Pattern Review - Little Ninjas by Melly & Me

 This was some really fun sewing!!!!

I've had these adorably "tough" little guys on my sewing list for a good long while now. So glad to finally get to make them! This pattern is the Little Ninja pattern from Melly & Me and was generously gifted to me by the designer to use for the FLUFF Project. She was very kind and enthusiastically supportive of our outreach to children in foster care, and I am very grateful. Just look how sweet these fellas are!

The pattern is very straight forward, easy to follow and sewists of all experience levels will enjoy making these. I think the dolls are perfect for kids of all ages and have already envisioned a few in pink suits! ;) The 6 seen above are being donated as part of our Spring FLUFF Drive!

I had a really fun time picking the fabrics to use. The only variation to the original pattern was that I used pre-made bias tape for the head ties and belts. I also used safety doll eyes in place of embroidery just because I had some on hand. 

 One of these last 2 has found his place next to one of my sons and the other is a special gift.  

You can find the pattern in the Melly & Me shop here.

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Suitable for all skill levels

Size Range: N/A

Special Techniques: Sewing & stuffing small doll parts

Pattern Format: PDF or Paper available

Materials Used: Cotton woven prints, bias tape for trim, Fairfield World polyester fiberfil, safety doll eyes.

Personal Notes: Fun sewing project and adorable finish that little boys (and girls!) are sure to love!

Inching our way towards our 2nd Quarter GOAL!!!!!

Find out how you can join us and help bring smiles and FLUFF hugs to children in foster care HERE.

The Runaround Pants by Fishsticks Designs - Jersey Love Blog Tour & Giveaway!

 

Today is my stop on the fun & comfy Jersey Love Blog Tour!

I'm so excited to share the fabulous new Fishsticks Designs Runaround Pants pattern I had the privilege to sew, using the scrumptious new knits from Riley Blake Designs!

I chose to make the Runaround Pants for my 6 year old son. He's always asking for pants/shorts with "no buttons or zips", and that's getting increasingly harder to find the older he gets. These not only perfectly fit the order, but they are stylish too!

Now, I think I should share up front that I'm not especially experienced sewing with knits. As a matter of fact, I tend to avoid it most often. I know....I need to GET OVER IT, especially considering that I have this really great friend that creates all kinds of wonderful sewing patterns using knits! 

I love knit fabrics.......everyone in my family loves wearing knit clothing.....but the stretch always throws me off and my machine often like to "eat" them. This pattern was so easy to follow and such fun to make, and this fabric so nice to work with, that they have seriously helped me to loose some of my apprehensions and even start looking for more ways to sew knits! YAY!!!!! :)

I absolutely LOVE the layers of these pants! They are easy to add since most edges remain raw, and the thickness of the multiple layers actually made them easier to sew for me.

 Pockets! Pockets! Pockets! 

My Lil' Guy immediately counted and began to fill all the pockets!

**MOM NOTE** Be sure to check ALL pockets before washing! ;)

 And the comfy, stretch waistband is right up his ally!

(Such a kissy tummy!)

If you are looking for a no-fuss, easy to wear and fun to sew pattern, you're going to love this one! Especially since it offers such unique ways to create a stylish and wearable garment for boys. 

Find the Runaround Pants pattern here.

Be sure to check out all the other incredible blogs on the tour! They are each sharing their own Jersey Love creations, and there might just be a few chances to win some of the awesome new Fishsticks Designs patterns! ;)

Be sure to join us for every stop on the Jersey Love Blog Tour!

Tuesday, 8/13: Call Ajaire & Rock the Stitch

Wednesday, 8/14: imagine gnats & Busy, Beautiful and On a Budget

Thursday, 8/15: Shaffer Sisters & Blue Susan Makes

Friday, 8/16: Rooibos Mom & Mama Says Sew

Tuesday, 8/20: Designs by Sessa & Hopeful Threads

Wednesday, 8/21: Making More with Less & Sew Can She

Thursday, 8/22: Crafty Hour & Winter Wonderings ... Wanderings & Whatnot

Friday, 8/23: Little Kids Grow & Max California

Oh! And if you'd like to WIN a copy of the Runaround Pants pattern, here's your chance! Just follow the Rafflecopter prompts below. Open to all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pattern Review- Super Doll by Butterbeans & Chicpeas

 This was one SUPER fun FAMILY project!!!!

This is the incredibly sweet Super Doll from Butterbeans & Chicpeas. I first learned of this pattern from Dona over at Sewing Miles of Smiles. She has used it a lot for her donations to her Children's Hospital, and also sent a bundle of them for our April Project that were a big hit! So, when I contacted Bev at Butterbeans & Chicpeas and shared that our FLUFF Project would be an ongoing project at Hopeful Threads, to give back to children in foster care, she sent this sweet guy over for me to sew. Thanks again Bev! I love him and know the children who receive him will too. 

  

This easy-to-follow PDF pattern includes step-by-step photos along with written instructions for assembly, making it a snap to create. His face and hair are cut from felt for a quick and durable applique style face. Just gotta LOVE that crooked grin, and he OF COURSE has a cape too!

  You can play around with mixing and matching your fabrics so that each doll you create is truly unique. Favorite colors or characters are sure to make him a best friend for his little owner too. 

The only modification I made while sewing was the way I attached the legs. The instructions provide the most common way to do this, but after sewing the Ruby Lou doll, I now use the technique provided in that pattern when attaching legs on all my dolls. Much less fiddly. 

I used Safety Eyes on all of mine but one. The one on the left below shows the doll made using plastic KAM snaps for the eyes. I've been wanting to experiment with this for a while and though I do prefer the safety eyes, think it still turned out cute with the snaps. Alternately,  you cold use felt cut-outs or embroidery for the eyes, which would make him safe for all ages. 

 I made a few of these this round! :) One for my own SUPER fella, at least one will go in the box for the FLUFF Project, and one for donation to a special upcoming fundraising auction.

Super Doll flying his way into the heart of a very special child!

And if you aren't yet familiar with the FLUFF Project, be sure and take a minute to read more here. Thanks too, for checking it out!

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Beginner - Some stuffed toy sewing experience best.

Size Range: N/A

Special Techniques: Turning, stuffing and sewing small doll parts.

Pattern Format: PDF

Materials Used: Cotton woven prints and solids, safety eyes, plastic snaps, felt, polyester stuffing.

Personal Notes: Adorable and easy to follow pattern! This is a favorite stuffie of everyone that sees it and I expect to sew it again and again!