A Look Back: Monkey Leggings by Terra’s Treasures

I’m back with another pattern by Terra’s Treasures that I tested way back when!

Monkey Leggings pattern by Terra's Treasures, sewn by Lulu&Celeste
MONKEY LEGGINGS PATTERN BY TERRA’S TREASURES | KAUFMAN LAGUNA STRETCH KNIT BUTTERFLIES

Disclaimer: I received the pattern for free for testing it. All opinions are my own. The pictures are of a tester version of the pattern, slight modifications may have been made in the final version.This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click the link and buy through it, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Here’s another pattern I had tested for Terra’s Treasures (affiliate link). These were super cute and fun and easy to make. I think the Monkey Leggings (affiliate link) were one of the first things I tested with knit fabric. These were made this past March, so she’s about 7.5 months in these pics.

Monkey Leggings pattern by Terra's Treasures, sewn by Lulu&Celeste


When I had tested the pattern, the legs had wound up a little long, so the length was adjusted in the final pattern. I ended up leaving them too long which worked out great because they lasted her for so long. This pair was the size 6-9 months I believe and she only just outgrew them a few weeks ago. (The waist is a little tight now, the too long length is now perfect. But the corrected length in the pattern would have been too short now).

Monkey Leggings pattern by Terra's Treasures, sewn by Lulu&Celeste
I tried to match up the butterflies at the seam but couldn’t figure it out.
I love the little bum piece. You could have so much fun with it doing appliques and stuff. (Don’t you love my technical term, “stuff”?) However, I have to say that my mum was always asking if there was a hole in her pants, LOL.

The pair I tested were the regular (non-cloth) version, but she also has a cloth diaper version (affiliate link) of the pattern to accommodate fluffier bums.

Pattern Details:
  • Sizes 0-3 months to 5T
  • Finished measurements chart, size chart, yardage chart, and a stretch gauge are included
  • Tips for sewing with knits
  • Cutting layout included
  • Professionally graded pattern pieces
  • Two cutting lengths: capri and regular
Fabric:
  • Both the red and butterflies are Kaufman Laguna Stretch Knits purchased from Fabric.com

Monkey Leggings pattern by Terra's Treasures, sewn by Lulu&Celeste
And a cheesy pic because why not?

Don’t forget to check out Terra’s Treasures. Her patterns can be found on her website here (affiliate link), or on Etsy.

Till Next Time!


Elegance & Elephants: Fall Looks

Disclaimer: I received the pattern for free for testing it. The pictures are of a tester version of the pattern, slight modifications may have been made in the final version.

I’ve been lucky to test for Elegance & Elephants in the past. I made the super sweet Bohemian Babydoll top a few months back. Today I’m here to show one of her fall patterns that I recently tested: the Ponderosa dress.

 I really enjoy testing for Heidi. Her pattern instructions are clear and easy to understand. They’re not overly wordy at all. She is seriously one of the easiest to test for, I don’t have to worry much about checking for spelling errors or other non-sewing things like that.

Baby V is a little bit shorter than the size I tested calls for so the dress is a little long on her.

Keep an eye out for the release of the Ponderosa and other dresses coming really soon!

Check out the Fall Lookbook by E&E Patterns for more inspiration and to see the next release coming out this month!

Ula writes for Lulu&Celeste


Link up parties you might find me at:

A look back: Metropolitan Pants by Terra’s Treasures

Over the next few weeks I’m going to be doing a little catch up on my blog. I figured I would show off some of the patterns I’ve tested in the past that deserve some time to shine but I just never got around to it.

I’ve slowed down on pattern testing lately, not that I don’t like it, I do, but Miss V, is a lot more active now that she’s walking everywhere! She turned one a few weeks ago and started walking on her own (taking more than just a few steps at a time) shortly before her birthday and this seems to mean that climbing all over everything is her favourite activity! It’s fun, but I can’t just plonk her down in one spot anymore and expect her to behave, ha. I have to hide Silly Bean’s kid chairs for her table in the craft room otherwise next thing I know Miss V is standing in the middle of the table! Fun times!

EDITED 03/04/2016: Terra’s Treasures is now known as New Horizons. I’ve updated the links to the new pattern company website.

Metropolitan pants sewn by Lulu&Celeste
METROPOLITAIN PANTS PATTERN BY NEW HORIZONS | KAUFMAN CHAMBRAY FABRIC 
Disclaimer: I received the pattern for free for testing it. All opinions are my own. The pictures are of a tester version of the pattern, slight modifications may have been made in the final version. This post contains affiliate links, marked with an *. That means if you click the link and buy through it, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

So here I am today showing you the Metropolitan Pants* by Terra’s Treasures.

