Monday, March 11, 2013

Testing, testing... my first pattern for Elegance&Elephants

WoooHooooo - I know it has been quiet over here this past week, but I have been working on some pattern tests for some awesome designers and I am allowed to share the first one with you!!!

We all know Heidi's style and impeccable sewing skills from her blog Elegance&Elephants.  I fell in love with her classic designs that were always wearable and unique when I saw her on season 5 of PR&P.  So I was over the moon excited when I was selected as one of the designers to test her FIRST pattern.

This pattern is available starting TODAY - and believe me it is one you do not want to miss out on!  This is Heidi's Ruffle Top, but the pattern includes 3 variations - Tunic Top, A line Dress, and Swing Dress.  I tested the tunic top and LOVE it.  The ruffles are just too cute and the pattern is fairly quick to pull together - the top pairs perfectly with leggings or shorts, and I will probably pair it with ruffled bloomers for the summer.  I think the swing dress version would be awesome for Easter or just a fun flirty dress.

I have made two versions of the top so far, and want to do another one in a knit (I just love the ease of knits for my babies).  My first version is all one color made form a gorgeous brick red sheet (that got holes in it ;op) - the second version is two tone and I love how it accents the ruffles even more.

I made this one using 2 vintage fat quarters that my Aunt passed along to me when I started sewing for the kids this past summer.  Heidi recommends 1.25 yards for the 18 month tunic - and you should always buy based on recommendations (there is self made bias tape involved in this pattern which does eat up more yardage).  Luckily I was able to just eek out this top out of what I had.

(*this was a very quick photo shoot as it was only about 30degrees out - and baby girl had NO interest in looking at me, oh well)





(*And yes, these pictures were taken pre-breaking the leg, actually on the day she broke her leg ;op)

What I LOVE about this pattern:
-the instructions are clear and easy to follow and include a TON of photos
-the design is a little modern, a little vintage, and lends itself to tons of personalization!
-this is what I would call an advanced beginner pattern so virtually anyone can try this out.
-There are THREE variations within the pattern, 3 for 1 - what an awesome deal!
-OH, and while at the mall this weekend I saw a similar top at Gap kids for more than $25 (I don't remember the price and I couldn't find it online when I looked quick this morning)... so totally current style for a fraction of the price!!!!

Check out the pattern HERE!!!


*Here are a few snap shots of the first version I made
 



6 comments:

  1. Great job! I love how you put two different floral fabrics together! It's so cute, if only I had a girl!
    I like the red version too!

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    1. I know I love the red - I need to make her another red one as this one barely fit... I did the whole thing on the serger and the seam allowance on that machine is a little too generous ;op Luckily I have plenty of the sheet left ;o)

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  2. I e-mail Heidi to test it too, but I wasn't picked up =( I really love the pictures that testers have been showing and they all look great! Congratulations and I hope she's doing better from her leg.

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  3. I LOVE your version. The two fabrics you have chosen works perfectly together! Your daughter broke her leg? Ouch, poor thing!!!

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  4. Hi..I was a fellow pattern tester and just love your version. I do hope your daughter is on the mend.

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