Penny Peplum Jacket Pattern Test

I was thrilled at the opportunity to test the new Penny Peplum Jacket Pattern for Peek a Boo Patterns.

I love Peek a Boo Patterns. They are such simple, classic clothes... the practical items every kid needs in their wardrobe. The instructions are always clear and step by step photos help clarify even more if you have questions.

 Part of the reason I was so excited to pattern test is that I'd just gotten some new knits from Girl Charlee. Have you heard of them? They have an amazing selection of cute, unique knits (which can be so hard to find in stores).  This bunny print was an instant favorite of mine. The Bug wasn't sold on it so I only ordered a yard which meant I had to make do for this pattern which calls for 1 1/4 yard for the size 6. I threw in this grey stripe I found on clearance at JoAnns as a cute accent.

I've been sewing with knits more and more lately. Chalk it up to a kiddo who pretty much lives in tee shirts and leggings.  You don't have to have a serger to sew knit you know. I don't. Sure, I covet one, but the basic stretch stitch on my machine does just fine.

I love the back view of this jacket with the hood lining poking out and cute little peplum skirt. It dresses up an otherwise basic little jacket.

This is her thinker pose.

Actually it's more like, "When the heck is Mom going to be done taking pictures of me? I am so sick of this."

I am a little less fond of the front view.  I think it has to do with the choice of the striped fabric for the button placket. It's a bit jarring to me.  I unfortunately didn't have enough of the rabbit fabric to make the placket in, but I think that would have been better.

I do love the grey buttons though.

I had to go to JoAnn's for buttons for the first time in a long time. Grandma's button jar is awesome but when it comes to finding four identical buttons of a certain size?? Well, that would just be an exercise in frustration.

Can you believe we found fallen leaves on our photo shoot? Enough to toss in the air? I'm not sure I can handle the thought of Fall's approach. . . even less so, brrr..., Winter! But I suppose the Bug is ready for cooler temps now that she has this sweet little jacket.

In the interest of full disclosure, these photos were taken in 80 degree temperatures. There may be leaves on the ground but Summer isn't going down without a fight! God bless you Summer! I love you for that.

Also, I mentioned the Bug wasn't a fan of the bunnies? Well, she doesn't like them any more now that they are sewn into a cute jacket. I thought she might but I should have known better.  I had to bribe her with the Golden Arches to get these photos and the jacket has been sent off to a friend whose daughters will love and wear it as it deserves to be loved and worn.

Fabric choices aside, The Penny Peplum Jacket is a cute addition to your child's Fall wardrobe. It is well worth picking up a copy of the pattern.  Just make sure and let your kiddo pick their own fabric.

~Lindsay

Popolok Designs Cece top pattern test

Have you heard of Popolok Designs?

I hadn't, until I got the sweetest e-mail from Alviana asking me if I'd like to test her pattern for the Cece top.

After briefly checking out her Etsy shop, blog and facebook page I knew she had a great sense of style and I fell in love with her story (and her cutie pie of a daughter/model!) so I agreed to the pattern test.

Enter one of the craziest two week spans in my entire life. . . but somehow I still managed to crank out my own little Cece Top.  I think that's at least partially a testimony to the quality of the pattern.

I wasn't super sure about sizing. The Bug is in this weird phase where she is right between a 5 and a 6. So I took her measurements (never an easy feat) and opted to sew up a size 5.  It fits her perfectly.  In hindsight, I should have made a 6 so she had room to grow but at least it fits for now!

Her favorite part is the peplum at the bottom.  Of course! It's a shirt that spins like a skirt? Consider this twirly girls mind blown!

I think it would be super cute over a pair of leggings. I sewed up a pair but in my crazy week haze, I totally sewed them together wrong and they were all crooked in the crotch. Oops. Can't have that.

This pattern was fun for me because it had a few little details that made it more exciting.

I can't remember the last time I put in an invisible zipper.  This one isn't the best, I'm rusty!, but Alviana's instructions were so clear and walked me through the process step by step.  The bodice and sleeves are also both fully lined.  This is one really nice little shirt.

My very favorite part is the contrasting Peter Pan collar with little white pom pom trim. How sweet does that look right there with that little gathered sleeve? Seriously adorable.

Thanks Alviana for the chance to test this cute pattern! It was a lot of fun.

~Lindsay