The Bubblegum Dress by Candy Castle Patterns Review

I was asked last week to review another pattern, do you think I jumped at the chance?!?!?! Why yes, yes I did! As I stated in my last blog post (which also happened to be a pattern review) I love reviewing patterns, more so than testing them....I think it goes a little past love....I think I might be ever so slightly addicted to doing pattern reviews!!

When I was contacted to review this pattern I was just told it was for a dress....no problem...both of my girls adore dresses.....I received the pattern via email and saw that it was a wrap dress...I was a little more than anxious to start creating this little wrap dress...and not the good kind of anxious....I have not had good experiences in the past with wrap dresses....wait....I've had HORRID experiences with wrap dresses...but I had a job to do so that's what I set out to do!!! 

The dress is called The Bubblegum Dress and the designer of this pattern is Candy Castle Patterns.

I started as I would with any pdf pattern and saved to my computer and then got ready to get it all printed out....before I hit the print button I noticed there were 52 pages to print....EEK....but have no fear....after looking through the pattern before actually starting to cut the fabric and sew it together I realized how amazing those 52 pages were!

 I am not a "beginner sewist" but on the same hand I have not mastered every skill there is to sewing, let's face it, I probably never will!!! When reviewing a pattern I try to view it from the standpoint of someone who might not be as advanced or as comfortable with sewing and pdf patterns as I am. It is so much easier to have lots of detailed information with some tips and tricks thrown in there than to have a pattern with instructions that sound like they were written by someone who is speaking a whole different language.

In my opinion it is easier for an advanced sewer to skim through and just use what they need than for a beginner sewer to have to try and decipher and interrupt a foreign pattern language. 

The instructions and information in this pattern were spot on! I loved that there was a description at the very beginning of this pattern that stated what kind of fabric to use and how the dress should fit on the child. I loved that there were SO many options on how you could mix and match different prints and different fabrics to get a truly unique look. I only used 2 different cotton prints as I was going for a basic look but really with this dress the possibilities are truly endless.

Another love which sounds silly is that the pages are numbered and the seam allowances are included....be still my heart! I believe I mentioned it in a previous post, but I am not a mathematician, nor do I have hopes and dreams of one day becoming one so seam allowances included in patterns for me are a MUST!!!! I will not knowingly buy a pattern if it does not include the seam allowances...no way...no how!

Another favorite thing of mine is COLOR CODED PATTERN PIECES!!! I often wonder why more pattern designers do not use the color coding system but it just makes my heart so happy when I print a pattern and see that the pattern pieces are a rainbow of colors!!! It makes it so much easier on the eyes.....when they are all black my eyes sometimes tend to go a little wonky and sometimes you might just catch me hunched over my cutting table with my face two inches from the pattern pieces trying to figure out just which line to cut for the size I am needing!!! 

At first I was not planning on using the bias tape at the neck area but after putting the dress together I found I needed some little pop of color on the bodice. I loved that this pattern had directions to make this dress so many different ways....and the way in which the instructions are written it was easy to maneuver through the pattern and skip steps that you might not need without any causing any undo confusion.

The fact that this dress goes from size 6 months to 12 years made me want to jump up and down and squeal with delight! It is very rare to find a pattern with such a wide range of sizes!!! This pattern is truly perfect for girls of all ages....it can be cute as a button for your little tot or you can make it more sophisticated for your big girl! In addition to having the GARGANTUAN range of sizes, this dress is also modest and very kid friendly! No backs or tummies hanging out...there is no need to alter any part of this dress for "additional coverage" for your little darlings. 

In addition to everything I mentioned above, I found this pattern to be true to size with a brilliant fit.  If you are worried about a younger child undoing it and letting the world see all her goodies you can package those thoughts up and put them away on a high shelf. The way that this dress is constructed your child will probably not even be aware that there is a tie on the side. It is not bulky or hanging in the way....and even if your little escape artist does discover the tie and pulls on it, the dress is not going to just fall open and expose everything....this dress just works in every aspect of the way!!!! There is only one thing that I altered on this pattern and that was to top stitch where the bodice meets the skirt portion of the dress. I'm all about a very polished and finished look so my OCD kicked in and I HAD to add that top stitch!!! I HAD to!!!!

