Monday, November 21, 2016

Finley & Quinn--The Cozy Robe--Pattern Test

Finley & Quinn 
Blog hop & pattern review

This is yet another pattern test for Pollywoggles patterns.  I really have enjoyed making several of her patterns, some I have tested, others I have bought over the years.  Heidi really takes a different approach to her patterns, and tries to come up with something new and innovative.  I always learn something new, or try a new technique when sewing one of her patterns.



The pattern ranges in size from 12 months to 10 years old.  It is a unisex pattern that fits great for both boys and girls.  Some of the features I really love, the wide cozy collar!!!!  It lays so nice.  I also LOVE the fact that the belt is attached.  No more worrying about where the belt is tied to, arm, leg, doll, hanging from the bunk bed to climb up . . . you get the idea.  Also the pockets are great, they're on an angle so their hands can just slide in there, and keep all their treasures close at hand. 

This robe is comfy!  You can use basically any fabric you would like.  You can use Fleece, minky, flannel or other wovens.  I used a super soft cuddle fabric, similar to minky but thinner.  I found it was pretty easy to work with, and really gave a lovely drape to the robe. 


One thing I'd like to stress is that unless you're using a fabric that is going to fray DO NOT serge the seams.  The seams on minky/fleece are super soft and fluffy, once you serge them they became stiff and scrachy.  I know she says you don't need to, but I thought if I didn't I was 'cheapening out' so to speak, but after serging the side seams I realized what a difference it would make and didn't want to loose some of my cozy/comfy factor.

The pattern comes in several sizes from 12 months to 10 years, and she explains clearly how to merge sizes.  I made a 6/8 a 6 width with a 8 length.

BREAKING NEWS

 This pattern is being offered FREE, you read that right FREE for a limited time to anyone who joins her group  Pollywoggles Sewing Circle on Facebook.  Hurry because this offer is only good until the end of the year--Dec 31, 2016

If you're still on the fence, hop on over to these other lovely blogs!  They were lucky enough to be able to review this amazing pattern as well, and have shared their projects.  Too much coziness!!!!

First from our esteemed pattern designer Heidi
Pollywoggles Patterns presents Finley & Quinn

And my fellow pattern reviews from all over the globe.   

Lunatiek--Finley & Quinn blog tour
Biebiezonder-- Finley & Quinn pattern test
What's Mommy Up To?-- Finley & Quinn robe
Soul Fed on Thread-- Finley & Quinn pattern review


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Here are some of my other favorite Pollywoggle patterns

I'll start off with my all time favorite dress pattern!!!!  
This is the Cecily Rose.  It even comes with a reversible version (didn't I mention she's clever?)




another reversible pattern, a great place for some holiday fabric 



I used some Christmas fabric on the back side, and She got to pick the fabric for the other side, of course it's pink!!! 
 Too get the Finley & Quinn Robe pattern, or any of her others, hop on over to the pattern shop!!!!  
or for a limited time get your free Finley & Quinn robe pattern at Pollywoggles Sewing Circle




Sunday, November 13, 2016

Goober Pea Boots -- Pattern Review

Goober Pea Boots


This is a pattern review for these adorable baby booties!!!!  The pattern was given to me, but the opinions are all my own.  Here is my Craftsy affiliate link if you're interested in the pattern.

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Sometimes just picking out your fabric can be the hardest part, but this time I knew exactly what I wanted to use.  I've been hording this bit of fluffy pink minky for a while, waiting for the perfect project, and I found it.  I also made a few accessories, but I'll post about them another time.


First things first just cut everything out, I went with the batting as that was the recommended choice.  It gets caught into the seams and stays put nicely.  I forgot just how messing cutting minky can be...don't breath too deeply ahhaha.

The pattern has 3 sizes; 03-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-18 months.  Keep in mind your fabric choices will change the fit a bit.   A fluffy minky like I used, will take up a bit more room, and you'll have a slightly smaller boot then if you had used flannel or cotton as the lining, just keep that in mind.

It looks rather complicated when you read through the pattern, but after a quick read through just get started.  If you follow each step in order, it will come together nicely, don't try to overthink it. 

The instructions are short and clearly written, the pictures are really where it's at.  I'm a visual learner so I appreciated how clear all the photo instructions are.

It comes together very quickly, and before long it starts looking like a boot. This is the top part, now for the soles.  I used the non-reversible instructions since I used the non-skid slipper fabric for the soles. 


Don't these look so cozy!!!!!  Now I just get to trim the seams and turn them out!!!!  Wow that was fast.  What a fun project.  Now I want to make more of them, but I'll have to check on the sizing first!!!


If you're interested in checking out some of her other patterns, pop on over to her FB page.  Keep your eyes tuned for a new pattern, that will compliment these boots perfectly
or her Etsy page if you don't want to make them yourself. 


Click the link to go get the pattern.  Goober Pea Boots Pattern on Craftsy