Sew and Tell with the Sunny Scallop Dress

We are extremely excited about our newest review of the Sunny Scallop Dress!  With Easter just around the corner, this little beauty will make one stunning Easter dress!  With the right fabrics, the scalloped edges can mimic the designs of a painted Easter egg.  I know... adorable!!  Let's discuss the pattern a bit and take a look at the review sent in to us by one of our customers. 

Here's everything you need to know about the Sunny Scallop Dress from Jona G. Patterns.

*  The pattern can be made in sizes 2T- Girls 10.

*  It is suitable for cottons, voile, silk, and lightweight linen.

*  Three versions of this dress are included:  a scalloped edge, ruffled edge, and a straight edge.

*  The total PDF is 41 pages long with 12 pages being directions and 29 pages being pattern pieces. 

*  All pattern sizes are nested together and decorative lines (straight lines, dotted lines, hashed lines, and a mixture of them all) are used to distinguish sizes from one another. 

*  A one inch test square is provided to ensure the pattern pieces are printing at the correct scale.   

*  Each individual pattern page is given a label such as "dress back page 2" or "upper lining page 1".

*  The pattern pages are easily aligned by matching the arrows, and diagrams are provided to show you the exact layout of the pages before you tape them together.
*  There is a 1/2 inch seam allowance included.

*  The beginning of the tutorial contains a wealth of important information you need to know before you get started.  This includes a size chart that gives chest, waist, and height measurements so you choose the appropriate size, as well as a Finished Length chart, Fabric Requirements, Cutting Layout, and a view of all the pieces you should have cut out.

*  Each numbered step will walk you through the process of how to construct the dress.

*  Drawings, rather than photographs, are used to clearly depict each step.

*  Two additional tutorials are included at the end of the directions.  One shows you how to make the underarm area snugger if you feel it's too loose by adding an elastic casing.  The other tutorial shows you how to add length to the dress without messing up the shape.  Both are very helpful in creating a custom fit and can be applied to other patterns, as well! 

*  Lastly... Drum Roll, please.... there are no zippers or buttons to worry with!  This pattern slips on over the head, so no excuses, anyone can sew this dress up! 

You could definitely have a lot of fun playing around with this pattern.  I've seen very few scalloped edged dresses on the market, and it's a really gorgeous detail.  This dress would make for some stunning sister sets!  Each sister could have a different hem option so that they closely coordinated without being exactly the same.  There is also plenty of room for embellishment with the scalloped edge.  You could do a blue fabric on the bottom to look like waves and add some applique boats above them, for example.  How unique would that be?!?  Let your creativity run wild and HAVE FUN!

This dress is also available in a doll version, which earns it some major cool points with the kiddos.  My daughter isn't too in to dolls yet, but I know some little girls who refuse to wear anything unless their doll has a matching outfit.  For your sake, I hope your little one isn't quite that extreme, haha, but little girls do think it's pretty special when they can dress like their dolls!  The doll dress isn't sold as an individual pattern, rather it is part of a collection of doll clothing patterns we have available on the site that fit 18 inch and Bitty doll sizes. 

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Let's take a look at the review and photos sent in to us from Christine!

 

Hi! My name is Christine, and I feel honored to be able to write a review for the Sunny Scallop Dress by Jona G. I fell in love with this dress when I saw it, and both of my girls were excited that I picked this pattern!

Front

I have been sewing for many years, and my first project was a dress for a doll that I had hand sewn and used fabric paint on to decorate. Oh my, that was about 30 years ago, wow! Then when I was in Junior High I took Home Economics where I was able to use the sewing machine, and I just loved it. Since then, I have tried many patterns and new skills. About 5 years ago I started quilting, and I learned so much more.

Back

When I started this pattern, I would have to say from start to finish, it took me about 4 hours (and about an hour was getting the pattern ready to use). With this pattern, there are pieces that you need to tape together first, then cut them out before you cut the fabric. I found it to be a bit of a challenge taping the pattern pieces together, as I found that some of the pieces for me did not line up very well. I resolved this by some pieces overlapping a bit. Once I was happy with the pattern all taped together, I used a highlighter and traced the lines for the size that I wanted to use so I would not make a mistake and cut out the wrong size.

