Sew and Tell with the Maise Cape (Peacock Version)

 

Just in time for Halloween... this week we are featuring the Peacock Maise Cape from My Childhood Treasures!  Obviously, this gorgeous cape would make for an impressive Halloween costume, but I'd parade my little one around in it all during the chilly months!  What I find totally cool about this pattern is that you also get the original version of the Maise Cape included for free (the peacock version is actually an add-on that's included with the original file).  So you get the peacock version, the Little Red Riding Hood version, and a plain version- all wrapped up into one pattern that we just so happen to have on sale for 25% off this week!  Hurray!!!

 

 

If you wanted to use this pattern as a costume piece, I'm sure you could come up with endless uses!  I'm not creative as some of you, but if you made the cape a little longer, it might work for a witches costume.  You could also make it in some sparkly or lacey fabrics and use it as a cover up for your little princesses if it gets really cold while trick-or-treating in your neck of the woods.  We don't really run into that problem in Alabama too often, but some of you might!  A Little Red Riding Hood costume is an obvious choice and would be absolutely darling!  If you wanted to use the Peacock Version as a costume, you could pair it with blue pants and a blue shirt underneath, or do like the pattern suggests and use the Tutu Dress in pretty shades of blue.  Oh, or how about making it in all white while having your child wear all white, and doing black eyes and a mouth on the hood to make a ghost costume?  And let's not forget that superheroes wear capes ;) 

 

Just some general info about the pattern...  It can be made in sizes 1- 8, and a size chart providing chest measurements is provided.  Since the cape is fully lined, it can be reversible, however it wouldn't work if you did the peacock version because the feathers extend farther down and would be seen from the other side.  A fabric requirement chart is provided, and the smallest size needs a yard for each side of the cape, and the largest size needs 1 1/4 yards for each side of the cape.  There are 12 pages to print out for the cape pattern pieces (which are all nested, color-coded and labeled) and 4 pages for the peacock applique pieces.  A 2x2 inch square is include on the pattern pieces to ensure that your pattern is printing at the correct scale.  There's a convenient "Sewing Terms" glossary at the very end to help you with any sewing terms that you might not be familiar with.  It's a useful reference for any pattern you may be working on!  Please note, this pattern may only be made for personal use.  If you sew for profit, you can contact the designer to inquire about her latest policies in regards to selling the items made from this pattern. 

 

As far as the construction is concerned, I've sewn up a few things from My Childhood Treasures recently and am always pleased with both the process and the end results.  Her patterns are very well-written and have a nice flow to them.  Every step is accompanied with a helpful photo so you're not left wondering if you're doing it right.  The appliques for the Peacock and Little Red Riding Hood are both done using felt.  The patterns for all the pieces, plus detailed directions on how to construct the appliques are included.  Give it a try, and see how easy it is!

 

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We've got Mary Ann reviewing this pattern for us today.  Take a look at her amazing version!

 

 

While thumbing through patterns on Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops, I had to stop and do a double take when I ran across the Peacock Maise Cape (special edition) by My Childhood Treasures!  Seeing that I love peacock feathers and the attractive colors they present, it didn’t take me long deciding to purchase the pattern.  Am I glad I did!

 

My sewing inspiration was a neighborhood grandmother who made wonderful dresses for her granddaughters.  As a child, I was so impressed since I didn’t have a grandmother of my own (especially one who sews).  Now, I sew for my grandkids.  Hopefully, I inspire others to create beautiful handmade garments for their families and friends.  I am looking forward to opening an Etsy store in the near future.  You are welcome to view some of my first projects at www.sew-letoile.tumblr.com.

 

Let’s get started!  I am so pleased to review such a versatile pattern.  I chose a peacock print lining called Regent Peacock by Alexander Henry Fabrics Collections that I found at Hobby Lobby.  The outer fabric is teal pinwale corduroy found at JoAnn’s Fabric.  Feathers are cotton scraps in coordinating colors.  

Prewashing is a must if you are working with corduroy and cotton.  Tip: Corduroy can be tricky when preparing to cut pattern pieces.  There is a nap so all pattern pieces need to face the same direction on the fabric.  My printed lining was placed in the same manner. 

