Chicago blogger and seamstress extraordinaire, Merav of Baby Hobbes Design, and her lovely daughter, Hobbes, return for their fourth blog post. We are thrilled to have them back. Enjoy their review of Gabriella Fae made with Sis Boom’s new line, Nostalgia and Merav’s lovely lace embellishments.

Nostalgic About My Gabriella Fae

My best friend since Middle School is Gabriela; well now she goes by Gabi. She transferred into our school in 7th grade and quickly became my bestie. We did everything together-her parents used to call us “an old married couple” because we were inseparable. Though it’s been almost 15 years since we lived in the same time zone, I cherish our friendship and reminisce about our endless days together. One of our favorite past times was to wander around mall (yes, we were in the burbs of Long Island) while talking about clothes and the new style trends.

These days, my partner in fashion is my little 3 and a half foot tall Hobbes. We shop for fabric and talk about how to compliment and mix print. When Sis Boom Nostalgia arrived, with it’s soft pastel hues and large, bold flowers, I knew I wanted Hobbes to be involved in the dress making process. This time around (and with direction) she choose the pattern and the fabric placement. I was ecstatic when she chose Sis Boom Gabriella Fae; it reminded me of my favorite past time with my dear friend, Gabi. Kind of makes me nostalgic!

(Hobbes switching the Nostalgia fabrics in and out of Gabriella Fae waistband placement)

I was delighted when Hobbes chose for us to sew the Gabriella Fae PDF dress pattern. The Holidays are approaching and I wanted her to have a new dress for our Thanksgiving table. The scoop neck, empire bodice and the zipper back, along with the Nostalgia fabrics and the added lace trims (see how-to add the lace trim below) helped shape this dress into a One Of A kind, special occasion dress.

(Since Hobbes measures the same in chest/waist and hips, I chose to shorten my zipper to end at the gathered skirt)

I love that this patterns sports sleeves in multiple lengths-perfect for year round dresses. We chose to sew long sleeve, leaving an inch off so we can add the 1 and 1/4 wide lace to the sleeve edge. The dress can be sewn in multiple lengths too. If you have your kid handy, you can measure down from the waist to your desired length. For my daughter, with a waist 21 and height 41.5, I chose to cut the 3T in the fully lined flat bodice and 16 inch length for the skirt.

The dress bodice can be made using 2 different cuts. One is a smooth outer layer, like the one Hobbes and I made cut in order to add trim in the center. You can also chose the second option for a gathered front bodice for the perfect ruched look. There is even an option to add a bow at the waistband. So many possibilities!

To create the trim for a flat bodice overlay and the sleeves, please follow the instructions below:

Looking at the picture below, and starting from LEFT:

After you cut your flat bodice piece, measure how wide of an overlay you would like. For Hobbes size 4 bodice, I cut roughly a 2 and 1/4 piece and added an inch to the length. Make sure your design is centered.
Next, fold your edges under-1/4 on each side. Find the center of your bodice and place the overlay on top. Pin in the center.
Cut two strips of lace-I like to cut about an inch longer so I can then match the curves on both sides. Tuck the lace under the folded edge, 1/4 of an inch on each side. Pin and sew.

To add a lace trim around the sleeves, see picture below. Staring from the LEFT:
Take your raw end of your sleeve, right side up. Lay your lace piece right side down. Pin and Sew with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Fold over the lace, so that the seams are under. Press and top stitch 1/8 of an inch to tack it down.
*I added the lace before I sew the sleeves closed. It’s much easier that way. When you do close your sleeves, make sure you match the lace and the sleeve hem.

There you have it! Now you can embellish your Gabriella Fae’s sleeves and bodice just in time for the holidays. I hope you love it just as much as Hobbes and I do. And if you are sewing with your mini-me, share your pictures here.

Happy Sewing,
-Hobbes and Merav @ Baby Hobbes Design

As always, I love hearing from my crafty friends. Follow me at Baby Hobbes Design on Facebook or Instagram for updates, pattern review, One of A Kind dress-sales and giveaways.
Special thanks to my friends at TKPhotography Chicago for these gorgeous card-ready photos.
And if you don’t own it, get your copy of Sis Boom Gabriella Fae Here