Hats, hats and more hats!

Hats, hats and more hats!

My youngest daughter is starting school next week and I was 

reading through her school requirements. 

I realised I didn't have a hat for her and with a "no hat, no play" 

policy it was VERY important that she have one.

I remember buying the Peek-a-boo pattern shop 

Floppy Flower Sun Hat pattern quite a while ago

so I got it our and whipped this one up for her.

After posting a couple of photos on facebook I was swamped 

with orders for this awesome little hat.

I changed the design slightly to make it completely reversible.

I wish this hat came in adult sizes because I have a few big people 

wanting one too, including me ;)

Another Elsa Dress (a little more grown up)

Another Elsa Dress

I wanted to make this next attempt of an Elsa dress a little more grown up 

as it was for my almost 7 year old.

I used the New Look 6641 pattern to make the bodice and then used the 

Peek-a-boo tutorial to assemble the dress. 

I decided to keep the skirt straight rather than gathered 

as this gave a more grown up feel.

I am very pleased at how this dress turned out and am very happy 

at my success at sewing with knit fabric. 

The next thing on my list is an Anna dress for my little one.

I'll be sure to show you when I'm done :)

A Frozen Inspired Elsa Dress

A Frozen Inspired Elsa Dress

After posting about the Snow White dress here

I had a couple of people ask for an Elsa dress.

I searched through Pinterest and noticed that if the colour was right 

and it had a few snowflakes on it, it would make a perfect Frozen dress :)

I think that these dresses have a cartoon quality to them rather than an authentic look, 

which actually had me questioning if they were suitable to be labelled as an Elsa dress.

I think the cape made the whole thing come together.

I used this tutorial for it. It was Very easy :)

I really enjoy making costumes. The fear of the perfect fit disappears 

and I enjoy the whole process. It makes me happy to be able to 

give my kids joy in dressing up.

Snow White Costume

Snow White Costume

My youngest daughter was wearing her big sisters Snow White 

costume the other day. When I walked into her room I found her crying.

She had taken off the costume and I was not sure why she was upset.

She said "I am never wearing that dress again!" 

When I asked why she replied "because it falls off my shoulders"

I knew it was too big for her but didn't realise it was that big a deal.

I told her that I would make her a new Snow White costume, one that fits :)

I used the original dress as inspiration along with this tutorial. 

Original Dress

I also used the basic peasant top pattern from this book as a basis for the dress.

From memory the patterns in this book run a little small so I opted for a size 5.

After sewing it up it was obviously too big around the waist so 

I just sewed a little elastic along the waist seam to bring it in a little. 

It just means my girl will get plenty of wear before I need to make a bigger one.

Before I had even finished the dress my girls had grabbed an apple 

and were ready for a photo shoot. I guess I have trained them well ;)

My kids have now put in their order for a Belle dress and an Aurora Dress!

At least I know it has been a success :)

Angelique's Dress - Pattern Testing

Angelique's Dress - Pattern Testing

Pattern by - Lily Bird Studio

I had the pleasure of testing another one of Cecilia's patterns.

The gorgeous Angelique's Dress.

It has so many pretty little features like gathered pockets, 

front and back pleats and an invisible zipper.

It couldn't have come at a better time for me as 

I had just purchased an invisible zipper foot.

I found this dress a little on the challenging side, 

but nothing someone with reasonable sewing skills couldn't achieve. 

I decided to add a little fabric bow to the front of the dress.

The pattern also suggests that you could use ribbon for the bow.

A little girls dress with pockets will always be a hit.

And wearing a dress always requires a little spin ;)

If you are very quick you can get this pattern for a great value! 

Use the code NEWPATTERN and get this pattern 40% OFF!! Offer valid only at www.thelilybirdstudio.com thought Saturday 22nd midnight.

Evil Doctor and Nurse - Halloween 2014

*WARNING*

Contains graphic pictures

Evil Doctor and Nurse - Halloween 2014

My son told me that he wanted to dress as a doctor for Halloween this year. 

My daughter decided she would like to go as a nurse.

The two make an evil looking pair.

To make my sons costume I used  Simplicity 4388 for the scrubs.

I changed it slightly to remove the front pleat and added a pocket.

For the coat I used New Look 6018 . 

Because the pattern was originally for girls I had to alter it slightly. 

I made it a little narrower at the sides, omitted the collar and added some large pockets.

My daughters costume was made using New Look 6602 for the dress.

I copied the apron from here. It is the one I made last year for my youngest daughter.

The hat was made to fit on a headband.

Happy Halloween Everyone!