Sew and Tell with the Lollipops and Gumdrops Dress

 

Hi again to all our sewing friends!  I sincerely hope that you all had the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!  (That was the "theme" in our family this year, lol!)  And since it's the start of a brand-spankin' new year, may you have the BEST NEW YEAR EVER!  I don't really make resolutions, but I am trying to get back into shape.  I thought I was going to die during the warm-up section of my aerobics video the other day, so we'll see how it goes ;)
 

But you're here to read about this darling little dress, so let's get to it!

I'm going to give you the run-down of everything you need to know about the Lollipops and Gumdrops Dress from Lilac Lane!  Designer Melissa Stramel specializes in designs that make little girls look like little girls, as well as doll clothes, quilts, bags, and home décor.
 

*  For starters, we've got this dress on sale for 25% off in the pattern shop right now!  Woohoo!!!
 

*  This one pattern contains 2 versions of the dress.  View 1 is a simplistic A-line design with sweet, feminine detailing that makes the dress.  View 2 features a ruffled neckline and accompanying ruffle just above the bottom hemline.
 

*  A separate pattern is available for a doll version of this dress.  It's suitable for both 15" and 18" dolls.  Cute, right?!?  Well guess what???  This one is 25% off, too!!!  Double woohoo!!!
 

 

*  The PDF is 31 pages long.  7 pages are the directions, 2 pages examples of finished dresses, and 22 pages are pattern pieces.  There are 4 rectangular pieces to this dress that pattern pieces are not provided for, and you must use the given measurements. 

 

*  This pattern can be made in sizes 2T- Girls 10.

 

*  The back is finished with a button and corded elastic.  No buttonholes here!

 

*  A helpful chart is provided that gives measurements for each size, as well fabric requirements.

 

*  Lilac Lane patterns are very concise and use easy-to-read drawings rather than photographs to illustrate the steps.  The set-up is similar to that of a paper pattern, except you won't be left scratching your head after each step.

*  And for those of you who have never had the pleasure of working with Melissa or any of her designs, you're in for a treat!  She's an absolute sweetheart!

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 Sheilah has a glowing review of the Lollipops and Gumdrops Dress for us below.  Let's see what she has to say  :)

 

 

I had the pleasure of reviewing The Lollipops and Gumdrops Dress by Lilac Lane.  What a great pattern!  ;)

 

I have been sewing (along with other needle arts) for nearly 45 years, and I enjoyed making this dress.  I also teach sewing classes for beginners and intermediate students interested in sewing, quilting, etc., and the pattern's instructions/pictures make this a pattern anyone can follow and be proud of the finished garment.

 

 I chose this particular pattern because it has so much to offer.  It can be dressed-up, or it can be very casual.  Trying to decide the personality for my project was so difficult.  First, there are 2 options in one pattern!  Did I want to make the ruffled option or not?  Once I decided on View 1, I had to choose FABRIC!!!  My goodness....the possibilities were endless.  Not complaining!

 

I chose Ana Davis's "Animal Parade" for my dress!  Finally!!! :)  I love the fabric choice, it's soft, drapes well and the color is gorgeous!  I hope you agree!  I used the companion print for the neck and hem bands.  The trim on top of the band is a ruffled band of white broadcloth!  I think it looks perfect there!  :)

 

The pattern is worded so well.  The graphics are spot on, and the written instructions are easy to follow and illustrated perfectly.  The pattern also gives actual pattern pieces and this, in my experience, makes it a lot more appealing to beginner sewers. I did not alter the pattern at all, although I chose a shank button instead of covering a button. Another pattern "plus" is that multiple sizes are included! :) View 1, size 8 fit my little model very well. I am looking forward to making a couple more for the younger granddaughters!

 

I thoroughly enjoyed using this pattern and can recommend it to any level seamstress who is interested in sewing clothes for their own little princesses!!

 

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What a beautiful little red-head!  And those pleats were amazing!  Gorgeous dress and gorgeous pattern.  You know you need it.  It's a necessity at this point ;)  A girl can never have too many sundresses!

 

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Pair it Up! 

 

 

Don't let the kids and dolls have all the fun!  Get in on all the ruffle-y goodness with the Marlo Top from Sis Boom!  You can extend the length to make a flirty sundress as shown above  :)  Sew this one up in sizes XS- 3XL.

 

 

The Lollipops and Gumdrops Dress is just begging to be paired with the Dakota Denim Jacket pattern from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop!  This jacket really gives the dress a casual feel and is a fashionable way to transition from winter to spring (yes, I just went there!).  Make the Dakota Denim Jacket for the little guy in your life, too.  It's perfect for both boys and girls in sizes 3m- 12 years!

 

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Is that enough cuteness to get you through the dreary month of January?  We thought so  :)  Get over to the website and be sure to pick up all of these amazing patterns!  If you wait, you'll get distracted, and then you'll forget about it, and you'll kick yourself later.  Been there, done that. 

 

You can get the Lollipops and Gumdrops Dress and the Doll Version of the Lollipops and Gumdrops Dress for 25% off until the end of January!  And if you've sewn this dress, we'd love to see it!  Send us a photo either by email, our FB page, or post in our FB group, and we'll add it to this blog post so that others can be inspired by your work!! 

 

Happy New Year, y'all!!

and 

Go sew something magical!!!

