the fiona shorts- with a cherry on top

I love testing out new patterns! Did you hear me pattern designers???? I really do LOVE doing it! It is so fun to see a pattern come together and then get to head out and take pics and provide feedback to the designer. This go around I was testing the "Fiona Shorts" for Talia of Honeydew Kisses Patterns. She is a relatively new pattern designer to me- but I was not disappointed at all in this pattern. Can't wait to see what she creates next!

These are the most adorable little shorts complete with functional pockets, suspenders, and loads of optional accessories. Does it sound like I am selling a car? These cuties can be made with or without the suspenders, add a bow in the front or back (it's reversible), or add an optional flutter to the straps. For those that know me well it may be a little shocking that I opted not to do a flutter on these! Ha!

I used a Moda print from the 30's Playtime by Chloe's Closet line with the sweetest little cherries on it. I decided to pair the Fiona shorts with the Madelyn top by Violet Field Threads modified just a tad so that it didn't button all the way down the back. I thought there might be a little too much party going on in the back with buttons and suspenders.

The only oversight in my pairing?? The fact that the VFT Madelyn's collar is sewn into the shoulder seams. That just didn't bode well with suspenders when I was hoping to "tuck" the straps under the collar. Still turned out cute though despite my mishap. 

I also think they look adorable without the suspenders- they unbutton to remove for a completely different look. This way we get multiple ways to wear it! I also made a little sash to tie around the waist when we aren't using the suspenders but my daughter was having no part of putting it on. Ha! She has become quiet the little diva now that she hit 3! I am thinking about making a button on "tab" that would just attach to the inside when not wearing the suspenders so you still get the look of the cute buttons. 

A little bit better shot of the modified back on the Violet Field Threads Madelyn top:

And here they are all cute with the sash in the grass since no one wants to actually put it on ; )

So a few important details about the pattern you should know:

- Sizes 6 months to 10 years

- Nested pattern pieces in color & a variety of dots/dashes for those that prefer to print in B&W

- Cutting chart for those rectangular cuts to save paper

- Detailed instructions with pictures

- Loads of options: suspenders, suspenders with bow front or back, flutters, or just adorable shorts

The pattern is set to release on August 24th. Feel free to like the Honeydew Kisses page over on facebook for more information on the upcoming release. The pattern will be available in the Honeydew Kisses Pattern Shop on Craftsy and the Etsy shop so get ready to get your Fiona Shorts sew on next week!

And just because... a few more outtakes from our photo session ; )

Head on over and snatch up your Fiona Shorts pattern as soon as you can- it will not disappoint! I can assure you I would have made another pair had my machine not decided it needed a little vacay at the repair shop!

Lily Giggle is back and better than ever!

I was tickled to be invited to do some top secret testing for Lily Giggle's grand re-opening. She has the most wonderful knit patterns full of wonderful tips for sewing with knits and ideas for upcycling!

My assignment- a precious little layered ruffle skirt- the SASSAFRASS! This version has an over skirt so you aren't sewing ruffles for days but it still looks like you did!

I chose to use a mustard knit with ivory scalloped ruffles I found at Hobby Lobby as part of their fall 2014 collection. I paired it with a plain solid ivory knit. Let's all pretend like I ironed the tiny scalloped ruffles to lay down flat before we took these pics ; )

I thought it would be great for layering in the fall- even though we are still in the heat of the summer here in the Washington desert!

The pattern covers sizes 2 through 12. It includes instructions for easily printing just the size you need or all of the sizes nested. How fabulous is that!!! 

The start of the pattern has "quick sew" instructions for you seasoned pros that don't really need the step by step, followed up with the step by step picture tutorials that really walk you through making this skirt easy peasy! It really looks way more complicated than it is to make. 

Run as fast as you can to the newly re-opened Lily Giggle shop at lilygiggle.com to snag this SASSAFRASS skirt pattern and all of her other great patterns revamped and now available once again!