So, to sum it up, this pattern rocks!!! There is so much versatility to this dress, the pattern was written very well with all levels of sewists in mind, the size range is phenomenal, the pattern pieces are color coded, and it's the best wrap dress I have ever had the pleasure to use.

The Bubblegum Dress pattern by Candy Castle Patterns gets two sewing machines up from this pattern reviewer!!! I loved making this dress. It was not only a breeze to make but it was fun to see it come together!

Happy Monday!!!! I hope everyone has had a wonderful start to their week!!!

xoxoxoxo

~Rebecca~

Fancy Pants Leggings by Titchy Threads Review

Occasionally I am asked to review and test patterns from various designers, so when asked to review a pattern from Titchy Threads I jumped at the chance.

I love reviewing patterns from new designers or designers that I have never used before...it gives me a chance to discover new and exciting designs from such very talented women! As much as I love sewing and creating there is NO.WAY.IN.H.E.DOUBLE.HOCKEY.STICKS I will EVER draft a pattern....I give it up to the people who do...before I started testing and reviewing I didn't realize how much went into drafting a pattern...I took the designers for granted...this lady is sticking to being creative through sewing....pattern drafting is definitely out of my league!

So here they are, my take on the Fancy Pants Leggings. I opted to make the full length leggings using 4 way stretch knit bought from Funkalicious Fabrics. I am not a genius when it comes to sewing with knits, in all honesty I am quite the opposite.....it's not that I fear them or anything (ok, maybe there is a little fear there), I just didn't want to hurl my sewing machine or serger through the window while making them.....who's go time for that?!?!!? (hee hee)

There are so many things that I loved about this pattern. If you click the link above for Titchy Threads some might think that this pattern is geared more towards pajama pants, which they work wonderfully for, but I think this pattern also works marvelously for just every day leggings! When in the market for patterns one of my main goals when searching is the versatility of it, how much use am I going to get out of it. This pattern ranks way up there on the versatility scale! Laura gives so many options with these. They can be made in short length or regular length and there are instructions on different waist bands and ankle finishes to achieve your desired look.

The instructions are crystal clear on this pattern from start to finish! Laura includes so much detailed information in her pattern that even a novice knit sewist like myself feels comfortable. If you have never sewn with knits or if you are looking for a pattern to sharpen your knit sewing abilities this is a great one....

A few more details, small as they are but make a world of difference, that I love about this pattern is that there is a detailed table of contents, the pattern is computer drafted (means so much to me), tips and tricks on sewing with knits are included (cue the heavenly choir), the pattern is well written and has LOTS of pictures to help guide you along your knit sewing adventure, the pages are numbered (sounds silly but so many patterns I use do not number the pages which can turn out catastrophic if the pattern gets into the hands of a certain 5 year old that loves to "help" me create!), and lastly, the finished product is so cute and the possibilities with these simple leggings are ENDLESS!!!

There is only one downfall in my opinion with this pattern, and to me it's a pretty big one. The pattern size range is 0-3 months to a size 4T. I would have loved to see (or hopefully we will see in the near future) this pattern have a much larger size range. Who doesn't love leggings? I know both of my girls do and sadly they have been out of a size 4T since they were about 3 years old.

A special thank you to the beautiful Lyla for modeling these leggings and a great big thank you to her mommy Audrey with Studio Audrey for the wonderful pictures. 

Have a fabulous Thursday! The weekend is ALMOST here!!! 

xoxoxoxo

~Rebecca~

One Proud Mama

This girl....

this sensitive

emotional

big-hearted

kind

beautiful

brilliant...oh so very brilliant...

compassionate

a tad on the high strung side

feisty

full of never.ending.energy

girl...

graduated pre-kindergarten today!!!!

since the day she graced me with her arrival she has showered me with sunshine, love, tears, laughter, and so many beautiful moments.

one after another.

she made my world bigger, brighter, better, and so much more sweeter.

i love you my wildflower...

