The BEST OF THE BEST in 2013!

WOO-HOO!!!

The results are in.... 

 We now have the 'official" list of THE BEST SELLING PATTERNS of 2013! 

 The hottest of the hot and the most sought-after patterns around! 

No need to keep you waiting... let's just get right to it, shall we!?? 
(items are listed in no particular order)

The Handmaiden's Cottage

The Tea Party Dress

Whimsy Couture
Bodacious Bow Peasant Dress

The Handmaiden's Cottage 

 Swing Dress

My Childhood Treasures 

 Elke Dress

Foofoo Threads 

World's Cutest Triple-Ruffle Pants

Foofoo Threads
Sugarplum Princess Dress

Sew Sweet Patterns
Morgan Dress

The Handmaiden's Cottage
Petticoat

Foofoo Threads

Victorian Romance

My Childhood Treasures

 Bluebell Dress

Foofoo Threads

Four-Seasons Knit Peasant Dress or Top

Sew Sweet Patterns

 The Maggie Dress 

Bettsy Kingston

Reversible Girl's Jacket

You can see the trend, right? It was a year of sophisticated fluff!
Beautiful, feminine, and layered looks were top of the list for 2013!
Let's hear it from those of you who purchased some of these wonderful patterns! 
How did you like them?  Did you have special occasions for your selections?
  If you would like to "SHOW OFF" --- head over to our Facebook Page! 
We would love to see your little sweeties in these beautiful dresses! 

With so many new items already popping in for 2014...
We can't wait to see what this year will bring! 
Keep your eyes on our New Arrivals to keep up with
the latest and greatest from your favorite pdf sewing pattern designers!
 

Watch for the new designers to roll-in, too! 
We have our eyes on some great new lines!   

Thank you for making Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops so special!  

We appreciate each and every one of you!

Sew and Tell with the Reversible Girl's Jacket

We had my son's first soccer game this weekend, and I almost needed a jacket!  I'm pretty sure fall is officially on the horizon, and I'm ashamed to say I've only sewn one fall pattern so far.  Time to get cracking on some warm wears for my princess.  Jackets are staples in every fall wardrobe, so that should probably be first on my list, right?  We have a precious one up for review today, and it's on sale, too!  Hurray!

The Reversible Girl's Jacket from Bettsy Kingston is a great option for those wanting to sew up some great-looking outwear.  It can be made in sizes newborn- 3 years or 3- 9 years.  They're sold as 2 separate patterns (but both are on sale right now!)  The Peter Pan collar adds the sweetest touch to the this fully reversible jacket that can be made from nearly any non-stretch light-medium weight cottons.  I know I've probably said it countless times, but I love garments for children that are reversible!  My daughter's name is Anessa Lu, and we lovingly call her Messy Nessie or A"mess"a Lu.  About 10 minutes after she gets dressed, there's a stain soon to follow.  She's two, so it's expected, right?  If we're out and about, and she's wearing something reversible, we can flip it around, and "Viola!" we've got a new outfit to work with :)  Makes this mommy's life a little easier.  

If you take a look at the actual pattern, the pieces look great, and the directions are really detailed.  You shouldn't have any problems with this one!  We had a glowing recommendation sent in to us from Jennifer.  I'll let her tell you all about it ;) 

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Hi everybody!  I am a stay-at-home mother to five beautiful children, ages 8, 3, 2, 2, and 9 months.  Needless to say, my house is a busy, hectic place to be!  I’ve been sewing for several years, and I consider myself to have an intermediate level of skill.  I try to sew a season in advance, so I’ve started making clothes for the fall and winter even though it’s still super-hot where I live.
 

I’m reviewing the Bettsy Kingston pattern for a reversible jacket.  It includes sizes 3-9, so I’ll be able to use it for two of my girls this year.  I love patterns with a large size range!  I measured my 3 year old, because she is tall for her age, and found her measurements fell right between a size four and a size five.  I sewed the jacket in a size five, but it seems a little big.  If I make another one for her, I’ll probably make a size four.

