Watch out twirly fans!  Not only does this lovely Saffron Twirl Dress by Zafarani have great twirl factor, but it has several neat little features about it. 

Here is what you get: 
clearly written instructions with pictures, suggested fabrics, list of materials needed with yardages, image to place patterns to minimize fabric used, cut list and measurements in standard and metric, numbered pages, separate pattern pages broken down by size and page number (minimizing paper and ink), 1" test square, pattern pieces clearly labeled including designer's name, option to cut on the fold. 

EVERYTHING I look for in a fabulous pattern!  Because let's face it, who has time to decipher?  With 4 kids getting ready to go back to school, time is of the essence!

Let's dive right in......

At first glance we notice the V shape bodice. 

As long as you follow the directions while sewing the bodice together and make sure you clip almost to the stitching, it will be fine.  I didn't clip it far enough at first and had to go back and clip it almost to the thread which always makes me nervous!!! But without doing so, it will bunch up and you don't want that.

The tie is sewn into the bodice but I'm sure if you would rather leave it off and use as a sash instead, you can.  I choose to attach mine as the pattern said.  I'm such a rule follower...LOL  I did try to be creative with using a printed fabric and have the words going the right way but if I tie it to the back, the words are upside down....oooops!  I didn't think about that. There is an option for a shorter length for the tie, too.  I made the longer length to be able to wrap it around her and still have a decent amount for a bow. 

Now, I'm sure you were bound to notice the open back and button closure as you examined my sash!!  This is my favorite feature of this dress!!!

The closure sits just below her shoulder blades making it comfortable to wear. There are detailed directions on where to place the strap while it's being sewn into the bodice, so no worries there.  Moving on to the skirt....it's attached a little differently than most. Encasing the seams is a new technique to me, but it makes a nice alternative for those who don't have a serger.  There is a little piece of elastic in the very top of the back of the skirt that helps it fit nicely.  Then there is the full twirl factor that every little girl loves.  I know mine does!! 

Right now it's still warm enough to still wear sleeve-less, but for those cooler mornings heading off to school I plan on pairing it with a jacket of some sort to extend it's wear.  Plus it looks like it will be one of her new favorites!!  We all know how hard it is to get kids to not want to wear those favorites when it's 20 below.  This is a great addition to  your patterns and in a couple of hours time you will have something new!!  Happy creating :)

JaNette

I am  happy to announce  Merri Poppins Surprises!  The first of many packages that allows me to get creative!!!  I will pick through my patterns to come up with the cutest new dresses, skirts, capris, tops, chunky necklaces, bows, ribbon creations and much more!!  This means you sign up to receive what ever I can create in 3 categories of my choosing (this first package includes a skirt, dress, and accessory pack).  This means..... in the month of Sept you will receive a skirt in the mail from me ....in October you will receive an accessory pack ...and finally in November you will receive a dress.  I will only offer these Surprise packs for a limited amount of weeks.  Starting this week, you will have until Sept. 1 to make your purchase for the first collection!!!  Once Sept 1 comes, this package goes away!!!!  It will be replaced with another collection in Dec.  You will  be able to join in the fun every 3 months and you will also have the opportunity to purchase the next surprise pack as they become available.  These packages will  be discounted and will offer free shipping in the USA. All of these will be my choice of fabrics, ribbons, beads and patterns.  Feel free to send me a message of what you would like to see, but understand there are no guarantees.   I love themed sales so I just might offer one of those at some point too!!!  Oh, so many options running thru my mind!!  I can't wait!! 

JaNette

Recently I had an opportunity to review a pattern that quite frankly had me shaking in my boots.  I know you all think I have made everything under the sun but I haven't.  It always amazes me that people think just because you sew that you can sew anything and everything.  Well, this review proves those people completely CORRECT!  You can make this.  YOU!!  Ya know,  the one reading this post.  Yes, YOU!  I'm not kidding. 


I think I chose the hardest of the patterns but it came out beautifully!  NimblePhish is the designer of these easy to sew stuffies.  I made Otto the Ogre and he is one hairy fella!  I need to brush up on my ladder stitching (the way you close the holes after stuffing so you don't see the thread) to make this more "polished" when it's all finished.  The fabric does get a little thick in places so you do have to go slow to make sure you catch every layer.  I did have to go back and redo a few pieces because it didn't catch everything.  Eh...it happens.  The hairy legs were difficult to turn compared to the rest.  I'm sure there was an easier way to do it than I did. 

My most FAVORITE part was making the face!  For those of you who don't know, I make cakes.  Anytime there is a request for a character like a princess or actual human features...I cringe.  I am not an artist.  I do not draw.  So there is my weekness.....faces and eyes.  Since this fella has some facial features, I thought "great...he will end up looking like an alien or something really far fetched".  NOPE!  He looks pretty darn good!  Yes, I see now where I could have exaggerated the nose a little more with spacing the threads out, so that the polyfil could actually fill his nose. That was my favorite part...sculpting. 

The lip is cute and I can see a toddler saving some goldfish crackers in there.  As I was sewing it, it started to take shape immediately.  The pieces are perfectly spot on.  I didn't however pay attention to the direction of his Mohawk, so he got a little trim afterwards to make it even.  If I were to make another I would spend the extra money and buy the more expensive faux fur.  I have a feeling it will lay better.  I seriously can not wait to make another from her collection!

JaNette