The Florence Blouse

Today I am part of the Florence Blouse Christmas Blog Tour & Competition! (I can't believe I am on a competition... I run away from them! I can't handle all the pressure of being the best of all, because I know I won't get there... :) I can't even remember what the prize is, so you can see I am not running for the podium. :) ). 

When Olu from Needle and Ted emailed me with an invitation to join this tour by using a great pattern from a new (to me) pattern designer I couldn't say no. First of all, I am a Olu's fan - I love all that she does, her unique style and voice (I love her sense of humour!) so when she says she has found a new pattern designer and that she was blown away by her patterns I trust her judgement. Second, (I keep saying this I know) I love to find new pattern designers so I jumped to the opportunity of trying a new pattern. And all I can say is that... I am amazed!... I really can't say enough good things about this pattern.

Made it Patterns is a pattern company based in the United Kingdom, owned by Anna Bruce. She has an unique fashion forward style that I love. Just have a look at the shop and you will see what I am talking about... (Anna doesn't have a blog so Olu is hosting this pattern tour for her.)

Pattern

The Florence blouse, pattern by Madeit Patterns.

Fabric

Cotton shirting, silver starry print on a mustard background (although it looks a bit on the greenish side on some of the phtotos...). I think is has a subtle Christmas-y feel to it, doesn't it?

Details

This pattern is a.m.a.z.i.n.g!... The pattern pieces are very good, with notches and snip marks all over so you can easily put everything together. The instructions are very very good, thorough and easy to follow. And the construction method?... Well it is some of the best I have seen in the PDF world... It also has a few amazing design details. Everything all together makes the difference between a good pattern and the perfect pattern.

This pattern is available on sizes 2Y to 10Y. It has two lovely & trendy options: the waterfall frill (which I was *this* close of making because in all honesty - coming from a person that is not very fond of lots of ruffles - I love it. (There, I said it. :) )), and the bow neck. It also features gathered sleeves, a "V" shaped back yoke and front body seams for a tailored fit. It is perfect.

Modifications 

The competitors were given the liberty to change the pattern to suit their vision, so I have made a few modifications as follow: 

• I decided to play with the design of the collar, the optional bow and the front optional frill and created this all-in-one ruffled collar with a strap closure. I have mixed feelings about the collar... I think it ended up being a bit too wide but I kind of like how it looks... 
• Instead of using buttons I have opted for inner snaps, to keep the front less busy with all the ruffles and straps, but I am actually thinking about end up adding buttons on the outside merely for a decorative purpose.
• I increased the length of the sleeves and made an elastic hem instead of the cuffs, just to make it different. My initial idea was to insert straps through the case (instead of the elastic) but then I thought maybe it would be a little too much of bows and ruffles... And I like to keep it simple. :)

Coupon code and a Giveaway!

Anna is giving 20% off all her patterns until Sunday 23rd 7pm EST, with the coupon code "Tour20". And if you want to join all this Holiday fun and decide to sew up a Florence in time for Christmas, make sure to post it on Madeit Patterns Facebook page by the end of January 2015 for a chance of winning another Madeit pattern of your choice!

Blog Tour & Competition

You can see all the other versions of the Florence pattern - there are blouses, dresses and even a coat! - and vote on your favorite (I have a couple favorites! But I can't tell...) on the competition page, by leaving a comment there with your favorite Florence! 

Just a regular photoshoot with a toddler... :)

"Look mommy, it's waining!" It was starting to rain and that was the end of this photoshoot. :)

A Happy Toddler

I have made this blouse to go with those culottes - which were blogged here - for my older daugther. If you have seen the culottes post you may be asking yourself where is she then... Well, she is with a nasty cold so I had to use this kid instead. :) Needless to say she was thrilled with her new starry blouse! I couldn't really let her know that the blouse is her sister's though, otherwise I would have a crying toddler on these photos. :) I don't have enough fabric left to make her another one so I don't know how am I going to solve this... :) All I have is 16'' (40cm) x WOF (about 57''/ 145cm). Any ideas? 

