Self Binding Blanket Tutorial

Sometimes called the "Magic Binding Blanket", this Self Binding Blanket is a fun and easy way to combine 2 fabulous fabrics in an adorable pattern.  This is a great tutorial from Riley Blake Design's Cutting Corner's College.  

*For a different look you can use Dimple Dot Minky to make a snugglie blanket for your toddler.

*Use a Silky Satin Back to make a soft as skin blanket for a newborn that will become a great security blanket when she reaches toddlerhood.

Giveaway over at Project Run and Play

Have you been over to Project Run and Play???  Well if you haven't, you should!  This great website is a super fun version of Project Runway for some of the best Children's Sewing Bloggers out there!  These girls are truly amazing - definitely fashion designers in their own right. 

And to top it off they are hosting a $50 Store Credit Giveaway to So Tweet Fabrics!

Go to the Giveaway

 Here is a sampling of some of the current season's winning looks.

Fabulous 500 Fans Giveaway

So Tweet Fabrics 500 fans giveway with Tie Dye Diva Patterns!

3 Great Prizes

1.  Fair and Square Dress and Top Pattern by Tie Dye Diva in either 0 - 24 months or 2 - 8 years, matching dress pattern for 18 inch dolls and 1 yard fabric bundle of Riley Blake Designs medium girl chevron and dots from So Tweet Fabrics.

2.  Awesome Baby or Toddler Shorts Pattern: 0 - 24 months or Big Kid Shorts Pattern: 2 - 8 years from Tie Dye Diva and a Half Yard Bundle of 4  Dino Roars prints by Michael Miller Fabrics.

3.  $10 In store credit to So Tweet Fabrics.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Girls Dress Pattern Review

Ruby Jean's Closet Uptown Dress Pattern Review

While browsing etsy for some fun new patterns to sew up for my little girls I came across this adorable pattern from one of my favorite indie pattern makers Ruby Jean's Closet.  If you haven't heard of Ruby Jean's Closet you are in for a real treat!  These patterns have such a wonderful sense of whimsy and femininity that I couldn't decide where to start.  

I decided to go with the Uptown Girl Pattern because I knew my own little lady would fall in love with both the pocket and "the purse" (she is constantly trying to use mine).  And Since I have 2 little ladies, I of course had to make one for each.

My little Ava's was done with Tasha Noel's The Simple Life, while McKenna's was made with Riley Blake Designs Small Aqua Gingham and Tweet by Timeless Treasures.

I really like the ease of downloading PDF patterns but sometimes it can be a pain to piece them together.  I loved how Ruby Jean's Closet's pattern piecing required no cutting to make the edges fit.  I simply taped and started cutting it out.  

I decided that my girls would get more use out this if I shortened it and made it a top.  

One of my favorite parts of this pattern were the sleeves.  We all know that sleeves are not always the funnest thing to put together, but by using the method of attaching the sleeve before closing the side seam it was far easier.  I also liked the way the sleeve looks with elastic stitched above the sleeve edge instead of being encased like most elastic sleeves.  It gives it a little ruffle and flair

 On Ava's pink top I went with a plain bound neck line thinking that it would be too much pattern with the large gingham and red dots.  But after looking at how adorable the ruffle neckline came out on McKenna's blue top I would definitely go for the ruffle!

I also loved the easy button loop closer!  Of course I couldn't find the right color button.  Shhh, its in the back.

Button Loop Closure

Ruffle Neck Detail

This is seriously a great pattern - there were so many details I loved!  Thanks so much Ruby Jean's Closet for another lovely look!