Sew and Tell with the Children's Loafers

Hi everyone!  Who is in a sugar-induced coma right now?  Ha!  Hope you all had a very Happy Halloween!  And no worries because it's all treats over here today.  We've got the Children's Loafers and matching Tulip Baby Loafers featured this month.  Some of you may have ventured into making darling little crib shoes before, but did you know that it's really simple to make shoes for older kids, too?  Lena's Patterns has a nice collection of baby shoes with a few pairs for the older children thrown in the mix, as well!

The tutorials for the baby and children's loafers are short and concise.  The Tulip Baby Loafers tutorial is a total of 12 pages while the Children's Loafers tutorial is 24 pages.  Don't think that just because the tutorial is a bit shorter than most that it isn't a quality pattern-  you just get to print less pages ;)  There are plenty of really helpful photos to accompany the directions given.  Some of the written directions are a little on the scarce side, but you can easily tell what to do by following the photos.  I was quite impressed with how quick and easy she made it to sew up a cute pair of shoes!  These are the kinds of gifts that moms-to-be go bananas over! 

These shoes are available in the baby sizes or the children's sizes and can be made for both boys and girls.  The Tulip Baby Loafers are sizes 0-3m, 3-6m, 6-9m, 9-12m, 12-18m, and 18-24m.  The Children's Loafers are shoe sizes 6 1/2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.  There are only 2 pattern pieces to print for each size, and the baby sizes actually print out on only one piece of paper.  The kid sizes print out on 2.  There's a 1/4 inch seam allowance included, or the option is given to add your own.  My daughter wears between a 6 and a 7 in shoes and is 2 1/2 years old.  I printed out the size 7 for her and was really happy with the fit.  I only did one shoe because I was trying to hurry to get this written up (I'm such a procrastinator! Ha!), but I'll post some photos when I get the complete set done.  (Please note, the ones below are not mine.  The ones I made are zebra print, of course, ha!)

 

 

I'm really digging the idea of making some more of these up!  I love anything matchy-matchy, so these would be so fun to coordinate with a mommy-made outfit.  It would be a great way to use up left-over scraps after a project.  I also really love anything that's a "blank canvas."  I could totally see adding a fabric flower to the top or incorporating some piping between the layers.  Playing around with some really fun buttons could give these shoes a totally unique look.  Plus, Heather has some really great ideas in her review below, so I'll just let you read those in a minute ;)  Let your imagination go wild!  It will only take you about an hour or two to sew up these little loafers, so you'll have plenty of time to embellish!

To make the older kids' shoes a bit more sturdy for everyday wear, you could use a duck cloth or home décor fabric for the outer fabric and use a quilting cotton for the lining to ensure it's nice and comfy.  To help the shoes keep its shape, I added a layer of stabilizer to the top portion, and for extra comfort, I added an extra layer of batting to the sole.  I tried these out using some of the Anti-Skid Gripper Fabric by Dritz I had picked up at JoAnn last year when I was making the Classic Footed PJ's from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.  It adds a little bit of traction to the bottom of the soles to help prevent slips and falls.  If you don't have any of that on hand, you could try adding puffy paint to the bottom of the loafers in fun shapes and designs.  Write out your child's name with puffy paint.  They'll love it!  I sometimes let my daughter wear her ballet flats with some of her dresses to church, so these would be comparable to that as far as the durability of the shoe.  If you prefer, they'd also be perfect house shoes!

 

Let's go ahead and let Heather take it away with her review!

 

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Hi, I recently completed the baby/toddler shoes review for FF&L using Lena's Loafer shoe pattern.  I have been sewing for what feels like all my life!  I started using my own machine around the age of five, when I rejected a toy machine I got for Christmas and insisted I use I real machine.

The pattern is super easy, and it consists of only 2 pattern pieces per size.  The pattern itself only takes about 5-10 minutes to cut out.  I might have taken a wee bit longer to cut out because I wanted to make sure the roses on the toes matched up and that the slippers looked like a matching pair (my granddaughter is a priss, and I knew this would matter to her little 3 year old drama self)!