Oh, and I bet you are wondering about their sizes and how could I fit this outfit on this little girl... Well, my 3 year-old chubby toddler and my almost 6 year-old super slim girl have just about the same measurements (chest, waist, hip)... Yes, don't tell me about it... :) 

The Moku Shorts (or Culottes)

Have you heard about One Thimble magazine? It is an digital sewing magazine, based on Australia, full of PDF patterns, sewing projects, tips and  more! 

One Thimble is celebrating its 1st anniversary! On issue 5 you can find 15 PDF sewing patterns and several useful articles such as tips for sewing with knit and plastic coated fabrics, advice on how to maintain your overlocker/serger and tutorials on adding a zip pocket to a bag & trouble-shooting necklines on knit garments as articles on interfacing, shirring and sewing buttons on by machine, and a few handmade business articles that look at how to make your sewing better than store bought, and photography. 

You can read more about it here. And have a look at this sneak peek.
Get issue #5 of One Thimble here! And you can also have a look at all 15 PDF patterns included in this issue and purchase whichever you want (as individual patterns), at the One Thimble shop.

I had the chance to sew one of the 15 PDF sewing patterns included on this issue - the Moku Shorts or culottes. (Thanks Mie!)


Pattern
The Moku Shorts, PDF pattern by Tadah! Patterns (formerly Fresh Patterns). 
Tadah! Patterns is run by Lauren, an Australian, who has been awarded with the 2014 Ausmumpreneur Award in the Handmade category (how awesome is that?).

Fabric
I really don't know the name of this fabric in english... (Sorry folks!) It is something that looks like a medium weight flannel on the outside and a medium weight woven on the inside. Maybe it is a brushed tweed?...
I am trying to find a book with real swatches so I can learn... If you know any can you please let me know in the comments below? Thank you! 

Details
This pattern includes sizes 2 to 12. It offers two options: high waist or hip sit. And it features a flat front + elastic back waistband. 
The instructions are very good! Full of clear digital illustrations and easy to follow. 
Although it is almost Summer in Australia it is almost Winter (well, it already feels like it...) around here, half way around the globe! So, I had to make a version suitable for the cold weather. 

These shorts have the right amount of the twirling factor to make a little girl happy!
I had a few when I was a kid and I loved them! I remember loving the fact that I could jump, run, climb and bend easily but looking like a girl wearing a skirt. :)

At this point the camera lens was making a strange noise and the photos started to look all overexposed and blurry... It made a "clang" sound and it stopped working... 
Thankfully it is still under the warranty. But still, it means I am now left with a kit lens of 55-200mm until this one is fixed... (If you are into photography you know what that means... :) )

It was the first time I have sewn something from Tadah! Patterns but I can tell it won't be the last! You all know how I love to find new pattern designers and the truth is: this one didn't disappoint! I am eager to sew up the Library blouse and the Tulip skirt... I keep seeing all these amazing versions poping up around the web... I am in love.

If you are wondering about the wollen cape - it was made by me last Winter and you can read all about it here!

Make sure to have a look at all the other participants on this tour! There are some great patterns in this issue if One Thimble!

Friday 11/14: Pattern Revolution, Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Saturday 11/15: Handmade Boy

Sunday 11/16: Mimi's Mom, Rebekah Sews

Monday 11/17: Ellie Inspired, Handcrafted by Red

Tuesday 11/18: The Crazy Tailor, The Berry Bunch, Friends Stitched Together

Wednesday 11/19: Made by Sara. Bee Quilted Beauties

Thursday 11/20: Gracious Threads,  Lady and the Gents, Shaffer Sisters

Friday 11/21: Knot Sew Normal, Beazza & Llama, Mae & K

Here is a giveaway! Enter this Rafflecopter for a chance to win your own copy of One Thimble issue #5!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sugar Plum Sweater

Hi! I had the chance to join the Ellie Inspired Holiday Tour, so here I am! You already know how much I love to find new patterns and pattern designers and although Ellie Inspired is in the pattern market since 2010 and has over 100 (!) patterns to choose from I haven't had the chance to sew up one of their patterns before. If you like classic and timeless pattern designs you have to check Ellie Inspired's patterns.

