Tag: Dress Up

Pattern Review: Nightingale Cardigan and Top by Striped Swallow Designs
Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Nightingale Cardigan and Top by Striped Swallow Designs

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I was so excited to test out the new Nightingale pattern for Striped Swallow Designs a few weeks ago.  I am a sucker for cardigans and feminine details so this pattern was right up my alley.

There is an oversized cardigan with a high-low hem and bishop sleeve option as well as a button up crop top with long sleeve option.  There are optional pockets as well.  If you prefer a straight hem there is also a blog post on the Striped Swallow Designs website on how to hack this into a straight hem instead of high-low.

I sewed up the cardigan option with pockets and am just in love with the bishop sleeve!  For my cardigan I used an oatmeal french terry from Knitpop (I bought it a few years ago though) and sewed a size medium.  I have already sewed up a second one in sweater knit and have 2 more planned.  This is a fairly easy sew as long as you are comfortable with buttonholes.  If you are scared of sewing buttonholes, don’t be!  It’s much easier than it looks and there are tons of tutorials on youtube to teach you!

I paired my cardigan with SOS pants from Patterns for Pirates and the Harbor Knot Tee (in slim fit/lower knot option) from Striped Swallow Designs.  This was my first Harbor Knot Tee although I have made several in the tank option and let me just say it is LOVE and I see many more in my wardrobe soon!

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This pattern is also available in kids sizing and is on sale with coupon code NIGHTINGALE for $2 off through January 31!    Grab yours here before the coupon expires and I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I do and I can’t wait to see what you sew up:)

**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS PATTERN AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.**

 

Pattern Review: Unicorn Cape by Rebecca Page
Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Unicorn Cape by Rebecca Page

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I was so excited to sew up the new Child’s Unicorn Cape pattern for Rebecca Page last month as a new brand ambassador for them.  All of my kids are crazy about dress up and with Halloween around the corner as well I knew this would be a well loved pattern in our house.

The best part about this pattern is that you have creative freedom to add pretty much ANYTHING you want to this!  The cape features a mane, birthmark, nostrils, ears, horn fringe and horn as well as optional elastics to attach to the wrists.  There are also options to add elastice to the hood and a fastener for under the chin.

I sewed up the size 4-8 and opted for only the wrist elastic.  I added the mane, ears, and horn but skipped the horn fringe.  There are pattern pieces for the eyes, nostrils and birthmark but there are also svg files to use your favorite cutting machine.  I used the svg files and did my eyes with heat transfer vinyl.  I did use the pattern pieces though for my nostrils and birthmark and used fabric backed with heat and bond to attach those instead of sewing them.  For my horn I wanted something sturdy so I used glitter canvas found at Hobby Lobby in the ribbon isle.  It worked perfect for giving the horn enough stability to stand up.

For the mane I used yarn but you can use fabric, felt, ribbon, anything your heart desires!  Luckily I am a little bit of a hoarder of craft supplies so I didn’t need to buy any yarn for mine and used what I already had in my supplies.  The mane does take quite a bit of material and is very time consuming but well worth it in the end!  We also dressed ours up with paper flowers around the horn and in the mane.  For the cape fabric I wanted something lightweight that wouldn’t weigh my kids down when they were wearing it so I used quilting cotton (also from Hobby Lobby)  for both the lining and the outer.

The instructions are very detail oriented and easy to follow.  While it is not a quick sew it is beginner friendly and your kids will have endless hours of dress up fun when you are finished!

 

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This pattern is on sale for a short time so scoop it up here (and also comes in adult sizes!) and sew up a magical unicorn cape!  I’d love to see what you create:)

**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS PATTERN AS PART OF THE BRAND AMBASSADOR PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**

 

Pattern Review: Nathan Vest and Taylor Tie by Sew a Little Seam
Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Nathan Vest and Taylor Tie by Sew a Little Seam

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I was so excited to test out the new Nathan Vest and Taylor Tie patterns for Sew a Little Seam recently.  I love any opportunity to sew for my son and with Easter coming up quickly I was so excited to be able to sew his Easter outfit this year.  I usually sew the girls holiday dresses while he is in store bought clothing.  But, with these patterns that is going to change!

Let’s start with the Nathan Vest.  This pattern is a traditional waistcoat in single or double breasted look, optional collar, back adjuster strap and pocket.  It has front and back darts for a professional finish and fit.  I opted for the single breasted vest and kept it simple with no pockets, collar or back strap.  His measurement put him into a straight size 7 so no size grading was needed.  I found some suiting fabric on clearance at Joann’s and lined it with a silky apparel lining.  I found this pattern  very intimidating before starting, however, Kelly’s directions are super clear and very thorough.  It was my first time sewing darts and understitching but it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I anticipated.

The Taylor Tie pattern is also loaded with options.  You can choose from a traditional or faux neck/bow tie and traditional or adjustable neck band.  I opted for the traditional tie and neck band. I found my fabric for this tie at Hobby Lobby.   I have a free tie pattern from another designer that I have sewn up in the past and this pattern is so much better.  It fits well and is drafted extremely well with clear instructions for assembly.

I paired the tie and vest with store bought pants and shirt.  Kelly does have both a button up shirt and dress pants pattern as well that I will sew up before the next holiday!

 

The Nathan Vest is on sale for a short time and when you purchase the vest you get the tie FREE!   Head over and join the facebook group for a coupon code that’s good not only on the vest but also on the new dress pants pattern for a short time.   I can’t wait to sew up the double breasted vest with pockets and bow tie next!   I’d love to see what you create:)

**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS PATTERN AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**

 

Pattern Review: On Pointe Leotard by Striped Swallow Designs
Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: On Pointe Leotard by Striped Swallow Designs

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I was so excited to test out the new On Pointe Leotard pattern for Striped Swallow Designs a few weeks ago.  With my girls both in dance we are always on the lookout for new unique leotard patterns to try out.   The On Pointe Leotard pattern is the newest pattern in their Movement line and it does not disappoint.

This pattern has a stunning elegant open back with lots of details and options including:

*Three sleeve lengths (sleeveless, short, long)

*Side accent piece (optional)

*Unique color blocking on the front bodice

*Elastic or banded leg options

I sewed up the sleeveless option with leg bands and skipped the optional side accent pieces.  You can use a sheer mesh for the bodice colorblocking but we went with a more modest look on ours and used cotton lycra.  For this leotard I used all cotton lycra, the solid black and pink are both from Purple Seamstress Fabric (their solids are the very best I have found for such great prices!) and the giraffe print is a custom from Mabel Madison Fabrics.  You may be able to find your s-hooks locally however I ordered mine from The Fabric Fairy as I could not find the right size locally.

I was a bit intimidated initially by the color blocking and open back binding.  However, the instructions are very clear and it was actually very easy to sew up.  I love that it has a leg band option as my girls do not like the feel of elastic on their legs.  It was also easy to grade for size, we needed a 6x in length but a 5 in width to get that perfect fit.

 

Striped Swallow Designs also released a second pattern in the Movement Collection alongside the leotard that is for separates.  I did not test the On Pointe Crop Top and Briefs pattern however I will certainly be sewing that up in swim fabric for a fantastic swimsuit option with extra sleeve coverage this summer!

These patterns are both on sale with coupon code onpointe through Friday March 22.  The coupon is valid on both patterns or the bundle for both here.  I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I do and I can’t wait to see what you sew up:)

**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS PATTERN AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.**