Sew and Tell with Charlotte's Dress

 

Happy Friday to all you out there!  We're celebrating my son's 6th birthday this weekend, so we should be having oodles and oodles of fun as all 30-something members of our family converge on our house.  I actually do like to get together with our families.  They're a fun bunch ;) 

 

Even though we'll be having an outdoor pirate-themed water party, I still wanted to sew up my daughter a new pirate-inspired dress.  Then I realized how silly that would be.  She'll be in a bathing suit.  I've got the cutest pirate fabric, and Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop's Perfect Peasant Dress was calling my name... but, alas, that will have to be for another time and place. 

 

If you are lucky enough to have a fancier party (or photo shoot, holiday, church, special event) to sew for than I did, may I suggest Charlotte's Dress from Olabelhe Patterns?  This is such a classic and feminine style that will flatter any little girl!  The bow at the waist gives it just the right touch of charm, while the full double skirt (with a crinoline underskirt) give this dress a graceful fullness with beautiful movement!  Everything Olabelhe designs is golden in my book!  Every little girl needs a dress like this hanging in her closet!  So many opportunities for embellishment mean that you'll get plenty of use from this pattern.  How cute would it be to add a ruffle where the contrasting fabric bands are or to change it up and attach a fabric flower instead of a bow?  I adore patterns that allow for personal creativity so you can truly make the design your own!  Charlotte's Dress comes in sizes 3- 12.  Want to add this pattern to your stash?  You can get it for 25% off right now on the website! 

 

But before you head off to purchase, read the review sent in by LisaAnn!

 

 

I've learned to sew entirely by myself by trial and error and a few good books.   When my first daughter was born after my first three boys I just HAD to have some girly updates to all that boy stuff ;)  That was several years ago, and I consider myself to be average at the skill of garment sewing.

The beautiful grey/cream sample on the cover of the pattern caught both my eye and those of my two youngest daughters.  We went fabric shopping and they wanted the same colors, but we ended up with something much brighter that suits them.  The fabrics are mid-weight cottons-  Easter Crosses Tonal White by Eggscelent Prints Fabric, which is bright white small crosses (about an inch high) on a duller white background for the main dress and He Is Risen from Holiday Inspirations, which is a bright yet deep purple with small (about 2 inch) stained glass designs of doves and hearts in light blue/grey/white and the words "He Is Risen" and "Alleluia" in white for the contrasting bands and bow.  The crinoline (underskirt) was plain white broadcloth and fine white tulle with light glitter.

The pattern came with the bodice pieces printed which took only moments to cut out in my size 10 as needed for both girls.  I then covered the pattern with clear packing tape for stability and durability as I see myself using this many more times.  I pinned it to the correct layers of fabric (I cut out both bodices at the same time), making sure to put the fold edge on the proper folded edge of the fabric for the fronts.  The skirts were a matter of cutting rectangles of fabric in the correct dimensions on the correct fabrics.  I urge you to please be sure your directional prints are lined up correctly before cutting!  I cut out all of the skirts and folded/stacked/labeled them as well as the bodices in less than 30 minutes.  Then I moved on to the banding strips which took another 10 minutes.  I stacked/folded/labeled those as well.  As a note- I ended up needing two more strips of each row of banding for the completed project.  I don't know for sure if it was a pattern issue or a problem with my measurements, but I was about 15" short for each row. You may want to cut extra just to be sure.  I made matching headbands out of extra strips as well :)

This pattern is not terribly difficult for even a beginning seamstress.  The most difficult part is the gathering of the skirts, but the author has even included a nice diagram of the correct way to do this. The only other suggestion I have on that is to pin the four center quadrants first (like N,S,E,W on a compass) then pin in between each of those, THEN do the gathering technique. This will keep things evenly spaced around the skirt and make it much more manageable in general.  I was glad I knew about this beforehand, or it could have been frustrating to get it all even.

