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

Home Body and Beauty Market

I've been selling at Markets and Fairs for just over a year now and have learnt so much in that short time. I've also had so much fun meeting customers and other extremely talented crafts people. 

With so many of the products around these days 'made in China' and sold by big multi million dollar companies. I am really trying to make an effort myself to buy from local crafts people or make my own things. When you buy local, you are not only helping support families but putting money back into your local community rather than lining the pockets of rich business men. 

I've also recently got involved in helping organise a market in my local area with two extremely hardworking and talented girls. Both run their own small businesses from home like me, who also needed some outlet for their talents and products. (Check out Kathy and Robayne and their awesome products).

I had no idea how much hard work went into organising a market until four months ago, but even though it's a lot of work, it's worth it to bring so much talent and New Zealand made products together in my local country town.

One thing we've found quite difficult is working out how to reach people to advertise this market. Do people read newspapers anymore? Does everyone have Facebook yet? Do signs on the side of the road work anymore? Let me know what your thoughts are... how would we reach you to advertise a market?? How would we reach your mum or grandma?

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: 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