I started out the year wanting to sew equally for both kids but I have kinda failed miserably. I am trying to repent of my ways, it is honestly that we get asked to do more girl stuff than boy stuff. I wish this wasn't the case (though I love the girly stuff) Ryder totally notices and gets a bit bummed when Boston gets yet another pretty dress. He is in need of more clothes immediately so behind the scenes I am working on evening the score.
For the 4th of July I took the opportunity to give him a momma made he was so yearning for. I used E+M Children Pant Pattern No. 2. I tested this pattern early this spring because of mistakes I made when stitching them up they because I goofed on a few things (a good example of two many irons in the fire) even with my mistakes the tester pair of pants have been worn everywhere and I knew I needed to make another pair.
I love the seam finishes on this pattern, you don't need a serger. Honestly with the directions included in the pattern the seams will be stronger than simple serge and they look stinking awesome. Look at that durability of the flat felt inseam!
The pattern have both a short and pants length which is great when you fall in love with a pattern like this one to have it accessible all year long. Allison has even included a boy and girl line on the shorts so you don't have to worry about your husband teasing him about short shorts (not that we have ever had anything like that happen right after I spent all day working on some awesome euro inspired swim trunks).
You also don't have to have any special fabrics for these I did some Joann's exclusive quilters cotton and the last pair I made I used seersucker for the pants and cheap broadcloth for the pockets and six months later they are still going strong.
Another great feature of this pattern is the different pocket options, for the boys plain front and pleated back & for the girls ruffled front and gathered back. I love a good unisex pattern that has details that totally sell it as the right gender because I am the type of mom that I don't really want someone questioning whether or not it was meant to be a boy or a girl sew.
I opted to do color blocking on the pleated pockets I initially planned to do them all out of red and had picked up less of the star (accent) fabric than what the pattern called for because of my plan but then when I fell in love with the star fabric I knew I wanted to put it on the back too.
When I finally finished them (not a quick sew for suck a slow sewist like myself but totally worth it) and Ryder put them on he was so happy. He loved all the pockets in them and instantly started finding treasures to fill them.
I had told Ryder that he could choose the fabric with in reason. I was a bit nervous when he chose the red but soon I fell in love with the texture that was printed on it. I wish it showed more in the pictures but there are tiny itty bitty circles with every 4th one is a bit distressed and darker printed on the fabric (it is the grainy texture in the pictures). This print has been very forgiving for all the playground playing and the water fights these shorts have been involved in. In the future I will not be shying away from bright colors for pants for him because they are so easy to find even though he is constantly dashing from one end of the playground to the other.
Another favorite part of these shorts is the back waistband on them. With the way that the instructions are written you end up with two great casings for running 1/2" elastic through. I really like having two strands of elastic because if one fails than you won't have an instant wardrobe malfunction. I also think it makes it more comfortable than just the single strand.
I love the flat waistband on the front of the pants. Pretty cool detail for such a cool kid. I love as a mom that he can get the pants on and off by himself, they look nice and there are no fixtures to worry about. I think he loves that too, he always seems to be annoyed when he has to button something up.
The pattern is labelled confident beginner or intermediate sewist. Don't be scared if your not sure if you are at that level because the instructions and pictures are clear and the techniques are sound. Anyone could sew this pattern just make sure you take enough time (3 to 4 hours) and you will have a pair of pants/shorts that you will love.
Just so you know I have no reason to right this post except that I love this pattern. I think it is a great pattern to own. I know how over night a kid can grow out of their pants and it usually doesn't coinside with a pay day but with the recommended fabrics (light to midweight quilters cotton) you are sure to have a fabric in your stash that will tie you over.

What is your favorite unisex pattern? And why?

