Knit Peplum Top

Thank goodness for pattern testing deadlines, or I don't know if I'd get any sewing projects finished. Work cuts into my personal time way too much (and makes me tired!) Thank goodness for quick, gratifying projects as well.

This Sassy Knit Peplum Top from Cole's Corner and Creations is ADORABLE! It's a knit top with a lined peplum and neck and armhole bands, so no hemming is needed, making it a fast sew (even if you are like me and don't have too much experience with knits). Plus, Cole offers a lot of great tips for sewing with knits and if you've ever read her blog, you can see she knows what she's doing!

My bands could have been stretched a bit more while I was sewing to snug them in a little more, since I picked a knit for the bands that doesn't have great recovery. But it's definitely still wearable and my daughter loves her "ballerina top".  The peplum is longer in the back than in the front which is a darling feature and makes it a bit more twirly.

I'll definitely be making this pattern again for the summer. It will be cool enough for the heat here in the south, while still providing some style and interest. And did I mention it's a quick sew? Plus, there are directions to make the top completely reversible, both with bands at the arms and neck and without. I think the reversible top with the bands is going to be my next version!

CeCe Dress

Brace yourselves, here comes another pattern I tested (can you tell I'm addicted?)

This is the CeCe Dress from Popolok Designs.  You can also make it as a top (or sleeveless, or with a collar, there are lots of variations!).

The bodice is lined, and the skirt is attached to the bodice/peplum, with an invisible zip up the back.  This was my first time sewing an invisible zipper (not because I have been afraid of them, the chance just hasn't really presented itself so obviously before).  It isn't perfect, but when is a first try ever?  Alviana's drafting was lovely, as always, though I do think I would add a bit more length to the skirt if I make the dress version again.

Here's a little closer view of the fabric.  It's a sweet bird print from Riley Blake (my favorite) paired with a tone-on-tone yellow print, also from Riley Blake.  I've been purchasing quilting cottons specifically to make some clothes for Danielle while I can still get away with using them.  She's going to grow up and everything's going to have to be knit or denim or  "real" garment fabrics, and then there will be a point where she won't even want me to sew for her anymore :(  Until then, I have fabrics with cupcakes and birds and lots and lots of pink to sew :)

Hi-Low Skirt

I'm not the trendiest dresser, but thanks to some recent pattern testing my daughter is looking pretty stylish these days.

Cole from Cole's Corner and Creation has released a pattern for a hi-low skirt and she's even offering a bundle in her Etsy shop to get the doll version for only $1 more! (Danielle is not into dolls yet, but I am sure there are many Danielle/dolly matching outfits in my future).

I made the skirt using the same sheet I thrifted and used for a maxi dress I made Danielle last summer.  The tank top is Cole's Too Cute Bias Tank in a super soft rayon knit with the skirt material as the bias trim/straps.

Danielle LOVED her skirt and it was soooo easy to sew.  Though it's a simple pattern, it's super cute, and Cole has included tips and tricks to make it even easier to sew. You can see more versions of the high-low skirt on her blog post about it.

Catching Up

Part of what motivates me to get a project done is being able to share pictures of what I've made.  But blogging takes so long sometimes.  So I've decided to do a compilation post of a few items I've completed that don't need their own post.

The front of the pants is shown on the left, the back on the right

These pants were my first excursion into pattern testing.  I made them with the PeekABoo Pattern Shop Pier 49 Convertible Pants pattern.  The details are cute, but the basic pants shape wasn't a great fit for either of my kids.  The rise was off and Samuel's diaper was hanging out completely, so the kids never really wore these.  Too bad I spent forever cutting out the striped fabric for the pockets, belt loops, and tabs on the legs...  Both the boy colors and girl colors are cut from the same rainbow striped fabric.

This dress was super cute on Danielle, but she grew out of it before I took modeled pictures, or made these cute kitty cat barrettes from GG Designs to match.  It's the same pattern--Emma's Dress from LilyBirdStudios--that I used to make these cupcake dresses for my nieces from.

This is actually a picture of some sewing my daughter did.  My husband thought I was crazy to let a 3 year old use a needle, but it was a tapestry needle (with a blunted end) and she did a great job stringing popcorn for our Christmas tree!

This is the Tuscany font from 8Claws

And finally, after 2+ years of owning an embroidery machine, I finally monogrammed some of our towels.  This is one of a pair of "R"s monogrammed on the towels that hang in our downstairs/guest bath.  I LOVE this font, and bought it specifically for this project.  Wouldn't you know, I had several hundred fonts from 8 Claws and a Paw already, but needed this one :)

Lulu Dress

I have a backlog of projects to share, so I'll try to keep the chit-chat to a minimum and churn out some posts...