 

Sew and Tell with the Meghan Peasant Dress

 

Hope everyone is having a great Friday!!  I just can't help but smile when I know the weekend is so close  :)  Today's Sew and Tell Review is on the Meghan Peasant Dress by Sis Boom.  Some of you may make clothing for yourself, but the majority of you probably only sew for your children or grandchildren, right?  I'm here today to convince you that you need to take a break from those super cute kid's clothes and make something for yourself!!  You deserve it!!  Why should the kids get all the fun stuff?  Designing and sewing your own clothing can be a lot of fun and really rewarding if you have the right guidance, and you will definitely get that from a Sis Boom pattern.  You'll be able to choose your own fabrics and adjust for a perfect fit... can't do that with store-bought clothing!

 

The Meghan Peasant Dress is a great "gateway" pattern if you've shied away from sewing adult clothing previously.  Sis Boom patterns are very detailed and well-explained.  And, obviously, oh so cute!  We have a beautiful collection of Sis Boom patterns on the website for you to drool over  ;)  This pattern comes in a wide range of sizes from  Misses 0 - 18 & Womens 1X- -3X, has multiple sleeve lengths, and allows for several neckline options.  Since this is a peasant-style dress, you only need to know how to insert elastic... no zippers, darts, or anything else scary with this one! 

 

 

Jeanine T. from The Crafting Fiend reviewed the Meghan Peasant Dress for us for us this week, and here's what she had to say about it. 

 

 

Hello!  My name is Jen.  I started sewing 2 years ago after I had my first daughter.  I taught myself to sew using free patterns and tutorials I found on the internet because I needed a creative outlet now that my usual pastime (oil on canvas painting) was no longer time-feasible due to a new baby.  I would rate myself as an intermediate sewist.

For my review, I sewed the Meghan Peasant Dress, which is a Sis Boom pattern.  I don’t know if you have ever used a Sis Boom pattern before, but if not let me tell you what a treat their pattern pieces are!  She separates the pieces by size, so you follow the print guide and only print the pieces you actually need!  When it comes to taping them together – they line up beautifully.  Seriously, if pattern making were considered an art form, she would get an award.  The fabric I used is one of a kind and was a gift from my adoptive mother-in-law who brought it back from Africa.

 I made myself a size small since I am just teetering on the edge of being an extra small and a small.  In the pattern she says that if you are between sizes, going up or down a size won’t make a lot of difference, and I would agree with this.  I am very happy with my choice to make the small.  She gives a chart with various heights and drawings of legs so you can pick where you want the hemline to fall on your own leg, and it shows the measurement needed to cut.  I cut my skirt at a 23 inch length.  It is great for getting just the length you want!  

I found the directions very easy to follow.  She is very clear in her directions, provides great pictures to show what to do, and is thankfully not very wordy so you can get right to business.  (Which is what I like.  With having a toddler and a baby, a straightforward pattern is much appreciated!)

I would say my complete time to cut and sew was about 3 hours.   I tend to sew a little here and a little there as the kids allow, but I felt that this sewed up very quickly.  I had a new dress by bedtime the same day I started cutting the fabric, so it’s an easy and fast sew for sure.  I would say this pattern is great for beginning sewists.

I also want to note that I am still breastfeeding my 5 month old.   This dress easily allows me to do so (yay!!!), and my husband even commented positively on this dress!  I cut out the neckline with the lowest scoop option, but if I were making this for a pregnant self (I think this would be a great pattern for 1^st half pregnancy sewing) I would probably use the second option for the neckline.

The only adjustment I made on the pattern was to make the cap sleeves shorter by about an inch.  I just preferred it this way.  I had them pattern length before, but felt a little awkward with them being that extra inch.  My friends all said it looked great that length, but I am a bit of a perfectionist.

I think this dress is very versatile as it looks cute with tights and a cardi or by itself.  Since I live in Winterland (aka Canada) versatility is a VERY welcome quality in a pattern!

I think Jeanine gets bonus points for photographing herself in the snow!  She even took her gloves and cardi off.  I won't go outside if it's lower than 60 degrees unless I have to walk to the car.  Looking at her is making me shiver, haha!  And how about this cool fabric from Africa?  I'm digging it! 

 

If you need something to keep you warm in your Meghan Peasant Dress until spring settles in, take a look at The Ruffled Collared Cape for Women by Seamingly Smitten.  Jenny Hall has some really great women's patterns on the website.  You can make the Ruffled Collared Cape in sizes XS-XL (0-18).  This is a quick project and gives you stunning results!  I've been so drawn to this since the first time I saw it.  I'm sure it has nothing to do with the houndstooth print ;)  Roll Tide!  For all you Bama fans, this would be really great to wear on those chilly game days (hint, hint).  You could even dress the cape up with a nice fabric and perhaps a stylish brooch and wear it for more formal occasions.  Very versatile and oh-so-chic!

 

 

 Every woman needs a great purse, and this little clutch is sure to get a lot of attention!  Say hello to the Henrietta by Molly Blossom Designs.  I love that you can mix and match fabrics to create a colorful one-of-a-kind design.  And that bow is just darling!  Don't have a need for a clutch?  The Henrietta also makes a great coupon keeper or cosmetics bag.  A beautiful design! 

 

Now, go get your copy of the Meghan Peasant Dress for 25% off!  As always, this pattern will be on sale until the next Sew and Tell Review is posted.  If you are looking for other adult-sized patterns, we have a whole section on the website full of great designs for you to enjoy!  Go take a look!  When you finish your creations, share a picture with us on our Facebook page.  We would LOVE to see them!

Go sew something magical!