Pattern
The Sugar Plum Sweater dress pattern, pattern by Ellie Inspired.

Fabric
Two different double-knits.
I usually don't make things for my kids in these greyish-black darker colors but honestly it was the only knit I had with a holiday feel. :) (And it is very very hard to find good knit prints around... They are mostly color blocked...)

Details
This pattern comes in sizes 1-16! It is a super simple sweater or dress pattern with a few options: short or long sleeve and a crew neck or a turtle neck.
I have to say I almost never sew t-shirts or sweaters for my kids without adding some pizzazz. Either it is a ruffle collar, a kanguru pocket, elbow patches, or simply by using two different knit prints or playing with some color blocking... In this case I have add a kanguru pocket and bow straps as a closure at the back - they are both not in the pattern options. I love the result! I want a sweater just like this to myself...
This is a beginner friendly pattern so if you want to try a simple project with knits this is it.

Ellie Inspired Clothes is offering a discount of 25% off all your cart with the code PARTY valid through Friday (Nov 14th). I already have a few patterns in mind I want to try... (Like the Sweet Pea Coat - how lovely is that?)

See what the other participants of this tour are sewing up with Ellie Inspired patterns
Crazy, Crafty Haute Mama
Know Sew Normal
That's Sew Kary

And she is back to normal... That sassy girl... :) Thank you all for your kind words. All the bugs are gone now and this family of five is back to regular routine. Finally. :)

The Ansley dress

My heart is full this week... This little one is the sweetest girl in the world! (oh, I know I always say this when I blog something I made for her... :) ) She is missing pre-school for over a week now because of the chickenpox (if you read my last post you already know that). And I feel terrible because I feel sorry for her but at the same time I feel so happy to be able to have a shadow all day long again. :) Sending her to pre-school was a tough choice (emotionally speaking) but we knew she would love it! (She was sad and missing her brother and sister...)
Lucky for her, she is getting a lot of mama sewing time this last week. And I am getting a lot of cuddling with this girl. :)

Today I am sharing a wollen dress I made for her. I was going to use a poplin or a cotton lawn for this dress but I just couldn't. It is already snowing in the mountains so down here it is getting very cold these days... And this way she can layer it for some added warmth.

Pattern
The Ansley top and dress, pattern by Blaverry. 

Fabric and notions
Wool blend.
Black bias tape and two vintage buttons.

Details
This pattern offers countless options! You can make a top/tunic or a dress, with a regular skirt or in a hi-low style. You can choose from four different sleeve styles - short sleeves, gatherered sleeves, flutter sleeves, 1/4 sleeves with or without cuffs -, and three collar options - no collar, round collar or pointy collar. It also offers three hem options (regular, bias binding and ruffled). See what I mean?
I made a size 4T according to measurements and it is a bit roomy but I don't mind since it will last all Fall/Winter season this way.

I opted for skirt option B (high-low style) with flutter sleeves (option D) and no collar (option A). I had to take a bit of length off the back skirt (that is, reduce the hi-low look) because it was a bit long for her height. I have also add a bias tape bow to the neckline to add some interest there. I think next time I will take some of the width from the flutter sleeves - I think they are a bit too wide for her shoulder width. She loves her new dress and that is what matters the most.

I have found Blaverry's patterns a few months ago on Etsy while I was looking for something else. I immediately fell in love with the design and aesthetic of these patterns... I am used to see the pattern covers with mommy photos and outfits made out of colorful prints of quilting cotton (nothing wrong with that) but these pattern covers look like a higher end fashion brand catalogue. At the time I bought a few patterns but I have to say I never had the chance to use them since then... So, I was really excited to be a part of this tour since I would have a deadline to actually make something out of a Blaverry pattern. :)

Some of the construction methods are not what I am used to (like the button placket construction) but Christie has a college degree for fashion design so she knows what she is doing. She aims to teach home sewists techniques that follow the same construction as commercial style clothing so people can create clothing that doesn’t have that “homemade” feel to it. Personally I would do some things differently - I would add a lining to the yoke to hide the seams and I would add interfacing on the button placket. I would say this pattern is good for an advanced beginner since some of the steps have minimal instructions - more like what we see in printed patterns. The overall is positive and I enjoyed making this pattern.

