Pattern Review - Ellie Mae Designs Everyone's Dolled Up (Gown) K157

 I haven't enjoyed making anything more than this in a long while! 

I bought this darling pattern back in October at Quilt Market....and am FINALLY getting around to sewing it up. And, it was so much fun to make, that I ended up sewing THREE of them! 

These darling gowns are part of the "Everyone's Dolled Up" pattern by Ellie Mae Designs. These patterns can be found at your local fabric stores, I know I've seen them at my JoAnn's. 

This is the perfect "little girl" gown! Gathered skirt, darling collar, ruffled sleeves, your choice of hem option AND, you can even make one to match her 18" doll if she is a fan!

The only modification I made was adding a snap to the collar rather than sewing it closed with a button. I wanted to be sure we could get it on and off easily.

 After making the first one, I let my Lil' Miss pick out the fabric for the next. She chose this fun sweets fabric, and I had previously purchased the polka dot to match it, so I used it as a little accent. This is the only one that I added the ruffle too, and I love the look! I made it last or all of them would have likely ended up with the ruffle! :) For the others, since I had made her a size up so they would last a bit, this made me able to just hem the bottom and have the perfect finished length.

 

 I added one of the darling little P.S. I love you tags to the side seams too. 

She was beyond excited about her new gowns! She wore it half the day! :) Very comfy! (and oh so cute!!!)

Since I was on a roll, I made her this third one as a surprise.  I added a bit of coordinating lace trim to the hem. 

 I will most definitely be  making this gown again! 

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Suitable for all sewing levels. The instructions are so well written, with clear illustrations for each step, I believe even a beginner could be successful and enjoy sewing with this pattern.

 Size Range: Girls 3T - 10Y

Special Techniques: Gathering

Pattern Format: Paper

Materials Used: Flannel, light-weight interfacing, snaps, lace trim

Personal Notes: I am so thrilled that this pattern goes all the way up to size 10, as I know I will be sewing it again in the future! It was so enjoyable to create with and the finished garment is both adorable and very nicely finished. The gown is simply precious on and fits beautifully and comfortably. A very pleasant experience all around!

See more of my Pattern Reviews HERE.

Pattern Review - Pajama Party PJs from Fishsticks Designs

This is the first time I've made the Pajama Party PJs, but I can guarantee it won't be the last! 

As a matter of fact, seeing as how there are 2 of this pattern that covers sizes from 12 months -14 years I'm thinking this might just be the perfect pattern for some gorgeous Christmas jammies for my crew this year!

All of the little details make this an unmistakably attractive sewing project. I loved the crisp, tailored finish! The cuffs on the arms and legs along with the pocket option allow for the perfect use of complimentary accent fabrics. 

 

I chose to use plastic KAM snaps for the closure on this pair, but the instructions provided will walk you through using metal snaps or sewing buttons and button holes. 

As with all Fishsticks Designs patterns, the instructions are very thorough, providing step-by-step photos for the entire process. A beginner seamstress willing to take his/her time and ready and follow would have no trouble at all sewing this sweet set! And I'm sure would be proud of and inspired by their finish. 

Find the Pajama Party PJs in the Fishsticks Designs shop HERE.

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Beginner

Size Range: 12M - 14Y

Special Techniques: Sewing Elastic Casing for waistband, adding snaps or buttons, adding sleeves.

Pattern Format: PDF or Paper

Materials Used: The playful cotton fabrics I've used are from the Little Surfer Boy collection by Jamie Wood for Clothworks. 

Personal Notes: Stunning finish with this pattern! Excellent, easy-to-follow instructions. Possibly to become my favorite PJ pattern!

PJ Madness!!!!!

 Yea, so I'm one of those that usually has the bright idea, when I'm already covered up with more than is humanly possible to get finished, to go ahead and make the extra PJs the kids need while I'm sewing their Christmas sets. Anyone else like that??? It sounded good, at least at first. ;) Half way through I was thinking "What was I thinking???", but trudged on and got them all done and I'm so glad I did! The children were thrilled and have pretty much lived in the new PJs....other than when we have to leave the house of course....which we are keeping to a minimum as we soak up this holiday time! 

 And since I made them all....17+ sets counting all those darling penguins that is....and since they won't be seen outside the house for someone to comment on and allow me that "proud mama" moment of basking in my handiwork....you all get to see them! ;) Thanks sweet friends for humoring me! Now, brace yourselves....

Dragons!

Sock Frogs

Silly Frogs

Firemen Heroes!

Hello Kitty Fleece

 

 

 

Disco Lights

Tie Dye Peace

Rainbow Love

Fairy Princess

Ballerina

Love Birds

 

The patterns I used were a couple of McCall's and the quick to sew, Simple 30 min. Shorts.

 

 And this, my friends, was the mess I ended up with because I just cut and pile as I'm working...this would drive my mother INSANE!!! She's quite the "tidy seamstress"....I make a HUGE mess in the moment and then clean it all at once. I suppose whatever works best for each. :)

I'm still sneezing fabric fuzz from all the cutting too! :)

And let's just say that new to me serger I recently purchased has been well worked in!

Now for the recovery process. Thanks for letting me share! 

Happy Sewing!!!