The Case of The Forgotten Pattern Testing

I did a pattern-testing this last spring for Lila Lane Patterns.  I was expecting a big launch post after she had finalized the pattern, but the focus turned to some ready-made designs she was very busy producing.  Now that I have done some research, I am not certain she will be releasing this pattern for sale, but  I thought I would share the dress nevertheless.

They are truly lovely dresses, but I sincerely found this pattern too complex for me to wrap my brain around.  It might be because I think that really this design lends itself better to using laced fabrics instead of the cotton I chose.  Lilac lane itself has several ready-wear garments that are completely devine in comparison (Check HERE)

Since these pictures were taken, my daughter has really grown into the dress and it is full summer so its perfect sleeveless.  I am very glad that I took part in the testing, that I completed the dress, but in all honesty its not a pattern I would want to use again.  So many of her designs I have wanted to make over and over, I am sorry to say, this was not one of those.  I hope this review will be taken in the manner that it meant, meaning I am giving my honest opinion.  I like the designer quite a bit, but I feel that all my reviews should be an honest reflection of how I really think of a pattern should it be chosen to be release for sale.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

More Gabriella Fae

This was Project #30 on my First Quarter list HERE for the Finish-a-long.

I wanted to share with you another Gabriella Fae dress that I finished a few weeks ago.  I really wanted to get a great outside shot with my daughter wearing the garment, the wind gently swaying the skirt about. However, with the ice storms sweeping thru the area in the past couple of weeks or so, it just was not possible!

Once again, the variety one can do with this pattern is fantastic!  With this project I have incorporated the gathered bodice with the long sleeves and a longer skirt in a size 5 for growth.  The back sports a pink zipper.  If you are interested in checking out this dress for yourself, you can pick it up from the Scientific Seamstress Etsy shop HERE.  I cannot help how much I love how this dress turned out!

Honestly, I want to share that the best part of using a Scientific Seamstress pattern is their private facebook group! I have never met such an encouraging group of sewers!  I took part in a couple pattern testings for Gabriella Fae as well as the Carolina Mae, the adult version.  It was weeks of testing, I did 5 muslins on the Carolina Mae alone as Carla was that concerned that she wanted to make sure that the dress would fit as many women and their body types as possible.  They opened a private group for each testing and it felt like a group collaboration.  There were people chiming in from Australia (I often sew in the middle of the night; they were awake having lunch) when I had a problem with understanding a part of the pattern that was new to me.

I am linking up this week to:

Thank Goodness It's Finished Fridays @TGIFF
WHOOP, WHOOP Fridays @Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Link A Finish Friday @ Richard & Tanya Quilt

Fabric Tuesdays @ Quilt Story
Needle & Thread Thursday @My Quilt Infatuation

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

PS-I wanted to share with you what SS is doing for March.  They like to have themes for their contests.  I have about 3 projects in the works myself that I cannot wait to share! Blogpost HERE

Daddy's Shirt Transformation

This was Project #31 on my First Quarter list HERE for the Finish-a-long.

I went from this:

1 X-LG Daddy's Shirt

To this:

I was on the team of people who pattern-tested the Gabriella Fae dress last month for Sis Boom/The Scientific Seamstress, and I am frankly in love with this dress.  The original dress I made in the testing you can see HERE.  I was inspired while making that dress and folding laundry one day that I should transform a shirt my husband never wears into a something for our daughter!

The dress is a size 5 non-runched bodice, sleeveless version that is fully lined.  In fact my absolute favorite part of the dress you will never see while my daughter has it on.  The skirt portion of the lining is finished separately at the bottom to give the dress more volume and it has the tiniest little lace that stays under the dress hem. sort of like a secret feminine touch to the dress.

The dress was simply too big to have my daughter model right now, afterall, I am working on her future wardrobe right now, thus most of the clothes I will show you will be in larger sizes than she is currently in.


Thanks for stopping by!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

The Classic Elegance Jacket

[Warning: Photo-heavy post!]

