Sew and Tell with the Clara Dress

 

 

 Hi everyone!  We're here to share our newest, and sadly our last, Sew and Tell Review!  This month we will be featuring the Clara Dress from Filles à Maman!  The Clara Dress is a versatile design with a sweet charm that can be worn for variety of occasions.  It's sure to be a staple in your little one's closet!  And just like all of our patterns featured on our Sew and Tell Review portion of our blog, this one will be 25% off until the end of the month! 

 

So what makes this dress so special?  Let's take a look at all this pattern has to offer! 

 

*  This dress can be made in sizes 12m, 24m, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

*  You'll receive 2 PDF file in your pattern download.  One is the tutorial with pattern pieces.  The other is an add-on for the optional heart-shaped pockets.

*  The tutorial is 44 pages long with 20 of those pages being the pattern pieces that need to be printed out.

*  All sizes are nested together with different patterned dashed line being used to differentiate each size. 

*  Measurements are provided to cut out the ruffles.

*  Lots of pattern markings are on the pattern pieces similar to a traditional paper pattern.  You won't be left guessing how to space buttonholes or measuring where to place the pockets. 

*  Pattern pieces are numbered and labeled with both the designer's name and the pattern name.

*  A 3/8" seam allowance is included in the pattern pieces.

*  This one pattern gives you several design option.  You can make this dress with either a cap sleeve or a long sleeve; with or without a bottom ruffle; and with heart pockets, curved pockets, or no pockets at all.

*  There are is a button closure going down the backside of the dress. 

*  This pattern uses a raglan-style sleeve, so no set-in sleeve construction required.

*  Excellent detailed directions are provided for constructing the pockets, making/applying bias tape, and making French seams.  I definitely picked up some pointers!

*  Colorful photos are included for each step so that you can clearly see and read what you should do.

*  Fabric requirements for are provided for both of the sleeve lengths and both the ruffled or unruffled options.

*  There's a really helpful Sizing Chart that gives you measurements for the waist, length, and chest for each size.  Be sure to measure your child before choosing a size.

*  Recommended fabrics include quilting cotton, baby wale corduroy, velvet, and lightweight denim.

*  You'll see French and English writing/labels throughout the pattern, but the version available on our site is the English version. 

*  Overall, I was very impressed with directions and the way the tutorial was put together.  Very easy to read and follow! 

 

Stephanie has done a fantastic review for us, so let's see what she has to say!  You can find her work on both Etsy and Facebook. 

 

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My name is Stephanie, and I am the mom of four pretty terrific kids!  I homeschool my 11 and 9 year olds, and I also have 2 year old twins.  I'm pretty blessed to be running a home-based business doing what I love!  My first sewing project was when I was sixteen (more years ago than I would care to admit).  I've always loved crafting and creating, but sewing ended up taking a backseat to knitting for a long time!  I jumped back into sewing a few years ago to make clothes for my girls (because matching sibling clothes are a right of passage), and I've had so many requests that I have been sewing since!

 

 

This week I sewed up the Clara Dress by Filles a Maman.  I have a confession.  My two year old daughter has been insistent for the past several weeks that she has a Minnie Mouse dress.  She actually did not have one, so I planned to make her the most perfect one.  I purchased the fabric last week at JoAnn's for her Minnie Mouse dress.  Like any typical mom, I wanted my daughter to have a unique dress, so I've been looking for a pattern to evoke that style.  I also wanted it to be sweet, vintage-looking, and girly.  It's a pretty tall order and a lot to ask for, but I found everything I wanted in the Clara Dress.  The sweet yoke and vintage-looking fit were absolutely perfect for what I had in mind.

 

 

When I downloaded it, I must admit that I was a bit thrown by the 20 pages to print.  I printed that many for a tunic for myself a week ago and it seemed excessive, especially since there were also measured cuttings for the ruffled version I chose.  My fears were quickly put to rest.  I can honestly say that this pattern taped together more quickly than any other pattern I have ever done.  Everything lined up perfectly without any pre-cutting of the pages and I had the whole thing cut out and ready for my fabric in about 5 minutes. The fabric and elastic only took me another 7 minutes or so to cut.  Honestly, picking the right buttons took longer!