Overall, for this pattern, I would rate it an advanced beginner. The designer of the pattern has written the pattern well. I found the most challenging part was the scallops. Directions were well explained for the scallops, and I followed the tips, but I still ended up with some points not being as crisp as I would have preferred. As for the rest of the dress, if the pattern is followed I feel the dress will turn out great! I used the size 6 in this pattern, and it fits my daughter perfectly! And when I measured the finished size it was just slight bit shorter than the measurements, but I believe that is because I hemmed the dress instead of using a bias tape to finish it.

I love the versatility of this dress; the various styles are interchangeable which allows for more options. My daughter and I decided on the scalloped dress because of the fabric we were using. I think that this dress would look adorable with bows at the top of each scallop.

In the pattern there is the option to use some elastic under the arms to snug up the fit; I did not do this as my daughter likes things to be a bit looser. I also opted to finish the bottom of the dress by hemming in rather than using the bias tape to finish it. I am very happy with the way the hem looks on the dress.

 The fabric I used was Beatrix Potter by Quilting Treasures. My daughter was over the moon excited with this fabric as she LOVES all of the Beatrix Potter stories, so when she saw Peter Rabbit, it made her day. The bottom lining print is also a Beatrix Potter by Quilting Treasures.

I think this little dress would make any little girl happy! It is definitely worth adding to your collection! I am sure I will be making another one for my other daughter!!

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What a perfect dress for Easter time, as well as all year-round!  I love the use of 2 coordinating Peter Rabbit prints.  Such a darling dress!  It's great for those girls who like to look girly without all the frills and ruffles.  Any sort of a border print fabric would work out great for the bottom layer.  Good grief!  This dress is even more fun to design than it is to sew, lol!

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Pair it Up!

Scallops are such a fun and unique design element, that we're going to share a few more with you! 

Whimsy Couture has a gorgeous Bunting Banner pattern that is perfect for photo backdrops, birthday parties, holidays, baby nurseries, and any other occasion your heart desires!  Four different shapes are included in this one pattern:  triangles, half circles, scalloped triangles, and scalloped half circles.  A great way to use up scraps and add some charming décor at the same!

The Twirl Scallopini Skirt would be a sugary sweet treat for any little girl!  The Scientific Seamstress never disappoints, and this pattern will have you creating fluffy, twirly skirts in no time!  It can be made in sizes 1-8, and even comes with a bonus doll pattern!

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Thanks for reading along!    Share your creations with us!  We love to see them!



Go sew something magical!!!

Sew and Tell with the Payden Pants

 

Hi everyone!  How many patterns for ruffle pants do you currently own?  My answer is always, "Not enough!"  Lol!!  Each one is unique in its own way, and I hate doing the math to make adjustments to a pattern I already own.  Ruffle pants go with EVERYTHING, so there's always a need for them.  And who wants a closet full of the same pair of pants?  Boring...

 

Let's get to our review for this week-  The Payden pattern from Juvie Moon!  These pants are super quick to put together and are FABULOUS!!  So what sets these pants apart from the others?  Take a look at the length.  They aren't really capris, and they aren't floor length.  These pants fall somewhere in between for a sort of "cropped" look.  These would be great pants to wear in the summer or to wear with boots in the colder months.  Plus, these aren't just ruffled pants... these are double ruffle pants!  You can do both ruffles in the same fabric as the legs or choose complimentary/contrasting fabrics to really create the fun, boutique look that Juvie Moon is known for. 

