Ellie & Mac Get Ready For Summer Tour

Get Ready For Summer Sewing Patterns Blog Tour with Ellie and Mac Sewing Patterns, hosted by Seams So Lo

Today is my day on the Ellie and Mac Get ready for Summer Blog Tour. I am working with the Girl's & Doll Sweet Top & Dress Pattern Bundle Pack. I love to make my sweet Granddaughter outfits with matching doll outfits.

I took on this tour as a challenge for myself. I rarely sew knits. Yes, I have made many t-shirts, but never really thought about what all I coud make. So when I saw there was a cute pattern for a dress or tunic and a doll pattern, I took it on! Plus I have this awesome machine that has all the bells and whistles just for knits. (Yes, I have had this machine a long and have not used a lot of the features.)

I went into a local shop to buy the fabric. I had planned on my usual pretty floral design, but something else caught my eye. I thought, no way. But, I giggled and thought "why not?" so here it is! I hope my Granddaughter likes it! LOL!

So I cut out all the pieces and got ready to sew. 

First, let me say the pattern instructions are great. I love the actual pictures for illustrations. Makes it easy to verify that I am sewing the dress properly. 

I love the tips that are included in the pattern. It was a big help.

Thank goodness for these little clips I bought years ago. I rarely use them but, working with knits, it made life so much easier.

There are two options for finishing hems: Using a cover stitch or just letting it be raw. Both work well

I love the finished product. It is a good pattern for someone just starting out with knits or even a experienced seamstress. The pattern makes up really nice. Great for a hot summer night after the pool or the beach. The doll dress was just as easy to make. Turned out really cute. I did add a slight ruffles at the bottom to match the dress. I do plan on making a few more. Working with knits is fun!

Please visit all the wonderful bloggers on the Get Ready for Summer Sewing Patterns Blog Tour for some incredible inspirations.

1. May 7th: Seams Sew Lo
2. May 8th: Tenille's Thread
3. May 9th: Seams Sew Lo
4. May 10th: The Sewing Goatherd
5. May 11th: Aurora Designs Fabrics
6. May 14th: Our Play Place
7. May 15th: Sewjourns
8. May 16th: Aurora Designs Fabric
9. May 17th: QuiltsbyJoann
10. May 18th: Liviality
11. May 19th: Momma You Can Make It
12. May 21st: Margarita on the Ross
13. May 22nd: Sewing Blue
14. May 23rd: Kathy's Kwilts and More
15. May 24th: Momma Newey's Makes
16. May 25th: Jot Designs USA
17. May 28th: The Scatty Sewer
18. May 29th: Granma Texas Sews
19. May 30th: Fee Bricolo
20. May 31st: My Sewing Roots

Don't forget to enter the giveaway! You can win a "$50 Sewing Pattern Credit" to Ellie and Mac.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Testing Abby's Frock and Shorts by Grammies Dolls

I had the honor of testing a new pattern. Abby's Frock and Shorts by Grammies Dolls. This pattern is ideal for warmer weather but would also work with tights and a cardigan for the cooler spring and fall weather!

It is a pattern designed for girls sizes 1-12 using woven fabric.

The top includes a henley style front closure with a hip length swing type top and, adorable shorts. You can make it your own by adding sleeves, flutter sleeves, or just sleeveless. also, the top and shorts can have pockets or not.

And... you get it for free!!! How? Join the Facebook Group: Grammies Dolls Children's Clothing It is a free download. 

Keep reading and you will find a code for a discout not only for the release of this pattern but, for 20% off the entire shop 4/9 - 4/23. 

Thank you Theresa!

Testing

When testing, you always start with a "muslin". I don't know about you, but I always have some fabric on hand that I either don't care for or I don't even know when or why I bought it. That is the fabric I use for testing. (Some times an old sheet works too.) Testing is what it is....does this pattern work? does it need adjusting some where? does it fit? You can make several before you get a finished outfit. Once the muslin is completed, I send these off to the grandkids to play in. You know the type of play, the getting in the mud type of play. This is a picture of my muslin after a few adjustments were made. I did add a ruffle on the bottom to give it more length. (This was when we saw that it needed a little bit more length.)

 Now on to the real deal...

I always have fabric in mind when I see the drawings for a new pattern. I had this fabric and I couldn't wait to use it. 

This time I decided to put pockets on the top. Easy to make and the geen at the top edge gave it a cute finish.

