Zealous MAKES Week 2

What a week. I've been ill and tired and busy but somehow I still managed to get a few things sewn. I think I cut out about a billon bibs (sorry I'm prone to exaggerating... ) but I haven't sewn any together yet, but I must as I have 4-5 markets coming up before Christmas and they seem to be the most popular item.

This dress is called Bloomshine by Pink Fig Designs. I LOVE it and wish it was my size. Although the amount of fabric in this baby is insane and an adult version would just be crazy expensive. I made this dress as a sample in size 5T, now if I could just convince Mister 5 to try it on for me ;-)

(Note, the straps aren't the same as the pattern, I stole that idea of another blogger, and I love it!)

I had fun using up some cute prints this week on skirts. Three 'simple skirts' and two 'posy pocket skirts' by Monkeybug. The simple skirt is my own design but it's pretty basic really. Let me know if you want the measurements to make one. Super easy and quick.

All these skirts are listed on my Facebook page and I can custom make these styles in your choice of fabrics too :-)

Hope everyone has a lovely week planned. I'm hoping my family stays well so I can get some more 'market' sewing done!

Thanks for stopping by
Brenda

Pattern Review: Ruthies Picnic Dress by FooFoo Threads

PATTERN: This is a PDF pattern by FooFoo Threads (FFT). Ruthies Picnic Dress with retro ruffled bodice.

WHAT: A ruffle bodice dress with vintage charm, which has aspects of the fashions in the 40's and 50's. Ruthies dress features a tuxedo style bib and unique pockets with a bow, also a double layered skirt for extra body and twirling. It also has options to add a ruched ruffle along the bottom of the top skirt. And the waist is cinched in with a sash that ties into a beautiful bow at the back.

SIZE: I made a size 2T. This pattern has a large size range at 6 months through to 8 years.

FABRIC: I used cream embroidered lace for the ruffles, which I love and added a polkadot ribbon to the bottom of the top skirt to match the tuxedo bib. I love this swings/kite fabric (sorry can't remember the name) which is complemented with green gingham and red polkadot. I love to make something that is pretty but not pink.

PATTERN PIECES: There are pattern pieces for the bodice, lining, pockets and ruffles with measurements for the skirts, sash and lower ruffles. All drafted for a perfect match.

ILLUSTRATIONS/INSTRUCTIONS: I've come to know FFT patterns as having lots of attention to detail, not making an assumptions and making it very easy for a beginner to learn and complete every step with ease. Intermediate sewers are able to skip ahead as needed and won't need to print all the pages.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES: This dress has a few intermediate steps that are walked through step by step so don't be scared. Just take your time and you'll be fine. I chose not to make button holes for the back placket and instead used snaps which are a personal preference.

CONCLUSION: I always know when I make a FFT dress I'll get something stunning and unique. This dress is no exception. It fits perfectly, fully lined and great attention to detail. And with the modern vintage look, I can't get enough.
FFT patterns are well tested and have great support if you have a problem. I would highly recommend this pattern and any of their others. Find this pattern here.

Sew glad you stopped by :-)
Brenda

* I am not paid for reviews nor receive anything for doing them, I'm just providing honest feedback for other mum's looking at buying pdf patterns. 

Zealous MAKES Series

I thought I'd start a little series called 'Zealous Makes' to share with you some of the things I make each week. This week has been a bit slow with me and Miss 2 being sick but I still have a few things to share with you.

1. This is a new pattern by Little Lizard King called the Retro Glam skirt. This dotty version makes me think of cheer-leading skirts. I personally love the ric rac along the hem, it really shows off the scallops in the skirt pieces. The construction of this skirt took a while but I love the look and can't wait to make a few more in different fabrics.

2. After lot of interest in the business card holder I made myself, I whipped up another 13 to sell. There are still a few left in my FB album: Products ready to ship

I really love the business card holder in 'happy hills' fabric. This fabric really does makes me happy. 

