Tried and Tested - The Lulu Top by Craftiness Is NOT Optional

You guys have maybe heard of Jess?  You know, that completely unknown famous sewing blogger and now pattern designer?  Ha!  Jess's blog is one of the first I started following when I got back into sewing, and with good reason - she's got amazing taste and she really is one of the rock stars of the sewing world!  Also, she bakes some seriously amazing looking desserts.  I only wish we were neighbors...well, maybe my hips are glad that we're not ;-) 

When she asked me to test her newest pattern, The Lulu Top and Dress, of course, I said YES!  This is seriously such a great pattern!  There are tons of options and details to really make it your own, and if you have more than one little girl, you can coordinate without them being too matchy-matchy.

The Lulu can be made with all knit or knit and woven together.  I chose to sew up the top with cap sleeves and a cute little pocket.  I used this adorable knit from the fabulous Girl Charlee (ooooh, there's some left!  Go buy it!) and some chambray that I think I picked up at Joann.

Including taping the pattern together and cutting it all out, this literally took me less than an hour to finish.  I love the way the binding goes on the neck and arm holes - super duper easy and it has a nice clean look.  The gathered waist is actually a casing for elastic - I think it would be fun to change it up and make a casing for a drawstring, too!

I made the Lulu Top in a size 6 and it fits my petite 6 year old perfectly.  I did shorten the elastic, since my daughter's chest size is closer to a size 4, but the length and everything else fit her perfectly.

I wanted to add the faux placket to this top, but didn't really like any of my button choices, so I went with the pocket instead.  It's so cute!

The instructions for the Lulu are very clear, and the illustrations are great.  It's a very straightforward design, and I think it would be a great choice for an advanced beginner who wants to start working with knits.  You definitely don't need a serger for this one, but I do think you should know how to use a twin needle.


Thanks Jess, for having me test for you, and for knocking it out of the park with your Lulu Top and Dress Pattern!

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!

Tried and Tested: The Cottage Mama's Party Dress

Are you ready for spring?  I know I am!  Here in Seattle, we've been getting our typical spring weather - blue skies WITH rain.  Yep, it's crazy.  Still, it means that the rain will lessen and the blue skies will stick around for a few more months.  Hurrah!  And of course, it can't be spring without sewing up some cute springtime dresses.

I love testing for Lindsay, aka The Cottage Mama.  She produces really well written patterns,  with classic designs and some really cute touches.  The construction is always great and I always get so many compliments on the end results. This dress is super fast to sew, and has some great classic details.

My favorite part of The Party Dress is that the sizing goes to a 10.  I chose to sew these up in sizes 6 and 9, and they fit my 6 and nearly 9 year olds perfectly.  The bodice is completely lined, and Lindsay offers two choices for the construction, which is great because you learn something new either way.

I love the wide sash and the dramatic bow in the back.  You can choose covered or regular buttons - I chose covered to match the sash and band. 

The girls of course love their dresses and are excited to twirl in them all spring! 

Be sure to head over to the Cottage Mama blog and sign up for the newsletter to recieve your own FREE copy of the Party Dress pattern!  I will be listing these dresses in the shop, and will be making custom versions as well.

Check out my other Cottage Mama pattern reviews here and here.

The Details:
Pattern: The Party Dress by the Cottage Mama
Sizes made: 6 and 9, no modifications
Fabric Used: Quilting Cotton Jill in Sky from Lucky Girl by Jennifer Paganelli and Kona Cotton in Navy, both purchased at Fabric Depot in Portland, OR.
Thoughts: this is a great pattern for an advanced beginner or intermediate sewist.  The fit is true to size.

Tried and Tested: The Endless Dress by Jocole Patterns

Well hello!

Yes, it's been quiet around these parts, but I have several reasons, which I will be sharing with you in the next few weeks.  HINT: the sewing machine has been a-rockin!

First up, I was able to test Jocole Pattern's new design - The Endless Dress.  Why Endless?  Well, because there are a TON of options to customize this sweet little number!  Jocole offers an expansion pack with even more options so really, the possibilities are ENDLESS!

For my version, I went with what my almost 9 year old wanted.  She has really been playing a lot with her Kit Kitteridge AG Doll, so she asked for something similar to what Kit would wear.  We went shopping together and she fell in love with this aqua floral fabric.  The tiny white and grey flowers remind me of the chicken feed dress that Kit's mom made for her!