To vote for this look in the Knit Fabric Swap click here.
Dear Boston,
The other day I happened upon this video and I thought of you. I want you to know you are beautiful without even trying.
I know in about 20ish years you will be a momma, with little kids that will keep you just as busy as Ryder & you do. I hope you don't think that life for me was super easy. That simultaneously I was able to keep every ball up in the air. That my house is pristine, my hair and makeup done perfectly and we just lived the Pinterestic (or whatever the big thing is 2 decades later) life. The truth is that you and your brother are my whole life. Every choice I make is dedicated to trying to better things for you.
I know I haven't lost my spark because you smile in the mirror, point to yourself and say pretty princess. Then turn to me and say, "Mommy, Queen?" It doesn't matter that my hair is pulled back in a greasy ponytail for the 3rd day straight or that I have jiggly middle. You help me remind me that none of that matters, my nature is divine.  You remind me that this calling of motherhood is an eternal position of love and that makes me want to parent with patience.
I have wanted for a long time wanted to make a mother daughter outfit to remind me of this, but hadn't taken the chance. Skirt Fixation's Challenge Create was a perfect opportunity to do this. The pictures weren't Pinterest perfect but they were real. You marked all over yourself with eyeliner & your brother spent the day having tantrums. My hair is clean, but not anything more than pulled back in a simple pony tail and I have my simple makeup job. It was too close to your bed time for you want to cooperate, but we have pictures of the two us.
I love you sweetheart. I will try my best to help you keep the confidence that you have. I will try to protect you from the lies that the world would tell you. One day when you are a mommy you have a day when everything is going wrong just give me a call and I will tell you that this is normal. You are strong, beautiful and courageous.
For the technical details of this sewing project head over to Skirt Fixation's Challenge Create: Fabric Swap Knit Week.

We are getting very excited for our re-release of the Betty Skirt this week. There are just a few more i's to dot and t's to cross in anticipation for the re-release we are offering a free printable where you and your daughter/niece/granddaughter/neighbor can plan the Betty Skirt of her dreams.

One of my favorite parts about sewing for my kids is letting them get in on the design process. This free download will let you do this and while your sewing away the special girl in your life can have something to keep her busy.

With the ETA for my baby roughly a month away, or maybe even a little less, I've found myself getting caught up with baby on the brain. The anticipation is almost all I can think about; that and the fact that there's still so much to do before then (finish building murphy bed, paint kids bench, make 3 single layer baby blankets, make a mobile, make Ty a bunch of princess dresses for her birthday...).
We are happy to be part of the The Ainsley & Aiden Baby Suite Blog Tour. The Ainsley & Aiden Baby Suite I is a set of four patterns in sizes Preemie-12M. The Suite released on Wednesday, June 11 with a Special Bundle Sale Price of $18.75 (a $25 value sold separately). Sale price runs through Friday June 20, (midnight, EDT). After the sale, all patterns will be available for purchase individually and as a bundle in the Stitchwerx Designs Etsy Shop.

I was excited at the prospect of joining the tour so that I could get busy making some super stylish outfits for our baby, but sometimes needs arrive that change the focus. Instead of making some baby nightgowns and bodysuits for our little one, I decided to redirect my focus to my sister-in-law. There were 3 of us in my husband's family that were all due within a week of each other, but one sister had her babies (yep that's right, twins) six weeks early.

They are little, but getting stronger each day. By a miracle they were both home within a week of birth, but they still have a lot of growing to do. The birth plan had been for them to keep the babies in as long as possible to avoid lost time at the hospital, but when does life ever go as planned.

Scary had the bright idea that we use this tour as an opportunity to serve this sweet family, and what a blessing that the baby clothes go all the way from 12 month to preemie. I don't think there's anything cuter than coordinating little girl and little boy outfits, especially since they're so teeny tiny. The outfits seem especially small and cute considering that my babies have been 9 pounders.

The little boy outfit is made using the bodysuit pattern and a self drafted tie that was appliqued on. The tie was attached before sewing down the side seams. The contrasted neckline was chosen to match the little girls neckline.
The dress was made using the gown pattern as a guide and color-blocking with two fabrics. The Skirt is made by cutting 1 1/2" inches below the arm pit. I added 1 inch to the width on each side at the top and 2 inches on each side to the width of the bottom. Then I A-lined it down. Then an additional 3/8" seam to the bottom of the bodice & to the top of the skirt so that it would stay the right length. I added ribbing to the sleeve.  I opted out of putting the elastic at the bottom of the gown so that it looked more like a maxi dress and less like a nightgown. The flower was made from lace & is not part of the bundle.

