Gal Originals Creations

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

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! :)

Monday, August 25, 2014

Raindrop Tee by Gracious Threads

This is the first of two patterns I tested in August for Jessica at Gracious Threads. I had to stop at one Raindrop Tee for each girl due to time contraints, but I plan to make many more to fill their wardrobes this winter.

Could this pattern be any more awesome? Hi-low, short or cropped/long sleeves, slim fit (perfect for my skinny girls), sizes 2T-8.

My poor bushes, they're always plucking the flowers off.

How adorable is this? I really enjoy that the sleeves aren't too long or too short.

Jessica has this labeled at Confident Beginner which I agree with only because sewing a pocket on knit can be tricky and the hem is a little tricky due to the curve.

Side view showing the hi-low even better.

It does have an optional pocket which I included but apparently didn't get any good pictures of. LOL

I encourage you to get this pattern because it will become a staple in your little ones wardrobe. Can't sew? Contact me to make one for you!

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Giddyup--Zander's Hoodie & Hooded Vest by EYMM featured in the Boys BundleUp

Yee-Haw! What boy doesn't imagine he's a cowboy? Mine is certainly no exception to that rule so I knew as soon as I was picked to test Zander's by Kymy from EYMM what I was going add.

Get along lil' doggies! There's a new bronc rider in town. Psst, yes this is the Wyoming state icon reversed but it was the one we could agree on.

This hoodie is fully lined and features a separating zipper set at an angle making it stand out from the crowd.

I used the same fabric to line it as I did to create the reverse applique. Due to the lining and zipper, this is an Intermediate sew.

The hood size has been adjusted to be a closer fit on the finished pattern, but my son loved it as is.

The details. Sizes from 0-3mo to 18 tween, long sleeved hoodie or hoodie vest and pockets. Designed for these fabrics: sweatshirt fleece (my blue), french terry, anti-pill fleece, or sweater knit with knit lining.

If you're not strolling to get yours, you're missing out.

It's available right now in the Boys BundleUP and will be available separately September 10.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Cinnabar Sky Dress by Golden Rippy Review

Have you ever had a shirt you can't wait to wear? You know, that shirt you can't wait to wear it as soon as it's clean. That's this shirt.

I was so excited when I was chosen to be a tester for Rachel from Golden Rippy. I loved testing her new pattern, the Cinnabar Sky Dress.

I LOVE the cross-over!!!

The tester pattern was a little wide on my shoulders, so I added elastic in the back neckline to help take it in. Rachel has taken in the shoulders on the final pattern so there will be no need to add it.

Another reason I love this pattern: the cross-over helps hides my post-baby belly. I like that the pattern can be a top or a dress as well as wonderfully nursing friendly (the cross-overs don't get stitched over and you simply separate them when you wish to nurse).

Another alteration, I lengthened the top by about 1.5" (following the curve line of the dress). I love the length. I just plain love this shirt.

Details: Sizes XXS to XXXL, 2 sleeve lengths, top or dress, optional nursing openings. I would say this pattern is Intermediate but an adventurous advanced beginner could tackle it.

PS: it's on sale for a few more days!!! ;)

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Lazy Days Lounge Pants & GIVEAWAY!!!

Wow! I've been busy, busy, busy these last few weeks of July! Orders, sewing for nieces and nephews birthdays, and testing patterns!!! I really enjoy testing. I love helping designers work out the kinks in their new designs, making it perfect before they release it to the public.

The second children's pattern I tested this month was by Gracious Threads. It's a relaxing unisex pants pattern, the Lazy Days Lounge Pants.

First of all, pockets. Who doesn't love pockets??? My kiddos certainly do. The perfect place to keep secret treasures until mom finds them in the wash. ;)

It also features an encased elastic waistband with faux drawstring option.

Another huge plus, leg cuffs. Perfect for growing room and pulling them up when it's hot out.

Gah, who could resist this cuteness??? Available in a great size range, 2T-12yr.

Gracious Threads patterns are wonderfully written. The diagrams and images are very easy to follow. The perfect pants pattern for a Beginner wanting to try a more fitted pant with pockets.