Since springtime in Seattle is still pretty chilly, I chose the 3/4 sleeve option, and then added cuffs of my own design.

I love the sweet collar, and the fit is very true to size.  The best part of this pattern?  It goes from Newborn to size 14 AND includes a doll dress pattern!  Such a great deal!

The construction for this dress is very straightforward, and the instructions were easy to follow.  My only complaint (and really, it's not much of one!) is that with all of the options, the pattern is long, but there are jump links so you don't have to scroll through the whole thing.  The pattern pieces themselves came together quickly and the pieces didn't take long to cut out.

Check out the Jocole Facebook Page for some great variations so you can see just how versatile the Endless Dress really is! 

The Details:
Pattern: The Endless Dress with Volume One Add on Pack by Jocole Patterns
Size: 8
Modifications made: None
Fabric Used: Quilting Cotton, found at Joann Fabric
Overall Thoughts: This is a great pattern with a big range of sizes with tons of options.  Easy construction and clear instructions.  Perfect for someone who is intimidated to sew a dress for the first time.

Stay tuned for more fun projects!

Tried and Tested: Apple Loungewear by Shwin and Shwin

Whew - after having a week of weather in the 80s and 90s, we've gone back to good ole' Seattle rain and grey skies.  It's starting to feel like fall for sure!  My favorite thing about fall (well, besides pumpkin flavored everything!) is comfort - comfort food, snuggling up on the couch with a comfy blanket, and of course, comfy clothes.  Sometimes, a girl just wants to throw on her leggings and an oversized sweatshirt and relax!  The Apple Loungewear set by Shwin and Shwin Designs is perfect for that!

This is another pattern from Shwin & Shwin's fall line - definitely check the whole line out because it's all adorable and super comfy!

 

 

The Apple Loungewear Pattern is two pieces - leggings with a fold-over waistband, and an oversized sweatshirt that has some cute options to really make it fun.  I love when basics come with options - it adds more style!

 

My oldest LOVES this outfit and has worn it 4 times in the week since I sewed it up...that says a lot, right?  She loves comfy clothes, but as I mentioned in my Paperback Writer review, she's getting older and to the point where she wants to look cute and stylish.  This set is really perfect for that!

I chose to make the hi-lo version and add the side pockets - perfect to keep hands warm or store tiny treasures.  I used a velvety soft velour from Hobby Lobby.  It's from their fall line and is on sale right now, too!  Go get some!  I used soft black ribbing for the neckline, hem, and cuffs, and then just a black cotton jersey for the leggings. 

As you can see, the top is oversized - lots of length and width for maximum comfort!  The whole outfit came together in about 2 hours, and the directions were really clear and easy.  I think this is a great pattern for someone who has sewn with knits, but would like to get more adventurous.

The size 8 is pretty true to size in terms of length and width - just remember that the top is oversized for a reason ;-)

The Details:
Pattern: Apple Loungewear by Shwin and Shwin
Size tested: 8
Fabric used: cotton knits from Hobby Lobby
Overall thoughts: Very good instructions, easy to follow.  Good pattern for an advanced beginner, especially someone new to knits, as there are some great tips.

Tried and Tested: Paperback Write Cardigan by Shwin & Shwin Designs

So, there comes a time in a third grader's life where she realizes...she's just not that into some of the "little girl" things that she used to be.  She's moving on to bigger and better stuff...more mature stuff.  Particularly in the fashion department.  Yep, folks, we've moved into the tween years.  *sniff*

So, when the awesome Shauna of Shwin & Shwin asked me to test this cute little Paperback Writer Cardigan, I knew which size to choose - the one of my mature tween. 

The styling on this cardigan is slouchy and relaxed, and according to my daughter, "Super crazy comfy!"  Which I guess means she loves it. 

The shawl collar and optional pocket give it really cute style.  I've got one cut out for my 6 year old with a contrasting collar and trim, which I think will be really fun!

As you can see, the Paperback Writer looks great with leggings (yep, another pattern review, which will be out soon!), but I think it would also look great with some skinny jeans and boots.

 

 

 I made this version with a really soft sweater knit from Joann.  I thought the silver dots on the black background were great for a younger kid, but also mature enough for someone older and more worldly.  Ahem.

 

The best news: Shauna is working on an ADULT version of this pattern!  Hurrah!  Really, the size 8 just about fit me, aside from needing to lengthen the arms a tad.  But for those of you who are not vertically challenged like myself, just be patient and wait a few weeks for the grown up version ;-). 

