Ellie Inspired Pattern Review AND Giveaway

Today I am reviewing one of my fabulous blog sponsors, Ellie Inspired's, new knit sewing pattern called "Serenade".  I was really excited to give this pattern a try because I have very little time to sew with knits, but I love making knit clothing for my girls for everyday wear.

 Here's what I thought of the "Serenade" sewing pattern..........

This pattern was "fabulous"!  I've only sewn from a couple knit patterns in the past and this one far exceeded my expectations.  Yes, it is a totally adorable look........but my favorite part has to be all the wonderful information that is given about sewing with knits, the different types of knits, what needles to use with knits.  The pattern can be done completely on a sewing machine, but it also gives instructions for using a serger as well.

For some reason sewing with knits brings out my slightly funky side (and I mean slightly).  I'm a classic girl at heart, but there's just something so fun about using knits.  I had several knits in my stash from Patty Young's line for Michael Miller fabrics.  For children's clothing, I love using 100% cotton interlock - I think it has a nice, thick feeling and is very durable.  When I'm sewing for myself, I tend to gravitate towards something with a little more stretch, like a jersey knit.

I can't ever stick to a pattern exactly, so I changed up a few things to make it my own.  

Here's my version of the "Serenade" E-Pattern:

So, as you can see, not my typical style, but I think it turned out pretty cute.  My daughter, Savannah, and I found this Gymboree shirt for 50 cents, but it was way to large for her little size 4T body.  I used the pattern and cut the shirt down to size.  I also made the sleeves long since we will be entering fall here in the windy city.  The dress calls for three tiers of ruffles, but I left the bottom tier off so that she could have cute black leggings poking out underneath.

I also added a ribbon around the waist for fun.  I like how the black and white polka dots tie in with the shirt.  I wish I could have had my little lady model this one, but she wasn't in the mood and I wasn't in the mood for a battle, so my dress form will have to do.  I am envisioning her black patent leather quilted ballet flats with this as well.  Very fun and chic.

Sewing with knits is so much fun!  If you've never tried it, you must - don't be scared.  With Ellie Inspired's pattern you have nothing to fear.  She gives you all of the instruction and advice you would need to get sewing with knits.

Today Ellie Inspired is giving away TWO patterns to The Cottage Home blog readers.  

Both are her new knit patterns:

Sandpiper E-Pattern

Size 1-5

Serenade E-Pattern

Size 1-5

Both of these patterns are perfect for back-to-school.  Cute and casual!

To enter to win the Ellie Inspired pattern giveaway do one or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each entry):

1.  Visit Ellie Inspired and let us know what is your favorite pattern.

2.  Become a fan of Ellie Inspired on Facebook and let her know that The Cottage Mama sent you (click HERE to do so).

3.  Follow Ellie Inspired's blog (click HERE to do so).

Giveaway will be open through Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at Midnight (CST).  

Open to US and International readers.

Ellie Inspired is running a back-to-school sale through Midnight tonight - Buy One, Get One Half Off.

Come check out the patterns HERE!

The "Children At Play" Collection

Last week I mentioned that I was working on a collection of pieces featuring my own sewing patterns for "Sew Beautiful" magazine.  I thought maybe you would like a little peak into some of the pieces that are being sent to the magazine this week for the photoshoot that will take place in early September.  The whole collection is design in "Children At Play", a new fabric line, by Sarah Jane Studios.

All of the following pieces are from my own sewing patterns and will be released at various times over the next year.  The Cottage Mama Sewing Patterns will be print patterns and will be available in multiple retail venues (in-store and online) as well as through my etsy shop.  Several of the patterns include multiple variations on the same dress or outfit so you will be able to get creative and make whatever design suits your personal style.

 Janey Jumper Ruffle Front Dress

 

 Children on Parade

 Shortcake Double Ruffle Birthday Party Dress

 The Little Man Shirt

 Shortcake Reversible Romper

(with Ruffle Bonnet - free pattern and tutorial found HERE)

 Janey Jumper Scallop Dress

 Retro Rocket Romper

The Little Man Vest

Speaking of "The Little Man," it's hard to believe that our own little man is scheduled to be here in 2 weeks!  This pregnancy has just flown by so fast.  With my other two little ladies, the last month seemed painfully slow, but I guess when you keep yourself busy, time flies!  

I have to be honest and say I'm starting to feel pretty tired.  I really want to tie up some loose ends with the shop and my patterns.  I've also got a few more things to go up on the blog before his arrival but then I think I will take some much needed R & R (assuming he doesn't come early).

From Grandma with Love.........Claira the Pig

I knew my mom was working on something special for Matilda's 2nd birthday, but when Matilda opened up "Claira the Pig", I could not believe my eyes.  Total and complete adorableness! 

This pig doll is named "Claira" and was made from Heather Bailey's pattern "Claira and Clancy Pig Dolls".  Mom put her own twist on the pattern with her use of fabrics, trims and buttons.  The details in this doll are amazing!

 
I am in love with the eyes and the little eye lashes.  Also the sweet flower next to the ear is another special detail that makes this doll one-of-a-kind.

