Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Let's start with a little bit of inspiration for girls. Color blocking is a trend for this year.


This is the Colorblock Shift Dress by Tartome et Chocolat. This little dress has knife pleats at the neckline and at the hem, tucks at the color block line, and a back zipper. The dress is made from cotton. Price tag: $125.00 to $135.00 depending on size. Go check out the details at Neiman Marcus and search for the dress name.


Why not recreate a similar look using the Little Vicki dress pattern by Izzy and Ivy.  This pattern gives you two different views one with a collar and one without the collar.  The pleating on this pattern does not drop from the neckline but from a yoke.  To make the look more similar you would also need to increase the depth of the color blocking at the hem along with increasing the length to add the knife pleats.  To calculate the knife pleats, remember that each pleat will need 3 times the fabric.

Thinking cute little tops for girls?  How are about these:


This is the Mia Top pattern by Pink Fig Patterns.   It features a fully shirred bodice, short or 3/4 length sleeves, a full skirt with an attached underskirt, and a coordinating sash. Sizes: 6 months to 10 years.


This is the Olivia Top pattern by Pink Fig Patterns. This top comes in 2 options and includes a headband. Sizes: 6 months to 10 years.

Both of these patterns will require the elastic sewing thread. It is available in the store and you can select 2 spools of white, 2 spools of black, or 1 spool of each color.

We must not forget about the young men in our lives.  Here are some short patterns:


This is the Cargo Shorts and Pants pattern by Hot Scott Patterns. Sizes: 9 months to 10 years.
  

This is the Bermuda Shorts pattern by Hot Scott Patterns. Sizes: 9 months to 10 years.

Let's not forget about the all important hats and caps. Protect those beautiful little faces as much as possible. Moms and Dads remember to wear hats or caps, too.


The Buttonhole Cutter Set is in stock again.
The Lecien One Touch Hoop in sizes 4-inches and 5-inches are back in stock.

Hope your inspired to sew for your little people.

Happy Sewing!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Inspiration and Shop Talk

It is officially spring and we are having another beautiful day! Today's inspiration reflects the high wave going here:

This is the Sonja Printed Dress by Kate Spade New York. Isn't it a lovely shade of blue? It is a cotton/lycra crepe fabric. The dress has a fitted bodice with a boatneck and scoop back, a knee-length a-line pleated skirt, and a hidden zipper. Price tag: $378.00. Go to Neiman Marcus search for the dress name and zoom in to the see the details.

You can get a similar look with this:


This is the Montique Dress pattern by Serendipity Studios. This pattern has instructions for 6 variations. It has a raised waistline instead of the fitted bodice to the waist but you have the neckline and an a-line skirt. 


Sewing for the children?  Don't forget to check the patterns for girls and boys!  There is cargo shorts for the boys; dresses, skirts, tops, and bottoms for the girls.
Happy Sewing!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

It feels like Spring has sprung....

We have been having the most wonderful weather with lot of sunshine. A rarity in my corner of the world. The daffodils started blooming yesterday and I saw some tulips but I fairly certain the deer will eat them before they have the opportunity to bloom. I am hopeful that there will not be any more snow this year but March isn't over yet.

Spring makes me think of skirts and dresses.  Long or short it doesn't matter.  Here's a few patterns to consider:

This lovely little pencil skirt is the Magic Pencil Skirt  pattern by Pamela's Pattern. It has a slight taper from the hip to the hem which gives a slimming appearance.  This skirt doesn't have a waistband or a zipper.  It fits hips sizes 36" to 53".

Here's a skirt with a different silhouette. It's Pamela's Favorite Bias Skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns. This has 2 different lengths - below the knew and just above the ankle, and two different silhouettes - slim and full. This skirt was featured in Threads #157 - The Cover Stitch by Pamela Leggett.  It had raw-edged strips.  Fits hips 36" to 53".

Here's a casual dress - the Diane Kimono Dress pattern by Serendipity Studio.  There are lots of options here: slim or full skirt with or without tiers, 4 different lengths, and bodice variations.  Sizes:  XXS to XXL.

Here's a little bit dressier look, the New York Dress pattern by Loes Hinse Design. Designed for knits, this could be a classic little black dress.  Sizes:  XXS to XXL.

There are still some Colette Sewing Handbook by Sarai Mitnick in stock. This book is a wonderful value including 3 dress patterns, 1 blouse pattern, and 1 skirt pattern.  This book ships free.
Here's a useful little tool:

It's the Bamboo Pointer and Creaser. Both ends of this tool are useful. The pointed end can be used to turn corners and assist with feeding fabric toward the needle. The rounded beveled edge can be used for a temporary press of seams.

Happy Sewing!