Pattern Testing the Louisa Dress

I had the honor recently of being a pattern tester for CompagnieM. I tested her Louisa dress which is 10% off from now until Dec 7th (23:59 CET time zone) with the code Louisa10off. Her pattern is for the experienced beginner or intermediate sewer. The Louisa pattern includes references to very helpful tutorials for sewing an invisible zipper, adding bias tape, and making your own bias tape. This was my first time sewing a pattern my CompagnieM. and I found her instructions clear and easy to follow. Pictures are included with each step. The Louisa dress pattern provides many opportunities for creativity with three back options.  Also, if you have purchased her Mara blouse, the sleeves from this pattern can be used on the Louisa pattern. (For those who have not purchased the Mara blouse, CompagnieM. is offering a 2pack where you can purchase both patterns for 12 euros.)

CompagnieM.'s description of this dress sums it up perfectly: The Louisa Dress by CompagnieM. is a vintage inspired pattern with a modern twist. Unique pockets and three back options make this a versatile pattern. Add lining according to the season and enjoy this pattern the whole year round.

I chose the horizontal back option and fully lined the dress so my daughter can wear it this winter. I made this dress in size 4 for my daughter who will be 5 in January. I made the dress 2 inches longer than the pattern since my daughter is tall.

Now it's time for a GIVEAWAY...

One of my lucky readers will have the chance to win CompagnieM.'s Louisa Dress pattern! 

To enter all you have to do is click on the Rafflecopter below. 

This giveaway will run from today (Dec. 2) until Dec. 5 at 12am CET timezone.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Neon Kitty Birthday

My baby turned 3 so we celebrated with a Neon Kitty birthday. We got our first snowfall the day before and it continued to blizzard on her birthday. I wasn't sure if anyone would be able to come. In the end her wonderful friends braved the storm (one family didn't make it because they slid into a ditch) and Isla was able to have her party.

Isla waiting for guests to arrive (meanwhile I was crossing my fingers that even one guest would make it because of the snowstorm)

Isla patiently waiting again. She sat like this for at least 15 minutes. All her little guests were busy playing in the box houses.

Eli got a new camera and was so excited to use it!

creepy kitty

Loot Bags: books, stickers, and neon pencils for the older ones and a kitty toy for the baby

Diaper Bag

I made Isla a diaper bag with some accessories to go inside for her 3rd birthday. All of the links to the sewing patterns I used can be found on my pinterest board: Sewing For Isla.

Summer Tea Party

This summer I hosted a tea party for my girls and some of their friends. I'm pretty sure I had the most fun just watching how cute they all were in their little dresses sipping tea from real tea cups. My girls have requested to have a cake at the next one, so maybe I'll make it a summer tradition.

Pattern Testing for Elegance & Elephants: Bubble Pocket Top & Spin Skirt

I just finished sewing another E&E pattern! I was asked to test her soon to be released Bubble Pocket Top & Spin Skirt. This pattern is quick to put together and perfect for the hot summer days that are finally here. I decided to use a light weight cotton floral fabric for the top and sequence fabric for the skirt. I added a layer under the sequence fabric just so the skirt wouldn't be see-through. The sequence layer isn't hemmed because I liked the look of the raw edge with this fabric. One thing I really like about the skirt pattern is the waistband that has an elastic as well as a drawstring. I learned a new way to sew a waistband and I love how it looks. And the best part is Anja now has a new favourite skirt! I love it when my kids actually want to wear what I make them. (Anja is a slim, tall 4-year-old and is wearing size 4/5.)

So here it is...