Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Swizzle Sticks Sleeves by Candy Castle Patterns

Swizzle Sticks Sleeve Add-on by CCP

The Swizzle Sticks sleeves are an add-on pattern to Candy Castle Pattern's Princess and Peppermint swirl dresses. Between these 3 patterns, you can make a multitude of dresses with totally different looks! For the dress pictured above, I used the Princess dress bodice & sash, the skirt from the Peppermint swirl dress, and the long sleeves with a ruffle from the Swizzle sticks sleeves.
There are 6 styles included - Long sleeve w/ruffle, Long sleeve w/ ruffle & elastic, Long sleeve, Long sleeve w/ elastic, Short sleeve, and Short sleeve w/ elastic. You must already own either the Princess dress or the Peppermint swirl dress. This add-on is a great way to get even more options from these two dresses.

I love Lucy sweater by Stitchwerx Designs

I love Lucy sweater by Stitchwerx Designs

I have a 10 year old chihuahua, named Enzo (pictured above). He is affectionately nicknamed Bubba. If you know anything about chihuahua's, you know that they're cold natured and pretty nervous. So, Bubba shakes ALL of the time - when he's cold, if he thinks I'm about to leave, when he's in trouble, you get the idea. So, when Kim wanted to have a re-test of her I love Lucy dog sweater, I knew I had to sign up. My old man needed a sweater!
This is the first pattern I've used to make something for any of my pets. And it was the perfect one to start with! It's super quick & easy and the results are great. The only downside is that I wish I had a girl dog; the girly version is adorable!

The details:
* Included are 5 sizes. This pattern fits dogs with girths from 9" to 19". Kim gives detailed instructions on how to find out which size will best fit your dog. You just need 3 simple measurements - neck, girth, and back length.
* This pattern is for fleece, so it's stretchy and you don't have to finish your seams. I did just because I like the added durability of serging the seams.
* 2 versions - Version 1 is the turtleneck style. You can do it with all of the same fabric, or you can make the sleeves & turtleneck out of contrasting colors. Version 2 is the girly version and has loopy fringe around the collar and back hem. There is also an optional flower accent.

I think this took maybe 30 minutes to sew up. It is the perfect pattern for your 4 legged furbabies.

The Pippa Jacket by Izzy & Ivy Designs

The Pippa Jacket by Izzy & Ivy Designs

I was also able to test Izzy & Ivy's third pattern, The Pippa Jacket. Isn't this the sassiest jacket?!? I will admit, all of those buttons had me very intimidated. I have a love/hate relationship with making buttonholes, especially since my beloved Janome was in the shop and I was using a loaner. But it wasn't as bad as I'd feared. I love the way it turned out. This is rated an Intermediate pattern; you need to be pretty comfortable with making buttonholes and some hand sewing (specifically whip stitching).

Now for the specifics:
* Sizes 2-12
* Suggested fabrics range from wovens to corduroy and denim. I used corduroy.
* The sleeves have tabs and buttons at the wrist. This is a great way to use some fun buttons from your stash!
* It buttons up the front with 4 buttons; another great place to use those buttons
* The faux pockets are yet another place to use some great buttons.
* The bodice and sleeves are fully lined, with a peplum-style skirt.

To celebrate the launch of their new PDF line, you can purchase all 3 patterns bundled at a 20% discount - Evie, Tallulah, & Pippa

Tallulah by Izzy & Ivy Designs

Tallulah by Izzy & Ivy Designs

I have been sitting on this one for awhile now and I'm so excited to finally be able to share!
Izzy & Ivy Designs are best known in the paper pattern world. You can buy their patterns at local fabric or quilting shops. Just recently, they're entered into the world of PDF's. The Tallulah top/dress was their 2nd PDF pattern; The Evie sun dress was their first (and you better believe that MY Evie wants this one since it shares her name).

The low down on the Tallulah:
* This top/dress ranges in size from a 2 up to a 12. I tested the 12 for my 9 year old. The fit was great and she wants me to make her another one. That right there makes this pattern a keeper for me. :)
* A cross front bodice - You can either make the bodice out of knit or wovens. I was nervous about using knit, but it was super easy! Jana & Shasta include some great tips for sewing with knits.
* Long sleeves with an accent cuff. The sleeves have a sweet button detail on the cuffs.
* Two lengths - top and dress. The dress has a contrast hem band. I added a hem band to my top because my daughter likes hers longer, especially when she's wearing leggings.
* It has a sash that ties in the back and super cute pouffy pockets.

I think for their first foray into PDF's, they hit it out of the park. Welcome to the PDF world Izzy & Ivy!

Friday, December 6, 2013

Kudzu Coverall & Dress by Sew Like my Mom

Kudzu Coverall & Dress, sizes 0/3m-6

Just released! This is another unisex pattern and it is totally customizable. The coveralls or dress can be layered in cold weather or worn as-is in the warmer weather. These make the cutest sibling sets!

The details:
* 2 bodices to choose from - plain or applique; The plain bodice would look great with a monogram. The applique bodice comes with 2 animal faces, an owl and a raccoon.
* 3 hem finishes - traditional hem, contrast bands or ruffles
* The inseam can be sewn closed for older kids or you can add snaps for little ones in diapers.

Peppermint Swirl Dress by Candy Castle Patterns

Peppermint Swirl Dress, sizes 6m-10y

Can you say GORGEOUS?!?!? As soon as I showed my daughter the sample photo of this dress, she could not quit talking about it. And when she saw it completed, her eyes absolutely lit up. Now that's why I stay up all hours of the night sewing.
The bodice has a unique, curvy detail and the skirt is made up of 14 flounces sewn together (you can even add more flounces to it too!). It has simple flutter sleeves, but all of the sleeve options from the Princess dress can be used on this dress as well; that's 4 extra sleeve lengths! You can also use the Peppermint swirl skirt with the bodice of the Princess dress. Now that's a lot of options! The back closes with snaps or buttons, NO zippers to install.
Also included with the pattern is a coloring page for designing your perfect dress. Or you can give it to your little girl and let her design it for you.

(Re-release) Bubblegum Dress by Candy Castle Patterns

Please excuse the pitiful photos! My Baby bug was getting over a stomach virus. :(
Bubblegum dress, sizes Newborn to 14Y

The Bubblegum Dress was Rebecca's first published pattern. I tested it in my oldest daughter's size the first time. It was a wonderful pattern before, but she decided some updates were in order. She expanded the sizes down to Newborn and up to a 14Y, added a lined bodice option, and made some tweaks to the pattern pieces.
I still adore this dress!