 

The directions for this pattern are easy to follow and construction was a breeze.  I’m big on pressing seams as I go along since it makes the finished garment look so much more professionally made.  And yes, the instructions recommend pressing (no wonder the finished cape looks so nice)!  The recommended topstitching is another must for a well made garment.

 

Peacock feathers… Peacock feathers adorn my sewing room so I found inspiration right at my fingertips.  The pattern designer lists suggestions in lieu of felt.  I chose cotton scraps and Pellon fusible interfacing to back the two larger feather pattern pieces and provide some stiffness.  I lined each feather with the matching cape lining.  The feathers give the cape some weight and provide a nice drape.

What a fun sew!  The pattern also includes a template for a peacock headpiece and instructions as well as an appliqué for Little Red Riding Hood and instructions.  I’m seriously thinking of making a pink flamingo cape!  Soon, very soon!

 

Isn't that cape stunning?!?  I love that she left the headpiece off of the hood to make it look a little less "costume-y" for everyday wear!  And the idea to make a pink flamingo version... holy moly I want to see that!!  You could do an owl version, too!  The possibilities are endless!  Who knew you could have so much fun with a cape?? 

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Pair it Up!

In the spirit of Halloween, we're going to showcase a few trick-or-treat bags you could quickly sew up for our Pair it Up section today!

 

The Halloween Treat Bag pattern from Charming Doodle can be used to make 5 different styles of treat bags.  There's a cat, strawberry, fairy princess, jack-o-lantern, and monster to choose from.  But as we've learned above, the only limit is your imagination!  Don't let your little ones go out with a generic plastic pumpkin... or worse, an old Wal-Mart sack, ha!!  We've got this pattern on sale for only $5 for a limited time, so make one up to perfectly compliment that handmade costume you've been working so hard on!

 

The Halloween Bag or Library Tote from Hadley Grace Designs is another fun way for the kids to haul around their loot!  They'll have to trick-or-treat all night to fill that sucker up!  Make it in some spooky Halloween prints and add their initial or an applique to create a customized bag that will receive just as much attention as their costumes!  The bag pattern also works great year round in your favorite prints!

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Make sure you go to the website and purchase your copy of The Peacock Maise Cape for 25% off while it's still on sale  :)  Also, be sure to get your entries in for our 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest!  Simply design a Halloween costume around one or more of the over 800 patterns we carry on our website.  We're giving away over $300 in awesome prizes from some awesome vendors!  The last day to enter is October 20th, so fire up your sewing machine!!!  Find the details by clicking on the banner below :)

 

 

 Go sew something magical!

 



Take a look at where we link up our blog posts! 

 

Sew and Tell with the Victorian Romance

Hi everyone!  How did you like that long weekend?  Did you get a lot of sewing done?  Me, not so much (insert very sad face here).  I've got a few things sitting on my cutting table just begging me to work on them, and this little dress is one of them!  So excited to be sharing this review of the Victorian Romance Tunic/Dress from Foofoo Threads sent in to us by one of our wonderful customers!  We'll have it for 25% off on the website for a limited time, so hurry over!

I fell in love with Foofoo Threads from the first second I saw one of Jocelyn's patterns!  If you are looking for ruffles, frills, and all sorts of girly-goodness, you'll love what she has to offer!  Her designs are the epitome of princess dresses for everyday wear.  I've sewn up a few so far and have been very impressed with the directions and the fit.  She's very detailed and provides great instructions on how to change up the look so you can create exactly the outfit that's right for your little one!  In her patterns, you'll find fabric requirements, size charts, and both photos and sketches to help you see exactly what you should be doing at each step.  You'll also find that instead of wasting your ink and paper to print out a large rectangle, she just gives you the measurements so you can use your cutting mat to get those pieces.  There is only a total of 6 pages of pattern pieces for the Victorian Romance pattern, and all sizes are neatly nested and color coded using beautiful graphics.  Everything is neatly labeled and numbered, just as it should be :) 

The Victorian Romance can be made in sizes 12m- Girls 8.  It features a sweetheart neckline, puffed sleeves, a wrap skirt adorned with ruffles, a flattering sash, and a shirred back bodice for the perfect fit!  If you've never tried shirring, let me just say that it's a piece of cake.  If your machine is giving you grief, do a Google search on how to shirr with your specific machine.  Brother's are notorious for being difficult because of the automatic tension adjustment, but you'll be able to learn some tricks to teach it who's boss ;)  I should have a tutorial on shirring posted in the next week or so.  You can use the pattern to make a dress or tunic and can choose either short or 3/4 length sleeves!   

