Chloe Dress pattern release - Laela Jeyne Patterns

The Chloe Dress by Laela Jeyne Patterns has now released - and what a beautiful pattern it is!

The design is simple and classic in the front, but has a lovely overlapping open back detail - which adds a beautiful detail, but is still modest. The back of the skirt is elasticated, so it stays put and is easy to move around in.

You can make this dress with a flutter sleeve or faux cap sleeve bodice. And it comes with measurements to create a dress length version - with or without a ruffle, or maxi length version.

Just as I finished this dress the gardens near to wear we live were in full bloom with bluebells and snowdrops - it was so pretty I had to take the opportunity to get some cute shots of Little B!

The pattern is designed to be used with two buttons, but you could easily customise your look with the buttons on the back - maybe try one big one, or three or four little ones would look cute too!

The instructions in the pattern are clear and easy to follow - with accompanying colour photos for each step - the pattern includes a mixture of actual pattern pieces and some measurement tables for the rectangular skirt pieces.

The pattern has a great size range - it comes in NB-6 and 7-14, and even has bodice pieces for developing girls in the larger sizes.

Little B loves her dress and enjoyed walking in the sunshine and twirling around!

I used some Tula Pink fabric I've had stashed away for some time, and I just love it. One of the other testers used satin to make a really special dress and it turned out amazing.

The pattern is on sale for $5.75 if you want just one size group, or $10 for a bundle with both size groups. Shop now at www.etsy.com/shop/laelajeynepatterns

Pattern release and giveaway - Jacqueline Hoodie by Itch to Stitch

I love love LOVE this jacket!! Another beautifully wearable design from Kennis at Itch to Stitch Designs! Stylish and so practical - I have already had tonnes of wear out of mine.

This hoodie is so full of pretty features including A LOT of double topstitching - a bit time consuming - but so worth the effort. I wouldn't have left it off, because it adds stuff wonderful detail and a real professional finish. But if you're in a rush to wear your hoodie you could compromise with a single topstitch!!

And there are lots of options to customise this jacket and make it your own - there is the option to have welt pockets, buttons and epaulettes - or you can leave them all off for a simpler look. I went with a simple version with no buttons - but I will definitely be making myself another with the front button detail - look how cool it is!!!

I also decided to omit the snaps - I didn't want them to show when the jacket was undone - and I found that my overlapped pieces stayed in position well without them.

The hood is a three piece hood - so it has a lovely fit, and it's lined - so is super neat inside and out. The front edge of the hood is finished with a binding.

I made a small - but because of the looser fit style of the jacket I think I might make my next one an extra small for a more fitted look. Although I love how comfy and warm this one is!


I used a ponte roma knit for my version - I love the teal colour - but it did cause me some issues to try and match a zip, thread and buttons to!!

The pattern is available HERE and is currently 20% off - it comes in sizes XXS - XL. As with all the other Itch to Stitch Patterns - this one includes clear detailed instructions with excellent illustrations to help guide you through the construction. It also includes the layers feature - so you only have to print the size(s) you want.

Or if you fancy your chances at winning the pattern - enter the competition below - Good luck and happy sewing!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Check out some of the other gorgeous Hoodies made by other testers:
Monday, Apr 27: Coralie  at stitch-n-smile.com
Tuesday, Apr 28: Angela at sewingdreamsblog.wordpress.com
Wednesday, Apr 29: Jordan at goddessofsewing.blogspot.com
Thursday, Apr 30: Elsa at lacasacactus.canalblog.com
Monday, May 4: Stacey here at allsewnupbystacey.blogspot.co.uk
Tuesday, May 5: Rachel at onceuponasewingmachine.com
Wednesday, May 6: Debbie at stitchitnow.net

Little Kiwi's Closet - Bow Back Beauty Blog hop

I am very excited to be a part of the Bow Back Beauty blog hop! From the moment I saw the very first sneak peaks of this pattern on the Little Kiwi's Closet Facebook page I knew I had to have it!!

I bought the pattern as soon as it released, but as so often happens, I hadn't had a chance to give it a go yet. So when Lydia asked for some bloggers to join the blog hop, I thought it would be a great opportunity to join in with some other lovely stitchers and finally sew one up!

 My favourite bit about this pattern is - as the name suggests - the beautiful bow detail at the back!