3. The last items I finished this week were my notebook holders. They'll be listed in my shop (FB) later today. I'll be selling these with notebook and pen included. I think they'll be awesome in your handbag for the times you just need a pen and paper. Now to choose which one I'm going to keep.... hmmmmm

Thanks for stopping by!
Brenda :-)

Supporting New Zealand Made

If I went around my house and checked where everything was made, I reckon it would be close to 50% made overseas. I'm not proud of that fact but also it's not entirely my fault. It is soooo hard to find things that aren't made overseas (particularly China) and even harder to find Made in NZ products.

I had one of those 'aha' moments a few months back after buying a pack of biscuits from the supermarket. I ate one and thought 'yuck, that must have been a bad batch'. To my dismay, when I read the label, I found they were made in China. Really!!!!! We have food from China. I threw those biscuits out. I can't always control where everything in my house comes from but I refuse to eat food that is 'made in china'.

[Paua Pukeko made by Paua Art in NZ - be in to win this wall art here]

I feel so sad that we are losing so much of the control of products in this country because it's 'cheaper' to send it overseas (well I'm assuming that is the reason). Every week I hear of a new business moving to China/Indonesia. More Kiwis losing their jobs. More products being made with less love, care and integrity. Are some of us so intent on making our million that we put our integrity aside?

[Ruby Sue dress, Made in NZ, for sale here]

Because my 'thing' is sewing. I sew as much of my children's clothes as possible. It's not always cheaper (not often) but they wear unique designs and concoctions that their crazy mum puts together, and they even get input into what I make.

I sell my NZ made clothing at markets and sometimes I overhear people saying how expensive my things are. That makes me really sad as I don't even get close to minimum wage for the time my clothes take to make. But I'm proud to make NZ made products. I'm proud to offer something that you can't find elsewhere and when you buy a Zealous Design you know it's not off a production line, and it has been handcrafted with time and love by me.

Since my biscuit experience, I'm a big label checker. But the best thing that has come out of that experience is my love of New Zealand made. So I go out of my way to buy from small businesses that craft their goods here in our lovely green country. Sure most things are more expensive than the warehouse but when you buy NZ made, you are often buying off a stay at home mum or someone who has put their heart into a product or service. I try to profile small Kiwi business on my FB page from time to time as well to help out other at home mum's trying to keep their family afloat.

If you work from home, handcraft a product or service, let me know!
Sew glad you stopped by

Brenda

Enter my giveaway here (finishes 18 August 2013)

Cottage Mama Pattern Release ~ Skip and Play Pants

Check out these awesome pants by The Cottage Mama's. I couldn't wait to start these cuties, I just love the unique trims. There are so many ruffle pant patterns out these but these Skip and Play Pants/Capri are just adorable and the detailed trims, cuffs and buttons make it a must buy.

It was hard to chose fabric as I wanted the pants warm enough for winter so I chose corduroy again, even though so many of my cute quilted fabrics were begging me to use them. I'll definitely be making these again in spring as capri, so they will get their chance :-)

One of my favourite aspects of these pants are the lean leg. My daughter doesn't trip over the fabric like so many of her wide leg ruffle pants. 

And check out just how adorable the ruffles and cuffs are. Not only are they cute but they are actually very easy to make. 

And just to prove how easy they are to 'skip and play' in, my daughter decided to climb trees and run along the beach at top speed. 

To purchase Skip and Play Pants in PDF form, visit The Cottage Mama's etsy store!
To purchase the pants/capris in New Zealand, contact me at Zealous Design.

Thanks for stopping by!
Brenda

Cottage Mama New Pattern ~ Miss Matilda

A few weeks ago I was given the awesome opportunity to help test out some of The Cottage Mama's newest patterns. Since we are heading into winter down in New Zealand I chose to make my items 'winter friendly'. In my stash was some corduroy which I didn't have big plans for but turned out to be the perfect base for these items.

First up is Miss Matilda's dress/top (sizes 6 months to 10 years. Isn't this adorable! I love the fun ruffles that spice up the neckline and down the button placket. the big bow ties on the side and gives a gorgeous unique look. Lindsay designed the outfit perfectly and the pattern was so easy to follow and sew up.

Miss Matilda has a lovely full skirt that naturally stands out with the corduroy I've used. It also has the option of being shortened into a top, with or without the ruffles. You could also dress it up with a trim along the border of the skirt. 

