This is the Secret Garden dress, pattern by Sprouting JubeJube and E+M.
This dress has two versions - the simplified and the flounce skirt, which features a beautiful bow effect at the back. I have opted for the simple version just because my girls need new clothes for Fall and the big bow would not be so pratical to wear with winter coats. Next Summer I will be making the flounce version - that back is really lovely.
I love the skirt in this dress. And the girls love it too! Look at all that twirl factor... Perfect, right?
The simplified version has a permanent sash and bow (it is sewn to the dress), but I have opted to make it interchangeable so we could change it to match shoes, blouses, hair bows... :)
For this photoshoot I had several options for the sash - a solid cotton in red, a floral cotton print, a blue satin and a black satin sash. She prefered the floral cotton print. I prefered the blue satin one. You can see both in the photos. Which one would you choose?
I would label this pattern as intermediate level.
The bodice closes at the side with an invisible zipper (you can see it bellow). Although sometimes sewing them up can be a challenging task, I love invisible zippers. I was lucky to get this one right (with both seams matching) at first attempt. I have this super simple little trick and it seems to work great. ;)
The bodice lining is set to place with an under stitch, and that my lovely readers, is a perfect construction method. Most dress patterns use top stitching all around the bodice neckline but I personally prefer methods with less top stitching (which in my opinion is over used...).
It also requires a bit of hand sewing - which I love! (Hi, my name is Sara and I am a sewing nerd... :) ) Of course you can always just top stitch it, but in this case it won't be the same, since the stitching line would be just bellow the perfect "V" in the back... So grab a needle and go for a slip stitch by hand. You will be suprised as how quick it can be.
I have used a heavier fabric suitable for fall/winter weather (I *think* it is twill...) and she will be using it with a tee or a blouse underneath. I intended to make the photoshoot with that outfit - to show that this dress can also be worn for Fall/Winter - but the weather here is still very summery. In fact it was very hot this day so she asked not to wear the long sleeve blouse and the tights and winter shoes and I was totally okay with that. This is my hobby not hers, and I am really opposed to force or bribe my kids to make things and wear things just for the sake of me having the "perfect" blog post. ;)
She was also not in the mood for standing still... so all I got were a bunch of blurry photos with her running and twirling all the time - can't blame her really... :)
Make sure to check the other participants blog posts for this pattern tour!
There is an amazing giveaway for this tour! If you want to win several patterns just entry the rafflecopter bellow for a chance to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you are buying this pattern you can use a coupon code, good until Sep 27th. The code is "SGTOUR25" and it will give you a 25% discount for the purchase of the pattern in the E+M website as well as in the Etsy shop.
Today I am part of the Emerson Dress and Top pattern tour.This pattern was designed by lovely Darcy from Ginger House Designs.
I have only good things to say about this pattern.
Darcy won my heart when I saw the pattern pieces because they have... notches!
I really think notches are very important on a pattern. If you would care about learning a bit more about notches I would suggest you to read this great article from my blogging friend Mie, from Sewing Like Mad, for Willow and Co.
The instructions are perfect, with a high professional look and with well designed illustrations.
Pattern and sewing details
The bodice is fully lined and as an option for a ruffle detail but I have opted for using piping instead (you already know I love piping, right?)
The dress and top can be made either with or without the flutter sleeves. I have opted to go with it since I can't resist flutter sleeves... :) These were actually really interesting to make because instead of hemming the edge - like most patterns -, this one suggests that we can finish the raw edge with a very small and narrow zig zag stitch in order to give it that look (see picture bellow). First I wasn't sure I was going to make it this way because I usually don't like exposed seams and raw edges, but I am glad I decided to give it a try because I really like the way it looks - that little fraying is kind of adorable.
Both dress and top close at the back with a button placket.
Fabric
I opted for a rayon challys with a heart print. Super soft and drapey. A bit flimsy to work with but so great to wear.
I almost chose a thicker fabric - so it would go with a long sleeve tee underneath for her Fall wardrobe but then I opted for this summery fabric instead since we are still having some days with a great weather.
This little girl was so happy with her new top! "Hearts, mommy! See, I have hearts!" Well, my sweetie, you have one beautiful heart. You are kind, funny, and sweet, and you know deep down in your good heart when you did wrong and you are always truly sorry. You are a sweetheart.
Make sure to go check the other creations for this pattern tour. You will love the dress option!
Hi! Today I am over Peek-a-Boo pattern shop sharing a tutorial on how to make envelope pillow cases to jazz up your decoration on a snap!
It is a very simple and super quick project you can make all year around to change your home decor according to the season. It is an unexpensive project and it only takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Since Fall just started yesterday, I am showing on the tutorial some ideas on how to embellish these envelope covers for a Fall decor.
Go check it here!
Oh, and just in case you missed my previous contributor's post over there - a tutorial on how to make a roll-up reversible place mat, perfect for pic nics or for school lunches - it is here.
