Mother's Day Bonanza!

I am incredibly lucky that I was able to celebrate Mother's Day with my parents & family. My mother and I have had such fun all week and we are now counting the days till we leave for Quilt Market. It seemed extravagant to have presents in addition to our fun activities, but we love to make presents for each other.

This year I treated my mother to a gardening theme gift...

 I found this gardening tote pattern on Sew, Mama, Sew. I *loved* this pattern! It's well written and so much fun. It's perfect for trying a number of fabrics and some room to try a new freemotion quilting pattern.
I think this tote would be awesome for a couple of uses - it has a very sturdy & large inner compartment as well as 3 outside pockets.

Kiddo painted a flower pot and gifted some pansy flower seeds. We also put together a custom notebook from Tiny Prints. The journal was a great deal and I am sure I will be buying some more in the future!

My parents & husband gave me lots of tea related gifts though they didn't collaborate on it. I can't wait to try  out my brand new beautiful teapot from my husband & daughters! My mother bought us twin teacups sets - one for each of us. So even though we are separated states away, we can share a cuppa tea together. Aww..

And my favorite gift from my mother of course is one made by her hands..

Love it.. I hung it on my wall about 5 seconds after I opened it...

I hope that you had a wonderful Mother's Day! I hope those that you have loved and cared for gave you an extra bit of sweetness..

Peek-A-Boo Pattern Review

Awhile back I did sewing pattern reviews as a regular segment on my blog. My apologies if you miss them, but right now I just have so much going on it's hard to dedicate that time. However, at a blogger party earlier this year I met the fabulous woman behind Naptime Crafters. I found out that she has started a great line of patterns under the name of Peek-A-Boo Patterns. You have to check them out. Very sweet line!

I had the opportunity to test a knit dress pattern for her. You can find her whole line here at You Can Make This - this pattern is the Ashley knit.

Check out Kiddo rockin' one of her dresses for the holiday season - super comfy stretch velvet.


The dress was cut and sewn in a single naptime! I hope you'll take a moment to hop on over and check out more of her patterns. Tonight I'm actually working on a coat test pattern and will upload that post later this month!

Sewing Pattern Review - Pockets to Go

I apologize for the lack of a complete sewing pattern review this Sunday. My mother made me one of these "Pockets to Go" by Atkinson Designs for Mother's Day (chock full of sewing goodies including this pattern) She had suggested I make one for a pattern review...

Well... I've been working on it all week when the girls would give me a minute. And well it has been a longer project that I had anticipated. I remember planning on doing it in an evening and my Mum was shocked & informed it would take longer. Longer, indeed!

I will bring you the full pattern review next Sunday.. Let's just say it is an adorable basket, but this pattern would be best suited for a class project rather than going solo at home.

An adorable baby bonnet review is on the horizon as well! Have a pattern suggestion? Please let me know!

(picture via the Atkinson Design website)

Sunday Sewing Pattern Reviews - Easy Peeping Owl (Paper Piece Quilting)

Recently on a lot of my favorite quilting blogs I had read about paper piecing. In particular there was this phenomenal flying geese design that I fell in love with. Then on Flickr there was this apron quilt that was amazing! I couldn't see where they had appliqued them on. When I inquired about the technique, I found out they had been paper pieced. What was this?? I knew of using freezer paper to help with applique, but that wasn't it.

After some more digging around on the web, I found out that paper piecing is basically sewing a quilt top together using paper as a foundation. What is the advantage in this? Perfect points, no precise measuring, you can use scraps, and you can make itty bitty designs with a minimal amount of cursing. I myself love quilting and *hate* piecing. I'm not a type A personality so my points aren't perfect, but my OCD kicks in later and it bugs me that it's off. I've generally tried to avoid real fiddly piecing... until now! If you are like me, I beg of you to try this technique - it can really change your mind! (P.S. if you are attending my sewing night in June, I will be demonstrating the basics)

I quickly found Sonja's website, Artisania, and fell in love with the Peeping Owl. Well, actually I probably love the Halloween set most of all!

