Swoon Ramona Review

*This blog post contains affiliate links. I receive a portion of the sales when purchased through my link*

My favorite bag designer, Swoon, has released yet ANOTHER FREE bag pattern.

RAMONA!

Deer and Doe Bruyere Upcycle, yo!

I have an upcycle project for yall today.  PLUS sewed up a new pattern for my upcycle
I love Deer and Doe sewing patterns.  I have a few of their patterns: Bleuet, Datura, Plantain, and now Bruyere.

SisBoom Tobago

Remember my blog post from last Monday-the SisBoom Tortola?

Today, SisBoom releases the girls' version-TOBAGO!

Basically, same deal as the women's.  

Only four pattern pieces: front, back, front facing, and back facing.

Literally takes 30 minutes to cut and sew.

Diedlebug Handmade: Restful Reader

Remember the Tiny Artist Coloring Book by Diedelbug Handmade?

Well, she has come out with a second pattern that is just as fast, practical, and cute.

Diedelbug Handmade Restful Reader

(Giveaway below!)

This came at the perfect time for me.  Little Cookie Dough was waking up at the ungodly hour of 4am.  I made the restful reader one evening and the next morning-very early morning, I snapped it on her new big girl bed.

A Mouse House Holiday Party

Last night, we had Daddy Ali Cat's work party.
I find it mandatory to dress up for parties.

What better patterns than Mouse House Creations? You should also like her Facebook page.  She always has something cool going on over there. And her Etsy shop in case you'd like to purchase one or all of her patterns.

I posted awhile back out the Norah Dress for Madeleine.  Ali likes twirly tutus.  I was lucky enough to pre-test Mouse House Creations coming soon pattern, the Caroline Dress.

Here are the beautiful girls in their Holiday attire.

LadyBug Bend's Tooth Fairy Pillow

Does anyone remember loosing their teeth when they were little?  I remember a few.  I also remember it being gross to put a tooth under my pillow but I sure was excited to get money! When I was older, I remember wondering how my parents got the tooth from under my pillow and replaced it with cold hard cash.  Now that I'm a parent, these thoughts once again travel through my head.  Not only wondering how to get a tooth from under a sleeping child, but how to make it more fun for them as well.  Our oldest, Ali Cat, is 3.5, so we have a few more years before teeth begin to loosen.  

LadyBug Bend has created the perfect solution to these problems.  Introducing

Tooth Fairy Pillow PDF sewing pattern!

This tooth design pattern comes with 9 options to perfectly meet your child's personality.

ballerina

princess

prince

pirate

fairy

cowboy

clown

ninja

super hero

Jocoles Knit Pencil Skirt

I love knit and I love comfort.  

When I saw Jocole asking for testers for her new Knit Pencil Skirt, I put my name in.

I made two skirts.  Oh so comfortable!  

There are two styles of waist band: straight or wide yoga band.

Skirt length is unlimited! 8 different options from 

mini to maxi.  Awesome!

Bonus-it only takes about an hour to sew up.  

Dress it up or down, this is really a great skirt.

Did I mention it is comfortable?

Really comfortable.

Mouse House Creations Norah Dress/Tunic

The ever lovely Hayley from Mouse House Creations  or her Welcome to the Mouse House blog has released her first pattern, The Norah Dress/Tunic. Etsy link or Craftsy link.

I had the great pleasure of pattern testing for her!  I used a beautiful pink and yellow light weight wool to make Madeleine a winter dress.  

What I love most is the options:  sleeveless, short sleeve or long sleeve; Peter Pan collar; or collar with ties; and dress and tunic lengths.

The bodice is fully lined, making for a neat and professional finish.  The tutorial is easy to follow with clear pictures for each step. With no button holes or zippers, this pattern is perfect for beginners!

Also, any fabric material works for this dress!  Woven, knit, wool, corduroy...pick your fancy!

Halloween Costume: Ballerina

Last Friday, Ali Cat Co was featured on That's What She Crafted.  You can see that post here.

But here it is as well!

Heeeeyy Party Girls! I am Brianne from Ali Cat & Co.  I've "known" the TWSC ladies for....well, only about 6 months...BUT I'd totally bail them out of jail if needed.  They are rock stars.  Seriously.  I didn't wait to be asked to guest blog post, I begged and bribed for a slot. They are that cool.  I NEEDED to be involved with the TWSC awesomeness.