 

The Payden Pants are both quick to make and easy to wear.  There are 8 pages of instructions (though the first and last page just show an image of the finished product) and 12 pages of pattern pieces that are all nicely labeled with the sizes nested together.  There's an elastic waistband for a great fit and ease during trips to the potty.  (We all know that's a must during potty training!)  These can be made in girls sizes 2-8.  Juvie Moon has a really helpful document that shows you how much fabric you'll need for each size, the finished pants length, and waist measurements.  If you want to give these pants a try, we'll have them on sale for the next few days.  Head over to the website and get them for 25% off!  Well, actually, before you go, stick around and read the review sent in to us by Candice!

 

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I tested the Payden pants from Juvie Moon Designs in a 3T. I am an advanced beginner in sewing. I have sewn a few tops and dresses for my daughter, but this was my first pair of pants. I used cotton from Joann Fabrics.

 

 

It took me less than 2 hours to complete this sewing project from printing the pattern to trying the finished product on my daughter. The pattern pieces were very easy to assemble, and there were clear directions on how to measure the fabric for the ruffles and elastic for the waist. My only advice is to pre-wash your fabric and reinforce the seams.

 

  

These pants fit my daughter perfectly. The bottom of the ruffles land right at the top of my daughter's feet, which is nice because I don't have to worry about her tripping. The legs are nice and wide for a comfortable fit. The waist fits perfect- not too snug or loose. They cover her bum when she runs around playing, crawling, bending ever, etc. I don't have to worry about her undies showing. I did not change any of the pattern, but I think next time I might add pockets because my daughter loves putting her lip gloss and other small items in them.

 

 

I see my daughter having many pairs of these pants! She loves to spin around in them because of the ruffles. They are such a fun alternative to simple pants and look great dressed up or with just a simple T-shirt.

 

 

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Pair it Up!

What's a perfect pair of pants without a perfect top?  Let's take a look at some great choices that you can give your little one a complete outfit that's absolutely perfect!

 

 

 

The Simply Sweet Girl's Tunic Top and Blouse from Wink Designs is exactly as it sounds- simply sweet!  Not only is there a long-sleeved option (as shown), but there is also a sleeveless option for summer, which makes this pattern a winner in my book!  It can be made in sizes 1- 8 years. 

 

 

 

Another option that your little one could wear all year long would be the Terrific Tee from Whimsy Couture.  This is a really versatile knit top that is made without binding.  It's made for both boys and girls, and comes with 2 sleeve lengths- either short or long.  It can be made in sizes 12m- 14 years.

 

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Make sure you go to the website and purchase your copy of the Payden Pants for 25% off while it's still on sale  :)  Also, we'd love for you to join us as we kick off 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!  Find the details by clicking on the banner below :)

 

 

 Go sew something magical!

 



Take a look at where we link up our blog posts! 


 

Sew and Tell with the Lula Maxi Dress

I'm so excited to be sharing with you our newest pattern review!  We love EVERYTHING that LilyGiggle has to offer, and with maxi dresses being so popular this summer, the Lula Maxi Dress is the perfect pattern to focus on this week!  Unlike most of LilyGiggle's other patterns, the Lula Maxi Dress is designed for using woven cottons.  If you've sewn with LilyGiggle patterns before, you know upcycling is a major theme in her work, and this pattern stays true to that!  You can search out thrift stores or your grandmother's sewing room to find buttons, lace, and other trims to repurpose and add to the vintage charm of this gorgeous dress! 

While looking over the pattern, I can tell you that Beth (the lovely designer) has spelled everything out.  She even tells you how to properly tape the pattern together- it's that detailed :)  The pattern runs from sizes 2- 6.  The actual pattern pieces are nested together with all sizes on the same page, but each size is a different color to make cutting a breeze.  There are plenty of clear, color photos to accompany each step in the tutorial.  You won't run into any surprises here, ladies! 

Let's hop right in and take a look at the awesome review sent in to us by Katy M.!

 

Hi all you fellow seam queens (and kings) out there!  My name is Katy, and I'm so excited to review this "groovy" retro-inspired dress by LilyGiggle.