I have to gush over this jacket pattern by Lilac Lane Patterns as it's absolutely darling! It was easy to put together, the instructions seemed clear and I sincerely cannot wait to make some more, perhaps next time I might do the short-sleeved option to go with some of Ziona's summer dresses that I am working on right now.  I made a longer version of Lilac Lane's Sunny Days top and added in a row of pleat-ruffles to add to the ruffling goodness of this jacket.  My favorite part about this jacket is that it is reversible(see pictures below)!

The best part is that their Valentines sale goes through tomorrow! You get 25% off with coupon:  VALENTINE2015  You can find the Classic Elegance Jacket pattern HERE, but look around, there are so many other adorable patterns for girls and dolls!

And now we start the photo-heavy portion of this post

Thanks so much for stopping by!

I am linking up this week to:

Thank Goodness It's Finished Fridays with M-R@Quilt Matters
WHOOP, WHOOP Fridays @Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Link A Finish Friday @ Richard & Tanya Quilt

Finish It Up Friday @ Crazy Mom Quilts
Needle & Thread Thursday @My Quilt Infatuation

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

Pattern Testing: Gabriella Fae Dress

The day has finally arrived; I can now show you the dress!  I have been pattern testing for Sis Boom and the Scientific Seamstress on the Gabriella Fae Dress.  The best part about this dress is that it has so many options: Short sleeves, long sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, or no sleeves with a regular bodice or a gathered bodice.

4T no-sleeves, non gathered bodice:

I started with a size 5 girls gathered bodice version because that is what my daughter seems to be sporting these days with long sleeves because it was Winter for a couple weeks here in Texas!  Once I tried it on her however , I realized that it's probably best not to measure one's child for garments while they are laying down (while she was sleeping, lol).  I wanted you to be able to see the pretty gathers.  This one should be done this week if I can get the rest of my list completed.

While I was going through the closet, I saw a shirt my husband had never worn that looked like this:

and I turned it in this:

Front

The back

It just needs a little hemming and then this fully lined version will be ready to wear this coming summer (Size 5 girls).  It's a really easy dress to put together, even the zipper instructions seem like an easier task than I thought they would.  If you are interested in purchasing the Gabriella Fae you can find it on the Bundle-Up from January 23-February 2nd.  When it is released for single sale you can visit the Scientific Seamstress Shop HERE.  If you want to see the adult women's version called the Carolina Mae, stop by HERE, they currently have it on sale for the intro price of $8!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

*\o/* Cheers

Shanna

I'm Thinking About Ruffles!

Welcome to day One of the Think Ruffles Blog Hop!  There are many very talented crafters who will be taking part for this hop, I am anticipating many clever items will be shared.  The line up for today includes the following blogs:

Sew Incredibly Crazy

Malini's quilts

Missouri Mel

Just Quilt It

In the Boon Docks

On the Banks of Frog Creek

Sparrow In Flight (you are here)

I was so excited when this particular blog was announced as I believe this themes was something I could definitely tackle.  My daughter loves everything to be festooned with ruffles, shiny bits, pink and obtain perfect twirl-ability.  I decided I would go with a dress for this venture.

This fabric was purchased last year for Miss Z's First birthday dress after I successfully completely her first Christmas dress (HERE).  She has certainly grown since then, so I set out to make her an Easter Dress, salvaging some of the pieces I had begun!  I adapted this dress from The Cottage Mama's Party Dress pattern (free tutorial found HERE).  The changes that I made from the original was to lengthen the skirt, add the ruffles, and use snaps instead of the loop button closures.  I also added a little bit more fabric in the skirt width to allow for more twirling, which is a favorite activity in our household.

Thank you so much for stopping by on my stop on this Blog hop, please take the time to check out the other projects being featured today at the links at the top of this post!

*\0/* Cheers

Shanna

Color Enrichment: Kona Blog Hop Day One

Day One

Just Let Me Quilt
Sparrow In Flight (HERE)
Geta's Quilting Studio
How ART You
Desertsky Quilts

What is a world without color?  There is just something about a certain pop of color that elevates an item.  I wasn't always interested in using solid fabrics, but the longer I experience the world of quilting the more I appreciate the power of simplicity.  This bare wall was screaming out for adornment and I headed it's pleas with A Rainbow Trip Around The World wall hanging.  The pattern exploded across my flickr stream last year, but laid dormant in the back of my brain until this challenge was put before me.  You can find the pattern HERE by Bonnie Hunter.