Sizing on the pattern is pretty close to average store sizing, but runs a bit larger, especially around the waist.  You may want to try it on and adjust before the final assembly.  The dresses for my girls are both a little larger in the bodice than I prefer, but they fit the way the girls like it- loose and comfortable, which also gives them growing room.  If we were doing this for an event like a wedding I would make a size smaller to have a more snug fit.

Although my daughters both wear a size 10, one has longer legs and other is a bit shorter so I adjusted the skirt lengths accordingly.  That is an easy way to customize and change up this dress so you can make several different looks with the one pattern. 

I used a half inch sized crystal button, and the size 10 needed four of them for good spacing.  I don't have the cool, fancy ruler shown in the pattern so just measured the bodice length and divided by four then spaced them accordingly.  You could easily use different sized buttons and adjust the count as needed. That is another great way to customize the dress.

Overall we all love the dresses made from this pattern, and it was easy enough to make that I am willing to make several more in other fabrics for their summer wardrobes.  They received many, many compliments on the dresses at Easter church service.  I can't wait to see what other looks we make from this pattern!  

 

 

 

 So elegant!  If that's not a perfect Easter dress, I don't know what is!  What beautiful girls we have modeling for us, too!


To go with our party theme today, our Pair it Up feature will showcase some tea party necessities :)

This AWESOME pattern collection from The Sewing Loft contains a pillowcase apron, felt doughnuts, and sugar cookies!  Everything your little princess needs to host her own tea party (except her tea set, of course!)  Make her apron as dainty and whimsical as she likes!  Her "guests" will adore those scrumptious treats she has prepared.  All of these individual patterns are included in the Tea Party Collection.



 If you want to add some variety to her tea party menu, take a look at the Petitfore Pincushions from Indygo Junction.  These deliciously sweet pincushions look good enough to eat!  Make a few for her to use at playtime and whip up a few for yourself to decorate your sewing table with ;)  These are perfect for pincushion exchanges or just anytime you want to create something unique! 

Hurry over to the website and get your copy of Charlotte's Dress while it's on sale!  This gorgeous pattern is worth every penny!  Y'all have a great weekend!

Go sew something magical!!

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

Sew and Tell with the Sophie Vintage Style Sun Suit

Hi everyone!  Hope you had a great weekend!  I spent mine attending/hosting 2 different baby showers.  I love a good baby shower!  It's always so much fun to "oohh and ahhh" over all the sweet little baby things :)  And I'm not gonna lie, the punch pretty much rocks my socks off, too.  (Take a look at this punch recipe that I found to use this weekend.  It's as delicious as it is adorable.)  But back to the sweet little baby things... I always love showing up with handmade gifts, but ran out of time this go around and had to buy something from the store.  Ugh.  For those of you who can plan ahead better than me, I would like to suggest today's featured pattern for your next baby gift.  You'll definitely receive lots of "oohh's and ahhh's" with this one!

This little beauty is The Sophie Vintage Style Sun Suit from Haute Diggity.  I remember the first time I saw it I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen.  Everything about it is just perfect!  And I about fell out of my chair when I saw the pics our pattern reviewer sent in (we'll get to those in just a minute!)  I know I'm not the only one who is in love with this sun suit because it made our Top 12 of '12 list!  It's very retro-glam.  It makes me think of Hollywood.  Can't you just see her with a big pair of shades, some baby wedges, and a big fancy hat walking around Hollywood Blvd. with her movie star mom?  Yes ladies, it's that fabulous! 

The Sophie Vintage Style Sun Suit can be made in sizes 6m- 8 years.  There are directions given for adding snaps to the crotch for those quick and easy diaper changes.  I'm always a huge fan of having that option!  The straps tie behind the neck, leaving the back side open.  As tempted as you may be use this pattern as a swim suit, I probably wouldn't recommend it for that.  It would be pretty stinkin' cute, though, to wear poolside if you had no intentions of swimming.  The top probably wouldn't stay in place very well from the weight of the water, and all the extra fabric in the bottom portion would be a hot mess on your little one if it were wet and bunchy.  Haute Diggity does has an irresistibly cute seersucker swimsuit pattern you could use if a swimsuit is what you are after.   