So here I am.

About 6 weeks ago, I began asking my 3 year old what she wanted to be for Halloween.
Response: "A ballerina with a big tutu riding a pink horse"  PHEW!  Something easy.  I feared she'd say something crazy like "a globe" or "a giant chicken nugget" or "you're cooking bananas".  Where do children get this random nonsense? Well, I know EXACTLY where they pull it from, but am I allowed so say it????

Over the past weeks, I have periodically checked back in with her to confirm she still wanted to be a ballerina riding a horse.  Lucky duck me, she has continued to agree.  Last thing I wanted was for her to change her mind at the last minute.  That's the best way to drive a mama crazy.

I had two goals with this costume.  First:  Make something that she will LOVE.  Second:  make it wearable outside of Halloween.

Step 1:  Find a pink horse.  SCORE!  Found a pink stick horse.  She then demanded to make it a unicorn.  Hum...I did my best. haha.  Ok, probably not my best, but the damn thing now has a horn.

Sis Boom/Scientific Seamstress Angie

Sis Boom and THE Scientific Seamstress hook up to create some of the best clothing patterns available.  They have women's, men's, and children's patterns.  Scientific Seamstress (This link will take you to the Etsy site to purchase any of the patterns) also has her own patterns.  I'm close to owning all of them. They are very well written with excellent pictures.  However, if you happen to get stuck, you can hop over to the Scientific Seamstress Fan Page on Facebook.  If you aren't a member, you definitely should be!  The women on the page are the friendliest and nicest group.  Seriously, they are drama free and a very supportive and helpful bunch.

I really like the way the Angie bodice is designed. There are three neck line heights and front and back darts.  The original pattern has a full skirt (with pocket option!) and a loose bodice for a easy slip on dress. 

We attend several cocktail parties each year and am always in need of nicer dresses. I took the Angie, used the highly neckline option, made the bodice more fitted by taking in the darts and side seams, inserting a 20-22" invisible zipper on the back and adding a straight skirt with sash and embellishments to jazz it up.

I can't take any credit myself. I took inspiration from these Angies HERE and HERE.  That's my friend Crystal at Ginger Dimples.  Isn't she gorgeous?  and really f-ing talented!

Enough of the blah blah blah. I know I'm boring.  Here are the pictures.

Daddy Ali Cat was acting photographer and kept saying "Do something with your hands".

I'm not a model; I don't know what to do with my long ass arms.

What do you think?  I like honesty.

Swoon Cardigan Review

The lovely Alicia over at Swoon Sewing Patterns has done it again!  Another beautiful and easy pattern.

But it gets better-it's a WOMENS pattern!  I can't describe how much I love sewing for myself.  

Presenting Swoon Cardigan!

Size range is S-XXL.  Two sleeve options:  long and 2/3 (elbow-ish)

Irregular hem line for fun and princess seams for a great fit.

Super easy and fast pattern to sew.  She gives sewing options for using a serger OR French seams.

This pattern should definitely take less than 2 hours cut to finish.  I'm embarrassed to say that it took me longer because my knit choice is so thin, it kept slipping out from my fingers.  THEN I sewed a sleeve 45 degrees off.  I took extra care to rip that serged seam.

The instructions are only 1 (ONE) page long.  Yep, that easy!  She also provides an assembly diagram.  

The thing I love most about this pattern is the sleeve length.  They are nice and long.  I admit, I'm a knuckle dragger, so it's rare for me to find sleeves that are long enough.  I was beyond thrilled to find that I did not have to lengthen the sleeves.  Remember! If you need to shorten/length sleeves, do so around the elbow on the pattern so that you get the correct sleeve structure!  Don't just chop off at the wrist!

Dixie DIY Movies in the Park Shorts Review

Last week, I participated in Selfish Sewing Week over at Made with Moxie. I reviewed the Dixie Movies in the Park Shorts.  You can see the original post HERE.  

But thought I needed to have the review on my own bog as well! Enjoy!

Hello fellow selfish seamstresses!  I am Brianne from Ali Cat & Co. (alicatco.blogspot.com).  Thank you, Jill, for having me over at Made With Moxie.  It's a pleasure to be here talking about selfishness.  I think we can all agree that a little bit selfishness is necessary to help us detox. 

I started sewing when I had my first daughter.  I mostly sewed for her with an occasional bag for myself.  Lately, thanks to some really fabulous friends of mine, I've become 75% selfish sewist. 

