Little Lizard King Knit Fix Mash Up tour. Featuring Art Gallery Fabrics

Happy Spring Everyone! I had such a blast letting my creativity run free while mashing up FOUR, yep 4 Little Lizard King KNIT Patterns for LLK March Mash Up Challenge. I used my beloved Art Gallery Fabrics’s new woven print line Essentials II by Pat Bravo and Katarina Roccella’s knits from Imprint and Avantgarde fabric lines. For a while now, I wanted to make my daughter a slimmed knit, low­-waisted dress with a woven circle skirt and haven’t found the right pattern for it. Well, the search is over! 

Here is how I achieved my dream look with LLK easy to mash patterns for Hobbes’s size 4 dress:

Drop Waist Diva: Bodice, Neck Binding, Ruched Sleeves, Skirt Binding.

Kailua Town: Long Sleeve Bands

Take 5: Changed the skirt to WOVEN. I cut the Simple Circle Skirt in a size 4 length and an 8 waist (This was a total guessing game­) just kept cutting the waist until it fit my knit bodice­--starting at size 4, ending with an 8) Crossing my fingers in will be long enough for a dress.

Perfect 10: Heart Pocket & Skirt Tab

What do you think of those ruched elbow sleeves? They look a bit funky laid flat, but oh­ so perfectly on. I ADORE this dress. It is light and has such an ease to it, yet has these subtle moments at every angle. And of course, Hobbes loves the twirl factor!I had to follow it up with a short sleeve version to make sure it wasn’t just a fluke (that the patterns all came together brilliantly) so I made a size 4 flutter sleeve Drop Waist Diva with the Take 5 in a size 8 woven skirt. It’s PERFECT!

Thanks Little Lizard King for the mash challenge!

Fabric sponsored by Art Gallery Fabrics.

Till next time! 

Happy Sewing 

~Merav @ Baby Hobbes Design

Ana Davis's Born Wild for Blend Day 3: Day 1 WINNER and Reversible Jacket + Pattern Giveaway!

Thanks for joining us for Day 3 of our Born Wild by Ana Davis for Blend Fabrics blog tour. Today I have another sweet surprise for you, well for the little girl in your life! 

But first, Winner Winner Chicken Dinner: CONGRATULATIONS Courtney Turner. Please claim your Day 1 Blog Post winnings of 2 Create Kids Couture Patterns (William Accessory Pack and Emmett Tie Set) either via email or message me here. Blog winner chosen at random.

I teamed up with the wonderful Elizabeth Santiago De-Jesus, a new designer over at Create Kids Couture and I am so excited to show you how she played with these adorable woodland prints while sewing up her Bristol Reversible High-Low Jacket PDF Pattern for Create Kids Couture.

Elizabeth was excited to sew with Davis's Bunny Patch in Pink. How fun will this be for Easter Sunday Festivities?

And on the other side....

Little Acorn in Pink for a more subdued 'Woodland' inspired feel.

How sweet is this Bristol Reversible High-Low Jacket? 

Want to try it for yourself? Enter below for your chance to WIN the Bristol and come back to the blog on Wednesday to see if you are the winner.

Happy Sewing! 

Till Wednesday

-Merav @ Baby Hobbes Design

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Styling a Six year old-one Belted Shorts at a time!

I blinked and my child turned SIX!

Hobbes turned 6 last week and to me, there is so much associated with "being six". 

You start 1st grade when you are 6...

You learn to read and write when you are 6...

You walk into school alone when you are 6...

You are not a "little" anymore when you are 6...

No wonder her style is changing so much-now that she is 6 years old.

A few weeks ago I wrote about Sewing Bold, Modern Beauty and I am continuing to search within me for new designs and fabric patterns that are bold and modern, yet have a feminine (girly) feel. I want to keep up with her styling ideas, yet preserve (at least for a bit more) my 'little' girl. Over the course of the next month or two, I'll be sharing posts, photos and insights about Hobbes Spring/Summer capsule collection. 

