The BEST OF THE BEST in 2013!

WOO-HOO!!!

The results are in.... 

 We now have the 'official" list of THE BEST SELLING PATTERNS of 2013! 

 The hottest of the hot and the most sought-after patterns around! 

No need to keep you waiting... let's just get right to it, shall we!?? 
(items are listed in no particular order)

The Handmaiden's Cottage

The Tea Party Dress

Whimsy Couture
Bodacious Bow Peasant Dress

The Handmaiden's Cottage 

 Swing Dress

My Childhood Treasures 

 Elke Dress

Foofoo Threads 

World's Cutest Triple-Ruffle Pants

Foofoo Threads
Sugarplum Princess Dress

Sew Sweet Patterns
Morgan Dress

The Handmaiden's Cottage
Petticoat

Foofoo Threads

Victorian Romance

My Childhood Treasures

 Bluebell Dress

Foofoo Threads

Four-Seasons Knit Peasant Dress or Top

Sew Sweet Patterns

 The Maggie Dress 

Bettsy Kingston

Reversible Girl's Jacket

You can see the trend, right? It was a year of sophisticated fluff!
Beautiful, feminine, and layered looks were top of the list for 2013!
Let's hear it from those of you who purchased some of these wonderful patterns! 
How did you like them?  Did you have special occasions for your selections?
  If you would like to "SHOW OFF" --- head over to our Facebook Page! 
We would love to see your little sweeties in these beautiful dresses! 

With so many new items already popping in for 2014...
We can't wait to see what this year will bring! 
Keep your eyes on our New Arrivals to keep up with
the latest and greatest from your favorite pdf sewing pattern designers!
 

Watch for the new designers to roll-in, too! 
We have our eyes on some great new lines!   

Thank you for making Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops so special!  

We appreciate each and every one of you!

The Wonderful World of Dixi... from My Childhood Treasures

Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops is honored to bring you the greatest pdf sewing patterns from some of the most talented independent designers in the world!  We see them everyday.  We watch their skills sharpen as they produce pattern after pattern.  The journeys that the designers embark on is nothing less than amazing.  Keeping a step-ahead of the trends and spending hours ironing out details - these "pdf-powerhouses" still maintain a family, run professional businesses, and create from their hearts.

But... who are they?  What is the life of a pattern maker really all about?  This year, Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops wants to give you a "peek" into their worlds and find out what things REALLY make them who they are, how they began, and just simple facts about what makes them unique.. AS A PERSON.

Each month, we are stepping into the worlds of the minds behind the designs!

We are excited to bring you the first of the "Wonderful World" series...
 Dixi, of My Childhood Treasures!

In February 2013, Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops happily welcomed My Childhood Treasures to the line-up!  We were excited by the classic (yet contemporary) designs, professional photos, and extensive collection that was offered.  I believe it was the Elke Dress that really won me over!  Since then, Dixi has continued to deliver chart-topping sewing patterns!  We are always happy to see what she will be working on next!

When we had the idea to do this series, I first brought it up to Dixi.  She was very responsive.  Through a couple of months of preparing - she waited... patiently.  Finally, everything fell into place.  I informed her that we had decided to take a "whimsical spin" on 20 questions.  She was more than happy to take part!  Even having no idea what these questions would have been!
She was not afraid... What a brave lady!!!

Here we go...
Welcome to The Wonderful World of Dixi:

1. How long have you been sewing and where did you learn?

I still remember so clearly the very first thing my mother taught me to sew when I was about 5. It was a little elastic waisted skirt for my beloved teddy made from a soft floral fabric. To this day I'm still convinced it is the straightest seam I have ever sewn. I sewed it with so much concentration, love and care and have been hooked on sewing ever since. 

