Shopkins Shorts

It is starting to get hot where I live.  Today was about 107 in fact.  My girls had outgrown most of the shorts they had from last summer.  So, I decided to make them some rather then buy ill fitting shorts at the store.  I have many shorts patterns but I wanted something different than what I already had.  I went searching on etsy and pinterest for a shorts pattern I had envisioned (flat front, pockets and not short shorts).  I found the perfect one through Pinterest and that is the Little Honeybuns Shorts from Pattern Emporium.  As a bonus, they are an Australian company and their dollar is weak compared to USD right now making this pattern super affordable as well!

One of the reasons I choose this pattern is that there are several options.  This makes this pattern an even better deal!  There are 3 different lengths (sporty, play and bermuda).  They have a flat front with elastic back with an option for adjustable elastic.  Some of the other options include back pockets, back flaps, cuffs, tabs, belt loops and sash.

I choose to make the play length.  I made it simple to start out with and did minimal options.  On the next pair I plan to do cuffs and maybe back pockets.

This is a size 9 for my 9 year old daughter that loves Shopkins.  I just got 4 new Shopkins fabrics in the shop a few weeks ago.  This one is called Bags of Fun.  Another great thing about this pattern is that it only took 1 yard of fabric so they were pretty inexpensive to make.  Now lets talk about pockets.

This pattern does the front pockets in a way I have never seen before.  Instead of there being 2 pieces (pocket and lining) the pocket is one piece.  I thought this was genius and it made it simple and quick.  I trimmed the pocket opening in bias made with Fairy Frost in Fancy.  It really picks up the purple colors in the fabric and matches perfect with the tank top she will wear with this that I bought at Target.

Here is the back of the shorts.  There is a back yoke and elastic in the waistband.  The only thing I did different from the pattern directions was how I sewed the waistband.  The first pair of shorts that I made I followed the directions and found it difficult to sew the back waistband after inserting the elastic.  So, with this pair I top stitched/sewed the back waistband, inserted the elastic with my bodkin and then sewed the elastic in at each side seam.  Then I finished it up and top stitched the front waistband.  This was so much easier and I will do it that way from now on.

This is my new favorite shorts pattern and will be making several more this summer for both daughters!

Ariel Ayda Dress

My niece's birthday was this month so I decided to make her a dress.  She is now 4 and is the most girly girl I have ever seen.  She is also crazy about Ariel.  Wish I had modeled pictures but since my girls are way too big for this dress (and I won't put it on my son to model) these photos will have to do for now.

The fabric shown is new from Springs Creative.  It features Ariel as a mermaid and human, Prince Eric, Sebastian and Ursula!  The colors are just  gorgeous too!  This is a cotton fabric and can be found HERE.  While you are there take a look at all the character fabric I have in stock.  I have many new ones including one with just Ariel, Cinderella, Tinkerbell and more.

I made this dress with the Ayda pattern from Simple Life Pattern Company.   You can make a peplum top or dress.  The skirt can be gathered or a circle skirt.  I chose to make a circle skirt.  I think it is much easier/quicker plus it provides tons of twirl.  Another option is for flutter sleeves but I chose to keep it simple and didn't add that.  This is a super easy and fast dress to make because there are no closures (no buttons or zipper).  The back overlaps as shown below.

There are also two options for the back.  The back as shown above or a more modest back that provides more skin coverage.  You can also add trim or lace or leave that off for an even quicker sew.  I decided to add lace to give a bit more coverage in the back and to make it just a bit more girly.  I got this lace at Joann and I thought it looked like it was crabs all along the lace.  Perfect for an Ariel dress that also features Sebastian!