First, a little about my sewing background.  Though I learned how to sew when I was 8, I would consider myself more of an intermediate seamstress.  I've been sewing for my 3 children for the past 6 years and have enjoyed every minute of it.  I'm a web designer by day, but I have a small sewing side business by night focusing mainly on baby items (hooded towels, diaper bags, pillowcase dresses, burp cloths, etc.).

 

I LOVE RUFFLES!  That is what first attracted me to the Lula Maxi Dress.  It's a very simple dress, which I appreciate (that and the ruffles).  Because it is simple, it is extremely easy to embellish, and the details can easily make you look like an expert.

 

 

You will have plenty of time to embellish this dress because it can be completed in just 3 hours.  LilyGiggle gives you clear instructions on how to lay out the pattern pages using color coded dots and lines to ensure you are matching the pieces correctly.  I would recommend printing these pages on a card-stock paper to get harder edges for matching, because some of the pattern pieces will be split and will need to be taped together.

The pattern's sewing instructions are very easy to follow as well.  The pictures and instructions are perfect for beginners, but the simplicity of the pattern allows more advanced sewers to implement their own techniques and tricks.

 

The most difficult skill required in the pattern is tackled first… attaching the bottom banding of the dress.  I usually sew banding onto the front and back pieces separately and then sew the "whole" front to the "whole" back.  But I decided to go ahead and sew the banding together first and then attach to the rest of the dress as was instructed. This can be tricky if all of your pieces are not cut to the exact same width.  Make sure to double check the width of the main dress piece with the banding pieces against each other to make sure they match in width before starting.

I chose to make a size 6 for my youngest daughter.  She wears a 5/6, and this dress fits her perfectly.  There is still a little room to grow because it is fitted with elastic.  And because it is a maxi dress, the length will be accommodating as she gets taller.  She will probably get 2 years, maybe more, of wear out it.  Also, the increments between sizes on this pattern are all equal so it would be easy for me to do some math and add dimensions to this pattern to make a size 8 for my older daughter.

 

Though the pattern is perfect as is, if I made it again I would love to add a thick ruffle to bottom instead of the banding to better mimic the 70's prom dress style.  I might also run ribbon through the waist band rather than elastic and tie it with a bow.  I can picture this dress as a beautiful beach picture dress if made with whites and creams.  Simple and "flowy"… it would be beautiful on a windy day.  It would also be lovely made out of lightweight whale corduroy for fall.

As for the dress I created, the only modification I made to the pattern of the dress was that I added 3 ruched flowers instead of creating the rolled flower as instructed in the pattern.  To create a ruched flower you will cut long rectangle (the length depends on how wide or big you want the flower), fold it in half and sew a loose seam along the long cut edges. Then you will pull the bottom thread like you are making a ruffle. Pull the thread until the fabric spirals.  Shape the flower by making a ruffled "swirl" and attach to the dress by hand. I  added some vintage buttons to the center to add some pizazz.  (My daughter likes to be fancy.)

 

 

For the trim around the collar, which is optional, I used a delicate crocheted lace.  Though I used a trim, this dress would be just as beautiful with out it.

I wanted to use a very retro-colored fabric to pay homage to the era responsible for this lovely design, so I chose Robert Kaufman's "London Calling Celebration" for the main fabric. This is a very soft lawn cotton so it's easy to iron and makes for a very light and comfortable summer dress.  The paisley I used is an off-brand, but Robert Kaufman has a very similar pattern called "London Calling Vintage".  I only chose two fabrics rather than 3 as instructed by the pattern.  I simply added the yardage required for the top ruffle to the yardage required for the main part of the dress to make sure I would have enough.

 

If I could provide a helpful hint to beginners attempting this pattern, it would be to iron, iron, iron. This is a step many people skip, but this dress is very square, so missing a measurement can cause it appear as if one side is longer than the other.  Ironing is very important for keeping your edges clean and equal length. It also makes pinning much easier… and there is A LOT of pinning on this dress.

I hope you all have as much fun with this pattern as I did!  Happy… I mean GROOVY sewing!

