Show of hands: who is ready for spring??? Two hands up here!!!! I am so done with winter. Those that are already enjoying warm breezes and the kisses of the sun, well LUCKY!!! As I am impatiently waiting for spring to arrive though, I at least get to have some fun planning summer wardrobes. I love seeing the changing of seasons, but love even more seeing the new pattern releases to reflect the changing seasons! I am lucky enough to be on My Little Plumcake’s testing team and thus got to have the pleasure of testing and adding two wonderful patterns that will be a staple in baby girl’s spring/summer wardrobe this year.

I was first introduced to My Little Plumcake back in December when I was chosen to test the then unnamed blazer pattern. It was so much fun to test and has many options for boys and girls. I made it up for my big boy and he loved it! She was running a cover/naming contest at that time and I was so excited to win! So yes, that’s my boy on the cover of Canaan’s Incredible Blazer! He was very excited to have the pattern named after him too!

But back to talking spring! Michelle released 4 patterns for her spring line. I only was able to test two as two of the patterns only came in bigger sizes. Bummer for me, but something to look forward to next spring! First we have the Maddalie Spring Dress. It comes in sizes 6mo-10. It is so simple, yet so beautiful. This really gives off the freshness of spring for me. The yoke in the front features a scalloped look with gathers around the middle scallop (mine has gathers around all, but this was changed in the final pattern). This adds a certain elegance to the dress. The back is closed with buttons and button loops. Thank goodness no buttonholes! Now my favorite part- it is fully lined!! No exposed seams what-so-ever. Truly gives it the professional look and heirloom quality. Now this doesn’t have to be a simple cotton frock. Just take a look at the photoshoot on the My Little Plumcake blog to see some dressier versions! Now I will forewarn you, there is hand sewing involved. This happens at the last step when you sew down the yoke lining. It isn’t much and does give it that amazing look. Don’t be afraid!! But if you really hate hand sewing, then just topstitch the lining down. Either way, it is still amazing!!

Next you will find the Addie Spring Shorts! Bubble shorts seem to be all the rage this season! I love these as they can get as dressy or as casual as you’d like. Versatility is a must in my favorite patterns! These come in sizes 6mo-10 and feature pockets, paper bag waistline, pleats, optional leg bands (to give the bubble look) and optional belt. With baby girls shorts I decided to do every option and am very happy with the results! Seriously, who doesn’t like that cute little tush in those cute bubble shorts? I will be making plenty more of these- however without the leg band too for a non-bubble look. Another forewarning: if you do the leg band option, yes you guessed it, more hand sewing. Again, you can always topstitch though! Even though I’m not a huge fan of hand sewing, I love that Michelle incorporates this into her patterns. Really challenges me to get back to the basics of sewing and makes the garment extra special, at least for me anyways!

Don’t forget about the other two wonderful spring patterns! The Chloe Pleated Skirt and The Harper Blouse both come in sizes 12mo-10 and are equally perfect for spring! Right now there is a sale going on too! You can get 15% off the individual patterns with coupon code: Spring14 or to get the most bang for your buck, you can purchase all four spring patterns in a bundle pack for only $21 with the coupon code Collection2014!! Codes are only good till 3/31 so shop now!! You don’t want to miss out on these. Don’t forget to show off your creations in the pattern group on Facebook too! Yay for spring, seriously it’s time!!!

A big THANK YOU to all my readers that voted for me in the Violette Field Threads contest!  With all the votes that came in I managed to come in third place!!!  Very excited about this!!  Couldn’t have done it without you all.  Virtual high fives, cheers, hugs, however you like to celebrate!!!

Say tuned for tomorrow as I am going to review a couple awesome new patterns by My Little Plumcake.  You won’t want to miss it!

Also did you see my new watermark on my pic?  Pretty nifty eh??

You know I love vintage inspired clothes by now right?  Well there is a designer call Violette Field Threads that has the cutest vintage inspired clothes for girls.  What’s the only down side?  They don’t do infant sizes.  Well when they released the Maggie Dress I just had to have it.  Then they decided to do a Maggie styling contest and I really HAD to have the pattern to participate.  So now was the time to figure out how to down size a pattern.  I started by looking at the other sizes and measuring the differences between the sizes and then used those measurements to measure from the smallest size in to draft the 6mo size Maggie.  Make sense? It does work though.  It took patience, a ruler, and a pencil.  I couldn’t be happier with the final result.  Here is my sewing themed Maggie dress for my baby girl!

  Look at those classic lines!!  This pattern comes in women’s sizes too and it’s a pretty easy sew!  I definitely will be making me one for this summer for sure!

Did I mention too that I made her necklace, headband, and the thread holder behind her too?  Pretty cool, eh? Now I did say this was a contest and I’m a finalist!  At least I think I am.  The post on their main Facebook page is a bit confusing for my overly tired brain, but it looks like I am! Please, please, please, please, please (you get the idea) vote for me!!  Just click HERE and LIKE my photo!!  Thank you for all your support!!! You all are wonderful!

So this post isn’t sewing related but it’s still very cool, so don’t x-out that browser window just yet!  Sometimes I get pretty lucky and am able to get some awesome WAHM (work at home mom) items just for photographing them.  So when Rachel of Rocks n’ Socks was offering some of her hats in exchange for modeled photographs, well how could I say no.  Actually I may have jumped up and down, wilding waving my hand in the air while typing…”I can! I can! My kids are cute too!”

You have to check these hats out!!  Rachel’s crochet skills are off the hook!! (<-Did you get it?  Sorry couldn’t resist!)  She can create just about anything from traditional hats to ones that will make you or your kid’s imaginations go wild.  These are great for everyday use, props, costumes, really anytime! My kids love them and so does everyone else when they see them! Not a hat person? Well Rachel can do more than hats too!  Check her out on her Facebook page for lots more photos of her work.

Now if you visit her Etsy shop you may be disappointed to not see many listings.  Don’t get too down hearted, as all you have to do is message her and she can help you with a custom listing!  But be forewarned; you may not be able to stop at buying just one!