The Waiting GAME!!! A Summer worth of CKC Zack's V-neck Ringer Tees

The Waiting Game!!! A Summer worth of CKC Zack's V-Neck Ringer Tees 

It's been MONTHS since I shoot these pictures of Hobbes Little Brother-and today is finally the day I can share them!
Introducing Zack's V-Neck Ringer Tee Shirt in Baby, Kid, Tween and Men. Yep! Tested and graded in multiple rounds and up-sized so all the men in your life (small and big) could match!!!

As a tester, we are given a short amount of time to turn in a finished item, photograph and review it for fit and construction. Usually included are conversations while we are sewing about the fit and what works and what should be reworked. Testing a top like this Zack's V-neck could take me anywhere from a day to three days just to sew it. But I do it because I love the challenge of testing, and I feel fortunate to get the opportunity to do it; even if I have to WAIT months to share it!

I have tested clothing for Create Kids Couture for about 16 months now, since Hobbes Little Brother (HLB) joined us. I remember the first one I was ever asked to do had two button holes and I was so scared to do them. But after watching like 3 hours worth of YouTube videos I went for it. These days I offer these 'scary' button holes on most of my dress straps, allowing them to grow with the child. If I didn't get assigned buttons, I wonder how long I would have avoided it?

Same goes for the just released Zack! Since 2015 I made a resolution to work outside my comfort zone staring with working with stretchy knit fabric. WHAT WAS I AVOIDING??? Oh, I love the ease of cutting it. You never have to line it (conserve on fabric) and kids can just slide it on and off - works for me as HLB loves to wiggle around his changing table, making anything with snaps or buttons obsolete. Plus, you never have to zigzag or serge your seams, because it's knit-it doesn't fray.
****Items sold at Baby Hobbes Design are always finished, even the knits!

The V-neck is amazing to construct, very different from the round collar I can sew on the shirt bodice directly on with my serger. I had to slow down and use lots of pins and sew with my regular sewing machine. But once I flipped it right side out, I was like "wow" I can't believe that worked. The added sleeves bands are a bonus since I am personally not a fan of hemming sleeves-but serging/sewing a band in the round thrills me. And the opportunity to play with color blocking in the collar, sleeves and bands can spice the pattern up. Lastly, the pocket! What kid (and adult) doesn't like a shirt pocket to store little treasures in! You can create the pocket with knit or woven fabrics with a touch of stabilizer.

I love sewing for Hobbes Little Brother-I couldn't have imagined how fun boys clothing could be! The Zack's V-neck Ringer Tee has been a staple in his wardrobe this summer. As you can see, he has these awesome tops sets with matching Harem pants MBJM and I just ordered more knit fabric to start on his fall collection.

Pick up your copy of Zack's V-Neck top in all sizes today, while it's 30% off. Create Kids Couture
And stop in and say hi to me over on my Facebook shop
Happy Sewing!
-Merav

Introducing the new Seraphina dress with a little bit of fabric improvisation!

Many of you may not know this about me, that I grew up performing (stage drama & musicals) and today, as that act of my life is over, I still leave room in my art for the opportunity to improvise. Sometimes that means doubling up on fabric instead of using interfacing to stabilize the fabric. Making bias tape straps without cutting on the bias, basting a zipper with glue instead of pinning all the way around. And like this time, hiding a connector piece under the main skirt so I can conserve on my Out Of Print (OOP), very limited piece of Amy Butler fabric.

I had the pleasure of testing the new pattern from Honeydew Kisses, The Seraphina Dress. A classic look with the hint of vintage flair. The tunic and dress have an optional bodice choice of pin-tucks (pleats) or a flat bodice. The two layers of skirts give the illusion of fullness without the need of an additional tutu underskirt or an a wide piece of fabric. Lastly, the over-sized peter-pan collar that wraps beautifully around the neck line to showcase the back buttons and create a full cap sleeve look.

As soon as I downloaded the Seraphina pattern, I knew exactly which fabric to use. For a few years now, I have been holding on to one-28 inches piece of Amy Butler Design OOP Sketchbook Roses in Fresh that was screaming for this pattern. I knew it would be a stretch to sew with it, as 28 inches usually yields to either a bodice or a short skirt, but not a full dress. After playing around with the pattern pieces, I decided that my soft Kona in Evening-reminiscing of Cinderella's blue dress color would create the overall dress and showcase the front pin-tucks. My (less than a yard) OOP Amy Butler fabric will create the collar, the side sash(s) and half of the underskirt. YES, I did say HALF the underskirt. Frankly because that's all I had left.

