Coachella Shorts By Striped Swallow Designs - The Quickest Cutest Shorts Ever

Coachella Shorts By Striped Swallow Designs

The Quickest Cutest Shorts Ever

So in a lot of my sewing groups this question is asked "why are there so many of the same style patterns put out by so many designers?" The truth is I am not a designer and I have no idea how it works and I think that goes for most everyone.  But I do know that a lot of it has to do with the construction of the item.  Truthfully, I have seen this style shorts and we would be lying to say we haven't although I have no idea where it originally came from.  For all I know designers have a secret group where they all brainstorm an idea in a secret laboratory and then see who can get it out first.  Hehe wouldn't that be a fun group. This style of shorts wasn't something I originally liked when I first saw the design elsewhere but I jumped at the idea to test for a new designer and I am so glad I did.

The Coachella shorts are a low rise shorts with cute trim detail. 
With this pattern you get:
pattern pieces ranging from 6 months to 12 years
suggested fabrics
notions needed
tips to picking a size and adjusting the waistband
pattern tiles that allow you to choose only the size that you would like to print (I haven't used this option)
tips for increasing and decreasing the length
cutting chart

This entire file has 31 pages total from start to finish.  5 of these pages are pattern pieces that need to be printed out and taped together.  The cut lines for all the sizes are both color coded and have dots, lines and dashes to help you distinguish which size it is which is great for black ink printers.  Best of all, once it is printed out you only have two small pattern pieces that you lay on your folded fabric. There are fantastic color pictures for every single step (be careful if you print your entire pattern like I do because they would use quite a bit of ink). 

I used my serger to finish the edges before putting together and these came together in less than an hour, start to finish.  Originally, these shorts have a tighter fit but Mandalynn has added some ease to the shorts from the original design.  So if you are looking at this pattern I would guess that they fit more like Raegans pictures than some of the other tester photos or at least in between since I sized up originally.  Raegan fit into the size 18 month but I made her the size 2 because we don't like her shorts to be that tight and they were perfect. 

I used some star fabric from my stash (seriously these are a great stash buster) with some trim that I had put aside for a different project.  Originally I was going to use bias tape.

This is just my take on this pattern.  I love the design now and it is going to be my go to for easy shorts that I want paired with a t shirt, shorts to go under matching dresses so her panties don't show since they used a bare amount of fabric and also some jammie shorts.  Everything was laid out with both the instructions and pictures so there weren't any questions that I had and the pages that you have to print are minimal.  This is the first pattern out from Striped Swallow Designs and I was surprised and thrilled when I looked at the pattern and started reading it to see how well put together it was.  You can tell she took her time and made sure it was ready before even releasing it to testers and then tweaked it before putting it for sale. 

You can purchase this pattern at Striped Swallow Designs Website.  And I always suggest joining the facebook group of the designer  when you are sewing up their pattern because usually they are on hand to answer any question or someone else is.  Plus sometimes you get a sneak peak at coming designs. You can do that HERE!

Check out some of the other testers photos here:

• Jamiesews
• Ginger Peach Studio
• Handmade by Maid in the Shade

Sugar Horses Dress from Ellie Inspired

Recently I  signed up for a tester call over at Ellie Inspired Pattern Group.  I have never made one of her beautiful classic patterns because I thought they were all smocking patterns, so I had just stalked the page and admired everyone else's beautiful work from afar.  But this particular tester call said "you don't need to know how to smock".  I couldn't contain my excitement!!!  Then I got an email from Laura and I did a happy dance.

They were doing an entire month long celebration of smocking.  And she put together a group that I was honored to be a part of to showcase her patterns in beautiful Riley Blake fabric.  The theme was nautical or patriotic.  She wanted to show that so many of her patterns that called for smocking could be shirred instead and many of her patterns didn't have to be shirred or smocked at all.  We were able to choose one of her PATTERNS and we also had a little hand in helping pick what fabric we liked.  I chose Sugar Horses just because it looked simple, cute and perfect for summer in Texas.  I also told her I liked the Fly Away Design.  I liked it because it isn't something I would normally choose.  I always choose pinks and purples with flowers and cute little characters.  I loved the idea of doing something different.

Amazing pictures were posted in the group from some very talented ladies.  I felt inspired and challenged.  I am not a photographer and the weather was working against us that week.  And Raegan wasnt feeling photogenic either.  I finished the dress on a Tuesday and tried everyday to get pictures.  Finally on Sunday, I was able to get some photos.  Needless to say, I got about 20 ant bites on my foot taking those pictures and I almost had a heart attack when I realized a spider had crawled up Raegan and was on her shoulder.