I'm not sure if the babies will have a chance to get out and look nice for a while, but if the need arises they will definitely be good to go.

I did not get a chance to sew up all the patterns in the bundle yet but I know from the two patterns that I did get to sew that she really focused on getting the sizing & the instructions are SO detailed. One example of this is the detail she puts into showing the different types of stitches you can do to finish the neckline.


Bitty Beetle Bodysuit, Tee & Gown
The Stitchwerx Designs S115 Bitty Beetle Bodysuit, Tee & Gown pattern is an Intermediate level pattern designed to work well with 2-way or 4-way stretch knit fabrics. Features include a lap shoulder neckline with contrast binding for easy on and off dressing. Make a snap-crotch bodysuit, tee or gown with your choice of short, long or extra-long mitten sleeves.

Comfy Caterpillar Easy Knit Pants
The Stitchwerx Designs S117 Comfy Caterpillar pants is a Confident Beginner level pattern designed to be sewn with 2 way or 4 way stretch knits. There are two style options to make hemmed or cuffed pants. These are so simple to make (only 1 paper pattern piece). Cutting Chart is included for contrasting waistband and cuffs. No elastic needed!

Roly Poly Lined Pants
The Stitchwerx Designs S118 Roly Poly Pants pattern is an Intermediate level pattern. Roly Poly Pants are lined with plenty of ease in the waist and hips. There is extra length so they can be cuffed to show off the contrast lining. This will give you extended wear as you can unroll the cuff as your baby grows. Contrasting rectangular front and rear chevron pockets are cute coordinating accents with the rolled cuffs. These pants can be sewn from woven fabrics, knit fabrics, or a combination of both.

Tiddly Wink Toppers
The Stitchwerx Designs S120 Tiddly Wink Toppers is a Beginner level pattern designed to be sewn with 2 way or 4 way stretch knits. There are two style options to make a Round Slouchy Beanie or a Square Beanie. These beanies are such a quick sew, you will want to make several for your little one!

The Bitty Beetle, Comfy Caterpillar & Tiddly Wink Toppers patterns all include a special bonus section with tips for sewing knits without a serger. The Bitty Beetle and Comfy Caterpillar patterns also have a bonus "Faux Coverstitch Quick Tutorial". You do not need a serger to sew any of the garments included in this suite of patterns.

Kim has been kind enough to host a giveaway as part of her tour.

Prize Package & Giveaway Rules
Prize Package:
    *4 patterns of your choice from Stitchwerx Designs
    * Set of 4 Custom 8 x 10" Art Prints from Artful Life Designs
    * $25 Gift Card from the Fabric Store of Your Choice
    * Set of 100 Custom Mommy/Playdate Cards from Artful Life Designs

The Contest Rules:
You must be 18 to enter.
You can gain entries by entering the Rafflecopter Prompts.
Giveaway end: 6/20/14 at midnight EDT.
One winner will be chosen and announced on 6/21/14.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


PS. If you love baby clothes there is already been some adorable clothes that have been made this pattern bundle. You check out the bloggers below.

Wednesday, June 11
Pattern Revolution
http://patternrevolution.com/
Mama Says Sew
Mama-says-sew.blogspot.com
The Berry Bunch 
bunchoberries.blogspot.com
Begin With B
http://beginwithb.blogspot.com/

Thursday, June 12
Rebekah Sews
http://rebekahsews.wordpress.com/
Lulu & Celeste
luluandceleste.blogspot.ca
Gloria June
http://gloriajune44.blogspot.com/

Friday, June 13
Once Upon a Sewing Machine
http://playgroundpixiedesigns.blogspot.com/
Feather's Flights
www.feathersflights.com
Pattern Nut
http://patternnut.wordpress.com/

Monday, June 16
Golden Rippy
http://goldenrippy.com/
Playground Pixie Designs
FB-‪www.facebook.com/playgroundpixiedesigns
Friends Stitched Together
http://friendsstitchedtogether.com/
The Life of Jennifer Dawn
http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/

