Pattern Review: Cocoon Dress

Today we have a guest reviewing a dress I have been eyeing ever since it was released.  Thank you April for sharing this very cute and tween friendly dress!

******

Hello. I’m April. I live in Lancaster County, Pa with my husband and three children (11, 11 and 8). I first started sewing when I got married. It was always household things like curtains or gifts. I never in a million years thought that I would sew clothing. I credit the online sewing community and PDF’s for taking me to the next step and constantly challenging me. I love creating things for my children and occasionally for myself. The best part is that they still enjoy wearing it. Although I am not a blogger you can find me on Instagram- aaspinetti

Name of the pattern: Cocoon Dress by Heidi and Finn

Pattern Source:  You can buy the PDF pattern at Heidi and Finn's etsy shop

Sizes avalable: 12M-12yr.

Special materials required:

• 1/4 yard of bias tape, double fold, 1/4”-1/2” (knit or woven) for neckline 
• regular or decorative zipper 6” or longer for back closure 

OR 

• small piece of elastic and button for back closure 
• matching thread, scissors, low tack tape (scotch, giftwrap, washi etc,)   

Skill level required: The pattern is listed as an easy sew. I would agree. I could see the zipper being intimidating if you haven't done one before. Although, the pattern walks you through the installation so clearly that this would be the perfect pattern to start with if it was your first. 

How you came to choose the pattern: This pattern caught my eye online (PDF sewing group on Facebook) among fellow sewists. There are so many different versions as well as a wide size range. I definitely was sold when I saw that it went up to size 12.

Did you deviate from the pattern?  If yes, how?  I did not deviate from the pattern at all. I made it twice. The first was the size 12 for my oldest daughter and then a size 6 for my youngest. Both times I followed the measurements and instructions exactly.

Good: I love the versatility this pattern offers. The color blocking allows you to play around with color and design. However, even without the color blocking, the shape of the dress speaks volumes. The different fabrics called for allow you to make it a great dress for colder weather (wool with boots) as well as a classic summer dress. The exposed zipper is my favorite part. It really does make the back pop with that small but bold detail. I am excited to try more when I get my hands on some unique zippers. This was my first exposed zipper. The instructions were super clear, making it a breeze. The entire pattern came together easily. The instructions and photographs made construction and interpretation from start to finish a simple and successful sew. I was worried about the fit in the chest area since she is starting to develop. Turns out the fit was dead on. I am looking forward to tackling more Heidi and Finn patterns in the future.

Bad: I felt like the bottom was a little too bulky or wide in the size 12. Almost like the proportions were off a bit. However, I used a faux suede (pink) for the color blocking potion on the bottom. It could be that this fabric is contributing to the bulk. I really wanted it to be a classic all grey dress. The recipient had different ideas ;) The pink was our compromise. Even though it seems a bit big on the bottom/sides I am confident that it will be worn and we might even have some growing room. I do not feel that this is an issue at all in the size 6.

Ugly: She really loves it and is happy to wear it. I consider this a win. No uglies here ;)

Overall pattern rating:  I give this pattern 4 bolts. 

Willow & Co's new line

Last year a few indie designers got together and started their own pattern company called Willow & Co.  The theme of the first line was 'glamping' and they created several modern and stylish looks for children to wear.  Some of those patterns go through tween sizes, so we took notice.

Now this year, they have a fresh new line that has more items that are great for tweens.  We asked them to highlight their tween friendly patterns and introduce you all to this company.

***

Antalya dress

The Antalya dress is a relaxed-fitting dress with modern details. It features short dolman sleeves, curved front-side panels with gathered details, a separate gathered drop waist skirt at the back, and the option of either an exposed zipper or four buttons with loops. The neckline is finished with binding, and the dress curves can be accentuated with piping.