And of course there is the twirl factor, an important aspect for my little girl who loves to twirl twirl twirl. 

To purchase Miss Matilda in PDF form, visit The Cottage Mama's etsy store!

To purchase this dress/top in New Zealand, contact me at Zealous Design.

Next blog, skip and play pants also by The Cottage Mama :-)

Thanks for stopping by!
Brenda

Pattern Review: Claire's Patchwork Pillowcase Dress by CKC

PATTERN: This is a PDF pattern by Create Kids Couture (CKC). Actually this was the first pattern I bought from them and my first PDF pattern ever (since this purchase last year I have gained a rather large collection).

WHAT: A patchwork dress in the popular pillowcase style, with a twist. There is an adorable keyhole cut and sewn into the back so the shoulder ties can be tied in a bow either at the back or across one shoulder. The dress is finished with a border of ruffles. I love ruffles.

SIZE: I made a size 2T. This pattern has a large size range at 6months through to 8 years.

FABRIC: I used up a lot of my scraps on my first dress. I also made a few for my friends (see photo near end) which I used Happy Hills and Pretty Little things fabric lines amongst others.

PATTERN PIECES: CKC have a unique pattern cutting method, which I've come to love. Most pattern pieces are given in rectangle measurements and the pattern pieces provided are used to cut off sections of the rectangle which leaves you with the bodice pieces. Brilliant.

ILLUSTRATIONS/INSTRUCTIONS: CKC patterns always have photos for every step, you don't have to read instructions over and over trying to work out what is meant. It is so easy to follow you often don't even need the instructions, the photos are so clear.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES: There is nothing very tricky in this pattern unless you create your own bias tape. You'll need a bit of time and patience putting all the squares for the patchwork together, but I found it quite fun.

CONCLUSION: What I love about this pattern is, it's going to fit my daughter for years. As a 2 year old it is a maxi dress, but on a 5 year old it will be knee length.
I find Create Kids Couture patterns brilliant. They are always well laid out. You don't have to print a thousand pages. They are well tested and have great support if you have a problem. I would highly recommend this pattern and any of their others. Find this pattern here.

Thanks for stopping by! 

Brenda

Pattern Review: Diane Kimono by Serendipity Studio

PATTERN: Diane Kimono Dress/Tunic top by Serendipity Studio a paper pattern using tissue. I must comment here to say, I'm so used to pdf patterns now that I find tissue a bit hard to deal with now. 

WHAT: Asian inspired dress/top with a tie to cinch in the waist. This pattern could look a bit frumpy with the wrong fabrics, but I'm excited about making a long dress for summer in some funky fabrics. For this pattern review I made a top so I can wear it in the upcoming winter (over a long sleeve top). I did make a few changes, the skirt in the pattern is one fabric, but due to not having enough in my stash, I made a panelled skirt instead. 

SIZE: XXS through to XXL. I made an XS.

FABRIC: I used fabrics from my stash, I decided to stick with the asian theme: For the main fabric I used Golden Garden in grey by Alexander Henry. I used  the Serenity line by Bo Bunny for accents and Textured Basics by Patty Young for part of the skirt. I love how it's turned out! 

I also fully lined the bodice, which isn't in the pattern, just a personal preference. 

PATTERN PIECES: There are about 5 pieces to cut out and use. I transferred mine to other paper just in case I got the wrong size. I didn't want to have to cut out the tissue. The pattern did suggest cutting to the biggest size then folding the bigger sizes away, but I couldn't see how you would easily do that. 

ILLUSTRATIONS/INSTRUCTIONS: There are a lot of hand drawn illustrations to follow in this pattern. I'm used to photos of late so it took a bit of a mind shift but it was easy to follow once I got my head around it. Instructions were full and detailed with extra instructions for different options to make as part of the dress. 

There are two options for the skirt width and options for gathered shoulders. 

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES: Using bias tape and as usual I made my own using matching fabrics. Threading a tie through a specially sewn casing 

CONCLUSION: Awesome pattern, easy to follow and comfortable to wear. I would say a beginner could easily cope with this as there are no zips, button holes or darts.

Sew nice of you to stop by :-)
Brenda


Click to find this pattern online.

