Charliemackadoodle dolly dress

I love the Burlap Button Charlimackadoodle pattern.  In case you wonder about the name, some of us on Facebook had the privilege of knowing the late Carole Barkan. Her nickname was "Charliemack," for her grandkids.  After she died, Kristi, of Burlap Button, named her dress pattern in honor of Carole.  The Charliemackadoodle is a great pattern and Carole, looking down from heaven, is proud of Kristi. Combine the pattern with the BB Tummy Topper, and you have infinite variety for tops, tunics, and dresses.

Coming soon, there will be a dolly version!  At our house, this is great news because, well, dressing dolls is fun! I say our because, yes, I do participate!  Here are some sneak peaks of my version of the Charliemackadoodle Dolly dress.  I will let you know when it goes up for sale!!

This is My American Girl Amy.  She is one of the AG dolls you pick to look like your daughter.  As you can see, this pattern is adorable! It comes together easily. It took me about an hour from cutting to finish.  I used all scraps, so that was awesome. The only problem I had was with the rolly polly stripe lycra knit. Boy, did that neck binding roll like crazy.  Even starch did nothing. So, I had to pin and pin and pin, to get it to look nice. But it looks nice!! AG Amy is an 18" doll. We also have Madame Alexander 18" dolls and the dress also fits them. So, this should work great for all your 18" dolls!

I paired this dress with a pair of Jocole Basic Knit Leggings, which come with the 18" doll version. All Jocole patterns come with the 18" doll version!

30 days until Christmas! New Millie Rose Pattern

  

Did you know that there are 30 days until Christmas!  If you celebrate this holiday and you are a crafter, this is a big deal. This means you only have 30 days to finish your crafts!! Ack! This year, I want to do a lot of sewing and crafting so I plan to be very busy from here on out.  Technically, I started a week ago by making my youngest daughter this cute Christmas dress from the soon-to-be released Millie Rose Pattern.

Isn't this fabric fun! This is all Riley Blake fabric I got over a year ago and have been hoarding.  Last year, at this time, I had BPPV (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) and was unable to do much sewing. So, this lovely fabric has been waiting for a year to be made into something fun. 

And here it is.  This new pattern is a flutter-sleeved dress with sleeves that meet in the middle in the back. It has a sash and several tiers to the skirt. Each tier has a ruffle. It is a fun pattern, pretty to make and wear.  As soon as it is released, which should be any day now, I will share the link to the pattern. You will love it!  My friend Melissa has a sweet and fun way of writing her patterns and they are a joy to make. They are well edited for fit and sewing technique and a pleasure to sew. Highly recommended.

 

Here are some photos of the dress in action. 

My daughter is wearing the dress with a top I made from an Ottobre pattern. 

Twirl factor is important!

Fun dress, fit is good! I made the size 7 so I expect it to fit this holiday and next. 

Hope you enjoyed reading this! 

I have lots more Christmas sewing to come and am looking forward to sharing!

Cottage Peasant dress by Handmaiden's Cottage

This week, I had the real pleasure of pattern testing for the lovely Lynn of The Handmaiden's Cottage.  She has a new dress pattern coming soon that she is going to call The Handmaiden's Cottage Peasant Dress.  It is a great pattern that makes a beautiful dress. 

Here is my version!  Isn't it gorgeous! This is my cutie patootie 6 year old modelling it.   This is a peasant dress pattern with faux apron in the front. It is has 3/4 length sleeves that have a casing just above the elbow.  My daughter loves to wear pretty dresses but they have to be comfortable. This one passed the comfort test!  Unlike some peasant dress patterns, this one's bodice pattern pieces are slightly different front and back so you get a great fit. The skirt is meant to be slightly long, at about high shin lenght.

It has a sash that ties in the back. 

  

Here is a closeup of how the faux apron meets the skirt, in the front.  Can you see that the skirt has one long ruffle and the faux apron has three ruffles? Such a pretty detail!

 The sleeve has a pretty casing detail.  You can see it here in the mostly turquoise fabric that matches the sash. 

I have had these fabrics in my stash for years, literally, waiting for the right project and finally I found it. The sleeve, bodice, and skirt fabrics are all from Timeless Treasures and the ruffle and sash are by Michael Miller fabrics.  The MM line was called The Big E but I don't recall what the TT line was called and it wasn't named on the fabric itself. Just said by Timeless Treasures. 

As with most young girls, twirl factor is very important!!