Limon Dress & Top

The Limon Dress & Top pdf sewing pattern includes all the options you need to make a classically modern outfit for a little girl in sizes 6 months through 12 years. It features pintucks on both the front and back as well as a fully lined bodice with a technique that encloses all the raw edges. You can choose to make a sleeveless dress or top or use the gathered sleeves. An optional placket can be added and embellished with your favorite lace or ruffled fabric. (Note: sizes 6 months to 3T must add the placket to allow for dressing.)

London Backpack

The London Backpack is a medium sized bag that works well for both kids and adults. It features two zipper pockets - a large outer pocket as well as a smaller inner pocket, adjustable straps, and it closes with a drawstring and magnetic snap.

This pattern is versatile, practical, and the perfect blank slate for pattern mixing and making modifications to suit your needs.

***

Thank you Willow & Co and keep the good tween patterns coming!!!

Fresh Air by BurdaStyle

Do you have a wedding to attend this summer or is your tween in need of some new dress clothes?

I know Easter is usually the big push for fancy clothes and that just passed.  But there always seems to be events in our lives that we need the kids to clean up and put on something other than jeans and a tee shirt.

BurdaStyle recently released a collection of dressy clothes that fit both tween girls and boys called the Fresh Air Collection. (This post contains affiliate links.)

Boy's Suit Jacket

Let's start with the boys.  Look at this stylish blazer!  I can just see a handsome 11 year old in this jacket with its trendy collar.

Boy's trouser

And to go with the blazer here are some trousers that are not too skinny but still hip.

Lace Dress with Peter Pan Collar

And now for the girls; here is a beautiful lace overlay dress with a peter pan collar and special button up back.

Open Blouse

I adore this open blouse that could dress up any outfit and could be used separate from this fancy collection.

Long Capped Sleeve Dress

And if you are looking for a longer dress, what do you think of this one?  I love the bow at the back too ... very feminine but not too little girl.

If you choose to sew any of these up, we would love to see how they look!  Let us know any tips or tricks you learned.

Spring 2015 runway trends

New York's Spring 2015 Fashion week just past and every fashion magazine and website is highlighting the their favorites.  I thought we could do the same.  I picked out the looks that appealed to me and gathered them up here.  I think several of these could easily translate to tween fashion.

Don't you?


A few designers were using gingham which is such a classic Spring/Summer fabric and is used for children clothes all the time.  I love how Diane von Furstenburg had such tailored pieces and pops of colored flowers that made this picnic fabric classy

source

source

Oscar de la Renta also was using gingham with stunningly beautiful floral prints and cutouts.

source

source

As one would expect for Spring and Oscar de la Renta big floral prints were prevalent.  An de la Renta used those large floral prints in neat tailored pieces.

DFV source

Shear fabrics were also prevalent in several collections.  Now, when translating high fashion to tweens, one always has to be careful to make adjustments that are age appropriate.  And sheer fabrics obviously can easily translate as sexy.  But, as you can see, these fashions use layers and I think that could be played with in order to make tween fashion with these flowing or cut out sheers.

Oscar de la Renta source

Oscar de la Renta source

Paul and Joe (source)

Vera Wang

I personally just loved this look.  I think it is ho it exudes cool and still has a fun blue pocket.

Marc by Marc Jacobs (source)

We don't choose to show bellies in my family but that does not mean we can't appreciate a crop top trend.  They are cute for layering or with a high-waisted pant too.

Marc by Marc Jacobs (source)

Diesel Black Gold (source)

source

Participating in these trends could be as simple as fabric choices.  But, to get some of the looks, the right pattern needs to be found.  So, I thought we could have a little linky party that you all could link patterns or fabrics that you think would work.  I ask that in your title, you state what trend you think that item matches.

An InLinkz Link-up

Bluezette Dress by Love Notions

I was lucky to be chosen to test this new dress:

Bluezette Dress by Love Notions

It is a dress that is perfect for a tween...trendy looking and can be dressed up or down and can be made with a mixture of fabrics. It also has 3 sleeve options and 3 skirt options...that makes quite a lot of options to mix and match. I did the elbow sleeves with the high/low skirt.

