Winter Wear's Bateaux Garden Dress

Sometimes you just see a dress and fall in love... for me it was when I saw the testing call for Winter Wear's new dress. The line drawing just calls your attention even before you see it in fabric.

So I applied and actually got picked! Yay me! But before I delve into my creations, let me give all of that specific information that you really want.

Sizes:1-14
Options: 3 lengths: tunic, vintage and regular.
               2 different bodices: cross back straps and full back
Twirl factor: 10! The circle skirt is beautiful!

So at first, I decided to start with something super quick and make a tunic version.  So I made a muslin (which I don't do half as much as I should.) and decided to forge ahead.  I had been hoarding this pretty pink fairy frost fabric that my daughter was in love with so I decided that this would be the perfect time to use it.  I choose the cross back in hopes of tricking warmer weather to show up.  This came together surprisingly quickly and I even tackled a zipper closure. I am slowly getting better at them... I hope.  The real wow factor came when I put it on my daughter.

Then I knew I had to try the vintage dress length.  And in the interest of being a good tester, I decided to try the other version of the bodice.

And then being the good sewing mommy that I am, I decided to get a jump start on Easter sewing and kill two birds with one stone! The pattern does come with instructions to create your own petticoats but I was super lazy and decided to buy a slew of them for my daughter about a year ago so we used one of those.

Being the adventurous soul that I am, I decided to use an exposed zipper that I got with my Stitch Box Monthly subscription a few months ago.  I love the look of it and I have got to make sure I get some more lace zippers.  The boatneck shape of the bodice is stunning and really makes the simple dress look more elegant.  And instead of hemming the circle skirt, I decided to use a spring green double fold bias tape to add a pop of Easter color.

Head over to Winter Wear on Etsy and grab the Bateaux Garden Dress. Or take a peek in the Winter Wear Designs Fun facebook group for an exclusive sale code first.

Adeline by Boho Banjo

So I don't sew enough for myself.  I mean who does really? So I have been trying to apply to test more patterns for myself. And I bought a few patterns that I think I will eventually sew.

I recently had the chance to discover my inner boho and test a new pattern called the Adeline for the Aspiring Designers challenge. Before, I dive into my review, a few specifics about the pattern.

Sizes: There is the small Adeline which ranges from size 6-10 and the large Adeline which ranges from sizes 14-24.So no worries about making something for yourself and then not fitting in it after a huge meal..... or maybe that is just me?
Fabrics: Lightweight wovens, knits, or really anything with a decent drape would work well.
Pattern: There are very few pieces for this pattern, but for the larger ladies, it is about 50 pages to print out.

At first, honestly I was concerned that pattern would be a bit of a hassle because it was over 50 pages long. So I reached outside of my comfort zone and called my local FedEx store to see about printing it in a large format.  And I will never go back to printing those huge patterns at home! I placed my order over the phone and the helpful salesperson was able to get the options I needed.  A few hours later, I dropped in and picked up my 2 sheets of A0 paper.

After cutting out my pieces, I had to choose some fabrics.  With the wide range of options, I chose this orange fabric I loved,  Now because I am a larger girl, I had to be sure to cut the fabric right the first time because I did not have enough time to recut anything. And then I promptly cut the front upside down.... Yup, admitting you made a mistake it the first step.  But I didn't notice all the way until I was finished. And I think it turned out fine anyway.

Gotta love those husband amateur photographers! I think my eyes were only closed in half of the pictures this time.  But I love to wear this dress, especially on rainy days, I throw some leggings on and feel comfortable all day long.  Don't take my word for it... go make one for yourself.

Head over to Pattern Revolution and get more information on this great designer in the Aspiring Designers Challenge.  Or just head over and buy your Adeline pattern here! Until next time... which won't be very long...

Boys Can Wear Pink.... Volume 2!

So we had so much fun the first time, we decided to do it again!  So here is my second installment in the Boys Can Wear Pink series hosted by the amazing Kelly from Handsome Boy.  After you have read my post, head over and check out the amazing line up and other posts!

In case you have forgotten, (which I know you didn't) we are looking to break the barriers that boys are not "supposed" to wear pink.  This stigma stifles our creative outlets and prevents our boys from wearing some amazing creations.  It also harbors bias and stereotypes that lead to hurtful attitudes and words.  Well, we aren't standing for it anymore so at least in my house, boys CAN and DO wear pink.

I decided to make a whole outfit for my big boy this time.  Being as large as he is, it is often hard to find pants/shorts that will fit him properly.  A while ago, I jumped out and applied for a tester from Rabbit Rabbit Creations for a secret pattern.  It turned out to be the most fantastic pair of pants for my son.  I have made him 4 pairs of these already.  What pattern is it?  The Urbanite Pants!

These pants are not only amazing in their fit but the detail included to ensure you have a professional looking final result.  Check out my amazing pockets and double top stitching!