I tested these back in December 2013. One of the first items I tested! Miss V was a wee little thing back then 😛 Nearly 5 months old in these pictures.

Metropolitan pants sewn by Lulu&Celeste
Blurry but cute little toes

 These pants were fun to make. My first ever pockets and welt pockets to boot! It wasn’t as scary as I thought they’d be. Yes! These are actual real pockets on a baby pants.

Metropolitan pants sewn by Lulu&Celeste


I want to make a pair just like these for Silly Bean but I haven’t been able to get my hands on more of the same chambray fabric. I love this dark chambray.

I made these so long ago I don’t really remember if they were hard they were to make or not. But these were the first pants with pockets I had done and they were successful on the first try, maybe that will tell you. Anyway, I loved these pants! I put them on Miss V as often as I could before she outgrew them.

Terra’s Treasures has these pants on sale right now for just 5$. You can find them here* on her website. Follow her on Facebook!


Pattern Details:
  • 0-3 months to 10
  • Pattern pieces are nested, with different colours for each size
  • Instructions are easy to understand with clear photos
  • Waistband features a flat front with elastic on the back
Fabric:
  • Main is chambray from Kaufman Fabrics, purchased from Fabric.com
  • Contrast fabric was from my scrap pile so I’m not sure of the designer.
 
Lulu&Celeste signature

 

Ula writes for Lulu&Celeste

Link up parties you might find me at:

Friday Favs Party, Inspire Us Thursdays, Tuesday Sews, We Did it Wednesday, You Made it and ♥ it!, Create Link Inspire @ Nap-time Creations, Worthwhile Wednesdays, #Sew4Me, Inspiration Monday Party, Craft Lover’s Link Party, SNAP, Threading My Way, Sew Many Ways

Cherry Blossom dress by Mandy K Designs

Disclaimer: I received the pattern for free for testing it. All opinions are my own. The pictures are of a tester version of the dress, slight modifications may have been made in the final version.This post contains affiliate links (in this case with Craftsy). That means if you click the link and buy through it, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.


The Cherry Blossom dress is the latest pattern released by Mandy K Designs (affiliate). The dress is an Asian inspired dress which features a faux front placket, a cute mandarin style collar and a ruched sash. It comes in sizes 12m to 14. (Read to the end to get the sale code!)

Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs
Cherry Blossom Dress pattern by Mandy K Designs sewn by Lulu&Celeste


Amanda, of Mandy K Design, released this pattern as part of the Aspiring Designers Challenge which is hosted by Pattern Revolution. It’s a pretty cool challenge that encourages new designers to come out with new designs. You should check it out if you haven’t already and read about some of the lesser known designers out there. (And hint: if you want to try pattern testing following some of the “smaller” designers is your best bet since your chances of being picked are greater).

I’ve sewn/tested for Mandy K Design a few times before: The Princess Party Dress, the Tiers of Joy Dress, and the Tilt and Twirl dress (that I never got around to blogging about! whoops!). Can you tell I like her designs? 

Now, on to the Cherry Blossom!

Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs
Trying to show that she does have a neck!

Like all of Amanda’s patterns, the instructions are very detailed and great for beginners. I would recommend any of her patterns to a newbie to sewing because of how clearly the instructions are written. More advanced sewists can probably “do their own thing” I suppose.

The trickiest bit of this pattern is attaching the collar. I still haven’t mastered collars yet. And also doing the bias trim along the armhole. Take it slowly and you should be fine.

Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs


There are also instructions for adding decorative buttons or frog closures on the front. Unfortunately the only frog closures I could find in the time I had to make this dress would have been way too big for this size dress. So I’m going through my vintage button collection trying to find three matching buttons. Hard work because they need to be tiny (or at least I want them to be tiny).

Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs
If only she would have stayed looking at me! It would have been a good shot

I believe that in the final copy of the pattern the skirt will be slightly longer, hitting mid knee. (I think the issue with the length was only on a couple of the smaller sizes, the larger sizes seem to hit the knee on the testers). Although I do like this length (but a diaper cover is needed), it’s adorable and Baby V has cute little knees!

