Tess Tulip Shorts - Bella Sunshine Design

I recently had the pleasure of making and photographing the Tess Tulip Shorts for Bella Sunshine Designs.

I am finding that I have become quite fussy with my shorts, I can't stand a baggy, bunching crotch and I can't stand a low rise back! Plus, I had tried similar designs to these already and had not been happy with the fit. However, after testing the Alice Pleated Dress for Bella Sunshine Designs, I knew these shorts would be worth trying!

I was not dissappointed! I am so happy I decided to try these out for myself!

There are two lengths in the pattern, short and mid thigh. I wanted a bright, fun pair of shorts for Miss K, so the short length was perfect! 
There are detailed instructions to add a trim to the hem, which this style really wants to do, but I decided not to add a trim on this pair, as this fabric was fun enough all on it's own!
Also included in the pattern are optional, hidden inseam pockets! I am usually all about the pockets, but didn't do them this time. 

Full back coverage!

Lovely side profile with no pulling or bunching!

Beautiful Tulip detail with the side wraps

The back coverage is high enough to not show her underwear, even while she plays. You can't see in these pics, but the waistband features a flat front and an elastic back. 
The flat front waist gives a stylish look to the shorts and there is no pulling across the front or riding up. 

This pattern is suitable for a confident beginner, so I would recommend you give it a go if you want a pair of really good fitting shorts (or many pairs, you will want make several!) It is also available in sizes to suit nearly everyone, with the girls pattern ranging from size 6 months to 12 and a ladies pattern! 

Perfect for play!

I love how she accessorises her own outfits now!

Grab yourself the pattern while its on sale! For 24 hours only, on the 17th of August (US time), during Bella Sunshine Designs "Back To School" sale!

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The Alice Pleated Dress - Bella Sunshine Design

The Alice Dress by Bella Sunshine Designs is probably one of my favourite dresses. Classic, with a touch of vintage!

The Peter Pan collar, the pleats, the cap sleeves, the fitted bodice, the hidden pockets, the optional dainty belt! All the little details just make this pattern perfection and the finishes are superb, exactly what you would expect from a pattern that oozes sophistication!

When the inside is just as beautiful as the outside!

The entire dress, including the sleeves, is fully lined and has an invisible zip for easy on and off. 

I adore little collars and this one is just the right size, petite and such a beautiful shape!

One of the options included is adding a bias trim to the collar, which I also love and I will be making one with a piping edge next too (the piping instructions aren't included).

The Alice Pleated Dress pattern is sure to be a favourite and comes in sizes 6 months to 12 years. There is also a ladies version, that is just as beautiful, you really need to have a look at the photos! You can find them here. 

The fitted bodice gives this dress a gorgeous silhouette.

I added a diamante slider to the belt instead of a buckle or rings and it just gives that extra little bit of pizazz (not that it really needs it)

Miss K chose pearls and a little clutch bag to style this shoot and wanted her hair pulled back "like Belle from Beauty and The Beast" - she chose well!

The Alice Dress in both girls and ladies sizes is on sale during Bella Sunshine Designs 'Back To School' sale for 24 hours only on the 14th August!

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A Collaboration with Rebecca Page - The Arabella Skirt

I once again had the pleasure of working with Rebecca Page to write the tutorial for the Arabella Skirt pattern!

My little one adores skirts, dresses and all things girly, so this tutorial was perfect for me!

This pattern is ideal for beginners, as it is really just sewing straight lines and gathering (unless you want to add the pockets, then you get to sew some curves!) 

All seams are finished with french seams, as is signature with Rebecca Page patterns, which gives a beautiful finish to the inside of your skirt as well. (You can of course finish with a serger/overlocker if you have one and prefer the fast sew method!)

There are three separate patterns: A ladies skirt (sizes XXS to 5XL), a childs skirt (sizes newborn to 12) and an 18" doll skirt pattern. Or you can purchase the bundle of all three.

Each pattern has several options:

                                ~ 4 lengths (above knee, knee, midi/ tea and maxi)

                                ~ 2 waistband heights (regular and tall)

                                ~ Optional in seam pockets

                                ~ Optional sash 

The skirt is very full (the perfect twirling skirt). The waistband has a flat front, which gives it a stylish look and an elasticised back, making it very comfortable.

I chose to make the knee length version for the tutorial, in a pretty girly fabric chosen by Miss K (I love letting her to choose her fabrics, her face when she sees the finished product is always full of so much adoration).

She loooves the pockets and couldn't keep her hands out of them while taking photos - I'm glad she loves them!

Let's talk about more about the finish you'll find in this pattern: 

• Firstly, those French Seams - this skirt just looks so pretty on the inside too and if you're little one doesn't like the feeling of the the overlocked seams, this is perfect! You might be scared of doing French Seams on a curve if you haven't before, but the instructions have that covered and you might be surprised how easy it is to do!

• All of the seams are fully enclosed, so the waistband has no overlocked seams rubbing against little ones bellies.

• The optional top stitching - I love top stitching, I feel it gives the piece a finished look. The instructions include the top stitching, but you certainly don't need to do this step if you prefer not to.

A shorter version is a must very soon, I can just picture it styled with tights and boots and a sweet little cardigan over a long sleeve tee, but we're coming into warm weather here again, so I'll make a playful summery version first. I can't wait to make the maxi version either, but will wait til the cooler weather again next year for that one. 

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Making the Josephine Dress by Honeydew Kisses Patterns

The Josephine Dress is a delight (not fast, but definitely worth the time) to sew. It comes in sizes 12 months to 12 years, so you can make one for every little girl in your life! 

She features a double layered skirt with a classic box pleated overskirt, a sweet Peter Pan collar, lightly gathered cap sleeves & a removable sash, which slides behind the feature bodice 'bib' when worn. 

The bodice is perfect for adding a feature panel, some lace insert or even feature buttons (limited only by your imagination!)

The box pleat skirt gives the Josephine dress it's timeless classic feel, but this dress would be equally as beautiful with a simple gathered skirt & this can be easily achieved by using the underskirt piece only. 

If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that my signature style is a lace trimmed Peter Pan collar & a box pleat skirt, so this dress is right up my alley! 

This time though, I couldn't resist using the lace trim on the bodice to enhance the feature panel, so omitted the trim on the collar (as hard as that was) & am so happy with the way it turned out! 

I didn't hesitate to use some of my beautiful Tilda quilting cotton, that I had been hoarding, for this project. I have sewn a couple of other Honeydew Kisses patterns previously and was confident that I could use my precious fabric straight up. I was right, using the measurement chart provided, my little one measured a size 6 & the fit is perfect!

I have so many other fabric/trim combinations in mind to use in this pattern & can't wait to see them come to life! 

Visit Honeydew Kisses Patterns here, to see the other beautiful patterns in the collection!

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