Seena Dolman Tee & Skinny Legs Leggings

This month I had the chance to test for not one, but two of my favorite designers--Gracious Threads and Little Kiwis Closet. First, the Seena Dolman Tee by Gracious Threads.

I love the style of this top. And, it's oh so very easy--a front, back and the bands. So easy, she just finished a sew-a-long for those new to knit with lots of sewists who hadn't ever sewn with knits.

Since it's only two pattern pieces plus the bands, it's so quick to cut out and sew up.

One of the reasons I really like Jess' patterns is the diagrams in the instructions. I learned from paper patterns and I still prefer the ease of being able to tell the difference between right and wrong side on paper, uhh, computer screen. ;)

A loves her rainbow shirt and so do I. Available in size 2T-8.

If you haven't grabbed yours, better get it now because it's sure to be a closet staple. Plus, she has a matching woman's pattern! ;)

Did you notice A's leggings??? That's the other pattern I got to test, Little Kiwis Closet's Skinny Legs Leggings. 

This pattern has so many options, it'd be hard to make the same pair twice. ;) I choose to make the ruched panel leggings.

The other options include plain (no panel) and ankle ruching. Lengths include shorts, knee, 3/4, and full length. Waistband options include elastic or yoga. In addition to ALL those options, she's included a low rise! Yay for my skinny, tiny A! :)

 Here A is in the 3/4 length. The pattern is available in size 12 month to 14 years. If you're a skinny mom (not me ;) ) you could make the larger sizes for yourself.

This pattern has one pattern piece (you cut mirror images) with directions for making the ruched side panel from the leg panel and little top pieces for making the ruched panel angle to match the legging slope. Depending on which options you choose, you'll have your first pair sewn up in no time and cutting out your next before you know it.

So, go forth and purchase this easy pattern so you can get addicted to making them. ;)

Dress No.15 by E+M & GIVEAWAY

If you're searching for a unique, retro style of dress, you've found it. E+M's No. 15 pattern is all that and more. (Read on for your chance to win this pattern and MORE!!!)

She loves her boots and I adore the style! I'm so happy I was able to test this pattern. (SCORE!)

This is going to look sooo cute this winter layered with leggings and a sweater!!!

This dress features a straight or asymmetrical hem, three rows of shirring at the waist and gathered shoulder ties.

Dress  No. 15 is a super easy sew, comes in sizes 2-10 and is appropriate for an advanced beginner seamstress. Allison's pattern is very easy to follow. You will have yours sewn up in no time. 

This is certainly not the last Dress No.15 I will sew for her! ;)

PS: I'm testing another dress pattern for her right now! Look for a post soon! 

Here's the link to enter to win this pattern PLUS an additional E+M Pattern of your choice. To earn additional entries, comment on each blog each day.

Can't wait to win??? Use code TOUR15 to grab your pattern now for $5. ;)

Love this as much as I do but can't sew a stitch?? Contact me to make one for you!

Frozen Petra Princesses

A while back, I bought two Frozen shirts and promised the girls that I would make them dresses. When I was chosen to test the Petra dress and tee pattern from Gracious Threads, I knew it was just the style my girls would love.

They are in LOVE with their new dresses!!! 

The sleeves feature the perfect amount of puff.

The circle skirt is a 6 gored work of beauty.

Awesome twirl factor!!!

The Petra is available in size 2-8 as a dress or shirt. I think it's perfect for an advanced beginner with wonderful computer illustrated directions. A quick and easy sew.

Hurry and get yours!!!

Dracula's Mac's Monster T-shirt

Halloween is my son's favorite holiday--he even prefers it over Christmas! So, I was totally stoked when I was picked to test Mac's Monster T-shirt by Cole's Corner and Creations. 

 I showed my son all the different applique choices and he choose Dracula (seriously, there are lots of choices). His favorite color is orange so I knew the large front block had to be orange.

I love the curve of the front--it's so unique and one of a kind.

The pattern is available in sizes 1/2 (6 mo) to 16 yrs. (I'm really enjoying patterns that fit my youngest at 2yrs and oldest at 7yrs/size 12.) 

I think the pattern is for Advanced Beginner simply because you need to be comfortable sewing that curve on a serger and appliqueing on knit fabric.

Sometimes he's such a ham for the camera!!! LOL

Due to returning to work full time, I've had a lot less time to sew, but I cannot wait to make some of these for his sisters. Can't sew? Contact me to make one for you!

A Super Cool Sparkly Baby Hoodie

A Sparkly Baby is one of favorite pattern makers. I was so excited to test her newest pattern, the Super Cool Hoodie. 

Gah, he's such a goof! LOL

The hood is fully lined as is the optional kangaroo pocket. I reverse appliqued a scrap piece of my custom fabric onto the top layer of the pocket.

 The pattern is available in size preemie-12 yrs, regular or slim fit and is a beginner level sew. It also includes tutorials for adding a zipper or embellishing your hood with dino spikes or a pony mane. As always, great, easy-to-follow instructions.

He requested the two-tone hood and loves it. <3

You may see a peek of black in the underarm. I had to piece both arms because I didn't have enough of the graffiti fabric. He thinks it's cool. ;)

The pattern is on sale for 25% off until October 3 using code JOANNA.

He's so excited for me to make more! Can't sew? Contact me to make one for you!

EYMM His and Her's Hoodie

I've wanted a new jacket for a long time so I was very excited when I was chosen to test EYMM's His and Her's Hoodie. 

I absolutely love the asymmetrical style of the zipper! It's so unique and eye-catching. (PS, my 7 year old took these shots! I think he did pretty good. ;) )

 I love that it's fully lined (extra warmth for cooler days).

This pattern is available in sizes XS-5XL. It is definitely an intermediate sew because it is fully lined, asymmetrical, and includes a zipper. (I love sewing with separating zippers!)

Are my fabric choices a little strange? Yes. The blue is a sweatshirt fleece from my mom's vintage fabrics and I had to re-cut the lining because I mis-cut one of the sides. However, since I made a 3XL, it took 2-2.5 yards for the lining so I had to use the other material that I had a quantity of. Most of the time I only buy a yard at a time since that's all I usually need to make clothes for my girls. However, since I've started sewing for myself, I have started buying larger cuts. Yay for me!!! ;)

This pattern is awesome to sew for yourself. Can't sew? Contact me to make one for you!

Henday Zip Up Hoodie

The Henday Zip Up Hoodie by Gracious Threads is awesome! As soon as I saw this pattern, I knew the print I wanted to use. I was so thankful to be picked as a tester for it!

He LOVES it!!!!

 Henday has two versions. Version 1 features welt zipper pockets and hip length while Version 2 is a cropped length with a ribbed band. The pattern calls for an unlined hood, but I did line mine because my orange knit was thinner than the camo and I wanted the hood to block the cool autumn wind we get. 

 This is a great length on him. It's available in sizes 2T-12.

I've sewn many zippers but never a welt zipper, until now. It was completely painless and I LOVE the look! I lined the pockets with orange to match the hood and he's thrilled with that little touch. Another option I didn't add was a sleeve cuff.

 Some days he's a pain to photograph so I have to tease him. Then I get this attitude. LOL.

Even though the pattern has up to 3 zippers (depending on which version you choose), I would classify it as Intermediate. I love that I can use fleece for this pattern and am planning jackets for my daughters in fleece.

I would strongly encourage you to buy this pattern because it is a great hoodie/jacket pattern with lots of options. Can't sew? Contact me to make one for you! :)