 

2. Describe your sewing room/space.

It is small and well-organized (my husband might dispute the well-organized comment). Not only do I have my machines, books, patterns and fabric in the room but I have a small photography table and lights set up as well

3. Have you purchased a fabric that you loved so much you had a hard time cutting it?
Actually I have a few in my stash that I have had such a hard time cutting they are still sitting there. Every time I go to use them I put them back thinking maybe next time. I have a red and white heart print that I can’t bear to cut.

4.  Does your daughter show a desire to learn?  Have you already started teaching her?

She is only just 2 but every time I open the sewing room door she is straight in and up on the chair touching my machine. I don’t even think she even knows what it does but that fact she isn’t allowed to touch it tantalizes her even more. I can’t wait to start teaching her how to sew. Hopefully she is as passionate about it as I am.

5.   When do your best ideas come to you?
My best ideas come when I am walking along the beach or doing something relaxing. I think ideas often pop into your head when you are not trying too hard.

6. Who inspires you?
My daughter inspires me to create children’s wear.

7. How did you come up with the name "My Childhood Treasures"
I am quite sentimental about some of my childhood toys and my husband always teased me that they were “My Childhood Treasures”. So I always knew that when I created a children’s line that would be the name. 

8. Do you have any other hobbies?
Photography. I love creating photo shoots with models almost as much as I love designing the patterns. I wish I had more time for other hobbies but working and being a Mom keep me very busy.  

9. What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Coffee!  Especially at the moment as my daughter is waking me up at 4am.

10. What type of music do you listen to?  What is your FAVORITE song?
I think I’m in the minority but I’m not a big music listener. But if I listen to anything it would be pop songs. Anything slow doesn’t gel with my brain. Maybe I need to relax more. (see the above point – too much coffee perhaps.)

11. Do you have any pets?
Yes. A small white fluffy dog that is one of the loves of my life. She is like having another toddler – although a little better behaved at times. She follows me from room to room and loves nothing more than making a nest for herself on my newly purchased fabric stashes and messing them up.  I think I’m too soft as I never tell her off.

12. What is your best feature?
Physical feature or character trait? If you mean physical feature then I think it would be my eyes.  Have to admit though there are a few more smile lines now. (nice way of saying wrinkles.) If you mean character trait then I would have to say my patience and loyalty. I think you have to have a little patience to be a sewer.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world - where would it be and why?
I was tossing up between Egypt to see tombs or Tanzania to see a big game park.  Either would be great if anyone wants to send me there.

14. What is your favorite beverage? 
Anything sweet!

15. What is a favorite sewing gadget that you own or WISH that you owned?
Actually it is a fairly simple one. An elastic threader. I have so many fancy machine feet and gadgets that I spent too much on and that I rarely use.  Sometimes it is the simple things that are the best for making your life easier.

16. What is your favorite color?
Pink!  I know what you’re thinking –“does she think she is 5 still?” But my mother would never buy us anything pink when we were little as she hated it (including no Barbie dolls) so now I’m obsessed with it.  I have to stop myself buying everything pink and I have to not buy my daughter everything pink so we don’t match.

17. What was your first car? How long did you drive it?
A Mazda hatchback and I didn’t drive it for more than a year before someone drove up the back of me and made a mess.

18. If you could only choose one type of food to eat for the rest of your life… what would it be?
Lasagna. Easy winner.

19. Do you sleep on your stomach, back, or side?
My side. It’s terrible for posture. Mental note – start yoga in the new year.

20. What can we expect to see new from My Childhood Treasures in 2014?
More trendy sewing patterns for children simplified for beginners. I’ve also become obsessed with swimwear after my daughter started swimming lessons a few months ago.  So watch out for some girl’s swimwear patterns.  Now if only I could find the perfect fabric..

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We soooo enjoyed reading these responses!  I would have to say that I make a pretty killer lasagna and would gladly bake her one!  If only I could figure a way to get it from Kansas City to her home in Australia!  

As we anxiously await her next creations... take a peek to what she has to offer now at Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops -- 

remember the Elke Dress I mentioned earlier?
Have YOU made one yet?

