Viola, Alice And A Little Play Dress

Last week I was blessed to test some darling patterns by two other

designers. I find this little world of indie pattern designers is rather cozy 

and I have so enjoyed being a part of the testing process. 

This pattern is called "Viola" and is a fun sundress and top pattern by

German designer Karin Simmering.

Karin has a fresh and lovely approach to Childrens  Fashion 

that really captures my imagination. 

You really should check out her website for these beautiful

patterns. They are written in German but the photos

are very clear and easy to understand. 

And pattern pieces are included in the E-book in many sizes.

I will post photos tomorrow of Ahnalin wearing this outfit. 

She LOVES it!!

This is the back view of "Viola". 

I think it will be perfect for summer.

The other pattern I got to test this week is 

a "Topsy Turvy" doll! 

I have wanted one of these dolls since I was a little girl. 

So when designer Shelly Houseman

showed photos of her "Alice/ Red Queen" doll

 on Sewing Mamas

a few weeks ago, I HAD to have one for myself!

However, do you see WHO is holding MY doll?

Yes, she pilfered my new dolly that made with my own hands.

Oh I love that little doll face!

Both of them!

I hand embroidered the faces and hair detail. 

It was so fun!

And just who is hiding under Alice's skirts?

Yes! That would be the Red Queen!! 

Ahnalin does not really like her in the story,

but she likes her as a dolly because of all the red.

It seems that she is adding red as a favorite color.

So move over Pink!

If you love this little dolly pattern,

check Shelly's blog.
She will be adding this pattern to her Etsy shop soon.

And since I got my serger out of the shop on 

Tuesday, I have been getting reacquainted with it.

Ahnalin, my sensory challenged girl, prefers to 

wear dresses every day. 

And she wants them to be soft. 

So, more play dresses are in the works.

They go together so fast and wash up so well.

And I should probably tell you that I do not

use a pattern for these little play dresses. 

They are just so easy and quick.

And to have a little fun, I made open sleeves trimmed

in "FOE".

FOE is "Fold-Over-Elastic". 

I LOVE this stuff!

I purchase FOE from Sewzannes and Fabric Hound.

Now I have to tell you that it is killing me that the side seam stripes under

the sleeve do not match up.

I had not used my serger for quite some time before it went into 

the shop for repairs,

and then was in the shop for a long time.

So I was out of  practice with the differential feed.

That is my story!

And PEEK!

Yes, those would be matching bike 

shorts under the dress.

Remember, we are talking about the "Monkey Girl" here,

so panties must be covered up for wild monkey bar activity!

Oh, and I thought you all may like to know that 

Ahnalin did not break any heads or bones this week! 

YAY!!

And just because I like to show off my girly,

here are a few more pics of her royal highness

Princess Monkey Girl!!

She found a dead baby bird in the yard last week

and insisted that we have a funeral for it.

She preached a sermon, said some 

Bible verses, 

prayed,

and sang a song.

Her choice of song is rather befuddling for a funeral though.

She sang "Joy To The World". 

It was very sweet and somber and 

my heart was so touched by her empathy. 

And here she is with her brand new 1/4 size violin and 

her best friend Megan.

They are giving us a lovely concert.

Oh my!

Aren't they darling together???

I have been battling migraines this week, so I am a bit

behind on some things. 

I need to get more things posted, I know.

Next up is India's Senior Ball!

It is NEXT SATURDAY!!

We went shopping for fabric today and could not find what we were 

looking for, so we will hit up a few more stores on Saturday.

And yes, I am aware that will only leave me 1 week to sew 

this gown.

The theme of the Senior Ball is 

BOLLYWOOD!!

How perfect for a girl like my India!!

So, like last years "Dream Dress" production,

I will be posting a play-by-play of this years 

ball gown creation. 

Now, if only I can find the perfect fabric!!

In His Grace,

Sivje