Rather than buttons, I added snaps as closures on the placket

The shorts have an elastic waist and cuff type accents on the leg. I chose to add these with the top fabric. The shorts took less than an hour from start to finish. Infact, the top and shorts could be sewn easily in an afternoon. 

Here is my finished outfit. I think my granddaughter will be suprised with her next package from Granma Texas!

But, I wasn't finished..... Yep, took a doll pattern and made a matching outfit. I made the top from a simple doll dress pattern and the shorts from another pattern.

So, here is what you need to do. Go to Grannies Dolls Patterns and use the code: TXGRNMA20 to recieve 20% off the entire shop. Sale runs 4/9 - 4/23.

Happy Sewing!

Barb

Ladybug Clutch Testing

Over the past week I had the opportunity to test something different.  A purse. This was my first testing with Lavender Sewing Patterns. Trine of Lavender Sewing Patterns is a new designer. Her patterns are awesome. This Ladybug Clutch is her second pattern. The first pattern is the Butterfly Purse. A larger version of the Ladybug Clutch. You can find her patterns here: http://www.lavendersewingpatterns.com

This is a sweet little clutch (7" x 10" x 2") with some big purse features. It has a zipper closure and a snap or latch option for the flap. Basically you can have any typer of closure on the flap (or wings).

It is fully lined with a little zipper pocket inside.

This clutch is big enough for a night out to carry all the essentials. 

The instructions are easy to follow with good illustrations.

With the new release of the Ladybug Clutch Pattern, it is on sale! In fact both Ladybug and Butterfly patterns are on sale with a special combo price. Check out Lavender Sewing Patterns!

http://www.lavendersewingpatterns.com/shop/

I have another one on the sewing table!

Happy Sewing!

The Handmaiden's Cottage Easter Dress Blog Tour (Sandy's Beach Bag)

Welcome to my stop on the Handmaidens Cottage Easter Dress Tour, hosted by Seams Sew Lo. Keep reading to find the details of my project (you will see I didn't make a dress), and a code for 30% off at the handmaiden's Cottage Store. Plus you can enter for a fantastic giveaway.

It was so hard to choose a project from Handmaidens Cottage. All the patterns are so sweet and ruffelly. But, I found there are not only dresses but apron patterns, doll patterns, woman's patterns, and this really cool Beach Bag. I knew in a minute that I wanted to make "Sandy's Beach Bag". 

First I had to choose fabric. Well that was easy. I went to Hawaii last April. My first stop after landing in Maui was not the hotel, no... it was the Fabric Mart! Full of lovely hawaiian fabric. Yes, I go to hawaii and buy fabric. (Oh the laughs my best friend Lynn and I had finding the shop.)

But, I remembered I had these two beauties in my stash. Pollished cotton was perfect for the bag. I also had some interfacing from another project. Mine was a little heavier than what was called for, but it gave the bag really nice structure.

Next, I printed and read the instructions. Great instructions. I prepped the fabric and cut everything to the proper measurements. It was a great sew. Each step is explained really well. I love the actual pictures to guide you through the project. That is such a nice touch.

I did my pockets a little different by using the same fabric as the outer bag. The pattern calls for the pockets to be the same as the lining. But, I love the outer fabric. The bag has 3 pockets on one side and 2 on the other. Nice deep pockets.

Also, there is a nice deep big pocket inside.

The shoulder strap is nice and wide. Very comfortable over the shoulder. The bag is big enough to hold all your pool and beach goodies.

You can make your own drawstring (instruction in the pattern), but I used some cording that I had.

It would make a nice Easter gift filled pool goodies for a different type of Easter gift. This bag is for me. I plan on making more for gifts. But, for now, I am ready for the beach.
Happy sewing!

Please visit all of the Easter Sewing Pattern Inspirations on the Handmaiden's Cottage Easter Dress Blog Tour hosted by Seams Sew Lo!

1. 1. March 1st: Seams Sew Lo
   2. March 2nd: Miinoma Studio
   3. March 3rd: Momma You Can Make It
   4. March 4th: Kate Will Knit
   5. March 5th: Kathy's Kwilts and More
   6. March 6th: Granma Texas Sews
   7. March 7th: Our Play Place
   8. March 8th: Aurora Designs
   9. March 9th: Frullemieke
   10. March 10th: My Sewing Roots
   11. March 11th: Manning the Machine
   12. March 12th: Seams Sew Lo (Round Up)
   
   
   The Handmaiden's Cottage patterns are on sale for the duration of the blog tour (until March 12). Use the code "EasterTour2018" for 30% off the Etsy Store and website.
   
