Free For All Flip--Pleated Kick Pleat Skirt

The lovely ladies over at Frances Suzanne are changing up their FLIP Series a little this month. All month long they are spotlighting FLIPs of free patterns/tutorials.

So here is my most popular post...all time, my tutorial for a Kick Pleat Skirt (it's also one of my favorite things I've made).  So if you need a reminder here is a picture of the original finished skirt.

For my FLIP I turned it into a dress and changed up the kick pleats.

It's really hard to tell in the pictures, but I pleated the small panel used in the kick pleat. I did this by using the stripes in the fabric as a guide and just kept pleating so that only the maroon shows.  It also gives the kick pleat more of a...kick so to say. Even though the skirt is kind of fitted she has no problem walking in it.

As for the top, I just used the Ethan Shirt pattern again (other versions here and here), so you could say this is a double flip:)

I kind of like how she can dress this up or down.  My original vision was more flapper girl/20's style...but it turned out a little different after consulting Sophia.

Here's a picture where you can see the pleats a little better. We also went sans bow because it just didn't go well with the style of the dress or with the busyness of the stripes...running down the middle of the white stripes is also a silver stripe that doesn't show up in the pictures.  It really is a pretty fabric (JoAnn's in the red tag fabric section) and is kind of a nod to the Pantone Color of the Year--Marsala. The stripes aren't quite maroon (I know that because I couldn't really find buttons to match), but more of a wine color, just like Marsala.

Make sure you check out the Kick Pleat Skirt Tutorial if you want to make a fun yet little more 'grown up' looking skirt! And make sure you check out the other fun creations and look at the crazy/amazing list of FREE!!! tutorials and patterns over at Frances Suzanne!

Girl's Dress Pattern No. 15 Blog Hop

If you are here from Sew Cool for the Tween Scene thanks for stopping by!

I wanted to share my other version of the Girl's Dress Pattern No. 15 made by E+M Patterns with you.  This one is being called the Rainbow dress, by my daughter.

She too, loves how comfortable it is. I love how fast this dress came together...from cut to finish was just under 2 hours.

And while it looks like a summer dress, both my girls have plans to layer it with long sleeve shirts, leggings and boots...it's very versatile!

Making this dress, even though it is a quick and easy sew, taught me something that I had never done before. Can you believe that I had never shirred something before? Well now I know how!

So if you are interested in a great, easy knit dress pattern you should go check out the Dress Pattern No. 15 by E+M Patterns. Right now there is a discount code TOUR15 or you can try your hand at the give-a-way below.

(If you want to check out the other stops, Sprouting Jube Jube has all of the links at the end of her post...I'm being kind of lazy here:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Another Flip of the Sis Boom Ethan Shirt Pattern

Since it's such a great pattern I had to give it another go...

my second FLIP for the ladies over at Frances Suzanne.

And whew! I made it by the hair of my chinny chin chin. 

Yes this is another FLIP of the Sis Boom Ethan Pattern. Much different from my other FLIP.

 This time it's a dress with an Asian flair.

 I left off the collar and just used the collar stand to create a Mandarin collar.

 I added 2 pockets, made it dress length, and cuffed the sleeves with a tab.  All accented with black piping. 

 She likes it. I like it...although it kind of reminds me of Sound of Music.

 You should really check out this pattern...it's a great one with so many possibilities!

Matinee Dress Tour Times Two

I have the wonderful honor to present to you the lovely Matinee Dress brought to you by Jennuine Design.

The pattern itself was a delight to work with...great illustrations and easy to follow instructions...but the finished product is the icing on the cake.  Just look how cute this dress looks! First I started with some amazingly soft Swiss dot in purple, Clara's favorite color. Then I added the lace overlay and velvet yellow ribbon for some contrast.

Then because it's a pattern tour, I had a little fun with the pattern and added a few changes, mostly to fill Clara's wishes for a dress.  The first change I made was to raise the back a little.  My girl's have never liked buttons on their backs, so I figured out a way to make it work without them.  For the sash I used velvet ribbon and just made a little bow that closes with a flat snap.