Let's take a look at the review sent in to us by Rebecca W.

 

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I have been sewing on and off for about twenty years.  My mom taught me how to sew in her basement as I was growing up.  My daughter was born three years ago, and I sewed a few things for her, but then my husband bought me a new sewing machine, and I've been sewing nonstop ever since.  My mom and I run a sewing shop together, and you can find it on Etsy or on Facebook.

 

The Victorian Romance pattern by Foofoo Threads is fabulous!  Some of the things I love about this pattern are that it is so unique with the sweetheart neck and peek a boo skirt.  Once I added the ruffle to the skirt it made a cute dress adorable!  I was so excited when I began reading the pattern because there were options for short or 3/4 length sleeves and options of tunic or dress length.  

 

Because of all of the fabulous details in this pattern it took me about eight hours to cut and sew the dress.  (I chose the dress length and 3/4 sleeves so I would be ready for fall.) The pattern included cutting measurements for all the pieces except the sweetheart bodice, which had pattern pieces.

 

The dress calls for a sash around the waist, but I ran out of fabric.  So until my order arrives, we are sash-less.  The skirt fabric is the blue Garden Charm by Michael Miller, and the ruffles are Kiss Dots Yellow by Michael Miller.  My daughter and I love everything about this dress.  I love all of the details that make it so unique, and my daughter loves the fabulous twirl of the dress.

 I looked at the sizing chart and chose a size larger than what my daughter measured, and I'm glad I did because the bodice has a snug fit. The pattern calls for you to sew a straight seam on the back bodice over the shirring, and I think next time I will not do this so the back has a little more give to it.

 If I were to recommend this pattern to another sewist, I would suggest it to an intermediate sewer because there are lot of ruffles, a sweetheart neck, and shirring on the back of the dress.  I have a Brother sewing machine and I've found shirring difficult until I found this shirring tutorial on YouTube. 

 As you can see from my pictures this dress has amazing ruffles and a great twirl factor! I love it, and my daughter's only complaint is that there isn't any pink on the dress.

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I'm pretty sure her daughter and I could be the best of friends, ha!  I have to admit, though, that I'm really digging the blue with yellow accent ruffle.  Rebecca did a beautiful job!  I always love, LOVE seeing what you all create!  It usually motivates me to finish my (never-ending) housework so I can sit down and sew, myself  :)

 

If you'd like to give this pattern a try, we have it on sale for 25% off for the next few days!  This could be a gorgeous Christmas dress, and it's never too soon to start thinking about Christmas attire!  Do yourself a favor and pick up this pattern while it's on sale! 

 

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  Pair it Up

This week, we'll take a look at a few other clothing items that feature the gorgeous wrap-around look!

 

 

 This is the Janie Curved Skirt from Hadley Grace Designs.  It comes in a huge range of sizes from NB- size 14!  This pattern is great for beginners and would be a quick sew!  We love the overlapping ruffle border!

 

This is the Ruffled Crossover Top from Monkeysbug Patterns.  Very feminine and unique.  It can be made in sizes 2T- Girls 10.  A gorgeous summer top that could easily be layered over a long-sleeve tee for those cooler days ahead! 

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Ok ladies, don't forget to head over to the website to purchase your Victorian Romance pattern for 25% off!  We also have a costume contest you might be interested in.  You can read all about our 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest here!  We've got three really snazzy prize packages we'll be handing out to the winners, so go pick out your patterns and let your creative juices flow!  We'd love for you ALL to participate  :)

 

 

Go sew something magical!

 



Take a look at where we link up our blog posts! 