And now I'll share with you my quick guide  "How to improvise with little fabric and still keep the measurements and the look required to test and finish a pattern look" guide by Baby Hobbes Design while sewing the Seraphina Dress Under Skirt. This method can easily be adapted to work with other patterns.

Since it was the underskirt, and I knew that at least half of it won't be shown (unless miss Hobbes decided to lift up the top-skirt) and in order to save on my OOP fabric, I wrote out a quick math equation that that allowed me to use 2 different fabric for the skirt and stick to the correct measurements.

For Hobbes size 3 dress, the length of the underskirt cutting measurements is 12.75" and after it's finished and hemmed, the top skirt sits about 3' inch above it. So I did this: (measurements in inches, math equation written from left to right)

12.75 - 3 = 9.75"

Then I need to include the hem in my equation because I will be using the the OOP fabric at the bottom. The hem in the Seraphina dress calls for a total of  0.50' inch

9.75 - 0.50 = 9.25"

Now I don't want the underskirt OOP fabric to start exactly where the top skirt hits, so I planned to overlap by 1.5 inches

9.25 - 1.50 = 7.75" (this represents the amount of skirt length that will be at the top of the underskirt, hidden and therefor connect the OOP fabric that will be visible in the underskirt)

With the above information, I took my original underskirt measurements of 12.75" and subtracted 7.75". The remainder of 5" in length is what will be cut from my OOP fabric. However, before I cut my fabrics, it is IMPORTANT that I add ONE seam allowance to each fabric where the two skirt pieces will connect. I decided to add an even 0.5 inch to each skirt piece and sew them together with a 0.5" inch seam.

Therefore my final measurements for Hobbes size 3 Seraphina underskirt were:

Top (connector/hidden piece) of the underskirt: 7.75" + 0.5" = 8.25"
Bottom (visible piece) of the underskirt: 5" + 0.5" + 5.50"

***Now just saw the two under-skirt pieces with 0.5" seam, top stitch and continue the pattern as written.

Ok, maybe not such a quick math equation, but very easy to follow, right? It's just a little trick that I sometimes use that give me the opportunity to work with a small pieces or hard to find (H2F) fabric.

Lastly, I personally love any opportunity for a classic button-up back. And the Seraphina dress allowed me to use my nifty Cover Button Kit by Dritz to hand-make beautiful fabric buttons using little fabric scraps that match the dress. And if you aren't friends with your machine button hole maker, there is another trick you can use (follow the link here) to help you get the look of buttons without punching any holes.

I hope you feel inspired to sew with your OOP and H2F fabrics now too! And if you haven't yet checked out the Honeydew Kisses Seraphina dress, please check it out Here.
If you love Hobbes pretty M2M flower headband, visit The Little Sparrow Boutique.
And if you enjoyed this blog, please come say hi to me at Baby Hobbes Design.

Till next time!
Happy Sewing
-Merav

On a hot summer day, SLPco mash and a cola drink.

What do you do when a pattern company gives you free range of their patterns, in order to dream up a new creation? You come up with a brand new look featuring 3 distinctive statement patterns. Oh, and you let your 5-year-old* choose any cotton print from your local Joann Fabric Store.
*A very smart 5-year-old who knows her mom likes to use props.

This week, I had the opportunity to mash up not two, but three patterns--including 2 new-to-me patterns by the Simple Life Pattern Company. I have been a fan of the SLPCo since its initial launch with the Lilly Lapel party dress; and wanted to get my hands on that lapel bodice for months. I wanted to twist it up and create a romper using the Breanna's Peekaboo shorts since Hobbes is into climbing monkey bars these days, and I like to keep her tush covered. The Breanna's have a sweet pair of ties to cinch up the sides. If you have been following me for some time over at Baby Hobbes Design, you know I love clothing with cinch-ability. Lastly, I wanted to make it very functional for my 5-year-old to dress herself. Even though the back of the Lilly dress is perfect, I wanted a roomy and open back and decided to include the butterfly wings look of the back pattern of the Mia Tieback Dress to complete my look.

What do you think? Retro Cola Romper? I think I need to submit this to their advertising department.