Recently, I started following a new (to me) designer Jilly Atlanta on Facebook and Etsy--really appreciating her 'clean-line' and 'breathable-feel' patterns designs. I just had to introduce my self and get to know her inspiration and her design values (more on values, ethics and handmade clothing to come) and within our first few chats-I knew that she is a designer that I can grow with. We decided that I will sew her belted shorts pattern (I have been searching for a slim fitting, clean-lined shorts pattern for sometime now) to introduce the Pat Bravo's Essentials II Fabric for Art Gallery Fabrics coming out next week.

I love it when there is a beautiful harmony in both fabrics and sewing pattern. The kaleidoscope beauty in Essentials II's Intertwill Azur, so graphic and strong is perfectly showcased in the purity of the belted shorts. I chose to pair the robustness of the Intertwill Azur and soften it up with the seemingly delicate Floralism Azur for the waist and the belt. I asked Hobbes to choose a top from her closet and with that, Spring/Summer capsule Look 1 is done. 

Hobbes wanted to show me how she can run and move in her new shorts. Then asked for a few more pairs. Happy Sewing to ME!!!

Special thanks to Art Gallery Fabrics for sponsoring this post.

Till next time, Happy Sewing!

~Merav @ Baby Hobbes Design 

Born Wild by Ana Davis for Blend Fabrics-Blog Tour, Day 2 + Giveaway

Thanks for joining us for day 2 of Ana Davis for Blend Fabrics Blog tours. For today's tour--I had my new (and amazing/talented and creative) friend, Suzanne Winter from Winter Wear Designs post for Pattern Revolution with her "Pink" creations. Check out her blog here....and come back and enter the giveaway below. 

Here is a sneak!!! LOVE IT Suzanne!!!!

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Born Wild by Ana Davis for Blend Blog Tour, Day 1 + Giveaway

Thanks for joining us today for day 1 of "Born Wild" by Ana Davis for Blend Fabrics tour. 

We are kicking off the tour with "All About the Boys" theme. I was lucky to team up with Marianne from The Naptime Project and Crystal over at Stitched by Crystal to sew these adorable baby boy inspired items.

First, take a look at this precious Easter 'Photo Ready' set Marianne made for her little boy. She used Create Kids Couture's Williams Formal Accessory Pack to sew a reversible vest with Born Wild's Bunny Patch in Blue and Old Oak in Blue. She used Mosaic in Blue for the velcro style tie using Create Kids Couture's Emmett's Tie Set. With her scraps, she created the backdrop flag-banner in the blue hues. I can't wait to see more photos of this vest and tie set in action.

Crystal made these adorable Fabric Block set using Born Wild complete collection in blues hues for her new little man. Check out her blog, Stitched by Crystal for more photos PLUS learn how to make these blocks for your little ones. Thanks Crystal, I know what I am sewing today!

Stay tuned this week for more great features using Ana Davis Designs for Blend's Born Wild collection.

And for an even sweeter post, enter below for your chance to win Create Kids Couture's Williams Set and ONE yard of Born Wild. 

Till next time, 

Happy Sewing!

-Merav @ Baby Hobbes Design

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Sewing resolutions: Bold, Modern Beauty: The Antalya Dress in Avantgarde + GIVEAWAY

My 36-year-old self (there you have it, my age) has been making New Years Resolutions for as long as I can remember--and usually it's the common things we all care about: health, weight, relationship. Last year I added a new Resolutions to my list: Sewing!

Yes I already know how to SEW--as you've seen--I sew a ton, but there are often new elements to explore. Last year I tackled the oh-so-scary KNITS-which have become some of my favorite fabric to sew with, especially for the little man who still likes to crawl and scoot about the floor. This year, I want to explore and find my voice with Modern Patterns and Prints. As Hobbes grows up, her style is changing and I want to make sure that I don't limit her prints and pattern vocabulary based on my previous taste. So welcome to my first of many sews in the series I am calling: Bold, Modern Beauty. This time sewing The Antalya Dress by Coffee and Threads with Katarina Roccella's Avantgarde Collection from Art Gallery Fabrics.

