Button Up Pencil Skirt

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Porque Março já está perto de acabar, andava eu aqui a ver umas fotos das minhas roupas feitas à mão, para participar novamente no #MeMadeMade, quando me deparei com uma saia que fiz há já quase três anos e que ainda não tinha chegado ao blog. Como nunca é demasiado tarde para mim, aqui vai. Apresento-vos a minha versão da Button Up Pencil Skirt. 

March is almost over and I was going through some photos of #memades, with #MeMadeMay on my head already, when I came across this skirt I made almost three years ago and has never made it to the blog. It's never too late, I think, so here it is. Meet my version of the Button Up Pencil Skirt. 

Esta saia é muito versátil. O tecido que usei (que tem alguma elasticidade) foi-me oferecido por uma amiga que me disse que era para fazer algo para mim, e para honrar o pedido, foi o que fiz. Usei-o quando me apareceu a oportunidade de testar este molde para The Ruffle Stitch, e não poderia ter corrido melhor porque dá para a usar todo o ano. 

This is a very versatile skirt. The fabric I used (slightly stretchy) was a gift from a friend, I remember she told me I should make something for myself with it. I wanted to honor that, and that's exactly what I did. When the chance came to test this pattern for The Ruffled Stitch, I used this fabric and couldn't be happier because I wear it all year long. 

O molde vem com duas opções diferentes. Na primeira tem carcela e botões de cima a baixo na parte da frente e encaixe e bolsos na parte de trás. A outra tem uma carcela parcial na frente e é simples atrás. Fiz a segunda opção e dá para a vestir mais compostinha ou mais descontraída. 

The pattern comes in two different versions. One has a full front button placket with the back featuring a slanted yoke and back pockets. The other has a partial front button placket and simple back. I made the second option and I love how I can dress it up or down. 

Não tenho nenhuma foto que dê para ver de perto os botões, mas são maravilhosos. Foram também prenda da mesma amiga e são como um tesouro para mim. Tem um ar tão vintage. 

I don't have a close up of those buttons, but they are so precious. They were also a gift from the same friend and I really treasure them. They looked pretty vintage. 

Como já disse, é possível vestir esta saia durante o ano inteiro, o que para mim vale muito. E tenho-a vestido muito. Cada vez que o faço penso em encurtar a altura por questões de gosto pessoal, mas só me lembro disso quando a visto. Quem sabe o faço um dia destes.

As I said, I am able to wear it all year around, which is great. And I have been wearing it a lot since I made it. I just feel like I rather make it a little shorter. I think about it everytime I wear it, but haven't come around to make it yet. Maybe sometime soon. 

Thread Faction | Pattern #203 - Ladies Sports Skort -

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Ando a tentar costurar mais para mim novamente. Não tenho a mente em planos concretos, existem algumas coisas que gostava de fazer, mas aceito as sugestões que me forem aparecendo pelo caminho, desde que goste, claro. E foi assim que acabei por costurar para mim uma saia-calção.

One thing I've been trying hard to do lately is getting back to sew more often for myself. I haven't set any specific goals. There are a few things I'd like to make, but I will accept suggestions along the way, as long as I enjoy them of course. And that's how I ended up sewing myself a sport skort. 

Quem me conhece bem, sabe que não sou nada dada ao desporto. Isso sim, sou mais do tipo quietinha a ler, ou a criar algo. Acontece que a Liz andava à procura de testers para um novo molde, #203 Ladies Sport Skirt, e acontece que eu já o tinha feito na versão de criança. Lembro-me da minha irmã dizer que adorava ter uma igual depois de ver a da sobrinha, e pensei que poderia fazer parte do teste e mais tarde fazer-lhe uma também. 

If you know me, then you know I am not a sport girl at all. I'm rather the quiet one sitting at home reading a book or crafting something. But the thing is, Liz was looking for testers for her newest pattern, #203 Ladies Sport Skirt, and it happens that I tested the kid's version too. I remember my sister saying she wanted one like her niece's, and I thought about testing this one on me and maybe later make her one as well. 