Head on over to The Handmaiden's Cottage Facebook page and give Lynn some love! The pattern will be released very soon. I will let you know when! You are going to love it.

Tie Dye Diva Long Sleeve Top

 Jen at Tie Dye Diva has done it again! Another great pattern!  

Check out the Long Sleeve Top Pattern for Girls. 

(click above to go to pattern)

 I love her patterns and feel very fortunate to be her friend and be part of her process, albeit simply as a pattern tester.  This adorable top top pattern for girls can be made with a Peter Pan collar, squared-off 'split collar', no-collar square neckline or no-collar round neckline. It has so many style!  And, there is no buttonhole needed. It has a button-and-loop back closure.  The yoke is lined. So well designed!! As usual. 

I chose to test this pattern out in Robert Kaufman fine wale Cool Cords. I have a thing for this fabric group and have amassed a small collection!  First up, the Peter Pan collar. This was a great pattern to test and I had a lot of fun with it.  As usual with TDD patterns, it was well written, with clear instructions and great pattern pieces. 

 The back has two loops for button closures. My daughter chose these teacup buttons.

  

The collar lies perfectly!  I like the spacing between the back pieces, as you can see below.  It looks very clean and neat. The way the pattern is written, the back yoke lies perfect! Doesn't it look nice!!

I also made it in a square neck style, again in Cool Cords. I made this one a tad large so it will be something my daughter can wear longer.  This one has a matching skirt made from an Ottobre pattern, from issue 6/2009.

 

Great Pattern Jen!!!

PS:  Don't forget the fabric giveaway!!

Millie's Flutter dress pattern - review and a tutorial

I am fortunate to have some very creative sewing friends who make patterns they allow me to test for them. Not only is it fun to try new sewing ideas, but it is a great way to support each other as friends.

This week, I am proud to show you my version of Millie's Flutter dress by Millie Rose Pattern's and Sugar Bug Clothing's Melissa.  Here is Melissa's version:

 And here is my version!  This was a fun pattern. It was easy to follow. It has a few pattern pieces to print and then some rectangles to cut out.  It all comes together nicely and it can be made with the bib, as Melissa did above, or without, as I did below. The instructions are clear and easy to follow and this style is very versatile. I forsee making on in lightweight cord, for fall and winter. My daughter can easily wear a top under it for warmth.   It has elasticized, flutter sleeves and two rows of elastic in the back, so it fits great. Melissa's instructions are well done and the pieces print nicely.

 

Tutorial for 18" doll version of Millie's Flutter

 I got creative and made a doll version to match.  Melissa like it so much she asked me to put together this tutorial. It isn't really a tutorial, because you will use her directions, but I did design the 18" doll pattern pieces and measurements.

Here is the first dress I made, to match the one for my daughter. This is American Girl doll, Caroline.  It fits slightly above her knee.

 I made a second version for another 18" doll we have by Madame Alexander Company. It fits the same. As you can see, this one has the bib.   For other brands, please tailor as you sew, just in case her measurements are not the same.  For these two doll companies, their measurements are identical so this dress will fit.

 

 Step one, buy Melissa's pattern! Link is in 2nd paragraph, above. All the directions are in her pattern. You will just use my measurements and pattern pieces, as per her permission.

 Here are the measurements, in inches, for cutting straps, skirt, and sash:

Bodice back 2 X 10.5
Top tier skirt 3.5 X 21  cut 2
Middle tier 1.5 X 21 cut 2 

Skirt ruffle 21 X 4 cut 2
Sash front 3 X 7
Sash ties 2 X 14 cut 2
Bib ruffle 2 X 15
Sleeve elastic 3.5 X 1/4
Back elastic 5.25 X 1/4
Back straps should be 2" from center
Front straps align with bib or 1.5" from center

 If you want a long skirt, just add an inch to each skirt tier. Sash ties will be too narrow to fold as Melissa does in pattern so just align with topstitching of front sash.

Here is the pattern piece. This image has been sized down to fit on this blog but it will be correct size when you download it.  To begin, drag this picture from your screen to your desktop.  I have an imac so I am not sure if that will work for PC users.  If it does not, please download this image as you would normally.  When you print, you want to print entire image. Do not scale, unless it does not print correctly the first time. If you continue to have any issues, you may come to my Facebook page and message me and I will send you an attachment of the image and/or try to help in other ways.   This should print out on one 8.5 X 11 inch printer paper with the 1" square measuring correctly. If yours does not print correctly, please adjust your sizing. Contact me on Facebook for questions.