 

 

I measured my daughter and decided that I would do a 3T width because I figure this dress is going to get a lot of wear, and I want her to be able to wear it in the fall and possibly through to next spring.  She's currently in a 2T, so I modified the length a little and split it between the 2T and 3T.  I'm perfectly okay with making her a pair of coordinating ruffle pants in the fall if she needs them under it!  I also opted to only use interfacing in the button plackets and not the whole back piece.  That is mainly because my daughter is a very dramatic little person, and if her dress felt funny on her back there's no way I would get her to wear it.

 

 

The directions in this pattern are accompanied by great picture tutorials which are helpfully numbered for the steps.  It made sewing this dress together so easy and effortless that I had time to think about all the fabulous ways that this dress could be sewn up in the hour and half that it took me to finish.  There are several different options within the pattern that any beginning sewist could easily follow.  There are also many opportunities for advanced sewists to customize this dress in so many ways!  There are pocket options (including a too cute heart pocket) and sleeve lengths, and with very little effort this could be made into a tunic length top or a gorgeous special occasion dress.  I love how versatile it is.  

 

 

The end result is absolutely perfect.  It's everything I wanted, and my peanut is beyond happy, so I couldn't ask for more.  I'm planning out a couple more, and I think I might try one of those lace zippers on the back instead of buttons and use heart pockets and make it tunic length to pair with some ruffle leggings for fall.  

 

 

In my opinion, this pattern is a must-have for any mom sewing for her little girls.  It's quick and easy to follow, and there are so many opportunities to make it your own and personalize it for each unique little girl!  I love the Clara Dress and I cannot wait to make more of them!

 

 

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Um... LOVE IT!  So glad that little cutie got herself a Minnie dress.  The addition of the yellow rick rack and that big yellow button on the yoke are the perfect finishing touches! 

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Pair it up!

 

 

The Simple Girls Leggings from Amelie Clothing done in all black would be the perfect match for a Minnie Mouse inspired dress!  These are a true legging with a snug fit that make them perfect for layering.  Available in sizes 3 Girls- 9 Girls.

 

 

What's Minnie without her Mickey?  The Classic Boys Romper from Seamingly Smitten would be easy to transform into a Mickey-inspired suit.  Just make the half black, the bottom half red, and throw on some large white buttons... viola!  Available in sizes 6m- 4T.

 

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 There you have it, ladies!  Hopefully you now know everything you ever wanted to know about the Clara Dress!  Now be sure you head over to the website and get your copy for 25% off during May!  We'd love to see any version of this dress you've made.  You can share photos over in our Facebook Group.

 

 

Go sew something magical!

 

Sew and Tell with the Rilla Top!

 

Who's ready for a new Sew & Tell Review??  I know it's been a little longer than normal since we've posted a new review, but have you seen all the other fun posts we've been making recently? We've got a giveaway currently running to win a $25 gift certificate to the Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops website and we had our Knit-acular, Spectacular post to help you choose the right knit fabric for all those adorable and super-comfy knit patterns that are popping up everywhere! 

 

But back to the review... this week we are featuring the Rilla Top from SweetKid3!  How adorable is that?!?  It's the perfect top to pair with those ruffle pants we all love to make :)  Every little girl needs at least one shirt like this hanging in her closet!  It's roomy, airy, comfy... perfect for those hot summer play dates, but definitely stylish enough to be part of your little girl's nicer "boutique" wardrobe.  The size range is great, too- it comes in sizes 12m- 12 years.  You'll be able to make this one year after year!

 

The top comes together quickly, and as long as you know how to shirr, there shouldn't be anything difficult in store.  Take a look at this tutorial if your Brother doesn't want to play nice while shirring.  Mine never did until I tried what the tutorial said to do.  Now it's a piece of cake!  There are no pattern pieces to cut out and piece together, just measurements used to cut your fabric.  A great beginner pattern that is still interesting enough that even more advanced sewists will want to give it a try!   

 

Our friend, Jamie A,. sent in the following review.

 

 

Growing up, there was a family friend that was very crafty and taught me some very basics in sewing.  Sixteen years later I got back into sewing.  It was like riding a bike.  It just came back to me.  Besides what Barb taught me 16 years ago, I am very self-taught.  My first sewing project I attempted to make myself was a scrub top for work.  I literally took and old top, cut it up, and made a new pattern.  It didn’t turn out so bad.  I was then introduced (somehow) to PDF patterns.   I have found some amazing designers that have helped me.  I would say I am an advanced beginner.