The latest pattern that has been a favorite since day one....
The Colorblock Dress

  

It is not ALL about girls with Dixi!
She also has some great things for the little men in your life.

The Charlie Romper

Fancy, fluffy, and perfect for every little special occasion you can think of! 
Weddings? Birthday? Valentine's Day?

The Tutu Dress 

Just because she does not stop... Recently she has introduced her first dolly pattern - perfect for American Girl / Our Generation Dolls

The Poppy Bow Dress or Top for Dolls
 

So which patterns do you have or NEED to add to your collection? 
We would love to hear what you enjoy most about My Childhood Treasures Patterns!  Feel free to comment below or show off your creations on our Facebook Group Page!  We would be tickled pink!

Thank you, Dixi, for sharing your Wonderful World with us!  We are looking forward to summertime now and those new swimming suit patterns you have your mind on!  Somehow I just KNOW you will find the right fabrics!  

CLICK HERE to view all items from My Childhood Treasures

Sew and Tell with the Maise Cape (Peacock Version)

 

Just in time for Halloween... this week we are featuring the Peacock Maise Cape from My Childhood Treasures!  Obviously, this gorgeous cape would make for an impressive Halloween costume, but I'd parade my little one around in it all during the chilly months!  What I find totally cool about this pattern is that you also get the original version of the Maise Cape included for free (the peacock version is actually an add-on that's included with the original file).  So you get the peacock version, the Little Red Riding Hood version, and a plain version- all wrapped up into one pattern that we just so happen to have on sale for 25% off this week!  Hurray!!!

 

 

If you wanted to use this pattern as a costume piece, I'm sure you could come up with endless uses!  I'm not creative as some of you, but if you made the cape a little longer, it might work for a witches costume.  You could also make it in some sparkly or lacey fabrics and use it as a cover up for your little princesses if it gets really cold while trick-or-treating in your neck of the woods.  We don't really run into that problem in Alabama too often, but some of you might!  A Little Red Riding Hood costume is an obvious choice and would be absolutely darling!  If you wanted to use the Peacock Version as a costume, you could pair it with blue pants and a blue shirt underneath, or do like the pattern suggests and use the Tutu Dress in pretty shades of blue.  Oh, or how about making it in all white while having your child wear all white, and doing black eyes and a mouth on the hood to make a ghost costume?  And let's not forget that superheroes wear capes ;) 

 

Just some general info about the pattern...  It can be made in sizes 1- 8, and a size chart providing chest measurements is provided.  Since the cape is fully lined, it can be reversible, however it wouldn't work if you did the peacock version because the feathers extend farther down and would be seen from the other side.  A fabric requirement chart is provided, and the smallest size needs a yard for each side of the cape, and the largest size needs 1 1/4 yards for each side of the cape.  There are 12 pages to print out for the cape pattern pieces (which are all nested, color-coded and labeled) and 4 pages for the peacock applique pieces.  A 2x2 inch square is include on the pattern pieces to ensure that your pattern is printing at the correct scale.  There's a convenient "Sewing Terms" glossary at the very end to help you with any sewing terms that you might not be familiar with.  It's a useful reference for any pattern you may be working on!  Please note, this pattern may only be made for personal use.  If you sew for profit, you can contact the designer to inquire about her latest policies in regards to selling the items made from this pattern. 

 

As far as the construction is concerned, I've sewn up a few things from My Childhood Treasures recently and am always pleased with both the process and the end results.  Her patterns are very well-written and have a nice flow to them.  Every step is accompanied with a helpful photo so you're not left wondering if you're doing it right.  The appliques for the Peacock and Little Red Riding Hood are both done using felt.  The patterns for all the pieces, plus detailed directions on how to construct the appliques are included.  Give it a try, and see how easy it is!

 

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We've got Mary Ann reviewing this pattern for us today.  Take a look at her amazing version!

