Elle-Belle Romper by Bebelambs

As promised here is a pattern by Bebelambs that I tested for the baby.  C has such a sunny personality I wanted to make an outfit that matched her sweetness.  Usually I don't go for the frilly stuff on baby clothes like bows and shirring.  In this case, I am so glad that I did.  I chose a soft gingham for the bodice and a small patterned print for the bottoms.

The bodice ties on with an adorable bow through a button hole in the back.  When she goes in the car seat I undo the bow, wrap it around her waist and tie the bow in the front.

It is difficult to get photos of her cute baby legs.  This beach photo is the best I could get.  The legs of the romper are shirred and creates this cute ballooning.  It also fits over cloth diapers!

I will definitely be making more of these to last us through the summer.  The next time I will try out some snaps for easier diaper changing.  For a limited time the pattern is on sale.  Go check it out HERE!

Have you made it to the beach this summer?  We live rather close to the beach but I'm so daunted by all the packing, carrying, and chasing I have to do there.  We hardly get down there as much as I should.

The Lovely Lily Rose by Sunday Girl Design

Do you remember The Odette designed by Sunday Girl Designs?  Well, Georgianna has created another beautiful pattern again that I was lucky enough to test.  Her pattern releases at the end of this week!  Keep up to date with the pattern at her Facebook page, SundayGirlDesigns.

Quick Collage

There are many things to love about this pattern:

1. It is full of beautiful details like the turned corners on the bodice,  bias tape details on the pockets, high low hem with ruffles, etc

2. The pattern pieces come together perfectly

3. There is a clever tutorial for turning spaghetti straps

4. Includes options to simplify the dress.  You can make a simple bodice, omit the high-low hem, or forego the pockets.  But really, why would you?

5. The dress is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.  The only place you see hems are the side seams of the skirt, and where the ruffle joins the skirt.  If you lined the skirt and the ruffle you could easily make a reversible dress!  

Pockets for my treasures!

When making this dress be prepared to set aside some time.  Let me tell you though, the dress is so worth it.  Bring out some of the fabrics you love to pet as you walk by your sewing stash.  Admit it, we all have those fabrics we just can't bring ourselves to cut.  This pattern is worth it and you can use small cuts of your treasured fabrics for the details.

One more thing before I bombard you with photos of the dress.  I was able to sew this dress hopped up on pain killers because of a gnarly gum infection.  I don't know how it happened.  I do remember getting some food stuck between my teeth and aggressively flossing.  Maybe my flossing cut something?  This is probably the first time a dentist will tell me that flossing was not a great idea!  Flossing aside, the dress looks complex but if you follow Georgianna's instructions you won't believe how simple it is.

Of course I have not forgotten about baby C!  She's coming up in another pattern I tested.  For now you can see her with her favorite toy.

Why yes, that is a Roomba.  Yes she has a panic attack when she turns it on.   And yes, she continues to turn it on anyway.

Stasia by Gracie May Designs

This has been an incredibly busy sewing month for me. I'm so excited to show you some amazing patterns I was lucky enough to test. First up is the Stasia by Gracie May Designs. The dress pattern was released on Sunday July 13th and is available at a discount for the initial release. The code for the Etsy store is HAPPYRELEASEDAY, and no code is needed over at Craftsy.

This dress sews up so quickly and with a truly elegant design.

Check out the sweet bow.

The pattern is all shown in drawings which I find really appealing.  With drawings it is very clear which side of the fabric is the right side as well as where the stitch lines are supposed to be.  

The back of the dress is super comfy as it is elastic.  Right after we took photos of the dress, B decided she wanted to ride her tricycle to the park.  So off we went and I didn't even bother to change her out of her dress.  Unfortunately there was some sort of commercial being shot so we were not able to play on the playground.  As you can probably guess it lead to a minor meltdown.

I convinced her to come home by promising to push the tricycle home so that we could go fast.  We have one of those tricycles that have a handle on the back. The mini crisis was adverted.

Here are some photos that didn't make it to the dress designer since the dress wasn't in showcased well enough.  These photos were the result of her new favorite game, run-away-from-the-camera.

Ready?

Set.

Go!

The best things about this pattern:

1. Simple and clear pattern

2. Sewed up so quickly

3. Elegant and unique design

4. Comfy because of the elastic back

5. Well thought out construction and sturdy enough to play in

You'll love it too for it's elegance, simplicity, and seriously less than 2 hours to make!