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!

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!

Winter Fleece Hat by Ladybug Bend

Winter Fleece Hat for Preteen/Teen, Women, & Men
If you have 20 minutes, you can make this hat! There are 3 sizes included in the pattern - small, medium, and large. My oldest is 9 years old and the small fit her great. Since it's made from fleece, it has a nice stretch to it; I used minky dot for mine.
Taya also has a Children's Fleece hat pattern or you can buy the pattern bundle with both sizes!

Toothfairy Pillow by Ladybug Bend

Toothfairy Pillow
Now this was a fun project to test. This Toothfairy Pillow has options! I tested the ballerina fairy for my girls; I didn't have any tulle for the skirt, so I used some leftover cotton and organza from my daughter's Halloween costume. And since I'm not the best at making pretty bows, I used Taya's pattern piece for the Prince's bow. My girls were thrilled with it, so it looks like I'll be making 2 more.

Now about those options:
* There are 9 characters to choose from - ballerina, princess, prince, pirate, fairy, cowboy, clown, ninja, and super hero
* It includes a tooth/money pocket on the back
* An ingenious ribbon hanger which can be hung on a door knob or bed post
* Extremely beginner friendly! All of the accessories can be attached using fusible adhesive, so it's very minimal sewing

Lane Raglan Tee & Tunic and Essential Leggings by Stitchwerx Designs

Lane Raglan Tee & Tunic, sizes 9m to 10Y
Essential Leggings, sizes Newborn to 10Y
I am a self proclaimed Confident Beginner when it comes to knits. I have always been super intimidated when it comes to sewing with them, even with my serger. But after testing this outfit, I am hooked! These were so easy to whip up and I am so pleased with how they turned out. I was able to make both outfits in a day with lots of interruptions. My 5 year old didn't want to take hers off; she thought they were so comfortable. It didn't hurt that she loved matching her baby sister too! :)
Kim has great tips for sewing with knits and, as usual, her patterns are very user friendly. I probably could have sewn this without all of her helpful pictures.

The specifics-
Lane Raglan Tee & Tunic:
* This is a unisex pattern with 11 sizes (9m-10y)
* It has two different lengths, shirt and tunic. I made the tunic length for both of my girls
* Optional bands, cuffs, & pockets
* Paired with the Essential leggings, these would make great PJ's.

Essential Leggings:
* Also a unisex pattern with 12 sizes included (NB-10y)
* Full length & capri length
* Optional cuffs or ruffles

Candy Waltz Collection by Candy Castle Patterns

Candy Waltz Collection, sizes 3m-16Y
The Candy Waltz Collection is a 3 pack pattern bundle (they can also be purchased separately). It includes The Candy Wrapper vest, Sugar Plum Fairy skirt, and Licorice bits legwarmers. They look adorable paired together or could be made individually for a whole different look. The set I made worked perfectly for my daughter's Nursery rhyme play where she was one of the Three little kittens. My older two wanted just the legwarmers which looked great over jeans and leggings!
Suggested fabrics for the vest and legwarmers are fleece or a thicker knit; I used minky dot and loved the look! Since these fabrics don't ravel, they are super quick to sew up. I made 3 pairs of legwarmers in under an hour.
The skirt can be made out of satin, voile, chiffon, anything light weight. I chose satin and did a rolled hem. This was also super quick to sew up.

Ruffle Pants by Aivilo Charlotte Designs

Ruffle Pants by Aivilo Charlotte Designs, sizes 12m-14 Tween
There are FIVE ruffle options with this pattern - Double ruffles trimmed with bias tape, short/tall pleated ruffles or short/tall gathered ruffles. And look at the pockets! It also has a cute little band detail above the ruffle.
These pants can be made in cotton, corduroy, and denim!
In addition to all of the options, Lisa has some of the neatest ways to construct these pants. Very beginner friendly!

Perfect Peasant Dress by Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop

Perfect Peasant dress by PPS, sizes 3m-12
This pattern isn't a new one to the Peek-a-boo Pattern shop but Amy has added some great options. It now offers a long sleeve length and it has been expanded up to a size 12!
I think my favorite part is the ruffled neckline and sleeves! Hey, I'm a mom to 4 girls; I adore anything with ruffles! :) It has a sash that you can add a cute flower embellishment too (it's included in the pattern!!!); it could also be worn as a hair clip. This is a quick sew and the end results are stunning!

Peggy Sue by Little Lizard King

Peggy Sue by LLK, size 6m-8
Another sweet dress from Liz at LLK! This pattern comes in a tunic and dress lengths. It includes a circle skirt which requires NO gathering, a ruffled bib, and a sewn-in sash. It has a simple button & loop closure which means no buttonholes either! My little one doesn't twirl yet, but I've heard this one has great twirl potential. ;)

Fancy Pants Leggings by Titchy Threads

Fancy Pant Leggings, size 0/3m up to a 10
This was my first time testing for Titchy Threads. This pattern was a great one to start with. I'm not super comfortable sewing with knits, but these turned out great! They are a close fitting legging and have a separate bottom panel, which is especially great for diaper wearers. This is also a unisex pattern and can be used for making cute PJ's. The pattern includes 2 different waist options, 2 different ankle finishes, and there are directions for making them more customized.

Ruffled Bustle Top by Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Ruffled bustle top, sizes 6/9 months up to a 7
This pattern was so cute, I tested it twice! :)
If your daughter loves ruffles, this is the perfect top for her! The pattern is for a top, but with a few modifications could be made into a dress. If you need any help, Summer is super helpful. This was my 3rd time testing one of her patterns and I adore working with her. She also has a great blog with tons of recipes & tutorials; be sure to check her out at Sumo's Sweet Stuff.

Bubbly bubble skirt by Ollie & Annie

Bubbly bubble skirt, sizes 12 months up to a 10
This is Ollie & Annie's debut pattern! This skirt is so cute and sews up super quick. It is perfect to layer over tights or leggings when it gets cooler. It would be beautiful for a special occasion made with some pretty fabric.

Sassy Schoolgirl Top by Ladybug Bend

Sassy Schoolgirl Top, sizes 0/3 months up to a 12
Another great top pattern by Taya from Ladybug Bend. This is a great pattern! It can be worn with skirts or jeans to get a totally different look. It has 4 sleeve options and can be made with or without the collar. And a bonus 18" doll pattern is also included!

Bumblebee dress by Sewing Mama RaeAnna - Expanded sizes

Bumblebee Dress, sizes 3m-12y
RaeAnna has expanded the sizes for the Bumblebee dress up to a size 12!!! YAY!
I also participated in this round of testing. I made the size 8. I had originally planned on doing View A like I'd made for Eliza, but in corduroy for Fall. My Eva (aka Eva the Diva!) had other ideas and wanted View B with the neck ruffle. I am so glad she did! It looks adorable on her and has quickly become one of her go-to dresses. She wears it almost every week to school.

Bloglovin'

Follow my blog with Bloglovin