Since I am not a pattern drafter by trade, I had to really think outside the box to realize this creation. I now have a greater appreciation of the work that Katie Skoog and Laura Scaramello do when crafting beautiful patterns for SLPCo. Since I tested the Mia, (read Here) I had a good sense of the size and fit that I would need for Hobbes. I decided to cut one size bigger on both the front piece of the Lilly and the back piece of the Mia and add an inch to the length to drop the waist a bit.

This choice of mashup made a very interesting bodice since both front and back are both composed of 2 individual pieces. Once sewn, I had two individual mirrored pieces.
***Since I was not including the bias trim of the Mia, I added a 20 inch bias tape, sewn into each of the back piece.

And once attaching the bodice together following the overlap of the Lilly front and the tying Mia ties in the back, I had this pretty look.

Next I sewed the Breanna shorts according to pattern. In retrospect, I should have also up-sized the shorts one size bigger too, to match the overall easy-fit of the romper. Lesson learned for next time.

At this point, I waited for my model to come home from camp so I could check for fit. I haven't cut out the waistband (following the Mia pattern width, but also compensating for the Breanna waistband too) yet because I knew this is where I would have to add or subtract inches in order to close up the romper.

Ok, she is arching her back a little here :o). I checked the distance between the front (3 1/4inch), the side (2inch) and the back (1.5inch) and decided to add a 4 inch waist band (lining too) to allow for move-ability following the width instructions and elastic casing of the Mia dress.

Lastly I added a sash (4x my Hobbes waist measurements) and a head-wrap and it's a complete retro look.

The end result is pretty AWESOME!!!!

Thanks so much Kimberlee Franklin for asking me to participate in the mash. LOVE SLPco

Lucky Little Hobbes!!!

Everyday A Princess

Every day she's a character, but I sure appreciate the days when she isn't so literal with her cloths.

For the past year, Hobbes favorite princess has been Ariel from the Little Mermaid. From her birthday party theme down to any preschool costume dress up days. Knowing that she likes to pretend she is a (Disney character) princess daily, I often look for patterns and fabrics that will allow her to feel that way - and maybe make the morning routine go a bit smoother and faster.

While cutting out the Cheyenne's Ultimate Ruffle Tshirt by The Simple Life Pattern Company I collaborated with her favorite theme and made her an Ariel Inspired Everyday outfit. I cut soft Purple knit fabric for the Cheyenne long Sleeve Tshirt, with the sleeve ruffles option so she can imagine her hands are swimming in the ocean. I then took the Paisley's Open Back Peplum top and dress also by SLPco and turned my soft Jade knit fabric into a flowy skirt by cutting the circle skirt and modifing the band. Both my knits came from the Purple Seamstress, and you can find a ton of color options Here.

The end result is precious. And my little Hobbes feels like Ariel, but in an apprpriate Everyday Princess school wear.

Would love to hear about your Everyday Princess.
Happy Sewing,
Till next time
-Merav

I wish I had better drapery

I wish I had better drapery so I can take it down and sew this jumper, just like Maria did in the Sound of Music. This was the first thought I had when I saw Create Kids Couture new pattern Makenna's Bubble Jumper. A sweet and playful classic look for our girls. And that's exactly how it turned out.

I was honored to test my fellow Create Kids Couture Tester turned Pattern Maker, Stephanie's first of two Patterns, The Makenna Bubble Jumper and of course, see how is wears on my Miss 5.

I wanted to stop and belt out "The Hills are Alive With the Sound of Music" during our photo session, because by the time I got my camera focused, Hobbes was already up a tree.

For those of you  familiar with my Miss 5, you know this is a very RANDOM, as my little Hobbes tend to sit out from any physical activities. I was excited to watch her in our outing that I might have forgotten to focus on the task at hand, and instead focused on her happy face and climbs.

And isn't that what you would expect from children's clothing. Wearable and spontaneous fun?

So let me point out why I LOVE on this jumper. First, look at that sweet peak-a-boo/cuff on these sweet bubble shorts. Hobbes rarely sports pants, and when she does, she has rules about the fit (rise and elastic has to be in specific place so it doesn't touch her little belly button.) She loved how loose this outfit felt, even with it's strategically placed waist band. 