Addicted to patterns

Hi, my name is Brenda and I'm addicted to new patterns. 

Since pdf patterns have arrived on the scene, it's just too easy to buy them, print them off and sew them. Normally I would have to drive an hour to even view a pattern book, so having the internet on my lap daily is not helping my addiction. 

It also doesn't help that all these lovely pattern designers are having sales all the time, tempting me with their low cost, beautiful designs and easy downloading. 

I joined a support group but that just encouraged my habit even more. Now I have folders full of these amazing patterns that I can mix and match and sew at a moments notice. In fact some nights I'm so intoxicated on them I don't go to bed until the wee hours ;-) 

I walk through shops, comparing the drab offerings to my amazing fabric stash and don't buy a thing. Then I come home and create a new dress or top that makes my heart sing... I think I need to see a Doctor.... 

;-) 

Tutorial: Doll's cot fitted sheet

It's my daughters second birthday next week and my husband made her a gorgeous wooden dolls cot which meant I need to dress it.

After making a mattress out of an old lilo pad and some batting I started work on a sheet. But what 2 year old knows how to tuck in a flat sheet, so the idea formed to make a fitted sheet. But not just a normal fitted sheet with elastic, a shirred one!

Now I know that some people are scared of shirring, as was I last year, but it seriously is the easiest thing once you get over your fears, and what better way to try it out than on some scrap material to make some doll's bedding!! (if you need shirring instructions, there are many many tutorials on the web if you search on google or youtube)

Here's what you need:
- 1/4 yard of fabric (I used some old flannel from my mum's stash)
- cotton thread
- shirring thread
- ruler
- pins
- sewing machine and/or serger

1. Lay your piece of fabric on the table and sit your dolls mattress on top. Cut out fabric approximately 2"/ 5cm* wider (on each side) than the mattress. If your mattress is extra thick, you will have to add on more excess to make sure the sheet fits. (* if you aren't planning on using a rolled hem on the raw edges, you will need to add another half inch.)

2. Cut 1.5" squares out of each of the four corners.

3. Take the two edges labelled A and B, and with right sides together sew along the short line, making a box corner.

4. Hem: Serge a rolled hem around the entire raw edge. If using a sewing machine, fold over 1/4 inch to the wrong side, iron and sew. Repeat.

5. Time to shirr. Make sure you are sewing on the right side of the fabric. Sew right next to the rolled hem, all the way around the sheet, don't forget to backstitch. Then using your sewing foot as a guide, sew another row of shirring around the entire hem. Use the steam setting on your iron to shrink the elastic of your shirring and put your new fitted sheet onto your doll's mattress.

Congratulations you're done! How easy was that!

Sew glad you stopped by.
Brenda

Pattern Review: Kyoko by Modkid

PATTERN: The KYOKO pattern by Modkid. Paper pattern, which I have transferred to tissue in a few different sizes.

WHAT: Asian inspired shirt and dress for girls, featuring an obi-sash, which I am in love with.

SIZE: This pattern is from size 2T through to 7, but I know Modkid makes a similar tween pattern and a women's pattern - exciting!!

FABRIC: As you can see I've made at least 5 of these dresses/tops so far using a myriad of different fabrics. Fabrics of note: Riley Blake Tonal Chevrons, Michael Millers ta dot and lush and Patty Youngs Textured Basics. Every dress I fully lined the bodice with plain white cotton. I've used quilters cotton for each of these and wouldn't really recommend anything too thin, although a thicker fabric would make this a lovely warm dress for winter.

PATTERN PIECES: Pattern pieces include sleeves, front bodice, back bodice and obi sash. The skirt of the dress/top are given in cutting measurements. I chose to try a few different styles including one that isn't included in the pattern. The pattern gives options for a one colour skirt or a 6 panel skirt.

I tried a stripwork skirt (top, middle photo) and also left off the sleeves for a different look. Perfect for winter if you want to wear a long sleeve tee underneath.

The pattern includes pieces for short or long sleeves. I haven't tried the long sleeves but I love the look.

ILLUSTRATIONS/INSTRUCTIONS: This dress would definitely suit a beginner as the instructions are very clear and there is nothing too challenging, especially if you use store bought bias tape.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES: Creating my own bias tape was a new skill I learnt using this pattern and I was thrilled with the results and can't stop making more.

