Knock it Off - Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy! and a Giveaway!

The Knock it Off series has almost come to end.  What a great month of creative ideas we've been treated to!  Closing the series is one more adorable boy's look (I love that there have been so many cute boy's outfits!) made by none other than the super talented Stacey from Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!  But before you head over there for more details (and a free digital pattern!), check out her precious photos below, and then scroll down further for the giveaway! :)

To wrap things up, how about an awesome giveaway to celebrate the end of another Knock it Off series?  I'm super excited about this one, not only because I know it's something you'll love to win, but also because the talented lady behind these patterns is also a personal friend (yes, in REAL life)!!  Tina and I met back in the 90s when we attended the same college, and after that, our family had the privilege of attending the same church where her husband pastored, not only in our home province British Columbia, but then again here in Ontario.  She's one of the few non-online friends I have who shares a real passion for the handmade, and you'd be hard-pressed to find someone as kind and considerate as Tina.  

 The Little Hibou Shoppe was established several years ago, providing simple to follow, fully illustrated patterns for soft and special handmade plush toys, nursery decor, and treasured gifts.  They are perfect for the experienced seamstress who needs to whip up a set of stuffies quickly, or for the beginner who wants the satisfaction of creating a professional-looking treasure that's easy-to-make.  Personally, I look forward to my children being old enough to learn to sew, because after learning a few simple stitches, I think these are exactly the type of project they would love to make.  

And the best part is, Tina is generously offering THREE full sets of patterns to three lucky E&E readers!  Use Rafflecopter below for four chances to win.  And check out the new Little Stuff blog (there are some great freebies!) and the Little Llama Shoppe (digital scrapbook paper and paper craft printables), too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grading Down the Pleated Playsuit Pattern

Because I received so many inquiries for me to provide smaller sizes for the Pleated Playsuit pattern, I decided to make some diagrams that should help with the process of grading it down a couple of sizes.   

Cut out and tape the pattern together, and then use the measurements in the diagrams below to grade it to the size you need.  The pant back is graded down the same as the front (below), except the 3/8"/1cm measurement along the sides will also extend along the back rise.

For the additional self-drafted pieces, measure the following:

Leg Cuffs (short pant)  6m/9m - 1.75"X12.5"(4.5cmX32cm)

                                     3m/6m - 1.75"X 12" (4.5cmX3cm)

Leg Cuffs (long pant)   6m/9m - 1.75"X8.5"(4.5cmX21.5cm)

                                     3m/6m - 1.75"X 8"(4.5cmX20cm)

Shoulder Ties -             3m-9m - 1"X14"(2.5cmX35.5cm)

I hope this helps!  Contact me if you need any clarification and I'll try my best to explain further.

Pleated Playsuit Pattern

Comfortable, casual, yet sophisticated, one-piece playsuit in either shorts or ankle-length.  Its shoulder ties and elasticized waist allow for a custom fit.  The side slant pockets with contrast lining that give the illusion of piping, and pleated front detail, make this playsuit one-of-a-kind.  The leg is slightly gathered into cuffs for a flattering fit.

The Pleated Playsuit Pattern includes:

•  34 page PDF document (5.1MB) with full colour photographs and instructions
• numbered, step-by-step instructions
• prints on both standard 8.5X11" and A4 paper
• includes both imperial and metric measurements
• full-size pattern pages 
• seam allowances included
• no serger needed
• sizes 12 months to 9 years
• fabric recommendations & requirements, notions, sizing chart

In order to simplify the drafting and digitizing process, the bodice front & back and facing are all on one pattern piece, as are the pocket and pocket lining.  It is recommended to trace each piece separately before cutting your fabric.  Refer to the coloured diagrams on the pattern pages iv and vii for reference.