Além disso, à medida que o tempo for aquecendo, pretendo passar mais tempo no exterior com os miúdos. Não digo que me torne agora toda desportiva, não mesmo, mas temos que aproveitar bem este nosso sol Algarvio, e sempre se corre um pouco atrás dos miúdos, sempre se brinca um pouco na praia enquanto não está a transbordar de turistas, qualquer coisa. Esta peça é perfeita para essas ocasiões. 

Also, as the weather warms up I want to spend more time outside with the kids. I'm not saying I'll get all sporty, that's not it, but I want to have some fun on our Algarve's sun with the kids, maybe run a little after them, play a little at the beach while it's still empty of tourists, whatever really. This will be a perfect outfit for it. 

Poderei assim aproveitar todo esse tempo, sentindo-me confortável e composta, e ainda confiante por me poder mexer à vontade sem medo de mostrar as cuecas a olhos estranhos. hehe. Fiz a versão A, com a mais simples porque se me vou mexer, preciso que a saia-calção seja o mais simples possível, no entanto existem muitas outras opções à escolha, incluindo um bolso na parte de trás para o telemóvel ou as chaves, se necessário. Fiz também a versão mais curta de duas. 

I will be able to enjoy that time, feeling comfy and pretty, and also confident that I can move as I please because my underwear will still be covered and away from stranger's eyes. hehe. I did version A, the straight skirt, because if I am moving, I need my skorts to be as simple as possible, but you have different options to choose from, including a back pocket for your phone or keys, if needed. I also did the shorter lenght out of two.

Em relação ao tecido, reciclei um vestido que tinha - servia-me mas não gostava de como ficava na zona do pescoço - para os calções, encaixes e cintura. Para a saia usei um outro tecido que já tinha. Guardava-o para fazer um vestido, e queria mesmo usar apenas o tecidos das bolinhas para a peça completa mas não era suficiente, então lá tive que usar o único que ficava bem com esse. 

As for the fabric, I refashioned one of my dresses - it fitted but I didn't like how it looked on the neck area - for the shorts, yokes and waistband. For the skirt I used another fabric from my stash. I was saving it for a dress, and I really wanted to use the polka dots for the whole thing, but I didn't have enough out of the dress, and this other fabric was the only one indeed that I had. matching the other one. 

ANTES :: BEFORE

Se interessadas comprem o molde agora que ainda está com desconto. Vai durar até ao fim da semana. 

If interested, get the pattern now with a discount. It will last this whole week. 

#203 é um molde para malha de uma saia calção para senhora nos tamanhos XXS ao XXL. O molde inclui 5 estilos de saia; saia direita, saia com pregas, saia com folho, saia com frente lisa/folho atrás e saia com frente lisa/pregas atrás. Todos as saias incluem um encaixe e um bolso opcional com fecho atrás. Todas as versões são de cintura média, com elástico. Os calções incluem duas alturas de bainha.As saias e os calções são acabados com bainhas simples. 

#203 is a knit sewing pattern for a Ladies sports skort in sizes XXS to XXL. The pattern includes 5 skirt style options; a straight skirt, a pleated skirt, a flounce skirt, a flat front/flounce back skirt and a flat front/pleated back skirt. All skirt styles include a yoke and an optional back zippered pocket. All versions are mid rise, with an elastic waistband. The included shorts have 2 inseam lengths.  The skirts and shorts are finished with simple hems.

Girl's Sport Skort

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Estava aqui a tentar lembrar-me há quanto tempo tinha testado um molde antes deste que partilho hoje, e a verdade é que não me consigo lembrar. Parece ter sido há uma eternidade. Não interessa... eu ando pouco atenta às chamadas para testes, no entanto e felizmente, deparei-me com a última da Thread Faction Studio, para o novo molde #126 Girls Sport Skort. Não preciso dizer novamente o quanto eu gosto dos moldes da Liz, pois não? 

