Designer's Challenge - Ellie Inspired

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Good morning!! Today is a very special day in Ellie Inspired land. Why? It's MY turn for the Designer's Challenge!!!

  

 Several months ago, we were offered the chance to participate in a special month long challenge! Each day for this month, a different designer had the opportunity to design and present something very unique . One that pushes us outside of our comfort zone. Something outside the box. And TODAY IS MY DAY!! I'm so excited about this.
 

I first showcased "Butterfly Dreams" almost two years ago and intended to make it into a spring pattern. I showed the versatility of the three pieces and how it could be made to look like a fancy dress or a cool and stylish outfit. I was even offered a spot in a child fashion magazine after pictures were revealed. And then I chickened out even though for two years, customers have asked for me to finish the pattern. It was very different from the classic lines of Ellie Inspired and very challenging to write. I knew instantly this was the pattern for the challenge.
 

So I dusted off my old notes and got to work. I knew I wanted to create something very special for Ellie's Christmas dress and I kept seeing ivory and gold in my mind. I started ordering accessories...bridal headband, chunky pearl jewelry, some feather wings for pictures, gold sparkle shoes, gold sparkle sweater (which we ended up not using). All we needed was a dress!! But I'm the queen of procrastination if something is overwhelming me. So I booked an appointment with a local amazing photographer to give me a deadline to get going!
 

16 hours later, my very special dress for Christmas was done! Hand smocked, hand beaded, glitter tulle, bridal rosette fabric, pearl buttons....I have to admit I was pretty happy with how it turned out and Ellie was definitely feeling like a little snow princess in her dress.
     

Now, don't let that number of hours deter you from this dress!!! That was my choice to do all that hand-work. The dress can actually be made from start to finish in about 3-4 hours, depending on how fast you sew. And it can be made to look VERY different!! This is why I love this pattern so much and why my testers all raved about how they loved this pattern.....you can use this pattern to make something over the top beautiful with all its layers of overlapping petals....or you can make something adorable with appliques and fun quilting cottons....or you can make something simple with pants and a layered tunic. You would never guess the same pattern was used to make all the outfits shown on this page but it was!!! The best part is it has ALL these options in one pattern!!!  
  • Tunic with short sleeves, long sleeves, or sleeveless. Buttons in the back. Includes an optional sash and optional smocking.
  • Skirt with an optional underskirt and an elastic waist.
  • Long pants with cute tabbed cuff.
  • Capri-Length pants with cute tabbed cuff.
  • Sizes 1-16!
  What other pattern do you have with all of these options!!?   Also, don't be deterred because I said it was a challenge to write. It WAS a challenge to write but in my tester reviews, they rated it as a beginner pattern (or advanced beginner because of the buttons in the back). So, that means I did my job and made it simple and easy to make.   I want to share my tester pictures and give them a huge shout-out!! This was not an ordinary pattern test and they went above and beyond so that the final pattern is one that is very easy to use. They were thorough and patient with me and I appreciate them so much.
  


You can pick up this pattern TODAY at 7.99 HERE.  (Regular price will be $9.95 on 11/26). You can also enter to WIN this pattern BELOW!! And if you win and also bought it today while it was on sale, we will refund you instead.

Good luck on the GIVEAWAY!! And be sure to check out the other designer pages for the rest of this month to see what new design they have created for the contest!



 xo, Laura