 

 I had originally planned to make this for all three of my grandkids.  I printed a size 9 for my granddaughter and grandson (ages 3 and 1.5) and a size 13 for my 5 year old grandson.  But when I held the pattern to the boys' feet I realized there was no way at all that the boys would ever get their feet in these loafers.  So I  was only able to make the one pair for my granddaughter, who has slender feet.  I'd say the loafers will only fit feet that are slender or normal in width. 

 

The only real change I made was venturing off and doing my own thing on the last part, because I do not like exposed seam allowances on the inside of baby/toddler shoes.  Since I know how to remedy this, I went ahead and changed that myself.  I didn't make a sandwich of all pieces of the sole as the pattern says.  Instead, I did as follows: I put the inner sole and batting right sides together 'under the shoe' (the top and side portion that was previously constructed) and the inner sole over the shoe, then I sewed almost all the way around, leaving an opening for turning.  Then I turned it all, and tucked the inner sole inside, and stitched the openings closed. 

 

 

The next time I make these, I will change the round elastic I used for the button "clasp" for a goody hair band (the skinny kind).  You can then have a colored elastic, and they tend to last a bit longer I find.  I just didn't have any one hand when I made these.  I would also use batting in the shoe sides to make the slippers warm and snuggly.

 

The fabric we used was a shirt we recycled.  My granddaughter was supposed to be helping me choose a fabric, and she spotted my recycling pile and said, "I WANT THAT!"  She thought they'd be princess slippers, and I have to agree!  With the fabric being a doe suede, they are naturally slip resistant already, and a great choice made by her!  The buttons were also from the shirt.

 

My advice for this pattern is to read the directions carefully and look at the photos.  Some directions cannot be understood unless you look at the photos.  For instance, when she calls for 4 inches of elastic, she actually means you need 8 inches, so really 4 inches twice!  I would also recommend that a beginning sewer draw the round sewing line on the "cut" in the shoe top for a sewing guide line when sewing.  And when you lay the elastic down, untuck it from the other side of the fabric and do not sew it into the other side.  Have fun with your fabrics and try and match up your sides so that the shoes looks like they match each other.

 

 

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Well my goodness, those are some sweet little loafers  :)  She did a great job with the fabric placement, didn't she?  Thanks so much, Heather!  If you want to have a go at making some loafers for your kids, you can get this pattern (either size range- the babies or kids) right now for 25% off!  We'll have the price marked down throughout all of November, so be sure to help us spread the word! 

 

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Pair it Up!

 

 

The Banyan Pants/Shorts pattern from Figgy's Patterns is just screaming to be paired up with the Children's Loafers!  These casual pants can be made for both girls and boys in sizes 18m- 8/9 Child.  The pleated flat front, adjustable back waist band, tapered legs, and fully functioning zippered fly all work together to make this pair of pants a MUST HAVE! 

 

 

 

What's a great pair of pants with some stylish shoes if you don't have a great top to bring the whole outfit together?  This is the Bateau Neck Top from Wee Muses.  Like all the other patterns we've discussed today, this one can be made for both girls and boys in sizes 18m- 10 Child.  This one pattern contains 4 versions of the Bateau Neck pattern.  It's a versatile style that you'll keep coming back to over and over again! 

 

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Make sure you stop by the website to pick up your copy of the Children's Loafers pattern while you can get it for 25% off!  Be sure you register your account before ordering so that your patterns can be downloaded directly from the site up to 25 times (one less thing to worry about should your computer crash!)  We'd love to see your finished shoes, feel free to post photos to our FB page or our new FB group! 

 

 

*** UPDATE***

 

I finally got around to uploading my photos of the Children's Loafers I made for my little bit.  Here they are!

 

 

She loves them  :)

 

 

Go sew something magical! 

 

Handmade Halloween Costume Contest Winners!!

Yesterday we at Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops wrapped up our 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest!  Thanks so much to all the lovely ladies who participated!  There were some seriously adorable costumes we had to begrudgingly choose between, but in the end, there can only be three winners, right?  Our panel of judges consisted of Melissa from Lilac Lane, Dixi from My Childhood Treasures, Marcie from Wonderfully Made 4 You, Robin from Pattern Revolution, and the FF&L Team (Krista, Dianne, and me!).  So without further ado, let's take a look at these little beauties, shall we?

