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).

The Busy Mama

So I have been crazy busy around here lately.  I sort of feel like I am moving in 500 different directions trying to get everything done before our little baby boy arrives.  He'll be here in three weeks (if he doesn't come early)!  That being said, there is SO much I would like to do before we meet him so that I can fully focus on him and the girls during this new transition with our family.

As most of you know, that nesting instinct kicks in big time towards the end of pregnancy and I guess you could say I've sort of been "nesting" in my etsy shop.  I wanted to add some "ready-made" items to the shop along with my custom order pieces.  Here are some new things that have been added in the last month..........

I've added several "Paris Twirl Skirt and Shirt" sets to the shop as well as some skirt-only listings.  My girls love these outfits.  They are super cute, but Savannah says they are "super-cozy" which means she thinks they are soft.  The skirts are double layered for extra twirl factor and the tops are trimmed out with vintage lace trim.

In addition to the "Paris" sets, I've added several other skirt and shirt sets as well.......

Preppy Plaid Twirl Skirt and Shirt Set

(Skirt is available by itself as well)

Fall Ruby Twirl Skirt and Shirt Sets

In addition to the skirt and shirt sets, I've added several new reversible rompers and dresses.......

The Reversible Rompers are just that - FULLY reversible, so it's basically like having two looks in one.  I can totally see these rompers transitioning to fall with tights, boots and a long sleeved shirt.  They have a sort of knicker look to them which I love for the cooler weather.

The Reversible Dresses are the same concept as the rompers, FULLY reversible so you get two looks in one.  You or your child can choose which side they feel like wearing on that particular day.  These dresses are cut with a wide-swing to them, so they are perfect for layering and twirling as well.

And here are a few other things that have shown up in the shop lately........

Patchwork Janey Jumper

Plum Bird Knot Dress

Mod Shift Ruffle Neck Dress

In other very exciting news, I was asked by "Sew Beautiful" magazine to do a 3-5 page pictorial shoot featuring my designs and my new sewing patterns.  New sewing patterns, you say??  Yes, they are coming.....I promise!!  I'm just trying to get them off to the right printers and the first two should be available next month.  Both patterns feature designs you might have seen in my etsy shop and each pattern includes several different design variations.  Patterns will be available through my etsy shop and I will definitely be announcing when they have arrived!

I was seriously honored and flattered to be asked to be part of "Sew Beautiful" magazine and I have been working on my collection of samples to send to them by the end of the month for the photoshoot.  The photoshoot will take place next month; however, my pictorial will not be released until the July 2012 issue.  

The entire collection is being done in "Children at Play" by Sarah Jane Studios.  I met Sarah Jane at quilt market and just fell in love with her fabric as well as her darling personality.  This fabric has been SO much fun to work with and if you follow along on Facebook, then you've seen a few of my sneak peaks over there.  There is even BOY clothes!!

So for the next several weeks, I'm going to be finishing up my "Sew Beautiful" collection, getting my patterns ready to go, working on custom orders from the shop, putting the final touches on our little man's room (pictures to come!), and maybe, just maybe.........putting my feet up and resting a little.  

To be honest, I thrive on busyness so hopefully I can accomplish my goals in the next several weeks, but if not, that's ok too.  I'm just going to roll with it..........you never know when this little guy is going to decide to make his grand entrance!!  We can't wait!!