The size range is great too...from 2T-16, so one that will definitely grow with them.

Materials Required: The only thing needed is the fabric. The top needs to be knit/stretch, but the bottom can be anything light weight. I used some of the nice knit I got as part of my winnings. It came from Nosh fabrics and was divine to work with. The bottom was some kind of crepe like fabric that I had laying around. The bodice is lined and there is an underskirt as well, which I just used plain white jersey for both.

I would say that it is for an advanced beginner...the bodice assembly is a little different, but the instructions are great.

Good: Easy sew that is costumizable . The fact that the top is knit is perfect for a tween's changing body. And it's a pattern that would really let their personality show through, depending on which fabric they chose.

Bad: I think the 'look' needs a belt or something at the waist because the line looks visually off some how...maybe the whole design 3/5ths rule???  Not really that big of a deal and is probably just me...

Ugly: Nothing.

I give this one a 4 bolt rating!

And right now you can get a 20% off discount by using code word 'bluezette' at checkout over at Love Notions. You should go check out the site if you wondering about how this dress works for tweens...she's got some great pictures up, including the cover one.

Disclaimer: The opinions given are my own and I did not receive any compensation for this review.

Color of the Year: Marsala

Every year Pantone, self described as "the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries" announces the color of the year. Basically, it is the company that says what the colors are and which ones are IT. The last few years of colors have been bold and bright, but 2015's color, Marsala, is more subdued and deeper.

source

Marsala looks to me like a wine color, but not quite.  It appears to me as a creamy, rich color and I hope to sew something in it this year.

source

If you google marsala on the runway, you can see an amazing variety of looks created in this color.  Trends this year include slim cut suits, crop tops and moto jackets along with feminine pops of tulle and organza and they all can be seen in marsala.  

I especially like it on pants.  I simply love a colored pant in order to escape the constant blue jean.

source

source

And I guess I am not the only one that feels that way.  Here is a look worn by Taylor Swift that gives an idea of how to wear marsala off the runway.

source

And since we cannot have a wardrobe completely of one color, what colors can be paired with marsala?  Clearly Miss Swift picked navy blue.  And I loved the bright teal up in the runway look picture.  Pantone recommends cooler and softer hues for spring/summer 2015 and has an extensive list of supporting colors and how to wear them (click HERE to see them).

Color Pairings (source)

Here are several other options of palates to play with.  So, will your tween be receiving a hand made garment in marsala this year?  And what colors will you pair it with?

Easter Dress with a Review

It's 'Design Your Own Fabric' Week over at Project Run and Play, so I thought I'd play along and make Sophia an Easter dress to boot. As for how I designed the fabric, I tried two new things--ombre dying and detailing by sewing down embroidery thread.

The pattern is Simplicity 3510, but it's apparently out of print. 

And it only went up to a size 8...but it is a really easy pattern to alter up a size or two.

Even so it's a great pattern. Easy to follow instructions and lots of options. If you ever have a chance to get your hands on this pattern, it would be one worth having.

Here's my finished look and you kind of see the ombre a little better. It didn't turn out quite as I envisioned, but I do like it. But what I like the best is the thread detail on the bodice.

As for the pattern, it is an easy sew, with no buttons or zippers.  It works great with wovens of any kind and would be a great beginner pattern for someone that wants just a little more detail to follow.

I would give this pattern 5 bolts if it were available...in larger sizes.

 As for the changes I made, I added a little to the side seams as well as to the lengths of the bodice and skirt. And to make it a little less "little girl" like I did pleats where it said gathers. 

To get the detailing on the top, I first drew out my design with water soluble pen. Then I put a little glue (simple Elmer's) on the line and laid the embroidery thread down. Once it was dried, I just did a small zigzag in a lighter shade of green.

 A close up look of the embroidery thread detailing.

 I really like it with this vintage orange trim, tied at the waist. She didn't like it so much.

 What's your opinion?