Sew and Tell with the Heirloom Ruffled Overalls

We're back with another review!!  We took a little break to focus on the sale (we didn't think you would mind!)  Did you score some patterns you've had on your wish list for awhile??  Hopefully so!!  Now to find time to sew everything up...

Luckily it's summer, and if you're like me, your schedule magically opens up once school lets out.  That means more time for playing outside with the kids, keeping up with housework, and sewing!  Yay!! 

If you have a little bitty princess to sew for, this one is a must!  This is the Heirloom Ruffled Overalls from Monkeysbug PDF Patterns.  There's so much you can do to embellish it and make it appropriate for all types of weather!  The cutest (optional) ruffled pockets are included with the pattern, and you can make the overalls in either a shorts length or full length!  Gotta love options!  And since this is our latest and greatest featured pattern, we are offering it for 25% off!! 

Let's take a look at the review sent in to us by Lisa!

Pattern Review of: Monkeysbug Heirloom Ruffled Overalls
Size Range: NB-24m
Size I made: 3-6 months
Fabric I used: 100% cotton Cherry Print & Gingham

Hi Everyone, I am Lisa and I share my sewing adventures at: http://mommysapronstrings.blogspot.com.  I have been sewing since I was a child, and I enjoy all types of sewing, including heirloom sewing and smocking.  Even though I would consider myself an advanced seamstress, sometimes I just want to have fun and make something that's quick and cute.  That is why I chose the Monkeysbug Heirloom Ruffled Overalls for my review.

 I have 3 boys and 2 girls, from 2-17, but I made this sunsuit for my little God-daughter, Ella.  She is 4 1/2 months old and weighs 14 lbs.  I made a 3-6 month size, and while it had room to fit this summer, it also looked good right now.  

 

From cutting to finishing, this little cutie only took about 2 hours (and that's with interruptions from my kids!).  This could easily be made during naptime.  I like this pattern for several reasons: it is quick and easy, the results are adorable, it comes in long or short versions, and it would be cute with or without a shirt underneath.  It could work for any season.  My favorite thing are the leg ruffles- just adorable on chubby baby legs! 

 

This pattern had good directions, and the pattern pieces fit together properly.  It had a little hint to add a fold of ribbon in the back casing so you can identify front from back.  It's these little tricks that really add to a pattern so even experienced seamstresses can learn something new! 

 

This is a pattern with a lot of scope for variations.  I used 2 separate shoulder ties, to have a bow on each shoulder. There are directions to add pockets.  You could definitely embellish with machine embroidery.  You could use ribbon ties to make this an even quicker project.  I whipped up a quick headband to coordinate and found little red shoes.  Even though Ella wasn't thrilled to have her picture taken, she looks great in this romper!

 

 

I could not agree more!  Little Miss Ella does look pretty darn great in this romper!  That cherry fabric is just too sweet! 

This style of romper/overalls is easy and comfy to wear.  It's light and doesn't cling to baby's body like something more fitted would, which makes it a great option for especially warm days.  Oh my stars, I can't quit looking at those baby cheeks!  Whew... is anyone else getting baby fever?!?!  Back to what I was saying, sometimes those big, ruffly dresses aren't the best option to beat the heat in, KWIM?  These overalls are just as stylish and don't swallow the baby whole ;)

I think for today's Pair It Up portion, we'll do some cute shoes and an option for the boys ;)
 

 I am obsessed with the idea of making coordinating shoes to go with all the cute clothes I sew up.  Alas, my sweet Lu has been walking running since she was 9 months old, so I've not really been able to make her shoes.  She's the kinda gal who needs a nice sturdy shoe.  But those of you with sweet little babes who can rock a pair of crib shoes need to take a look at the collection we have on the website.  Sooo many cute options out there!  These are some of my favs! The Ruffle Strap Sandals from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop go up to a size 12-18m.  They would be a fabulous addition to any outfit!

 

If you've got a little guy you don't want to leave out (why should sissy get all the mommy-mades?) sew up a pair of overalls for him, too!  We love The Buttons & Buckles Overall & Shortall from Fishsticks Designs!  These can fit the little buddies sizes NB- 4T.  Several options are given for the strap and crotch closures that make getting dressed a breeze!  The shortall length is great for summer, and you can easily pair the overall (pants) length with a long-sleeved undershirt for cold weather.  Just adorable!

  

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!  Don't forget you can get the Heirloom Ruffled Overalls for 25% off for the next few days!  Be sure to check out our other reviews, too, while you're here!  You can find the link at the top of the page :)

 

Go sew something magical!!

 

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

Top 12 of '12

Ladies (and gents), we want all of you to know how thankful we are for your support of Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops!  We have some of the most amazing customers, and we truly appreciate you!  2012 was a great year, and we are hoping 2013 will bring many more blessings! 

Looking back on 2012, we've decided to share with you some of our best-sellers!  These patterns are the twelve most popular patterns we sold in 2012.  Do you own any of them?  Did your favorite make the list?  See something you like that maybe you hadn't seen before?  We hope so!  Have fun looking through the list! 

Disclaimer:  You may not be able to control yourself when you see all this cuteness!!

