Month: January 2015

Bow-licious with the Otium by Sofilantjes!

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RTC_0418Who just loves blog tours? I know I do, especially when I am part of them! Today I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the Otium blog tour with Sofilantjes. The designer behind Sofilantjes is an awesome woman by the name of Annemieke. I have had the pleasure of testing and making many patterns by Annemieke and just love all her designs. Needless to say I jumped on the chance to be a part of her blog tour too!!

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RTC_0341Let’s take a look at the Otium pattern shall we? First of all, here’s a little lesson in language. Otium means ease in Latin. Yes, I Googled it. The name and meaning is quite fitting and perfect for this very comfy shirt pattern. Coming in sizes 12m-14yrs and women’s XS-XXXL this pattern is great for all the girls and women in our lives, including you! There are many options in both sizes as well. RTC_0417Options include 3 sleeve lengths (long, 3/4, and short) and 3 shirt options (diagonal pocket, low back with bow, or regular shirt). All are finished with cuffs on the sleeves and a waist band which means no hemming!! That is not to say you can’t hem it, but really why hem if you don’t have to? The tutorial walks you through each step accompanied by illustrations so even a beginner to knits can perfect this one. Yes, the ease in which it is made and the ease that you feel in wearing it…yes, the name says it all.

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RTC_0335For this tour I not only had the pleasure of making another shirt for my baby girl but also to do a little self care sewing for myself! First let’s take a look at baby girls top. For hers I made the size 12mo with the low bow back. The fit is great. Nice and relaxing. For my top I also made the low bow back but I was able to fit it so it fits me perfectly.RTC_0432 Annemieke knows all women are beautiful in all different shapes and sizes. In the pattern it shows how to fit the top to fit all of our more curvy areas where ever they may be. Using her instructions I was able to make my top to fit my size M bust with my size L hips. The fit is perfect!! I used fleece on both tops and it worked out beautifully. I was even able to use it for the collar with just a little extra length added to the collar measurement per the suggestion from the tutorial as well! This pattern really sets you up for success!

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You may not be able to see, but baby’s girls fabric says “I love Grandma”.  Perfect opportunity to take some cute pics of her and Grammy!!

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Ready to make your own? Even if you are new to knits, you can make this one. And don’t worry, if you need a little help or someone to hold your hand there is a Sofilantjes Sew and Show Group to help you out! Now head on over to the website and pick up your copy of the girls or women’s pattern which are both 20% off. Or get both in the bundle pack for 30% off! Don’t forget to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway too for your chance to win 11 patterns from some awesome sponsors of this tour!!

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Monday, January 26th

Huisje Boompje Boefjes – Pienkel – Straight Grain

Tuesday, January 27th

Bundle Up with EYMM’s Freestyle Harem Pants!

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It’s that time again! Time to Bundle Up! No I’m not talking about staying warm for cold weather, although with the current snow storm here in New England we are doing just that. I’m talking about that time of the year when you can get 11 new patterns at a fraction of the cost; and the more you buy, the more you save. I’m sure you know the theme by now. But in case you don’t, this sale’s theme is for the girls! I absolutely love all the patterns and now own them all. These will certainly help keep my girl stylish for awhile.
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RTC_0268Today we are taking a closer look at one pattern on the Bundle Up tour! The Freestyle by Everything Your Mama Made (EYMM) is a fun and comfy pattern for girls, and boys too! It comes in sizes NB-18 as well as 18″ doll. RTC_0281There are many options with this pattern such as 3 lengths (shorts, capris, and pants), 2 waistbands (straight or pointed), and 3 hem options (plain, cuff, or elastic). You could make many different looks with this one! The back has elastic for fit and comfort. The hardest part of the pattern is making the pleats, which isn’t hard at all!
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RTC_0272I used a very cool woven fabric I have been hoarding for awhile waiting for the perfect pattern. Well this was it! I just knew it as soon as I saw the pattern. I couldn’t be happier with the results. For baby girl I made the 12-18mo with the pointed waistband and elastic hem. The fit is great with room to grow. She looks absolutely adorable (yes, I’m a little biased) and comfy in these. I also made matching doll pants too! Don’t they make such a cute pair?
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Like I said before, this is just one amazing pattern in the Bundle Up Sale! You have to check out all the others. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Make sure you also check out the Pattern Revolution blog for all the giveaways during the Bundle Up sale. There are some amazing prizes you don’t want to miss. While you are on your cyber travel checking out those amazing prizes, don’t forget to also stop by these other blogs and check out the stunning outfits made from these new patterns!
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It’s a Chocoholic Valentine with Mandy K Designs!