 

 

While thumbing through patterns on Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops, I had to stop and do a double take when I ran across the Peacock Maise Cape (special edition) by My Childhood Treasures!  Seeing that I love peacock feathers and the attractive colors they present, it didn’t take me long deciding to purchase the pattern.  Am I glad I did!

 

My sewing inspiration was a neighborhood grandmother who made wonderful dresses for her granddaughters.  As a child, I was so impressed since I didn’t have a grandmother of my own (especially one who sews).  Now, I sew for my grandkids.  Hopefully, I inspire others to create beautiful handmade garments for their families and friends.  I am looking forward to opening an Etsy store in the near future.  You are welcome to view some of my first projects at www.sew-letoile.tumblr.com.

 

Let’s get started!  I am so pleased to review such a versatile pattern.  I chose a peacock print lining called Regent Peacock by Alexander Henry Fabrics Collections that I found at Hobby Lobby.  The outer fabric is teal pinwale corduroy found at JoAnn’s Fabric.  Feathers are cotton scraps in coordinating colors.  

Prewashing is a must if you are working with corduroy and cotton.  Tip: Corduroy can be tricky when preparing to cut pattern pieces.  There is a nap so all pattern pieces need to face the same direction on the fabric.  My printed lining was placed in the same manner. 

 

The directions for this pattern are easy to follow and construction was a breeze.  I’m big on pressing seams as I go along since it makes the finished garment look so much more professionally made.  And yes, the instructions recommend pressing (no wonder the finished cape looks so nice)!  The recommended topstitching is another must for a well made garment.

 

Peacock feathers… Peacock feathers adorn my sewing room so I found inspiration right at my fingertips.  The pattern designer lists suggestions in lieu of felt.  I chose cotton scraps and Pellon fusible interfacing to back the two larger feather pattern pieces and provide some stiffness.  I lined each feather with the matching cape lining.  The feathers give the cape some weight and provide a nice drape.

What a fun sew!  The pattern also includes a template for a peacock headpiece and instructions as well as an appliqué for Little Red Riding Hood and instructions.  I’m seriously thinking of making a pink flamingo cape!  Soon, very soon!

 

Isn't that cape stunning?!?  I love that she left the headpiece off of the hood to make it look a little less "costume-y" for everyday wear!  And the idea to make a pink flamingo version... holy moly I want to see that!!  You could do an owl version, too!  The possibilities are endless!  Who knew you could have so much fun with a cape?? 

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Pair it Up!

In the spirit of Halloween, we're going to showcase a few trick-or-treat bags you could quickly sew up for our Pair it Up section today!

 

The Halloween Treat Bag pattern from Charming Doodle can be used to make 5 different styles of treat bags.  There's a cat, strawberry, fairy princess, jack-o-lantern, and monster to choose from.  But as we've learned above, the only limit is your imagination!  Don't let your little ones go out with a generic plastic pumpkin... or worse, an old Wal-Mart sack, ha!!  We've got this pattern on sale for only $5 for a limited time, so make one up to perfectly compliment that handmade costume you've been working so hard on!

 

The Halloween Bag or Library Tote from Hadley Grace Designs is another fun way for the kids to haul around their loot!  They'll have to trick-or-treat all night to fill that sucker up!  Make it in some spooky Halloween prints and add their initial or an applique to create a customized bag that will receive just as much attention as their costumes!  The bag pattern also works great year round in your favorite prints!

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Make sure you go to the website and purchase your copy of The Peacock Maise Cape for 25% off while it's still on sale  :)  Also, be sure to get your entries in for our 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest!  Simply design a Halloween costume around one or more of the over 800 patterns we carry on our website.  We're giving away over $300 in awesome prizes from some awesome vendors!  The last day to enter is October 20th, so fire up your sewing machine!!!  Find the details by clicking on the banner below :)

 

 

 Go sew something magical!

 



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