12.  The Jamie Dress by Sis Boom

 

This one is for YOU, ladies!  It comes in a wide range of sizes, all the way from an XS (0-2) to a 3X (24W-26W).  I've had this one on my to-do list for quite some time, but I always end up sewing for the kids instead of myself.  But I LOVE it!  Isn't the design just gorgeous?  I love the cinched waist, thick straps so you don't have to wear a strapless bra, and the full skirt to hide any, ahem, problem areas.  Such a timeless look, perfect for a summer picnic or a night out with your girlfriends!  Treat yourselves, ladies!  Sew something for yourself next time you sit down to your machine, I promise you won't be disappointed with this pattern!

 

11.  The Amanda Dress by Lily Bird Studio

 

 

Lily Bird Studio has a lovely collection of patterns that include several exquisite dresses, including the Amanda Dress.  This is such a beautiful pattern that you'll use it over and over again.  The wide sash adds a stylish contrast and gives the dress a great shape.  The back of the sash has a button closure, which is perfect for those little girls who don't like having a bow.  This would be a great design to add some embroidery or applique to.  The Amanda Dress is available in sizes 12 m- 10 years. 

 

10.  The Hayden Dress by Sew Sweet Patterns

 

 

Doesn't this dress just scream "SUMMER!"??  I thought so, too.  This is a super cute jumper with three tiers of ruffles along the bottom.  Who doesn't love ruffles?  (I promise if you use a ruffler foot, you'll love them, too!  It will change your life!)  Fun and carefree, this is a great dress for playtime and fun summer outings!  The Hayden Dress is available in sizes 6/12 m- 6 years. 

 

9.  Sophie Vintage Style Sun Suit by Haute Diggity

 

 

Looking for the cutest romper ever made?  This might be it, lol!  To me, nothing is more adorable than a little girl in a sun suit.  My daughter will be living in them this summer.  I love the vintage style, I love the ruffle around the bodice, I love the monogram, I love the bubble bottom... I could go on, but I'll stop here  :)  The pattern is available in sizes 6 m- 8 years.  You know you can't pass this one up!

 

8.  The Lulu Dress by Juvie Moon

 

 

The Lulu Dress is a great go-to peasant dress pattern if you are looking for a design without all the fuss but still fun and girly.  The pattern comes in sizes 3/6 m- 12 years.  Everyone needs a good, basic peasant dress pattern in their collection!  You can shorten the length to create a peasant top or use the pattern to create a dress to be worn under other dresses (like maybe a jumper of some kind).  These dresses also look really great with an applique, flower, or bow attached.  Very fast and easy to sew up!

 

7.  The Azalea Cloche Hat by LilyGiggle

 

 

Y'all, I already have baby fever, and this sweet picture isn't helping.  Luckily, this precious little hat can be made in any size  :)  This pattern makes a great photo prop or can be paired with a wide number of your hand-made creations.  You'll be sure to have strangers stop you to ask where you got that pretty little hat.  LilyGiggle patterns often give you instructions on how to make these items using recycled t-shirts, so go dig through your closet and sew a few up! 

 

 6.  Sophia's Open-Back Ruffle Dress by Create Kids Couture

 

 

 Holy.  Moly.  Is that not beautiful?!?  This is girly-girl at its best!  I love the open back with all my heart.  Those ruffles and that cute bow in the back are amazing.  I've nick-named it the "mullet dress" (in the most flattering way possible) because it's business in the front and party in the back!  Younger girls can pair this with a pair of bloomers, while the older girls can wear some tights or a pair of ruffle pants underneath.  Fits girls sizes 18 m- 6 years. 

 

5.  The Emory Dress by Sew Sweet Patterns

 

 

The Emory Dress is such a wonderful pattern.  I know my daughter gets lots of compliments whenever she wears her Emory Dress.  I love the contrasting yoke and the fact that it is long-sleeved!  I'm always on the look-out for a great long-sleeved pattern.  Depending on the fabrics and optional trims you can use, this pattern can prove to be quite versatile.  I love the idea of a monogram on the bodice.   This is available in sizes 12/18 m- 6 years.  One of our sweet customers wrote up a review on this pattern not long ago.  If you haven't read it yet, here is the link!

 

4.  3/4 and Long Sleeve Peasant Top and Dress by Whimsy Couture

 

 

If you are looking for a fast, easy, and totally adorable long-sleeved peasant dress, this one is for you!  I love the bell sleeves and the optional bow is the icing on top!  You can shorten the length and wear it as a top or shorten the sleeves and make them 3/4 length (a great option for babies so the extra fabric doesn't swallow them).  Just like I mentioned with the Lulu dress above, peasant dresses are great for adding trims, ribbons, or appliques.  Pick the right fabric, and this clean design will look great without having to add any frills :)  Everyone needs a long-sleeved peasant dress pattern for when you're looking for a quick, easy, and oh-so-cute project!  This pattern comes in sizes NB-12 years.

