Made for Mermaids and Patterns for Pirates- Sew What Do I Wear- Vacation Edition

Hello, lovely readers! Thank you for joining me for my stop on the Made for Mermaids and Patterns for Pirates, "Sew What Do I Wear- Vacation Edition" Blog Tour!

My summer plans include a big family cruise to the Caribbean! Grandparents, sisters, borthers, cousins and nieces and nephews- Woohoo! That means that I need a wardrobe full of fun, summery clothing to wear poolside, formal dinners, port excursions and more! Plus, Missy need some fun cruise wear, too!

Let's "dive" right into what I sewed up for the tour/cruise! (pun, intended ;-)

First, I sewed up the Made for Mermaids, Mama Lea Dolman Top. The Mama Lea Dolman pattern is one of my favorites! If you remember, I sewed up a maxi version in red for my stop on the Made for Mermaids and Patterns for Pirates, "Sew What Do I Wear- Valentine's Edition" Blog Tour back in February. I really like the Mama Lea Dolman pattern, can you tell?? This versatile, flattering pattern uses minimal fabric, has no set-in sleeves (thus, no extra pattern piece to print and assemble) and is a breeze to sew up. Speaking of fabric, I used this fun "anchor" fabric from Birch Fabrics, purchased online from Punkin Head Threads. I sewed up a size "pink," top version modified slightly for my height (5'-0"). Tell me this top doesn't scream, "CRUISE!"?!

Made for Mermaids- Mama Lea Dolman Top and 

Patterns for Pirates- Cross Your Heart Cami

Next, to jazz up my Made for Mermaids, Mama Lea Dolman Top, I sewed up a Cross Your Heart Cami by Patterns for Pirates. This was my first time sewing up the Cross Your Hear Cropped Cami. While I love most Patterns for Pirates patterns, this particular pattern intimidated me because of ALL.THAT.DARN.KNIT.BINDING!! If you sew, you know what I'm talking about! ;) However, once I started sewing and following through the tutorial, I had nothing to fear- designer Judy holds your hand and walks you through each step with pictures, tips and "how-to." For reference, I sewed up a size small, b cup, high front X, low back X (not shown) cropped cami. I have to say, the fit is spot-on- snug in all the right places, flattering in all the rest! The navy cotton lycra fabric was purchased online from my favorite source to get solid-colored knits, Purpleseamstress Fabrics.

Made for Mermaids- Mama Lea Dolman Top and 

Patterns for Pirates- Cross Your Heart Cami- DETAIL

Now, as an avid cruiser, I know that there will be some formal nights on my upcoming cruise- two to be exact. I sewed up this Mama Isabel during testing awhile back but it's always been a touch too low to wear without a cami for my comfort level. Patterns for Pirates, Cross Your Heart Cami to the rescue! It's just perfect for keeping things modest, yet fun! So, whether you dress up the Patterns for Pirates Cross Your Heart Cami for formal night, or dress it down for day wear, you simply can't go wrong!

Made for Mermaids- Mama Isabel Wrap Dress and 

Patterns for Pirates- Cross Your Heart Cami

Made for Mermaids- Mama Isabel Wrap Dress and 

Patterns for Pirates- Cross Your Heart Cami- DETAIL

Now onto Missy's cruise wardrobe....!

First, I sewed up this fun, summery Made for Mermaids Sommer Dress. This is a size seven, knit empire bodice, woven skirt dress length with the following modifications- a) Instead of fixed straps, I just lengthened the single strap option and tied them in the back, halter style (or, as Missy refers to it as, "Neck Tie."). b) I subtracted and inch and half from the bottom hem of the dress length and added a small one inch ruffle. 

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Dress (modified halter ties)

I want to take a moment to talk about the skirt fabric for this dress. My parents recently moved/retired and through the course of their packing/unpacking, my mother came across a tropical batik print sarong that she had gotten on one of her own travels to the Caribbean. Thinking that I could create something out of the rectangle of fabric, she mailed the fabric to me. I, in turn, thought it would be fun to make something to wear on our family cruise (so my mother could see my new creation out of her old sarong). Mission, accomplished! ;)

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Dress (modified halter ties)- DETAIL

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Dress (modified halter ties)- BACK

Last but not least, here is my final sew for the blog tour- another Made for Mermaids Sommer Top (bathing suit hack) and Bonny Shorties. Both items are size seven. This Sommer Top is empire waist, sewn in swim fabric, double straps, bodice ruffle. I modified as follows- a) I lengthened the back bodice piece to hit my daughter at high hip. b) I but the front top skirt to be 1.5x the width of the bottom bodice width (resulting in a slightly gathered front skirt) c) I cut two bodice ruffles- one of which was 1/2" shorter than the pattern-specified height d) I added swim elastic to all straps and where the bodice and skirt meet. All spf 50 fabric was purchased from Peek-A-Boo Pattern shop, last year. Girlfriend is ready for to CRUISE!