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Valentine’s Day is just less than 3 weeks away! Are you ready? If you aren’t and haven’t decided what dress to make your little one, then I am here to help you out! Have you heard of Mandy K Designs? Well if you haven’t, let me introduce you to a newer yet awesome designer. She has created patterns for girls that are fun, cute, and classic, yet stylish all at the same time. Don’t just take my word for it; I think this dress speaks for itself!
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This is the XOXO dress (the name! Love it). It is the perfect dress forRTC_0163 Valentine’s and any occasion really. Coming in sizes 12m-14yrs, this will fit your girl for many years. Did I also mention that it comes with the 18″ doll pattern included? Yes! It does! The sweetheart bodice is fully lined, so no itchy seams here. The ruffle on the bodice is optional, but I love how it adds to the girliness. RTC_9990The wide straps lace up in the back in a corset-like feel. The skirt is accented with two different kinds of ruffles. The first kind is the more traditional overlay ruffle, which can then be accented with ribbon or rick rack. The second is the more stunning and regal ruched ruffle. This is a little more time consuming but well worth it! The tutorial is well written and accompanied by clear photos. I would rate this pattern as great for an experienced beginner, but also perfect for the advanced seamstress as well due to all the options you can have with sewing this beauty. I must say I love the tip of hand sewing the bodice lining down prior to topstitching to make it easier and for a more finished look. Genius!
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RTC_0080For my girl’s Valentine dress I decided to have a bit of fun. I wanted to steer away from the more traditional looks of Valentine’s Day (hearts, roses, etc.) and feature a more uncommon theme. Can you guess it?? Chocolate!!!! When I found this fabric line called Chocoholics I knew it was perfect for my chocoholic girl. She can thank her Grammy for that. Grammy was the first one to introduce her to chocolate and she can’t get enough ever since. Bad Grammy!! LOL. I digress; back to the dresses now. RTC_9999For my girl I made her a size 12m and the fit is AMAZING!!! The corset back certainly helps for fit too as you can tighten or loosen as much or little as you want. As you can see I chose the overlay ruffle for her. I also made my very first doll dress! The same Chocolate Grammy gave my girl an American Girl doll for Christmas (good Grammy!) and it is time I started sewing for her too. Again the fit is great on the doll too! Did you notice the ruched ruffle? I love it. I would love to try it using the shirring method next time instead of 1/4″ elastic as I think that will help it curl a little less so you can see more of it, just because I love it so!
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Sharing her Chocolate…It must be love!
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RTC_0033RTC_0011I am now officially a Mandy K Designs fan and certainly look forward to sewing more of her patterns. I plan on reviewing the English Rose dress next month when I sew it up for baby girl’s Easter dress. After that I think the next one would have to be the Happy Days dress as it will be perfect for spring. Then after that…sorry, digressing again; but seriously her patterns are quite addicting! Now if you need a little encouragement to get your girl’s Valentine’s dress done then I have the perfect solution for you! From Feb 2nd to Feb. 6th Mandy K Designs is putting on a Sew-a-long over in her group. Now is the perfect time to go join the pattern group and then pick up the pattern on sale for $6.50!! I can’t wait to see all your little Valentines XOXOs!
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A Little Western Diva with Sofilantjes!

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Hope everyone is having a great New Year so far! I was meaning to post something on Christmas to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and also on New Year’s Day as well, however the start of this year has thrown me for a loop. With my day job taking more time than previously and sickness taking over the house, the days just got away from me. So here I am now, hoping everyone had a wonderful holiday season! I know I am glad to start getting back to normal. That being said I am hoping to accomplish more off my sewing list this year. That post will come later. Right now I have to show you some more amazing fabric and a just as amazing pattern!
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Tonight we are looking at a RTC_9554great girl’s pattern by Sofilantjes. Sofilantjes is a newer designer with big things in store for the sewing community. AnneMeike continues to design new and trendy patterns for the whole family. I have tested several of her patterns and just love them, so trust me when I say you will love them too. Today we are looking at the Iridis wrap dress. This dress is so cute, and versatile as well! It comes in sizes 12m-14y and can be made of woven or knit. The woven version gives you nice clean lines and is finished with bias tape for the hem. RTC_9520The knit version is a bit more fun and frilly with a tiered skirt that is finished with a rolled lettuce hem. With two sleeve lengths (short and long) this dress can also be used for any season! I know my girl will be getting one for summer this year!
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I did the woven version in a size 12mo for my girl. Now my peanut is at the lower end of a size 12mo. RTC_9503Her chest is 18.5 inches and she is 29 1/4″ tall. Yup, definitely a peanut! Even though this is a tad big on her I love the fit. This dress being a real wrap dress also gives it a little more ability to be adjustable so it will fit her now and later! The tutorial features illustrations and photos which give it clarity. However if you get stuck, just head on over to the Facebook group for help! It is a fast sew once it’s cut out. Yes, there are quite a few pages to print and cut- 39 pages for the woven version and 50 pages for the knit version. Those are needed though for that unique skirt. To make printing and taping a bit easier though, this pattern offers a layer feature so you only have to print the size you need! How is that for convenience? I think a confident-advanced beginner could sew this pattern up with amazing results!
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What do you think of that fabric?RTC_9507 Amazing right? I am just in love with it! When Trixie’s Fabric posted photos of it in her group I just knew I had to have it. I actually got enough to make another outfit out of it too! This is the Diamonds & Denim collection which includes 6 fabrics. I used 4 of the collection in this outfit! Now if you are wondering where to get this fabric or other great fabrics then you have come to the right place. Trixie’s Fabrics are a wonderful fabric group hosted by Trixie. RTC_9523She also has an Etsy shop too! I am a repeat customer with Trixie as she really goes above and beyond to give you great customer service, not to mention being dedicated to providing you with awesome knit and woven fabrics! Head on over to the group and check it out. I promise it will be worth the trip. However don’t blame me if you find yourself adding to your fabric stash!
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With an innovative pattern and the right fabric to give you the attitude to go with it, you can’t go wrong with this little dress! You can head on over to the Sofilantjes website to pick up your copy and check out all her other awesome patterns. Then make sure to stop on by Trixie’s Fabrics to get the perfect fabric for your project. Just a little warning though…you may not be able to stop at one pattern or one fabric! LOL
RTC_9527-2You have a little bit to grow till you fit in mama’s boots…take your time sweet girl!