Tuesday 24 November 2015

INSULATED LUNCH BAG BY SO SEW EASY

Looking for another great gift idea?
The Insulated Lunch Bag by So Sew Easy is a great little pattern that is perfect for depleting your  small fabric scraps.
 I did not insulate mine though, instead I used heavy weight drapery fabric both for the lining and the exterior and it turned out just fine. 
The bias binding on the bag can be store bought or you can make your own. (I made mine :) )
The pattern comes with one pattern piece and the rest of the bag parts are cut from specifications provided in the pattern. But because I I love my pattern pieces,  I quickly drew up my squares so I can have them to use over and over again, because I do plan on making more!
 
The bag comes with written instructions as well as a full length video on how to make the bag, great for persons who love to watch and sew!
 
Check out the other tester bags on the So Sew Easy site and learn more about the pattern here.
 
Happy Sewing!




 

Sunday 22 November 2015

Trudy's Twirl Dress by Grammies Doll



Check out the pattern in Theresa's GrammieslilDolls Etsy Shop.


 


SOCKS - AGAIN!!!



I got super jealous when I made  socks for my nephew a few weeks ago using the  Abby's Trailblazing Sock Pattern .
So it was definitely a happy socks moment  when Saskia opened up a tester call for the adult version and I was chosen to test again.
Now if you want a sewing project that takes 20 minutes (or less)  ,  uses fabric knit scraps  (a 24” x 15”    made my size 9 crew sock) , looks super cute, and  can be made for the entire family, you’ve got to get both the Abby's Trailblazing Sock Pattern  and the Adult version - Going Rouge Socks PDF Pattern designed by the The Wolf and the Tree
They make great Christmas gifts and who does not want to have unique socks to keep your feet warm and comfy. So guess what?? - buy the patterns and #sewallthesocks!!






Saturday 14 November 2015

SOCKS



Who knew that making socks could be so easy !
 I was happy to have been chosen as a tester for the Abby’s TrailBlazing Socks designed by The Wolf and the Tree. These socks are perfect for knit scraps and easy to sew. They can be made for both boys and girls and there are lots of different lengths and styles. My version was the simple bobby socks because only my little nephew was on hand to test for and I live in a Tropical climate so I have no need for all the other gorgeous designs. However, the sock comes in so many different styles that you will  never need any other sock pattern for your kiddo as long as you have this one. Go over to her   Etsy store  and get the socks! 
Then join the  Facebook page  and check out what everyone else has to say about this pattern and post the numerous pairs you have made!
Happy Sewing!!



Tuesday 1 September 2015

THE PENSACOLA BEACH PETAL TOP by SEASIDE NOTIONS



The Pensacola  Beach Petal Top by Seaside Notions is a sweet little top for all seasons. With its three sleeve options and cute  petal skirt, this  perfectly drafted pattern  will not disappoint.  An easy sew for any beginner, the pattern is easy to read with clearly drawn illustrations to guide you along.

The sizes range between 12 months and 12 years and  with  instructions  included for simple adjustments , you can easily  add length to the petals and   bodice for a  perfect.

You will also get the opportunity to “cutie-fy“  your little top by adding  lace (or whatever you fancy)  to the neck     ( I made a little ruffle out of fabric)  and  bias trim  to the petals for a truly unique look every time you make one.

Now what more could this pattern offer me that it didn’t already? Top of the list for me - it uses small amounts of fabric.  To give you an example, I used ¼ yard for the bodice and bodice lining and less than ½ yard for the petals.  This made me a size 3T with 5T skirt length.  I only had to make one button hole and the placket in the back was a breeze to make.
 Hope on over to the Facebook page or take a look at the pattern on the SeasideNotions website or blog for even more information and inspiration.

Happy Sewing!






Sunday 30 August 2015

THE SAILOR DRESS

This wonderful tutorial by Happy Together  is an internet favourite , so naturally I would try to make one too.
Here it is


PARISAN PALAZZO PANTS BY E BETH DESIGNS - Tester Review

This was a pattern I tested for E Beth Designs called the Parisan Palazzo Pants. It can be found HERE in her shop. Wide legged and comfy, perfect for lounging, going to the supermarket or making it for work - like I did. The pattern is a great staple for your daily wear - where ever you may go!




The Pandi Assymetrical Skirt By Sew Pandi - Tester Review

Oh wow! I made this skirt so long ago and never blogged about it. It is a cute skirt with an assymetrical hemline perfect for soft fabrics such as silk. However I HAD to go against the grain and use a heavy polyster blend which I was certain would not look right. But guess what , it came out super cute. The shop can be found on ETSY.
It is a super easy skirt, kind of a fabric hog (for me anyway- remember the name of my blog) - but its worth it. You can dress it up or down and make it your own. There is a video tutorial to help with the square corner too!
You can read more about it  HERE
Some pictures : 




Thursday 23 July 2015

PATTERN REVIEW: Cecily Rose by Pollywoggles Patterns.

This dress by Pollywoggles Patterns  is awesome!!
 I love it some much because, guess what  - Its Reversible! And it is not! Uhmm...what??? .
 Heidi the designer has included two full photo illustrations and instructions for you to make the dress either reversible or non reversible  (like a normal dress). And to top it off a headband pattern has also been included to totally complete  the outfit.
I was honoured to test Heidi's  lovely pattern and found it to be such a remarkable achievement on my part. But what was even more humbling is that my niece would not take the dress off. It is full of circle skirt twirl factor , and is made up of her favourite colour - the colour purple (at least half of it anyway).
But before I get lost into my own humdrum about my achievements, let me tell you that this pattern is super easy to put together. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure it out. It is well written with lots of pictures and one section of the instructions even has a video tutorial , making the entire process super easy to understand. The dress has an elastic waist (at the back)  and ties in the back bodice. No buttons or zippers are included ( if that is where your fear lies) . It is  easy to get on or off and can be dressed up or down depending on fabric choices. And speaking about fabric choices - I think choosing fabric  is the hardest part of making this dress. I am certain that you will enjoy making it.When done join Heidi's Facebook Group and show off your creations!





Tuesday 3 February 2015

PATTERN REVIEW: PENNY POCKET SKIRT by Koda Baby

I was lucky to have been chosen as  a pattern tester for the Penny Pocket Skirt - what a cute skirt!. I love how mine turned out. This skirt can be made with any lace or preruffled fabric, but I chose to make my own ruffles from fabric with an effort to put a dent in my scrap fabric stash. It turned out ruffling my own fabric was really easy and added texture to my skirt.
The pattern can be found on Etsy. Its an easy sew and you wont be dissapointed.





Sunday 1 February 2015

PATTERN REVIEW: THE ENGLISH ROSE DRESS by Mandy K Designs

Being a pattern tester really has its advantages. Case in point - this really cute pattern!

Simple yet so elegant this dress is. You can dress it up or down and it still works for you. It can be sleeveless, collarless, and there are two belt options. Perfect for practicing new sewing skills such as collars and sleeves.
The tutorial is easy to understand and follow . You wont regret sewing this one up.
Take a sew at it.

You can find it hereETSY.

Wait till you see what others have done with this dress.Facebook has quite a few pictures to wet your appetite (trust me I am the least of the sewists when it comes to this dress). Happy sewing!