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Top (bathing suit hack) and Bonny Shorties

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Top (bathing suit hack)- DETAIL

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Top (bathing suit hack) and Bonny Shorties- BACK

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Top (bathing suit hack)- DETAIL

I still plan to add a couple more items to our cruise wardrobe, but this definitely helped me get a jump start! After all of the sewing included in this blog post alone, I think I deserve a vacation..... say, how about a nice, CRUISE vacation....? ! ;-) Bon Voyage!

***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 Pattern Testing- Love Notions- Lotus Blossom Blouse- Mommy and Me Style

Love Notions  Lotus Blossom Blouse

I recently had the pleasure of testing some new pdf sewing patterns from the designer, Love Notions. The first Love Notions pdf sewing pattern that I sewed was the Jam Jam Sleepwear Collection through Pattern Revolution's BundleUP sale back in January. Just one pattern.... that's all it took... and now I'm hooked! :-)

The newest Love Notions patterns are the Lotus Blossom Blouse- one for girls and one for ladies. That's right, folks- I sewed something for me! The last time- er, I mean the only other time- I did that was well over a year ago when I tested the Serger Pepper Sheer Plaid Top. The Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse was the perfect pattern for me to start doing some self-care sewing....!

Here are the pattern basics:

-The Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse comes in sizes girls 2t-16 and ladies XS-XXXL.

-The Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse pdf sewing pattern will be sold individually (girls or, ladies), or as a bundle.

-The Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse pdf pattern features no-trim pages and pattern size layers (ie, only print the size you need/want).

-The Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse is meant to be sewn in drapey knit fabric. While it is best to sew the The Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse in a knit fabric that is the same on both sides (ie does not have a right side or a wrong side), the pattern does include instructions on how to seam together a front pattern piece with one-sided knit fabric.

-Instructions on how to shorten/lengthen the pattern pieces are included in the tutorial of the Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse.

-The Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse features dolman sleeves and twist-front accent.

-The back of the The Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse can either be plain, or cutout (to feature a lace and/or other cool accent fabric).

Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse- Back Detail

Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse- Back

-The Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse pdf sewing pattern includes a pattern piece layout, printing chart, fabric requirement chart, size chart and cutting diagram. Links to troubleshooting, glossary, etc. are also included along the left side of the each page. 

Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse- girls size 6 and ladies size Small

Okay! Now, that we've talked about the Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse pattern basics, let's discuss what I sewed up! I sewed up two tops- one for me (ladies size small) and one for Lil' Miss (girls size six). I used lightweight heather grey jersey knit found at Hancock fabric. Both blouses included the cutout feature. The lace cutout was also purchased at Hancock.

For the sake of this test, I decided to make both blouses the same. Lil' Miss LOVED that we could be "twins"! (Though, I have to admit that looking at these pictures of us in our matching blouses does reinforce the fact that Katy is definitely my mini-me!) I figured I might as well make them matching while I can and Lil' Miss still thinks it's fun to match Mommy. ;-P

Personally,I love the flattering fit of the Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse! I like the slight v-neck and the back cutout. The twist in the front perfectly flatters a wide range of body types.

Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse- Front Twist Detail

The Lotus Blossom Blouse pattern itself is filled with pictures and diagrams to help aid in the construction and sewing of the blouse. Tips, bubbled areas and close-up pictures are included to help even the novice sewist be successful. Each step is carefully worded and clearly illustrated. (Be forewarned- this pattern is something of a paper hog because the front twist piece is one long, continuous piece of fabric.)

The Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse is a quick sew! I sewed up the girl's one in about an hour. Cut. Serge. Topstitch and you are good to go! Really, it was that simple!! 

Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse- TWINS!

From the look on her face above, I'd say that it's safe to assume the Love Notions Lotus Blossom Blouse is a winner!! Thank you, Tami, for allowing me to test these patterns for you! I had sew much fun!

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to pattern test for Love Notions. 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 Pattern Testing- Little Lizard King- Trendsetter Dress #trendsetter

I've been sewing up a storm, lately! Testing patterns, dreaming of warmer weather and enjoying these last sweet moments with my daughter before she's off to kindergarten, next fall (booohooo!).

Up to bat, today, Little Lizard King's newest PDF sewing pattern, the Trendsetter, designed by the multi-talented Cassie!!