The size range of this pattern is amazing - 9 months to 14 years! (Suitable for tweens!)
It offers the layers printing option so you can choose to print only the size you need. And there is a comprehensive printing guide that allows you to print only the pages you need for the options you choose to make. (I really appreciate this!!)

You can get your copy of this pattern and any other from Blaverry with a reduced price during the tour. Use coupon code "ILOVEBLAVERY10" at checkout for a 10% off on all cart.

Make sure to have a look on the other versions made for this tour - you will se how versatile this pattern is!

November 3rd

Felt with Love - The Crazy Tailor - Rebeka Sews - Sprouting JubeJube

November 4th

Sewing Sober - Sew Starly - Filles À Maman - Work, Pray, Sew

November 5th

Lulu & Celeste - Rebel & Malice - xoxo Grandma - Sew Cool for the Tween Scene

November 6th

Paisly Roots - Ginger House Designs - Needle & Ted - The Sewing Sparrow

November 7th

Frenchie - SewOutOfControl - Made by Sara - Daisy Chain Creations

Little girls dressed like... little girls.

You may have noticed the bread on her hands and... on her mouth. :) This poor kid has been inside walls for a week on a mommy imposed quarantine due to the chickenpox (you may have read about it in this post). So now that she is finally (almost) done with that I took her to the city park so she could run freely and feed the ducks. Of course she had to keep some bread to herself. :)

Afterwards I took her to the grocery store and while I was paying for my grocery this lady behind me (in her late sixties or early seventies) approached me and said "I have to congratulate you for dressing your daughter like a little girl! Most girls nowadays are dressed with tees and jeans or leggings or dressed like grown ups... I love that dress!" I didn't know what to say really... Most of the times I dress my girls in the most practical outfits - tunics and leggings... :) And sometimes I overdress them - maybe because we live in a very fashion-forward-trend-follower european country and I love to buy at Zara... :) I whispered to her "I made it!" and watch her and the cashier's suprised faces at a glance while I turned my back and ran away... She yelled a "Oh, that is marvellous!" And that was it.

The truth is this lady got me thinking... 

I have read on the webs before people saying things like this - that little girls should dress like little girls, what usually means wearing dresses and lots of ruffles. Well, lots of ruffles are not my cup. I like it but only in a good measure (and that means just a little ruffle here and there). And both of my girls certainly don't wear dresses everyday... But the fact is... and this is surprising even for myself... now that I think about it I do like to see little girls dressed like... little girls. They look adorable! And now that I really think about it, I make dresses and tops with a small ruffle now and then... (like this dress, this top or this blouse). So that must mean that deep down inside I really like this girly style. :)

And that made me think if I wasn't being incoherent... I came to the conclusion that what I like to see on little girls is somehow different from what I make them wear everyday to school which is also different from what I love to sew. Let me explain it. 

I like to see my girls dressed like little girls - dresses and ruffles (in a good measure). And most Sundays that's how they dress.

But their everyday style is more practical then that - flowy blouses, tunics and leggings - because I want them to run and play freely and comfortably. This leads me to the question: Can a little girl play comfortably on a dress? I don't know about you, but I do think so... to a certain degree. In my opinion it is not the same as running and jumping with a top and leggings. (Unless it's a knit dress maybe, like those that Mie does and that I love.)

But in fact the outfits I sew fot them usually have a trendy look (mostly because of the fabrics I use, which are not printed quilting cotton), like this dress.

So... What about you? How do you like to see little girls dressed? Do you actually dress your kids accordingly? Or are you like me and prioritize comfort? And does that match your sewing style? I would love to know... (Really!)