First, I have to share another awesome design by Popolok Designs.  It's her latest pattern and it's called the Lulu Dress.

I was a pattern tester for this dress, but I loved it so much--and believe in Alviana's talent so much--that I promptly went and bought her other dress patterns that I don't already have.

There are 3 variations offered for this design:  Lulu Block (color-blocked), Lulu Black (which has a lace panel down the middle) and Lulu Blue (a mix of print and solid fabrics with trim).  This version is a take on Lulu Blue, but I used home-made bias tape as trim on the pockets instead of using trim between the front panels.

Danielle LOVED the pockets.  Seriously, she wouldn't keep her hands out of them.  I adjusted the pattern to add a little length so it will last through the summer and accidentally made the dress about 5/8" too wide on both the front and back due to a printing error.  (Seriously, why does that keep happening to me?).  BUT, the fit is awesome, the drafting is gorgeous and there are just so many options. 

She wore her dress to church with a turtleneck underneath
and told everyone she saw that her Mama made it :)

Do yourself, and the lucky girls you sew for, a favor and buy this pattern.  And all of her other ones!  They are so professional and well-done--I cannot recommend them enough! (Oh, and do it quickly before she realizes she's practically giving them away and should be charging way more for her awesome patterns!)  Her Etsy shop has some great bundles and deals right now.

Fabric Shopping!

Those who have time, sew. Those who do not, fabric shop! Right?

There's been quite a bit of work going on in my sewing room lately, but before I start sharing what I've made I want to share some of the gems I picked up cruising for deals online when I didn't have the time and energy to sew.

This flannel is going to be turned into pajamas for Samuel (though not till the fall).  I picked up some Oliver+S patterns when they were on sale for 25% off, and plan to use the Sleepover Pajamas pattern.

These 3 cottons don't go together, obviously.  The far right is going to be made into a romper for Danielle for the summer (this Sew Sweet Patterns Saffron Romper, modified to have elastic shoulders). 
The middle fabric is called "Imperial Pheasant Garden, Navy" and is GORGEOUS in real life.  I don't buy many quilting cottons for myself, but I had to have some of this.  Unfortunately fabric.com only had 1/2 yard left when my order got processed :(  I'll probably make some sort of zippered bag with it. 
And finally, I picked up some pin dot fabric in navy (shown on the left) and a couple other colors (tan, two kinds of pink, lime, red), because I think it's so versatile. I can use it in clothes, as bag linings, for applique...it won't sit in my stash for too long!

Knits, for me.  I'm currently calorie counting & working out, so hopefully the pounds will come off and I'll be more motivated to sew for myself (and will have more energy to do it!)

The left is a a striped knit that I think would look cute angled to meet (as a top).  The right is a berry colored double knit that I want to find a dress pattern for.

These two are called "Watermelon Crush" and something else (I'll never get a blog post done if I have to look everything up!).  I think they are so pretty and bright.  They won't go together, since the scale is the same I don't think it looks right, but they will be put to good use!

 And here are some of my new Oliver + S Patterns!  I fell in love with the Apple-Picking Dress (top middle) after seeing Janimal's version.  The Sketchbook Shirt and Shorts are for my boy (top right) and I plan to make both kids pjs with the pattern on the bottom left.  The other two are really interesting designs that I'm excited to sew up.  I've sewn with a lot of different pattern brands lately, and I have found I really love sewing with well-drafted patterns (and Oliver + S are definitely some of the best!!)

I really like the yoke on the After School Pants

I also picked up the Puppet Show Tunic + Shorts pattern and the Sailboat Top + Pants patterns as digitals.  In the meantime, I've already cut out fabric to make a cute little Class Picnic Blouse for Danielle and have a Jump Rope Dress (the second view) traced out.  Can you tell I'm extra excited about sewing lately?

2012 Picks and Pans

Like all my posts, I'm behind in my 2012 Review :)  Here are some of my favorites and not so favorites for the year:

PATTERN SHOPS

Popolok Designs - PICK!

Alviana was a familiar face on Pattern Review, so I was super thrilled to test one of her patterns (my version of the Avita dress is the picture on the right), and even more thrilled with the finished results.  She definitely knows what she's doing when it comes to sewing and drafting, which is why she gets my highest recommendation for the year. I plan to make that super cute color-blocked Momo Dress in 2013.  You can find her on Facebook, You Can Make This, Etsy and PatternReview! 