So, now, without further ado, let's take a look at the review submitted by Dawn F. of Addy & Tabby.

I am a self-taught sewer and began sewing regularly a few years ago after my daughter was born. What started as making “just one pillowcase dress” years ago turned into a handmade children's clothing boutique that I run from my home sewing studio today.

Rompers are a popular request for me, so I was very excited to get to try this pattern out! I had this beautiful purple / turquoise floral fabric (from Hobby Lobby) washed and waiting to try it out.

 I usually print my patterns and trace them to freezer paper, but what I loved about this one is that I was able to choose which size I wanted to make and print just those pieces... eliminating the need for tracing, woo-hoo! Printing, assembling, cutting the fabric pieces, embroidering the bodice, and sewing it all together took me around 3 hrs. The pattern was very easy to assemble. I love that there aren't a lot a pieces, and it went together well. I am sure that the next time I make this item it could be done in an hour to an hour and a half.

This pattern is a great choice for any sewing level. I didn't find anything tricky or difficult, and this pattern can be produced without a serger. The only exposed seams you will have are the front and back seams of the bubble bottom, and you could easily use pinking shears or a zig-zag stitch to finish those areas.

I had trouble getting my snaps to stay in because of the thickness of my fabric, so I made a modification. Rather than making a narrow fold and then a 1/2” fold for the snap area, I trimmed down the crotch area by 3/4”. I measured the front and back crotch pieces (width) and cut a new piece of fabric that was 2” tall x the width of the crotch fabric + 1”. I took the piece to the ironing board and pressed each long end down 1/4” and then folded in half and pressed. I put it right sides together and took it to the machine and sewed a 1/2” seam on each side. Then I clipped the ends and flipped them inside out. This made a “cap” for the end of the crotch piece. I did this for the front and the back. I wiggled the fabric up into the “cap”, pinned it to the romper bottom and then sewed very closely to the edge, about 1/8”. This took the bulk down between the snap pieces so it was a great remedy for me.

 **Embroidery tip** be sure to test fit your front waistband piece on the front bodice before you embroider to make sure you have enough room. My monogram ended up a little lower than I'd like but still worked out just fine for me. I would suggest at least a 1/2” up from where the top of your waistband piece will be sewn on.

 I put together an 18mo size, and it fit my 14mo model great! I feel this pattern is true to size and will have a lasting fit due to the roomy bottom, elastic back, and legs.

 That plum fabric is delicious and, and I could just eat up that sweet baby girl!  Isn't this romper divine?!?  There is nothing cuter than a baby in a romper!  I'm ready to stitch it up RIGHT NOW!!  Good grief, I have to push those 7 UFO's (UnFinished Outfits) aside so I can get started on this!  You can get started on yours, too, tonight even!  We've got instant download, and this little cutie is 25% off right now!  Head over to the website and get this while it's sale!  You've only got a few days until we post a new review  :) 

I've always been drawn to vintage styles, with The Sophie Vintage Style Sun Suit being no exception. I decided to pair up today's featured pattern with a few of my other favorite vintage-inspired patterns from our website.

Above is Grace's Pinafore from Olabelhe.  With it's pretty little bows tied up on the sides and the buttons trailing down the back bodice, this pinafore is the epitome of classic charm!  I love the innocent, wholesome, girly look that this pattern brings to the table.  It can be layered over a variety of dresses to change up the look.  This pattern can be made in sizes 3-8. 

 Here's a great pattern for the younger boys!  This is the Christopher Boys Romper from Ruffle Bunnies.  It has a great nautical feel to it!  You can layer it over a turtleneck in colder weather.  This is fairly unique to other boys PDF patterns I've seen around, and I really wish my son were a little younger so I could make him one!  This would be perfect for beach photos or beach weddings.  Available in sizes 3m- 4T. 

