Hey friends! Last night I went to my husband’s work’s annual Christmas party, and I made my own dress! I rarely get the opportunity to dress up and was so excited to change out of my everyday mom outfit and wear a fancy dress.

I have to admit that I was so nervous to do an all black dress. I kept thinking while I was sewing it that it might end up boring. Even my kids told me when I went to Joann’s to pick fabric, don’t pick black! Get bright red! I didn’t listen to my doubts, though, and stuck with my original plan.

I think the style lines on this pattern were perfect for a solid dress. The dress in itself is stunning enough that I felt perfectly elegant when I was finished. I felt like an absolute princess in the dress! I got some hoop earrings as an early Christmas present from my husband and changed out of my studs for those. They added just the extra bling that I needed.

The Pattern

The Patterns for Pirates Gala Gown is a dress pattern designed for stable knits like ponte, velvet, liverpool, scuba, etc. It has a paneled 3/4 circle skirt and the bodice has princess seams on the front and back. Both the front and back have a crisp v neckline and the options for a high or low V.

The Gala Gown Pattern includes a tank version or cap, 3/4, or long sleeves. As far as length, you can choose from a knee length or maxi length. The maxi length includes an optional sexy slit.

I chose to do cap length sleeves, full length, and without a slit. I also chose the higher v for both my front and back. I removed two inches of length from my skirt since I am 5’2.”

I was a pattern tester for this dress and sewed an early version of the bodice, which was lengthened after my version so I would have needed to remove length from the final. The pattern is drafted for someone who is 5’5.”

I used ponte fabric from Joann. You can find the one I used here. The bodice is lined, which makes sewing the V very easy. I used double brushed polyester for the lining.

My Sewing Thoughts

The pattern was surprisingly quick to sew. I finished my dress in one evening, and then took a second evening to hem the bottom. Hemming didn’t take nearly as long as I had expected but I still put it off for a day!

My dress took 5 YARDS!! The skirt is just so full and elegant! It is also VERY heavy! I think it weighs around 5 pounds! It was hard to spin fast enough to get into its full height.

It has POCKETS!! Yes, I did not have to carry a clutch or purse last night. I put my keys and phone in my big pockets, and it was wonderful. The ponte was thick enough to not show what was in my pockets and didn’t droop. The pockets will hold a lot, including my randomly nervous hands while talking to strangers and trying to be festive.

I had an absolute blast and loved how comfortable I felt and yet put together. I loved my dress so much that I cut out and started on a second dress. The next one is in velvet with a lower front neckline! I can’t wait to finish it and have an occasion to wear it.

I love the way the bodice ends at the natural waist and the skirt hides any extra dessert. I have had 5 kids and notice that my stomach is always slightly bigger later in the day so evening parties are not that great for skin-tight gowns. I also love the structure of the ponte!! My skirt is just so full on its own! If you want a less full skirt, use fabric with more drape like velvet.

Happy Holidays friends and thanks for stopping by today! I would love to stay connected with you. Find me on Instagram! If you want to take a look into the things that inspire me, you can follow me on Pinterest. You may also follow my blog with Bloglovin.

*Disclosures

I received this pattern for free as part of the testing process so that I could give the designer feedback about the pattern.

XO

I have always admired those family photos that I see with the whole family in pajamas. After finishing Christmas attire for myself and my girls a few weeks ago, my next major project was Christmas pajamas. I excitedly signed up to test the Patterns for Pirates newest Long John style pajama pattern, knowing it would be just perfect. After finishing my pair and the baby’s pair, I offered to make my other kids pajamas as well, but they weren’t overly thrilled. I knew they would oblige for photos, but I thought “why fake it!?”

For today’s blogpost, I am bringing you my dose of Christmas cheer, talking about how exciting I think pajamas can be for your love life, and reviewing the new Patterns for Pirates pajama pattern. I am also keeping it real and showing you the family nonpajama photo of kids who had just woken up and were probably wondering why mom was at the park taking photos in her PJs.

Let’s start with a pattern review. The Naughty Nice pajamas is a Women’s Onesie pajama pattern that comes in short, 3/4 or long sleeves. For the legs, you can choose between cheeky, shorts, or long pants. I made long sleeve shorties for this version. There is a placket that can be unbuttoned to be a little naughty or you can button it up and call your pajamas nice. Even with it buttoned up, I felt pretty risqué in my pajamas. It is a very flattering deep V.

The pajamas are fitted so you need fabric with great stretch and recovery that is not see through. I used a very nice weight cotton lycra yarn dyed stripes for this pair.