When I research patterns, I look for items that allow the wearer to adjust and have long wearibility. As careful as I sew for Baby Hobbes Design I am always nervous that my customer may not fall into the 'average' measurement, especially when it comes to fixed straps. If you bought my dresses in the past year, nearly all had included BHD signature "Grow with Me" straps that assures my customer perfect fit and always an opportunity to adjust straps size. I adore these flutter back adjustable straps for that reason. I mean, it doesn't hurt that the look is precious and angelic, but the convenience of the adjustable fit is always a top seller for me when choosing patterns for my shop. 

The front bodice of the Makennas Surprised me too. I learned a new trick with fabric manipulation while gathering the fabric, yet still lining and professionally finishing it. The coverage on the jumper bodice fits more like a Pinafore, and it bubbles open on the sides while you sit. I do advise that while on a 6-12 month baby little chubs, you can probably go shirtless with this jumper; on any girl 2 and up, you are better off putting a tank or a tee underneath.

Gey your copy of this patterns along with Stephanie's other new pattern, Shiloh while they are both on sale here at Createkidscouture.com

And here you go, Hobbes moved on from trees and climbed a little house in the park too. And the sweet jumper didn't hold her back. She could be the next Von Trapp sibling. 

Till the next pattern!!! -Merav

A confession with a pretty dress

Hi, it's Merav from Baby Hobbes Design, and today I would love to introduce The new Mia by Simple Life Pattern Co. Or as I simply call it the "Yes I Can make a tiered maxi dress with sewn in bands, an tie-back and make my own bias tape" pretty blue dress.

When I was picked to test the Mia pattern, I was given a handful of choices on which version to try. I could choose the skirt or top length, with or without bands, tiered or straight.  I almost agreed to the less time consuming choice of the simple skirt. Frankly during the testing days, we were sharing a household with a teething/cranky/up 4-5 times a night little monster, and I just didn't know if I really had the energy for a 'new challenge'.
I went looking in my fabric closet for inspiration, when a 1-year old cut of Batik fabric that I bought on our road trip last Spring, called my name. I immediately unfolded it and knew that in order for me show it's breath of colors and dimension, it needed to be manipulated into a tiered dress.
I also knew that I am in for the long-haul as I NEVER sewn a tiered dress, let alone one with sandwiched-in bands, and I am shamefully going to confess here that I never made bias tape. Up to now I either used pre-made or I faked it by cutting salvaged strips, not on the bias.
So I made the commitment and stood at my cutting table with 10 little zip-lock bags so I could separate the tier of skirt fabric, bands, bias tape and bodice. A pack of sandwich sized zip-lock bags and a marker is always a good 'tool' to keep by my cutting table as I often find my self cutting long strips of fabric and hoping not to mix up the sizes. It's so hard to tell sometimes if something is 3.25" or 3.5 inches.
I must add that cutting into my Batik fabric was the hardest part of this pattern. It is beautifully written along with precise step by step pictures detailing every aspect of this pattern. This dress is NOT meant to be a fast sew; I think I spent 4-5 hours including cutting time. What it is MEANT to be is a NEW silhouette that creates wonderful fluid lines and opportunity to display fabrics and make creative choices. Oh, and the matching (true) bias tape. I am a believer.
Check out the Mia and the new Megan pattern bundle and come back here or to my Baby Hobbes Design  page and share your creative dress.
I am so proud for taking on the challenge and ending up with my "Yes I can make a tiered dress with sewn in bands, an tie-back and make my own bias tape, Dress" It's such a beautiful dress, and my 5 year old (who wears a size 3 in most handmade designs) Just loves it too.
Till next time,
Happy Sewing
-Merav

It's been almost a year since my last blog. What can I say? no excuses, just wasn't sure where I was going with this blog.

I also have been busy. I grew Baby Hobbes Design and started selling on Facebook and Instagram. Frozen, the movie took over my daughters life and I been sewing Frozen inspired orders left and right and coming up with ways to make them special and one of a kind.

I went back to work, well for just a short time - but really loved being challenged outside of the house

Oh, and I had a baby :o)

We welcomed Liam Zachary on March 9th. Almost a year to the date of loosing my Colin, who was born Still. 

Life with two kids, breath, is so different from when we just had Hobbes. Babies are all different, and this little guy LOVES to be held and chatted with. Gone are my quite afternoons of sewing. Gone are my husbands dreams of a home cooked meal :o)

Anyway, baby is up and that means computer is down. 
See you all soon,
-Merav