I was here trying to remember when was the last time I tested a pattern before the one I am just to tell you about, but truth is I can't remember. Feels like ages ago. Anyway... I am not so aware of new testing calls as I was before, but I was lucky to come across the latest one from Thread Faction Studio, for the latest #126 Girls Sport Skort pattern. I don't have to tell you again how much I love Liz's patterns, do I?  

Eu fiz a mais fácil das cinco versões diferentes neste molde, que é a da saia em semi circulo. O molde é mais uma vez, óptimo e conquistou certamente a miúda cá de casa. Estava louca ao perceber que esta não era uma saia banal,  e que por baixo tinha os calções. Nas suas palavras "mãe, já posso correr e saltar à vontade que não se vão ver as minhas cuecas!". Sim, ela adorou. 

So, I did the easiest version from the five different style options on this pattern, the half circle skirt. The pattern is again great as always and a winner as much as my daughter can tell. She was beyond excited when she realised it was no ordinary skirt, it had shorts underneath and in her own words "mom, now I can run and jump, and my underwear won't show!". Yes, she loved it. 

Usei uma malha mais quente para a saia embora ache que o molde é muito mais direccionado para a primavera ou verão, só que eu tinha de o fazer e fotografar agora, por isso lá foi (é a mesma malha que usei aqui). Não estava nada segura que ficasse bem com collants, mas lá experimentámos. Inicialmente estranhei, mas depois habituei-me e não acho que fique mal d'um todo. Além do bónus que é segurar as collants para não escorregarem. 

I used a warmer knit because although I see this skort as a more spring/summer like garment, I was sewing it right when we're heading into winter, and I had to take photos too (That's the same knit I used here by the way). I had no idea if this would work with tights, but I had to try. At first I thought it looked weird, but then I got used to it. It's fine. And as a bonus, it keeps the tights from sliding. 

Gostavam de ver mais coisas que fiz com os moldes Thread Faction Studios? Vejam os links abaixo:

Would you like to see other stuff I made from Thread Faction Studio patterns? Check out the links below:

Pattern #104 tank top - HERE

Pattern #105 crop top - HERE

Pattern #113 romper - HERE 

Pattern #115 beret - HERE

Pattern #116 cardigan - HERE

Pattern #123 Girls Tank and Pants - HERE

Top 5 of 2017 |REFLECTIONS/GOALS|

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Antes de escrever este post fui ler o semelhante dos anos anteriores (de 2013 a 2015), e é engraçado como a maior parte das decisões que tomei, principalmente em 2015 se enquadram naquilo que pensava escrever este ano também. Aparentemente não foi em 2016 que a minha motivação entrou em queda, e sim a meio do ano anterior. Desde então que tenho tido uns altos e baixos, parece até que essa motivação se tornou bipolar. Enfim... Hoje reflito nisso tudo, e vou deixar por escrito o que espero para 2018 no que toca às minhas costuras e a este blog. 

Before I started writting this post, I went back and read the similar ones from previous years (from 2013 to 2015), and it's funny how most of the decisions I made back then are quite similar to what I was going to write this year as well. Apparently it was not in 2016 that my sewing mojo went on holidays, but in the middle of the previous year. Ever since, I had ups and downs, like my mojo has suddenly turned bipolar. Oh well... I reflict on all that today, and I'll write down what I hope for 2018 as for my sewing and blog is concerned. 

#1. Nada de compras!- Este é um dos meus maiores objetivos para o próximo ano. Em 2013 desafiei-me a não comprar mesmo nada a não ser que fosse mesmo, mesmo, mesmo necessário. Desde então tentei manter o hábito mas mais descontraidamente. Durante 2017, não posso dizer que me tenha portado mal, os tecidos acima foram os únicos que comprei (os que já usei têm um "X"), mais dois outros que usei num pufe que fiz para o meu sobrinho, e renda para o soutien, aos quais não tirei foto, ainda assim, dei por mim a comprar alguns tecidos sem necessidade nenhuma, apenas por impulso.  