 
I chose a light weight bright pink denim and a cotton print fabric, and I set aside a morning to work on the jacket.  I sent the pattern to the printer, and went to the kitchen to get a drink.  When I came back, I found that my cat had knocked the pages on the ground, and they were all mixed up.  It was easy to put things back in the right order, though.  The instruction pages are numbered, and there is a very clear diagram showing how the pattern pieces fit together.

 

I was really excited to see that the pattern pieces print out on a grid.  This made it really easy to get the pieces lined up correctly.  There are four pattern pieces:  front, back, collar, and sleeves. 
 
Sewing the jacket together was easy and straightforward.  The directions are very clear, and there are lots of pictures included in case you need some extra help.  The pattern pieces fit together very well.  I didn’t have to use an ease stitch to get the sleeves in.  The instructions say to leave a 2 inch gap to turn the jacket right side out.  I found that I needed at least a four inch gap, but that may be due to my fabric choices.
 

I chose to close the jacket with snaps.  I covered big buttons with leftover fabric, and sewed them on top of the snaps.  I decided to add a few inches to the bottom of the sleeves so I could roll them up with the contrasting fabric showing.  I also added a chunky piping to the collar. 

It took only a couple of hours to put the jacket together.  I might have been able to do it faster if I had been able to work uninterrupted, but in a house with five kids that’s not going to happen!

I'm really pleased with how it turned out, and my daughter loves it too!  I’m looking forward to making a jacket for my oldest daughter.  I think a lightweight corduroy would work well.  This pattern is very versatile, and I can think of many different ways to customize it.  You could easily add pockets, appliqués, or embroidery.  I think a ruffle at the bottom would be cute, too! 

 

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Doesn't that collar just make the jacket?  I really think the piping on the collar and the big buttons are the perfect touch!  This a great jacket to keep your babies warm this winter.  Make sure you take advantage of the 25% off discount that we are offering on it for the next few days so your kiddos can look this cute, too :)  And remember that the sizes NB- 3T and 3T- 9 years are sold separately, so pay attention to that before you check out!

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Pair it Up!

 Since I've shared with you all my deep love of reversible clothing, I thought I'd also share some of those patterns.  If we're kindred souls, and you share that passion with me, just type "reversible" into the search bar at the top right of our homepage, and we've got quite a large list that will pop up.  But for now, here are two great options!
 

 

 

The Harper Reversible Dress from Sew Sweet Patterns is an adorable A-line dress that can be made in sizes 6m- 3T.  It's a quick and easy sew that yields beautiful results!  Works great as a sundress, but can also be worn with some leggings and a warm shirt underneath for the cooler months.  This would be a great dress to use as the fall holidays approach.  Do one side Halloween themed and the other side Thanksgiving themed so that you aren't making 2 separate dresses that will only get worn once or twice.

 

 

This is the Reversible Skirt from Kikoi Patterns.  It's a full skirt that begs to be twirled in!  This would look so pretty in some festive Christmas prints with a cute little appliqued top.  You can make this skirt in sizes 6m- 9 years. 

 

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Don't forget to head to the website so you can get your sweet deal on the Girl's Reversible Jacket!  And while you're there, browse around and get inspired!  We're hosting a Handmade Halloween Costume Contest, and we'd love for you to be a part of it!  Simply design a Halloween costume around one or more of the patterns we carry on our website.  We're giving away over $300 in prizes!  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 Crayon Art Folio

 

Let's start off your weekend right with a fun little project the kids will love!  This week we are featuring the Crayon Art Folio from Gingercake Patterns & Design.  You'll have plenty of time to stitch it up before school starts back (I know, I know.  I don't want to think about school either.) or your late-summer vacations! 

 

The pattern is designed to hold up to 12 crayons and a 5"x 8" note pad for doodling.  I like that this pattern includes a mini version of the Crayon Art Folio that is perfect for sticking in your diaper bag or purse when you need to keep the kids quiet on the go.  I think just about any kid would love to have one of these to tote around ;) 

 

Here's the super-duper awesome review from Nicole!