 

I'm going to offer these in the shop as well - so if you'd like your own, please let me know!

 

The Details:

Pattern: Paperback Writer Cardigan from Shwin & Shwin Designs

Size Tested: 8

Fabric Used: black with silver polka dots from Joann's fall fashion line.  This fabric has a great drape and was the perfect choice.

Verdict: The slouchy style is adorable on younger kids, but perfect for older kids!  This pattern came together really quickly - the instructions are great and very detailed.

Tested and Reviewed: The Viewfinder Tee by See Kate Sew

I've been busy as a bee with back to school sewing, including testing 3 patterns, and I get to share 1 with you today!

If you read sewing blogs, then of course, you know the lovely Kate from See Kate Sew.  She's got great style and I just love her annual Ruffle Series!  You should definitely check the ruffle apron from this year out - so adorable :)  Kate just released a new pattern collection - the Nostalgia Collection - and I got to test the Viewfinder Tee.

 



 The Viewfinder Tee is a dolman sleeved tee with a hi-lo hemline.  I made a few in a size 8 and they fit my slender 8 year old just perfectly. 

I made this first version out of a pretty thick knit with sort of a floral lace print on it - my daughter helped me pick the fabric and thought it was perfect for a big girl.  This fabric is from Joann's fall line and is SO soft! 

I love the wider neckline, and the sleeves are about as easy as can be - in fact, this whole shirt can be made in less than an hour, including cutting!  If you've never sewn with knits before, this is a great place to start - only 4 pattern pieces and NO serger required :)

It looks great with some skinny jeans and boots for fall, but would be perfect for summer with some shorts.  Best of all - it only takes 2/3 of a yard of fabric for a size 8!  I plan on making a ton - it's such a great pattern!

I made this version with some tribal print from Girl Charlee.  I bought this a while ago, so it looks like they are out of stock, but they do have a few other tribal prints (and hello - their prices are amazing!!).

I love the way it looks with leggings (more on that pattern test soon!), and of course, this was approved by my little model as "The Most Comfy Outfit EVER!"  Gold Star for Mama :)

 





The Viewfinder Tee pattern is for sizes 9/12M-8.  You can purchase it here, or as part of the Nostalgia Collection here.

 

Thanks, Kate, for letting me test such a great pattern!

 

The Details:

Pattern: Viewfinder Tee by See Kate Sew

Size Tested: 8

Fabric Used: a thick interlock from Joann, and a thin tee shirt material from Girl Charlee. 

Tried and Tested: The Sally Dress by Shannon Cook of Luvinthemommyhood!

Well hey there!  Yep, I took a vacation.  It was fairly uneventful and full of naps :)  In short, it was BLISS.

My girls go back to school next week, so there has been a flurry of back to school sewing going on here, including some pattern testing.  I was one of the lucky few picked to test Shannon Cook's adorable new pattern, The Sally Dress.  I've been a huge fan of Shannon's for a long time, and was so thrilled to test this sweet dress for her!

(photo credit: Amanda Buechler Photography)

  I really can't say enough good things about this pattern.  The construction is great - my favorite part are the perfectly finished seams - great when you don't own a serger or for kiddos who don't like raw edges rubbing against their skin.  The fit is slightly retro, and the big pockets are fabulous for holding treasures :)

I made two Sally dresses - one in a 6 and one in an 8 and the fit was great on both of my (skinny) girls.  The 6 is a little roomy on my teeny tiny 6 year old, so I think it's probably true to size.

 

 My girls love the twirl factor of this dress, and I love that it's a great, classic dress.  The pockets make it fun, and I think the shape of the neckline is just adorable on little girls.  I think it would be super cute in corduroy or chambray for the fall, and even velvet for a winter dress.  And of course, this would be heavenly in a nice voile for eyelet for summertime. 

 

 I really like the way the bodice comes together.  All of the edges are encased in the lining, which is a really nice feature.  I chose to make sleeveless dresses, but I have the longer sleeved version cut and ready to sew for my oldest...stay tuned for those pictures! 

Want to get your hands on your own Sally Dress pattern?  You can purchase here or on Shannon's shop.  And don't forget to check out her blog this week for more pictures from all of the other testers.

Thank you again, Shannon!  What a fun dress to sew!

