Pattern testers

Anyone out there interested in pattern testing for me? I have a pattern ready to go for a baby sleeping bag - one with a zip up the middle. A great cosy and safe way for your baby to sleep. It comes in the 3 sizes (0-6 months; 6 - 12 months and; 12 - 18 months). My girls love them. In fact, I made one for my lovely friend Ems and her new baby Huey and I have one in the pipeline for my dear friend Mich and her new little baby girl... They are definitely my go to baby pressie!

So, how does the pattern testing work?

1. Send me an email at petitepatterns@mail.com saying - yes please, I would LOVE to pattern test!

2. I send you a copy of the pattern in PDF form as well as a questionnaire about the pattern. You need to print it out and put the pattern together following my instructions. Then, buy some fabric and make yourself a baby sleeping bag

3. Complete the questionnaire and send this back to me along with some clear photos of your new baby sleeping bag

This pattern should be good for a beginner sewer...

Win, win! Let's get pattern testing!

Backless dress

The dress is coming along well - I can't wait to share some of my favourite bits. Think bound seams, side seam pockets, french seams, fuchsia lining, 50's style box pleats...

In the meantime I did manage to buy some shoes and matching lipstick. Well, I am getting my priorities in order!

Backless dress design - pattern drafting

In my previous post about the backless dress I am making to wear to a wedding in 6 weeks times I was deliberating between:

    and      

Well, the votes are in and I have decided on 50's chic. I couldn't get past the thought that the 80's glam looked more like a day dress - I can imagine it in a light Chambray or even a fun floral. I will definitely keep it in mind for a dress at a later date.

The drafting process for the bodice was an involved one.  I started with a standard block and modified it according to the design. I firstly included french darts - I figured that these gave the dress more of a 50's look - and drafted the shoulder to sit slightly off shoulder (but not too off shoulder that it slid right off - certainly not a good look after a few champagnes!). I found I ended up taking a few centimetres off the shoulder seam to make sure it stayed put.

 The back too had a few drafting tweaks. The curve of the backless design undertook a number of tucks to ensure that it didn't gape.

After 4 different toiles, each being subjected to various tucks and adjustments, I think I am finally happy with the fit.

I won't bother to draft a pattern piece for the skirt as the shape will be provided by the pleats. It will have 3 large box pleats in the front and 2 in the back as well as pockets in the side seams. The fabric is quite delicate and frays easily so I think I will use french seams. Side seam pockets with french seams - I do like a challenge!

Bunny Bookend

I am busily trying to complete some projects for Miss S's room to make it more into a cosy toddler bedroom. I bought a bookcase for her books and moved them all upstairs so they no longer clutter our lounge room. Books, as you know, are a pest to keep nice and orderly on a bookshelf and almost impossible when you have a curious toddler pulling them off all the time. I searched for some interesting and cute bookends but couldn't find any so decided to have a go at making the pattern myself. Miss S has a love of rabbits so a bunny bookend was an obvious choice. I think she looks great holding up the books.

To make one, print out the pattern and follow the instructions below. I filled her with rice to make her nice and sturdy to hold books but there is no reason why she couldn't be filled with ordinary stuffing for a cute child's toy.

You will need:

Bunny Pattern

30 cm fabric for bunny

Scraps of fabric for tummy and ear lining

Felt for face and tail

Stuffing or rice (for a more sturdy bunny)

black thread

Cut:

2 body pieces (front and back)

4 ear pieces (2 of lining fabric)

1 face

1 tummy

1 tail

I think she looks great perched on the shelf or, she does a stellar job as a doorstop as well!