Now that the weather is getting a little warmer in the UK, I think this will be one of Little Bs most worn tops - perfect with leggings or shorts! And if it happens to warm up a little more I think I'll make her the dress version too!

Little B loves how twirly the skirt is - being a full circle, it gets some serious height as she spins around!! There are loads of other options too - including a double peplum, a full length maxi skirt, a hi-low skirt, and you can also do a plain vest - or attach your chosen skirt to the vest version.

I went with a short sleeve for Little Bs top, but you can also do sleeveless and long sleeves. I love how there are so many combinations you could put together with this pattern - both with the options and how you choose to place your fabrics - you can get so many different looks - and with a size range of NB - 12yrs - I can see this pattern getting a lot of use!!!

If you want to be in with a chance to win the pattern (or another of your choice if you already have it) make sure you enter the giveaway below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And don't forget to check out the rest of the blog tour to see some more beautiful versions!

Pattern release and giveaway!! Gracious Threads Spring-Summer collection

Introducing three great new patterns from Gracious Threads - the Rainbow Tee, the Cirrus Skirt and the Sunshine Headband! Great to wear as a set, but the three pieces also work brilliantly as separates too.

All three of these patterns are super quick to sew up - so if you are looking for a quick new summer outfit that is cute and functional - here it is!! With great instructions and really clear images to help you along the way with each step, these really are easy patterns to sew up, even if you're new to knits.

I did the simple version of the Rainbow Tee because I had this gorgeous fabric that I wanted to showcase, but you must check out the colourblocked versions on the Pattern Listing - they are so cool!!

The Cirrus Skirt is soooo fast to sew - and Little B of course loves the fact that it has pockets! I used a decorative stretch stitch to top stitch the pockets and to sew the hem - you could do this in a contrasting thread to really make a feature of it. See an example of this on the Pattern Listing.

Last but not least is the Sunshine Headband - this comes in sizes 12 months all the way up to adult size! It complements the rest of the collection wonderfully, but is also great to wear with any outfit.

As it comes in my size, I thought it would be rude not to make myself one too! Perfect for holding my long hair out of my face! Get the pattern Here.

You can also get a bundle deal for $14.50 for a limited time Here

GIVEAWAY!!!!
If you would like to be in with a chance to win the whole collection - just leave a comment on this blog post and let me know - which pattern would you sew first if you won??!

A winner will be picked randomly on Monday 27th April.

First pattern from Crimson Cuttlefish - The Cuttlefish Clutch

It gives me great pleasure to introduce Crimson Cuttlefish! I have been following her work for several years now, Catherine the designer makes the most unique and beautiful handbags - here are just a few examples of her wonderful work:

So when she announced she would be making a pattern for her clutch bag I was so excited, and jumped at the chance to be a tester!

Some of the design features include:

• 6 various sized pockets/compartments ideal for holding your cash or I.D cards, lip balm, make up, phone and loose change.

• Removable, interchangeable, straps enabling a variety of uses: 

1. As a classic Clutch Bag – use with or without a wrist strap. 
2. As a compact Handbag – you can wear across your body or over your shoulder. 
3. As a hands free Pouch – wear it around your waist or on your hip. 

I am so pleased with my finished bag, and I use it all the time when I just need to nip out and don't need my usual 'stuffed full' handbag!!

Inside there are some card pockets - these have changed since testing to be long ways - this means you can still slip your cards in, but could also use the pockets for your lip balm or a pack of gum!

There is also a zipped pocket where you can safely store your cash and loose change, and an open inner space where you can put odds and ends.

On the back of the bag there is a padded pocket with a magnetic fastening - perfect for your mobile phone - this makes it really easy to access - don't you just hate it when you can hear your phone ringing, but by the time you find it buried in the bottom of your bag it has stopped!!

There are two eyelets on the bag - one on either side of the flap - this means you can either clip your wrist strap onto whichever side you prefer - or clip your shoulder strap onto both.

There is also the option to add little fabric loops instead of the eyelets - great if you don't feel comfortable using metal hardware.

The gorgeous clasp on the front is available to buy in the Crimson Cuttlefish Etsy shop - amongst lots of other useful hardware - but you could also use any twist lock you like, or just a magnetic fastening if you prefer.

The way this bag comes together is so clever - and it's not only super pretty, it's also really practical and usable with its ample pocket space!

To get your copy of the pattern go HERE and don't forget to stop by the Crimson Cuttlefish Facebook page to check out all the other gorgeous bags!!