One day, it hit me like a bag of bricks.  WHY sew for my children?  They grow so fast; it seems like a waste.  My oldest daughter has become extremely particular about her clothes recently.  My youngest daughter wears the oldests' hand me downs.   So I ask the question again. WHY? 

We can all agree that store bought clothes rarely have a perfect fit and tailoring store bought clothes can be difficult.  What's the answer?  Make it myself.  Not only are there AWESOME women's patterns out there, but you can make pretty clothing that fits for less than the store.

Believe me, once you go selfish, you'll never go back!

Do I need to continue to twist your arm? I hope not, so lets get on with the beautiful shorts pattern from Dixie DIY Patterns. 

Swoon Sewing Patterns Clyde

I have had the greatest pleasure of getting to know Alicia from Swoon Sewing Patterns. The Clyde is the fourth bag pattern I have made from her patterns.  

You can see the other bags I've made below.

Eleanor

Dorothy

Dottie

For this bag, I decided to try something new: stenciled burlap.

Here is a quick "how I did it".

 Mixed my paint color with fabric medium.  

If you can't find fabric paint or if you can't find the right color, just mix your regular ol'

acrylic paint with a wee bit of fabric medium and voila!  Fabric paint.

Zafarani Saffron Twirl Dress Neckline Options!

Yesterday, Zafarani Designs released her first PDF sewing pattern!  

Introducing the Saffron Twirl Dress! You NEED this pattern!

It comes in sizes 6-12mo to 8 years.  Until next Monday, it is only $6! After that it's $9.  $9 isn't all that bad either, that's only $1 per size!

(Click the first link to like her Facebook page and click the second link above to go buy her pattern.)

I was one of the lucky pattern testers for this gorgeous dress.  

It features a V-neck front with button tab closure on the back.  

The back of the skirt portion has a bit of elastic for dressing and playing ease.  

Along with a long sash to tie in the back or double wrap around for a tie in the front

With a full skirt, this dress has MAJOR twirl action!

The Saffron Twirl dress is a perfect fit for the little girl in your life.

Little Lizard King Retro Glam Skirt Pattern Test

I am very proud to have tested for Little Lizard King and her new Retro Glam Skirt! You can buy as an all size bundle or from 6 months -5T + doll or 6-14+ doll.

When I showed my 3 year old a picture of the skirt, she was THRILLED! We headed to the fabric store and she picked out the two main fabrics.  A little bit sweet and a little bit sassy!

The skirt took me about 3 hours to sew up.  Very simple instructions and easy to follow.  Great pattern for an advanced beginner sewer.  

The skirt has a flat front and elastic back waist band.  You can use regular elastic or there is also an option for sizable elastic (the preferred method) AND a tutorial for making your own sizable elastic, which is what I did! The pattern also comes with a Rockabilly hair wrap pattern and a doll size pattern.

This skirt is very diverse, which is why I love it so.  Kari from That's Sew Kari made hers the Candy Corn Cutie.  Check it out!  Perfect for the entire fall!

Another tester chose fabrics to mimic a cheerleader skirt.  It was equally adorable.  (Once I receive permission to link photos, I will).

I also think this skirt would be awesome made from bandanas and denim for a cowgirl look.  Some of the other testers also suggested a skirt for each Disney Princess or Minnie Mouse.  All great ideas.  Like I said, VERY versatile!

Here is Ali enjoying her skirt "tutu".  She receive many compliments on it at school.

Sew Much Ado: Seafarer Pattern Review

First, administrative information. If you look at the top left of the page, just above the "about me" and my picture, you will see PAGES!  Yippee for me figuring out Blogger.  I have a page for all the pattern reviews thus far plus a page for recipes.  There are many more patterns I've sewn but never posted pictures.  I will slowly start adding all of the beginner patterns I did when I first started sewing.  It's scary when you first start and I had no idea what kind of patterns to buy.  Hopefully I can help some new sewing mamas out.  

Movin' on.

Recently I was introduced to Sew Much Ado's Seafarer pattern. It's a classic pattern and a staple in the closet.  I think this took me 1.5-2 hours to sew up.  Pretty quick.  It's a great fit.  Roomy and forgiving yet still flattering on the figure.  Most importantly, comfortable! If you are in between sizes, I would size down.  That's the most wonderful aspect of knit, sizing down! :)

I don't have much else to say other than I love this shirt and will definitely be making many many more in all the different ways possible.  

