While She Naps Chick + Egg Inside Out Toy Pattern Review

I was looking around the While She Naps pdf pattern soft toy shop the other day and my son immediately zeroed in on this little Chick and Egg Inside Out Toy.  Of all the other adorable toys pictured, he could not stop talking about this one.  I'm so glad I bought it and made it!  It really is the cutest thing ever.  Plus it would make a great addition to Easter baskets!

I liked that this pattern was very  straight-forward.  I've sewn a couple of dolls before and they were a little fiddly.  I thought this toy would also be fiddly because of the inside out feature, but I went for it anyways.  Well, it wasn't fiddly!  It came together pretty quickly actually.

This little guy starts as an egg as chickens tend to do...

...and then we can help him hatch...

...and we're greeted by a sweet baby chick!

His happy face is so simple but very cheerful.

His little fluffy hair is pretty cute too.

I think my favorite part might be these adorable little chicken feet.

Simple, tiny wings with just enough detail to make them stand out.

The only thing I struggled with was due to user error.  I haven't really sewn a lot with fleece, and when my (almost dried out) disappearing ink marker wouldn't mark on the fabric, I erroneously used a highlighter.  Big mistake, because it doesn't soak into the fleece.  My shears, sewing machine, and fingers were covered in neon pink ink.  It's a wonder I didn't get it all over the white egg fabric.  This is not the pattern's fault, as it clearly states that I could have used chalk.  It was my fault, but I'm telling you so you don't make my silly mistake.

As usual, here are some of my notes:

FABRIC
I used the cheap microfleece from Jo-Ann, regularly priced at $5.99/yd.  If you only want to make one or two, check the remnants section first.  I purchased a quarter yard each of white, yellow, and orange.  Now I have enough fleece to make half a dozen or more.  That's really great considering my fabric cost less than $5.

PATTERN
The pattern is priced at $9 for an instant PDF download.  It consists of 9 pages with full color photos to walk you through the steps.  I only printed the last 2 pages with the pattern pieces and consulted the pattern steps from my PDF reader on my laptop.  I received a discount code from a previous purchase (one of Abby's e-books) that I used towards this purchase.

SELLING TOYS
Abby generously allows toys to be sold from her pattern, provided you follow her guidelines, which she lists conveniently on the pattern.  This is wonderful considering how many toys you can make from the yardage purchased and the fact that it only took me about 30 minutes to sew after cutting the pattern pieces.

I definitely recommend this Chick & Egg Inside Out Toy Pattern.  My son loves playing with it and takes it to bed with him.  He's really into toys that he can transform and manipulate, so this has been a huge hit.  He also likes to use it like a puppet.

Now that I've made this one, I am really itching to make another.  I might make a few others for his friends because I think they'd make the perfect little Easter gift.  Abby also offers a Caterpillar and Butterfly Inside Out Toy that is great for spring, as well as teaching about metamorphosis (one of my son's favorite words!).  I really like these animal neck pillows for an upcoming road trip and this octopus would make a great gift for someone I know.


Do you like to sew toys?  Do the kids like to play with them as much as mine does?  Tell me about your favorite soft toy pattern in the comments!

Liesl + Co. Everyday Skirt Pattern Review

 

 I love a great, go-to skirt.  In a climate where it is hot more often than not, a skirt is a great asset if you want to look pulled together.  This Liesl + Co. Everyday Skirt is the perfect blend of comfort and style.

 

The day these patterns were released, I knew I was going to buy the Everyday Skirt.  I decided to make a basic black skirt for my first go, using some stretch cotton sateen that I already had pre-washed in my stash.  I had 1.5 yards of 56" wide fabric, and that was more than enough for the size medium that I cut.  The pattern calls for 1.75 yards.

The skirt is pretty long as cut, and I have short-ish legs.  I ended up cutting about 3 inches off the bottom before finishing the hem as instructed.  The skirt is meant to be worn below the waist.  You can make it sit at your natural waist if you wish, since the elastic back is so forgiving.

This pattern was truly easy.  No zippers, buttons, or closures of any kind to deal with.  Just a little elastic, using two casings, which makes for a nicely finished waistband.  No facings or bias tape.  No extra steps to irritate this impatient sewist.  No fancy techniques.  Everything went together so smoothly and never did I find myself confused or wondering if I was doing something right.  It is a great pattern for beginners.

As usual, here are some of my notes, in case they will be helpful for you.

• Fabric Selection - this sateen seems a little formal and kind of heavy for this skirt.  I will likely not use it again, but I am still pleased with the result since it was fabric that I already had stashed.  The skirt is perfect for quilting cottons and linens.  I would like to try a 21 wale corduroy, too.

