Tuesday, April 22, 2014

The Matinee Dress Blog Tour

 Remember this sneak peak that I posted during Kids' Clothes Week?  


I was able to test The Matinee Dress, designed by the fabulous Jenn of Jennuine Design.  You guys, this is such a great pattern!  There are several options - dress or peplum length, sleeveless or cap sleeves, skirt band or plain.  I sewed the dress with cap sleeves and skirt band out of this gorgeous Amy Butler fabric in a size 8. 



I love the band across the chest - it adds some detail to the sweet neckline.


The band buttons over the open back for a darling back view!  My daughter loves how different this dress is from all of the others in her closet.


My daughter's favorite part of The Matinee Dress - the skirt is nice and full - perfect for twirling!  I love the band at the bottom and it's my favorite way to do a cheater hem (no burning your fingers pressing the hem under!)


The seams on the bodice are fully encased in the lining, and the whole thing took only a few hours to cut and sew.  I can't wait to sew up the peplum version for my youngest!

The Matinee Dress can be purchased on Craftsy or Etsy.

The Details:
Pattern: The Matinee Dress by Jennuine Design
Size: 8
Fit: true to size
Fabric Used: quilting cotton by Amy Butler, Kona Cotton for the bodice and skirt bands, both purchased at my LQS.
Verdict: This is a great pattern for an advanced beginner - you'll learn some new tricks and make a stylish dress that is so different from any pattern out there!

Be sure to check out Jenn's blog, A Jennuine Life, for some more write ups from the other testers of the Matinee Dress!

Friday, April 11, 2014

More Tops for Kids' Clothes Week!

Can I confess something?  Now that my biggest girl is nearly 9 (!!!), she's not as into the girly dresses and twirly skirts as she once was.  Sure, she loves to dress up for parties and occasions, but day to day, she really just loves her jeans and t shirts.  

So, it's really nice to be able to have some great patterns for casual clothes in my library!

Here's the Viewfinder Tee by See Kate Sew.  I tested this one in the fall and my oldest loves it.  I think these shirts are about the fifth or sixth time I've made a batch for her!

Here, I used this adorable deer fabric from Girl Charlee.  It doesn't have a ton of stretch to it, so I just left hem raw.  


Here, I used a lightweight hacci knit from a local store.  I love the neon stripes! 


The Viewfinder is a great pattern - I literally cut these and sewed them together while watching Scandal!  Super duper fast, and a great pattern for someone who is new to sewing with knits.


I've got a few other things up my sleeve, but they'll have to wait until next week!  Here's a sneak peek though:

Did you have fun sewing for Kids' Clothes Week?

Thursday, April 10, 2014

American Girl/18" Doll Dress GIVEAWAY

I'm giving away this adorable dress today as part of a Flash Giveaway with 10 other bloggers on Facebook!


Be sure to click on over to Facebook to enter and check out all of the other great handmade AG outfits and accessories that are being given away!

Monday, April 7, 2014

Kids Clothes Week Day 1 - Pippa Peplum

It's SPRING!  Yippy!  Perfect time for a week of new clothing for my kiddos.  Which makes the fact that it's Kids' Clothes Week even better!

First up, I made the adorable Pippa Peplum for my youngest.



I've been hoarding onto this Briar Rose jersey knit by the fabulous Heather Ross for quite a while.  I got some at my local fabric store and it's super heavenly and soft.  I thought it would be perfect for some t-shirts, and it is!



I was lucky enough to test the Pippa Peplum for Kate, of See Kate Sew back in November, and I can say, it's a great pattern.  It comes together in about an hour and is super cute on.  I made the cap sleeve version in a 7 and it fits my petite 6 1/2 year old just perfectly. 



Perfect for spring, and comfy as can be!  Are you sewing anything fun for Kids' Clothes Week?  Check out the Flickr Group and get inspired!