Prepare yourself for some ridiculous pictures.

Sis Boom Jamie Dress

There is currently a Sis Boom Jamie Sew-A-Long happening; here's Day 1.  It's only 4 days long, very fast sew.  I wanted to participate because the pattern was on sale for $5!

Sis Boom always has great patterns, easy instruction, and it comes in sizes XS-3X.   If you are a busty gal, there is also a cutting line for extra room in the bodice.  This dress truly is flatting on every single figure.  Just Google for images. It has a full skirt but you can easily change it to A line or just narrow the skirt for less gathering.  The pattern gives you measurements to make the dress any length you desire.  I've seen it as a tunic and maxi dress!  Looks awesome with any cut.

The dress does not originally have pockets.  The sew a long tells you how to add the pockets based on the Sis Boom Angie pattern (which I also bought for $5!).

The sew a long ALSO gives instructions for how to make this dress nursing friendly!   Lot 'o' options!

I'm in love with this dress.  It's so comfortable.  Dress up or down or with a bolero when it's cool.

The only thing I changed was the zipper installation and length.  The pattern calls for a 14" zipper, which would make me cut off one pocket.  I only sewed the zipper to the top of my pocket (which was approximately 10").  I'm a pocket girl, I really didn't want to cut 1/2 of it out.

The shorter zipper works fine, but there is not enough room to get the dress over my hips.  I'm forced to take it off/put it on over my head.  Not a big deal for me.  If I had cut 1" off my pocket and used 11" of the zipper, it would have fit over my hips just fine.  

I took extra care to make sure my side checks would match up.  I did a pretty darn good job.

Paco Bean Dorothy Day Tripper Pattern GIVEAWAY!

Yesterday I blogged about the Paco Bean Dorothy Day Tripper sewing pattern.

Isn't she gorgeous?
You can read that post here.  I also talk about two other Paco Bean patterns.  I'll be 100% honest, you need these bags in your collection.  I get lots of compliments on the Eleanor.  My sister in law has already threatened to steal it from me.  Back off, Nancy!
(no, her name is not Nancy)

Well, now is your chance to get the Dorothy Day Tripper for FREE.  Gratis. Frei. Gratuit. Liber.

I love Swoon Sewing Patterns!

I have recently pattern tested two bag patterns for Swoon Sewing Patterns.  I must say, these patterns are awesome!  Really, really great design.  

As an anti-diaper bag mama, I prefer a larger bag to carry all the kid stuff.  i have fallen madly in love with my Eleanor Slouchy Hobo.  You can see my pictures for it here.  Personally, I like cross body bags because when you pick up kids, put them down, pick up items they have throw out of the grocery cart, I don't want my bag falling off my shoulder and all the contents spilling out on the floor.  You know what I'm talking about; so embarrassing!  Well, the Eleanor's strap is the perfect length for cross body, so it will never fall off that shoulder while shopping.  It's also large enough for diapers, wipes, and sippy cups but not so big you feel like a pack mule.  The Eleanor is so comfortable laying on your hip or along your back for when you must carry your infant and toddler at the same time.  

Again, you know what I'm talking about!

The Dottie is a great bag when you are out and about when you don't have to carry items for 4.  You can see my pictures here.  It's also a great bag for a little girl to carry around her necessities.  And by necessities I mean Barbies, stickers, and princess hair ties.  

Yes, I am getting to the point now.  After these two bags, I decided I absolutely positively MUST have the Dorothy Day Tripper bag pattern. 

So here she is, my Dorothy. I really love it!  Great should strap length, nice and roomy interior without being bulky.  This would be the best carry-on bag for a flight.  You could fit a knitting project in this thing!  

I've been keeping a secret!

I happen to 'know' someone out there in sewing land who works for The Scientific Seamstress.  My friend pretty much has the best job in the world.  She blogs for SS, does sew-a-longs, maintains Facebook page, etc.  All from home. Yep, she gets paid to sew.  Dream job. 

Well, because of her, I was invited to test a new SS children's dress.  The Scientific Seamstress likes to keep her new patterns secret until released, which is was today! Here's where you can buy.  The Bebop tunic/dress is on sale today only!

Without further ado...

It's a full "doll like" Bishop dress. I have since jazzed it up with ric rac!