Pattern Testing the Tuileries Dress

I have drooled over every post Kelly from Sewing in No Man's Land has ever written and jumped at the chance to pattern test her first graded pattern for the Tuileries Dress (you can read about the pattern release and see the other dresses made here).

I tested the 4T size.  My daughter is technically still 3, but will be 4 in April and so whenever I make a pattern I do a size up to be sure it can be worn more than once.

I ended up getting a cough the weekend after receiving the pattern which put me a little behind, and while I didn't have that many improvements, all the ones I thought of kept coming through in revision pdf's that Kelly sent us!  She's good. 

The dress turned out wonderfully and Abby wouldn't take it off after we took some pictures on Sunday!  Pardon the garage door, when it's barely 30 degrees and your model is not quite 4 years old, your photo shoot locations dwindle significantly. 

This pattern stands really well on it's own (you can get it here on Craftsy for a great price), I think I styled little girly face pretty well (pats self on back!) though the deadness of our yard kindof detracts...  I don't really consider myself "stylish" whatsoever, but I feel like she looks pretty excellently put together!!

The dark fabric I used for this hides the adorable pleats at the neck and skirt, but they're there!

There's also an exposed zipper which I managed to pull off, though I've got lots of room for improvement with zippers.  Heh.  They scare me...

 Isn't she adorable?!

Anyway, it was so fun, and my last addition for Kids Clothes Week Winter 2014 edition!  

Happy Giveaway Day!!

And it's Monday again!

Welcome to anyone here from Sew, Mama, Sew!  I hope you'll like what you see here and want to hang around a bit.

My name is Marian and  I have 2 kids, 1 dog, and a wonderfully supportive husband.  They're all the best and so encouraging and tolerant of my need to buy fabric, cut it up, then sew it back together again.  I love them.

I make mostly quilts, and have an Etsy shop here (coupon code alert: THANKS25 for 25% off everything until the end of the year!) where I sell baby and toddler quilts, pillow covers, and zipper pouches, and whatever else I can think of!

Here's what I've been up to lately: 

 (photos by Allisa from her post)

Just yesterday I was featured on Allisa Jacobs' blog with three pillow covers I made using her fabrics (designed through Spoonflower) as part of her sewing social group!

 (photos by Allisa from her post)

It's a fantastic post, and group, with so many talented women I'm just thrilled to be part of!  I loved making these, Allisa's designs are gorgeous, and you should see what else she does!!

 (photos by Allisa from her post)

I've been broadening my skills by pattern testing for Diane at From Blank Pages.  She's a total doll and I've so enjoyed getting to know her through Instagram (I'm mgriffin87 if you feel so inclined) and her blog.

I was so scared of paper piecing.  It was on the "maybe I'll try it in 5 years if someone comes to my house and shows me how" list, but I figured I'd give it a shot when she asked for pattern testers! At least she'd get a total beginner's opinion right?

Well I totally love it.  This pattern in particular is so incredibly versatile!  I'm planning to turn what I've made here into a quilt, with this block off center with a neutral or solid background and awesome quilting.  I hope you come back to see how it turns out!!


AND the part you've been waiting for...the giveaway!!

I am offering this bundle of fabrics to one of you lucky ducks to enjoy!

This giveaway will be open to US READERS only (just to keep shipping costs down this month since I haven't shipped xmas gifts yet - so sorry to my international friends!!) and will be open until December 7th at 5pm at which point I'll pick and announce a winner!  

To enter: leave a comment on this post telling me something that makes you happy!

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED - THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!!  I read every comment and as soon as I figure out how to number them, I'll pick a winner!!  Thank you!  I am so excited at how many participated!!! 

Ready......GO! and have fun with the giveaways!  Hope you win something awesome!