Everyday tank top

(Here I am today. Again. :) Told you so!) 

My little one was oh-so happy with her new top! Sad thing is... She is going to have to wait a few months to wear it because Fall as arrived around here! 

This is the Everyday tank pattern by Serger Pepper and it is one of the most versatile patterns I have ever seen. You can make a tank top, a dress or a maxi dress. The tank top can be used as is for hot weather or as underwear now that the weather is cooling off. You can also add some long sleeves and make it a sweatshirt. Or you can even turn it into a vest!

Pattern
The Everyday Tank : Top & Dresses pattern, by Serger Pepper Patterns.

Fabric
Floral navy knit + off white knit.

Details
If you're looking a for a basic tank pattern with a twist don't look any further. This is what you need. It is such a cool and versatile patttern! It has a side panel that just adds some interest and fun to it! Think color blocking or lace! It also features optional in-seam pockets.
I have flip it just a bit - I have add a ruffled collar and some lovely bows on the side panels. 

The Everyday tank has super comprehensive instructions, full of suggestions, tips and links on how to sew with knits, for example, and it also offers several hem and binding options. It is a super quick and easy sew!
Irene offers both metric and imperial measurements (I love it when designers have the metric system! :) ) and she also have add an option for you to print only the size you need! Oh, speaking of sizes, the range is 3 to 14 years. (It is suitable for tweens! And even for slim fit women.)

I will be sharing (later on) a tutorial on how to make the side bows and the ruffled collar - both super easy to make! 

Make sure to check all the versions made for this pattern tour. You will get so much inspiration from all these amazing creations and flips!

Monday, 3rd

Sew Very | Paisley Roots | Sewing Mama RaeAnna | Snickerdoodle Stew | Threading My Way

Tuesday, 4th

Shaffer Sisters | Sews N Bows | Rebel and Malice | Sew Mc Cool | Cucicucicoo

Wednesday, 5th

Mama Says Sew | Bluebird and the Boy | Call Ajaire | Made By Sara | Sofilantjes

Thursday, 6th

Two Novembers | xoxo Grandma | Sweeter Than Cupcakes | Kid Approved | Lily Shine Boutique

Friday, 7th

Probably Crafting | Pienkel | Two Many | Coral and Co. | Falafel and the Bee

Saturday, 8th

Wildflower Child Create | Diary of a MadMama | Sew a Straight Line | On The Cutting Floor | Winter Wonderings

Sunday, 9th

House of Estrela | Nutta |  Knot Sew Normal | Sweeter Than It Seams

Discount and Giveaway!

There is a 40% discount on all Serger Pepper patterns valid up until Nov 9th! Use the code BLOGTOUR40 off on all your cart, on Serger Pepper's shop here and on Etsy. 

You can also try your luck to win a copy of the Everyday Tank : Top & Dresses pattern! Just enter the rafflecopter bellow!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Irene is such a sweet that if you decide to buy the pattern using the coupon code and then you win it, you will have the choice between having another pattern or a $ 10 coupon code for a future purchase (expiring by the end of the next year 2015)!

Red dots and blisters... It's chickenpox!

So... Did you noticed all the red dots on this litle one? She has chickenpox. Her body is full of red spots and a few blisters. Both of my older kids already had it when I was pregnant of this one so they are fine. Where we live people do not vaccinate kids for chickenpox (Do you in your Country?). And honestly I think that is okay. I mean, except for some discomfort from the itchiness she is just fine. Happy and super smiley as always. :) It all started one week ago - on Tuesday night there were just a few tiny red dots on her left arm and then on Wednesday they were all over the place... Most of the blisters are already gone and all she has now are crusts. That she tries to take off... Her brother has a few marks left from scratching off the crusts but they are barely noticeable. I guess a few more days and we are done with this and she will be able to go back to daycare (where she caught this...) - she loves going there! And we are blessed because her teacher is super sweet and commited to the kids. 

