What I've been up to.......PDF Patterns Part 1

Seems like forever since I've blogged and I really miss it, just haven't been able to find the time with the whirlwind that is my life. Some(or maybe more) of those who might be following my blog know that I have a son on the autistic spectrum. Lately and now that he is a teenager I've tried not to burden him with a label, like for example "I have a son who is autistic" it feels like stating it that way defines him by his disability  and there is a lot more to him. Anyway, it has been a really tough time for us as a family and for me and my son individually. I will try not to go into too much detail but let's just say that the transition to teenager has been a rocky one, lots of bumps along the way. I often feel like a failure as his mother and at a loss as to help him. It is during those times that my creative outlets, mainly sewing, save me. It is my refuge, my sanctuary. In my sewing room I feel like a success. I can take on a new challenge and succeed or at least my mistakes all seem fixable. In parenting I am so afraid that my mistakes can not be fixed and will do long term damage, I am very unsure of myself lately in so many ways. Not so when I am sewing or designing.

As someone who is not the most patient person I LOVE PDF(downloadable)sewing patterns. I can go in search of a new project anytime day or night and get it right away and just print it out. No waiting and I don't even have to leave the house, what could be better?  Most of my recent projects have been e-patterns, except for an Olive Ann Pattern that I have made about four times in the last month, more on that later.

I wanted to share some of my favorite e-patterns and where to find them. I'm all about simplicity right now, and trying to stay away from things that might frustrate me or make my sewing time anything but relaxing "me time". In general that means set in sleeves and certain tricky zippers. I'm also really into projects that can be done in an evening or two. I like instant gratification, and have a terribly short attention span, I'm not proud of it but I am honest and realistic. Sewing is my "thing", the one thing I take time to do just for the sheer joy of it so I want to keep it as fun as possible. In general I've found that most e-patterns cater to that mind set and are beginner friendly as well.

Etsy is a GREAT place for pdf/e-patterns the only downside is that there is a bit of a wait as you have to wait for the seller to process the order and email it to you. There are also sites/shops that offer instant downloads or nearly instant. I have found that many sources or sites offer many of the same designers. Some of the most popular for children are Whimsy Couture, Little Lizard King, Ginger Louise, Sis Boom, and Ellie Inspired  and for the more advanced seamstress, and one of my favorites for heirloom type sewing is Olabelhe. Most of them are available on Etsy but a lot of brands have their own sites too with quicker downloads, Little Lizard King for example.You can visit them here. I have made their apron knot dress, it was a big hit. Here is the link and pic

 

I also just purchased Millie's Market Dress here is a photo of it, so sweet! I plan on doing a contrast sleeve and maybe a sash at the waist.

Whimsy Couture is a very popular designer of children's, girls,  pdf/e-patterns. They have lots to choose from and are super cute and also really easy to follow and construct. I made their knot dress variation, they went together so fast I couldn't believe it, I made three over the course of two evenings. Here are photos of my finished product.

Whimsy Couture also has a great sewing blog, the link is in my side bar in addition to their pattern shop. Here is the shop link..

Another gem I found was the Olive Dress by Up Up and Away Patterns on Etsy. Easy and fun little dress to make and an added bonus was the price of the pattern, only $6!!! They have a great selection of simple and sweet patterns.  Here's my take on The Olive

Two online sewing boutiques that I just love carry a fantastic selection of pdf/e-patterns from a wide variety of designers and offer quick downloads. 

The first is Sew Mama Sew, that is an active link to the pdf landing page. I have a special place in my heart for them because they are local and the customer service is fabulous. They offer just about everything you need to make adorable one of a kind pieces for children as well as women. GREAT fabrics!  I really like their boutique handbag patterns.

I've saved the best(in my opinion)and my favorite for last. Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops is THE place for simply precious boutique patterns, they have an amazing selection of paper patterns as well and they carry Olabelhe Patterns in paper and e formats. My words can't do Olabelhe justice. They are incredible. Here are a couple of their designs.

So there you have it, just a few of my favorite PDF/E-Patterns. Tonight I'm taking on another, The Brynne Dress from Brynnberlee on Etsy. I just found this shop and I love it. All the patterns are just $6 but I got a bundle of three for a mere $12. Here is the Brynne Dress one of three wonderful patterns I chose.

I plan on doing it in a line of fabrics from Riley Blake I just got, I'll share when I'm done :)