Description of pattern:

This 4 page PDF e-pattern comes complete with full instructions, and an extra flipped version of the pattern so you can create a whole forest of Peeping Owls!

She doubles as a Halloween pattern too! Ah, that’s the magic of fabric eh?

Level of Difficulty:

This is the easier of the two owl patterns, but Sonja rates this 2 out of 4 for difficulty. If you have tried the piecing technique before, you should be able to do this without any hiccups. The only tricky part will be matching up the seams of the major pieces.

This was my very first time at trying this technique and I only made 2 minor errors.

Fabric recommendations:

I used high quality cotton for my block. However, one of the big advantages with paper piecing is you absolutely can use *any* type of fabric. The paper provides the foundation, so you can use slippery or stretchy fabric without fear. I am eager to try another style of block with silk.

This is also a great way to stash bust; for this block I went through my scrap bins and picked out colors I liked. No need to buy extra fabric - hooray!

Overall Design:

I love it! I love modern quilting and owls, so this was perfect. Sonja has made this block as easy as possible, but has not cut out the style of it. With some easy fabric color changes, you can make this into a great Halloween addition too. The block size makes it a great base to make a pillow, quilt, or maybe even an accessory like a backpack.

Instructions:

Very clear, no grammatical or construction errors, and great diagrams.

This pattern does not contain instructions on how to paper piece, but Sonja does offer free patterns and beginning basics on her site.

Modifications and Tips:

I did some research while making this block and found there a couple ways to paper piece. Sonja's method is based off cutting the pieces into their shape before sewing. This way didn't work best for me. I bought a 1/4" ruler and would cut my shapes down after sewing the seam. I also bought Alex Anderson's book about paper piecing. Absolutely neither of these are required to do the pattern and Sonja's instructions are fabulous, but keep in mind that we all think differently - there is no "one" way. Try a few different methods of paper piecing and I'm sure you'll find one that is a good fit.

Conclusion:

If you want to quilt but don't like piecing, you have to try this! If you are a quilting piecing phenomenon, you should have this technique in your back pocket. I really can't think of anyone that wouldn't enjoy this and as a quilter should really know how to do this.

Sonja's patterns are fresh, modern, and very accessible to every stage of quilter. I love my little owl and can't wait to make something fun with him.

***Sonja did not compensate me in any way for this purchased pattern review. She is however offering you a deal! Until the 29th of May, you will get %15 off your purchase with code: BELLE

I really hope you will give piecing a try. I'm very excited about all the possibilities and even made my first pattern this week. I'm sure you will love it too!

*******

DMK Winners!

1.)Rachel

2.)Michelle

3.)Erica

Please email me at allthingsbelle@hotmail.com with your mailing address and pattern choice.

Congrats!

Sunday Sewing Pattern Reviews - Lovely Ribbon Dress

This week I am reviewing Dear My Kids pattern - Lovely Ribbon Dress. For all of you that know a spring/summer bride, I *highly* recommend that you show them this dress for a flower girl!

My pictures this week do not the show the dress as well as I would like - our photo shoot came off the heels of an afternoon playing in the sprinklers on the freshly mowed lawn..

On to the review and pictures of my spring lovin' pixie!

Description of pattern:

Making a kid's dress has never been so easy!! This lovely dress can turn into your precious ones favorite spring/summer piece.

Level of difficulty:
DMK emphasizes that this dress is not difficult. While none of the elements are difficult, I do think they might frustrate the beginner seamstress. I personally recommend this for an intermediate seamstress, or if you're a determined beginner be sure to try the whole pattern on a muslin sample first.

I was not able to get a real accurate read on the time involved with sewing the dress (my kiddos would not nap this week. So I completed it in 15 minute intervals throughout the week. My best guestimate would be in the ballpark of 2-3 hours because it is completely lined and there is just a bit of hand sewing involved.

Fabric recommendations:

You will want a light to mid weight fabric. I used an ultra silky polyester blend from Joann's Special Occasion line and I lined it with Kona cotton. This was a great combination;it gave the dress a very upscale, fancy appearance and the heavier cotton gives the piece more stability.