A Rainbow Trip Around The World was quilted with an organic swirl pattern and measures 36" X 36." All of the fabric for the top was purchased 3 years ago for a Kona Amish Churn Block Swap, which I was not able to participate in, so I was not able to obtain the same matching black fabric in time for this post so it is presented without binding.  A Beautiful rainbow Batik I bought when I was a mere 18 years old, was used for the backing which also does not fall under the Kona Solids description so I wasn't quite sure if I should share it, so please come back to view the backing on Thursday when I should have binding attached as well.  I am slightly obsessed with rainbows so this wall hanging is selfishly all MINE! [edited 01/18/2014: The finished quilt can be view HERE]

When I had all of the Kona solids in my stash laid out upon my bed, I saw my sweet daughter clutch a Bright Cherry Red that she took a certain liking to; then I had to make something for Miss Z!  The pattern comes from MADE's Fiesta Skirt Pattern.  I made this one for valentine's Day, though I may go back to make a another skirt specifically for Cinco De Mayo, which is big here in Dallas. I added a little extra room in the waist for growth and I chose to make the skirt width 4 X her waist for extra twirl.  I have a petticoat in the works to make it extra full underneath.

Every girl needs a simple Navy skirt in her wardrobe I think; for Miss Z, I added the little lace on the bottom for a sweet touch.  I made this simple skirt pattern up, the skirt is 2 X her waist and the skirt length goes to her mid-calf.  You will be seeing more garment items for my marvelous daughter over this next quarter as she is transferring to size 4T before she is even Two years old!!  I will be sprinting to catch up, let alone get a bit ahead of her growth spurts!

Thank you so much for joining me today, please visit the others posting for this day of the Hop!

*\0/* Cheers
Shanna

Finishes: First Peek of Christmas

Wonky Christmas advent Calendar-Front

Wonky Christmas advent Calendar-Back

My first packages for Christmas went out last week.  In one of the boxes is a project that I have literally spent 3 years trying to complete.  I have ripped out the FMQ stitches 3 times; it was pretty much put on the shelf in frustration.  A few weeks ago I felt like I got this burst of energy and it popped in my head that I should make it my goal to get this completed this year.  The stitch done on the front is a swirly loop bit in between the pockets.  This was my very first attempt at making something "wonky" which is why it is not very wonky, haha!  I tried to figure out where I got the idea, but I honestly cannot remember after 3 years.  The Advent calendar went to my Sister-in-law, her husband and family, along
with a quilt for our nephew who is 5 months old!  I was trying to remember why I never sent a quilt for the older children and it finally dawned on me that I hadn't started quilting yet!

I also made a Valentinesy Popover dress to send to my friend's little girl (She has a February Birthday like Miss Z) along with a baby quilt for her newest little one which is due in February.  Being early is definitely a new idea for me!  I find it fantastic that both her girls and mine, who are all second cousins as well, will share a birthday month!  My friend was one of my college housemates for a bit of time but she also happens to be my husband's first cousin as well.  I have two matching dresses for Miss Z, and for one of her other 2nd cousins that I have almost completed.  You can find the pattern for free HERE is you are interested in making one of your own!

I have the FMQ completed for the Time Warp lap Quilt, the binding has been attached, I just need to finish hand-sewing the binding to the front.  I got a little behind as I got the sudden notion to wash all of my fabric in my stash.  Why I decided this on the eve of a coming ice storm I haven't a clue, but, I'd better get back to that and I will save the hand-stitching for when the power goes out instead!

*\o/* Cheers
Shanna



I am linking up this week to:

Thank Goodness It's Finished Fridays with Laura @Quokkaquilts
WHOOP, WHOOP Fridays @Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Link A Finish Friday @ Richard & Tanya Quilt

Finish It Up Friday @ Crazy Mom Quilts

*\o/* Cheers
Shanna

A Missing Finish

Photo by Lisa Francis

Photo by T. Greene

Memories
I have been working on transferring pictures from old computers, old phones, and old memory cards recently.  It is with a sigh of relief that I am finding beautiful pictures of my daughter the day she was born, the proofs from the photographers that requested for her to sit for them the first week she was born and lastly pictures of a dress I pattern-tested for the sweetest designer this last Spring.  I feel like preserving the picture memories of my daughter are more fragile to grasp, like the delicate strings of a spider's web, since she will be an only child I want to cherish every moment of her life.  I won't go too crazy following her around every minute she breathes, but I will probably take a lot of pictures!  I will probably make her a lot of clothes, especially as she loves her twirly dresses!