What are you waiting for???? Don't you wanna be a cool kid and chill???

Love these? Enter HERE for your chance to win the pattern!!!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Get Your ROMP On!!!

Wow! I've been busy, busy, busy these last few weeks of July! Orders, sewing for nieces and nephews birthdays, and testing patterns!!! I really enjoy testing. I love helping designers work out the kinks in their new designs, making it perfect before they release it to the public.

The first children's pattern I tested this month is the RaglanRomp by A Sparkly Baby.

WARNING: be prepared for cuteness overload!

Featuring a unique, adorable bum flap, this pattern does have a slightly smaller size range: preemie to 3T. But, the flap is perfect for fast diaper changes and frustrating for toddlers that love stripping naked (go ahead, ask me how I know). Perhaps she will release a larger size range at a later, but it's perfect the way it is.

Let's talk options, because this pattern's got them. Your choice of length: short or long. Your choice of pockets: breast or kangaroo. Making it a halter raglan or adding a scrappy side panel. Optional additions: fold-over mitts, bum ruffles, and hoodie--with pattern pieces and picture tutorials for ALL of it!!!

Plus---additional custom sizes in 24 month, 2T, and 3T.

While these are not a difficult sew, there are multiple steps especially if you add-on any of the additional cuteness. There are plenty of detailed pictures to help you but these do take a little longer to sew than a quick t-shirt. I would say an Advanced Beginner would have no issues. If you do have issues, Taryn (the designer) will happily help you.

A loved putting her hands in the back bum piece even though I added the kangaroo pocket.

L loves wearing hers for pj's.

Whatcha waiting for??? Buy the pattern before August 1 using the code JOANNA1 and get 35% off.

Love these but can't sew? Contact me to make a custom pair just for you!

Friday, July 4, 2014

Scalloped Princess Dress, Elsa Style AND Giveaway!

Whose daughter isn't obsessed with the movie Frozen? Well, mine sure are--much to my husband's dismay. LOL. So, when I got picked to review the Scalloped Princess Dress from LittleKiwisCloset designed by Lydia Perssion, I knew it was going to have to be Elsa inspired.

Nailed it!!!

I have to say, I did very well. At first, she wasn't sold on the color--dusky blue/grey--it was some cotton chintz (similar to cotton satin--same shinny sheen but lighter weight) my mother had left after she and my grandmother closed their custom drapery business. But, after she wore it a while, she didn't want to take it off. ;)

This pattern has soooooo many options, she gives you a page in the pattern to pick and decide what option you're going to do. Quick list: Neckline--scoop neck, square neck, v-neck, or sweatheart neck. Bodice style--Princess V or scalloped. Skirt length--below knee, high-low, or long. Hems--accent facing out, facing hidden, or plain (without scallops). Believe me, you need this page to help you choose.

I had L pick so of course it was sweatheart neck, princess bodice, long length, and hidden facing. I ironed on a ton of rhinstones--sparkly piece by sparkly piece (Hint--if you put sparkles on it, they will wear it!)

As always, this pattern is no exception to Lydia's style. Great pictures, excellent directions and a wonderful size range of 12 months to size 9. I would say the most difficult part was top stitching the front bodice to the skirt--getting the skirt gathered just right. I didn't actually do it since I knew I was attaching my Elsa add-on skirt. I did hand stitch the center front bodice V to the skirt so that it wouldn't flap up.

You have the option of one, two, or three buttons to place on the back--depending on the size of the dress. I choose to put two snaps. The skirt has an absolutely wonderful drape and boy does it twirl!

My Elsa-inspired add-on: I gathered and sewed lace decorated tulle to a length of FOE and put a snap on the end, making it so that she can remove it and wear it with other outfits.

As you can tell, the fit is spot-on. L measured at a size 3 in the chest and I made her a size 3 in length too. This is a fairly easy pattern to sew up. Attaching the rhinestones took the most time. LOL.

Now, the fun part. Check out everyone else on the tour, see their Scalloped Princess Dress AND enter the GIVEAWAY! (Sponsored by LittleKiwisCloset)

GIVEAWAY HERE