Overall Design:

This dress is soo adorable! I really hope someone reads this review and decides to doll up their flower girls with this ensemble!! It is such a tailored and classic dress. I love dresses that are not only beautiful for little girls to wear, but also keep practicality in mind. There is no zipper - just a single button, elastic sleeves for comfort, and a wide skirt for those angels that love to run and jump. The little touches are perfect - pleated bodice, bow, and more.

Instructions:

This the most detailed pattern I think I've come across. Each step is taken slowly with pictures and clear steps.

Pattern Pieces:

It is a PDF pattern, so you will be printing out the pieces. There is only 3 parts that you will have to assemble and DMK provides a pattern map.

Modifications and Tips:

I personally don't make muslins. For all the clothing items I've made from patterns, I've made a single muslin and that was only because it was a vintage pattern that I knew I was going to have to alter. If you make muslins, great - you will be able to figure out the more advanced steps without effecting your final dress. If however you are like me and can't wait to make the dress, I recommend making the liner first. If you make a mistake and have to rip some seams, no one will see it because it is the liner!

I made my style as fancy as I could because it is for our Mother's Day photo shoot. It would also be super cute in a cotton print for everyday use. The bow is removable in case that is not your style - the bodice is pleated so it still looks amazing!

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a graceful dress for your kiddo, this is the one! It is perfect in fancy fabrics for a special occasion and would be just as wonderful in a cotton for play. I do recommend it for an intermediate seamstress or a advanced beginner that is willing to make a muslin first. The dress is very tailored and will require a little more thought in its construction.

Absolutely consider this dress for weddings this spring and summer. Flower girls will look ever so sweet walking down the aisle in this beauty!

**DMK did not compensate me in any way for this review, this is my opinion of the pattern I purchased. I am excited to announce that upon hearing I was going to review the dress, DMK is going to give readers a limited time deal on patterns and a giveaway!! Details will be announced on this post in just a bit.

Next week's I will be reviewing a paper pieced quilting pattern! I'm not a fan of traditional piecing, but I think this technique may be just the thing to turn it around. I'll be working on Artisania's Peeping Owl. I think it's fair to say I'm just slightly in love with this modern block!

***Giveaway and Pattern deal***

For a limited time, DMK is giving readers a Buy 1, Get 1 deal in their etsy shop. This is an awesome deal - there are tons of amazing patterns that I know you would love!! The checkout code is: DMKBOGO

And I'll be picking 3 readers to each receive 1 pattern from the DMK shop. To enter please a comment on this post stating which pattern you would love to win & you must be an All Things Belle blog follower. Giveaway will end next Sunday, the 15th, by midnight (MTN) time.

Good luck!

Sunday Sewing Pattern Reviews - Ruffled Bubble Romper

This week I'm reviewing the Tie Dye Diva's Ruffled Bubble Romper for infants. That link is going to take you to her romper section on Etsy. This pattern may not be there yet. It is brand spanking new and I was lucky enough to test drive it before the public. Her pattern for the older kiddos has been available, but the one for babies is new. If you want the latest news, discounts, etc. I highly recommend "liking" her Facebook business page.

OK on to yummy pictures and the review!

Description of pattern:

"Sew her this vintage inspired ruffled bubble romper and you'll feel like you're back in your lemonade stand days! Halter neck ties, three rows of ruffles on the back."

Level of Difficulty:

I didn't see a standard given in the description. I personally think this is just fabulous a beginner project. The most difficult thing you will do is gather a long fabric ruffle, and just requires patience not sewing experience.

For the advanced seamstress, this pattern will be a great source of inspiration. You could easily add some appliques or play with the number of fabrics used. If you have a serger and/or ruffler foot, this could be completed in an hour.

Fabric Recommendations:

I used high quality cottons in my piece. I'm pretty sure all the samples I've seen made used cottons as well.If you are adventurous, you could play with some other mid-light weight fabrics. It would be adorable with some denim accents or maybe even some linen.