Here you can see how I altered the back. Just ignore the crazy printed lines...that was purely my fault, because I didn't know what I was doing when I printed out the pattern. Another great thing about the pattern is that you can print out just the size you need. I just forgot to click the button when I went to print and then I didn't want to waste the paper, but printed on the wrong side, which led to some confusion with all of the lines.

Another thing I did was to add a significant amount of fullness to the skirt.  I did this because part of Clara's request was that the dress be nice and twirly, but also because I just wanted to use up the great fabric and I really didn't know what else I would use it for.

One final thing that I did was to add a little fullness to the sleeves so they would be more "fluttery". Here you can see how I did that. I also just used one layer, finishing the edge of the sleeves instead of lining them, because the lace looked so pretty on it's own.

 And there you have my first version of the Matinee Dress.

As for my second version, I wanted to see if I could make it out of knit. I love how this version turned out too and Clara loves how comfortable it is.  And it did work with knit. However, the blue knit has only about 25% stretch (it was some old stuff I got from my mom) and therefore I think that is why it worked...not sure if it would really work with something that had more stretch.  I was also very generous with the seams as well, so I was probably taking in more than 3/8ths of an inch.

For the sleeves and the hem of the skirt I used a lettuce edge hem.  I also only used one layer on the sleeve again, as well as add a little to the width. And again, I raised the back piece as well.

For the sash, I used a ribbon and attached it under the arms with hooks and eyes. I was kind of perplexed on how to attach a ribbon on to the knit and keep the stretch of the knit without distorting it.

This also means the dress can be worn without the sash for a more casual look.

One final thing that I made was a braided head band from 3 strips of knit. I just sewed the ends together after braiding enough to fit her head. Again, another hit...it's nice to get 3 for 3 every once in a while.

Thanks Jenn for letting me be a part of the tour!

Now for all of the fun stuff...here's the list of who is participating on the blog tour:

And here is who is contributing to the great prize package as part of the give-a-way:

And here is your chance to win:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: All opinions are purely my own, but I did receive a free copy of the pattern to try it out.

Another Baby Gift from my Favorite Pattern

I went to my go-to pattern for yet another baby present, this time for a dear friend's daughter.  It's made from Butterick's #3782. I had fun picking out the fabric for this one, all found at JoAnn's and I rather like how this one all came together.

 I made my typical changes--lined the bodice and switched out the zipper for a button closure. I added a sash again and this time bound the armholes. And sadly, I didn't get a picture of it, but I used a hem binding in the navy polka dots.  The plaid fabric was printed that way, not cut on the bias, which made it a little easier to sew up.

Traveler's Dress--Selfish Sewing

Update--I'm using this post as my 2 cents over at the Shaffer Sisters and Call Ajaire Sew-a-bration of Womanhood series.

It's all about celebrating the chance we have to use our talents for ourselves as well.  You should check it out...they really have a great line-up of amazing women!

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Does anyone else get a little self conscience putting pictures of themselves up for all to see? Well I do...but this dress is finally finished and I want to document it. Plus sewing for one's self is kind of fun and I want to encourage others to do it too!

So here it is The Traveler's Dress by Lisette patterns.

The fabric is something I picked up at Textile Fabrics last summer. You can see the various shades that go from the darker green (shoulders) to the yellow (legs). I carefully cut the placket and sleeves so that they would match. The collar is just what was left over.

 The pattern was classic Lisette style...easy to follow and well written. However, I take issue with the lack of collar stand. She kind of did a pseudo collar stand that was just part of the collar and I did not like the way it looked or laid (it seems like she does this with a lot of her patterns). So I spent an entire movie picking it out and then drafted my own collar stand as well as a new collar ( I kind of used the pattern piece as a reference for that one). The new one looks so much better than the first. I like the way it lays and looks. 

