Go Ravens!

Danielle loves football!

It was "Team Attire" day at Danielle's preschool on Monday and I realized the Friday before that she didn't have anything to wear.  I ordered some Ravens gear online for the family that evening, but of course it wasn't going to get here in time.  What to do?

Side View

The answer to that rhetorical question was to sew her something.  I used the Maggie Mae tunic from Shwin & Schwin to make this dress.  The instructions were not ideal, but the end result was cute.  I realized after the dress was done that it was similar to the Ice Cream Dress by Oliver + S (seen in the picture below on the left)

The yoke for this dress is a bit longer in the front and doesn't have the slit in the neckline like the Oliver + S pattern.  And there are actually two pieces that make up the contrast (print) section, so there is a waistline on the Ravens dress, with pleats to take in the skirt fullness, instead of gathers.

We went with ribbons in her hair because I didn't think to make her any hair clippies until 11 o'clock on Sunday evening.  I'm pretty sure my husband would have killed me if I decided to start a new project then.  Maybe I'll have time to knock out some of these cute football barrettes for her before the game tomorrow evening...

Alex and Anna Summer PJs

I have become hopelessly, shamelessly addicted to pattern testing.  It will be a bit more difficult now that I am back to working full-time outside the home (have you noticed my lack of posts lately?  Yeah, that's because I fall asleep right after the kids most nights now, so no sewing or blogging gets done). But I'm still going to try! 

Last night I signed up to test for the Peek-A-Boo Pattern shop.   This is actually my 3rd time getting the opportunity to test for Amy,  and I haven't even posted about the other 2 patterns yet, oops!

The Alex & Anna PJs are
knit summer pjs that can be
used for boys or girls

I made these summer pjs for Danielle using some old knit t-shirts my mom gave me.  I think this is one of my very favorite things I've made to date.  In part because of the fit and how comfy they look, in part because it is so much fun to sew knits on my new machine, in part because I love the fabrics.

I used the t-shirt's original hemline which saved
a little time when I sewed the pajama top

The pattern offers either a tank or sleeved shirt--I chose to make the sleeved shirt.  I'm going to make Samuel a pair next out of some more up-cycled shirts (thanks, Mom!)  The shorts, neckline and the sleeves all have a thin, contrasting band/cuff.

I cut the band for the sleeves and shorts
the "wrong" way so that the stripes would
be vertical--I love it!

They are supposed to be snug-fitting, but Danielle is rather slim so they fit more like a regular top and shorts.  That's okay, though, because I really love the shape of the tee and could see making some daytime tees using this pattern.

Hey look, the pjs look good with Fuzzy Bear too :)

I really do like how these turned out.  Right when I was thinking about how I wouldn't be able to make Samuel summer pjs because I didn't have any patterns suitable or quick enough, the opportunity to test popped up on Facebook.  Perfect timing!

Gigi Skirt

I made this skirt for Danielle almost two months ago and still haven't managed to embroider a coordinating shirt.  Oops.  I guess that will have to be a separate post if/when I get to it!

Straw-b-b-b-berry Shortcake

I had been wanting to try a pattern from LilyBird Studios (LBS) for forever (seriously, for over a year).  I had been eyeing the cuffed shorts I mentioned in this post, but when I went to get them, I decided to take a chance and pick up a pack of 3 patterns.  I was not disappointed with this skirt!

The pattern allows for a contrasting waistband, but
I used my main print because of the scale.

This skirt has cute details and the instructions were fantastic!  They include yardage charts and cutting layouts and finished garment measurements.  I thought the price was reasonable (especially during a sale) and the customer service is great.  I am very pleased!

This skirt is also good for checking out bugs

The kids have started daycare this week in preparation for my going back to work outside the home.  They are loved on a ton by their teachers and seem to be adjusted to the new schedule, so I am going to enjoy this day and try to spend it all sewing!

Too Cute Shorts

I got the chance to test a shorts pattern for Cole's Corner & Creations and the results are adorable!

So is my model--but I'm biased :)

They're simple, elastic-waisted shorts with a cute ruching detail on the side.

You can cinch them as much
or as little as you want

I made this pair for Danielle out of a lightweight denim.  The pattern has instructions for using either fabric or ribbon for the ties--I went with some pink saddle-stitched grosgrain. 

Aren't these shorts darling?

They're meant to be a little blousy, and the pattern is designed to fit kids in a way that's comfortable.  Danielle is a bit skinnier than average, but I thought the shorts still fit great.

This is the second time I've tried one of Cole's patterns and I have to say I've been really impressed.  I've tried pdf patterns from several different people now now and Cole's patterns are by far some of my very favorite.  She offers lots of great tips and explanations in her instructions and I learned something new making these shorts.  I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!