 

Is that not jaw-dropping?  The dress, the girl, the photography are ALL gorgeous!!  (And I'm not just saying that because the little cutie is my precious niece!)  I've always admired my sis-in-law's work, but she may have just outdone herself ;) 

 

Good news for all of you!  If you want to purchase your own copy of the Lula Maxi Dress pattern and whip up a groovy dress yourself, you can head over to the website and get it for 25% off for the next few days!  Please share your photos on our Facebook page- we love to see what you all create!

 

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I thought long and hard about what to showcase in our Pair it Up section today, and decided that since Foot Loose & Fancy Free and Whimsy Couture are on sale on our website for 25% off, I'd choose a few of my favorite "retro" patterns from them so that ALL of the patterns featured on the blog today can be 25% off!  That doesn't happen often, so enjoy! 

 

 

First up is the Foot Loose & Fancy Free Sew Vintage Sunsuit and Hat.  Both the hat and sunsuit can be made to fit babies sizes 3m- 24m.  I adore a full, bubble romper on a baby- especially when ruffle bums are involved!  This pattern has 3 rows of flouncy ruffles adorning the tush, as well as two rows of flouncy ruffles decorating the chest.  Directions are given for adding optional snaps to the crotch for easy diaper changes.  Your little one will look so sweet with those squishy baby thighs showing! 

 

 

I can't think of anything more retro than this romper!  It just screams the '70's!  This is the Retro Romper from Whimsy Couture.  It comes in sizes NB- Girls 10.  And like all of Whimsy Couture's patterns, there are tons of options!  You can make these as shorts, capris, or pants, so perfect for any season!  Directions are given for adding snap tap to the crotch, for adding a ruffle to the bottom hem, and for making the ties elasticized so older girls can dress themselves!  So comfy and fun, you'll have to sew up several of these! 

 

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Let's take a second to recap... the gorgeous Lula Maxi Dress and the entire collections from Whimsy Couture and Foot Loose & Fancy Free are all 25% off on the website for the next few days.  Head on over and browse the entire sale category.

 

Go sew something magical!!

 

Take a look at where we link up our blog posts! 

Sew and Tell with the Apron Twirl Peasant Dress

Hi everyone!  Hope you're having a great day!  We've been battling sickness at our house for, oh, the past month now, and I think (knock on wood!) everyone is starting to feel better again!  And the sun has come out!  That puts a big 'ole smile on this girl's face!  Hopefully you've got plenty to be thankful for, too! 

If you're having the kind of day where you could use a smile, the photos from today's review might do the trick!  The dress is gorgeous and the little girl is as cute as she can be!  We are featuring Whimsy Couture's Apron Twirl Peasant Dress.  This is one of those "go-to" patterns because it is so easy to construct, there is such a wide range of sizes, and you can choose from several options to change up the look of the dress.  I always appreciate designers that create patterns where you feel you really get your money's worth.  This dress starts at a zero month and goes to size 12 years.  I know a lot of women talk about wanting patterns that go to larger sizes, so this one's for you, ladies!!  This dress is also suitable year round as you can make it short-sleeved, with 3/4 sleeves, or with long sleeves.  Just pair it with some leggings or ruffled pants in the fall or winter, and you are all set!  Such a sweet dress... you'll be sure to fall in love with this one!  Go ahead and purchase this one for 25% off for the next few days!!   
 

Take a look at what Laura D. from Bliss Boutiques made with the Apron Twirl Peasant Dress pattern. 

