Pattern Tester Call Update

Thank you all so much for the response to my call!  My readers are the best!!  With almost one hundred responses, it was so hard to narrow it down to fifteen.  Although I won't be able to respond to all of you personally, I have kept all your emails, and will keep everyone in mind for future pattern tests (planning on something unisex for the next one).  I also appreciated all the many sweet well wishes on this new venture of mine.  I hope I can create patterns that many of you will enjoy, not only for purchase, but free ones for everyone, too!

Please continue to let me know what patterns you'd like to see (many have mentioned the shorts, so I am considering them soon).  I truly value your feedback.

Thanks again!

Heidi

Want to be an E & E pattern tester?

The first E&E pattern is in the works (YAY!), and I'm looking for a some interested seamstresses who would like to test it out.  All you have to do is be willing to complete the garment one week after receiving the (complimentary) pattern, send me a photo of it, and I'll e-mail you a short questionnaire about your sewing experience.  Once I receive feedback from all the testers, and make any corrections, I'll send you a copy of the final pattern in sizes 18 months to 8 years for your further sewing pleasure!  Once you receive the final copy of the pattern, you will be able to blog/post about it.  With your permission, I will also feature select tester photos on my blog.  Last but not least, all testers must be Elegance & Elephants followers, subscribers, or Facebook page 'likers'.

If this sounds like something you'd like to do, e-mail me the following:

• Your name
• Blog, Flickr name, or a couple photographs of garments you've made
• Size(s) you are interested in testing for
• Your sewing level of expertise (indicate a number from 1 - 6 using the scale below)*

1.   I am an absolute beginner who has never used a sewing machine before.

2.  I’ve made pillowcases, simple curtains, cushions or something similar and can follow a simple sewing pattern.  

3. I know how to attach regular zippers and buttonholes, set-in sleeves, and sew many patterns of moderate difficulty level. 

4. I am comfortable sewing more complicated patterns with linings and and can make adaptions to patterns.  I can draft my own simple patterns and have sewn, or are comfortable attempting, most finishing techniques.

5.  I am able to sew most types of garments with ease and am comfortable sewing any commercial pattern.  I have some experience with more advanced techniques required for tailoring, evening wear, and draping.

6. I am experienced with advanced pattern drafting, working with couture techniques and fabrics, and 
advanced fitting.

This particular pattern is for this top, with two dress options, in sizes 18 months to 8 years.
*Testers must have a sewing level of 2 - 6 to test this pattern.

I will e-mail selected tester candidates in a few days with the pattern and further instructions.  I'll keep all tester info on file for future pattern test opportunities as well.

Thanks so much!  Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

E-mail me (Heidi) at:
eleganceandelephants at gmail dot com 

Mr Roboto Pattern and Tutorial

Have you been following the Sew in Tune series at Melly Sews and Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!?  Today I have the pleasure of sharing my look, so head over there to see more pics of it with a tutorial.  When I created the outfit, it seemed natural to not only make the clothes, but invent a little robot toy to go with them.  With some experimentation, I was able to make a pdf pattern of him so anyone else who has a robot enthusiast in their life can make one as well!  Just click HERE for the pattern, and keep reading for the tutorial.  

*I used 3/8 seam allowances*

Sew in Tune

Music and sewing...two of my very favourite pastimes!  And once again, the ladies at Melly Sews and Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy! are hosting the Sew in Tune series which kicks off on Monday.  I had so much fun getting involved last year and look forward to sharing my song inspired submission next week.  Anyone can get in on the fun, by uploading a look to the Flickr Group for a chance to win some seriously fabulous prizes!

You have from now until March 3rd to get your look uploaded, so get sewing!
And Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone!!

Share the Love at It's Always Autumn

Today I'm a guest over at it's always autumn for the wonderful series Share the Love.  
Who doesn't need ideas for projects that bring people together on these bleak winter days?!  

Come check our project and why:

Sew Fab e-Pattern Sale

**sale has ended**

Today is the 1st day of the 1st ever Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale and giveaway, sponsored by The Southern Institute and Fat Quarter Shop!

Over the past eight weeks a lot of behind the scenes work has taken place to bring you this amazing bundle of ePatterns from several of the top pattern designers and bloggers in the sewing and blogging world.  The result is a bundle of 18 PDF sewing patterns that you don't want to miss.