 

Hello! My name is Nicole Washburn, and I chose the Crayon Art Folio pattern from Gingercake Pattern & Design to review. I have been married for 18 years (yes, I was a child bride haha!), and we have a three energetic kiddos, 9, 6, and 3 years old. My 6 year old daughter loves to bring her art supplies everywhere she goes, so I knew this would be a hit with her (and all her friends…hello birthday gift)! I would call myself an intermediate sewist. I have been sewing for about 10 years and enjoy sewing goodies for my three children and their friends, as well as household items like pillowcases and curtains.

 

The crayonfolio took about an hour and 15 minutes to cut out and construct start to finish. For the main ‘body’ of the crayonfolio, there are measurements given as a guideline in the pattern instructions as well as a two page guide to print out. The same printed pattern guide is used to create the pockets (the paper is just folded to the correct size). The straps are created by using the measurements given and either fabric or ribbon can be used. Velcro is also required. All fabric pieces require fusible interfacing and a piece of thin batting is also used. Obviously basic sewing supplies like pins, scissors and/or a rotary cutter are needed, too. If you want to embellish the crayonfolio, additional supplies like rick rack, buttons, and ball fringe can also be used.

 

The pattern was very simple to follow, and I think a beginning sewist would have little trouble. The pictures are helpful and have writing on them as well so that you know which pieces are which as you sew. I found it very helpful to refer to her finished picture on the first page of the pattern while reading the instructions. The only tricky part of the entire process was turning the entire thing right side out and topstitching. It is quite thick at this point, but my sewing machine had no trouble getting through it.  

 

 I liked that the pattern includes more than one pocket. It includes a pocket for crayons (8 crayons are shown in her pattern picture but I was able to fit 16 easily albeit tightly), and two larger pockets for paper, note cards, flashcards, or stickers. The handles of the crayonfolio can be made of grosgrain ribbon or fabric but I thought the grosgrain would be pretty flimsy, so I chose the fabric. Two long Velcro pieces keep the crayonfolio together. My daughter has been carrying the one I made around for the past day and a half, and it shows no wear at all. Nothing has fallen out, and she loves it!

She includes a link to flickr so that you can see how others have embellished their crayonfolio. The first one I made I kept pretty simple, only adding rick rack to the outer edge. To the second one I made, I used more fabrics (mostly scraps that looked fun together!) and added lots of embellishments like rick rack trim to the inner pocket and the outside fabric and decorative buttons, and my daughter loved it even more! The second one took only 45 minutes to create.

This will become our go-to birthday gift for sure! It was fun to combine different fabrics from my fabric scraps to make a truly unique item.  

 

A bonus that, at first, I didn’t realize was included is a smaller, mini crayonfolio pattern. It is about half the size of the original and holds four crayons and small pad of paper. I imagine this would be a great party favor to make for a birthday party or as a ‘keep your kids busy while waiting for food in a restaurant’ item. When I noticed the smaller version was included, it got me thinking that it would probably not be very difficult to modify the pattern and make it larger. My daughter loves her art supplies, especially her sketch pad, markers, and colored pencils which are too big for the crayonfolio, so I think I will try to make a larger version next. To personalize it, I think I will add an appliquéd initial to the outside as well.

Overall I am so glad I made this pattern. It was simple to construct, easy to follow, took very little fabric (great stash buster!), and was fun to embellish and personalize. I highly recommend it!

 

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Who feels the urge to make their kids a Crayon Art Folio now?  I know I do!  My kids are coloring maniacs!  Our church is meeting in a restaurant for the time being while our new building is being finished.  That means no nursery/children's classes to send them off to.  This would be perfect to keep them entertained while they are with me for the next few weeks!  If you want to purchase this pattern, you can find it on our website for 25% off for probably the next week or so!  We'd love for you to share pictures of your finished projects over on our Facebook page! 

 

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 Pair it up!

Since the thought of perfectly-pointed crayons always makes me think of the first day of school, let's check out a few patterns that are back-to-school worthy!!