Cole's Corner and Creations - PICK!

Too cute ruched shorts from  Cole's Corner

Cole's blog was the first blog that I stumbled across that combined sewing and machine embroidery.  I'm so glad I found it, because she makes so many cute things, and I get so much inspiration from her.  On top of that, she started offering some really cute patterns that are fairly unique in the world of PDF sewing for children.  I made my first swimsuit (and her instructions made it soooo easy) and some cute ruched shorts and a tank top...  I can't wait to see what she may offer in 2013!

PANS
I don't want to bash anyone, especially moms who are trying to support their families by offering patterns.  So I won't name names here but if you want my opinion on a specific shop, feel free to email me to ask about it.  I'll be honest about my experience (if any) that I've had with a particular pattern or line.

SUPPLIERS

The Fat Quarter Shop - PICK!

I ordered from this shop for the first time just a few weeks ago, and their customer service was fantastic!  There was a slight mixup in my order, and they went FAR above and beyond to fix it.  They reimbursed me for the return shipping AND my time AND some store credit.  This was after they sent the correction out immediately.  They also contacted me by phone and email to let me know that they had received the return.  Super nice people, super great selection, super awesome customer service.  I highly recommend them!

The Little Fabric Shop - PICK!
The shipping is very reasonable, and my orders get sent out quickly, often the same day I place them.  And have you seen Angie's blog? (or noticed her awesome name?).  She's got tutorials for some seriously cute projects, including this chevron quilt:

Photo from The Little Fabric Shop blog
Tutorial can be found by clicking on the image

Don't let the name fool you--this quilt pattern would look amazing in non-Halloween fabrics as well.

MY 2012 PROJECTS

 Frog Pajamas for my Nieces - PICK!

I embroidered some long-sleeve tees to coordinate with pajama pants I made my twin nieces.  I think they turned out really cute.  And how can you not love those bunny ears my sister used in the photo?

Sewing for two is twice the work, but twice as cute!

Shopping Cart Cover - PAN

I've made one of these for both my children, and never used either one much.  I guess I'm just not very germ-a-phobic.  They're a great idea, and this pattern is great, but I just don't use this cart cover.


Silhouette Birds on Branch Wall-hanging - PICK!

I love this project!  It was quick and fun and turned out just like I hoped it would (though my binding skills need some work).  It's hanging in our guest bath and I finally found the last piece of decor to round it out.  I will have to take some pictures to share.  Oh, and this was a project I made a tutorial for.  You can find all my tutorials here.


Soap Cover - PAN

What was I thinking?  This isn't practical at all, at least not with two kids who drip soap everywhere.  I did get a better dispenser, one with a brown pump top, but I don't even remember where I put the cover.  Maybe I'll dig it up, but this was not a successful project for me.

MY 2012 GOALS 

Sew from my stash - PAN
Hmm, considering I just purchased 60 yards of fabric in the past month, I'd have to say I failed pretty good at this goal.  I forgot this was a goal, to be honest.  I might need to do a mid-year check-in if I decide to make more goals this year.
 
Sew more for myself - PAN
Yeah, this one didn't work out so well. I made a shirt for myself that I didn't love, and just finished crocheting a shrug for myself (that I will wear).  Maybe 2013 will be better for me, but I want to lose 40 pounds, so it may just wait another year...
 
Sew from independent pattern designers - PICK!

This one was my most successful goal!  I tried patterns from quite a few new-to-me designers:
Violette Field Threads, Shwin and Shwin, PeekABoo Pattern Shop, LilyBird Studios, Cole's Corner and Creations, Un Petit, Popolok Designs, 5Berries, whew!  I still have a few more shops to try, and of course I'll be sewing more patterns from my favorite shops.


Finish my UFOs - PAN
HAHAHAHAHAHA

Quilt - PICK!
I sewed a patchwork pillowcase for Danielle, and am on track for my unpublished goal to make a quilt in 2013.  I purchased fabrics in purples and black to make a quilt for my master bedroom, which is painted a dusky lavender.  Here are the fabrics:

 
I had no clue that "designer" fabrics had a shelf-life.  I anticipated making a quilt this year all the way back when I was making goals for last year, and had pinned some fabrics I loved.  Well, 49 weeks later there was a limited availability.  But, I managed to round up the ones I wanted, and added a few others.  You'll hear a lot more about this project in 2013, I'm sure.

I think that about sums it up.  I can't wait to see what 2013 brings, both in my own sewing, and on all the wonderful blogs I read!