I made this Paris inspired dress as a sample piece and she just HAD TO wear it....everyday this sweet girl would ask me if she could wear it to school....I made excuses for her not to wear it time and time again....finally I told her she could wear it to graduation....and wear it she did! She rocked this dress!!!

This dress has been a HUGE hit! It has an over the shoulder designed bodice with a full skirt...there is an attached pettiskirt underneath that has attached tulle to give it a fuller (or as Adilyn likes to say poofier) look...

The back is stunning and is something that is very unique. Two slender straps connect from the top of the bodice to the back of the elastic bodice..

And that belt, who doesn't love a contrasting belt that ties in a big bow in the back?

This dress screams girly, modern, trendy, princess, diva, fashion, and unique all in one! This Paris Inspired dress is a must have! It is perfect for weddings (both of my girls will be wearing this design for my baby brothers wedding in October), church, fancy dinners or any other event you can possibly think of! 

This dress can be made in so many different prints....big floral prints, retro prints, single color with a contrasting waist band....the possibilities are endless.....

This is a limited edition dress. Interested in placing an order for this dress or a dress of this style but different prints please leave a comment or you can always email me at avalynapparel@yahoo.com. This dress can be made in sizes 2T to 8.

And since I have introduced you to my pre-K graduate....I want to brag just a little bit...

Before her graduation this morning her teacher pulled me aside and informed me that my baby girl is going into the K-1 class instead of a mainstream kindergarten class....out of all incoming kindergarten students my baby gets to be 1 out of the 15 chosen students to participate in this new program.

The K-1 class is an accelerated program geared towards gifted students so that they can advance at a more rapid pace....this class will be tested throughout the year and be placed in different gifted programs the school offers.....ideally the students in this class will finish at a 2nd grade level and advance to the second grade at the end of the year instead of going to first grade.... 

I'm just so proud...I have to be honest...I was a little worried with this girl...I have always known she was a thinker....my God she didn't speak a word until she was almost 3 years old...ok...she said mama...but that.was.it!!!! And let me tell you, it was BEYOND frustrating...this child who potty trained herself at the age of 17 months (true story) would not speak!!!

She has blossomed so much this year...made friends, accelerated far beyond my dreams educationally, and I am just in awe at watching her learn and grow and experience!!!

So...I am a proud mamma....I always have been...but today...well today I'm just a tad bit more proud....and what's more important that that...she's proud...she's proud of herself!!!!

This girl is our heart....her sister loves her like only a big sister can.....we are both so proud of our Adilyn!!!!

I apologize for the heavy images and the ramblings about my baby.... but this dress just has to be one of my favorites and well...if I haven't said it yet...we are pretty darn proud of that girl!!!  

Happy "TheWeekendIsAlmosHereAndICan'tHardlyStandIt!!!"

xoxoxo

~Rebecca~

The French Sisters

Happy Hump Day!!!

Tonight I am going to be previewing a delicious little number. One of the things that I strive for when choosing patterns is the versatility of the piece. You will find this pinafore style top is nothing short of that....

I would like to introduce you to the French sisters....they are both wearing the exact same piece....one sister is a size 7 and one sister is a size 4...imagine how much wear you will be able to get out of this little number! Brace yourself for this one!!!!

This is Little Sister French. Dontcha just LOVE LOVE LOVE those pig tails?!?!!? (eek to die for!!!) She is wearing my Perfect Pinafore as a dress. 

Now on to Big Sis French who wears a size 7. Remember, this is the EXACT same dress. No alterations were made. This piece fit both girls perfectly and gives two different looks! 

Can you see how scrumptious the Perfect Pinafore is? It can be worn for years....worn through several different seasons....can be passed down from one sister to the next! Not only will you get plenty of wear out of this, it can be made reversible!!! WHAT!!!??? Two different looks, can be worn all year round, and can be worn through several different sizes!!! What more could you ask for?

