Camden Raglan by Hey June Handmade and books!

Adrianna of Hey June Handmade has released the Camden Raglan Pattern.  On sale now for $6.50

I was fortunate to test this pattern and we were very pleased with the fit! Finally, a well fitting, slim raglan for girls with sleeve options and a nice neckline. And while my daughters are still young, I can see this pattern becoming a staple in their tween and teen wardrobes soon, as the pattern includes sizes 6-16.

This was my first time trying a Hey June pattern and I was impressed with the layout, instructions and illustrations.

Here is our version:
I added a contrasting band to the 3/4 sleeve- perfect for spring and no hemming!

And look at this gem of a book I found while browsing C&T Publishing Sale:

Many times I feel sad when my kids outgrow that special outfit or shirt I "just made", they grow so fast and the custom print fabric is not cheap! This book is full of ideas on extending the life of these clothes and up cycling ideas. On sale for $2!

Another one I found: Sew Modern Baby - a bargain at $3 during the sale

Last week sewing roundup: t-shirt, dress, pants and more.

It has been a busy sewing and pattern testing week for me, and that is the reason for lack of blogging on my part. I finished a dress, 3 t-shirts, 3 pants, bolero cardigan and a wristlet.

I am starting with the dress, since it was the most fun and funky (yes, I said) funky project to make.

The pattern is the Little 4 A While Penny Dress and it's so much fun!
My daughter loves it, her teaches loved it  and all the preschoolers loved it!
Just looking at these colors makes me happy!
I used cotton lycra and cotton interlock and couldn't be more pleased with the results.
The second level could definitely be made from scraps.

And of course, obligatory twirl test: PASSED!

Next up, Tshirts for the little guy, getting ready for spring and summer. The Reid from EllieDactyl is a great pattern with so many options! I like the colorblocking, since I get to use up all the cotton lycra scraps and with a little extra effort and some topstitching, the results are worthy of any children's wear boutique. Here are some I made this week:

 Yes, the monsters are upside down, but  let's face it, my kid stands on his head at least some of the time!

And some pants to go with these:Both are Chipmuk Cheeks Pants from Duck Butt Designs.

Here is the "modeling" shot me son allowed me to take.

And an action shot: Hiking! Yes, the sky was really this blue, not a cloud!

The Empress Shirt, Tunic and Dress - a pattern review and "bling" transfer tutorial

My oldest daughter isn't into dresses anymore. The A-line swing dress aka Lil' LDT with cowl neck from Love Notions is the only dress she is willing to consider. She does like to jump and twirl, however as all gymnasts do.
So, what's a great alternative to a twirly dress? A great peplum top, of course! When A Sparkly Baby recently came out with the Empress Dress pattern, I admit, I said "not another twirly dress!". But after testing it, I realized I was wrong!

First of all, there are so many t-shirt top, twirly circle skirt dress patterns out there. What grabbed my attention is the empire waist a-line tunic option. My daughter, wanted a "twirly" top, however.
The end result is a shirt length, peplum top with 3/4 sleeves and petal ruffle trim - perfect for spring!

I can see myself using this pattern again and again. First of all, the sizing is very generous Preemie to Size 14! I love, love when designers include all sizes and I don't have to purchase  multiple copies for my girls.
The skirt options include circle skirt, hankie hem, a-line in tunic, shirt and dress length.
Sleeves: short, 3/4, long, hemmed, ruffle, petal ruffle (my favourite!)
And, of course the ever popular hood. Definitely worth the price!
Use coupon code "EMPRESS" to save 30% on any pattern in A Sparkly Baby pattern store (I am not an affiliate, just love these patterns!)

How to make a custom Iron On (Hot Fix) Rhinestone Transfer

I used Hot Fix Trasfer Film Roll from my favourite supplier in China, you can see it here

Step 1: Print out your desired design, letter, initials, etc. Important! If your are using letters, print "mirror reflection" or flip the design horizontally in your Photo Imaging software. (mine is not flipped or mirrored.

 Step 2: Remove, but do not discard white textured backing from your hot fix transfer film

Step 3: apply the clear film to paper, sticky side up, securing on sides with masking tape.

Step 4: Bling you design! Apply your hot fix rhinestones, glass side down and glue side up.

Step 5: Cover the design with white texture backing, adhere slightly, flip over and admire!
adjust slightly if necessary, re-position rhinestones.  Oh, look, my design is flipped! That's what happens if you print out your design incorrectly!

Step 6: prepare your garment piece. Press with hot iron, find and mark horizontal and vertical center (if you want the design centered on your piece).

Step 7: center the design  on your fabric piece, film sticky side down.
Cover with 2-3 layers of cotton woven fabric and press lightly for 10 seconds.

Step 8: Flip the part over and press for 30 seconds from the wrong side to secure the rhinestones. Let cool, remove film. You are done!

What happened with my "wrong" layout? I turned it 90 degrees and pretended it spells "e.s." which works for us!

The Mackinaw Coat by Designs by Call Ajaire

 

I definitely sew many easy, fast, comfy pieces and outfits for my kids and myself. That's how we like it. Easy on and off, easy care, great for layering knits, tops, sweatshirts, leggings.

But once in a while I love to make a structured garment. First of all, I get to "dust off" sewing skills I haven't used in a while, think of creative solutions to sewing problems and enjoy the process.

The Mackinaw Coat allowed me to do all that. First of all, the testing was fun! I've tested a few indie patterns and this designer stood out with attention to detail. Once you see the pattern, you will understand.

It was a pleasure to sew, the instructions are fantastic, and very detailed with full color illustrations.

And best of all - my daughter is very pleased with the coat! As a matter of fact, she has requested another one, black with black fur collar of course, since black goes with everything!

I made the dramatic collar version in Painting Red Rhinos baby corduroy with a fleece collar, bound buttonholes and cotton hot pink cheetah print lining.
The fit was excellent and true to size, nice shoulder definition and roomy enough through the sleeve to add insulation, if the need arises.

An adventurous beginner/intermediate sewist  would have a great time making this coat and learning new techniques. And if you want easy? Just follow the instructions, omit bound buttonholes and replace with regular buttonholes or even KAM snaps (large plastic snaps) and you are done!

Options include: dramatic or regular shawl collar, built in loop detail, sizes 12 month to 12 years for both boys and girls, buttoned belt and bound buttonholes, front pockets with optional placket.

I would love to try out a denim version as well - it would look fantastic in dark denim with lighter fleece collar, topstitching and brass jeans buttons.

Pattern Release Promo

Currently use coupon MACK15 to receive 15% off from Designs by Call Ajaire Etsy Shop though February 21st or join Designs by Call Ajaire Facebook Group for a special 25% coupon and a sew along starting February 23rd. I am planning on joining the sew-along just for fun!

Head over to Call Ajaire's Facebook Group to see fabulous versions other testers made.