Then to find a shirt that would fit and be roomy enough to not cause fussiness in my preteen I headed to my go to favorite pattern maker.  I choose The Ethan Boy's Button Up Shirt by Sisboom.

Admittedly I am scared of collars and cuffs and facings and buttons... really all things dress shirt.  But I knew I could trust this pattern to make me feel like a professional.  And I do.  And I fooled everyone else. No one suspected I made the shirt! Check out these amazing details!

Altogether the outfit just worked! I was worried it would be too much but I think it turned out perfectly and will get some definite wear during the Spring/Easter season. Pardon my child trying to look "grown man serious", this must be a phase of the getting cool part of growing up?

So since the month of February is coming to close, you are running out of time to catch this amazing series.  And to enter the rafflecopter to win prizes... But you have plenty of time to sew up some pink for the boys and men in your life.  I would love to see it! Grab your favorite pattern, pink fabric and get at it.  Then run over to the Sew For Boys facebook group and post it.  Or wherever you post it make sure to include #boyscanwearpink so the world can know!  We dare you...

Enter to win one of the these FABULOUS prizes!!!

One yard of Stenzo Pit Stop Poplin in pink from Mabel Madison
$25 gift certificate, plus a surprise fat quarter from Phat Quarter Shop
One yard of solid cotton/lycra & one yard of coordinating fabric from Purple Seamstress
One pattern of choice from Paisley Roots
$20 store credit from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop
One pattern of choice from Patterns for Pirates
One pattern of choice from Mouse House Creations
Bottoms Up Pants Pattern from If Only They Would Nap
One Pattern of choice from Titchy Threads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Boys CAN Wear Pink... Even Big Boys

So I was over the moon excited to be selected to participate in the Boys Can Wear Pink series that is being hosted by the AMAZING Kelly from over at Handmade Boy.  I am just one of many amazing bloggers who are participating in this tour. (Head over to the RoundUp and check out the other posts.)  This is an amazing experience, my first blog tour and an opportunity to feature Bubba on the blog, I mean he is half of the name...

So boys wearing pink you say?  Absolutely! Our society has been plagued by what we perceive as "normal" and we use it as a shield to hurt and judge others.  It is unacceptable! It is just plain wrong! And the worst part of it all??? We are teaching our children to have these judgmental values.  Ask an average teenage boy if he likes pink and his instant reaction is one of disgust.  The color pink is a color like any other and does not belong to girls alone.  Now my son is a preteen so he was super concerned that wearing pink would make him a target for ridicule.  I told him he could just model it for the blog tour and then he could put it in the closet.  But then I let him help me with the design, I let him sew a little.  He even put on his own snaps.  And now? He loves it!!! Enough of my soap box, let's get to my creation.

My son is huge!  I have a lot of trouble finding patterns that will fit him and hopefully for more than a day.  So when Scientific Seamstress released the adult version of their bowling shirt, I snatched my copy up the first day.  And then stored it in the pattern abyss and never looked back.  But I should have and I intend to make many, many more.  I ended up making him the XS which gave him plenty of room to grow and allows him to look as cool as he thinks he is.

Scientific Seamstresses Bowling Shirt

First off, I love this pattern! And the fact that to make the fun striped look didn't require any math on my part.  The pattern comes with complete instructions and measurements to make horizontal or vertical stripes.  And I was able to sew up two of them in a few hours.

And of course, my hip hop dancing son had to get his "cool" poses in...

Even after all of the hard work, he was still concerned about wearing his shirt in public. And admittedly, his stepdad wasn't much help.  Until I explained to him, how hurtful making fun of people is.  And we will accidentally raise our children to think it is okay to hurt people.  Silly men eventually see the light... so to support my son and boys/men who wear pink everywhere, he wore a pink shirt too!

Then they decided to state their love for pink with some fun fabric spray paints. In retrospect, I would have made it darker and therefore easier to photograph but in real life, the effect is more like graffiti which they love!

So to reward my strong son we went out to lunch.  I offered to let him change his shirt first but as you can see, he decided that wearing it was much cooler!  

Moral of the story: Boys look good in pink!  And they can love it too.  So enough of wandering the fabric stores looking for navy blues, greens, grays and blacks.  Grab some pink and sew something up for your boys, even your big boys!  And then head over to the Sew For Boys facebook group and show it off!  Or post it with the hashtag #boyscanwearpink.

WAIT!!! Before you go, enter to win prizes from our amazing sponsors! And check back with me later this month for my Boys Wear Pink Volume 2!!!!

One yard of Stenzo Pit Stop Poplin in pink from Mabel Madison
$25 gift certificate, plus a surprise fat quarter from Phat Quarter Shop
One yard of solid cotton/lycra & one yard of coordinating fabric from Purple Seamstress
One pattern of choice from Paisley Roots
$20 store credit from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop
One pattern of choice from Patterns for Pirates
One pattern of choice from Mouse House Creations
Bottoms Up Pants Pattern from If Only They Would Nap
One Pattern of choice from Titchy Threads


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wideleg Pants for Every Occasion

     So recently I was selected to test the Wideleg Pants pattern from Jocole that is included in the girl's Bundle Up Sale.  At first, I spent two days telling my husband about how exciting and cool it was to test for Jocole.  Then I spent a whole day panicking about messing up and never getting to test again! On the fourth day, I made pants....