CONCLUSION: I love this pattern, it's easy, quick and fits girls of many sizes easily with it's loose fitting nature. The obi-sash cinches in the dress to make it look fitted and unique. I can't wait to buy some asian printed fabrics to really give it an exotic look.

I'm very into asian inspired clothing this year, watch for a review on a women's top/dress coming soon.
Catch me on Facebook and don't forget to leave me a comment below to say 'hi'.

Sew glad you stopped by!
Brenda

Apron

My mum asked for an apron for her birthday so I picked some pretty fabric that I thought she'd like then set to work. I made up the pattern, based loosely on an apron I already have.

It didn't work as well as I'd hoped but I put elastic along the top to stop the gapping and added a yoyo flower for fun. 

The skirt is gathered using the zig zag and wool system and sewn onto the back of the waist tie. I added a rounded pocket and some lace from my mothers collection, to remind her of an older project. Then a frill on the bottom. 

It was a fun easy project. Here are some pics of kids apron's I've made as well. Each one is a one of a kind, I don't tend to make the same apron twice. 

Saturday Market Skirt

Another fun project from portabellopixie! The Saturday Market Skirt. Can you tell how much I love to twirl! I put this skirt onto my bucket list for 2012 and finally in October I finished it. It took me ages to decide what fabric I wanted to use and after making a dress for my daughter out of Michael Millers LUSH I decided I loved those colours and used the left overs. I decided to make the colours in layers for a different look. I love it!

ZG

Rag doll: Maggie

Meet Maggie! I love free tutorials all over the internet. There are some amazingly generous bloggers who take the time to make these tutorials for all of us to enjoy. I found a great rag doll tutorial here: quaintandquirky. I made a few changes but all in all it had awesome instructions and even a pattern to download and cut out.

My little girl just loves it. She has carried it around all day (I only just gave it to her) and given it lots of cuddles. I think I might just have to make a few more for little girls in my life.

What have you been sewing lately?
ZG

Pirates

It was my son's pirate party yesterday and he looked super cute in his pirate outfit (that I made). I made it big enough that he'll hopefully have a couple of years wear out of it. Or I have enough fabric to make the rag bottomed pants into trousers by adding onto the bottoms, or hemming them to make shorts.

The tee material was pretty fun with the stripes and crossbones. My second time making a tshirt and this time I got to use some stabilising strips on the shoulders. That was a first.

I love the waist coat, it has red inside and a little pocket for secret treasures. I also made the red scarf under his captains hat with a little skull and crossbones bondafixed on.

I had fun fun fun!

Vintage Pyjamas

I was given a box of 'vintage' fabric from my friends mum. Awesome!!! My first project was to make Mr 3 some winter PJs. I made them quite big in the hope they will last two winters. Don't you just love the vintage cowboy print! And the flannette was still so fluffy and soft too.

The top of the PJs was my first try at sewing knit fabric. Man was it easy!! This raglan sleeve pattern is a raw style. The seams are on the outside and the hems are raw. I love it. My boy seems to as well, wanting to wear them to bed that night, even though it's still relatively summery at night.

I love it that he's excited about home sewn clothes. I know it won't last forever, but I'm making the most of it for now. He asked me just yesterday to make him some winter pants. Ay ay captain! Off to make some sweat pants for kindy!! When does sewing clothes become more expensive than buying them? I was pretty shocked at the price of sweat material... I'm hoping to get two or three items out of the piece I bought.

Next challenge is some pirate clothes for his 4th birthday in a month. I'm quite excited about making them. I've got fabric for a tee, waist coat and pants. I'll also make a waist tie and a head scarf.

Happy sewing!

Wallet

I decided to have a try at making a wallet (see tutorial here). It wasn't too tricky actually, although I would sew up slightly different at the end if I made it again. Mine looks a tad messy, but not bad for my first time.

Check out the photos:

I changed the magnetic snaps to a flap and snap. This week I'm having my first try at sewing a tshirt. I haven't sewn with knit material since I was at school. Wish me luck!!

What is your favourite fabric to sew with?