First Place

"Scarecrow" submitted by Shanna M.

She used the Pillowcase Romper from Whimsy Couture.

 

Second Place

"Little Red Riding Hood" submitted by Julie W.

She used The Tea Party Dress from The Handmaiden's Cottage.

 

Third Place

 

"Rapunzel" submitted by Alisa K.

She used the Victorian Romance Dress from Foofoo Threads.

 

 

A Special Thanks to our Other Participants!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Everyone truly did an amazing job!  Judging was definitely not easy!  We hope you all will play along again next year! 

All of the winning costumes were made using patterns we've reviewed right here on the blog.  Check them out by clicking on the tab labeled "Pattern Reviews" along the top of the page.

 

Sponsors

This contest wouldn't have happened without the generous contributions of our fabulous sponsors!!  Please take a second and like them on FB, follow them on Pinterest, check out their shops, and let them know how much we all appreciate them! 

 

Olfa

Purpleseamstress Fabric

5BucksAYard

Wonderfully Made 4 You

Fat Quarter Shop

Modern Yardage

Riley Blake Designs

Pick Your Plum

 

Also, a special "thank you" to Melissa of Lilac Lane for being such a peach and offering all of our contestants a free pattern of choice from her shop! 

 

Congrats again to everyone!  You're all winners in our book! 

Sew and Tell with the Maise Cape (Peacock Version)

 

Just in time for Halloween... this week we are featuring the Peacock Maise Cape from My Childhood Treasures!  Obviously, this gorgeous cape would make for an impressive Halloween costume, but I'd parade my little one around in it all during the chilly months!  What I find totally cool about this pattern is that you also get the original version of the Maise Cape included for free (the peacock version is actually an add-on that's included with the original file).  So you get the peacock version, the Little Red Riding Hood version, and a plain version- all wrapped up into one pattern that we just so happen to have on sale for 25% off this week!  Hurray!!!

 

 

If you wanted to use this pattern as a costume piece, I'm sure you could come up with endless uses!  I'm not creative as some of you, but if you made the cape a little longer, it might work for a witches costume.  You could also make it in some sparkly or lacey fabrics and use it as a cover up for your little princesses if it gets really cold while trick-or-treating in your neck of the woods.  We don't really run into that problem in Alabama too often, but some of you might!  A Little Red Riding Hood costume is an obvious choice and would be absolutely darling!  If you wanted to use the Peacock Version as a costume, you could pair it with blue pants and a blue shirt underneath, or do like the pattern suggests and use the Tutu Dress in pretty shades of blue.  Oh, or how about making it in all white while having your child wear all white, and doing black eyes and a mouth on the hood to make a ghost costume?  And let's not forget that superheroes wear capes ;) 

 

Just some general info about the pattern...  It can be made in sizes 1- 8, and a size chart providing chest measurements is provided.  Since the cape is fully lined, it can be reversible, however it wouldn't work if you did the peacock version because the feathers extend farther down and would be seen from the other side.  A fabric requirement chart is provided, and the smallest size needs a yard for each side of the cape, and the largest size needs 1 1/4 yards for each side of the cape.  There are 12 pages to print out for the cape pattern pieces (which are all nested, color-coded and labeled) and 4 pages for the peacock applique pieces.  A 2x2 inch square is include on the pattern pieces to ensure that your pattern is printing at the correct scale.  There's a convenient "Sewing Terms" glossary at the very end to help you with any sewing terms that you might not be familiar with.  It's a useful reference for any pattern you may be working on!  Please note, this pattern may only be made for personal use.  If you sew for profit, you can contact the designer to inquire about her latest policies in regards to selling the items made from this pattern. 

 

As far as the construction is concerned, I've sewn up a few things from My Childhood Treasures recently and am always pleased with both the process and the end results.  Her patterns are very well-written and have a nice flow to them.  Every step is accompanied with a helpful photo so you're not left wondering if you're doing it right.  The appliques for the Peacock and Little Red Riding Hood are both done using felt.  The patterns for all the pieces, plus detailed directions on how to construct the appliques are included.  Give it a try, and see how easy it is!

