We are thrilled to have Chicago blogger and seamstress extraordinaire, Merav of Baby Hobbes Design, reviewing our patterns and blogging about them. Merav is a self-taught seamstress and has her darling daughter, nicknamed Hobbes, modeling the Maddie pattern in swing top and dress versions in this guest post. We LOVE her lace embellishments and swing curve bottom on the top and hope this post helps you push your creativity to the limit! Please follow her Baby Hobbes Design blog, and on Facebook and Instagram.

Sis Boom Maddie and the Fall

It is by no surprise that I ADORE sewing designer fabrics with beautiful flower scenes, and if you have been following my Facebook posts at Baby Hobbes Design, you probably know by now that I have a little ‘obsession’ with Jennifer Paganelli and her Sis Boom prints. Well, you could have imagined my excitement when I received a package from her with two gorgeous Caravelle Arcade floral prints, one very new to me pattern, and the challenge to “create something wonderful.”

I am in heaven!

It was perfect timing for this collaboration too, as I just started sewing Hobbes back to school looks and the weather decided to turn from beach-bound 90 degrees to a cool and breezy 60 degrees here in Chicago. I downloaded the Maddie pattern (find it here) and instantly knew that I wanted to play with the idea of wearing your summer wardrobe right into Fall. Maddie, with her delicate shoulder curves and angelic flutters seemed like the perfect top/dress to slip over a long sleeve tee or under a faux-fur vest.

What I love about the Sis Boom patterns, aside from how gorgeous and timeless they are, is that I always learn a new sewing technique (hum, did you see the sleeve bands). When I first started sewing Sis Boom patterns as a beginner seamstress, I appreciated that the designers take their time to teach and give you the opportunity to adapt the design and measurements for the best fit and style. My Hobbes is petite and I appreciate the opportunity to alter sizing without compromising the finished product.

It’s so important to measure the child wearing this pattern. Hobbes measured in between two sizes, so I cut both bodices and laid the smaller one above, then traced over the larger bodice, keeping the bodice length at size 3-4 but the width with size 2T (see the shaded area on picture #2) then I cut it for her size. I sewed and finished the dress per pattern directions.

There is something so classic about a repetitive print dress. Caravelle Arcade, Ruby in pink is perfect fabric design to work as a coordinate (see my next look); but she can certainly be sewn alone-to give Hobbes’s Maddie Dress the perfect vintage look.

Lastly, I waned to pair the dress with Miss 5’s favorite boots, so I decided to hem the dress at the midpoint of her knees. My Maddie dress is complete!

The second look I created with my luscious Caravelle Arcade in Jessica was a tunic top. I just cherish this print, with its soft pinks and vintage blues on a creamy, buttery color back-ground. Even though it has such a large floral print, the fabric lends itself for wear-ability no matter which direction you are working with.

I decided to go for a top since Hobbes, who has been wearing a dress almost every day since I started sewing, discovered that it’s easier to climb the monkey bars in pants and a shirt. My jaw dropped when she asked me for jeans for back to school, and I couldn’t wait to create this look for her. This time around, I decided to add some subtle touches to the Maddie Top. Starting with an ivory lace trim sewn in to the flutters.

To get this look, you have to cut FOUR flutters (2-main fabric, 2-lining) to create lined flutters. Then cut two pieces of lace trim about ONE inch longer then the length of the flutter piece. Remember to use the measurements of the side of the flutter that doesn’t meet the sleeve band.
***I chose not to include the interfacing in the flutters

Starting from the left, in the pictures below:
1) Place the lace, right side together with your flutter piece.
2) Place your flutter lining (I used the same fabric) right side together with your flutter, sandwiching the lace.
3) Pin and sew in place
4) As seen in the middle picture, open up the flutter and iron the seams. Be careful ironing the lace, depending on its material may melt.
5) Top stitch your flutters/lace in place.

Lastly, I am loving tops with a little give this season; especially since I plan to layer it. I decided to add a little swing curve to the sides of the Maddie top.

To achieve this look, I sewed my top, according to direction, skipping the hemming step and sewing up the side and flutter sleeves. I laid my shirt flat on my measuring board. Since I don’t have a french curve ruler, I played a bit to figure out the curve length for this top. I decided to measure an inch and a half on each side (measured from the bottom side corner) and mark my original pattern with it.

Following the order of the pictures, you can see that I created a curve on the bottom of my pattern, starting at the 1 1/2 inch mark (see shading). I then cut it off from my pattern piece, placed pattern over my shirt folded in half vertically and cut into my Maddie top.

Lastly I hemmed the shirt, following the directions in the pattern: folding twice and sewing 1/8 from the folded edge. My Maddie Swing Top is All DONE!!!

And look how flowy it looks paired with a long sleeve top. Its exactly as I imagined it!

If you adore this pattern and fabric like I do, please visit Sis Boom for so much more inspiration. To get Hobbes look, you can visit me at Baby Hobbes Design – please stop by and say hi! Made to match Halo created by the talented Julie over at The Little Sparrow Boutique. Special thanks to Thomas at TKPhotography for taking these breath-taking photos of Hobbes and introducing me to a an amazing nature reserve right here in town.