#1. No buying / Sew from my stash - This is one of my main goals for the next year. Back in 2013 I challenged myself to stop buying unless I really really really needed to. Ever since I tried to keep the habit but in a more relaxed way. Through 2017, I can't say I didn't behave, the fabrics pictured above were the only ones I bough (the ones with the "X" are the ones I used already), plus two other I bought to make my nephew a puff, and the lace for the bra but failed to picture, still, I know I bought a few of these on an impulse, no real need. 

#2. Reciclar/Transformar mais! - Não tenho reciclado tanto este ano, foquei-me mais em baixar a pilha de tecidos que tenho em stock e as roupas que tenho para reaproveitar foram ficando encostadas. Entraram mais algumas para a pilha que me foram dadas, tirei algumas pelas quais já não sentia conexão nenhuma para doar, e agora mais recentemente ainda comprei mais umas peças que encontrei a 1€ cada. Estão na foto acima, e já usei duas delas. Ah! E com isto gostava de dizer que penso trazer o "Refashion Month" de volta. 

#2. More refashioning! - I haven't done it as much this year, I focused on down sizing my fabric stash so the refashioning pile got a bit to the back of my head. A few more pieces were added to my existing pile, I took a few away to donate because I didn't identify with them anymore, but I also more a few more recently, I found them for 1€ each. They are the ones on the above picture, I used two of them already. Oh! I am planning on bringing the "Refashion Month" back.  

Apenas algumas das coisas que fiz que nunca cheguei a partilhar aqui.
Just a few of the things I made and never got to share here. 

#3. Publicar o que faço! - Tenho deixado imensas coisas que fiz por publicar. Acho sempre que posso fazer no dia a seguir e depois no outro e nunca chegam ao blog. Tentei contá-las e posso dizer-vos que as peças que nunca chegaram a ser publicadas foram praticamente em mesmo número que aquelas que sim. 

#3. Post what I make! - I've been leaving so many things I made unblogged. I always think I can make it the next day, and then the next and they never make it to here. I tried to count them and I can tell you they are nearly asmany as the ones that did make it to the blog. 

Acabei o pufe a 24 de Dezembro, foi prenda de natal do meu sobrinho e não tinha um fundo de jeito para tirar foto. A gata não ajudou. Foi o possível e não vou stressar por isso.
I finished this puff on the 24th of December, it was a christmas gift and I couldn't find a decent background for it. The cat didn't help either. It was the possible thing to get and I am not stressing over it. 

#4. Ser mais realista! - Naquilo que quero e posso fazer. Naquilo que realmente sou eu e não me deixar levar por aqueles/as que acompanho. Isto tem muito a ver com o ponto anterior, por vezes não publico à espera da melhor luz para fotografar a peça, do melhor isto e aquilo, mas sejamos verdadeiros, não pretendo fazer dinheiro com o blog, se a luz está mais fraca num certo dia, acho que preciso de tirar a foto mesmo assim, senão nunca chego a publicar nada. 

#4. Keep it real! - What I want and what I can achieve. What I really am and not get carried away with others I follow do or say. This is largely related to the previous subject, sometimes I might skip posting while waiting for a better light to get photos taken, best thi and that, but let's keep it real, I'm not planning on getting any profit out of this blog, if the light is bad on a certain day, well lei it be and shoot that photo either way, other wise it might never get to the blog. 

#5. Voltar aos videos! - Talvez não em formato podcast como fiz no passado. A ideia já cá está há imenso tempo, cheguei mesmo a gravar um video (há cerca de um ano, sei-o porque nele ainda aparece a 1ª macaca da G. e está quase a fazer um ano que a perdeu), mas nunca cheguei a editar e como tal muito menos a publicar. A ideia tem andado a martelar com mais insistência ultimamente, por isso devo mentalizar-me e voltar a eles.

#5. Back to videos! - This might only matter to my portuguese readers as I only film in portuguese, but anyway, I am planning on getting back, not on a podcast format though. The idea has been bouncing in my head for about a year now, so I guess it's time to get something done\about it. 