I want to thank the French's for coming to the photo shoot at Studio Audrey! These sisters were so much fun to work with and had such different personalities! They were troopers and bared the slightly windy and chilly weather and had a crazy lady (me) trying to get them to do crazy poses...not sure what I am talking about...please scroll up and check out the second picture....photography has never been my forte and I don't see that it ever will....that's why I leave that to the professionals!

Interested in ordering the Perfect Pinafore? If you are wanting the exact piece that is shown in the pictures above it is a One Of A Kind...that means it will NEVER be duplicated. It was made in a size 7 but as explained above it can be worn by a child that is as small as a size 4 as well. The Perfect Pinafore can be made in sizes 2T up to a size 8. Please feel free to comment on this blog post or you can email me at avalynapparel@yahoo.com

If you love the style I can make this in any print you can imagine, simply contact me for details!

I hope that you have had a wonderful Wednesday...it's been a barmy kind of day here....hopefully your hump day was no where near as crazy and misdirected as mine was!!!

xoxoxoxo

~Rebecca~

Little Miss Wood

Over the next few weeks I will be preveiwing here on the blog a very modest portion of some of the pieces that I have been designing and creating recently....these previews are just a very small reflection of the pieces that will be available at the trunk show hosted by Studio Audrey on June 22nd. (*Please note* due to extenuating circumstances the date for the trunk show has been rescheduled....it is no longer on May 18th) 

If you just can't contain your excitement and you would like to place an order for something you see either on the blog or something you are secretly designing in your head, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to make it happen!

So without further ado, Little Miss Wood is going to kick off Avalyn Apparel's preview!

Here she is...this little ball of pizzazz! I had never met this sweet girl (only saw her photo submission for the casting call) before the photo shoot, but this dress fits.her.to.a.T!

This dress has a navy and light blue chevron print (chevron's all the rave right now!) bodice with a pink scroll like print waist band. The waist sits slightly higher than the natural waist giving it more of an empire waist feel. The skirt of the dress is made out of a super soft and airy lime green and white striped knit fabric that gives this dress a fresh and summery feel.

The straps cross over the shoulders and tie at the back of the bodice and are made out of the same print as the waist band. Because of the way that the bodice and the straps are constructed this dress will truly last for more than just a season or two.....wear it now as a dress, next year as a tunic and the following year as a top....you can even pair it with tights or leggings and a long sleeve shirt underneath for cooler days....

And for that extra special girly girl fun touch I have added a shabby chic flower with a bright yellow button at the waist band....

And this picture just sums it up! This is such a lively little number for your lively little girl! This is a unique dress that is just so fun and full of life, much like one of my favorite little models, Miss Wood!!!

Much of what I will be creating will either be One Of A Kind (OOAK) or it will be Limited Edition. OOAK means that I will not make another one like it. If you purchase a OOAK item I will never recreate that item again. Limited edition means that I will only make a very limited number of that particular design. I will also be creating a Luxe line and that will be introduced at a later date.

This dress is a limited edition. I will only sell a handful of this exact same dress.

If you are interested in purchasing one of these (or maybe two or three) you can make a comment on this blog post or you can email me at avalynapparel@yahoo.com  

Later in the week I will blog about why Avalyn Apparel will not be mass producing items and sticking with OOAK and Limited Edition pieces!!! I promise...there is a method to my madness even if most people think I'm just plain mad (hee hee)!!!

I hope you have had a smashing Tuesday as I know I have! And I just want to thank the Wood's again for coming to the photo shoot. It was a pleasure to meet you both and a joy to see my creation come to life! A better model could not have been picked for this dress!!!

xoxoxo

~Rebecca~

Are you ready?!?!?!?

Avalyn Apparel is here!!! I am so excited to be teaming up with Studio Audrey to host the first EVER Trunk Show! Here is just a very small taste of the types of items that you can get your hands on!!

Interested in seeing more of the fabulous things Avalyn Apparel has to offer? Subscribe to this blog and I will be adding more sneak peaks of some of the apparel that will be offered at the trunk show!