I made the Rilla Top by SweetKid3 out of a woven cotton fabric.  This pattern is very easy.  From beginning to end, it took about 45 minutes.  There was quite a bit of shirring with the size 12 I made.  But if you know how to shirr, this pattern is a breeze.  What’s nice about the shirring is that it stretches so the top will last a few years.

I did try to stick to the pattern, but I found that attaching the straps first was a bit of a pain while trying to shirr.  So I took the straps off and added them after I was done.  I also didn’t do as many rows of shirring on the top.  Since my daughter is only 7, the shirring was a bit far down for my liking. 

I thought this pattern was very well written.  It is simple, but turns out really cute.  I feel like this pattern runs true to size.  There are several options for this top included in the pattern.  You could not shirr the bottom, add a ruffle, make the straps halter style, shirr a few rows on top and the middle, add a flower etc. 

 

LOVE IT!!!

 

Very versatile.  The Rilla Top looks great paired with jeans and wedges, and she looks so happy to be modeling it for us!  I'm also picturing it with a pair of skinny jeans tucked into some cowgirl boots, or maybe even with some length added to make it a "bubble" dress.  I wonder how that would look?!?  Someone sew it up as a dress and send us a picture!  Pretty please??  For our Australian friends, you can easily layer this top over a long-sleeved tee or turtle neck for added warmth.  Plus, Jamie gave us some great ideas of different ways to "spice up" the Rilla Top that will help you get more bang for your buck with this one! 

 

The best part?  It's 25% off right now!!  Yay!! 

 

 

Pair it up!

 

Because we know you all are always looking for the latest and greatest ruffle pants, take a look at the Carnival Pants from Foofoo Threads.  The tuxedo ruffle going down the side is a unique take on the classic ruffle pants style.  Make the ruching in a fun, contrasting print or keep it the same fabric as the rest of the pants to simply add some visual interest.  The pants can be made in either the floor length, cropped, or capri versions.  Be one of the first people to put your daughter in a pair of those pants or to offer it in your shop!  They'd look great with the Rilla Top:)  Available in sizes 6m- Girls 6.   

 

 

We don't want to forget about you, ladies, so here's a great top for you!!  Make a Rilla Top for your daughter and a matching Sunny Halter Top from Seamingly Smitten for yourself.  It's got a flattering fit and can be made in sizes XS-XL.  Sew it up in about an hour!  You and your daughter can have new shirts in about 2 hours... what a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon!  You can dress this top up or down depending on your fabric choices and how you "accessorize."  Don't forget that you deserve the fruits of your sewing-labor every now and then! 

 

Head over to the website to get your Rilla Top for 25% off for the next few days!!  If you need a last minute Mother's Day gift, we offer gift certificates!  Maybe you should mention to your children you'd like to receive one so you won't have to fake delight over their subpar gift this year (or does that only happen to me?!?)  I should show you a picture of the cow PJ's I got for Christmas this year ;) 

 

Go sew something magical!!

 

 

Sew and Tell with the Meghan Peasant Dress

 

Hope everyone is having a great Friday!!  I just can't help but smile when I know the weekend is so close  :)  Today's Sew and Tell Review is on the Meghan Peasant Dress by Sis Boom.  Some of you may make clothing for yourself, but the majority of you probably only sew for your children or grandchildren, right?  I'm here today to convince you that you need to take a break from those super cute kid's clothes and make something for yourself!!  You deserve it!!  Why should the kids get all the fun stuff?  Designing and sewing your own clothing can be a lot of fun and really rewarding if you have the right guidance, and you will definitely get that from a Sis Boom pattern.  You'll be able to choose your own fabrics and adjust for a perfect fit... can't do that with store-bought clothing!

 

The Meghan Peasant Dress is a great "gateway" pattern if you've shied away from sewing adult clothing previously.  Sis Boom patterns are very detailed and well-explained.  And, obviously, oh so cute!  We have a beautiful collection of Sis Boom patterns on the website for you to drool over  ;)  This pattern comes in a wide range of sizes from  Misses 0 - 18 & Womens 1X- -3X, has multiple sleeve lengths, and allows for several neckline options.  Since this is a peasant-style dress, you only need to know how to insert elastic... no zippers, darts, or anything else scary with this one! 