Overall Design:

I love, love this vintage look. I absolutely love dressing my girls like.. little girls and not like they are about to turn 18. This pattern is sassy, but wholesome and fun! It is a great style for the summer heat. If you wanted more coverage, you could use this more as a coverall rather than a romper.

The pattern is pretty simple, but gives you a very tailored finish. A beginner will finish this pattern in a day and an advanced seamstress could complete this in a morning.

Instructions:

Very clear, no obvious errors, and lots of pictures with instruction.

Pattern Pieces:

This is done as a PDF. You will be able to print it out and put together without complication. There are not a lot of pieces to this.

Modifications & Tips:

You don't have to have a serger or ruffler foot, but if you own them I recommend using them to make this quick. Otherwise, be sure to use a thread color that matches your ruffle fabric.

I didn't make the style with a snap crotch. I almost always undress Julie completely when I change her diaper so I didn't see that as necessary.

As I mentioned before, there are lots of ways you could personalize this. You could easily put some embroidery or applique on the bodice. And I would love to see it with various colored ruffles on the bum.

Conclusion:

Well if it wasn't clear, I love this pattern. I honestly don't make a ton of baby clothes because I find the patterns are not well suited to an infant. This pattern is perfect. It is tailored, comfortable, and not overly fussy.

I'm planning on buying the pattern in the older girl size and make my girls a couple of coordinating sets for this summer. I think it's definitely a pattern to have in your stash.

**Tie Dye Diva did not compensate me in any way for this review. I was given the pattern to test sew before she was aware that I was going to be reviewing it as well. Definitely add her Facebook page for future discounts and pattern news.
Is there a pattern you've been thinking about buying, but not sure if it is worth your money & time? Let me know and I'll try it out for you!

Next week I'll be reviewing the Lovely Ribbon Dress by DMKeasywear...

Sunday Sewing Pattern Reviews - iSew's Coupon Organizer

This week I'm reviewing iSew's Coupon Organizer pattern. My best friend is a coupon queen, and I know with the extreme coupon TV show lots more people are getting in to deals. I used the binder method before I had kids, but now the idea of lugging that beast around in addition to my kiddlets makes me break out in hives. I thought this would be lovely to have instead.

There are some aspects I really love, but I'm not thrilled with my first one. It's possible I was not as precise as needed and I'm going to give it one more shot.

Here is my end result...

Description of pattern: "I searched around for a completely handmade coupon organizer on Etsy and didn't find one, so I made my own. Now you can make your own too."

Level of Difficulty: iSew labels it for intermediate and I heartily agree. Measurements need to be very precise, there is both machine and hand binding, and optional quilting of the main body. I do think that advanced beginner quilters would be able to do this pattern without too much

trouble.

Fabric Recommendations: I used 3 high quality cotton fabrics and was very pleased. You may wish to experiment with some of the heavy weight home decorating fabrics as well.

Overall Design: I love the quilting and multiple use of fabrics. I love that it is compact and easier to use with kids in tow. I'm not thrilled with how much gap there is at the bottom of the dividers. Again, this could be because I was not as precise as needed. I'm going to make a second one to try it one more time. With these more advanced patterns it is a good idea to make a muslin, but I jumped in without looking.

Instructions: Very clear, lots of photos, and I didn't find any grammatical or detail errors.

Pattern Pieces: This is a PDF (my personal preference) so you'll be printing them out. Self explanatory and shouldn't cause you any trouble.

Modifications & Tips: Don't make this one in the wee hours of the morning when you're tired and trying to get it done before the kiddos wake up ;o) I think that's where I had some trouble. Close enough stitching is not going to work with this one.

iSew also recommends finishing the binding by machine, but I disagree. Hand stitching this small of an item won't take you much time and will give you a much cleaner appearance. After all that hard work, don't let it look sloppy by rushing the end.

