Pattern Review: "Ava" Maternity Skirt

    

      The colder weather is on it's way, and now is the time for finding or sewing some maternity skirts for the occasion. I searched stores and online for options, but discovered that they're either not available or only available in a knit material. Knits may be nice, but they'll absolutely not hold up for a winter in the northeast. The search for longer lengths, heavier materials, or affordable price was challenging to say the least. Then, I stumbled upon the Etsy shop, Lou Lou James Creative Studio. It is the only one I've found like it, and it is fabulous!

       

     The shop owner was so kind and helpful in answering my questions about using heavier materials and lengthening the patterns. She also worked with me in creating a deal for purchasing three patterns at once. (I purchased the "Emily," "Meg," and "Ava" skirt patterns). I love working with small businesses like those on Etsy!

       The "Ava" skirt is described as a "comfy, swingy pull-on skirt." and is comprised of four simple pieces. The sizing ranges from a 28-38 inch (pre-pregnancy) waist. The recommended material is knit. The steps to assemble the skirt are very simple and easy to follow. The pattern took me a little over an hour, but I suspect future skirts with this pattern will go even faster. 

    

Material purchased from Hobby Lobby
using the weekly sale and online coupon.
This skirt cost about $11.00 to make.
Not to bad considering availability
or prices of most stores! :)

     I did make a few alterations to the pattern. For instance, I chose a cotton material instead of a knit. I also lengthened the skirt by about 4.5 inches so that it would fall at my knees. The pattern includes a marking for shortening or lengthening the piece, which was so helpful. This will make creating a full length skirt for winter months much easier. The waistband is knit, and can be folded over or pulled up as desired. The patterns are designed to last throughout pregnancy, and so the waistband is a little big now but I'm sure it will be filled out in no time. 

     The "Ava" skirt is very comfortable and easy to make. I particularly enjoy the flowy style of this particular skirt (it's my favorite!). I can foresee many more skirts to come from this pattern! The next one may be a full length version. I can't wait to also begin sewing the other two patterns I purchased! I'm so glad I found the Lou Lou James Creative Studio Etsy shop! I rather like my new little skirt! :)

Excuse the awkward pose and blank stare. A model I am not. haha. ;)

*Note: Reviving Homemaking is not an affiliate of Lou Lou James Creative Studio. As such, Reviving Homemaking does not receive any compensation in any form for the inclusion of the shop or products in this post. The opinions shared are entirely my own and have not been influenced or solicited in any particular direction in any manner. (I just really like the shop & products, and wanted to share them with you!)  
Linked up at: Christian Mommy Blogger, Blissful and Domestic

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Follow Reviving Homemaking on Pinterest!

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Blog Hops!

Visit the two blog hops currently going on :)

Homemaking Blog Hop

Small Business Link-Up

(ebook, Etsy, consultant and other small business endeavors)

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-Question for YOU!-*-*-*-*-

What is something you wish you had learned to do before getting married or having children? Why?

(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Pattern Review: Simplicity 4297 (18'' Doll Clothing)

      I made doll clothes for a gift to our niece this past Christmas. She enjoys a particular 18'' doll company whose prices, in my opinion, were...well, ridiculous. Instead, I decided to sew an outfit, and hope and pray that my modest take on doll clothes would be equally acceptable.  The project started out as just one outfit, but I was enjoying the cute materials and outfit pieces that I ended up making the entire (minus the pajamas) pattern package! I worked on the project for about four days. I'm not the most experienced at sewing, and so the tiny pieces were a bit challenging initially but got easier with repetition. They also taught me a lot! 

       The pattern instructions were easy to follow. I was surprised at how easy it was to attach yokes to the skirts and set in the sleeves to the tops and jacket. The hardest part of constructing the pieces was definitely attaching the thin strips of Velcro to the backs. I never want to use Velcro ever again. I fought to get it sewn on, but in the end I left the poor work quality as is. (My sister-in-law is also learning to sew, and so I decided that I'd send the Velcro work as is and if need be she can attempt to reattach it). It absolutely wan't the best of solutions as I hated sending it imperfect, however, doing so was better than allowing frustration to develop ugliness in me and my home. In the future, I'll probably just use snaps. snaps I can handle. haha

       As far as the fabric, I selected a variety of cottons, fleece and flannel. Although I think the fleece and flannel worked, I was concerned about their ability to stretch sufficiently around the doll's head. A knit would probably have been much better for the hoodie piece. I loved the patterns of the cottons. I went for more mature patterns and styles in the fabrics, even though they were for doll clothes. The cashier at the fabric store was rather surprised when I said that the material was for doll clothes. Dolls can be modern and stylish in their wardrobe too! haha! (At least, I hope that's how my niece views the outfits as opposed to the other perspective which is that they and I have a boring style. haha!). It was really nice to only need pretty small amounts for each piece, which allowed me a greater selection of fabrics that would have otherwise had been too expensive (like the tweed for the jacket). 

Green patterned poncho with denim skirt. So cute! I think this little outfit would also make a good kids clothes outfit. hmm..

     Print skirt with a fleece long sleeve shirt. Perhaps my least favorite outfit. It just lacked pizzazz. Perhaps a little mid-waist belt? I don't know. I'm sure my niece will be able to come up with a creative way to style it better. 

     Pleated plaid skirt and maroon hoodie sweatshirt. I added a pocket to the front to give it more of an actual hoodie look. I really liked the tiny little front pocket!

     Printed paisley skirt with teal long sleeve top. I added the trim to the bottom. I orginally intended to use bias tape, but couldn't find any that matched. Then, I figured out that I could make my own using the scrap left over from the top. (I really, really like this skirt print! I'm tempted to make me one. haha)

      Lined tweed jacket with fully pleated khaki skirt. I saved the most complex piece for last. This jacket came out really cute, but was definitely the piece that made me feel like I had lost my mind in tackling this project all together. Four days of sewing doll clothes ending with setting sleeves of a tweed jacket involving a lining, interfacing and tweed material. Oh my. I do love the look of the outfit though. haha 

*Note: Reviving Homemaking is not an affiliate of Simplicity Pattern Co. and was not asked or compensated for this review. (I just enjoyed working with the pattern :))

Linked up at: The Alabaster Jar, What Joy Is Mine, Modest Mom Blog, The Better Mom, A Mama's Story, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home Blog, Time-Warp Wife, Cornerstone Confessions

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Join Reviving Homemaking on Facebook!

Visit the Reviving Homemaking Etsy Shop!

Follow Reviving Homemaking on Pinterest!

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-Question for YOU!-*-*-*-*-*-*-

What is something you wish you had learned to do before getting married or having children? Why?

(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)