Olá! Hoje estou novamente no blog Peek-a-Boo pattern shop a partilhar um tutorial sobre como fazer capas tipo envelope para almofadas de sofá. É um projecto ideal para mudar a decoração lá de casa num instante!
É um projecto super simples, rápido (apenas 10-15 minutos) e económico. Uma maneira óptima de redecorar sempre que nos apetecer, de acordo com as estações/épocas do ano, por exemplo.
E uma vez que o Outono começou ontem (ainda que hoje, por aqui, pareça Verão outra vez depois daqueles dias todos cheios de chuva...), no tutorial mostro como embelezar as capas para uma decoração com temas de Outono.
Vejam o tutorial aqui!
Ah, e caso tenham perdido o tutorial do mês passado - sobre como fazer um marcador de lugar reversível (e que se enrola para poder ser levado para o trabalho, escola ou pic-nic) -, podem encontrá-lo aqui.
I was thrilled when I was asked by the lovely sisters from Frances Suzanne blog to join the September Showcase of Flip This Pattern - one of my favorite sewing series!
Unlike all previous editions, this month there was not a pattern to be flipped but 10 amazing patterns from rising indie designers to be showcased! Some of them are among my favorite!
Because in this edition it is all about supporting the indie designers, there was no competition and the guests could flip the chosen pattern or sew it as is. Surprisingly - because I love to flip - I didn't flip it. :)
It was very hard to choose just one pattern from all ten available for the showcase, but I ended up making the Meridian cardigan or jacket from Imagine Gnats. I was eyeing this pattern since it was released. Well, it was the perfect timing now since my girls are in need of some cardigans and jackets for the chilly Fall weather that is already in the air and this pattern definitely is a wardrobe staple for this season.
Oh, and I have to confess I had a little helper for this post. She has been asking for so many months now that I would let her sew on my machine (since she doesn't have one... yet!). And I have been telling her "one day...". Well today was the day. :) She made herself a cowl! She was so, so happy!
Jacket
Pattern: The Meridian jacket / cardigan by Imagine Gnats.
Fabric: light weight denim (thin, drapey, a bit crisp) + printed knit, both from my local fabric store. The choice for denim was also because I will be linking this project to the Denim Challenge of Project Run & Play (season 10, week #3).
Details: The pattern asked for two woven fabrics for the jacket, or two knits for the cardigan. I have decided to live dangerously and used a very light weight denim on one side and a jersey knit on the other. I have sewn three buttons on the front and two buttons on each sleeve bottom. The pattern offers a collar option for the jacket version and although I love it I have decided not to make it.
Leggings
Pattern: Basic Leggings by Serger Pepper.
Fabric: red knit.
Details: This pattern is great! I already have a couple more leggings cut out ready to be sewn. I opted not to make the leg cuffs - I hemmed instead.
A curious fact: I was Irene's first customer! :) Not long after, she invited me to guest post on her blog - if you need any tips, ideas or tutorials on sewing with denim go check it here! Irene is a super friendly italian lady who loves to sew and to offer free patterns and great sewing tips on her blog.
Cowl
Pattern: Camper Cowl by Jennuine Designs.
Fabric: both the same as for the jacket.
Details: This pattern is a super easy kids project. And such a quick sew! I would say it took less than 15 minutes for printing, cutting and sewing!
First I thought about making another infinity scarf - which I blogged about, with a free tutorial, here - , but I always LOVE to try new patterns so I had to go for this cowl.
This was the very first project my little girl have sewn on a real sewing machine, so it will always be a special pattern for both of us. (Sorry for all the lameness here, okay? :) )
Go check all the patterns and the guest bloggers versions on September Showcase! They are amazing!
I really love some of these patterns! (The ones I know of.) I have made the Small Fry Skinny jeans here - the best jeans pattern ever! I had the chance to test the Fawn Lily dress here - such a unique design and construction... And I have also tested the Betty skirt which my girl chose for her first day at kindergarten outfit, here. :) I can't wait to make the other patterns. I already have cut fabric for a Shandiin top and a Serendipity swing coat (which I know is an awesome pattern because I already made the blouse and pants from this pattern collection, here).
Join all the fun by linking anything you've made from a pattern of a rising indie pattern designer to the September Showcase linky party!
[Discount and Giveaway alert!!]
Oh, and did I mention that the ten featured designers were so generous as to offer great discounts on their patterns? Go and grab some! (They will run through Sep 20th) You will be supporting these amazing rising indie pattern designers. Nevertheless, you may want to take your chance on this amazing giveaway - just entry the rafflecopter bellow!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I am posting today along with three huber talented ladies! Go check their versions of the Meridian cardi or jacket - Call Ajaire, Pienkel and Sweeter Than It Seams.
Thank you Ashley and Emily for having me on this fabulous showcase! And thank you Rachael for this cool pattern!
Project linked to:
Project Run and Play - season 10