Here are the pattern basics:

-The TrendsetterPDF sewing pattern by Little Lizard King is sized for Dolly up to size 8. Perfect for Dolly and Me matching dresses!

-The Trendsetterhas several strap options (simple, double). There are also instructions in the tutorial on how to do a flutter on the simple strap option.

-The Trendsetterhas several skirt options (fancy skirt with underskirt and lace trim, Fancy skirt with lining, Simple skirt with underskirt or Simple skirt). Whew- that's a lot of options!

-The Trendsetteralso has several bodice options (gathered or simple).

-Best part of the Trendsetter? There are NO pattern pieces to print, cut out and tape together!! There are just color-coded cutting charts! Woohoo!

All of my dresses are size five and I was originally down to test the simple skirt.

The Trendsetteris so simple and sweet that I sewed up not one, not two but THREE dresses during testing!! Actually, if you count the Dolly dresses, I sewed up FIVE Trendsetters! Whew!! Obviously, since I sewed up so many dresses, the Trendsetteris an easy sew. This would be a great pattern for a beginner sewist. I sewed up the last Dolly dress (Purple My Little Pony fabric) in about an hour from cut to finished serged seam). See- FAST!!

Now, don't be fooled by the simplicity of the Trendsetter. It can be dressed up, or dressed down, depending on the fabric that you choose. I chose to use fabric from my stash. This is a great scrapbuster of a project- I ended up with just slivers of the tie-dye fabric when everything was said and done!

For me, the back of this dress is what sells it for me. I've got lots of pretty, sunny dresses in my PDF sewing pattern library, but none with the awesome criss-cross back included in the double strap of the Trendsetter!! Seriously. The back has it on this one!

With a double row of comfy elastic, there will be no fear of this dress slipping down during play. Lil' Miss already danced and played the afternoon away in the two cotton print dresses (after I took pictures).

Now, let me tell you a little secret... that second dress.... the fancy white tulle creation with an underskirt? Well, it's made up of a curtain and a sheet from Ikea. Really. Just call me Scarlett O'Hara! Or, Maria! It was perfect for Lil' Miss to wear to my cousins recent FL nuptials!

Lil' Miss loves the matching Dolly dresses that I made for Samantha out of the Trendsetter! The dolly dress pattern is included in the purchase of the Trendsetter pattern.

Thanks so much, Cassie, for allowing me to test for you! I had "sew" much fun!! Okay- now, go forth and buy the Trendsetterby Little Lizard King!! You won't regret this summer staple PDF sewing pattern! 

Front + Dolly

Gathered Bodice Detail

Double Criss-Cross Straps Back Detail

The Trendsetterby Little Lizard King- Dress 1 + Dolly

Simple Skirt, Gathered Bodice, Double Criss-Cross Straps.

Front

Gathered Bodice Detail

Double Criss-Cross Straps Back Detail

The Trendsetterby Little Lizard King- Dress 2

Fancy Skirt with Underskirt, Gathered Bodice, Double Criss-Cross Straps.

Front

Simple Strap Back Detail

Front + Dolly

The Trendsetter by Little Lizard King- Dress 3 + Dolly

Simple Skirt, Simple Bodice, Simple Straps.

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to pattern test for Little Lizard King. The opinions expressed here are my own."***

Sewing Pattern Review- Cole's Corner and Creations- Too Cute Tank Dress + Dolly Too Cute Tank Dress

Too Cute Tank Dress

I had the opportunity to review some PDF sewing patterns for Nicole of  Cole's Corner and Creations. I sewed up the Too Cute Tank Dress and matching Dolly Too Cute Tank Dress. Released last year, the Too Cute Tank Dress is Cole's Corner and Creations first dress pattern. However, she has tons more other patterns (including more dresses!) and each pattern that she releases has a matching Dolly pattern (sold separately)- perfect for matching Dolly and Me sets!

Okay- Let's start out with the basics;

-The Too Cute Tank Dress is written for sizes 1-10.
-The Too Cute Tank Dress features a comfy knit bodice and cotton woven skirt.
-As the name suggests, this is a tank dress- meant for warmer weather.
-The neckline of the Too Cute Tank Dress is mix and match- curved or straight.
-There are several arm options on the Too Cute Tank Dress- bias binding, FOE, Tie top Straps.
-The hemline of the Too Cute Tank Dress can be finished with a patchwork band, solid band  or ruffle. Directions are included in the tutorial for the before-mentions hemline options.
-There are just two pages of pattern pieces to print for the Too Cute Tank Dress. The rest of the pieces are given in a chart of measurements.