First, I have to say that this is one of my most visually stimulating works to date. I haven't moved the dress into Hobbes' closet yet because I just like to stare at it in my sewing room. The kinship between the Antalya Pattern and fabric prints is spot on; almost like it was written for it. But the truth is, I have had my eye on the Avantgarde collection since its debut earlier this year. The architecture, the color scheme and its vibrancy just drew me in--there was something very familiar in these prints (a new perspective as I sit to write this in my living room and often staring at the wall: I am discovering that our big modern original painting that takes up 3/4th of the space on our wall can be viewed as a complement to these prints, or the other way around.) It wasn't till the Coffee & Threads, Antalya dress popped up in my Facebook feed that I jumped on the opportunity to sew with the collection.

The Antalya dress, with its sophisticated modern flare, is constructed with Dolman-Style sleeves and a single center bodice piece that elongates into a semi-gathered skirt. It's surprisingly a very simple pattern to construct, consisting of 4 pattern pieces/measurements, neck binding and "choose your own adventure" closure with either a zipper or buttons. I actually found myself intimidated by its simplicity and kept looking for more things to add. 90 minutes later, I perfectly finished my first modern sew. 

I chose to finish the dress with a fold over bias tape and an exposed zipper to close. If you want to know more about how to add these fun outerwear zippies, check out my post from last year on exposed zipper here. I think the next time I remake this dress, I may buy one of those 30 inch long zippers and open the dress completely in the back. How is that for a modern edge?

Hobbes and I are thrilled 'we' challenged ourselves!

Now, what about you? Are you ready to join me in sewing Bold, Modern Beauty? Below is your chance to WIN a copy of Coffee & Threads Antalya Dress + 2 yards of Art Gallery Fabrics from the Avantgarde collection. Enter the rafflecopter below and join my Facebook page Baby Hobbes Design on Tuesday, March 2nd when I announce the winner. 

If you want to get your hands on some of this and other amazing Art Gallery Fabrics, check out Punkin Head Threads on Facebook for fabric options here.

Good Luck and Happy Sewing!!!
xoxo
Merav @ Baby Hobbes Design 

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A dress, a top and a Romper ALL-IN-ONE

Hello again! Boy it's been busy around here. I don't normally plan for back to back blogs--but I couldn't resist sharing my beautiful new Eleanor dress by Honeydew Kisses Sewing Patterns along with the debut of her review over at Pattern Revolution.

***Before I go any further,  you can find all the Honeydew Kisses Patterns on sale till midnight tonight with code presday30 over at the Etsy site OR already discounted on Craftsy. Take advantage of the 30% off sake TODAY only!

The Eleanor pattern is loaded with options; it features pattern pieces for Dress length, Tunic and a Romper and ranges in size from 6 Months to 12 Years. It's packed with optional dress ruffles, 3 different sleeves lengths and flutters, and Hobbes favorite, pockets! She always comes home with treasures she collected from her Kindergarten class-her pockets are filled with jewels, sequence, threads and sometimes even rocks.

I chose to make the Eleanor in Maureen Cranknell's Fleet and Flourish for Art Gallery Fabric. As soon as I saw Gentle Mantel Land (bodice) I knew I wanted to highlight all the different prints synchronized in my 1-yard cut. I wanted to show how breathtaking Maureen's fabric prints can be once cut and constructed to flow from the top of the shoulder to the sleeve. There are so many opportunities to GASP when sewing the Eleanor-especially when your back and side seam perfectly line up. 

I had such a hard time keeping this dress under wraps--Hobbes already wore it twice. We love the stylish curved front bodice, which gives the dress a little bit of a swing without compensating the length. The curved back overlaps high enough for a modest coverage, but it's opening is wide enough to allow your child to slip it on and off without any closures--which is always appreciated in our home; Hobbes likes to dress herself!