Pattern details:

  • Sizes 12m to 14 ; Chest sizes to 19″ to 31.5″
  • Includes cutting charts, finished measurement charts, and child’s size charts, fabric requirement chart
  • Pattern pieces are nested but split into two group sizes with the option to print in layers as well
  • Clear photos with each step
  • Instructions included for doing either snaps or button holes
  • Includes 18″ doll pattern
Fabric:
  • Main is Anisa Floral in Lavender by Hoffman Fabrics. Purchased from Fabric.com but I don’t see it on their website anymore.
  • Contrast is Kona cotton in Turquoise also purchased from Fabric.com
Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs
Her Tiers of Joy flashback moment
Lulu & Celeste: Cherry Blossom dress pattern by Mandy K Designs
Note to self: Remove wheelbarrow from background next time
Pick up a copy of the pattern in their Craftsy shop (affiliate) or on Etsy. Until August 22nd all her patterns are 20% off! The prices are already reduced by 20% on Craftsy, or go to Etsy and use code CHERRY20 to get 20% off. And head on over to the Pattern Revolution blog to try your chance at winning a copy.
You can find Mandy K Designs on Facebook here (and the Facebook group page here) and her blog here to keep an eye out for the next pattern releases!
 
**************
This project is project #4 for the August Sewing from the Stash challenge. The main fabric has been in my stash only since April whereas the turquoise has been hanging out with me untouched since last October!
See you next time!
 

LOL Swing top by Jennuine Designs

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click the link and buy through it, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

UPDATED: The pattern has now been released! Regular price is $8, and with the discount code LOLRelease save 20% for one week only!

Welcome to my stop on the LOL Swing Top Pattern Tester Tour!

LOL Swing top by Jennuine Design



This was such a fun and cute pattern to test! The LOL Swing top is the newest pattern from Jenn of Jennuine Design (shop name) and A Jennuine Life (blog).

The LOL Swing top is such a sweet tunic length top. With a racerback style back, it’s a perfect summer top!

LOL swing top swinging around
The swing top in swingy action!

 (Although I feel like summer is nearly over. My girls are too young for school still but seeing all the “Back-to-school” blog posts and sales popping up all over the place makes me feel like summer is already over and I should be starting my Fall sewing!!)


I got to test it with Silly Bean as the model which almost never happens so that was fun. 

Silly Bean chose the gnome fabric from my stash but then once the top was sewn up she decided didn’t like the fabric anymore. Ahh! It was a fight to get her to put it on for pictures. So in these pictures it looks a little tight under the arms but that’s because the bias measurements were too short, and it has since been adjusted in the final pattern. BUT I couldn’t convince Silly Bean to put the fixed shirt back on, but since the extra length for the bias worked for other testers that had the same issue it should be fine for this top as well. 



I really wanted to make a second top in a fabric she liked better with the adjusted pattern pieces, but I’ve been having quite the hectic couple of weeks and just was never able to find the time. Hopefully, in the next couple days she’ll have a new top that I will share.

She may not have liked the fabric but she did like how it swung about as she danced around!

I love the top though. It goes together fairly quickly, and I think a beginner should be able to tackle this easily. Jenn (of Jennuine Design) gives clear instructions and even gives proper and ‘cheater’ methods for things like sewing on bias tape. And you can tell she puts a lot of thought and hard work into her patterns. During the whole process she was available to answer questions 24/7 practically!


Pattern Details:

  • Sizes Newborn to 12!
  • Can be made for knits or woven (mine was woven)
  • Charts include: printing guide, sizing charts (chest and height), bias tape cut chart (for woven version), ribbing cut chart (knit version) 
  • Instructions on how to alter the length if your child is taller than the average height measurement
  • Clear instructions separate for knit and woven with illustrations
Fabric:
  • Better Gnomes and Gardens Pink Gnomes/Mushrooms by In The Beginning Fabrics (I can’t remember where I purchased it from, sorry!)
The pattern has now been released and there is a special release discount of 20% off with the code LOLRelease. Code valid in her shop only.

Thank you so much Jenn for having me test! It was a real pleasure!! And check out Jenn’s blog to see the rest of the stops on the tour! 

Link up parties you might find me at:


Girl’s shirt/dress Pattern No. 6 by E+M Patterns SALE and GIVEAWAY

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All affiliate links are marked with an asterisk.

Edited March 4, 2017: Please note that Allison of E+M Patterns has merged her shops and now sells all her patterns under Petitboo Patterns. You can find all the patterns under new names on Etsy* or Craftsy*. I’ve updated all links to redirect to the new shop but for the most part have kept the wording the same.

I ♥ E+M Patterns

Ok, just had to get that out before I started.

I was lucky enough to test for Allison from E+M Patterns (now Petitboo*) again. This pattern is now known as the Heather Dress*.

You can see my first test here for Girl’s Skirt Pattern No.5, and you can go here to see the Boy’s Shirt Pattern No.7 with my nephew as the model. (And I also tested the not-yet-released dress pattern she collaborated on with Deb from Sprouting JubeJube! Eek! More on that one soon!)

Continue reading “Girl’s shirt/dress Pattern No. 6 by E+M Patterns SALE and GIVEAWAY” →