Wordless Wednesday- My kind of Clorox Wipes

Pattern Revolution Review Team

The secret is out- I've been asked to join the review team over at Pattern Revolution! I'm honored and excited to be included in this diverse group of talented ladies from all over the world as we sew through various patterns, journeys, and, of course, all the pretty fabrics! So many pretty fabrics!

My first review, the "Be Fearless Dress" by Ellie and Mac is up on the Pattern Revolution blog- check it out!

Made for Mermaids- Sew What Do I Wear? Valentine's Edition

Happy February! I'm happy to be one of your stops on the Made for Mermaids Sew What Do I Wear? Valentine's Edition.

Valentine's Day in the Jones household tends to get overshadowed and pushed to the wayside because of our daughter's birthday four days later. She's going to be seven, this year. SEVEN! How is that even possible- didn't we just bring her home from the hospital....? What a smart, funny little lady she is becoming nowadays.... LOVE her!... but I digress... ;)

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress

This year, Hubs has already planned a nice dinner out for all of us to enjoy the weekend BEFORE Valentine's Day (because, let's be honest- how is it even possible to celebrate Valentine's day ON Valentine's day when it falls in the middle of the week- like it does this year- and there is school and work and homework to contend with??).

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress

We are going to the Melting Pot; a family favorite! In regards to attire, dining at the Melting Pot means two thing for me;

1) It has to either have no sleeves or sleeves that are not loose and flow-y. Flow-y sleeves + open flame + melted chocolate = disaster! (not to mention fire hazard!;)

2) It has to be easy to wear.... I.E. Elastic waistband... because of COURSE I'm going to indulge in that extra chocolate dipped brownie bite! ;)

Of course, I want to look cute, too..... After all, it is Valentine's Day, am I right...?!

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolmen Top/Dress to the rescue! It's quick to sew, fun to wear, has an elastic waistband... LOVE! However, I added my own little twist to the Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress.... I made the already-awesome Mama Lea Dolam Dress in maxi-length!

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress

Since red is the color of the season, I chose to use a super-soft, red double brushed poly fabric that I've been hoarding saving for just the right dress.... the Mama Lea Dolman Dress! I originally purchased the fabric from So Sew English Fabrics.

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress

To make the Mama Lea pattern maxi-length, I made the following simple modifications;
-I took the dress length skirt pattern piece and measured from the bottom of the pattern piece to the floor. Then, I added 1/2" for a seam allowance.
-Next, I added 1 1/2" to each side of the new bottom hem (to allow for walking and movement) and graded accordingly from the waist down.

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress- BACK

After that, I went ahead and sewed up the Mama Lea Dolman Dress as instructed. Easy Peasy and I'm ready go go! Now, please pass the fondue! Happy Valentine's day! :-)

Jan 30 - The Do It Better Yourself Club/ Wild & Wanderful/ SewSophieLynn/ Vinyasew

Jan 31 - Argyle and Pearls / Ma Moose / Red Stitch Blue Stitch/ All sewn up by Stacey

Feb 1 - All Things Katy! / Sew and Tell Project / Sew A Piece of Joy / The Kisses Co

Feb 2 - It's Liesel / Sewingly, Michelle / Stitching and Making/ Rebel & Malice

Feb 3 - On Wednesdays We Sew/ The Crunchy Mommy/ Margarita on the Ross/ Lady and the Gents / Four Seasons and a Road Trip

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to review this pattern for Made for Mermaids. The opinions expressed here are my own."***

****This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small percentage of the sale.****

Sewing #YearInReview2016

Made for Mermaids, 5 Out of 4, Little Lizard King, Cole's Corner and Cretaions, Patterns for Pirates, Mouse House Creations, Sew Straight and Gather, Love Notions, My Childhood Creations, Simple Life Creations, Orange Daisy Patterns

Sewing Pattern Review- Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns- Out and About Dress

Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress

Waaa-aaay back in August, Caroline H. (the brains and beauty behind Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns) asked me to review one of her PDF sewing patterns on All Things Katy! I chose the Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress. 