I want to take a minute to tell you about Sugar Horses.  First, you can make this a top or a dress.  With a regular skirt or a strip skirt.  You can do a sleevless, straight sleeves, puffed sleeves or long sleeves.  The skirt can be made with a ruffle, a band or just a plain skirt.  And it buttons in the back.  It also comes in sized 1 - 16.  This is a great bang for your buck.  Their are directions for smocking or it can be gathered.

In the directions are finished garment measurements, directions for cutting out the pattern with all the different options laid out and easy to understand, and directions for the optional smocking.  After that, there are 11 pages of directions to put the dress together.  They are all easy to understand with computer drafted images to go along with every step.  There are 16 pages to print out to use for patterns.  (On page 21 it shows instructions for cutting out the pattern and you may be able to eliminate some of the pages, I was able to eliminate 9 since I was doing it sleeveless)  The pattern is drawn in black which is great to save on ink and the lines are drawn with different straight, dotted and slashed lines so that you are easily able to follow the size that you need.

I love this timeless classis dress with the mock cross over bodice.  I made a size 2 for my daughter and it is perfect.  I was beyond thrilled to be a part of this group and honored to work with Laura on something so special.  Check out the video below to see all of the work that was put into these designs and see if you can spot Raegan.  Join us at Ellie Inspired Pattern Group.  You can view all of Ellie Inspired Patterns HERE.

Watch our Video Here
Ellie Inpired - Celebration of Smocking

CKC Wendy's Plus size yoga skirt and Pippa ponch

Today is my first post of July.  Summer is hard on me. LOL But I have been waiting patiently to share this.  And today is a twofer.  Woo-hoo

So I told you in my first post that Im sort of in love with Create Kids Couture.  I cant help it. 
Today I wanna share two patterns that I got to test for CKC. 

First i wanna tell you about Pippas Plus Size Poncho.  When I think poncho I think about the ugly yellow plastic things that fisherman wear.  Ugh, I just felt a shudder go down my back at the idea of wearing one of those.  But this is not that I assure you.  This is fabulousness

This pattern does have a few pages to print out that you then tape together to create one pattern piece.  You then cut that on the fold so you only have two pieces of fabric to sew together.  I used my serger and did a rolled hem on the outside edges and it was so stinking fast.  The only other piece of fabric is for your bias tape/drawstring.  You also use a very small amount of interfacing to create  the placket/V in the front.  It was my first time working with interfacing and it was so easy.  Th instuctions for this are super simple. 

There is not a lot of sewing on this but its got several rows of shirring at the waist on the front and back.  If you have never tried shirring than get started.  It is amazingly easy as soon as you figure out how to get it working with your machine.  I use the hobby lobby brand elastic thread and have never had any issues.  But if did take some practice.

I made this one using a heavier cotton from Hobby Lobby.  Looking back now I wish I had used something lighter just for a drapier feel but even so it gets worn at least once a week.  It is super comfortable and I get lots of compliments on it.  Im going to be wearing this one in the fall with some cute skinnies.  And making a lot more as soon as I get more sewing time.  Get it here CKC PIPPA'S PLUS PONCHO.

Nexgt I wanna share Wendy's knit yoga skirt.  First, I wanna say I am not a skirt wearer.  I can never get the right fit on my hips and then it rides up my waist....so annoying.  Plus finding a shirt to match is a nightmare but I've been converted.  Meet my first yoga skirt

So I made this with a very inexpensive knit from Jo-Ann's because I was super nervous about ordering knit and not getting it in time.  But I will say this knit has a very nice feel to it.  Although I will be ordering more knit from Purple Seamstress.

There are no pattern pages that need to be printed out.  And just three pieces that need to be cut out.  This is the simple version.  But there is also the tiered and the bubble skirt version.  I chose the simple because Im in Texas and its summer.  I need less fabric.  The simple version is perfect.  Im going to do lots of the bubble version for fall though.  I didn't hem the dress which works for me because at the top of my knee it is the perfect length.  Hemming it would have made it too short.  Plus look at my legs they are milk white.  You don't wanna see above the knee.  Its ghostly.

At the beginning of the pattern are some great tips for sewing with knit and I definitely suggest reading through those and testing out a couple of stitches first but this is a great patter for your first try at knits or just for practice.

