Carina Gardner "Playdate Outfit" Pattern Review Part 2

I'm finally getting around to posting the photos of the outfit I made from the Carina Gardner Playdate pattern. It was a really fun and easy pattern to use. Before I was even done with this outfit for my older daughter I was planning another for my youngest.

I had just a couple of small issues that were probably just me not completely understanding not an issue with the pattern itself. I just had a tiny problem with the flutter sleeves and the finishing of the waistband elastic but figured it out easily on my own. Overall this was a great pattern and produced an absolutely  adorable outfit. The only thing missing is the fabric flower, I haven't decided if I want it on my blouse or on a hair accessory.  The fit is perfect and really flattering on my daughter.I highly recommend this pattern and  like I said I plan on using this pattern again(right away!) to make the same outfit for my younger daughter but perhaps  choosing the bermuda shorts rather than the capri.

And now my finished product!

Purchasing info for this pattern can be found  HERE

Thanks for reading and Happy sewing!

Libby Lu Designs Peasant Dress Pattern Review and a great new fabric source!

I didn't include it in my earlier post about PDFs because I felt that this Libby Lu Designs pattern needed a post all it's own. I found this pattern on Etsy while browsing PDF dress patterns. What made me click on it(other than it's just cute)is that 4 variations were included. I love patterns that you can put your own spin on or that offer the opportunity to make several from one basic design. 

You can find the pattern listing HERE 

First I have to say this pattern/tutorial was a joy to use. I have become quite at expert at telling a good tutorial from a bad, or at least which will work best for me and this one was fantastic. It comes with full sized pattern peices you print at home and tape together. The process was very simple, just match the lettered dots in the margins. It includes sizes 3-6 months all the way to 8 yrs!! The photos and instructions were clear and concise. I find that for me less is more, sometimes TOO much explanation trips me up. It was so easy it took me about an hour. I made the sleeves first as suggested, I made the short gathered sleeved dress for my 2 yr old and the 3/4 sleeved tunic for my older daughter. Next sew or serge as I did the sides. Then attach the sleeves. Last you made the neck casing, inserted the elastic and hemmed it up. So simple!

The dress I made for my 2 yr old little girl used only about a yard of fabric which is great because when I was sewing for her as a baby I could make just about anything from just one yard but now that she's older that's not always the case. I have yards and yards of single yard cuts in my stash, I mean like a lot, I have a serious fabric addiction! I love finding a project I can use some of those single yards and this one is perfect.  I selected Riley Blake's Sweet Divinity as the main fabric and Riley Blake's Quite Contrary Pink Dot for the sleeves. Here is my finished dress

My older daughter's favorite color is purple so I used a beautiful purple floral from Fabric Finders I had.Here is her Tunic

I recently ordered some Riley Blake from an Etsy seller, Skye Reve Fabrics,  who was just terrific.  When my order arrived quickly and wrapped in the most adorable packaging I was thrilled to learn she now has her own website AND she included a 20% coupon code for my first order.  Visit her shop HERE. She has a wonderful selection of fabrics but not too much that you get lost, very boutique-y. 

I odered  yardage of some Riley Blake fabric and a couple of bundles. Oh how I love love love bundles! All those coordinating fabric all put together for you, so much fun. Here's what I chose

Aviary 2 by Joel Dewberry

Tiny Town by Timeless Treasures

Thanks for reading, happy sewing!