The Amazing Amelia

I am always honored to test new patterns, and was thrilled when I was invited to join in testing Bella Sunshine Design's latest Amelia Maxi, Dress, and Top.

I consider myself still a beginner, a more advanced one, but I always seem to learn something new with each pattern I sew. I am very certain a confident beginner could be quite successful with this pattern. Regardless of skill, you will love Amelia.

Amelia is available in both Womens sizes 0-30, and Girls 6mo-12, so an opportunity for a Mommy and Me pattern. My daughter falls in between both, and I feared I wouldn't meet the deadline needing to alter the pattern to fit her, so I stuck with just the Women's size 8 short sleeve top and dress length, without a single deviation from the original pattern.

Both the Girl's and Women's version of Amelia include three lengths (top, dress, and maxi), and four sleeve options (sleeveless, short,  3/4, and long). The Women's already includes a Full Bust Adjustment option if you need it, I did not. The knit bodice in both versions can be paired with another knit or woven, I did both. I was a little concerned making the 8 because my hips measure 41 inches, but as you see there are no fit issues there.

The instructions were easy to follow and illustrations clear. I did get hung up my first time reading the band instructions, but when it came to construction it became easier to understand. Printing is also offered in layers, and there is a chart showing the pages needed to save paper.

I am so comfortable wearing either the top or dress. I even wore this to my job hosting karaoke and didn't have one wardrobe malfunction, but did get loads of compliments. I will be making one for my daughter, and a maxi for me as tge weather cools. I even have an idea on combining this with another BSD pattern, that post is coming soon.

Pick up your copy of the Amelia in Women's version on sale for $6.50, and the Girl's for $5.50, no code needed. This sales price is good through May 24th at Midnight EST.

My Angel's Love for Dublin

My daughter is not easy to shop for, it has nothing to do with her choice of style, but finding the right fit. Everything is too big or small, and I know I am not the only parent with this problem.

 Summer is coming and after a failed trip to the store, I decided to give New Horizons Designs Dublin Dolman a try. This pattern literally has endless options, so there was sure to be something that fit her and looked great doing it.















Available in the Dublin Dolman Pattern are both a tee and tunic length, which could easily be turned into a dress length too. The sleeves options are long, short, 3/4, and banded or not. The banded bottom can be tall or not, and neck binding or band as well. There is a gathered front and back option as well. The sizing starts at 6-12 months all the way up to 16, with a bonus 18" doll size. Even better is the option of purchasing the bundle at a discounted price and make a Mommie and Me top. They advertise this top as the last dolman pattern you will need, and they are 100% correct.

In sewing these tops I decided on the gathered for one, and banded tunic length for the other. I made this with a size 14 bodice and graded out to a 16. As for fabric, I used a poly knit for both following the suggested fabrics which include cotton interlock, cotton poly blend, cotton lycra blend, french terry, or any other knit with a good stretch.






I did embellish the neck band with some buttons I found. I wish it was because of a creative idea, but I accidentally stitched the band on backwards and the seam was in the front. I decided the buttons would be perfect to cover up my little mistake and I was right. She also loved the addition and has no idea the reason behind it.

My daughter absolutely dislikes taking photos, especially if asked to model, but she loved these tops so much I could have taken her photo in them all day.

This month New Horizons Designs is running a sewing contest and the details are in their Facebook Group, but here is some of the information. Now is a good time to grab this pattern and sew up all the Dublins.

                   Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, I will get paid a small portion of that purchase. 

Down by the Bayside

Summer is my favorite time of the year. I fill it with as many outdoor activities as I can. Finding weather appropriate clothing though is another matter. Ready to wear clothes may look cute, but the fabric content make them too warm sometimes to really enjoy the summer heat. When I had the opportunity to test the New Horizons Designs latest pattern the Bayside Romper and Dress, I saw an opportunity to fill my closet with hot weather wear.

I used a poly knit and cotton knit for the two Bayside Mini Dresses I made, both fabrics in my stash possibly 10 years ( I wish I was exaggerating). The recommended fabrics for the Bayside are Jersey, Cotton Interlock, Cotton Poly Blend, Poly Rayon, Brushed Poly, or basically any knit with good drape and stretch.

This pattern came together incredibly easier than expected. I was concerned about the cross over in the back, since this was a new method for me, but following the well written instruction and I had no issues.  I made no alterations to the large size and I am 5'9". My next Bayside I am planning a top version that I will share with you shortly, so stay tuned.

The options available in this design are endless, especially if you are looking for a great addition to you capsule wardrobe. You have your choice of bottoms, shorts, pants, and a variety of lengths for a dress. It has both short sleeves or tank style, and then there are pockets. As for sizing, the Bayside starts a xx-small up to a 3x. The no trim pages are a bonus as well. 

Now is the perfect time to grab this pattern, not only is it on sale for $8.00, but New Horizons Designs is running a contest for the entire month of May. Any pattern you sew and post with #NHmaysewingcontest earns you an entry. Further details are in the New Horizons Designs Facebook Group. 

                        Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, I will get paid a small portion of that purchase.