Twice the Twirls with Daphne in Equinox

If you live in the Midwest like me, then I am sure you are familiar with the term "Two Seasons".
I have been living in this part of the country for 10 years now. Chicago has two Season: Hot and Cold.
As I write this, I shed a tear missing my day-long drives through New England Foliage. The beauty of golden, green, reds, pinks and oranges leaves, dancing all around me.
Here, Fall and Spring are both noted on the calendar, but rarely seen as the leaves turn and fall at the same time and the temperature plays games on us. Last week it was in the 60's, today it's HOT and 80's.
All of this makes dressing Hobbes a challenge! We are not ready to let go of the summer weather...but I never want her to be cold.

When I was asked to test the new Daphne Skirt from Simple Life Pattern Company, I knew I wanted to sew a "Fall Inspired" Outfit.
I choose the twirly double skirt version (there is a single skirt version with pockets too) with a thick-stay in place elastic waistband for it's twirl, bounce and body. I also chose the double layer for it's warmth-ability (we are all about layers in the Mid-West) and I paired it with the Cheyennes ultimate ruffle tshirt in 3/4 sleeve, so Hobbes will not be too hot or too cold.

The fabric was an absolute match!
I recently met a fellow Midwesterner artist, Ana Davis and fell over-heals for her fabrics and designs. With Fall in mind, I gravitated quickly to her Equinox Fabric Collection with it's play on vibrant and soft color palate; it reminded me of the struggle we face letting go of Summer to make way for the cold Winter Days.

I chose to embrace the in-between Season struggle with Paige Black on top, and Isla Brown of the bottom layer. I added Lattice Vine in Pink at the waistband to tie the pinks and soft orange tones together; completing my "Foliage" look

Thank you Ana Davis for letting me "play" with your fabrics.

Keep up with Baby Hobbes Design on Facebook Here

You can follow me on Instrgram for news and giveaways @babyhobbesdesign

For Skirt and Top sewing patterns, visit Simple Life Patters Co Here

To shop for your favorite Ana Davis for Blend Fabrics collections, go to: Find Fabric Here

Thanks for reading and happy sewing,

B

-Merav @BabyHobbesDesign

SisBoom Maddie and the Fall

It is by no surprise that I ADORE sewing designer fabrics with beautiful flower scenes, and if you have been following my Facebook posts at Baby Hobbes Design, you probably know by now that I have a little 'obsession' with Jennifer Paganelli and her SisBoom prints. Well, you could have imagined my excitement when I received a package from her with two gorgeous Caravelle Arcade floral prints, one very new to me pattern, and the challenge to "create something wonderful."

I am in heaven!

It was perfect timing for this collaboration too, as I just started sewing Hobbes back to school looks and the weather decided to turn from beach-bound 90 degrees to a cool and breezy 60 degrees here in Chicago. I downloaded the Maddie pattern (find it here) and instantly knew that I wanted to play with the idea of wearing your summer wardrobe right into Fall. Maddie, with her delicate shoulder curves and angelic flutters seemed like the perfect top/dress to slip over a long sleeve tee or under a faux-fur vest.

What I love about the SisBoom patterns, aside from how gorgeous and timeless they are, is that I always learn a new sewing technique (hum, did you see the sleeve bands). When I first started sewing SisBoom patterns as a beginner seamstress, I appreciated that the designers take their time to teach and give you the opportunity to adapt the design and measurements for the best fit and style. My Hobbes is petite and I appreciate the opportunity to alter sizing without compromising the finished product.

It's so important to measure the child wearing this pattern. Hobbes measured in between two sizes, so I cut both bodices and laid the smaller one above, then traced over the larger bodice, keeping the bodice length at size 3-4 but the width with size 2T (see the shaded area on picture #2) then I cut it for her size. I sewed and finished the dress per pattern directions.

There is something so classic about a repetitive print dress. Caravelle Arcade, Ruby in pink is perfect fabric design to work as a coordinate (see my next look); but she can certainly be sewn alone-to give Hobbes's Maddie Dress the perfect vintage look.

Lastly, I waned to pair the dress with Miss 5's favorite boots, so I decided to hem the dress at the midpoint of her knees. My Maddie dress is complete!

