Hello Cali... nice to meet you!

So, you know how there are always those other shops out there that you admire, you see them post on Instagram and fall in love with their style... and then sometimes you are lucky enough to have them start following you back? I was tickled when Jilly Atlanta started following me and invited me to test out her upcoming PDF pattern release- the Cali blouse & dress. It is such a classic, timeless pattern with loads of options!

I tested the size 2 for my little peanut and added the dress length of the size 4. The pattern has cut lines for both top and dress length. I love the versatility!

There are several sleeve options on this pattern as well- short sleeves, long sleeves with elastic in the upper arm to create a gorgeous bell-sleeve style, trim on the sleeves, or elastic at the wrists, which is what I used in this test. I love a pattern with options!

The pattern ranges from a 2t to a size 6. It includes a size chart, fabric requirements, and a notions listing so that you have everything you need to sew it up.

The pattern itself is a printable PDF that is color coded per size and includes a 1" test box to ensure you printed to the correct scale. There are diagrams included in the instructions to ensure you assemble the pages correctly. The pattern also includes a suggested cutting layout.

This pattern includes very detailed instructions with super clear pictures and even includes a link to a video tutorial on YouTube. The construction of this dress included some new techniques for me, which I am always happy to learn!

There are additional instructions for adding trim along the neck line and sleeves. I left this one plain, but love the look of the trim in both places! Instead, I opted to add a trim just above the hemline for an added pop of color.

I am happy to welcome Jilly Atlanta to the PDF world on facebook. Be sure to check out her other amazing patterns in her etsy shop- JillyAtlanta and also join the pattern group on facebook- JillyAtlanta Pattern Group. And P.S. she also sells some AMAZING clothing in her Etsy shop!

Brownie Goose Luna Love

I am always happy to test out upcoming Brownie Goose patterns- they never disappoint me! Meet the newest in the BG line up- Miss Luna- a square neck beauty with gorgeous angel sleeves or a longer sleeve option as well- wohoo!

The Luna dress is a flowy swing dress with a square yoke and princess seams. The yoke is a fabulous place for embellishment- trims, embroidery, buttons, oh my the options! 

The back has a functional back opening with a continuously bound placket cut into the skirt for ease of getting on/off. 

The pattern is drafted with elbow length sleeves but there are instructions for adding/taking away sleeve length. The alternate view that I tested out has an angel sleeve that is built into the side panel via the princess seams.

I used a gorgeous Art Gallery fabric from Bari J.'s Splendor 1920 collection called Delicate Sautoir Rose. I love this whole collection. I used fabric from this collection for my last test as well to make the Lauren pintuck shirt & Evie shorts.

Luna starts at a 6-12 month size and goes all the way up to 12 years. She is a generous fit due to her flowiness. I opted to do a tunic length- there are instructions for adding or subtracting length given in the tutorial so if you prefer tunic length go for it!

Head on over to the Brownie Goose shop to snag your copy of Luna once it is released! Happy sewing!!! <3 <3 <3

Meet Lauren & Evie by Made for Mermaids

I have been a little busy lately, but as soon as I saw the tester call for Megan's newest patterns for Made for Mermaids- Lauren & Evie, I knew I had to make some time to test. The Lauren Pintuck Top & Tunic and the Evie Pleated shorts and pants have endless possibilities. I only had time to sew up a couple of the options but here is one of my favorite combos- the sleeveless Lauren with collar and Pleated Evie shorts with elastic.

I used an Art Gallery print in the Splendor 1920 line by Bari J called English Garden Serene. I  love Art Gallery fabrics- so soft an buttery! I paired with a simple ivory Kaufman kona for the pintucked blouse.

The blouse has several sleeve options- sleeveless, short sleeve and long sleeve. It also can be cut in top or tunic length and you can add the collar or leave the neckline plain. Whoa- talk about a million combinations right there!

The Evie Pleated shorts and pants are both adorable! Here is a look at both together. I used a chambray for the pants and really should have pressed them a little better before taking this pic ; )

Here they are in action- I made a size 1 with size 3 length for my tall/thin model and the fit was perfect!

I think the sleeveless top would be great paired with a little cardigan for fall as well!

Evie also has an option for suspenders with either the shorts or pants. And the shorts can be made with or without the leg elastic- I happen to think the leg elastic is precious though! These would also be cute with tights for winter!