The facts:
Pattern: The Sally Dress by Shannon Cook
Size Tested: Girls' 6 and 8
Fabric used: The floral and geometric print are from Millie's Closet by Riley Blake, and the red chevron is Riley Blake too.  I lined with the bodice with white muslin since that's what my girls prefer.
Thoughts: This is a great dress pattern for an experienced beginner.  I like the fact that you don't need to finish the seams - they are all encased!  I didn't do the sleeve option on this test, but have since sewn one up and the fit is great on that option as well.  I do wish that the pattern went to a 10 or 12, but it will be easy to figure out the measurements for that as my girls get bigger.

Tried and Tested: The Liesel Dress by Peek A Boo Pattern Shop

I'm so excited to share a new dress with you today!  I've sewed up a few of Peek A Boo Pattern Shop's adorable patterns (the Perfect Peasant Dress is used for this dress in my shop) and have found the patterns to be very straightforward and quick to sew.  Recently, I had the opportunity to test one of Amy's patterns for her new fall line and since I've had such good luck with her designs in the past, of course I said yes!

I tested the Liesel, a peasant-style dress or top with shirring at the waist (and sleeves, if you do the short sleeve version).  I know that shirring is sort of scary for a lot of people, but it's really not too hard, and Amy walks you through it step-by-step.

I made the short sleeved version of the dress in a size 8, which has a shirred waist and sleeves.

 The neckline has a cute tie made from bias tape, which is a fun touch if you make your own.  My daughter loved how comfy this dress was!

I think the fit was right on - it looks a little big on my daughter, who is pretty skinny.  But the length and sleeve length were perfect for her.

Here's a close up of the tie.  Stay tuned for a tutorial on how to make your own bias tape - again, it seems tricky, but really, it's super simple!  I love the polka dots with this big floral print.

Here's a shot of the back, and you can see how the neckline gathers.  It's such a comfy little dress!  I can't wait to make a few more of these for back to school!  I think it would be adorable in corduroy and I also can't wait to make the top version!

Thanks, Amy for letting me test this adorable pattern!

The Facts:
Pattern: Liesel by Peek A Boo Patterns, dress with short sleeves
Size: 8
Fabric: the floral is an Alexander Henry print that I bought at Joann several years ago.  Sadly, I cut the selvage off so I don't have the name of it :(  The purple polka dot fabric is also from Joann - just their basic quilting cotton.
Thoughts: This was a super easy sew!  Only 4 pattern pieces, so it comes together super quick.  If you've never shirred before, this is a great project to get you feeling comfortable.  I chose to make my own bias tape, but using store bought would be just fine and even faster.

Tried and Tested: Daphne Wrap Dress by The Cottage Mama

Happy Monday!  I'm sharing some pictures of The Cottage Mama's newest pattern, The Daphne Wrap Dress and Top.  I tested the dress, View A, and I just have to say, Lindsay did it again!  This pattern was quick and easy to sew, but the finished piece looks expensive and professional. 

My favorite detail on this dress is the piping that you can add to the entire garment.  I chose to add it the top of the bodice, but I think that when I make another one, I'll add it to the hem as well. 

 



The back buttons, and I chose to use a covered button kit to make mine.  They are such an easy to add detail to clothing!  If you've never used a covered button kit, you can find them on the notions wall at your local fabric store.  These are my favorite.

The Daphne Wrap Dress is super comfy and my 10 year old model fit into it perfectly.  I love how it works on an older girl, but it would also be absolutely darling on a baby or toddler!

The Daphne Wrap Dress and Top are reversible too!  So you can get two outfits in one!  Plus, there is an optional kangaroo pocket - I think the pocket or the bodice would look so cute with a monogram or applique.

 

 

A huge thank you to Lindsay for having me test another pattern for her!  She really made it a fun experience for our testing group!  Check out her blog and Facebook page to check out the adorable dresses and tops that the other testers made.

 

This dress will be listed in the shop soon!

 

Here are some thoughts and details about this dress:

Pattern: The Daphne Wrap Dress and Top by The Cottage Mama

Size: 10, View A

Fabric: Quilter's Basic from Joann Fabric.  This fabric is nice and lightweight - perfect for a summer dress!  I used plain pink piping and made my own covered buttons.

Thoughts: This pattern is great for an experienced beginner who isn't yet comfortable with piping and button hole placement - Lindsay offers some great tips for both, so if you are afraid to try either, this is a great pattern to get started!