The second look I created with my luscious Caravelle Arcade in Jessica was a tunic top. I just cherish this print, with its soft pinks and vintage blues on a creamy, buttery color back-ground.  Even though it has such a large floral print, the fabric lends itself for wear-ability no matter which direction you are working with.

I decided to go for a top since Hobbes, who has been wearing a dress almost every day since I started sewing, discovered that it's easier to climb the monkey bars in pants and a shirt. My jaw dropped when she asked me for jeans for back to school, and I couldn't wait to create this look for her. This time around, I decided to add some subtle touches to the Maddie Top. Starting with an ivory lace trim sewn in to the flutters.

To get this look, you have to cut FOUR flutters (2-main fabric, 2-lining) to create lined flutters. Then cut two pieces of lace trim about ONE inch longer then the length of the flutter piece. Remember to use the measurements of the side of the flutter that doesn't meet the sleeve band.
***I chose not to include the interfacing in the flutters

Starting from the left, in the pictures below:
1) Place the lace, right side together with your flutter piece.
2) Place your flutter lining (I used the same fabric) right side together with your flutter, sandwiching the lace.
3) Pin and sew in place
4) As seen in the middle picture, open up the flutter and iron the seams. Be careful ironing the lace, depending on its material may melt.
5) Top stitch your flutters/lace in place.

Lastly, I am loving tops with a little give this season; especially since I plan to layer it. I decided to add a little swing curve to the sides of the Maddie top.

To achieve this look, I sewed my top, according to direction, skipping the hemming step and sewing up the side and flutter sleeves. I laid my shirt flat on my measuring board. Since I don't have a french curve ruler, I played a bit to figure out the curve length for this top. I decided to measure an inch and a half on each side (measured from the bottom side corner) and mark my original pattern with it.

Following the order of the pictures, you can see that I created a curve on the bottom of my pattern, starting at the 1 1/2 inch mark (see shading). I then cut it off from my pattern piece, placed pattern over my shirt folded in half vertically and cut into my Maddie top.

Lastly I hemmed the shirt, following the directions in the pattern: folding twice and sewing 1/8 from the folded edge. My Maddie Swing Top is All DONE!!!

And look how flowy  it looks paired with a long sleeve top. Its exactly as I imagined it!

If you adore this pattern and fabric like I do, please visit SisBoom for so much more inspiration. 

To get Hobbes look, you can visit me at Baby Hobbes Design - please stop by and say hi!

Made to match Halo created by the talented Julie over at The Little Sparrow Boutique

Special thanks to Thomas at TKPhotography for taking these breath-taking photos of Hobbes and introducing me 

to a an amazing nature reserve right here in town.

Till next time!

Happy Sewing

-Merav Ruthman @ Baby Hobbes Design

A Skirt For the Ages

It's not often I count down the release date to a new pattern, but I have been waiting for the Nevaeh's Skirt to release for weeks, because ladies, this is A Skirt For the Ages.

Now it's my turn!!!

Introducing Create Kids Couture Nevaeh Skirt in Baby, Child, Tween, Women, Plus and Doll.  

I only tested this in Child size on Hobbes because I never really saw for my self. But now that it's released, you betcha I'll be hitting the sewing machine with the women's version of this skirt. Why should Hobbes have all the fun?

I made about 5 of these, and I couldn't believe that once I had the pattern cut, the skirt took me about 30 minutes to construct.

Hobbes was really into long skirt for the summer, and they look great for fall too. But for Back To School sewing, How fun do these 2 different pocket options look? I think she'll love collecting treasures for her Kindergarten class (sniff!!! growing up to fast).

Did you notice how the A-line skirt can be accomplished with a Slim of Full look? The full look has a bit of gathering at the waist before attaching the skirt. Since I love conserving knits-the A line Slim look is my favorite!

And for the full look, grab your copy of the Doll Nevahe Pattern too! I promise you will make tons of these in 15 and 18 inch size. They sew up so fast, you will make one of each to match your child.

And for more Nevaeh fun, enjoy this sweet video all about the great options with this Amazing A line Skirt:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5llAhkntu8&feature=youtu.be

Like the blog, come say hi and follow me at Baby Hobbes Design

Till next time,
Happy Sewing!
-Merav

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