Both patterns range from a size 1/2 to 14 years! I love that Megan's patterns have such a wide size range and you get them all in one pattern. I also love the ease with which her PDFs print and go together with no trim pages and nesting so that you can print just the sizes you want to print.

Head on over to the Made for Mermaids Pattern Shop to get your copy of Lauren & Evie today! 

Pensacola Beach Petal Top makes its debut!

I stumbled upon a new pattern shop to me this past month- Seaside Notions- I know shocking to think with the 1.2 zillion PDF patterns I own that there are still shops I haven't found yet... but I know there are so many talented designers out there that are just getting started! I saw the tester call for the Pensacola Beach Petal Top in one of the many Facebook sewing groups I am in and was smitten by the gorgeous necklines and that petal skirt!

I started out doing the flutter sleeve option and added a pompom trim to my flutters as well as on the skirt petals. My first go I used this gorgeous lime green bird print by Moda. And now it's time for a confession- I made a little oopsie in the order of construction and had my front petals overlapping the back ones instead of the other way around like the pattern is written. The up-side is I really kind of like the different look that it gives this way- and my mistake helped to ensure that the instructions were crystal clear for you ; )

The pattern has options for 3 different sleeve looks: sleeveless, cap or flutter. I have now finished two of the three and look forward to sewing up the cap sleeve soon too! But we all know that this girl loves a flutter sleeve <3

The pattern ranges in size from 12 months up to 12 years- so you can get many years out of this one!

I love a square neckline in the front but super love how this one scoops down in the back as well! Here is a good view of how the petals look in reverse order from the back in case you were wondering...

So after realizing my mistake, I felt the need to make another top with the petals in proper lapping order. This time I opted for this Joel Dewberry print in these gorgeous colors that remind me of the coming fall. I think this will be precious layered with a denim jacket or plum cardigan as the temps begin to fall- so I went sans-flutter to make layering easier!

A little more about Seaside Notions since this may be a new shop for you too! Her PDFs are wonderfully written with clear illustrations and step by step instructions. Included is a printing guide, fabric & material requirements, a measurement chart and instructions for blending sizes (great for those of us with non-typical sized little ones), oh and the digital pattern pieces are layered so that you can print only the sizes you want/need to print! What more can you ask for???

The back does include both a button-hole and a placket but the instructions are very well written for the placket if you have never done one before don't be scared! The petals have 3 different finishing options- trim, bias trim or just a plain ole hem- something to please us all and give them tons of variety!

I am excited for the release of this new top and can't wait to see what is coming next from Seaside Notions! I leave you with just a "few" more pics of these tops in action!

Hope you have as much fun sewing this one up as I did! 

<3 Susan

Hampton + Olivia - A perfect combination by Made for Mermaids

Meet the two newest patterns by Megan of Made for Mermaids- the Hampton & the Olivia. These patterns are loaded with so many options, I am sure there is something to please everyone! Will get to more of the options in a minute, but for now here is a glimpse at the Hampton top paired with the Olivia pantaloons. 

For this pattern test I chose to use some fabrics from one of my favorite Etsy Fabric Shops- Threads and Stitches. I wanted something with a fall feel to it, even though it is still unbearably warm here in Georgia. She has an awesome selection & fabulous customer service! For the top I used the Lecien My Folklore Double Border in Cream and accented with Kaufman linen in espresso. I love all things Lecien and had never seen this one with these stunning fall tones before! I also added a cluny lace from Threads and Stitches to accent the elastic casings on the pantaloons. 

The Hampton pattern ranges from sizes 1/2 up to size 8 and includes options for a top, dress, or romper in short, capri or pant length! Talk about endless options! You can make it with or without flutters to change the look up even further. I made the top length and used a Broderie Anglaise gathered eyelet lace trim as my flutters.

I paired the Hampton top with another new Made for Mermaids pattern- the Olivia bloomers/pantaloons. I can already tell this one will be a staple. I did the pantaloons length and accented with cluny lace on the espresso Kaufman linen.

The Olivia pattern is packed with options as well! It also ranges from size 1/2 up to a size 8. It includes options for traditional bloomers, ruched front bloomers, pantaloons and knit cuffed shorts! I have plans to sew up the other versions very soon! Both patterns will be available in the Made for Mermaids pattern shop!

We also tried the Hampton top over skinny jeans for a different fall look! Go grab your patterns and share what you come up with over in the Made for Mermaids pattern group on facebook!