So, hopefully after almost two weeks of me being sick followed by one week of two sick kids, I will finally be back to normal schedule in a few days! :)

Happy sewing!

Sunday Picnic Dress

Hey! Today I am part of the Sunday Picnic dress tour. I love the lovely vintage look of this pattern! Suz does such a great job coming up with amazing vintage looking patterns... 

Pattern
This is the Sunday Picnic dress, a new pattern by Sewpony Vintage patterns!

Fabric and notions
Suiting tweed, mid-weight wool and cotton blend, in grey with silver glitter (main), muted rose & cabbage cotton print in grey (lining).
Vintage trim, white piping.

Details
This dress is available in sizes 12 months up to 10 years. If offers three sleeve (or sleeveless) options, a pointy collar (or collarless) and a few embelishment options (piping and decorative buttons). The bodice is fully lined! And the A-line skirt features two pockets.
I opted to make a Fall/Winter version made out of a woolen blend for the colder weather, and sleeveless and collarless so it could be used with a blouse underneath.
Instead of using piping (as suggested) for the "V" neckline and pockets, I opted to use a vintage trim and I really like how it looks!
After I have sewn the bodice to the skirt it felt to me like something was missing on my version of this lovely dress... I think it was because I used such a grey & plain fabric (with no print) it was looking very dull on the back, so I decided to unpick the bodice seam and add piping there. I think it looks better this way. :)
I did a small flip on the this pattern. It is supposed to close at the back with an invisible zipper and the front pieces are supposed to be sewn to each other (so the "V" shape is more closed up to the neck), but I opted to skip the zipper (by making a single back piece, instead of two) and leave the two front pieces loose. This way I can easily pull it on and off her head (or feet, if she walks into it, which is also a great way to put dresses on a girl) with no closures!

 Here is a sneak peek of the versions of some awesome ladies that are also on the pattern tour today! Go check their full blog post!

A Jennuine Life | Hungie Gungie | Gracie Oliver

Make sure to check the blogs that are also on this tour to see several amazing options of the Sunday Picnic dress! 

Suzanne is offering a discount from Tuesday 28 Oct - Friday 7 November (duration of tour) of 15% with code: SUNDAYTOUR15.  This will apply to both Big Cartel and Etsy store. Go get yours! :)

Red rain boots and a sick girl...

Fall has finally arrived around here! Last week it was all about sun and hot temperatures (we were still wearing short sleeves, shorts and sandals by the end of October!), and suddenly this week it is all about rain and the temperatures dropped like crazy! 

Are you wondering "what's with those rain boots with that outfit"?... Well, this little girl has been ill for about a week now with a virus that caused her severe diarrehea... (I think it is the first time I use the word diarrehea on a blog post, sorry for that. ;) ) We had to take her to the hospital because she had blood on her poop and I kind of freaked out just a little... I am NOT the kind of mom that worries too much, and I can certainly deal with blood and with my kids bleeding but only when it is the "normal" bleeding, like coming from the nose or from skin scratches. Blood coming from the inside organs is not a good thing on my book... Well, apparently sometimes it is not a bad thing also. According to the doctors it is normal that a child bleeds like that when she's infected with a virus of this sort. So I learned something. 

Oh, but back to the boots. :) She is still a bit weak (for not eating properly for a week and being a bit dehydrated) and when I asked her if we could go outside to take a few photos she was "Sure mommy, but I want to take my rain boots so I can jump in the puddles!" She was thrilled it was raining! My kids love rain in fact. (I don't think they are normal... :) ) They love to wear their rain boots and take their colorful umbrellas (the one on the photos is actually mine... hers has a huge Minnie on it and it is very pink and red... it wouldn't look so great on the photos... :) ) for a walk on the city park when it is raining. Of course I had to say yes. :) 

And if you want to see a kid with chickenpox on a sewing blog post come back later today for another post... (and that would be my youngest girl... can you imagine my life in these last seven days with both girls being ill?... Oh well, it could be worse...) I will be showing my version of the Everyday tank top (pattern by Serger Pepper)!