Please understand that the images in this blog are copyrighted as are Millie's Flutter directions and images. Do not copy these images to another blog or use them for any purpose.  You do not have permission to use these directions to make and sell your own pattern. You do not have permission to do anything other than share this tutorial and information, for free, with other people so they can also use this pattern for their own personal use. You have permission to use this pattern for your own personal use or to sell items made from it for small-scale, home-based businesses only. Any mass production of this pattern is forbidden. 

Pattern Designer Interview - Deanna from Birdsong Patterns

Blog

Website for sales

Facebook Page
Etsy Store

1. When did you start designing patterns and how did it come about?

First, thank you for interviewing me! I am really honored and appreciative. I am a new clothing designer! I started writing PDF tutorials for hair bows, fabric flowers, and other accessories in 2010. For the past year I have been intensely studying clothing pattern design, and just released my first patterns, using knits, in May 2013.

2. What training do you have or how did you learn?

I'm a trained journalist who also minored in art in college, and worked for about 10 years as a newspaper reporter. Then I worked in public relations/marketing for another couple of years. During that time I started a hair bow business, Birdsong Bows, and sold hair accessories for 3-4 years before I decided to write tutorials. I've sewn for more than 10 years but focused on quilts and other accessories; I never enjoyed sewing the patterns from the "Big 4" designers in craft stores - they were not very user-friendly for beginners, even when the pattern claimed to be easy. Inspired by others, I decided to crack open the books and learn how to design my own patterns and write my own instructions that *would* be easy to understand.

3. What is the process of designing a new pattern like?

 

To be frank, after the initial idea, it's mostly math. For my first two patterns, I decided to go with the basics in the the Not-So-Basic Tee pattern and the Comfy-Fit Leggings pattern. Additionally, it's a lot of computer time. In 2011 I took a community college class on Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, which were very helpful - without some of these types of skills, it's hard to make a professional pattern. The fun part is the sewing and trying my designs on my two girls, where I then make changes and more changes before sending the design off to others to test them on their children.

Not-So-BasicTee pattern size 6-12

(modeled by my little girl - I tested this fabulous pattern)

 This pattern comes in toddler sizes.

You can also buy all sizes together.

4. What is the hardest part about designing a pattern in pdf form?

For me, it's the things that seem like they'd be simple - digitizing the pattern in different sizes and making sure it comes out accurately, so it's easy to print and use. Because this was my first time with clothing design, I did pay another designer to help me with that....but because I'm fiercely independent, I'm on my own next time. I didn't want to delay my pattern longer while I continued to work on this area of the finished product, and I wanted to deliver the most accurate product possible to my customers.

5. What is your favorite of your patterns and why?

 

I love every aspect of designing PDF patterns and tutorials, on some level or another. I love the "fresh idea" stage, then working on the design as an idea takes shape, and then seeing and photographing the final product after all of the time and effort spent on the details. And because I'm a writer, I do enjoy writing the instructions and tutorials for my pattern books and tutorials. It's fun for me to figure out the best way to teach someone how to accomplish each step. I don't go for concise writing as much as I go for informative writing - there's a difference, and I like to find a balance. 

Comfy-Fit Leggings pattern

Size 12mos - 12 

You can buy just the big girls pattern 

Or, just the toddler pattern

6. Do you sew for your own family or for sale? What do you prefer more, sewing or pattern design, and why?

  I love sewing for my daughters, particularly my youngest, who is still enthusiastic about everything I make for her! I like sewing and pattern design equally. I really love sewing with knits because I like their drape and ease of wear, though wovens are fun to work with because of the larger variety of prints.

7. Have you learned anything from feedback from customers that you would like to share with other designers or wanna-be designers?

My clothing patterns are new, but with my past tutorials I know that customers appreciate that they're accurate, thorough, and well-designed. For newbies: Be prepared to be detail-oriented. There's no "quick entry" into the PDF design business....and free advice goes only so far. You'll have to either take a class or set aside time and study on your own. Without an accurate, nicely presented product, customers won't return! Also, if there's something you just aren't "good enough" at yet, don't hesitate to hire it out the first few times. When you're done, make sure your final product is tested, and then give it to someone else to proofread. It's hard to catch everything yourself, and testers are often too busy "testing" to catch all of your typos or other silly mistakes.