   
   And as an extra bonus, There is a fantastic giveaway. The Handmaiden's Cottage is giving away a $50 store credit to the Handmaiden's Cottage Webstore. There is a link to a Rafflecopter giveaway below.
   
   

Please visit all of the Easter Sewing Pattern Inspirations on the Handmaiden's Cottage Easter Dress Blog Tour hosted by Seams Sew Lo!

1. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oh-Sew-Kat Doll Clothes Blog Tour

Hi all. I know it has been a long time since my last blog. But, we are into a new year and it is time for more sewing!

I am part of the "Oh-Sew-Kat Doll Clothes Blog Tour" hosted by "Seams Sew Lo". This is my first time on a tour and my first time sewing a Oh-Sew-Kat pattern. And all I can say is "WOW"! I love her patterns

I chose the "Bloomer Buddies" pattern. My "old" gal needed some new summer clothes. (She is an 18" gal)

                       https://www.etsy.com/listing/526062439/18-inch-doll-clothes-sewing-pattern



After I downloaded it I saw that there were 42 pages! I wondered why. Then I read the pattern. She gives the best instructions! So full of details and actual pictures! WOW!

What I really loved was the check off list of instructions that can be printed instead of the whole pattern. Great idea!

So I dug in my special box of fabric for doll clothes (you know the one full of fabric pieces that you just can't part with) and came up with the cute cherry fabric. Cut it out and started sewing.

In less than an hour I was finished. Here is my old girl modeling the dress:

Well, I couldn't just stop there....I made the top and bloomers next. Again, in less than an hour another outfit is finished.

I made mine quite simple. But, there are many embellishments that can be added easily. Included in the pattern are many pictures and ideas for ways to make it your own. 

Sew, sew cute!

I can't wait to make more!

Join in on the fun and look at all the creations. Don't forget to enter for the Giveaway.


We are so excited about the Oh Sew Kat Doll Clothes Blog tour hosted by Seams Sew Lo! Please check out all the wonderful blogs on this tour below:

1. January 15th: Seams Sew Lo (Intro)
2. January 16th: Seams Sew Lo
3. January 17th: Kathy's Kwilts and More
4. January 18th: Sew Haute Blog
5. January 19th: Seams Like Style
6. January 22nd: Elli & Nels
7. January 23rd: Quilts by Joanne
8. January 24th: Granma Texas Sews
9. January 25th: Stitched by Jennie
10. January 26th: Sewing with D
11. January 29th: Our Play Place
12. January 30th: Cross Stitches Custom Clothing
13. January 31st: Hazelnut Handmade
14. February 1st: Dear Daydream
Do not forget to enter the Giveaway!!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Fun Challenge

I was challenged by Theresa of "Grammies Dolls" to do a capsule wardrobe. It is a great stash buster. Here is how it worked:

1. Choose coodinating fabrics, laces, and trims

2. Use the 5 Grammies Doll patterns that were chosen for the capsule

    Bellas School Day Skirt
    Bellas School Day Blouse
    Summer Breeze Shrug
    Sweet Sophyes Shirt
    Carlas Pantaloons

3. Plan out your capsule

How many bottoms, tops, jackets could I make? 3 or 4 tops, 3 or 4 bottoms, a jacket or 2? The number of outfits from this goes up when you add shoes and other accessories. Sounds like fun! Especially nice for the little ones who like to pick out their clothes. Everything will go together. Well here is what I did! (Yes, I am an overachiever!)

My fabric:

From this I planned 5 bottoms, 3 tops, and a reversible jacket (I wanted my granddaughter to have choices for school)

Got all my trims and sewing needs ready:

And started sewing

OMG!!!! Lots of lace and sewing circles! LOL!

Well I had to get more creative so I started rolling hems

And me being me, I had to change things up so I started cutting and sewing fabric pieces (Why waste fabric?)

And yes....I did make white pantaloons!

So in the end....I ended up with: 3 tops, 2 skirts, 2 pantaloons, 1 pair of shorts, and a reversible jacket. All this will make 45 different combinations! Yes...45 outfits!

And here are the pictures:








So I challenge you! How many combinations can you do? Here is the link for the special "Miss Daisy's Wardrobe" from Grammies Dolls:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/474191239/miss-daisys-wardobe-pattern-set?ref=shop_home_active_1



Happy Sewing!

Granma Texas