 

3.  The Pink Dress by Lily Bird Studio

 

 

This is another great pattern you NEED for your collection!  (I warned you there was going to be a lot of cuteness!)  This is a wonderful little sun dress that sort of mimics a pillowcase dress, but has a rounded neckline without elastic or a ribbon casing.  The Pink Dress can be worn year round by layering with a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of leggings.  This dress will fit girls sizes 12 m- 8 years.

 

2.  The Pillowcase Romper by Whimsy Couture 

 All together now...AWWWW!!!  I love Whimsy Couture's Pillowcase Romper!  This is a great pattern with LOTS of variations included in the tutorial.  You can also make this capri length or as short-alls.  Available in sizes Preemie- 10 years, this is the perfect pattern for all the little girls in your life!  I wrote up a review of this romper on the blog.  If you missed it, you can read all about it here. 

 

And now, drum roll please.....

 

The best-selling pattern of 2012 is

The Grace Ruffle Dress by Funktional Threads!!!

 

 Girls, isn't she a beauty??  What an awesome pattern!!  Such a great way to showcase several different fabrics at the same time for a fun, playful look.  Its got bows, ruffles, and a sash... all the qualities I love in a pretty dress  :)  And there are 5 variations included in the tutorial, so make a few and they'll all be a little different!  This pattern is available in sizes 18 m-10 years.  Just absolutely gorgeous!! 

 

Hey!  You wanna know a little secret?  We'll be posting a Sew and Tell Review for the Grace Ruffle Dress on the blog sometime tomorrow!  And you know what that means...it will be on sale for 25% off for a limited time!  Hurray!!!

 

Also, until January 15, 2013 we are running a promotion where if you buy 5 or more patterns on the website in a single transaction, you will receive a 25% off discount code that is good on your next purchase (valid through April 2013).  Not much time left on that one, so hurry and buy those patterns you've been eyeing or maybe some from our Top 12 in '12 list!!

 

Happy Sewing (and Shopping)!!



Sew and Tell with the Pillowcase Romper

Who's ready for a new review (and discount!)?  For this week's Sew and Tell review, we are featuring Whimsy Couture's Pillowcase Romper!  Whimsy Couture has a huge collection of absolutely gorgeous patterns for sale on our website.  The pillowcase romper is one of the more recent patterns I've made.  This is an extremely versatile pattern and comes in sizes preemie-10.  There are so many ways to sew this pattern up that you will never get bored with it.  I mean let's face it, sometimes you buy a pattern and use it only once because you don't want to keep sewing the same thing over and over again.  This pillowcase romper will definitely not disappoint! 

My name is Kayla, and I've been sewing and doing machine applique for three years.  I sew mainly for that little cutie in the picture, but I do a little custom work on the side.  This pattern was fairly easy to sew.  It took me about a half an hour to cut out, about an hour for the applique, and sewing the romper took me about 2 hours.  (Side Note:  I sew more slowly than most people because A)  I'm a little OCD and B)  That little cutie also happens to be quite a distraction!  I know you moms can relate.)

None of it is hard, and the directions are very clear.  The only thing someone might have a possible problem with is making and attaching the ruffles.  I make my ruffles by either adjusting the settings on my serger, or if I'm using my sewing machine, I will sew my gathering stitch using clear thread.  The fabric just slides so much easier with that clear thread  :)

The fit is great!  I was really happy with the length of the pants.  I've also made these in a 5T, and those fit great, as well.  But if your daughter is really tall or short, you could easily adjust the length. As for the rest of the romper, it has a roomy fit that should accommodate most all children and it ties at the shoulders.  No button holes to make and no zipper to install... yay!!

I followed the pattern exactly except for two small adjustments.  Instead of making my own ties out of fabric,  I used ribbon.  The directions give that as an option.  Also, I like a longer ruffle, so I added an inch to the ruffle length and subtracted an inch from the pant length.  It was a very easy modification to make.

As I mentioned at the beginning, there are just so many options available in this pattern that you could make it 5 or 6 times and have it look different each time.  There are measurements given for the short version (more like a bubble), capri length rompers, and the full length rompers.  You can also add a ruffle around the waist (so cute!).  Plus, you can change up the look by leaving the ruffles off the bottom of the pants.  You can add snaps to the crotch for the diaper wearing babes or add elastic to the ties so the older girls can easily dress themselves.  I also love that there is a lot of room for a monogram or applique on the front.  I think that is a fun way to add some interest.  So many options, so much cuteness!

Check out all of Whimsy Couture's patterns on the website!  And while you are there, pick up the Pillowcase Romper pattern for 25% off (for a limited time!)


If you want to sew up a simple knit t-shirt to coordinate with your pillowcase romper, check out Jocole's Classic Knit Tee pattern here.  You can embellish this pattern or keep it as simple as you like.  A great addition to your pattern stash!

Or if it is really cold and just a long-sleeved shirt won't cut it, you can make your little one the Annabelle Jacket from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop, found here.  Every time I see this pattern I kick myself for not having sewn one up yet!

If you are interested in doing a review for us, send me an email at kaykayott@gmail.com for more information!  

Do you have a picture of your Whimsy Couture Pillowcase Romper you would like to share?  We'd love to see them!  You can post on our Facebook page!!

It's time to get sewing!