Tuesday June 17
Stitch and Bake
http://www.stitchandbake.com
Shaffer Sisters
http://shaffer-sisters.blogspot.com/
The Life of a Compulsive Crafter
www.thelifeofacompulsivecrafter.blogspot.com

You know those patterns that you know both you and your kid will love from the start? You know the ones; the design is so unique that no matter what fabric you grab from your stash you know it will be amazing.
I knew that the Mimi was one of those amazing phantom patterns that no matter what fabric(s) I used we would both love it, so I pulled out my full knit stash and let her choose. She chose the bright flower fabric that I was given to by one of my great sewing friends, Linda. It was something she had purchased for her girls years ago but they have since grown up and the fabric was never used (isn't it nice when things come back into fashion). The pink is from an upcycled tee from Walmart ($1 dollar tee).

Looking at the pattern I was a little worried that it would take me a while, but I was pleasantly surprised by what a quick sew it was. The instructions and pictures are detailed and clear enough that you really could sew through it in a nap time.
I love all the options that are included in the pattern, it makes it so versatile. I really want to make more because it is such a cool comfortable style on a hot day. Al & I were talking about how the shirt with fringe would work really well for Pocahontas dress.
The only adaptions I made to the pattern were: to use elastic at the neck instead of knit & to hand stitch down the neck facing. Neither knits I used had great recovery and I didn't want the opening getting saggy and showing her chest. I did pull the elastic a bit tight so it makes for less of a keyhole and more of an asymmetrical slit. I decided to hand sew the facing because I didn't want to interrupt the pattern on the fabric near her face.
There are little things in this pattern that make for great results, like under stitching the neck facing makes for such a clean neckline & the hem facing makes it easy to hem even on the most difficult fabrics (both of the fabrics I used were very finicky so that was really appreciated.
Now until the 20th you can get the Mimi pattern for 20% off by using MIMITOUR20 code. You also can put in to win 1 of 5 patterns offered. She will refund the purchase if the winner has already purchased the pattern.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you still need a moment to decide head over to the Filles a Maman Blog and see all the other cute Mimi's that have been sewn by the testers and other blog tour participants. Boston is going to head to the park in her new favorite shirt.

Sew-a-bration is done for the year but don't let that stop you in sewing for yourself! We have one last contributor for our Sew-a-bration (she had a teething baby when it was her turn to share so we cut her some slack) she is someone who is always busy doing amazing stuff. And we consider her a blogging big sister. 



Name: Shannon C.  
Blog: Little Kids Grow
Age: 43 years old 
Body Type: slim-medium build

This post contains affiliate links. We only will affiliate with companies & products that we personally believe in and agree with their quality standards.
A couple of weeks ago Heidi asked us to join in her Bohemian Baby Doll Pattern Tour, there was no question in my mind whether I would say yes. The only choice I really had to make was when to post. I chose the 10th specifically because today is my 28th Birthday. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than by make it special by making something special for Boston.

Having a daughter has been one of the greatest gifts I have ever received & I thought sewing something special way to show that. Raising her has pushed me in the most intimate ways to reflect on the legacy I will leave her & to change the way I look at myself. When I see her I see her beauty, intelligence, silliness, kindness, and confidence. I hope & strive that I can teach her divine nature and innate abilities.
Let me tell you a little about this pattern. I love the stunning silhouettes this pattern his from the subtle high low on the skirt to the rounded bodice. The slightly square neck makes it easy to slip on and off even the busiest little girl, and you don't have to do a closure. The hem facing makes for an interesting handcrafted detail, something I hope to play with this fun detail more in the future. 


This is the first pattern from E&E to go down to size 6 months and up to size 9 (which means if you have a baby girl you no longer have to wait until your little girl is 12 Months have her look Heidi fabulous)! The pattern has a dress or tunic option. I was honestly tempted to make her the tunic but I decided on the dress because I knew that eventually it would be too short to be called a dress and then it would be a tunic.  It has a flutter sleeve or sleeveless option. I have always been a flutter sleeve lover.