The fold down yoga waistband is fantastic.  Comfortable and flattering.  What more can you ask for right?
I've recently told my husband that he has to watch the kids on the weekend while I go grocery shopping if anyone wants to eat.  This is now my outing outfit. :) I feel more put together and its perfect for walking up and down the aisles at the store.  Pretending Im some cute chick that wears yoga skirts everyday and is footless and fancy free.  Get the pattern here CKC WENDY'S PLUS YOGA SKIRT.

You can check out all of the CKC patterns HERE.  And join us over at the facebook CKC PATTERN GROUP for loads of inspiration, help, sew alongs and lots of good stuff.



 I got to test the Scarlett Dress by Bellamie Boo Couture.  First of all I just wanna say that Morgan, the creator of Bellamie Boo Couture is super fantasic.  She was on top of any and all little questions that I had while having a family and going to school.  I don't know how she does it.

Ok, to the dress.  This dress is just a classic, beautiful and fun dress.  I've seen a lot of tester photos and it is perfect to dress up or could be paired with flip flops for a cute summer dress.  Im sort of in love.  With all new patterns, check the measurements because my daughter is normally a 2t and the 18 month fits her perfect in this dress.  All pattern designers are different.  I love that this pattern goes from 9 months all the way up to size 12.  With that range in sizes, this pattern is an investment.  I will be making it for my daughter for years to come.

The dress has several options including either a shirred back or button holes.  I decided to do a shirred back because Raegan goes crazy wanting to play with buttons when she can't see them. The straps can also be criss crossed, gathered or simple.  I chose to do them gathered because I just love that look.  It made the dress go from simple summer dress to Fathers day dinner special.

Another thing I love about this dress is that it would be so easy to do with no exposed seams.  This is perfect if you havent invested in a serger.  The bodice is fully lined and Morgan gives instructions to hide your top skirt seam inside of your bodice pieces.  Ive been sewing for a while and made tons of clothes and this is the first pattern that has actually instructed to do that.  I never even thought of it before it was pointed out to me to do that.  It left such a clean finish inside of the dress.  The only seam remaining is the side seam to the skirt.  So if you are inclined, do a french seam on those and you will have a beautiful and professionally made dress with no exposed seams.  This is really great for kids that have sensory issues and can't handle the feel of the seams.

The instructions to this dress are super easy to follow.  It also uses a minimal amount of paper and ink.  I believe you will only need to print out 2 pieces or paper or 4 for the bigger size max and just tape a couple of pieces of paper together.  You will really appreciate that after you have printed and taped together a few patterns.

You can purchase this pattern HERE on Craftsy.  I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I do.  I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Bellamie Boo Couture.  I've gotten a sneak peak at a few things up Morgans sleeve and I just wanna say AMAZING.

Hi Yall.  Im gonna be honest, I have no flippin idea what I am doing on here Lol.  I am not a tech savey person.  Seriously, my husband has to set my watch for me.  But I love sewing and I just want to share that.  It started with bows. I wanted to make my daughter a Texans bow (woo hoo go JJ WATT) and I made bows for awhile and loved it but my daughter was not a big fan.  She would pull them off as fast as I would put them on so it got old.  Add to that, I could made her the prettiest bow in the world and she didn't have cute clothes to wear with it.  On a different craft group Im in, someone mentioned to try Create Kids Couture for some cute and easy sewing patterns and I couldn't help myself.  I found their pattern group page and was hooked.  They had me at Poppy (one of the cutest designs ever).  It took me a bit to jump in.  They have some seriously talented ladies on there.  But once I did, I haven't looked back.  I've branched out to a couple of different designers since then although I love me some CKC.  I'll come back to them later and tell you how amazing they are.  The best part of sewing, my daughter sees a handmade dress I have made and says "pretty" and when she puts it on she says "Im a princess".  Its pretty priceless and a feeling that no store bought outfit has ever given either one of us.  I tried selling my handmade dresses and did sell a few but it is hard to work in that time with a potty training toddler.  Kudos to the women that can do it.  I just found that I was so frustrated with having to take time away from Raegan (Im a slow sewer) and decided it was best to just do it for enjoyment.  It was a fantastic decision.  Maybe I will try to make it a business again when she starts school but who the heck knows. So that leads me to this blog and the need to share how much I love sewing.  Whew, thats all.  Im out of breath. Now you know what led me here.  I hope to share new pattern reviews, great designers to work with, awesome shops to purchase from and creations that I make that make me and my daughter smile.  I will have my first pattern review coming up in a few days from a new designer and Im sort of in love.  Hopefully my little one will want to cooperate long enough to take a few pictures for me tomorrow.  Ha, who am I kidding, shes two.