For one week only, ten pattern designers have come together to bring you 18 of their best PDF patterns, valued together at over $139.00, for the incredible price of $24.95!  That's over 80% off of the combined retail value!  Plus you can enter to win a dream of a giveaway valued at $390 from some really great shops! For less than $25.00 you will have a library of resources that you can use over and over again.  The designers that have joined this sale are experts in their craft.  They have been sewing for a very long time and are well known in blogland and elsewhere.  Each designer has contributed one or two of their favorite patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please!  Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use. If you've never sewn with a PDF pattern before, let me tell you how great it is!  After downloading your pattern instructions and your pattern, you will print out the pattern itself, creating pattern tiles, if you will.  Simply tape the tiles together to create the full pattern!  At that point you can cut out the size that you need and pin the paper pattern directly to your fabric or you can trace the pattern size that you need onto sewing paper or tissue paper and cut it out, saving the paper pattern for later when you need to sew another size.  Pdf patterns are so convenient because you can print them out as many times as you need!

Click here to buy the bundle!

Now let me tell you a little bit about the giveaway!  

The Sew Fab Giveaway is amazing!  One lucky winner will win a bunch of amazing prizes from Craftsy, Fat Quarter Shop, fabricworm, Jennifer's Jewels Custom Labels on Etsy, Green Bee Patterns, author Deborah Moebes, Mee a Bee, Gussy Sews, I'm Feeling Crafty, and Ball and Chain on Etsy. See the end of the post for giveaway details.  This giveaway is not to be missed!

I know you're dying to know "What is included in the pattern bundle?"

18 well-loved ePatterns from 10 well-known designers are instantly accessible to you by PDF download upon purchase of the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle.  Here are the patterns that you will receive (click on the links below to see more details):

Goodship Dress by One Girl Circus, Mommy & Mia Apron by Sew Much Ado, Ruby Lou Doll by Sew Much Ado, Mini Maxi Dress by Seamingly Smitten, Miss Mod Top by Seamingly Smitten, Love Your Lunch Box by Ginger Cakes, Modern Folksy Bunny by Ginger Cakes, Banyan Pants & Shorts by Figgy's, Banyan Top & Tunic by Figgy's, Go To Shift Dress by Go To Patterns, Go To Gift Bags by Go To Patterns, Sidekick Suitcase by Sew Fearless, Madeline Dress by Me Sew Crazy, Forget Me Knot Dress by Me Sew Crazy, Alex & Anna Summer PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop, Alex & Anna Winter PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop, Commuter Cowl by luvinthemommyhood, Scirocco Dress by Figgy's The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available for one week and will never be available again!  You can purchase the bundle from February 4th at 8 a.m. EST through February 11th at 8 a.m. EST and there will be no late sales offered.  Due to the nature of the sale there will be no refunds offered.

You don't want to miss this unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of 18 PDF sewing patterns from 10 of the best designers out there!

 

And now for The Sew Fab Giveaway!

You are not going to believe the prizes included in this giveaway!  Can't buy the bundle?  It's okay... purchase is not required to enter.  Take a look at what you have the chance to win:

A Sewing Themed Box of Goodies from Pick Your Plum Fabulous Wristlet from Gussy Sews (not necessarily the one pictured) The latest release, Stitch Savvy, by Deborah Moebes Sterling Silver Sewing Machine necklace from Ball and Chain on Etsy $50 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop $50 Gift Certificate to fabricworm A free online class from Craftsy.com The Scoop Tote Pattern from Green Bee Patterns 60 Custom Tags from Jennifer's Jewels Red Riding Hood Little Girl's Satchel from Mee a Bee Handmade Sewing Machine Cover from I'm Feeling Crafty

YES, ONE WINNER WILL WIN ALL OF THOSE GOODIES!!!

There are lots of chances to win and no purchase required to enter the giveaway.  Just use the Rafflecopter widget and enter to win this amazing prize package that will inspire you in your sewing as well as keep you stocked with fabric for many projects to come!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale!

Sew Much Inspiration right at your finger tips...

only $24.95!

Get your bundle now!

Graphic design by Andrea Panell.

Ruffle Top and Sailor Pocket Shorts

patterns now available!!

It all started with the purchase of this amazing book: BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern.  I simply had to have it because if there's one thing I love, it's vintage modern style.  

I chose to remix two of the patterns to create a new outfit for Anja: the Ruffle Top, inspired by the Amelia, and the Sailor Pocket Shorts, in the style of the Liv Bell-Bottoms.

When I saw the Liv Bell-Bottoms in BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern, I instantly envisioned them becoming some adorable little shorts.  One of my favourite details of the shorts (besides the functioning button front and the pockets) is the contrast fabric on the inside.  I added an extra buttonhole for the adjustable waistband to contain the loose end.

With the Ruffle Top, my aim was to keep the overall shape of the Amelia Top, but add feminine ruffles in the seams.  The single pearl button seemed the perfect choice to close the keyhole back opening and the ties help to customize the fit.

Ruffle Top 

fabric: grey cotton lawn

Sailor Pocket Shorts

fabric: burnt coral stretch denim
Down Under by Mint Blossom: Lotsa Dots

Patterns: self-drafted (inspired by BurdaStyle)