We have two great pattern reviews for you today. You may recognize this first pattern, it's the Children's Corner Ruthie. Sharon reviewed it for us last month using corduroy.
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Don't you love it when a pattern is so versatile it can be used for more than one purpose?
Hello ladies! I have sewn Ruthie View A with the long
sleeves instead of the short sleeves. I used the Riley Blake flannel as
well to make this dress into a night gown. No mods needed.
This time on the Ruthie pattern I added ric rac to
the collar, in-between the bodice and skirt, and to the sleeves ends as
well. The pattern includes instructions for adding the ric-rac to all of these places except the bodice/skirt pieces. The instructions were very well written for this part. The ric rac
was sewn in the first time and looks great! No seam riper needed!
As I said in my last review of the Ruthie pattern, I love how this
bodice sews up! I have to mention it again because it's just that clever.
(You can read the full details of the Ruthie pattern review here.) This is a dress pattern that you will want to sew again and again for sure!
Onto the fabric. With
winter fast approaching, flannel is perfect for pjs and nightgowns for the whole family. I used Riley Blake Summer Breeze flannel.
I have sewn my fair share of flannel fabrics over the years, but this, by
far, is the best quality I have ever used. It is nice and thick. It gathers very well because of this. And the collar holds it's shape so nicely. It made for a very sturdy button placket as well. This is so very important with a five year old little girl who loves to dance and jump around in her nightgown. I know that this night gown will
last beyond her out growing it.
The
other wonderful part about this flannel is how soft it is, inside and
out! As soon as I put this on her she started to yawn big time!! That
would be a mother's score I think, ha-ha! She loves this so much with
how cozy it is and requests to wear it ever night now. I can also
say how pleased I am with how well this washes too.
The colors are holding up very nicely and it is still looks new.
For the inside back bodice lining I used Fabric Finders White SV Imperial Broadcloth. This
was very lovely to work with and feels dreamy against the skin as well.
This fabric is am excellent fabric to line any clothing garments
with. I think it would be very lovely for smocking as well.
Back to the Ruthie pattern. I wanted to show you the back of the View A bodice. The shorter bodice is perfect for making a
night gown. It makes it very comfortable for sleeping in. Also, the skirt on this pattern is not too gathered, which reduces bulk. Overall the Ruthie is very comfortable for my daughter to sleep in.
The
only part that I did change is the how much I hemmed the dress. I
made the hem 1" shorter to make the night gown longer than the pattern
calls for. It was so easy I wouldn't even call it a modification.
You can find all the these products in the Whimsical Fabric Shop.
Click on the names below and the link will take you right to them.
Sharon
Hello friends! Today, we are also looking at the beautiful Ellie Inspired pattern, Beautiful Dreamer.
This is a cozy nightgown and robe set. It's such a pretty, feminine
pattern. A true "nightgown". I was drawn to this pattern because of the
classic feel it has, and also because of the roominess I could see it
would provide. And, with my picky daughter, I knew that would be a plus.
The pattern comes in sizes 1-12 and includes 3 different sleeve options.
There are many ways that it can be embellished, from the hem to the
bodice. I chose to use some lace trim on the bodice and left a plain
straight hem. Though the pattern also gives direction on placing a
ruffled hem and details on placing pin tucks on the bodice. I'd love to
try that route next time, because it is darling and provides an extra
special detail.
And as you can see, I chose to do the long sleeve version. I almost
chose to do the flutter sleeve version, because I wanted to make the
robe. BUT, my daughter begged for the long sleeves. So...may as
well make it to her liking. I do plan on making a very lightweight
flutter sleeve version for summer, with a matching robe. It'll be so
flowy and dreamy, I can't wait.
This pattern was perfect for us because my daughter is very sensitive to
elastics. These sleeves have a great little casing for the elastic,
providing superior comfort.
The nightgown has a button up back with placket. You can use snaps or buttons.
As far as the construction and quality of the actual PDF pattern, you
really can't go wrong with Ellie Inspired. The pattern prints out and
tapes together flawlessly and takes no time at all. Printed pieces for
bodice and sleeves, and measurements for skirt. Instructions are well
laid out, with clear pictures and an easy flow. Size and fabric charts
were spot on. Hand sewn lining provides superior sleeping comfort.
Now, let's touch base on this flannel.
If you haven't sewn with Riley Blake flannels, you really don't know
what you are missing out on. I have made many pajamas in the past, with
some inexpensive flannel, and some very expensive flannel. None of it
has held up to the same standards as this flannel. Plus, it was a dream
to sew with. So buttery soft, you really can feel the difference.
Here are a few pictures I took today, after WEEKS of wearing this
nightgown EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. No lie, every night. With several wash/dry
cycles. I have treated it no differently than her favorite t-shirt. I
think you'll agree, it has held up to that much wear pretty great. Great
example of the wonderful construction of the pattern as well.
Nichole
Today is a great time to pick up these two patterns as all of our pj and nightgown patterns are 30% off. In addition, all of our Riley Blake flannel is also on sale for 30% off. This is an amazing deal! Stock up now. It's getting cold out there! These sale prices are good until 11:59pm MT Sunday, 12/13. Hurry and order today!
Happy Creating!
Danielle Storm
www.whimsicalfabric.com
