Top Patterns to Sew for Christmas for Kids 2013

If you're like me, your sewing to do list is long, and the deadlines are looming, but if you haven't decided what to make yet for your kiddos, you are in luck. I've got some great recommendations for you to sew up just in time for the holiday! I have full pattern reviews of the top 3 patterns on my list here on the blog; you can click the photos below for the full details, and be sure to enter to win the top 3 patterns in the rafflecopter below!

Check out the Etsy Treasury,  just click the image below.

Click to visit our top toy/kid pattern treasury

Visit the #1 Pattern Review by clicking the image below. Ellie by Ruby Jean's Closet.

Visit the #2 Pattern Review by clicking the image below. Fox by Dolls and Daydreams

Visit the #3 Pattern Review by clicking the image below. Sea Turlte by NimblePhish

Enter to win the top 3 patterns on our list below!

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Master Collection Giveaway!

Hey Pattern Revolution Fans! I've got something really special for you today, a giveaway...and not just any giveaway! We are giving away the entire master collection of Mean Princess Patterns!

Sweet!

Here is just a sampling of some of the patterns you will receive. To view all the patterns, please visit the Mean Princess Etsy Shop HERE. 

What a great opportunity to round out your pattern  collection! Enter the Rafflecopter to win!  

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Making your pants adjustable with button hole elastic

My Little Plumcake is a Pattern Revolution Blog Sponsor. This pattern was provided to me for free for use in this tutorial. Want to win a free copy for yourself? Enter the giveaway at the end of this post!

Whenever I (gasp!!!) buy store bought clothes for my kids, I always make sure to get pants with buttonhole elastic, especially for my oldest boy since the hand me downs go to little brother who is not shaped quite the same.  I've recently sewed a couple patterns that included buttonhole elastic in the waistband (Retro Glam Skirt and Otto Pants). I decided that I'll probably use it in most every pants pattern I sew from now on to make sure I can get the perfect fit throughout the life of the garment, no matter who is wearing it. As long as I'm doing it, I might as well show you how too, right?

First, there are a couple things to consider with the pants you are going to modify- do the pants have a flat front or is entire waistband elasticized? Do the pants have a separate waistband piece or is the top of the pants turned down to make a casing?

Today I'm working with the Jack and Jill Pattern from My Little Plumcake. They have a flat front and do not have a separate waistband, but if your pattern is different, I'll give you some tips at the end so you can still make the modifications. By the way, this pattern is designed to be fitted through the waist and butt and flare towards the bottom, but my kids both needed more booty room so I sized up. 

First, assemble the pant fronts and backs as directed in the pattern. Do not sew the inseam or side seams yet. Now it's time to mark your buttonholes.

The pattern directs you to turn the waistband under 1/2" and then another 1" to create your casing. You want your buttonholes to end up on the inside of the waistband centered on the casing, so you measure 5/8 down from the top of the pants, and measure 1" in from the side seam on each side. Mark your buttonholes.

Turn your pants piece over and transfer your marks on the back side, then apply 2 small pieces of iron on interfacing over each buttonhole mark.  

Turn your pants back over and make your buttonholes using your sewing machine.  

Don't forget to open your buttonholes with your seam ripper now! It's hard to do it once the casing has been sewn down!  Continue now with the pants construction according to the pattern directions. When your pants are together, make the casing as directed.

Instead of stopping, sew all the way around the casing.  

Add your buttons! 

Using a safety pin, feed the buttonhole elastic through the buttonhole, into the back side casing, and back out the other buttonhole.

Try the pants on your little one, adjust the elastic as needed, and secure with the buttons.  How easy was that???

So, a few things to keep in mind... All patterns are different. If you are using a different pattern that does not have a separate waistband, remember to check how much the casing is turned under (if at all). This measurement determines your buttonhole placement, and you're going to want to add 1/8" to that # and that is how far you measure down from the top of the pants to begin your buttonhole mark.

 If your pants have a separate waistband, you will need to center the buttonholes on the inside of the waistband piece using the same methods.