This is a complimentary pattern in appreciation for all the wonderful supporters who have been following me along my sewing/designing journey here at E&E.  I sincerely thank you all for your kindness, encouragement, and support!  This pattern is my gift to you!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD 

Knock it Off - Naptime Crafters

Amy from Naptime Crafters is very well-known for her ability to make wearable, comfortable, and always very cute clothing for kids.  If you've shopped in her Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop, you know exactly what I mean.  Today she's sharing how she made this adorable romper for her newly walking little man.


I LOVE a good knock-off and I jumped at the chance to make something for my little man. When designing for babies I like things to be simple and comfortable with just a touch of class. When I saw this polo romper on the Macys website I knew it was perfect! Hop on over to Nap Time Crafters to see just how easy it is :)

Knock it Off - Petit à Petit & Family

Are you ready for something really unique?  Celina from Petit à Petit & Family has knocked off a vintage circus costume...rhinestones and all!  I can't get over how amazing it is!  Hurry over to Petit à Petit & Family for more details on this incredible outfit!

Pleated Playsuit Tester Photos

No knock-off today, so how about a few Pleated Playsuit Tester photos to enjoy before the release on Friday?

Stephanie - size 12m/18m

Liz - size 2/3

 Jo (Shaffer Sisters) - size 2/3

And in case you missed the peek of this one on the Facebook page, here's a long pant version by Rachel in a size 2/3.

There have been some requests for smaller sizes, so I will also be posting a tutorial on how grade the pattern down to include 3m-6m & 6m-12m.  

Just a few more days until the release. I am looking forward to making this complimentary pattern available for everyone!  

Pattern testers are continuing to sew behind the scenes to help me prepare this pattern for its release.  For more sneak peeks, follow E&E on Facebook.

Knock it Off - StraightGrain

It's the last week of the series!  But there's still some incredible knock-offs to enjoy these last few days.  An from StraightGrain has worked her magic with this Marilyn Tov re-creation.  I just love those sleeves!  Sometimes you just sAnd keep an eye on StraightGrain for An's newest pattern release coming soon (it's gorgeous!)

Knock it Off - Lollipop Garden Crafts

Yeka from Lollipop Garden Crafts is the talented seamstress behind today's knock off.  She has beautifully re-created a Neige dress...love the colours, love the style, and look how sweet it looks on her cute daughter!  Head over to Lollipop Garden Crafts for more details.

Knock it Off - If Only They Would Nap

We're on a roll with another great boys' knock off!  Jess from If Only They Would Nap is sharing a tutorial for this easy button-up upcycle plus some other fantastic tips!  Don't miss it...head over to her blog for all the details.

Knock it Off - Designs By Sessa

 Double the knock off fun today...head over to Designs By Sessa to see the awesome colour-blocked shorts Vanessa made for her adorable boy!

Knock it Off - Sewing Like Mad

Mie from Sewing Like Mad joins the knock-off fun today with this gorgeous dress inspired by Bulle de savon.  I have recently dubbed her the "Queen of Colour Blocking" and after you head over to her blog to see more of this creation, make sure to browse her other projects, and you'll see why! 

Just Sew Series at Mama Says Sew

Today I'm over at Mama Says Sew for Terra's awesome Just Sew series, with some news about my upcoming pattern release, the Pleated Playsuit.  Hop over there for some more pics and best of all, the announcement that this pattern will be offered for FREE!!  I've been wanting to do something special since E&E is reaching a big new milestone on Facebook and here, too!  A regular giveaway that benefits only a few readers just didn't seem enough to express the gratitude I feel for the wonderful readers who have joined me on this sewing, blogging, and designing journey of mine.  THANK YOU!

So, once the Facebook likes reach 1500, watch for this new pattern!

More details at Mama Says Sew.

Knock it Off - Melly Sews

New week - new set of knock offs!  Today's is brought to us by Melissa from Melly Sews, the talented designer behind Blank Slate Patterns, best known for the original creations she makes for her two cute boys.  Head over to Melly Sews for a free tutorial and printable for this adorable Snail Pinstripe Tank.

Flickr Group Features and a Winner

Some really amazing knock offs have made their way into the Knock it Off Flickr group and today it's my pleasure to feature a few of them.