Pretty straight-forward, huh?

I chose to sew up a size five, curved front neckline, regular, store-bought bias binding and ruffle hemline (Fancy Nancy would DEFINITELY go for the ruffle!!).

Too Cute Tank Dress

This pattern is great for using up scraps! I was able to piece together the whole dress (plus, the Dolly!) just using what I had in my stash. I had a bunch of Lil' Miss' favorite Fancy Nancy cotton woven for the skirt and I pieced together other, coordinating scraps for the sash and ties. Since this is a tank style dress, the bodice does not require too much knit- another great use of knit scraps!! Win!

I believe that this would a be a SUPER great pattern for somebody wanting to first venture into sewing with knit fabric. Because there is so little knit fabric used (just the bodice), the Too Cute Tank Dress would be a great introduction to the world of knits (and end up with a really great end-product!)!!

Because I used store-bought bias binding, my prep time was a breeze! Just two pattern pieces to trace and cut out (I did a straight back and curved front neckline). I LOVE a good pattern that only has a couple of pattern pieces to cut out- less ink, less cutting and less taping/putting together. Yay! By going down the list of measurements in the chart, I just checked them each off while I cut out the sash, ties, skirt and ruffle hem.

Too Cute Tank Dress

I'll admit, knits are not my most favorite thing to sew with. However, Too Cute Tank Dress sews up quickly and simply. The directions are clear and to the point. Using the bias binding helps speed up the sewing process because hemming and finishing the edges of the bodice are all done in one step!

There are lots of little tips and tricks put into the tutorial to help a sewer out. Even if you are a seasoned pro, it's always nice to have a well-written pattern, such as the Too Cute Tank Dress, to guide you. A short glossary of terms, a sizing chart and a fabric requirement chart are all included in the beginning of the tutorial.

Strike a pose!

There really isn't anything bad to say about the Too Cute Tank Dress pattern/tutorial. It's comfy and cute and Lil' Miss found it perfect for running around in and playing in. Filled with options (listed above), this pattern will be- dare I say it- "too cute" for warm, summer months!

Thank you, Nicole, for a great, quick sew! Love it!

Too Cute Tank Dress- The perfect play dress to run, jump and PLAY in!

**I also had the chance to sew up a matching Dolly Too Cute Tank Dress for Samantha. The directions for the Dolly are pretty much the same as the girl's pattern. The only difference is that the Dolly pattern only calls for the use of FOE (fold over elastic) for the arm/should straps. Since I didn't have any matching FOE, I just used scraps of the matching, leftover bias binding I used for Katy's dress to create tie shoulder straps. From the look on Lil' Miss' face, I'd say the matching Dolly Too Cute Tank Dress was a success!

Too Cute Tank Dress and Dolly Too Cute Tank Dress

Dolly Too Cute Tank Dress

Too Cute Tank Dress and Dolly Too Cute Tank Dress

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to review this pattern for Cole's Corner and Creations. The opinions expressed here are my own."***

Just Because...

....I couldn't help myself....

I stayed up really late, the other night, and sewed another Lily Lace Dress by Made for Mermaids! This time, in maxi-length and My Little Pony fabric...!! Ooh, ooh, OOH!

It doesn't get much better than that for a pony-loving five year old!!!

Of course, Samantha needed a matching DOLLY Lily Lace Dress, too!! ;-)

Lil' Miss proclaimed it to be her, "FAVORITE dress of all times...!" It may be the ponies talking, but I'll take it!! One happy, pint-sized fashionista!

Wordless Wednesday- "I'm So Fancy!"

Wordless Wednesday- Baby, Strike a Pose!

Sewing Pattern Testing- Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress

Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress

Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress

Stopping to smell the flowers.

Circle Dresses are make twirling FUN!

Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress

Presenting another sweet pattern from Amelie Clothing- the Adria Circle Dress! With a full circle skirt, this dress has lots of twirl factor! Lil' Miss received so many compliments when she wore this dress. I already have visions of other Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress, done in other fabrics/combos, in the near future!

I love the attention to detail on this dress. The shoulder seams are attached by a little ribbon that you sew within the pattern. The full circle skirt is twirly, flouncy and fun. With the two layers on the skirt and the lined bodice, this dress has lots of coverage and no see-through factor.

As with all Amelie Clothing patterns, the tutorial and pattern and easy to read and follow. The pictures aid with the understanding of each step. The Amelie Clothing- Adria Circle Dress pattern is for sizes 2T- 10. I would highly recommend this pattern!