 

 

Jeanine T. from The Crafting Fiend reviewed the Meghan Peasant Dress for us for us this week, and here's what she had to say about it. 

 

 

Hello!  My name is Jen.  I started sewing 2 years ago after I had my first daughter.  I taught myself to sew using free patterns and tutorials I found on the internet because I needed a creative outlet now that my usual pastime (oil on canvas painting) was no longer time-feasible due to a new baby.  I would rate myself as an intermediate sewist.

For my review, I sewed the Meghan Peasant Dress, which is a Sis Boom pattern.  I don’t know if you have ever used a Sis Boom pattern before, but if not let me tell you what a treat their pattern pieces are!  She separates the pieces by size, so you follow the print guide and only print the pieces you actually need!  When it comes to taping them together – they line up beautifully.  Seriously, if pattern making were considered an art form, she would get an award.  The fabric I used is one of a kind and was a gift from my adoptive mother-in-law who brought it back from Africa.

 I made myself a size small since I am just teetering on the edge of being an extra small and a small.  In the pattern she says that if you are between sizes, going up or down a size won’t make a lot of difference, and I would agree with this.  I am very happy with my choice to make the small.  She gives a chart with various heights and drawings of legs so you can pick where you want the hemline to fall on your own leg, and it shows the measurement needed to cut.  I cut my skirt at a 23 inch length.  It is great for getting just the length you want!  

I found the directions very easy to follow.  She is very clear in her directions, provides great pictures to show what to do, and is thankfully not very wordy so you can get right to business.  (Which is what I like.  With having a toddler and a baby, a straightforward pattern is much appreciated!)

I would say my complete time to cut and sew was about 3 hours.   I tend to sew a little here and a little there as the kids allow, but I felt that this sewed up very quickly.  I had a new dress by bedtime the same day I started cutting the fabric, so it’s an easy and fast sew for sure.  I would say this pattern is great for beginning sewists.

I also want to note that I am still breastfeeding my 5 month old.   This dress easily allows me to do so (yay!!!), and my husband even commented positively on this dress!  I cut out the neckline with the lowest scoop option, but if I were making this for a pregnant self (I think this would be a great pattern for 1^st half pregnancy sewing) I would probably use the second option for the neckline.

The only adjustment I made on the pattern was to make the cap sleeves shorter by about an inch.  I just preferred it this way.  I had them pattern length before, but felt a little awkward with them being that extra inch.  My friends all said it looked great that length, but I am a bit of a perfectionist.

I think this dress is very versatile as it looks cute with tights and a cardi or by itself.  Since I live in Winterland (aka Canada) versatility is a VERY welcome quality in a pattern!

I think Jeanine gets bonus points for photographing herself in the snow!  She even took her gloves and cardi off.  I won't go outside if it's lower than 60 degrees unless I have to walk to the car.  Looking at her is making me shiver, haha!  And how about this cool fabric from Africa?  I'm digging it! 

 

If you need something to keep you warm in your Meghan Peasant Dress until spring settles in, take a look at The Ruffled Collared Cape for Women by Seamingly Smitten.  Jenny Hall has some really great women's patterns on the website.  You can make the Ruffled Collared Cape in sizes XS-XL (0-18).  This is a quick project and gives you stunning results!  I've been so drawn to this since the first time I saw it.  I'm sure it has nothing to do with the houndstooth print ;)  Roll Tide!  For all you Bama fans, this would be really great to wear on those chilly game days (hint, hint).  You could even dress the cape up with a nice fabric and perhaps a stylish brooch and wear it for more formal occasions.  Very versatile and oh-so-chic!

 

 

 Every woman needs a great purse, and this little clutch is sure to get a lot of attention!  Say hello to the Henrietta by Molly Blossom Designs.  I love that you can mix and match fabrics to create a colorful one-of-a-kind design.  And that bow is just darling!  Don't have a need for a clutch?  The Henrietta also makes a great coupon keeper or cosmetics bag.  A beautiful design! 

 

Now, go get your copy of the Meghan Peasant Dress for 25% off!  As always, this pattern will be on sale until the next Sew and Tell Review is posted.  If you are looking for other adult-sized patterns, we have a whole section on the website full of great designs for you to enjoy!  Go take a look!  When you finish your creations, share a picture with us on our Facebook page.  We would LOVE to see them!

Go sew something magical!