many dresses as your heart desires with one pattern.   

The illustrations are very clear and I completed one dress in an afternoon. It called for a covered button, but I just used a sew on snap to make it easy on myself.  

I think they turned out darling, though using this fabric helps a lot!

I will definitely be making one of these for Juliette soon. 

linking here

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Pattern Review: Down Home Tote by Sweet Water

One of my favorite things about visiting the shop, is taking classes from Tanya Greb, She is an unbelievable instructor and I always take home little hints and tips. 

I learned how to install Grommets in this class and wow, it was so easy.  She told me if you buy them at home depot, they are much cheaper and WAY better quality (I learned that the hard way).

This Pattern, was super simple to make, but Tanya always changes a few things to make it even easier. The pattern suggested appliquéing on the pieces first, then sewing them onto the batting, but we just did it all in one step. Who doesn't love a short cut?

I also boxed my corners much bigger than the pattern called for, so I could add an insert and turn it into my camera bag. 

I will definitely be making these as gifts,because they were so easy and fun to make. I used this fabric for the center, this fabric for the edges and the turquoise and red fabrics are available at the store front, though the rose fabric is coming VERY soon online. 

Pattern Review: Merry Go Round by Crazy Old Ladies

My Mother is back for another pattern review (she whips them out a lot faster than I do).

Here's the Pattern:

Here's her Finished Quilt:

I absolutely love it!  Don't you?  Here's what she had to say:

"This baby/throw size took 2 charm packs, and was a fun and easy method for the spiderweb pattern.  I think it would be darling in 30's inspired fabrics, too.  You'll have to give up the idea of perfect points on this quilt, as it is not really possible with this construction method.  I've never had a problem with that though :) and I like the slightly quirky look it gives the quilt.  I'd recommend it!"

Linking here

Pattern Review: Abby Bag

I'll be honest, when I first saw this pattern I thought it looked, for lack of a better word, ugly.  It's a huge seller and I just couldn't understand it.  So, I thought I'd make it to see what all the fuss is about.

 I must admit, I was sad to see it go as a sample in our shop. I really wanted to keep it. 

A giant pin cushion is always great to have around and the scrap bag attached is brilliant. why don't I have a scrap bag already? I just throw all my scraps in a pile on the floor while I'm cutting, then gather them and put them in their bin what seems like years later.  

I'll think I may need to whip up another one of these beauties. 

My one suggestion with the pattern is to use upholstery (or heavy) thread for the pincushion when doing the required hand sewing.  My thread broke several times and profanities were prevalent. With that one little change, I think the next one will be very pleasant not to mention G-Rated. 

I used these fabrics.

Linking here. 

Pattern Review: Berry Sweet Bag by Fig Tree Threads

The Pattern

My Finished Bag

This bag was SO much fun to make. Talk about easy.  This would be the perfect project to teach your daughter, neighbor, or neice to make. I literally whipped this out in an hour, uncut fabric and all.  It was an absolute breeze, not to mention turned out darling. The pattern was effortless to follow and came with two strap options, one for little girls and one for big girls like us :) 

Berry Sweet Bag pattern available here. 

Linking here