 

 

First up, for the boys (and girls!) is The DrewB Blazer from Cali Faye Collection.  This pattern comes in sizes 2T- Child 10.  Totally adorable and a perfect "transition" piece to carry your little ones from summer to fall in style.  This was designed for boys, but looks super cute on girls, too!  The best part?  It's reversible!  I love when you can knock out two outfits in one project :) 

 

 

This is the Madeline Dress from Sew Sweet Patterns.  Makes your teeth hurt it's so sweet, right?  LOVE the Peter Pan collar and those fun buttons down the front.  This would be the cutest thing to put a little girl in for her first day of pre-school or kindergarten!  You can definitely pair this with leggings as the weather starts to turn cool, and I think a precious little cardigan on top would melt my heart.  This pattern comes in sizes 12m- Girls 8.  I just love it! 

 

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 Hope you all have a great weekend!  We have a giveaway going on until July 26th if you want to check it out!  We're giving away a few patterns from one of our newest designers to join Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops, Kikoi Patterns! 

 

Go sew something magical!!

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

Sew and Tell with the Allie Dress

Who is ready for another Sew and Tell Pattern Review?!  We are!!  How about the Allie Dress from Sew Sweet Patterns?  To be honest, I want this dress in my in size.  Seriously.  I've been loving tunic-style tops with skinny jeans and boots lately.  This would be perfect!  I guess I'll have to settle for making one for my daughter, instead  ;) 

Today's review comes from our friend Debbie F.  She sells her creations in her shop on Etsy.

 

I taught myself to sew and have now been sewing for 20 years.  I started sewing for my daughter when she was born, and now I sew for my granddaughter.  Madison, my granddaughter, wore this dress with leggings and boots for a "hip" fall trend at church the other day, and got so many compliments on it!

 

It took me about 5 hours to print, cut, and sew the dress up. The pattern pieces matched up perfect while I was cutting it out.  It’s an easy dress to sew, and a beginner should have no trouble at all.  I made the Allie Dress in a size 4 and out of quilting cotton fabric.   The sleeve length was perfect on her, and the dress ran true to size.

   

During construction, I did a few things that were different from the pattern.  I turned the edges under on the yoke facing even though the instructions didn't call for that.  I also used hooks and eyes instead of buttons on the back of the dress, but next time I will use the buttons as suggested. 

 

I really like the yoke style on the dress.  And it looks good with or without the belt.  I love the pattern and plan on making some more dresses with it! 

 

 

Sew Sweet Patterns has a rather large collect of patterns on our site.  Lots of cute girly things for you to whip up!  The Allie Dress comes in sizes 12m- 7yrs.  And I know I've said it before, but I love long-sleeved dresses.  This one is just too cute!  I like dresses that allow you to use a more than one print so you can give it some personality.  You can do the belt and yoke in the same fabric (as Debbie did) or use complimentary prints like in the photo at the top of the page.  This is another one of those patterns that you can dress up or dress down, depending on what sort of look you are after.  Choose a sophisticated print and pair with tights and some pretty little shoes for a great dressy-dress, or layer over a pair of skinny jeans and boots for a more casual look.  Either way, it will be a hit!  Head over to the website to purchase this pattern at a 25% discount for the next few days!!

Speaking of skinny jeans...

Check out these Lovely Rita's by Shwin Designs!  Just precious!  These come in sizes 12m- 5 yrs.  I love the detail of the button flap at the ankle, but those can be left off if you prefer.  These have a flat front with elastic in the back for a great fit.  Make these in stretch denim, cotton, linen, or other bottom weight fabrics.  These might be too cute to tuck into a pair of boots! 

Or...

We also have the Skinny Jeans from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop!  These are available in sizes 12m- 10 years AND you also get an 18" doll pattern included!  I like that this pattern can be used for both boys and girls, you definitely get your money's worth.  The Skinny Jeans have a faux fly and an elastic waistband with a front button.  These are made with stretch denim so they are comfortable to wear and totally cool! 



 

 

As always, we would love for you to share pictures of your creations so we can all "ooh" and "ahh" over them on our Facebook page! 

 

Go sew something magical!!

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!