Then, life got in the way... you know, just your run of the mill start of school (for Lil' Miss), full time work (for me), sprained ankle and X-rays (for Hubs) and an incident with a deer vs. car (for Hubs) that resulted in the purchase of a new car... you know, just normal, ordinary stuff called LIFE... ;-P

I purchased this lovely red, sparkly ponte roma from JoAnn's (also) back in August when I was visiting my out-of-state aunt. I just KNEW I had to have a Christmas dress out of it! The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress was the perfect PDF sewing pattern to bring my me-made Christmas dress vision to life!

Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress

Let's start with some Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress pattern basics:

-The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress is sized for XS-XL.

-The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress includes two hemlines (knee and maxi) and two sleeve lengths (elbow and long).

-The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress includes a pattern piece for optional in-seam pockets.

-The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress is written for KNIT fabrics (something with a stretch).

-The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress includes a pattern sizing, finished garment and yardage requirement charts.

-The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress includes step-by-step photographs and written instructions.

-The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress pattern pieces are nested (but not layered) and pages must be trimmed before assembling.

I sewed up a size medium, knee-length, elbow length sleeves, no pockets dress. Because of my *ahem* short stature (5'-0"), I made the following alterations to the pattern pieces before cutting out fabric and sewing:

-I subtracted 1/2" length from the top of the skirt pattern piece.

-I subtracted 2" length from the bottom hem of the skirt piece.

-I subtracted 1" length from the bodice, 2" up from the waist.

*Neckband, cuff and elbow length sleeves were cut as directed in the pattern.*

*I was told that The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress is drafted for an average 5'-6" tall woman.

Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress- Back

The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress came together quickly and easily. The pattern pieces lined up perfectly- there was no "fudging" to make things fit. The notches in the sleeve pattern piece were really helpful in constructing the bodice. Plus, the sleeve of The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress is an actual pattern piece- with a different back and front- not just a pattern piece cut out on the fold. This helps create an overall, better fit. The pictures were clear and complimented the written instructions. I never hesitated or wondered how to proceed while sewing up the The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress. It took me less than three hours to sew up The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress (from printing to final try-on).

Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress- Scoop neckline detail

The scoop neckline of The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress is just right- not too low, and not too high... Just riiiiiight for any holiday event from office Christmas party, date night or Christmas Eve church service.

Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress- Cuff sleeve detail

I LOVE that the elbow length sleeves are finished with a cuffed hem!! For some reason, it's just so much easier to just sew on a cuff instead of folding up, pressing and sewing. Plus, the cuffed hem adds a nice design element- it's the perfect opportunity to add a complimentary fabric, a button accent, etc.

Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress- Skirt detail

I took out a total of 3 1/2" of length from the pattern pieces. I've always been told to take out 1/2" for every inch you are shorter than the pattern is written for (The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress was drafted for the average 5'-6" tall woman). In retrospect, I realize that I could have stood to take out even more length in both the bodice and the skirt. Even with my alterations, the waist seam (where the bodice and skirt met) still hit me at a funny height (hence, the belt ;-P). The skirt hit just below the knee caps. Also, the sleeves hit me more like 3/4 long sleeves (than elbow) and personally, I prefer them this length.

I love how versatile The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress PDF sewing pattern can be. Dress it up with fancy fabrics. Or, dress it down with casual jersey knit. With  multiple sleeve and hem lengths, you could potentially sew multiple variations of the same dress for all seasons of the year- love that!

In conclusion, The Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dress was a fast, simple sew that resulted in a fun, festive dress. I love the different options included in the pattern and I appreciate how well everything went together. I know I'll be sewing up more Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns Out and About Dresses!

Would you like to learn more about Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns?

-Website- http://sewcaroline.com/

-Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/sewcarolineblog

-Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/sewcaroline/

-Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/sewcaroline/

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to review this pattern for Sew Caroline Sewing Patterns . The opinions expressed here are my own."***

Wordless Wednesday- The Jolly Man in Red #NLTD

Building Christmas Memories

Katy and Ted constructing her Shopkins Cookie House

from Aunt Julie & Uncle Rob

❤ Check ya' Later ❤