Sew and Tell with the Ava Knot Dress

 

Knot dresses are one of the most beloved styles for little girls to wear.  They're cute, versatile, and easy to make!  Whether you wear it in the summer with some cute sandals or in the winter layered over a long-sleeved tee, leggings, and boots this is a great design that you'll want to make over and over again! 

 

The Ava Knot Dress from Pink Poodle Bows is a beautiful sewing pattern that is available in sizes 6m- Girls 12.  The optional apron front gives just a hint of vintage charm, while also providing a fun contrast of fabric.  The fabric combination possibilities are endless... Every piece can be a separate print for a really fun and unique dress, or you can mix and match just 2 or 3 prints to keep it clean and understated.  Sometimes simple can be more  :)  The fit tends to be very forgiving on dresses with the knot straps because you decide where on the strap to make the knot.  There isn't any worrying about whether your button placement is a tad off with the possibility of making the dress sit too far down on the chest.  Just make your knot higher on the strap to make the dress sit higher. 

 

Apron dresses allow you to really get creative!  I've been quite surprised at some amazing things women have done with their aprons.  You can showcase a unique panel, add decorative trim, use applique/embroidery, make it patchwork, sew on fabric flowers or other embellishment... just have fun!!  My favorite part of sewing is being able to put my own creative spin on a project, and an apron dress gives you a great blank canvas to work with! 

 

Here's a review sent in to us by Julia T. 

 

 

I decided to make the Ava Knot Dress from Pink Poodle Bows for your review.  I thought it was a super cute pattern and would look adorable on my 18 month old granddaughter!  I've been sewing since I took Home Ec. in junior high, so I've been sewing 45 years.  I can make most anything, but really enjoy sewing for children.  When my son and daughter were small I made most of their clothes.  We would just go to the local store - they would tell me what they liked, and I would duplicate!!!!!!!!!  That was much cheaper, plus they had original designs that no one else would be wearing.

The Ava Knot Dress is so cute and simple!  You would definitely need some sewing experience, but with some help most anyone could make this little dress.  It took about an hour to cut out (including tracing the reusable pattern pieces) and about 2 hours and 15 minutes to sew from start to finish!  I read through the instructions, and they were clear and concise, but I usually batch sew and just used them as a guide.  I used a combination of dancing teapots fabric and Williamsburg blue microcheck gingham.  I chose to interface the bodice to make it a little "crisper" looking!  The gingham is such a lightweight fabric I felt it needed the body!  (Especially for the buttonholes.)  I also chose to topstitch the garment which makes it look less "homemade".  I did not add one, but definitely think a fabric sash or bow would add to the back of the dress.  The apron on the front is a cute accent for that side!  I would definitely recommend this pattern to everyone who sews!  It looks adorable on and sews up quickly.  I believe it will be a cool addition for my granddaughter's summer dress wardrobe!

 

  

I just love blue on a baby girl  :)  So precious!  I adore the first photo where she is waving to us, haha! 

 

If you want to sew up one yourself, grab a few coordinating prints and get the pattern here for 25% off right now!  We'll have it on sale for about a week, so make sure you get your copy while it's at this great price!  We're also pleased to tell you this pattern comes with both pattern pieces and fabric measuring charts, so you can cut out your pieces whichever way you prefer.  This would be a great pattern to use for a patriotic 4th of July outfit! 

 

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For our Pair it Up feature, let's take a look at a few of our other favorite Ava patterns! 

 

 

Every little girl needs a cute little pleated skirt.  This is the Ava Pleated Skirt from Hadley Grace Designs.  It comes in sizes NB- Girls 14.  That's an excellent size range for the price!  These are so cute paired with appliqued t-shirts or embellished tanks.  Another great pattern that you'll find lots of uses for throughout the seasons! 

 

 

You can never have too many tote bags, especially when they are as gorgeous as this one!  The Ava Rose Tote from Artsy-Crafty Babe is as functional as it is pretty!  You can even make it reversible!  Use it as a purse, diaper bag, to carry papers and grade books back and forth from school, carry it to the pool... we know you'll be able to find a use for it! 

 

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Hope you all have a wonderful week!  Go sew something magical!!

 

Take a look at where we link up our blog posts!