Sweet Innocence Pattern Tour

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Depois de os meus filhos terem ficado doentes, acabei por me atrasar imenso em tudo o que tinha para fazer. Este tour em que participo agora foi a mais penalizada, infelizmente. O molde Sweet Innocence da Annastacia Cruz (My Treasured Heirlooms), como o próprio nome indica, é do mais doce que há. A designer, pediu-nos que fizéssemos dele, o que bem entendêssemos, alterando, misturando, etc. A verdade é que ele é lindo e perfeito como é, mas é uma costura demorada, devido aos folhos, principalmente para quem não tem um pé especifico como eu (ouviste pai natal?). 

After my kids getting sick, I got late with everything else I had to make. This tour was the most penalized one, unfortunately. The Sweet Innocence pattern from Annastacia Cruz (My Treasured Heirlooms), as the name says it's the sweetest thing. The designer asked us to use it as we wish, altering, mixing, etc. The truth is that it really is beautiful and perfect as it is already, but it takes a while to be sewn, because of its ruffles, especially for someone who doesn't own a ruffle foot like myself (did you hear this Santa?). 

Por isso, e porque o vestido não trás uma opção de manga comprida andei a pensar nas minhas possibilidades. O que eu mais gosto do molde, é mesmo do efeito da saia, com os folhos para a frente, e também do vestido interior, com as mangas e cós franzidos, mas isso para um vestido de natal, com este frio, estava riscado da minha lista. Peguei então na saia exterior. E foi o que fiz para já. Tenho planos de fazer um vestido interior também, mas tenho que estudar a melhor forma de o fazer, por isso, para já, temos uma saia que podemos sobrepor com outras peças de roupa. 

That and the fact that it doesn't come with a long sleeve option, I had to think my possibilities. What I like better on this pattern is the skirt effect on the front, and also the peasent dress, with elastic on sleeves and neckline, but that wouldn't work on a cold christmas, so it was crossed off my list. I went for the skirt then. And that's all I did for now. I have plans to make a peasant dress too, but I have to wwork out a way to do it, so, for now, we have a skirt that we can overlap with any other pieces. 

Adoro o tecido que usei. Já o tenho há tanto tempo, e é tão velhinho. Foi trazido dos EUA pela sogra da minha irmã, por volta de 1980, ainda é mais velho do que eu. A quantidade que eu tinha dele, era imensa, mas fui usando, oferecendo... e ainda me sobra cerca de um metro. Usei do molde duas peças apenas, a da saia e a do folho. Para a cintura cortei apenas uma barra com largura suficiente para a cintura da minha filha, e costurei-a à saia. Coloquei um elástico na mesma e estava pronta. Mas isto tudo ainda levou o seu tempo, porque como já referi não tenho pé calcador para franzir, e com o velho método de puxar a linha levei uma eternidade para o folho, e mais outra menos eterna a franzir a saia para o tamanho da cintura. É um projeto demorado sim, mas valeu tanto a pena, só pela saia. Ela adorou, porque roda imenso, até achou que parecia uma princesa (e é mesmo!). Nem quero ver quando lhe faça o vestido inteiro, quem sabe pelo aniversário que calha no meio do calor. 

I love the fabric I used. I have it for many years, it's so old. It was brought from the USA by my sister's MIL, around 1980, it's even older than I am. I had so much of it, I used it, I gifted it, and I still have about 1m left. I used two pieces only from the pattern to make my skirt, which were skirt panel and ruffle piece. For the waist I cut a band long enough to fit my daughter's waist, and sewn it to the skirt with an elastic. But all this took it's sweet time, because, as I said before, I don't have a ruffle foot and I had to use the thread pulling technique, and it took me an eternity to gather the ruffle, and a little eternity to gather the skirt to the waist size. It is a project that takes time but it is so worth it, even just for the skirt. She loved due to the twirling factor, she even thought she was a princess (and she is!). I can't even imagine how it'll be when she gets a complete dress, who knows for her birthday which is in the warm weather season. 

O molde é muito completo. Traz 3 opções para o vestido principal. Mais duas opções para o vestido interior e ainda umas calças com ou sem folho em baixo. E para quem se estiver a perguntar, mas não és tu que não gostas de folhos?! Eu respondo: estes são a excepção à regra. Os tamanhos vão do 2 ao 10. 