 

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We've got Mary Ann reviewing this pattern for us today.  Take a look at her amazing version!

 

 

While thumbing through patterns on Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops, I had to stop and do a double take when I ran across the Peacock Maise Cape (special edition) by My Childhood Treasures!  Seeing that I love peacock feathers and the attractive colors they present, it didn’t take me long deciding to purchase the pattern.  Am I glad I did!

 

My sewing inspiration was a neighborhood grandmother who made wonderful dresses for her granddaughters.  As a child, I was so impressed since I didn’t have a grandmother of my own (especially one who sews).  Now, I sew for my grandkids.  Hopefully, I inspire others to create beautiful handmade garments for their families and friends.  I am looking forward to opening an Etsy store in the near future.  You are welcome to view some of my first projects at www.sew-letoile.tumblr.com.

 

Let’s get started!  I am so pleased to review such a versatile pattern.  I chose a peacock print lining called Regent Peacock by Alexander Henry Fabrics Collections that I found at Hobby Lobby.  The outer fabric is teal pinwale corduroy found at JoAnn’s Fabric.  Feathers are cotton scraps in coordinating colors.  

Prewashing is a must if you are working with corduroy and cotton.  Tip: Corduroy can be tricky when preparing to cut pattern pieces.  There is a nap so all pattern pieces need to face the same direction on the fabric.  My printed lining was placed in the same manner. 

 

The directions for this pattern are easy to follow and construction was a breeze.  I’m big on pressing seams as I go along since it makes the finished garment look so much more professionally made.  And yes, the instructions recommend pressing (no wonder the finished cape looks so nice)!  The recommended topstitching is another must for a well made garment.

 

Peacock feathers… Peacock feathers adorn my sewing room so I found inspiration right at my fingertips.  The pattern designer lists suggestions in lieu of felt.  I chose cotton scraps and Pellon fusible interfacing to back the two larger feather pattern pieces and provide some stiffness.  I lined each feather with the matching cape lining.  The feathers give the cape some weight and provide a nice drape.

What a fun sew!  The pattern also includes a template for a peacock headpiece and instructions as well as an appliqué for Little Red Riding Hood and instructions.  I’m seriously thinking of making a pink flamingo cape!  Soon, very soon!

 

Isn't that cape stunning?!?  I love that she left the headpiece off of the hood to make it look a little less "costume-y" for everyday wear!  And the idea to make a pink flamingo version... holy moly I want to see that!!  You could do an owl version, too!  The possibilities are endless!  Who knew you could have so much fun with a cape?? 

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Pair it Up!

In the spirit of Halloween, we're going to showcase a few trick-or-treat bags you could quickly sew up for our Pair it Up section today!

 

The Halloween Treat Bag pattern from Charming Doodle can be used to make 5 different styles of treat bags.  There's a cat, strawberry, fairy princess, jack-o-lantern, and monster to choose from.  But as we've learned above, the only limit is your imagination!  Don't let your little ones go out with a generic plastic pumpkin... or worse, an old Wal-Mart sack, ha!!  We've got this pattern on sale for only $5 for a limited time, so make one up to perfectly compliment that handmade costume you've been working so hard on!

 

The Halloween Bag or Library Tote from Hadley Grace Designs is another fun way for the kids to haul around their loot!  They'll have to trick-or-treat all night to fill that sucker up!  Make it in some spooky Halloween prints and add their initial or an applique to create a customized bag that will receive just as much attention as their costumes!  The bag pattern also works great year round in your favorite prints!

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Make sure you go to the website and purchase your copy of The Peacock Maise Cape for 25% off while it's still on sale  :)  Also, be sure to get your entries in for our 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest!  Simply design a Halloween costume around one or more of the over 800 patterns we carry on our website.  We're giving away over $300 in awesome prizes from some awesome vendors!  The last day to enter is October 20th, so fire up your sewing machine!!!  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 Up Something Spooky... or Sweet!!!

