This is the Mamu Design Katrin pattern sewn with Alexander Henry Storybrook Floral.

And this is Zoe’s Build a Bear ‘Bunny’ modeling the doll’s size dress that is included in the pattern:

This is the first time I’ve sewn a Mamu Design pattern and I was really happy with the shape and fit of this dress – except that it was too short for my very petite little girl (hence the frill). The instructions are very brief – so these patterns probably aren’t ideal for beginner sewers, but the construction is not complicated, and step by step illustrations are available online to help. Believe it or not the doll’s dress comes in several sizes so I could in theory make a matching dress to fit Emma (except that the dressing the doll novelty seems to have already worn off and I foresee Emma making her way back to Zoe’s shelf shortly).

Feeling flushed with success I decided to whip Zoe up a red dress to wear to school to celebrate the end of Chinese New Year. Somewhere around midnight I put the snaps in this winter version of the same pattern:

These are the best action shots I could get….Zoe on the equipment:

And Zoe hiding behind a tree:

Ahh well – I tried!

If you’re into the matchy matchy thing there Uljana which is a child’s version of this skirt too:

The only catch with this set of Farbenmix patterns is that they are in German – not English – so if you’re a beginner sewer they’re probably not for you. But with full colour step by step photos available online these patterns are perfectly manageable for anyone who has a basic understanding of garment construction.

And really with patterns as great as this Eva cape don’t you think it’s worth giving it a shot?

I do!!

See more Eva, Valeska, and Uljana design inspirations!

P.S. If you like European patterns be sure to keep a look out for Ottobre magazines arriving soon!

Sometimes my love for a fabric fades after a while, but not this one. Nope – I sit on a Bird and Berry cushion and dress my daughter in a Bird and Berry skirt and still I would list this fabric as a favourite. So I was thrilled when a new bolt of the purple arrived with my latest Echino order. I would have been extra super duper thrilled if the red had arrived with it – but fingers crossed it will come with the next delivery.

I am still offering a free pdf skirt pattern with every metre of this fabric sold and have both the purple and the blue in stock (I will report back when the red arrives!).

The pattern for these gorgeous little ruffle pants is one of several Bettsy Kingston patterns for both adults and children (yes she does ruffle pants patterns for women!) which are now available from the store.

Super cute huh?

Birds!!

Also some giraffes and elephants :) The 2010 Echino collection is printed on cotton/linen which is extremely versatile and makes great clothing, furnishing and bags. I have all those things on my list of things to make from this fabric(actually the skirt is already made!) but I’ll need to be quick because I’m expecting some other delicious deliveries any day now…

Don’t forget these gorgeous fabrics and all the Modkid patterns are reduced to $20 until the end of February. And be sure to come back soon for the next giveaway of some stunning new season Echino fabric :)

This Mini Ava outfit was a mini success at our house. Well I don’t think this it’s a mini success – I think it’s stunning. I mean what kind of doll doesn’t want a 2 piece ensemble with tucks and pleats? Apparently Emma (formally Emily…formally nameless doll who sat on the shelf in her original outfit for 2 years). Apparently Emma would have prefered a Mini Kyoko. Who would have known? I thought briefly about giving the outfit to a little girl with a doll who likes tucks (apparently it’s the front bodice tucks in particular which are so distasteful to Emma), but I’m keeping it for my grandkids. Hopefully they share my taste in dolly fashion :)

If you would like to win a Modkid pattern of your choice PLUS one metre of your favourite Patty Young Flora and Fauna fabric then leave a reply to this post and I’ll choose the winner randomly next Monday the 15th of February. To leave a reply first click on the title of this post (Modkid Giveaway) and the text box will appear below the post. Comments are moderated so don’t worry if it doesn’t show up immediately – I’ll come along soon enough to approve it.

Good luck!!!

Zoe however, isn’t into dolls at all. Two years ago I saw this Gotz doll at Target, and indulging in my own chidhood fantasy, I bought it for Zoe for Christmas.

And for two years now this lovely doll has sat on Zoe’s shelf gathering dust. Despite the fact that she came with some funky jeans and some very cool silver runners, this doll has never been undressed. Never, that is, until last night when I cracked open the new Modkid Mini Frida pattern. Not because I’m playing with my daughter’s dolls or anything – just for a sample – you know.

Well blow me down, this dolly’s new dress has made her the toy of the moment, and this formally nameless doll, (now known as Emily) has today celebrated a birthday, learnt to walk, had her hair brushed, and joined us for family meals.

There’s obviously nothing for it but to make this doll some more new clothes – and fast – before this doll thing wears off. I’m tossing up between the Mini Kyoko

or the Mini Ava

All the Modkid patterns are in stock, and are reduced to just $20 until the end of the month. Patty Young’s Flora and Fauna fabric is also reduced to just $20 a metre. And if you think you’d like to win yourself one of these patterns – make sure you check back here on Monday for the January giveaway, which will this year occur in February – just for a bit of variety ;)