 

 

I just started sewing.  I saw a pair of designer ruffled jeans that cost a fortune online that I wanted so bad for my daughter, but just could not spend $60+ on jeans for a 2 year old.  So I decided (on a whim) to learn how to sew and make them myself!  My mother-in-law gave me her old sewing machine, some help with the jeans when I got stuck, and I taught myself from there.  Now I'm hooked and a fabric junkie, lol!  I had only sewn a few things before this, so my review is from a 'still learning' perspective.  And this pattern is truly perfect for a newbie like myself or for the more advanced sewer.  The directions are so clear and easy to follow!  To be honest this is why I prefer PDF Patterns to the pre-printed ones.  I love the step-by-step photo instructions.  It makes it a breeze!  When you are still learning it helps to see what you should be doing and what it should look like!  The printing out and assembling the pattern parts can be time consuming, but I think totally worth it!  In the case of this pattern though, there is only 1 'pattern piece' to print out, the armholes.  The rest are just square pieces, so she gives measurements according to size.  It's nice to skip that step, heehee! 

 

The most time consuming part for me was probably choosing my fabrics!  That part always takes me hours!  I think fabric choices make the outfit when all is said and done.  So I always want to take my time and think it through.  It took me about 35-40 minutes to cut my fabrics (after the deliberation).  And with a few minor interruptions from the littles (all 3 needed something at some point before bed, which is to be expected) it took me about 3 1/2 maybe 4 hours to make the dress.  I made the dress twice actually.  Yes!  I love it that much!  And I wanted to try the dress using the different variations she includes in the download.  It's really a great pattern!  There are several ways you can do it, such as a top or a dress, short or long sleeves, ruffle or border bottom, apron or no apron.  Not to mention she even includes instructions for a detachable apron pattern that ties in the back!

 

The 1st one I made I didn't do the apron, and I did a border on the bottom instead of the ruffles.  It took me about as long to do. I think I got faster with the 2nd one, but the added ruffle and apron evened the time out.  I really like how it came out!  I'm a ruffle girl at heart though, so I had to do it again with the ruffle bottom and apron.  The fabric I used on the apron was an extra curtain panel I had from my kitchen sliding glass doors, I thought the eyelet would be perfect for the apron.  And I love the delicateness it added. 

 

The pattern runs true to size.  My pigeon is kind of little, so next time I might make the dress a smidgen smaller.  The length was great, but on my daughter it seemed a wee bit baggy.  I also had to do the elastic in the sleeves differently.  She uses elastic thread, but I'm not sure if I just bought an elastic thread that doesn't pair well with my machine, or if my sewing machine just doesn't like elastic thread.  I tried all combinations and read some tutorials and YouTube videos online, but still a no go.  Instead I just used 1/4 inch elastic, back stitched, pulled the elastic as tight as I could while I sewed, got to the end of my fabric, back stitched again, and then cut the excess elastic.  I winged it, (as I have since learned another way to do that) but it worked perfectly.

 

This pattern reminded me of a pricey designer that does a lot of dress like this, which I find myself drooling over all the time, so I was so excited to find this, and I will for sure be making these in a lot of different fabric combos!  It's a go-to pattern that will grow with her and be cute at all ages!  I couldn't be more happy with it!

 

 

 Here's a few more because she's so darn cute!

 

 

The fabrics used on that dress are stunning!  And Laura is right, the eyelet apron does give the dress a very delicate, feminine look.  Great job!  This is perfect for spring! 

 

If I had to guess, I would say that Laura used a computerized Brother sewing machine.  They are NOTORIOUS for being bad at shirring.  Notorious I tell you!  BUT, don't think it can't be done!  I've turned into a shirring machine (as has my sewing machine) since I read a blog post about shirring with a Brother.  Check out this post from Creative Heart.  She walks you through each step of how to make your machine play nicely with elastic thread.  I went from being so discouraged and frustrated to having my machine shirr perfectly.  I hope it works for you, too!!  If it doesn't, don't give up!  Someone out there has your machine and has gotten it to shirr properly.  Leave a comment with your machine model, and maybe we can help you out!

 

If you like the peasant style, here are some other options for you to take a look at...

 

 

 

Say hello to Autumn's Peasant Romper from Create Kids Couture!  The elastic neckline, bell-sleeves, fun mix of fabrics... everything you love in a peasant dress- in a romper!  Super comfortable while still being super fashion-forward.  Your little girl will beg to wear this one!  Available in sizes 18m- 6 years. 