Are you participating in our 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest???  It's easy-peasy to enter.  Go to our website, Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops, and choose a pattern or two (It can patterns you already own or that you've bought from the designers directly, too.  Just as long as we carry it on our site, you're good to go!) and design a costume around it!  You can turn a peasant dress into a princess dress, you can turn a pair of overalls into a Mario costume, you can take a collared top and pair it with a full skirt and an apron to make an I Love Lucy costume (ahem, that may or may not be what I'm doing...).  Just let your imagination run wild and have FUN!!! 

We have an impressive list of prizes we'll be awarding to three lucky winners.  If you're a fan of fabric and sewing patterns, it just might tickle your fancy!  The prizes total over $300!!  Check out the Facebook prize album we have set up to browse through them all, and be sure to show our sponsors some love! 

To read the original contest post to find out all the details regarding the Costume Contest, follow the link here.  Entries need to be in by the end of the day October 20th.  We'll announce the winners on Halloween!! 

 

 

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And just because we love Halloween around here, we are also having a little fun with a sneaky ghost that's been showing up on our website!  Each weeknight at 9 PM CST, this little guy will show up in a different place on our website.  Be the first to find him and comment where he's hiding on the Ghost Post on our FB wall, and you'll earn yourself a 15% off discount code that can be used on anything on the website for the next 48 hours!  There will only be one winner per weekday, so be quick and look out for clues on the FB page :)

 

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So start browsing, get sewing, and be sure to share this contest with your friends!  We'd love for you to help us spread the word by either pinning this post or sharing on FB!  Thanks so much, and may the best costume win!!

 Go sew something magical!

 



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

 

Sew and Tell with the Tea Party Dress

 

Hello again!  How many of you have a head start on your holiday sewing?  I, for one, haven't started my Halloween sewing yet (I know, for shame!), but I know some of you are already looking into Christmas and holiday patterns.  The one we are reviewing today is perfect for holiday parties, family photos, birthdays, weddings, princess costumes, church... any special occasion where you want the "wow" factor. 

The Tea Party Dress by the Handmaiden's Cottage is absolutely stunning, isn't it?  It's been a best-seller on our site for weeks now, and I'm sure you can see why.  Everything about this dress is jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, absolutely exquisite!!  Can you tell I kinda like it?  And it even comes in a doll size (sold separately here) so your little angel and her doll can match.  How cute!!

This pattern is perfect for all the little princesses out there in sizes 6m- Girls 8.  If you are unsure of the size your little one would wear, there is a size chart included that will give you finished measurements for both the bodice and dress length.  The back bodice contains elastic, so there is some "give" to the fit.  You'll also find that there is a yardage chart included, so be sure to double check that you have enough fabric before beginning!  As you can imagine, all the ruffles take up a good bit of fabric- but the end result is definitely worth it!  The smallest size calls for a total of 3 yards and the largest size calls for a total of 5 1/4 yards for the whole dress. 

I think you'll be surprised at how easy to follow this pattern is.  It looks intimidating, but designer Lynn Jeffries does a beautiful job of walking you through step-by-step.  The tutorial itself is only 30 pages long (15 pages for the directions and 15 pages for the pattern pieces), but there is a lot of  good "stuff" in there.  With all the detailed photos along the way, you'll be just fine!  I've heard feedback from several people saying the dress was much easier to construct than they anticipated. 

The pattern pieces have all the sizes nested together with the lines for each size being a different color.  The ruffles and underskirt don't have pattern pieces, but rather a chart is provided so you can cut out the rectangles using the dimensions given.  Each page of the entire tutorial is labeled with the name of the pattern and numbered (we all know how important that is in the event of children or pets getting into our sewing rooms, right?)  She even includes a diagram showing you how to line up the pattern piece pages so there's no confusion about how they fit together. 

All-in-all, this is a very thorough design that you won't be disappointed with!  And the end result?  Stunning!  If you'd like to give this dress a try, you can purchase it on the website for 25% off right now!  This offer won't last long (probably only until October 14th), so be sure to get your order in now! 

Let's go ahead and get to the review sent in to us by Stephanie.  You can take a look at some of her other work here. 

 

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My name is Stephanie Hull, and I am the mother of four amazing kids!  I have been sewing on and off since I was 16 when my grandma taught me, but after my twins were born last year, I jumped in and started expanding my skills and improving my home business (S.H. Designs Boutique) by making clothes and baby items.  I would describe myself as an advanced beginner with an "I can do that!" attitude.  I'm more than willing to make a pattern that requires skills that I don't currently have.  I learn best by jumping in!

