Sew Much Ado Pattern Review - Magrath Dress & Tunic

Sew Much Ado just released the Magrath dress (and tunic). It reminds me of a modern princess dress. It's a surprisingly quick sew and gorgeous too! 

 About the pattern:

• Dress and Tunic lengths included
• Sizes 12-18 months - 12 years
• 3 sleeve lengths; short, 3/4, and long but you could easily make it sleeveless as well. ;)
• Modest Sweetheart neckline
• Awesome exposed zipper for a pop of color
• Pattern has the option to print in layers
• Size chart and finished measurements included

My Abby is wearing the size 7 as is. She technically could have fit the chest and waist a size down, but with her broad shoulders I wanted her to be comfortable and  get some wear out of it. 

The tips and tricks in the pattern allow for a perfect finish every time. I love learning new techniques in a pattern! 

 The main dress is a charcoal corduroy with gold polka-dots that I found in the clearance section of Hobby Lobby for $4 a yard.

The light pink bow fabric, which also has gold polka-dots (spotting a trend here? ) is a Michael Miller print.

Magrath is currently on sale for $7 and totally worth the purchase!

Just Abby being Abby. Enjoy! ;)

Shwin Designs Pattern Review - Penny Lane Dress

I'm so happy to be back to blogging. The details in the patterns coming out lately are just stunning. I had the opportunity to test thew Penny Lane Dress by Shwin Designs for my Abby who is now 6 and we are both so happy with it. 

About the pattern:

• Available in either a top or a dress 
• Cuffed sleeves (same piece as the bodice, win!)
• Adorable Crossback design
• Available in sizes 12-18 months to 8. 

Abby is rocking the size 7 dress as written. She's square in the middle of the sizing on the chart. 

Handmade gold polka-dot bias tape and an intricate back detail. Need I say more? ;)

The main fabric for the dress is Summer Night Lights from the Michael Miller Wee Wander collection.

The gold polka-dots is from Joann's.

This dress is adorable and a really quick sew. There will definitely be more of these for summer around here. I only wish it came in bigger sizes for my oldest. :)

Penny Lane is on sale right now for $6. Hop over and grab your copy.
EDITED: SALE ENDED 2/10/16

Coffee + Thread Pattern Review - Eleena Dress

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted here. Between life, kids, work, school, and a divorce, last year came and went so fast. Just because I haven't been posting much here doesn't mean I haven't been creating. You can stop by my Instagram and Facebook to see what I've been up to.

I started this year by jumping back into testing. I can't tell you how much I LOVE this pattern. It is the 60's inspired Eleena Dress with clean lines and the cutest collar from Coffee + Thread.

 The Basics:

• Sizes 2 - 12
• 3 sleeve options: Flutter, Short, and Long
• Options for collar or no collar
• Contrasting center inset or all one fabric

I tested the Long sleeve, size 12 with a leather collar for my very tall 8.5 year old. The only change that I made was to remove 1.5" from the length (she was that much shorter than the size 12 measurement).

I used leather for the collar to make it a little more fun but still keeping with the same awesome look that Olga designed.

The main dress fabric is from the Red Tag table at Joann's. The brown is Broad Cloth, and the Leather is a remnant from Joann's. Yay for good deals.

The long sleeve option is perfect for the cold months and is so stinkin cute as well. ;)

The back has an invisible zipper closure with the absolute best invisible zipper instructions I've ever used. This was my very first truly invisible zipper and I will never install one any different. Woohoo!

     The Eleena Dress is on sale through Friday, January 28th for $7 so don't miss your chance to get this adorable dress on sale.

Thanks for stopping by! I'll try to keep up with posting this year.