House of Estrela made this adorable romper dress.  Make sure to click through to the post and you'll see it really is even cuter than the original.

Love this mini Boden knock off by Handmade Martini...and she made TWO!  What little boy wouldn't want one of these shirts?!

Handmade Frenzy made these super comfy & cute shorts.  Love those stripes!

I immediately recognized the inspiration for this Adore Handmade knock off.  It's this gorgeous gown made by Stefanie (girl.inspired.)

Compagnie M made this beautiful coat and even a free size 2 or 5 pattern to go with it!

I'm a big fan of Tea Collection clothing, and Fish Kopp re-created one of their dresses perfectly!

Thank you for sewing along and uploading your photos.  I'd like to feature even more, so keep the knock offs coming!

Last but not least, one bit of business to attend to.  We have a winner in Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses book giveaway...and the lucky lady is:

Thank you to everyone who entered.

Sew-Pretty T-Shirt Dress

I recently had some fun putting together the Ship-shape dress from the Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses book from Sixth & Spring Books.  The result is something really cute and casual that will get a lot of use through the coming months.  And of course, I love that I was able to sew it from start to finish during naptime!  

Today is the last day of the Sew Pretty T-Shirt Dresses book giveaway.  

Click below to link to the original post and enter!

Knock if Off - you & mie

Wrapping up this week's knock-offs is the incredibly talented Cherie from you & mie who's re-created this adorable mini Boden top.  As you can see, she's done an amazing job, and given the option, I'd choose hers over the original easily!  Head over to you & mie for more details on how you can make this super cute top!

Vintage May - a little Gatsby

This post is a part of the Vintage May series hosted by Craftiness is not Optional and skirt as top...

The realm of vintage clothing is, by far, what inspires me most when it comes to designing children's clothing.  The textures, the colours, the lines, the construction...all of it speaks to me in a way nothing else does.  The only real challenge for me, was how to decide on a particular era when I'm in love with so many!  I tend to favour the 50s: the femininity of the garments for the girls, and the little gentlemanly features for the boys. But, I decided to take a different spin, into a place & time I've often admired, but never actually re-created: the roaring 20s.

There has been a huge revival of 1920s fashion, most likely having something to do with the new movie The Great Gatsby that just hit theatres.  The stunning costumes for the film were designed by Miuccia Prada.  

source

But I also wanted to look further back to the originals for my inspiration and found some real gems.

source, source, source, source, source , source

And from there, I came up with my 1920s, flapper-inspired outfit: a little Gatsby.

The overlay dress is made from a dusty rose coloured voile with a very subtle stripe for the bodice, with an ivory cotton lawn for the drop-waisted skirt.  It's simple design is self-drafted, and often tweaked as I sewed.  One of my favourite elements of the dress happened by complete accident.  When I did my first fitting on Anja, I found the dress a little too tight around her cute, toddler tummy.  My solution was to cut the bodice straight down the middle, and add some of the ribbon that I had purchased for the hat.  The result was a sheer front panel that created an art deco-like shape that was very typical of 20s fashion.  I decided to balance out the use of the ribbon by adding a small piece of it to the back.  It serves a dual purpose, not only decorative, but it also giving a bit of hold to the triangular shape of the back.

The slip is very simple and easy to make.  It's made from the same ivory cotton lawn as the skirt, and is a lengthened version of this tank top tutorial, with a rolled hem.  

This is the pattern I modified for the cloche hat.  I love that it's a restored version of the actual original pattern.  Did I imagine all the mom's who sewed from this same pattern for their little girls decades ago, as I was making mine?  Maybe just a bit! :)  The pattern recommended felt fabric, but I changed that by using chocolate coloured velveteen instead.  It held it's shape quite well, but I chose to also add a felt lining, for even more stability.  

Thank you so much Kristin and Jessica for inviting me to be a part of this amazing series!  Skirt As Top and Craftiness is not Optional is where you need to be to catch all of the Vintage May fun.