The doll pattern comes with boy and girl clothing options which makes it a great gift for a boy or girl.  The long, skinny legs with the bloomers are totally adorable.  I could seriously eat this doll up!  I didn't get a picture of it, but the arms are attached with buttons so they can move up and down. 

Matilda is one lucky little girl because mom made the clothing for this doll from Kate Spain's "Terrain" line that has yet to be released - she is SO cutting edge.  She used some fat quarters from the bundle that she picked up at the sample spree at quilt market.  This fabric will be released in September 2011.

As you know, I just love handmade gifts and this one is no exception.  I really should have taken a picture of Matilda with Claira because the doll is quite large and is 3/4's of her size.  I love seeing her walking around with Claira's long skinny legs wiggling around.  Matilda has added Claira to her nightly sleeping buddy collection along-side Elmo and her little lamb.

Hmmmm, wonder if Mom will be making one of these for little man too once he arrives?  I think Claira might need her Clancy!

Sew Along Design Contest Finalists

Thank you to everyone who entered the "Sew Along Design Contest" through The Cottage Home Flickr Group.  There were some very creative entries which made it very hard to choose, but we narrowed it down to the top five.  In no particular order, the finalists are..........

Natalie from Our Old Southern House

 From Mama Reita

Amber Lou from The Paisley Cupcake

From Jessica

From Stiej

Voting is now open in the left side-bar of the blog underneath the "welcome" section.  So vote for your favorite look and the person you want to win the $50 gift certificate to Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops.  Voting will be open until Sunday, July 10, 2011 at midnight (CST).  Good luck to all the finalists!

Playdate Outfit Sew Along: Day 5 - Capris/Shorts

If you've made it this far, I want to say thank you for staying with me.  I've had a lot of fun sewing with you all so far!  And I hope you guys are having fun too.

So now we are moving on to the capris/shorts.  I decided to make the capris for my little lady, so I will be referring to them as such through this post.

First we need to add the cuff to the capris.  Place the cuff on top of the bottom of the pants, right sides together and sew together at the bottom edge.  Do this on all four pant pieces.  Press seams open and then press the right side as well.

If you notice, I marked my back pant pieces with a safety pin so I can easily tell them apart from the front pieces......sometimes it's really hard to tell.

Next line up a front and back piece, right sides together and sew down the long center curve of the pants.  Press seams open.  I opted to use my serger here because the pants were not lined.  If you don't have a serger (which I'm sure a lot of you don't), then just be sure to use your pinking shears to finish the edges to prevent fraying.

Open the pieces you just sewed together.  Line up the front and back pieces with one another, right sides together and sew around the crotch area.  Press seams open.

Now you have what pretty much looks like a pair of pants.  Stitch both side seams, right sides together, but make sure to stop before you sew the cuff as the pattern instructs.

Next, press the cuff to make the seams for the side slits.  Pin in place and stitch according to pattern directions.  I'm not 100% that I did this correctly, but it seemed to work out well.

Above is what the cuff side slits will look like after you have stitched them into place.

Next we need to hem the capris.  Turn the hem up 1/2" and then another 1/2" towards the wrong side of the pants and stitch into place.  This is where I love to use my hem gauge - it comes in very handy for this step!

Now we move onto the waist-band.  Stitch the front and back of the waist-band, right sides together, at the side seams.

I don't know if you recall, but I think the back waist-band piece (H) was labeled incorrectly as front waist-band, so don't let this confuse you.

Press your waist-band side seams and then press your waist-band in half.

Open your waistband back up and sew your elastic into the back waist-band piece at the side seams.  Make sure to stitch this back and forth several times so it is nice and secure.  Again, this is another spot where I think I did what the instructions called for, but I'm not 100% sure.

Once you've sewn in the elastic at the side seams fold the waist-band back in half.  Place the raw edge of the waist-band in line with the raw edge of the top of the capris.  Stitch into place and press seams open.  I found this to be slightly tricky with the elastic already sewn in, but just work with it and it will turn out just right.

Here is what your waist-band will look like once you have pressed your seams.  It will be nice and flat on the front and gathered with elastic on the back.  A flat front pant gives a really nice look on a little girl because it reduces any of the bulk in the front that elastic might cause.

So, that's it!!  We're done.  If you have your own labels, now would be a good time to sew one into your garment!  And now it's time to try your outfit on your little lady and be proud of all your hard work.  There is nothing better than having my girls LOVE one of the outfits I've made for them.  It makes all the time (and sometimes frustration) well worth it!

So here's my completed outfit for Miss Savannah Rose.  I added a woven trim at the bottom of the top just to add a little interest.

Thank you guys SO much for joining me on this sewing journey.  I hope you had fun and maybe learned a little something along the way.  I know, I did! 

And don't forget, click HERE to add your pictures to The Cottage Home Flickr Pool to enter The Cottage Home "Sew Along" contest.  Next week I will reveal the finalists and then the readers will get to vote on their favorite look.  The prize is a $50 gift certificate to Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops to use on anything in the shop - who wouldn't want that, right?