Become a fan on facebook to find out all of the latest and greatest information about Avalyn Apparel. 

I would like to formally invite you to my first ever trunk show! The show will be held on May 18th at Studio Audrey in Lousiville, KY. The address is 1860 Mellwood Ave and the trunk show will be held from 11am until about 2pm. During the trunk show you will be able to see apparel that is avaiable to purchase. You will also be able to place orders if you are needing something in a size that I do not have with me. Are you looking for a one of a kind or a custom piece designed specifically for the special little lady in your life? I've got that covered! I offer a one on one service with my clients to create exactly what they are looking for!

So what are you waiting for? Join us for this wonderful event!!! Click on the button below and fill out the form! Spots are limited so reserve yours today!!!

In addition to spending the afternoon browsing through designs I offer, we will have snacks and beverages and....GIVEAWAYS!!!! Studio Audrey and Avalyn Apparel will be offering AMAZING giveaways the day of the trunk show! You do not want to miss out on this! (details coming soon!)

Spread the word about the first ever Avalyn Apparel Trunk Show! On the form linked above there is a spot for "referred by". Refer all of your friends and family. The guest with the MOST "referred by's" is going to win a a piece from the first ever Avalyn Apparel collection!!!! (to qualify, the people who were referred by you must be in attendence at the trunk show)

I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know all of you! Check back often for updates and if you can not make the trunk show hosted by Studio Audrey but are interested in hosting your own you can find information out here!!!!

I hope that you are as excited about this as I am!!!

Rebecca

xoxoxox

Behind The Scenes

Welcome to Avalyn Apparel! I am beyond ecstatic that THIS is finally happening! Avalyn Apparel is something that I have been working on for over a year....I have spent over a year of planning, designing, dreaming, creating, juggling, crying, screaming in frustration and working one on one with amazing pattern designers as well as an AHHHHHHmazing photographer and it's finally here! Avalyn Apparel has been born and let me tell you....there were times where this "pregnancy" was not fun.....but it's been worth it...there are so many things i have discovered and learned in this process that i wouldn't change it for the word!

I'd like to take a moment to introduce to you who makes up Avalyn Apparel...

My name is Rebecca and this is me and my two little ones who are my inspiration among so many other things.....

• 
  
  I am.......
  
  
  34....and a half but often feel like there's this kid in me screaming to get out....I'll let you in on a little secret....sometimes I let that child out and it feels so good!!!
  
  
  i have been divorced for a year now and even though it was one of the hardest times of my life i walked away with my head high....i feel strong....and i have my two beautiful girls whom i love more than life itself.....
  
  
  i am finally feeling comfortable in my own skin....feeling comfortable with who i REALLY am....
  
  
  i've taken a vow to take better care of myself...inside and out....i'm not gonna lie though....i do partake in the occasional "not so good for you food and drink" on occasion....
  
  
  i am awkwardly shy and often too quiet....as i get a bit older, and maybe a wee bit wiser (hee hee) about life in general i am finding myself to be not AS shy and not AS quiet....being shy and quiet is not so bad though.....it helps in the design and creating process....
  
  
  everything i do i do it with passion and dedication....i give 100% all of the time....i must admit that this often leaves me overwhelmed and exhausted but it's just what i do....
  
  
  i love to watch my children grow and develop and i don't want to miss a moment of it....they might not know it now, but they truly are my inspiration in my creative process....to hear them squeal with delight when i make them something (which honestly doesn't happen often) it melts.my.heart.
  
  and to have my girls absolutely L.O.V.E. to go to the fabric stores with me and touch and feel everything....and i mean everything.....and to help mix and match prints and designs and textures is pure bliss....i am one lucky mamma!!!!
  
  
  i can now say that i am proud of myself....it took me a LONG time to get here but i am happy with who i am and what i stand for....in the past year i have:
  
  Now on to my mini me's....the two little girls that could spend countless hours in my sewing studio matching fabrics, cutting scraps of fabric, playing with buttons and needles and threads....designing outfits for their babies and barbies....and each other on occasion (note to self...i MUST get pictures of the latter....it often gets quite humorous on those "design an outfit for your sister days"...these two little girls help me every step of the way...even when they have no idea they are helping they are.....
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  She is.....