For more about the Eleanor Pattern and Honeydew Kisses, follow the Pattern Chat group Here. 

Thanks to Art Gallery Fabrics for sponsoring this review. 

Read all about her in the full review over at Pattern Revolution.

Come say hi and order this dress at my FB store over at Baby Hobbes Design - I'll have a RTS and Pre-Sale 3/20

Till next time,

Happy Sewing and thanks for spending time with me. I'll leave some extra pics below...

xoxo

~Merav 

Facebook.com/BabyHobbesDesign

IG @ BabyHobbesDesign

One Thimble Magazine Issue #10 Enid, Willow and Jolie Reviews

It's here! The NEW issue #10 from Australia's One Thimble Magazine.  It's filled with 11 PDF sewing patterns and 26 sewing-related articles. I was lucky enough to preview it and I choose these three fun PDF patterns to try out at home on my soon-to-be 6-year-old Hobbes. 

Jolie Skirt

Enid Slouch Beanie & Willow Dress

I want to start with the Enid Slouch Beanie by Rosie Petal. If you have 5 minutes, then you have enough time to sew one of these cute slouchy hats (hmmmm....like the 5 minutes before you head out to a party you thought you didn't need a present for) especially if you make the simple version like I did without the tab. It is the funkiest slouch hat design I have ever sewn, with only 2 main body pieces--and the assembly is genius. The pattern fits a range of heads, from 12 months to an Adult Large. I can't wait to sew a bunch of these in matching knits for the two men in my life

And I am sure you are wondering about the beautiful flutter dress made to match with the indie romantic Heart Melodies prints by Art Gallery Fabrics. It's the long sleeved-version of The Willow Dress (size 2T-10) by Bubby and Me Creations. As soon as I saw this Two-in-One Look of The Willow Dress, I knew I had to try it. I just love sewing dress patterns that are a mix of woven and knit fabrics. With this knit bodice, you can skip the lining or the need to add a closure, which makes the dress construction a breeze. And speaking of a breeze, look at how those flutters keep their shape! I would like to mention that I chose to make my flutters using the woven skirt print to tie in the look, and adding woven flutters didn't change the fit. I love how The Willow looks like it's a shirt and skirt, but it's all sewn together as a dress. Very clever!

Last, but definitely not least is the sweetest little Jolie Skirt by Filles a Maman. I'll be honest, I kept giggling as I was cutting out the pattern (3-pattern pieces) about how little fabric I needed to create a size 4 skirt. I am used to cutting almost salvage width and gathering all of Hobbes skirts-that this design truly made me rethink her spring wardrobe. This season, I am all about subtle design elements and I adore the inverted pleat in the front of the skirt. I chose Art Gallery Fabrics Chalk & Paint by Caroline Hulse in Angular String Coated because I really wanted to create a moment when the pleat opens up and you see the hidden print. You can also skip the pleat and sew two of the back pieces to create a simple A-line skirt. The Jolie skirt starts at 12 Months and goes all the way up to size 14.

I really enjoyed looking through all the options of the New One Thimble issue #10. Come back daily and check out my fellow designers' reviews on the blog tour and enter below for your chance to win your own copy (or refund) of One Thimble Issue #10, or purchase it here.

Thank you Art Gallery Fabrics for sponsoring my One Thimble Magazine Issue #10 Blog Tour Post.

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Tour Schedule
2/12 Pattern Revolution, Rebel and Malice, Happy Okapi, Sew Happily Ever After  
2/13 Beri Bee Designs, Stitches by Laura 
2/14 Bee Quilted, Pearberry Lane 
2/15 LuLu and Celeste, Once Upon a Sewing Machine 
2/16 Horris and Deedle, Baby Hobbes Design 
2/17 Call Ajaire, Made by Sara, Sprouting Jube Jube
2/18 Snickerdoodle Stew,  Made by Meli, Create 3.5

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