But before I start... you want to know the pattern specs right?

Sizes? From Nb-14 and even include a size for dolls.
What kind of fabrics? Anything! (Well anything non-transparent) both knits and wovens work here, and I believe I saw a pair that were fleece. Whatever is most comfortable for the model...
Options? Where do I begin? There is a pants, capri and shorts length. 3 types of yoga waistband: skinny, regular and fold over.
3 Lengths?!? Are there pockets? Of course! Either a patch or an inseam pocket.
Sounds good right?

Washington winters are rainy and cool so I made Bug pants for both of hers but in a few months the capris will show up. The first pair I made were for a fashion forward shopping day with Grandma, who was in town for Christmas.  I paired them with the Fancy Blazer from Love Notions, which went perfectly with the Christmas print I wanted to use.

The fit was amazing! I was concerned that wideleg pants would swallow her and they don't at all.  And they are so super comfortable.  She refused to take them off later when I demanded that she let me wash them. The length was great even for my long legged beauty and the patch pockets were perfect for fitting the $20 Grandma gave her. I used the fold over waistband and it sat high enough for her to be comfortable but not too high to be "weird".

 

While not-so-patiently waiting for the release of these pants, my kids traveled to Portland for their first ever dance conference. On the list was a comfortable pair of pjs for a late night dance party.  Of course, Diva Bug had to have new pjs for this very occasion. I let her look through all of my patterns and she wasn't convinced any of them would work for dancing. (Not even sure why, but she is very opinionated.) Then she asked for another pair of wideleg pants.  So this round, I used the regular waistband and the inseam pockets. 

I intentionally shortened these so she wouldn't have a problem running around barefoot at the pj party.  She must have enjoyed them because she put them right back on the next day. 

I am already mentally planning my next pair of pants, or maybe capris?  Definitely grab this pattern as a part of your bundle.  Go! Get to bundling!

Click here to head over and build your bundle!

Sweet Innocence and Thanksgiving Alterations

      So I was recently lucky enough to be selected to test a pattern for Annastasia of My Treasured Heirlooms. From the moment I saw the dress and all of the options, I knew I would not be making just one.  Bug is a twirling, ruffly, sparkly type of girlie girl so this dress is right up her alley.  The Sweet Innocence dress goes from sizes 2-10 and there is even a doll option that will fit a wide range of doll babies.  There are 3 different options for this dress, two peasant dresses that can serve as underdresses and even a corresponding pair of pants (with or without ruffles).  If you only buy one pattern, this one has everything and more.  You can purchase just the dress (Girls Pattern) or opt for the combo pack that includes the doll version (Girl and Doll Combo).

       So for my first dress, I had some fabric issues and changed my mind forty times but I finally decided to cut the second view with a peasant underdress. I am working with Bug to pick her own fabrics because she is getting more picky and I don't want to sew things that she will refuse to wear.  I started with the underdress. It is a peasant style dress that could easily stand by itself but I used it to give body to the outer dress.

And oh the twirl!

      There was so much ruffling going on... And then I started with the outer dress.  My daughter, like everyone else's daughter, loves Frozen so I have some of every Frozen print.  She really wanted a Frozen twirly dress.I chose the open back with a double ruffle to mat h the underdress.  After yards and yards of ruffles, I think she was pleased...

      After doing the assigned tester dress, Annastasia asked if anyone wanted to try to do something different with the pattern.  Since Thanksgiving was coming up and I promised my daughter a rocking Thanksgiving outfit, I jumped at the chance to try my luck.  I wanted to use the peasant bodice and create a shirt and match it with the ruffle pants.  So I estimated my daughter would need about 6 1/2" added to the bodice to be long enough to make a shirt. 

     I used the tier 1 measurements from the tiered peasant dress to cut a ruffle to go on the shirt. I shortened the ruffle height to match the pants ruffle. Then I cut out the ruffle pants.  I used the pants ruffle piece as well as a ruffle that was an inch shorter to create a double ruffle.  Since my fabric was so dark and holiday themed, I decided to add some gold ricrac along the ruffles to create a little "bling" for my fancy Ladybug. She loved her comfy Thanksgiving outfit!

      So run over to My Treasured Heirlooms and grab your own copy of the Sweet Innocence Dress on Etsy or Craftsy! And check out her store! She has some awesome crochet patterns.... which is a skill I have been meaning to learn.  Happy Thanksgiving from Bubba and Bug! And on to Christmas sewing!

(Bubba is wearing the Old Tyme Baseball Shirt from Dandelions N Dungarees)