THE Missing Finish
Along with Miss Z's Baby pictures, I found pictures of a dress I pattern tested in May.  The designer Melissa Stramel designs for little girls in mind under the company of Lilac Lane.

The Hopscotch dress before I added the waist draw string.

The Dress with the waist drawstring in place.

You can't tell from the other pictures, but the dress comes to just under the knees.

Another cute picture of the dress!

Close-up of the sleeve

Close-up of the waist and the pockets

The last photo is of an active Miss Z with one of her Godmothers.  I made my version in all solids, however the pattern directions plan for the use of several fabrics that strip across the dress, I plan to do that next.  My main reason for going all with one fabric instead of the strips of fabrics, was because I wanted to test the other construction bits.  I wasn't sure at first if i was going to like the elastic at the neck and on the sleeves, but it makes it one of my favorite dresses to have Miss Z wear when we would go out to eat because I knew her clothes would stay in place even as she moves around!

 Have any of you used patterns by Lilac Lane?  What are your thoughts?  There are a couple other patterns I really want to make for Miss Z, but I also have a pile of Oliver + S to tempt me!  There are so many good designers out there right now for children's clothes!  I have several other pieces of clothing I plan to share with you before too long as Miss Z is out-growing everything including the Hopscotch dress pictured above!

Thanks for stopping by!

*\0/* Cheers
Shanna

TGIFF/TW: "The 12 Days Of Christmas..."

It's Sew Good To Be Back!
[I snuck back on a day early :-D] To say that I missed you all would be putting it mildly; blogging has organized my life and enticed me to finished more projects than you can imagine!  By Thursday last week I could not figure out even what day of the week it was and I was itching to get back into my craft room.  Feeling quite a bit more rested, I begun spending small pockets of time trying to work on some of the little things still plaguing me and of course I started a couple little projects...<laughter>  I have also been working on some pre-apology sweets for the nurses/hospital staff for when I go into labor; one bucket of goodness for each shift!  So far I have made cake balls, chocolate cream cheese truffles, and I am thinking of maybe cookies as well; any ideas??

How was your Christmas, Hanukkah, or other holiday celebrations?  As Anglicans our family is learning more about the 12 Day of Christmas; it amazes me how many celebrations happen all around the world this time year!  Before next Advent season, I am hoping to make a liturgical Advent calendar, but first I am so excited that I finished my first regular [wonky] Advent Calendar top (backing fabric is in the mail, I am eagerly waiting for delivery)!  So on to the complete finishes for the past two weeks!

1 Mug Rug 5.75" X 8.5" (14 cm X 21.5 cm) in sage green/mustard yellow/coral

Flared girl's top in black/brights with Lime Green accents (Size 2 child)

QAYG baby quilt in Pastels with Bright Yellow print backing (40"X 40")

And along came some WIP/UFO's...Yes, once again I have unearthed more random unfinished projects hidden in storage boxes!  Even if I do not get them all completed, at least I will have them all together before our next move (I think/hope).  I am waiting to make decisions on claiming some of the projects I found, but for now, here are 4 more to add to my list<sigh>

I can't remember what these are for, but I am thinking of making them into place-mats...

The fate of these 3 Projects:  currently waiting for me to claim them

I was also able to sandwich & quilt the Modern Pinwheel Twist Quilt; the binding has been attached as well.  I just need to hand-sew the binding to the front and I can deliver it to the winners of our Baby Name guessing Contest.  I will be wrapping up 2011 in my post tomorrow and announcing my own small giveaway on Sunday (I need to clear out more fabric to make way for Ziona)!

Linking up this week to:
TGIFF hosted this week by Jess @Life Under Quilts,
& This Week hosted by Sunni @Love Affair With My Brother!
Also check out Laura's (of Quokka Quilts) Fabric Giveaway!!