The pattern is really complete. It comes with three options for the main dress. Two options for the peasent dress and pants pattern, with or without the ruffles. And for those who might be wondering, didn't you say you don't like ruffles?! I answer: this is the exception to the rule. Size goes from 2 to 10. 

E agora, para quem ficou com vontade de experimentar o molde, a Annastacia está a oferecer um desconto na sua loja de $4 numa compra de $10 ou superior, com o código SIBLOGTOUR até dia 14 de Dezembro. Além disso, tenho uma cópia do molde para oferecer a um dos meus leitores, para isso, têm de entrar no sorteio abaixo. 

And now, for those who want to try the pattern, Annastacia is offering $4 off a $10 or higher purchase on her shop, using the code SIBLOGTOUR through the 14th of December. Besides that, I have a copy to give to one of my readers, to get the chance to win it just enter the giveaway below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Refashion Month with Just Another Project

Kelly from Just Another Project, is my guest blogger today. Her blog is the last new to me blog for the series. It was nice to discover what she writes about, which is a bit of everything, things she does with her kids, sewing, food, just random stuff from her daily life, and I also discovered her fun Kelly Designs pattern shop. Kelly has refahioned a complete outfit for herself. Sometimes I am told, it is easy for me to refashion because I do it for my kids, or myself (I'm small), and here she proves that adults can refashion a smaller piece into a bigger one too, just using a bit of creativity. 

Hi! I'm Kelly from Just Another Project, where I blog about much anything.  I'm excited to join in Refashion Month!  I discovered the joy of refashioning last fall when I was making my self some maternity shirts, and have mostly just upcycled some of my husband's shirts into clothes for my boys.  This spring, my husband and I did a much-needed purging of our wardrobes. I've been having fun going through the cast-offs and repurposing them, mostly downsizing t-shirts to fit my sons. I decided to make myself an upcycled outfit and this is what I came up with.   I started with my old denim skirt and a t-shirt of my husband's.

This skirt was a favorite of mine in high school and college.

I bought it over 15 years ago it has seen a lot of wear. However, after a 9.5 pound Baby Boy #2 it no longer fits around my hips.  I really am kind of clueless about current fashion trends but I doubt this skirt is currently in style. So, after accepting the fact I was never going to fit into it again (I'll be honest, that took a couple weeks), I took some scissors to it.

This was a fairly simple refashion.  I could have kept it long, but decided to go for a different look.  First I cut off some length.

Then I cut the front and back apart at the side seams.

After do some measuring and calculating I drafted the triangular piece that I inserted in the sides. I added to the top to form a waist band and the bottom for the hem. The panel that I inserted I the sides is a layer of lace backed with some unbleached muslin, both from large scraps in my stash.

I sewed in the panels between the front and back of the skirt, folded over the top to match the waist band, and hemmed the bottom.

I had originally planned on putting lace around the bottom, but I am not an overly feminine person, and my husband and I agreed that that would just be way too much lace for me.  

The shirt started as one of my husband's t-shirts that had shrunk after going through the wash. 

To make the shirt I used the Laced Ladies Top pattern from Koerb Brothers Stitch Designs. I easily fit a size small on the men's medium t-shirt. The lace was not an upcycle; I purchased it from Hancock Fabric for this project.

I made coordinating headband with some fabric scraps and fold over elastic from this skirt, and of course added boots.  My son thought I needed a flower for my photo shoot.

A big thanks to Magda for putting together Refashion Month!  I've had fun seeing everyone's refashions and I hope you have too!

Refashion Week |day 2|

We had a great start yesterday. I was happy to see both my first guests did something for themselves. But I also love to see refashions for kids - is what I do most, of course. Today's guests have two things in commom, even though they are portuguese (as all the rest of the ladies in this edition - just in case you're still not aware), they are both living abroad, and they have both used men shirts to make new pieces for their kids. 