• Pockets - I used a little scottie reproduction print for the pocket lining for a little hidden fun.  A fat quarter was more than enough for this.  The main pocket piece will be visible from the outside of the skirt.

• Seam Finishing - I have a serger, but still have not ventured into using it.  Instead, I finished my seams with a zig-zag stitch and trimmed with pinking shears.

• Interfacing - you only need a small piece for the waistband.  I used Pellon SF101 because I had some (a lot) left over from my Super Tote.  The paper that came with the SF101 says it creates a crisp finish for collars, etc, so I thought it would be okay.  It was perfectly fine.  The only minor issue was that the waistband piece gets folded in half, and the seams did get a little bulky at one point.  Not a big deal though, and I will continue to use the SF101 for subsequent skirts.

• Cost - This digital, PDF pattern is $12.95 from oliver + s.  When I purchased mine, I was offered a second pattern from the Liesl + Co. line (the Day in the Park Backpack) at a discount.  At first, I flinched at the pricing, because I am so used to buying Lisette patterns at rock bottom prices at the big box stores.  Plus, I tend to make clothing and then not wear it.  Now that I have made one, I am certain I will wear this and will definitely make more.  I am happy with the money I spent.  No regrets.

• Time - I meant to time myself, but I had a lot of distractions, and it did not happen.  I do know it took me 30 minutes to print, tape, and cut the pattern pieces.  I did that all on a Friday night.  On Sunday morning, I put it all together.  I would say it took about four hours, with MANY interruptions.  It is definitely a project I will feel okay starting the night before I need to wear it, as long as my fabric was pre-washed.

• Printing - The pattern has 33 pages.  The first page (the cover) has a full color photo.  The rest can be printed in greyscale.  I printed pages 13 through 32 (20 pages) for the pattern pieces only.  The last page includes all the pieces on one large sheet in case you wish to have a print shop print for you, which I think is a fantastic option if you are not impatient like I am.  The pieces print with grid lines for easy taping.

 

All in all, this skirt is a winner.  I think it looks best dressed down with a tee and flats (hence the name Everyday Skirt), but it could be dressed up if you wanted to.  The final product looks very professional and smart.  I cannot wait to make more...if only I could decide on the fabric.  Chambray maybe?  Would look super cute with black tights and cognac riding boots....

Super Tote Pattern Review

No doubt you have seen this bag plenty of times already, since I am a little late to the game.  There is a reason why it is so popular.  The Super Tote by Anna Graham of Noodlehead is easy to follow and produces a functional, giftable, unique structured bag.  I will absolutely make it again (and again and again).

 

When I purchased my pattern about a month ago, all I knew was that I wanted to make this bag to carry around quilt market and festival.  I had not given any thought to fabrics or techniques, I just wanted to make the bag.  After reading through the pattern a few times, I eventually became overwhelmed with the task of picking fabric.  Does this happen to you as well?  I shelved the project for a few weeks.

 

One night it came to me, as things usually do, while I lay in bed thinking.  Quilt as you go!  I could use lots of fabrics.  I did not have to decide which fabric to feature as a main print, I could use them all.  I did some fussy cutting and lots of scrap diving to round out this patchwork of awesomeness for the front pocket.  I added the embroidered "THINGS + stuff" using my own handwriting and a water soluble pencil.

I quilted the back in an uneven herringbone pattern, inspired by one of my favorite prints: Joel Dewberry's Herringbone from Modern Meadow.  I first quilted the three sets of vertical lines, evenly spaced across the panel.  Then I used the 45 degree line on my ruler and some washi tape to mark about five diagonal lines at varying widths down each section to use as guides.  Some lines were made by lining up the edge of my walking foot with the washi tape or previous quilted line, some are just eyeballed. 

I lined the bag in a bright blue Kona (possibly Caribbean?).  I omitted the pockets from the pattern since I do not usually use pockets like that.  I did add a slip pocket to hold my phone.

I knew I wanted to use this yarn dyed Essex Linen, but I did not want to use my whole piece on the lining.  Instead, I just made the recessed zipper and the top part of the lining from it.  I had to do a little math and piecing to make the gusset lining match.  I used a metal zipper, which I think really makes the bag look sharp.

Finally, here are some of my notes, in case they will be helpful for you.

- For the outer main pocket, I used a quilt as you go method.  Layers are quilter's cotton/linen blends (the patchwork), batting, and then cotton duck.  The whole piece was zigzagged around the perimeter and is also interfaced with SF101.  Some of the fabrics I used are Melody Miller Ruby Star Sparkle (the phone), various Echino prints, and some scraps of AMH, Joel Dewberry, Lotta Jansdotter, and Lizzy House.

- For the outer back exterior panel, I used Essex Linen Blend (not yarn dyed) in Natural, and quilted it with the same layers/interfacing as the main pocket.

