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!

Sweet Seraphina heads back to school

So after making my first version of the Seraphina dress by Honeydewkisses patterns, the fabulous designer decided to make a few tweaks to give a better fit before releasing, so I HAD to make another one... hehehe... not really but of course I wanted to! And of course we head back to school next week, so why not kill two birds with one stone, right??? On a side note... I still can't fathom how school starts back August 5th! So early! I digress...

I made the same size 2 as the original Seraphina that I made but added just a tad to the length this time since my 4 year old is taller than the typical 2 year old, although I didn't mind the length of the 2 on her, I just needed to make sure I had enough room for this adorable apple pocket!

The back still features buttons and a sash tie (which you could leave off if so desired). There is an optional front sash portion too if you wanted to extend the sash to the front as well.

The pattern features the same details as before:

• Digitized pattern pieces for sizes 6 to 12 months - 12 years
• Supply list
• Cutting chart for rectangular cuts
• Size chart with child's measurements
• Yardage requirements
• Cutting layout
• Clear step by step tutorial with color photographs
• Helpful sewing tips along the way too!

This version has a little more side coverage than the original draft of this pattern and a perfect fit for us! Can I just say I love it when designers actually use tester feedback to make their patterns even better? <3 <3 <3

 

Here are just a "few" more pics for inspiration until you can buy you own Seraphina pattern from the Honeydewkisses Pattern shop!

 

Sweet Seraphina

So you remember over a year ago when I tested these super cute suspender shorts by Honeydew Kisses? Well Talia is back from a little break with a new pattern that is simply GORGEOUS. Such a stunning silhouette! Meet Miss Seraphina- the newest dress/tunic pattern releasing this week by Honeydew Kisses.

For this pattern test I chose to use some Kaufman linen blends from one of my favorite Etsy Fabric Shops- Threads and Stitches. She has a gorgeous selection & always ships super fast! For the bodice and overskirt I used the Kaufman Essex Linen blend in Plum and for the collar, sash, bodice accent, and under skirt I used the Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen Blend in Natural. A large cluny lace was used to accent the bodice and skirt hem as well. I was hoping for a look that could take us into fall- and this is perfect since it is still super warm here in Georgia!

The back features buttons as well as a sash tie- pay no mind to my messy bow- it's so hard to tie a pretty bow on a wiggly four year old ; )

Let's talk pattern details:

• Digitized pattern pieces for sizes 6 to 12 months - 12 years
• Supply list
• Cutting chart for rectangular cuts
• Size chart with child's measurements
• Yardage requirements
• Cutting layout
• Clear step by step tutorial with color photographs
• Helpful sewing tips along the way too!

The pattern can be made as a tunic or dress and pairs beautifully with the Fiona Suspender shorts as well! You will not want to miss out on this one! Head on over to the Honeydew Kisses pattern shop on Craftsy to pick up your copy once it releases!

I had the opportunity to sew up an updated version of this pattern prior to release and love it even more- you can see that one HERE!