Maria, blogs over Fairies, Bubbles & Co, and she is currently living in the UK with her family, she's got twin girls to sew for. How great is that?! I don't know her for more than just a couple of months, but I truly believe she's one of the sweetest bloggers from this line up. For the challenge, with one shirt she was able to make a skirt and a pair of shorts for the girls. 

Visit Fairies, Bubbles& Co and read more about the skirt and shorts she made for the twins. 

(isn't this picture too adorable?!)

Constança from Saídos da Concha doesn't need an introdution, she is the sewing rock star from this group, yet, I can tell you her blog is one of the most inspiring blogs for people that appreciate the DIY life style. It was one of the very first blogs I started following, when I discovered they existed. Living in New Zealand, after 3 years in the UK, she has recently published her first book "Mãos à Obra" (that I have reviewed here). She's got two boys, and she's sharing today, not one but four refashioned items for her eldest. 

Check out the rest, over here. 

The Betty Skirt Pattern Tour

If you don't know the Shaffer Sister's already, then you've been missing a lot. They are three amazing sisters that sew and blog together over here. They are some of the nicest and kindest bloggers I've got to know in many years blogging, and because of that it is an honour and huge pleasure for me to be part of their pattern tour today. 

The Betty Skirt is their first pattern available. It has recieved several improvements lately, and it's a fantastic pattern because, one: it has 4 different options (Gathered, Gathered with Placket, Small Pleats, Large Pleats). two: you can skip printing the pattern and just follow instructions on how to cut. three: it's really quick and easy to sew. four: it ranges from Newborn  to 16X plus a bonus 18" doll size. How great is that?! Also, there's detailed and useful information on how to adjust the pattern for a perfect fit. But there's more, in their blog you can find a free printable of a Betty Skirt Coloring Page/Paperdoll. Click here to download it. Print it and have your girl designing her own skirt. 

For now, I have done the gathered option, but I sure want to try to make some pleats in the future. My girl is not a skirts girl, she rather wear a pair of leggings or jeans (shorts are a must in Summer too), but skirts aren't usually something she bares to wear for too long. However, it twirls. And that makes this skirt so much fun for her. She kept jumping around. As for myself, I loved the fact that it isn't too short. I don't like when her underwear shows everytime she moves. 

This is a refashioned skirt. Well, I used scraps of the brown fabric. And I used left overs from a dress I've cut last year and made into a tunic for my mom. They are both made from a soft and light cotton and I love how they look together. one thing I realised is that I need to sew a shirt that matches the skirt, I barely found something in her huge wardrobe. So many clothes and nothing that would look good with it.

Make sure you visit all the bloggers in this tour and check the versatility of this pattern. If you want to get your own and start making your own Betty's, grab the 30% coupon code BETTYTOUR in their shop, by clicking HERE.

Knock it off Series

This is probably my very favourite series from the sewing community! I wasn't going to participate this time, I haven't been sewing, but then it crossed my mind that I had just finished a knock off a few days ago. The Series are over by now, by I was able to add this project to the Flickr group before it ended, however, I am only able to blog about it right now. 

This knock off was actually ordered by a costumer. Her little girl celebrated her 7th birthday on the 28th of July (same day nd age as my niece) and her mom threw her a Barbie themed partie. She wanted me to make her a tutu and a shirt like the one in the first photo but she requested a few things different. She wanted no bows in the shirt, the silhuette to be black instead of pink and an extra bow for her daughter's hair. 

I made a no sew tutu. I used the knots technique for the second time ever and this one turned out so much better. I might have to make a third for my daughter. She's been into Anjelina Ballerina and dances in her toes often... wouldn't she look adorable doing that in a beautiful tutu?

The t-shirt was my favourite! I searched for a Barbie silhuette online, this one was the one I liked the most, printed it, cut it out and used it as a pattern to cut it on my fabric. I added some interface to the fabric before I cut to make it easier, and then sewed into the t-shirt. Quick and easy with a perfect result. 

I have a friend whose little girl turned three on this very same day too and also had a Barbie themed party for her daughter. I wonder if she would have liked an outfit like this one...