There are many more pdfs at Deanna's Etsy store, like hairbows tutorials 

 

8. Best time and place to design?

I work from 8:30 to 2:30 during the week while my girls are in school, but as a new PDF launch deadline approaches, I also work on weekends and evenings for a couple of weeks. I do try to keep those times mostly free for my family otherwise. During the summer I work from 8-12 daily and then mostly take the afternoons off with my girls. I have a sewing "studio" in the finished portion of our basement, but I don't have an office there - I'm currently using my laptop on my dining room table, lol! 

 9. Favorite fabric of all time?

Wow, I'm not sure; my tastes change so much. I'm always drawn to a bright print, though, and I have a "thing" for paisley!

 

10. Favorite thing to do for fun?

I like dyeing fabric, quilting, and photography. I loved knitting but haven't had the time lately. The solids used in models' samples are all dyed by me, to coordinate with the prints....I like mixing colors and working with different color palettes. I guess you can say that color makes me smile! To relax and "stay young," I do yoga and pilates, and even do some running and weight training. A healthier body promotes a clearer head, at least for me!

**********************************************

Note from Kathy: I tested both the leggings and top patterns. I made my oldest girl a long sleeve top and long leggings and my little girl a short sleeve ruffle top and capris. These patterns are EXTREMELY well done.  I highly recommend them for anyone new to knits.  Deanna spent a long time writing many tutorials for how to hem knits, how to choose fabrics, which stitches to use to sew, and more.  They are must-haves for anyone new to knits or not feeling comfortable with knit fabrics and sewing. You will get a ton of use out of them. I promise!

 

**********************************************

There are so many wonderful new pattern designers on the horizon.  I hope you enjoyed reading about one new designer.  Next week, look for an interview with Sara Beth of Molly Blossom Design.

 

Tiedyediva Chelsea pattern

I forgot to tell you all I tested a great new pattern a few months ago: Tiedyediva Long Sleeve Dress Pattern for girls -  The Chelsea Dress. This is such a pretty dress and not hard at all to make. Yet, it has a fancy look to it, in my opinion.  The front has a bib closure that is not hard at all to sew.  But doesn't it look lovely! You can do inner buttons that are hidden or buttons on the outside, as I did. I decided it was a perfect dress for my beloved Deco Demure Stash.  I have been hoarding it for a while! This line is by Laura Berringer for Marcus Fabrics. It is currently not in their catalog but if you search, you could probably find some. And it has peacock feathers, which is my bliss.  Here is my daughter wearing her new dress. The sleeves, bib, and skirt are Deco Demure, the red is from Felicity Miller's Gypsy line and the brown floral in the bodice is from Robyn Pandolph's Chateau Rococco line.

 

Here is a closeup of the finished dress. The Gypsy red fabric is becoming my favorite blender fabric for trims!  I just scored two more yards from Fabric.com, from their recent sale.  Made me very happy.

Closeup of the bib.  

Closeup of sleeve.  The lovely ribbon is from Trimgoddess, on Etsy. She has the BEST selection of lovely ribbons I have seen.  One of my favorite Etsy stores.

I highly recommend this pattern to beginner sewists on up.  Tiedyediva patterns are always well written and come with a great many pictures and advice for you to make sure your garment turns out perfect.  The directions to make the bib are simple to understand and the sleeves come out beautifully.   This is a pdf pattern you can download and print.  I keep my computer near my sewing area so I only need to print the pattern pieces, not the directions. I can read them off the computer.  Works out perfectly.

Thanks for reading!

Sewing Lara and sorta-Sienna

I got to test out a new pattern recently. It is called Lara and is by a dear lady, Mira, of Tulips and Edelweiss.  Lara is a ruffled hoodie for girls. It can be made from velveteen or cotton knit or even microfleece.  It is very lady-like, according to one of my daughters.  I made a version in cotton knit, for my youngest daughter.  For fabric, I went stash diving in the bins in my garage and found some jersey knit from Chez Ami and some Michael Miller cotton knits. This is not a simple pattern but it went together very nicely.  It is meant for intermediate level sewists, so be aware that it is a great pattern but not simple.  It is well written with excellent directions.

You know a girl needs an outfit to go with a smashing hoodie like that! So, I used Lilblueboo Sienna dress pattern as the basis to come up with this cutiepie dress.  It doesn't resemble Sienna much anymore! I got creative and wung it as I sewed, adding ruffles to the sleeves, a gathered skirt, and side panels in turquoise rib knit.

It looks pretty cute with the hoodie!  

She loves it and won't take it off, so I count that as a great success.

Love sewing for this one!