Tie Dye Diva Pattern Review - Sugarplum Skirt

A little while ago Jen from  Tie Dye Diva Patterns contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in becoming an affiliate. I had never tried her patterns before but I had heard nothing but good things about them so of course I said yes. She offered send me a pattern to review and tell you all about and the hardest part was choosing which pattern I wanted to try first. 

 

I was looking over all the adorable choices on The Tie Dye website when Maddie looked over my shoulder and said I HAVE to have that skirt. It was the Sugarplum Holiday Skirt Pattern. Luck for her the pattern came in her size. It runs from a 6-12 months all the way up to a 13/14 in girls. Talk about a range of sizes. This is definitely a confidant beginners pattern but the instructions are great. 

There are different finishing options in the instructions based on the fabric you choose with some great tips for dealing with specialty fabrics, something I am pretty new to. Maddie chose Brocade and it is gorgeous but I was so afraid to cut it that it sat on my sewing table for about 2 weeks while I worked up the courage. Silly me though because it wasn't nearly as bad as I made it out to be. ;)

Based on her measurements Maddie fits the 9/10 which is her RTW size, but I figured if I was going through all the trouble of concurring brocade I would go up a size and make it last. The pattern also includes instructions for an underskirt which Maddie is also wearing in these pictures.

The next couple pics are just because I think I have the cutest little 6 yr old ever. She comes up with her own poses ladies and gentleman. Enjoy.

This little cuties is out Chihuahua mix that we rescued about 8 years ago. His name is Poco. He's a frequent photo bomber but this is one of the better pics he's ever taken. :)

If you want to get your own copy of this adorable skirt you can go here *affiliate link* and grab one.

Knight Hoodie - Charming Doodle Pattern Tour

I was so excited to get the opportunity to be a part of the Knight Hoodie Pattern by Charming Doodle. I mean seriously, have you seen the other ladies that are participating? To say that I am a little out of my league is an understatement. :)

I originally participated in the testing of this pattern back in December. You can see that full review here. At first glance you might assume that this pattern is all boy, but you haven't met my girls. Put a couple of feisty little ladies, neon sweatshirt fleece and an amazing pattern together and this is what you get. They just look like they're conspiring don't they? 

The directions for this pattern are awesome and so easy to follow. The pictures are very clear which is great for those of us that like to throw on a movie and get sewing without all the reading. This hoodie called for a viewing of "A Knight's Tale" of course! It took me about 2 viewings of the movie or about 3 hours from start to finish. This included everything from putting the pattern together to clipping all of my loose strings. 

My girls are both very tall for their ages. Abby, my youngest, is 4 year old. Her measurements put her in a 5 but I wanted this to last so I made her a 6. Maddie, my oldest, will by 7 in May. She is sporting the size 10 which is the biggest this pattern goes. Larger sizes, including adult sizes are currently in the works. 

So 3 days ago we had over 2 feet of snow on the ground. Two straight days of rain and 40+ degree weather and you get this awesome wet mess. Oy! The day we went out for pics was nice and sunny but windy as can be. Warning: you are about to see some windblown hair and fun faces. 

They were a little bit chilly but ready for battle. The best part of this awesome neon sweatshirt fleece that I found at Joann is that I will NEVER lose them in a crown. HA! 

This pattern is full of all the fun details to make your little guy or gal the most adorable Knight around. I somehow misplaced the large buttons for Abby's hoodie so I will have to clean my craft room pick some more up on my next trip to Joann. 

 Here is my so-so big girl in her new hoodie. By the look on her face you can tell it was a hit. 

Here they are side by side. I couldn't find a ribbed knit or zipper that matched the sweatshirt fleece like I had hoped and I didn't want boring old white so I did what I love to do. I pulled out the fabric spray paint and went to town on some white knit and a zipper. If you have never painted fabric before I would highly suggest it. It's tons of fun and has a great graffiti effect. 

I leave you with this adorable face and a special coupon code just for my readers. Go here to get more details and tobuy the pattern. The pattern normally sells for $12 but if you can use code CraftyBiggers from now until the end of February to receive $2 dollars off the pattern. 

My girls have so much fun running around pretending to be Knights. Hope enjoy this pattern as much as I do. If you get a chance stop by Charming Doodle and see what all the other talented ladies came up with. 

Mouse House Creations Ladies Caroline - Pattern Review

Hayley from Welcome to the Mouse House put out a tester call for her newest women's pattern. It's the adult version of the Caroline Party Dress. I was excited when I was selected to test because I am new to sewing for myself and I knew that I would never have the courage to try such a fitted dress without the help and encouragement of the other amazing women in the testing group. 

This dress has so many options. It can be sleeveless, faux cap sleeve, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve or long sleeve. There are options for belt looks as well as inseam pockets. The skirt portion can be gathered or pleated and there are instructions to make it a peplum top instead. The pattern even gives directions for a FBA or Full Bust Adjustment if your overbust is 2 or more inches smaller than your bust measurement. With mixing and matching these options the styles are so different. 

You can go here to read all about this awesome pattern and see a roundup of tester photos. 

I chose to the sleeveless version with FBA, a gathered skirt and inseam pockets. What mom couldn't use pockets? This is also the above the knee option.

Have you done any sewing for yourself lately? What are you waiting for?