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 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!!



Sew and Tell with the Emory Dress

Welcome back for another Sew and Tell Review!  This week, we are bringing you a look at the Emory Dress from Sew Sweet Patterns.  Ladies, if you are looking for a classic, sleeved dress to use for your Christmas sewing, you should definitely look into this one!  The pattern is available in a 12 month - 6.  I love the contrasting yoke, though you could totally use the same fabric if you wanted.  You could add some fun buttons to the back bodice to really make it POP!  There even is a great place for a sweet little monogram on the yoke.  I love a monogram on little kid's clothes  :)  The last time I used this pattern, I added a band along the bottom of the skirt using the same fabric as the yoke.  Loved it!  Sew Sweet Patterns really live up to the name!

Shannon Castle is doing the review for us today!  You can find her on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/GracieandEmmBoutique

My name is Shannon, and I have been sewing for about a year and enjoy it immensely!!!  I have my own shop called Gracie and Emma's Boutique, and I create clothing for children and adults . 

 

The pattern was very easy to follow.  The total time to do the dress was about 2 hours - that includes cutting it out and sewing it together. The pattern runs true to size.   I made a size 4 for my daughter so she can grow into it, but love it!!

 
I thought the pattern was very simple to follow!  The only thing that I did differently was to top stitch around the bodice on the front and the back.  It just gave it a nice finished look!  The only problem I ran into was I couldn't find an explanation for the placket.  I figured it out myself, but there were no measurements given for the size needed.  When printing out the pattern I had to switch to a horizontal view so that I could get all of the pattern to fit on the pages.  Other than that it was absolutely perfect, and I have already cut out another one to sew!  My daughter loves it and calls it her Princess Sofia dress :)

 

 

 

 

I love what Shannon did with this pattern!  It is such a precious little dress, perfect for church or photographs.  And you can get your own pattern here... for a discount!  Go ahead and check it out on the website, the discount won't last long!  :) 


While you are there, you might want to take a look at these gorgeous (and super fun!) zipper flowers from Indygo Junction.  I can't stop thinking about how cute one of these My Garden Zips would look right where the 2 fabrics meet on the bottom corner.  A great way to add a bit of interest to your dress for special occasions! 

If you're sewing for a younger girl, you may want to round out your outfit with a pair of these beauties!  The Magnolia Baby Ballerina Shoes from Lena's Patterns are available in sizes 0-24 months and are as cute as can be!  The best part is you can make them to perfectly match your little one's outfit.  Who can resist cute baby shoes???  Not me!!!  Take a look at all of all the shoes available from Lena's Patterns. 

 

 

Alright, ladies, it's time to sew!

Sew and Tell with the Tana Tutu Dress

It's time for another Sew and Tell pattern review!  This week, we'll be taking a little looksee at the Tana Tutu Dress by Nanoo Designs.  It comes in sizes 1-4.  I think every little girl at some point in her life decides she is going to be a ballerina, and then proceeds to leap and pirouette all over the house.  And it's quite possible she'll want to wear a leotard and tutu all day.  Everyday.  Aren't little girls just the cutest?  So why not make her a dress that still lets her feel like a ballerina while donning something a little more appropriate for say, church or school?  Even if your little girl isn't filling her days with dreams of being a prima ballerina, isn't this dress just stinkin' cute? 

Alicia Strayer from Muddie Puddles brings us today's Sew and Tell Review. 

  I took a quilting class three years ago and caught the sewing bug.  I then ventured into sewing clothes for my daughter, and I am addicted.  This pattern is perfect for beginners.  It is one of the first dresses I sewed when I started sewing and was able to achieve great results without too much frustration, or I wouldn't have made 5+ more of them.  The pattern runs true to size.  My daughter is 3 1/2.  The Christmas dress is a size 3, and the Tutu Dress is a  size 2. 

I think this is a great little dress if you need something in a hurry.  The pattern took about 4 1/2 hours to complete. Probably a little less if you don't have a little one bugging you.   Taping the pattern together took some adjusting as I am an OCD sewist, and I like everything to match up perfectly. LOL! 

 I made several dresses from the pattern and only used the ribbon method for the straps.  The pattern gives another option for the straps that involves fabric loops and ribbon.  I used a 1 1/2 ribbon on the bottom to add more emphasis.  This was one of the first dresses I made when I started sewing and attaching the ribbon along the bottom was just a little tricky.  I followed the directions on the first dress when sewing on the ribbon and sewed the top of the ribbon to the dress first, as stated.   I then cut the ribbon and sewed the bottom of the ribbon to the dress.  Since the dress curves as you go around you actually need a little more ribbon on the bottom than on the top.  So I would suggest sewing the bottom of the ribbon down, cut the ribbon (but leave at least inch overlap), and then sew the top of the ribbon to the dress.  I used a ruffler foot to gather the tulle which saves time.  You will use more tulle, so don't cut it until you have enough.  I also made the bow along the bottom detachable so that it doesn't get ruined when washing.  Adding an embroidered design really changes it up.  

Thanks so much to Alicia for being a part of our Sew and Tell feature!  Y'all, how cute is her little girl?  And those dresses are just precious!  You can get a special limited-time discount on Nanoo's Tana Tutu Dress on the website!  While you are there, check out all of Nanoo Design's patterns.  There is some serious cuteness going on!  If you have some photos of your Tana Tutu dress you would like to share, we'd love to see them!

Keeping in the spirit of tutus...

Why not whip up a No-Sew Princess Tutu for your tiny dancer?  Blissful Patterns has a great tutorial for you to make your own!  Available in sizes NB-10.

And to perfectly compliment your Tana Tutu Dress, why not try out the Tara Tutu Tights?  I bet you can't say that 5 times fast!  These are fun and unique, and oh so girly!  Create Kids Couture always has something new, so take a look at their pattern collection.  The Tara Tutu Tights are available in sizes 18m- 6. 



It's time to get sewing!

Sew, Mama, Sew! Giveaway Day!

For those of you new to our blog, WELCOME!  For all of our regular readers, welcome back! Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops is an online store featuring a huge collection of sewing patterns from some of the greatest independent designers out there!  We'd love for you to take a look at our website www.fairyalefrocksandlollipops.com, and we're sure you'll find something you like!  We are also currently liquidating our paper pattern inventory with a $5 sale, so be sure to check out those great savings! 

We've also started a new feature on our blog called "Sew and Tell" where every week we showcase a different pattern and have a customer write up a review on it.  We'd love for you read along!

Now for the fun stuff!  Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops is giving away a copy of ...

More Sewing with Whimsy by Kari Mecca!!

This is such a wonderful reference and source of inspiration if you love sewing for little girls!  And, there are several stunning patterns included!  Go ahead and enter...and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the rest of the giveaways on the Sew, Mama, Sew blog!! 

 It's like a giveaway wonderland over there!

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!  

It's Time For a Giveaway!!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we want all of our customers to know how THANKFUL we are for you!!  So what better way to say thanks than to give back, right?  We want to give one lucky lady (or gentleman) their choice of 3 E-Patterns!!  The winner can choose from any of the E-Patterns we currently have for sale on our website.  With over 40 WONDERFUL pattern designers featured in our shop, you will have a hard time deciding which 3 to choose.  The winner will be chosen on Cyber Monday (I mean, we are giving away E-Patterns so it only seems fitting.) 

So go ahead and enter!  If the Rafflecopter widget isn't showing up, try using another browser or refreshing your page.  Good luck, everyone!!  Thanks so much for supporting our shop!!

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