If your pants do not have a flat front and are elasticized all the way around, you only need one buttonhole. Insert the elastic, pull it through the casing so that the end of the elastic is right next to the button hole, place the button on the fabric directly on top of the end of the elastic and sew it down, securing both the button on the outside and the elastic on the inside. Pull the other end of the elastic the rest of the way through the casing and out the button hole and secure with button.

I hope you found this helpful, Happy Sewing! Now, Enter to win a copy of this pattern for yourself! 

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Whimsy Couture Giveaway and Discount Code!

I'm sure you've all heard of Whimsy Couture, and if you haven't, it's time to go look around the shop a little. With well over 100 sewing patterns published covering everything from pet beds to peasant dresses, Whimsy Couture has a lot to offer today's PDF pattern buyers. 

Boho Tunic

From today until July 31, 2013, you can get a whopping 33% off your entire order using the special discount code PATTERNREVOLUTION. This code is only valid for purchases made HERE, not through Etsy. Time to start your back to school pattern shopping! 
 

Ruffled Bolero

Whimsy Couture is also offering a 3 Pattern Pack Giveaway to Pattern Revolution fans!  How sweet is that?  Just enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post for your chance to win!

Ruffler Peasant Jacket

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Introducing Felicity Sewing Patterns

If there's one thing I love about my job, it's getting to know all these fun independent designers. It seems like every week I discover someone new to try, and how fun is that???  I recently discovered Stephanie of Felicity Sewing Patterns. Her shop has fun patterns for both girls and boys. Right now and  through the end of July, she is offering a really cute skirt pattern FREE with 2 variations! Click the image below to go to her shop for the free download.

Here's a little peek at some of the cute patterns in her shop. 

And my favorite pattern in the whole shop...

I just love the sweet vintage feel of this one! 

Here's the best news! Stephanie is offering a giveaway to Pattern Revolution fans! Everybody loves a chance to win free patterns, right? 

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win a 4 pack of  PDF patterns from Felicity Sewing Patterns!

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Pattern Revolution Birth of a Blog Giveaway!!!

I am so excited to share with you the incredible list of sponsors for our giveaway! Please be sure to show them some love and thank them on their Facebook pages for their generosity! Each sponsor's photo is linked to their shop, so go ahead and start browsing...you know, just in case you win! This giveaway will run from June 1- June 8, 2013. We'd love it if you would share the giveaway on all your social media platforms to help us get the word out!  Rafflecopter is located at the end of this post! 

Best of luck!!!

​Aivilo Charlotte Designs​

Birdsong™​

Blank Slate Patterns​

Bobkin Designs​

Cole's Corner and Creations​

Designs by Moo​

​Ellie Inspired​

Fancy Schmancy​

Fashion Business Mentor​

​Fishsticks Designs

Foot Loose & Fancy Free​

Funktional Threads​

Hailey Bugs Closet​

Handmade Therapy​

Haute Diggity​

HeidiandFinn​

Hold it Right There​

I Heart To Sew ​

Jocole​

Ladybug Bend​

Lilac Lane Patterns​

Lily Bird Studio​

LilyGiggle​

Little Lizard King​

MODKID​

Molly Blossom Design​

Monkeysbug Patterns​

Muse of the Morning​

My Little Plumcake​

Paco Bean​

Patterns Only​

Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop​

Pink Poodle Bows​

Popolok Design​

Ruby Jean's Closet​

Sara Norris Ltd​

Scientific Seamstress​

The Sewing Loft​

{SIG}nature Creations​

Stitchwerx Designs​

Stitch and Whimsy​

Terras Treasures​​

Tie Dye Diva Patterns​

Tikatuly Designs​

Titchy Threads​

Wonderfully Made 4 You​

Seamingly Smitten​

Go To Patterns​

Violette Field Threads​

Sew Sweet Patterns​

Tulips & Edelweiss​

Rabbit Rabbit Creations​

20 winners....tons of awesome patterns!!!

To enter, complete the required entries on the Rafflecopter below, then increase your chances by completing the optional entries!

Best of Luck PDF Pattern Fans!

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