Vintage Baby by Ellie Inspired

I think that the Vintage baby pattern by Ellie Inspired is my favorite one so far! It is so precious and we get so many compliments on this outfit. I love the flutter sleeves and the ties.
There are 2 options for girls and 2 options for boys, so 4 patterns in 1! Sizes from Newborn to 36 months.

Maisy Ruffle Dress/Tunic by Hailey Bugs Closet

The Maisy Ruffle Dress/Tunic by Hailey Bugs Closet is the second pattern that I've tested for Stacey. The first one was her Oh So chic Harlow Monroe. Her patterns are wonderful and she understands keeping young girls clothes modest! I just completed my third pattern for her and I can't WAIT to share it.
This pattern ranges in size from 12 months up to a 14.

Nantucket Baby by Ellie Inspired

Another awesome Ellie Inspired Pattern, the Nantucket Baby. It comes in sizes Newborn to 36 months. Again, there are sizes for the big sisters - Nantucket Girl in sizes 4-12. Eliza was even featured on the EI blog for Featured Friday (PROUD Mama!)
This pattern can be shirred or smocked.

Everyday Princess top by Jocole

This is the Everyday Princess top by Jocole Patterns. It includes sizes Newborn-14 and even comes in doll sizes. I have tested several patterns for Jodi before. Her patterns are SO easy to follow, and if you want to try knits, her patterns are the ones to start with. She includes pictures of each step and lots of tips & tricks. She also has Women's patterns!

I paired the Everyday Princess blouse with Jocole's Double layer Ruffle skirt.

Lucy Baby by Ellie Inspired

Introducing my 4th baby, in her modeling debut, my sweet Eliza.

This is the Lucy Baby by Ellie Inspired. It comes in sizes Newborn up to 36 months. There are sister patterns for the bigger girls - Lucy Locket in sizes 1-5 and Angel Girl in sizes 4-12.
This was my first pattern for EI and I loved the way it turned out. It had a few new techniques that I had to muddle through, like plackets, but I did it! This is the top and bloomers



This is the same pattern. I just lengthened the top to dress length.

A different direction

It has been over 2 years since my last blog post and so much has changed since then. The biggest change has been the birth of my 4th daughter! And we are now creeping up on her 1st birthday. I still can't believe it.
In addition to having another girl, my sewing has taken a different turn as well. I still do the occasional sewing for friends and family, but I've moved more towards pattern testing lately. Designers put out testing calls for seamstresses to proof-read and sew up their patterns. We check for fit, ease and understanding of pictures/sewing steps, and submit our pictures of the size(s) we tested. Most designers require that you have a child who can model the outfit for pictures. With 4 girls, I can test a pretty decent range of sizes.
So, I think for this blog, I'm going to take it more towards a "pattern review/miscellaneous sewing project" blog. Let's see how well I do with that. HA!

Happy Mother's Day!

It has been almost 3 months since I've posted anything (it's been almost 4 since I posted to my family blog). Where has the time gone?

A little over a month ago, I partnered up with the owner of a local monogramming business. She was looking to launch a children's clothing line and needed some seamstresses. I took a leap of faith and it was probably the best decision I've ever made. She has been keeping me busy! I have enjoyed working with her immensely; making some extra money doing something I truly love, is just an added bonus.

A week and a half ago, we had some devastating tornadoes come through our area. We went 2 days with absolutely no power until we were finally able to purchase a generator. About 3 days after that, our power was restored; some areas went for several days longer without it. I will never again take warm showers, hot food, & clean clothes for granted. I am so thankful that we still have a roof over our heads, clothes to wear, and no loss of life. There are so many people who can't say the same thing. It has been so encouraging to see how our state has come together. Through the power of Facebook, people from all over the country have stepped up to help. We've even had a few celebrities in our midst (Charlie Sheen, Paul Walker, & Lance Bass).

I was able to squeeze in some non-work related sewing and finished all 3 of my girls Easter dresses... the day before Easter. I had to pull an all nighter to get that accomplished.

And finally, I'd like to wish my mother a very Happy Mother's Day!

I am especially thankful for her this year after the recent events in our area. She has always been the epitome of the perfect mother and the best Nana my girls could ever have. I thank God for her! For without her, I would have never been blessed with them...

The three beautiful girls who made me a Mama!

Happy Mother's Day!