- For the front main exterior panel, which is not visible under the main pocket, I simply basted on some cotton duck, and fused on Craft Fuse (808) and SF101.  No quilting.

- Digital Pattern notes:  I purchased my digital pattern in PDF form from Noodlehead.  It was $8.00.  A fantastic price, especially because I know I will make more.  The pattern is 21 total pages.  The first two are full color, the rest are fine to print in greyscale.  I printed pages 10 through 21 (12 pages) for the pattern pieces only and read the rest in PDF form on my laptop.  There are a lot of pattern pieces and you have cut multiples from each piece.  It got a little overwhelming for me, but in the end it was worth it.  If you pay really close attention, some of the pieces do not need to be printed and cut out, because they are rectangular and have the measurements noted on the piece.

- Definitely use the magnetic snap for the pocket (especially if you plan to quilt that part).  After a few days of use, I am most annoyed by the fact that when the bag is full of stuff, the pocket WILL bow out.

- On the straps, definitely use more interfacing and/or batting for the straps if you do not plan to use a heavy fabric.  I used linen blends and only the recommended SF101 (one layer).  As a result, my straps are pretty flimsy, and I wish I would have used more interfacing.  I also cut my straps 2 inches shorter, just because I wanted to use a certain fabric and did not have quite enough.  It worked out fine, the straps are still a good length for me.

- Time.  This project took me about 3 days, to accommodate for the quilting, and the fact that I had a preschooler running around the entire time.  I think it is entirely possible to finish in one day if you are not quilting it and do not have distractions, or two days if you need a break.

Again, I most definitely recommend this pattern.  Even if you only use it one time, it is absolutely worth the price and the time and fabric investment.  You will not be sorry!

Straight Stitch Society Have It All Wallet Pattern Review

All you need to know is that yes, I definitely recommend this pattern, so go for it if you're still considering.  This pattern was so easy to read and follow.  I spent more time pulling and deciding on the combination of fabrics than I did sewing.  Honestly, that was the most difficult part.  The finished wallet is so simple and pretty and, with tons of pockets, I have a place for everything.

Here's what I liked about the pattern:

- Fun quips and encouragement printed right there in the steps.

- Clear, easy to interpret pictures.

- Grid lines on the digital pattern for matching up pages before joining and cutting.

The only thing I would have wanted in the pattern was mention of which pattern piece BY NUMBER I was supposed to be using for that step.  When marking my fabric, I use the pattern number (not description of the piece) to label it.  It's not even a big deal, because you use the pieces in numerical order anyways, but it would have helped me at a glance.  I ended up noting on the pattern which piece is used for each step, so like I said, not a big deal.

Finally, here are some of my notes, in case they will be helpful for you.

Fabric Choices.  

- For the outer main fabric, use a non-directional print.  I almost used the hedgies on the outside because they're so cute, but then I realized some would be upside-down when the wallet is folded up!  The inside main doesn't matter as much, because the only time you'll be seeing it is when the wallet is open.  

- For the card pockets, use something that will still be recognizable in little chunks, since you'll be folding the fabric to create the pockets.  

- For the zipper pocket, it isn't going to show very much, so probably don't use a prized piece of fabric on this part.  The pocket is created by folding here, so if you use a directional print, it will be upside-down on one side.  I lined mine with hedgies and they are upside-down inside the zipper pouch, so I made sure to keep that side towards the front so it's not noticible when looking into the zipper pouch.

- Interfacing.  The pattern calls for an extra-firm, sew-in interfacing.  I am not an interfacing expert AT ALL, but I am assuming that Peltex would work here.  I did not use Peltex, because it felt too stiff.  I used Pellon 809, which is fusible and that worked out just fine.  There's enough body and structure, plus, way easier to maneuver through my machine.

- Topstitching.  When going around the outer edges of the wallet, increase your stitch length a little.  I usually piece at 2.5, but I always raise it up to 3.5 for topstitching.  The stitches look more even and it's easier for the machine to get through all those layers.  Also, go slower than normal.

- Other notes.  I purchased my digital pattern in PDF form from Oliver + S.  It was $8.95.  I feel like this is a good price for making at least one wallet, and a fantastic price considering you can make a lot of these quickly and easily to give as gifts.  At checkout, I was offered another pattern at a discount.  The pattern is 15 total pages.  The first two are full color, the rest is fine to print in greyscale.  I printed pages 3 through 15 so I could make notes, but you really only need to print pages 10 through 15 (six pages) for the actual pattern pieces.

Again, I most definitely recommend this pattern.  I can't think of a single reason why you'd ever regret buying it.  Now that I have one under my belt and know how easy it is, I'm thinking of doing a quilted patchwork version, because - why not?

Have you used this pattern?  I'd love to see your version, so link it up in the comments!