Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Willow & Co - Poplar Pup Tent

So, I made a tent....no really. From purchasing and cutting the PVC pipes to sewing the outside this baby is made 100% by. I didn't come up with it all on my own of course, I followed an amazing pattern by an adorable and talented lady. 

If you haven't seen this pattern yet you are missing out on some quick and easy summer fun. This is the Poplar Pup Tent by Willow & Co Patterns. It was designed by the adorable Elisa of Charming Doodle. It's part of the Glamping pattern collection so I decided to run with that as the theme for my version. 

The pattern tells you exactly what you need to pick up at the hardware store and most places will even cut the pipes to size for you. For my tent I used an old daybed set that my parents dug out of their basement. It from the early 90's. Anyone else rock this awesome bedset?

The bedding set was twin size so I had to piece the flat and fitted sheet together to make it big enough. I also added lace to the edge to up the glam factor a little bit. After I pieced together my 'fabric' it took about 30 minutes to sew together. This seriously came together so quickly.

This turned out more adorable than I ever expected and my girls had so much fun during our little photo shoot. We've already had a couple living room camp out and I can see many more in our future. 
I took a ton of pictures and they were just too cute not to share so if you are interested keep scrolling.











Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Seamingly Smitten Pattern Tour

http://www.seaminglysmitten.com/
One of the very first PDF pattern designers that I was introduced to a couple years ago was  Seamingly Smitten. The patterns were so easy to follow and the results were a hit with my little girls. When I was ready to start sewing for myself I decided to start with Seamingly Smitten. I was so excited to have to opportunity to participate in this pattern tour so I thought I might as well push my comfort zone a little further and go strapless. :)
I bought this quilting cotton a few months back at Joann with the idea that I would make something for myself and then it just sat there. I guess it was waiting for the perfect dress. 

This is the Riverwalk Sundress. I measured right between the L and the XL so I decided to go with the L to minimize the extra fabric around the middle (I have enough all on my own). ;) This is the strapless version with inseam pockets and elastic at the waist.  All of these options are in the pattern as well as a couple more. This is a great and versatile pattern for the summer.

I decided to throw on a jean jacket and see how well this look will transition into the fall. I can't wait to get some wear out of this adorable dress. 

I'd like to give a shout out to my awesome photographer, aka my 7 year old daughter Maddie. She's such a big helper. 

If you are interested in this or any other pattern you see on the tour check out the coupon code below and don't forget to enter to will 5 patterns of your choice. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

The Cottage Mama pattern review - Claire Pajamas

I was recently able to test the newest pattern from The Cottage Mama called the Claire Pajamas. This is a great piece going into fall. It has options for long or short sleeves as wells as a nightgown or top and pants option. The Claire Pajama Pattern includes size 6 Month through 10 Years as well as 18″ doll pattern. We are working on a matching doll gown next.

This is Maddie, age 7, in the size 10 long sleeve gown that I made from a Target fitted sheet. I decided to go with a sheet since the size 10 takes 3.5 yards of fabric and I already had the sheet on hand. She loves how comfortable it is and I love how easy it came together and how easy it is to wash and wear.


The bib front is such an adorable addition and the instructions make it really easy to put together. I used some sheet scraps to make matching fabric covered buttons. If you've never tried those you should pick some up. You will never have to worry about having the right button to match what you are making and they come in quite a few different sizes.


As always, I'm going to leave you with Maddie's chosen pose. She said we needed a picture to show everyone that this is pajamas so they wouldn't think it was a dress. ;)





Thursday, July 3, 2014

Whimsy Couture Pattern Review - Bohemia Dress

A while back I had to opportunity to test the Bohemian Dress by Whimsy Couture. Somehow this post was misplaced and never posted so I thought I would share it now. It is super easy to sew up and adorable! It has rolled hems and shirring as well as an over-sized removable flower and comes with a matching doll dress as well.That is always a hit in our home. 

Abby is sporting the size 6 and yes, some of these pics have snow in the background. :)

This dress is perfect for layering with leggings or tights when it's cool or even with a shirt underneath but is just as cute alone.
Here is a close-up of this adorable over-sized flower. It's such a fun addition. In our world we like our accessories the bigger the better. *snow* ;)

Abby was so excited when she woke up and saw her Julie doll all dressed up sitting next to her new dress. We hope to have more Dolly and me sets on here in the future.

** Whimsy Couture is currently running a 30% off everything sale on their site if you are looking for some awesome new patterns **