Conclusion: This was one of the only coupon organizer patterns out there. It is very tailored and allows for a fair amount of personal creativity with the quilting and multiple fabrics. I would recommend it for someone that is very confident in their sewing abilities or is looking for a challenge.

**iSew did not compensate me for this review in any form. Unfortunately I don't have a discount to give readers this week for their shop. I do recommend checking it out though!

Do you have a pattern you would like me to review? Are you a pattern writer? Please comment on any pattern suggestions - always looking for more!

Next week I will be reviewing an adorable baby ruffled romper - perfect for summer..

Sewing Pattern Reviews - #1 - The Lucy

I'm very excited to start a new feature for the blog. I will be buying, making, and then reviewing sewing patterns. And you are very,very welcome to submit requests! It can be anything from baby outfits to quilts to purses.. I would prefer the patterns to be from Etsy sellers or the like, but if you are just dying to know about a McCall's pattern..please feel free.

I am going to be writing my reviews similar to the ones I've seen on SewMamaSew.

If you feel like I'm missing something though, please speak up.

I'm very excited to begin this journey with OwlyBaby's pattern, "The Lucy"

I originally bought this pattern last November with the hopes of making the girls a pair of matching Christmas dresses. Well life was too chaotic and that task got shelved.

Isabelle's school pictures are this week and I wanted of course to make her a special dress. I remembered this fabulous pattern and bought some yummy fabric from The Pine Needle. Here is the end result...

This could be quite easily my most favorite dress for her.. ever! I love it, love it, love it... With the modern graphic print and solids - it is both classic and trendy. Here are the details..

Description:

This is a PDF Sewing Pattern for an above-the-knee length reversible wrap dress. This dress looks elegant with a sash and bow in the back or use your favorite buttons to cinch this adorable wrap dress. With instructions for a fully reversible wrap dress, or tied wrap dress with a sash - this outfit will come together for any occasion. Looks great with stripes and plaids and adorable with knee socks!

Level of Difficulty:

OwlyBaby describes it as great for a beginner to intermediate. I agree. I think it really depends on the fabric graphic you use. For my dress I wanted all the apples to go a certain way, so it required more time planning out the pattern pieces on the fabric. And you set in sleeves; if you take your time and pin generously, you will be fine.

Fabric recommendations:

OwlyBaby made an insanely cute version in silk, I choose a high quality cotton.

Overall design:

This is a great dress for active toddlers. The dress is loosely constructed and allows for lots of movement. The formality of dress can really go in either direction depending upon the type of fabric used in construction. I love it as a dress for Isabelle to go to school in, but I'm still planning on making the girls a formal set this next Christmas.

The pattern has 3 variations including a reversible option.

Instructions:

Very clear with lots of photos. There were minimal written errors and it is very easy to follow.

Pattern Pieces:

Since this pattern is a PDF, you will be printing out all the pieces. OwlyBaby includes a very detailed map of how to lay out the pieces, cut, and adhere. Use that map!

Modifications and Tips:

My final dress is a slightly modified version of the original. I didn't want to have the fabric ties - Isabelle would spend all day messing with them, so I sewed on a faux band in the solid red.

If you make this and want tips on how to sew the faux band, email me.

As I mentioned before, if you are using a very graphic print like I did - be aware of how you are laying out the pattern on the fabric.

Also if you have a serger, I'd recommend using it when attaching the skirt to the bodice. There is a lot of gathered material and it works great to serge those seams.

Conclusion:

This is a fabulous pattern. Owlybaby includes more sizes and variations then you see with most patterns. The dress has great classic details, but it is quite accessible for a beginning sewer to recreate. You are likely to want to make more than just one. I was personally able to create this start to finish in about 3 hours.

***Owlybaby did not compensate me for this review. This is entirely my own opinion. However, being the awesome seller that she is, she is offering you a special discount on her patterns in the shop (including the bundled packages!) Type the word "BELLE" at checkout, and you'll receive a generous 20% off! That is a smoking deal and I will be shopping this week. The discount is good for the next two weeks.

I am scouring around looking for the next great pattern to review. Have a suggestion - let me know!