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MadebyGenie

Made For Mermaids Ella 2.0

The Ella and matching Mama Ella tops have been updated! The top has always been adorable, with a ruffled neckline and low back, accented by a tie, but the new options and fit will make it an essential wardrobe piece! Now, the ruffle is optional, there is a higher back option, and in addition to the tie back, there are options for a plain band and bow back. Finally, there have been hemline additions; the regular top hem, which hits at the hip, a front tie option, and a dress option. The Mama Ella top has been updated to fit Made for Mermaids new, extended sizes. It has also added two hemlines, tie front with curved back and dress length, and a new cross back option Continue Reading

PAB Barcelona Blouse

When Amy from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop released a sneak of the summer blouse she was working on, I knew I wanted in. It was light and flowy, and oh so cute!

The Barcelona Blouse is a loose, flowy top that is perfect for summer heat. It includes a sleeveless and petal sleeve option, and can be made with either knit or woven fabrics. The top yoke is lined, which makes it perfect for a lovely lace fabric. It is available in sizes XXS through XXXL; I tested the size XS in the first round, and the XXXL in the second round. Continue Reading

Heirloom Sewing

When I was approached by my dear friend and godmother to my middle little, T, to make a First Holy Communion dress for her daughter, B, I was excited and honored. And then, when I realized it would be made from her wedding gown, I was very, very nervous.

B and her family chose the pattern (Vogue 7681), and we made a shopping trip to pick up some basics that I’d need to construct the dress. When I noticed how similar the pattern B chose was to her mother’s wedding gown, a few ideas started percolating. Continue Reading

Sofilantjes Litore Tunic and Dress

This week, I’ve been a busy bee with pattern testing and I’m really excited to share my first with you!

This was my first test for Sofilantjes, and I want to take a moment to say how easy Anne was to test for. This pattern was well designed and well written, and she was very responsive to any input, problems, or questions we had as testers.

But now on to the good stuff!

The Litore Tunic and Dress is a classic looking sundress from the front, with a really fun  criss cross strap detail in the back. It is available as a tunic, dress, or maxi with three different hem types; a-line, high/low circle, and handkerchief. The circle and handkerchief options also include pockets, which are so necessary for little girls and their treasures. All three skirts are interchangeable with the Solis Tunic and Dress, too, providing endless summer options! The pattern contains sizes 12 months through 14 years (undeveloped, although alterations aren’t too hard if your girl is within the size ranges), is written in English and Dutch, includes instructions with both pictures and graphics (the pattern is so easy to follow), and trimless pattern pieces in A4 and letter size. It’s on sale for two days only for 5.50 Euros (the exchange rate shows it at $6.12 USD, but that will be subject to change). Continue Reading

Tide Pool Tank Release Day!

I had a baby on February 26. In addition to all my feelings of joy (I am so blessed in my husband and three children), another thought soon began racing through my head:

I can test for boys now!! SEW ALL THE BOY BABY CLOTHES!!

So when Peek a Boo Pattern Shop put out a testing call for the Tide Pool Tank, I was all in.

The Tide Pool Tank is a sweet and simple slim-fit tank top with a hood option. I made the 6 month size for my not-quite-three-month-old-chunk, and the fit is spot on. It is on sale today, for Thrifty Thursday, for $6.75. The top is suitable for boys or girls and is sized from 3 months to 12 years. Continue Reading

Seaside Notions Pensacola Beach Petal Top

I came across this Pensacola Beach Petal Top by Seaside Notions in a pattern group a few weeks ago and immediately fell in love with it. It’s got that combination of vintage charm and sweet little girl that I just love! Seaside Notions is having a Mother’s Day special through May 12, and this pattern can be purchased for $5.59 (regularly $7.99). All patterns are 30% off!

It was still chilly up here in Michigan at the time, but I knew this was going to be a spring/summer hit with my little girl, and I had some wovens from Hobby Lobby stashed that I was excited to use for it. Continue Reading

Welcome Spring, Welcome Flutterby!

Hey guys!

Eleri and I have a treat of a top and dress pattern to share with you today. The Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop is releasing the Flutterby Top and Dress pattern and it is on sale for $6.75 today (4/14). The pattern features a raglan style top or dress with flutter sleeves in sizes 3 mo to 12.

You probably know by now that Eleri loves all the knit dresses from the Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop. Usually, Eleri sews her child’s ready-to-wear size with some added length. Because of the deep armscye and raglan ruffle neck, it is imperative to pay close attention to the size chart on this sew. Eleri usually sews a 10 for her Big Miss, but sized down to an 8 for this test and got perfect results. Continue Reading

Baptism Sunday

Hello, all! While I’ve been able to collaborate on a few posts and help with some things in the background, due to my pregnancy and now newborn, this is my first solo post! I couldn’t be more delighted to be here. My husband and I have been married for fifteen years and have three beautiful children. Our girls are 12.5 and 6, and our son is brand spankin’ new. I have been sewing and crafting since I was a little girl and am looking forward to sharing more projects with our readers. Continue Reading