This pattern is a quick sew with a fairly simple construction. A beginner would feel very comfortable with this pattern.

The only real problem I had was with the arm holes. Heidi directs you to do a basting stitch around the armholes, clip to stitch, press then close with top stitch.  I prefer the method of sandwiching the sleeve and stitching, pressing, clipping, and top-stitching. I am sure that Heidi's method is probably the more correct technique I find that my unsteady hands have better luck with the sandwich method so in the future I will be make that adaption.

The pattern has very clear & concise directions. The pictures show each step clearly, which is perfect for the visual sewist.

The pattern has the select a size to print option, which is great for saving on ink. The pattern pieces are nested if you need to blend between sizes (in which case you would just select the two sizes you need to print).

The bodice of the dress was made from some vintage cotton scraps that were given to me by my maternal grandmother. She has been de-cluttering lately & she gave me a box of fabrics. Some large scraps and others quite small like this. I instantly fell in love with the fabric but worried that there wasn't going to be enough for any project. The first scrap was small & the other just slightly larger. I was so disappointed. Then I remembered the Bohemian Babydoll pattern pieces I had cut out just the day before were about that size. Sure enough they were right on the dot just the right size. 1 cm shorter on either piece and I wouldn't have been able to use it.
The sleeves & hem band are made from lace from my Mother-in-Law's wedding dress. My MIL gave me the dress last summer to use for refashioning. The dress was from her first marriage, which was cut short by ill decisions made by her husband. Through that union all four of her children were conceived. When she gave me the dress she told me about being 20 and picking out the dress from ZCMI. How beautiful she felt on her wedding day. I knew right there and then I didn't want to use it for just anything, I wanted it to be special. So here it is making its first debut, there is tons of fabric still to work with.
In order to use the scallop on the hem of the lace, I did not line the sleeves as directed in the pattern. I love what a sweet summery look this gives. I also used a strip of lace for the hem facing as well, this keeps the skirt light and flowy.
I know this against the usual rules of Birthdays but I am going to do it anyway. I am ignore the so called  birthday wish superstitions, because I think they are untrue. I hope that one day she will grow up will all of the confidence that she now possesses and know that we all tried our best.

Dress pattern: Bohemian Baby Doll by Elegance and Elephants
Shoes pattern: Natty Shoes by delia creates

PS. Don't forget to head over to Elegance and Elephants to see all the other Baby dolls on the pattern tour, they all have been stunning & so unique.

This post contains affiliate links. We only will affiliate with companies & products that we personally believe in and agree with their quality standards.
We test for lots of people and very few times do we take the chance to sew the same patterns twice. I helped Al sew the Soleil Dress (for a full review of the pattern click here) for Ty and I knew instantly that Boston needed one as well. Knit is Boston's preferred fabric though she loves everything girly and pretty. The Soleil Dress Pattern is a great pattern for dressing up without loosing the comfort & simplicity of knit.
I had several ideas for directions I wanted to go with the Soleil Dress, but nothing really stuck. Once the Ballerina Primavera idea came to my mind, I knew instantly that it would be a home run hit with Boston. I luckily had all the right materials on hand so I instantly went to my sewing machine and started sewing.
The moment it was finished Boston wanted it on and she wouldn't take it off until she reluctantly surrendered the dress at Bedtime. I tried to hid the dress until I had time to photograph it but every time she would find it. She has worn it to church several times since it's completion which was a welcome gift since the church's AC has been on the fritz and we are the 4th congregation to meet in the chapel. Her sensitive skin often times leads to heat rashes so the coolness of this dress has been welcome relief.

Fabric: Ivory Double Knit from Walmart $2/yard section, Stretch Lace from Fabric.com & Stretch Organza was a gift from my mom a few years ago but I think she got it from Hancock

Elastic: Was from my Mom's stash which probably means it is about 20 years old. 

Shoes: Natty Shoes Pattern from Delia Creates (not an affiliate link, just really love the shoe pattern and these shoes were sewn specifically to match this dress, I have a few more planned to sew before writing a full review but while you wait just know I love this pattern)