Have fun sewing up some of the cutest styles inspired by days gone by!  We'd love to see what you create!  You can share photos of your finished projects on our Facebook wall!  Don't forget to purchase your own copy of The Sophie Vintage Style Sun Suit while it's 25% off! 

Go sew something magical!!

Sew and Tell with the Precious Dress

Hello to all our sewing friends!  Hope everyone is having a blessed start to their New Year!  Did you make any New Year's resolutions?  Mine is to work my rear-end off to get our house ready to put on the market in the next month or two.  A new house means I will get a basement that can be used as my sewing haven (it's a requirement for all houses we look at.)  So I'm definitely motivated to stick with it ;)  Leave a comment letting us know what YOUR resolutions are for 2013!  We'd love to read them! 

We have a very special treat for you today... we are taking a look at the Precious Dress by the Scientific Seamstress!  Not only is this dress picture-perfect for Sunday morning, it could make a fabulous Easter dress!  Easter is March 31st this year... it will be here before you know it!  And if you have never sewn a pattern from Carla Crim, you are missing out, BIG TIME!  She has some of the most detailed, easy to understand, and educational patterns you will ever find.  There are always techniques and tips included that you can use in other sewing projects.  Her designs are great for beginners because she simplifies everything without losing any of the special details.  You might say she has pattern designing down to a science (you know you want to chuckle.) 

So take a look at the review and then go purchase this pattern on the website for a special 25% discount for the next few days!

 

 

My name is Diane Augustin.  I have been sewing for over 40 years, and I'm now selling in my Etsy shop at http://www.emke.etsy.com.

I made this Christmas dress for a very dear friend of mine using the Precious Dress by Scientific Seamstress.  I love her patterns because they are very easy to understand, but she also adds great tips that even someone more advanced can learn from.  This pattern was very easy to follow and with the great graphs its really easy to determine the length that you want your dress to be. 

The Precious Dress is a classic little girls dress, but I wanted to add a split ruffled over skirt.  I used the waistline bodice and used the apron waistband to add a velveteen sash to the front of the bodice.  I added a ruffle to the velveteen underskirt.  The over skirt was made by cutting down the center front and slightly rounding the corners and adding a ruffle.  I chose to make the overskirt slightly shorter than the underskirt.  I really liked the way the buttons are hidden inside the back placket so there aren't buttons showing on the outside.  I recommend this pattern to both beginning and advanced sewers.

Isn't that dress jaw-dropping?!  I would never have thought to add the split overskirt, but it is a wonderful addition!  Wouldn't that be a fabulous way to sew up an Easter dress?  Good grief, every time I post a new pattern review my mind starts racing of different ways I could use each pattern.  If only my house would clean itself, and I could sew all day!  And did you notice the different variations of the dress in the very first picture?  I love a pattern that gives you options! 

If you'd like to purchase the pattern, we're offering a 25% discount for the next few days on the website! 

 If you want to complete your picture-perfect outfit, here are some of our favorite suggestions! 

A dress like the Precious Dress is just begging to be paired with an adorable bonnet.  Why not take a look at Victoria's Bonnet from Olabelhe?  It's just so feminine and would great with the Precious Dress.  Love the flower attached to the side.  I wonder if I could get away with wearing one in my size?  Who doesn't love a good hat?

The weather is still cold, but that doesn't have to stop you from making your favorite short-sleeved dresses.  Pair your Precious Dress with this Basic Bolero from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.  It comes in sizes 3m to a girls' size 12.  It's a beautiful, yet simple design that keeps the emphasis on the dress.  Very quick to make.  It's a great addition to your pattern collection! 

 As always, please feel free to share your creations on our Facebook page.  We'd love to see your take on a design! 

Happy Sewing!!