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Everyone loves a pretty peasant top!  They never seem to go out of style and are flattering on everyone.  This is the Poets Peasant Top from Ginger & Louise Pattern Co.  It has a sort of Medieval flair about it.  Very romantic and such a classic look.  I love it in the white Swiss dots, but there are so many possibilities with this one!  Soft, small-scale florals would look lovely!  This pattern is available in sizes 2T- 6 years. 

 

Alright ladies, don't be afraid to shirr (and let us know if we can help!), fill your little princess's closet with cute peasants, and don't forget to purchase you copy of the Apron Twirl Peasant Dress for 25% off.  Now go sew something magical!! 

Sew and Tell with the Pillowcase Romper

Who's ready for a new review (and discount!)?  For this week's Sew and Tell review, we are featuring Whimsy Couture's Pillowcase Romper!  Whimsy Couture has a huge collection of absolutely gorgeous patterns for sale on our website.  The pillowcase romper is one of the more recent patterns I've made.  This is an extremely versatile pattern and comes in sizes preemie-10.  There are so many ways to sew this pattern up that you will never get bored with it.  I mean let's face it, sometimes you buy a pattern and use it only once because you don't want to keep sewing the same thing over and over again.  This pillowcase romper will definitely not disappoint! 

My name is Kayla, and I've been sewing and doing machine applique for three years.  I sew mainly for that little cutie in the picture, but I do a little custom work on the side.  This pattern was fairly easy to sew.  It took me about a half an hour to cut out, about an hour for the applique, and sewing the romper took me about 2 hours.  (Side Note:  I sew more slowly than most people because A)  I'm a little OCD and B)  That little cutie also happens to be quite a distraction!  I know you moms can relate.)

None of it is hard, and the directions are very clear.  The only thing someone might have a possible problem with is making and attaching the ruffles.  I make my ruffles by either adjusting the settings on my serger, or if I'm using my sewing machine, I will sew my gathering stitch using clear thread.  The fabric just slides so much easier with that clear thread  :)

The fit is great!  I was really happy with the length of the pants.  I've also made these in a 5T, and those fit great, as well.  But if your daughter is really tall or short, you could easily adjust the length. As for the rest of the romper, it has a roomy fit that should accommodate most all children and it ties at the shoulders.  No button holes to make and no zipper to install... yay!!

I followed the pattern exactly except for two small adjustments.  Instead of making my own ties out of fabric,  I used ribbon.  The directions give that as an option.  Also, I like a longer ruffle, so I added an inch to the ruffle length and subtracted an inch from the pant length.  It was a very easy modification to make.

As I mentioned at the beginning, there are just so many options available in this pattern that you could make it 5 or 6 times and have it look different each time.  There are measurements given for the short version (more like a bubble), capri length rompers, and the full length rompers.  You can also add a ruffle around the waist (so cute!).  Plus, you can change up the look by leaving the ruffles off the bottom of the pants.  You can add snaps to the crotch for the diaper wearing babes or add elastic to the ties so the older girls can easily dress themselves.  I also love that there is a lot of room for a monogram or applique on the front.  I think that is a fun way to add some interest.  So many options, so much cuteness!

Check out all of Whimsy Couture's patterns on the website!  And while you are there, pick up the Pillowcase Romper pattern for 25% off (for a limited time!)


If you want to sew up a simple knit t-shirt to coordinate with your pillowcase romper, check out Jocole's Classic Knit Tee pattern here.  You can embellish this pattern or keep it as simple as you like.  A great addition to your pattern stash!

Or if it is really cold and just a long-sleeved shirt won't cut it, you can make your little one the Annabelle Jacket from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop, found here.  Every time I see this pattern I kick myself for not having sewn one up yet!

If you are interested in doing a review for us, send me an email at kaykayott@gmail.com for more information!  

Do you have a picture of your Whimsy Couture Pillowcase Romper you would like to share?  We'd love to see them!  You can post on our Facebook page!!

It's time to get sewing!