 And as for the dress...I got a lot of comments on it at church today. That being said...this was not a great dress for sitting down. Standing up this dress fit perfectly and there was even wiggle room. Sitting down, it would gape at the placket. So I'm not sure if it's me or the pattern. Another interesting thing, thanks to my very pale legs that kind of blended in with the yellow at the bottom...my husband thought this dress was much shorter that it really is. So if you want to create the illusion of having a short dress on, just match the bottom color with your legs:)

Some Much Needed Pants and a Very Productive Weekend

It was a quiet weekend around here, with 2 of the 6 out of town, so I had a productive Saturday. First up, I made this jumper for Sophia...go check out my review of the pattern over at Sew Cool for the Tween Scene.

 I also managed to whip up 3 pairs of pants for Clara. I used the Oliver & s knit pants pattern that comes with the Nature Walk Pullover. It's a great pattern and these pants are really easy to make. When I say whip up, I really mean it. From start to finish I was able to get all 3 pairs cut out and sewn in 2 hours. The serger helped it go a little faster, but still...3 pairs of pants in 2 hours!!!! Can't beat that. 

 I wish I knew my types of knits better, or at least paid attention to what I was buying, but I don't. All of the fabric came from JoAnn's.

 This one is my favorite pair. I used the opposite side of the fabric to get the contrast of the band. The knit is super soft and comfy.

 This pair is Clara's favorite...purple polka dots, need I say more.

 This one is a heathery red and super soft as well.

 I do love the Oliver & s patterns and this one is no exception. Easy to follow, clearly written directions, they never fail.

 However, I found a big mistake in this pattern. I'd sewn up these pants once before and thought it kind of weird how there wasn't a front and back specified.  This time around I paid a little more attention to the pattern and there is clearly a back and front to the pants, but not labeled or even mentioned in the instructions.  The rise is different and makes a big difference in how it fits. Once you have the pieces cut out, you'll notice the difference in the length of the rise (crotch seam) for the front and the back...just make sure you piece them accordingly.  Other than that, a great pattern. 

And now my not so little gal has 3 pairs of much needed pants, just in time for the weather to turn cold here.

Linked up here:

Bumble Bee Dress Tour

It was my privilege to be apart of this wonderful little tour. RaeAnna just released a wonderfully versatile dress pattern and I get to be a part of the action.

Here are all of the other stops:

Maura Jean & Co|Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts|Pattern Revolution|Daisy Chain Creations|Get Your Crap Together|Zafarani|Welcome to the Mouse House|Designs By Sessa|Sew Like My Mom|Once Upon a Sewing Machine|Shaffer Sisters|Francess Suzanne|sewVery|Climbing the Willow|Blogs Like a Mother|House of Estrela|Rae Gun Ramblings|While She Was Sleeping|181ReUp|Feathered Ruffles

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Here's my little creation. I made view A, with a couple of little changes.

Since neither of my girls needed a new dress, even though the pattern goes up to size 12, I decided to make this little ensemble for my niece, which means I can't get pictures with her in it because she lives across the 'pond' way over in England.

The only thing I really changed was that when it called for ruffles, I did pleats instead.

As for the dress, this pattern came together like a dream. I think the hand embroidery took longer than the assembly of the dress. Seriously.

With 2 different options of dresses, there are many chances to make this dress your own.

For my dress, I used unbleached muslin for the bodice and a floral print from Hobby Lobby (that was actually gifted to me by these lovely ladies). 

I added the embroidery just to add a little more to the dress and the button was the finishing touch. This is my all time favorite button find and this one is my last one.

I'm kind of loving how the embroidery made the plain bodice stand out a little more and go with the other fabric instead of just fading into the background.

And just for fun I made a pair of leggings to go with the dress.  I used a t-shirt of mine that was fitting kind of funny. I just used a bloomer pattern to make up a pattern for the leggings.

And since I don't have a model for this cute ensemble here are a couple more pictures that hopefully show off how cute this pattern is.

Oh the possibilities with the Bumble Bee Dress!

So head on over to RaeAnna's blog and check out the give-a-way and the amazing pattern...it's on sale for $5 from November 4-18!

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