  
  

  Avery Lillian Murray....is 8....and is the "av" in Avalyn Apparel

  
  

  she is my first born and was the easiest and most complacent baby anyone could have asked for..

  
  

  she has a heart of gold and even though she most often wears her sassy pants when it comes to her mama...she has a heart of gold and her love is so pure and unadulterated 

  
  

  she is beautiful both inside and out and even though she is still going through that awkward and crooked tooth smile phase...that smile is one that shines so bright on the darkest of days....

  
  

  she has gone from the girliest of girls wearing ONLY skirts or dress with accessories to match to one that prefers to wear jeans, tennis shoes, and a plain ol' t-shirt....

  
  

  she is going to be finishing 2nd grade in just a few more short weeks....someone PLEASE stop the clock!!!

  
  

  she thinks her sister is the best thing since sliced bread but at least once a day says "ugh....i am NOT liking my sister right now!!"

  
  

  she is charming but can be a bit on the bossy side...wait...who am i kidding...she DEFINES bossy...one day that girl is going to be the one people turn to when they need a leader...

  
  

  she has such a thirst for knowledge that just can't be quenched...right now she loves history, science, and reading....she just got finished learning about the Titanic and was just so hungry to learn all she could.....

  
  

  she is radiant in every way and her beauty shines in everything she does....even if she is being a sassy diva....ha!

  
  

  

  
  

  She is....

  
  

  Adilyn Grace Murray....is 5.....and is the "alyn" in Avalyn Apparel

  
  

  she is my baby.....my second born....and is so much like me it is a little on the eerie side....but in a good way of course

  
  

  she can melt your heart with one look and turn you to stone with the next look....watch out Medusa....this one's got you beat!!!

  
  

  she wants to be and do everything her sister does....and she has such determination that no matter what you say if she has her mind set on something she is going to do it....in her words, "i am not a quitter"....that's my girl!

  
  

  loves her sister with all her heart....sure there is the picking and poking and irritating and the countless egging big sis on....she loves her....recently when i get ready to wake the girls up in the morning (and this is on several occasions) I have found her in her big sisters bed...both girls fast asleep....how sweet is that???

  
  

  in a few short weeks she will be finished with pre-k and after the summer will be heading on to the wonderful world of kindergarten....i pray that she is blessed to have a kindergarten teacher like avery did....we were so very blessed with Mrs. Fischer...oh how i miss that wonderful woman...

  
  

  she is painfully shy....slowly but surely she is starting to come out of her shell and she is starting to figure out who she is and what she likes....if she's anything like me (and i know she is) she'll be in her 30's and that's when she will really start finding out who she is....

  
  

  she has taken her sisters place in the girly girl department....always having to pick her own clothes out...and her ensemble (99%) of the time is either a skirt or a dress (but "no knee socks mom"...and everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) I make for Avalyn Apparel she thinks she needs one just like it.....this alone makes my heart so very happy....

  
  

  she is beautiful inside and out....she has the biggest smile...bright eyes....unruly curly hair....and a laugh that touches my soul.....

  
  In a nutshell we are the ladies of Avalyn Apparel....I might be the one who does the cutting and sewing...but my girls are so much a part of Avalyn Apparel....i get so much inspiration from them and their love for fashion, design and creating.....their ideas are often a breath of fresh air....especially when i am in a creative rut....
  
  

  

  this blog is going to be dedicated to everything that makes up Avalyn Apparel..i look forward to sharing with you everything that goes into dressing the little girls in your life..i hope that you will join the girls and i on this adventure....

  
  

  there will be lots of exciting information being released in the next few weeks so check back often....subscribe to the blog and become a fan on the facebook page....i look forward to getting to know you and welcoming you into our world.....
  
  ~xoxo~
  Rebecca