 

 

I looked at the Tea Party Dress by The Handmaiden's Cottage and fell in love.  I knew that I currently had some pink velvet and black satin in my fabric stash, and I planned to use only fabrics I had on hand instead of purchasing fabrics.

 

I read the pattern very carefully a few times before even starting to cut.  It took me about half an hour to cut all the pieces.  The overskirt and bodice were all printed pieces, and the rest are just measured rectangles for the ruffles and underskirt. It probably would have taken me a lot less time had I opted to use cottons instead of slippery fabrics.

 

Once I had everything cut, I had a small panic attack because I felt like I had gotten in a bit over my head and/or that I was never going to finish this project.  I was very quickly proved wrong!  If you know how to use your machine to make a basting stitch (or you have another preferred method of making ruffles), you can sew this pattern very easily!  Working with the velvet and satin was a bit fussy and took me several hours to hem, ruffle, and sew.  However, when I made the pattern again out of cotton, it took me two and a half hours from cutting to completion!

 

The pattern is well written, and does a great job with pictures and explanations.  There is also a page on customizing your dress.  For mine, I wasn't too thrilled with the way the skirt looked when connected to the bodice, because the velvet was a bit heavier than I anticipated, so I opted to add a sash.  I think what thrilled me most of all is that this dress looks so complicated when it's completed, but the construction is very simple and straightforward!  I made the size 18mos/2T for my daughter and the fit and length were perfect.

 

 

The most important piece of advice I can give for anyone who wants to make this pattern is to read through it carefully a couple of times before cutting and starting your project, especially the cutting section.  I was very eager to get sewing and rushed through it the first time and thought I knew what to cut, but ended up a couple of pieces short. It was obviously an easy fix, but even for a small size, this dress uses quite a bit of fabric, and cutting wrong can mean wasting fabric and I hate wasting beautiful fabrics!

 

 

All in all, I adore this pattern!  Since sewing together my first pink velvet and black satin creation last week, I have sewed one more Tea Party Dress and have two more planned.  I think that there is so much gratification from this relatively simple pattern and my daughters love that they look like princesses!  I would highly recommend this pattern for everyone, from beginner to advanced!

Photos were taken by RoniD.Photography.  You can find them on FB at  https://www.facebook.com/RoniD.Photography

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Just gorgeous!!  I've been curious as to what this dress would look like with a different color ruffle on the underskirt, and I love it!  I mean, even that little boy couldn't help but run up and give her a flower she looked so beautiful  ;) 

 

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Pair it Up!

 

For more extraordinary holiday outfit ideas, take a look at just a few that we have available.


 

The Lulu pettiskirt/ruffled skirt from Tulips & Edelweiss will definitely turn some heads!  Can you believe all the volume that skirt has??  That is some serious frilly goodness!  You can wear the Lulu alone as a skirt or wear it under another dress with a full skirt to give it a dramatic effect.  This can be made in sizes 12m- Girls 14, and there's even a bonus 18" doll size included! 

 

The Precious Dress from The Scientific Seamstress is perfect for holiday get-togethers!  I adore the puff sleeves, and I'm a sucker for a Peter Pan collar!  There are a lot of ways you can play around with this pattern to get just the look you're after.  Add an apron, make it sleeveless, leave off the collar, add a sash... it's so versatile and fun to make!  This pattern comes in sizes 3m- Girls 10, and there's a bonus 15"-18" doll pattern included with this one, too!  There will be lots of cute kids with their cute dolls this holiday season!  Oh, and this pattern is 25% off right now on our website until October 13th  :) 

 

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Make sure you go to the website and purchase your copy of The Tea Party Dress for 25% off while it's still on sale  :)  Also, we'd love for you to join us as we kick off our 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest!  Simply design a Halloween costume around one or more of the over 800 patterns we carry on our website.  We're giving away over $300 in awesome prizes from some awesome vendors!  Find the details by clicking on the banner below :)

 

 

 Go sew something magical!

 



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