I think that the sewing project was rather quick. I made an XS everywhere but did need to grade to a S just for my waist. I did not need to make any other adjustments to the pattern. I struggled with the bottom of the button placket because the front crotch curve ends at the bottom of the button placket. I found it a little difficult to get it on point and to look good with the obvious stripe pattern. There is a video for how to do it now that has since been included in the instructions of the pattern, so don’t let that part intimidate you.

My husband said he didn’t notice any problems with my placket. There is also a seam on the back that I went slow on to hopefully match up all the stripes.

I used the same cotton lycra for my daughter’s pajamas. The youth version of the pattern is called the Sugar Spice and works for boys or girls. I made her the 12 month size and can’t get over how adorable she looks in it.

The main difference between the women’s Naughty Nice pattern and kids ‘Sugar Spice is the neckline. The youth has a higher neckline. Also, the kids’ version does not have a cheeky option. Their pajamas are all nice.

She was excited to tell us about the huge shiny balls on the Christmas tree!

Not only are my pajamas insanely comfortable, my hubby really loves them. I noticed he was wearing this really fun shirt while taking photos so I grabbed him to take a few! He wanted me to tell you that these are his favorite pajamas and to tell you that if you want pajamas that won’t stay on very long, you should get these. We have been married for 12 years and still are so happy. If you want to buy me a Christmas present this year, my size is Saturday night babysitter.

So, how are these pajamas good for your love life? Well, they are not what I would call your mommas night gown. You will feel extra playful in them and not get as much sewing done. Haha!

Before cutting into my exciting Christmas fabric, I made a test pair for both of us. I used double brushed poly for mine and cotton lycra for my daughters test pairs.

I used plastic kam snaps on this pair and much prefer the metal snaps I used on my Christmas pair. I really want to make this pattern again as a top (or bodysuit with crotch snaps). It is so easy to nurse in!

Christmas Cheer

We put our Christmas tree up this weekend. (NOT the one in these photos! haha!) Our Christmas tree this year is 4.5 feet because it needs to go up on top of a toy box where little hands can’t touch it and pull it down. Half of our ornaments were broken from last year. Aaron loved throwing the balls and hearing them crash. I begged the kids not to put ornaments on the tree this year. They cried. LIKE real tears, my mom is horrible crying. So, I caved. We didn’t make it an hour before Aaron had thrown the first one. I was in the kitchen and heard the loud sound of glass shattering. Sigh. The ornaments came back down. We can only handle lights again this year.

We haven’t done anything else to prepare for Christmas. I want to get the kids each something special (yes, I haven’t started!), but I also want to emphasize the reason for the season and focus on giving to others. One of my favorite Christmas traditions is to write down “gifts” that I want to give to Jesus as well as gifts I would like from him. I usually do something personal, like I want to spend time doing something more during the year that I know I need to do. It may even be just to spend more time resting so that I can hear his voice. Either way, I am looking forward to cozy fireplaces, the sweet aroma of baked goods and hot chocolate, the squeals of children as they open their gifts, and handquilting while I take it all in.

While we were out taking photos of the pajamas, I grabbed a photo of my crew. A real, unplanned, come as you are and smile photo. I love this bunch and can’t believe that I (who was told she would never have kids) have been so blessed with these smiling faces to love and serve every day!

Thanks for reading my blog today! You may follow me on Instagram or receive updates by liking my page on Facebook. If you want to take a look into the things that inspire me, you can follow me on Pinterest. You may also follow my blog with Bloglovin.

Disclosures: I received this pattern for free as part of the testing process to give the designer feedback about the instructions and fit of the pattern. This post does not contain affiliate links.

Resources:

(1) The yarn-dyed cotton lycra stripes and the polka dot cotton lycra came from Made Whimsy.

(2) The double brushed poly that I used for my test pair came from Wherehouse Fabrics Dallas.

(3) You can find the pattern for the Women’s Naughty Nice Pajamas HERE and the Kid’s Sugar Spice HERE. You can also buy the bundle HERE.

Ok, here are all the sweet photos I just couldn’t delete!

Let’s start by talking about the newly updated SOS Pants. The SOS pants pattern is designed for knit fabric and gives you all the details of real jeans with the comfort of knit fabric. They are quick to make because the fly is faux – so there is no zipper installation or button to fuss with. SOS stands for “skinny or straight” because this pant comes in a skinny or straight leg version. I made two pairs during the update testing and love the fit of both.

Adjustments

I think the adjustments part when I am cutting out a pattern takes so long for me because I am a shorty with large calves and a deep crotch curve, BUT it is always so worth it and means that I end up with pants that I will wear over and over again and feel good in.

Shorty. I have a 27 inch inseam, which means that I took 3 inches in length of the 30 inch inseam length on the pattern. I loved that the knee line was marked so that I was not half hazardly guessing as to where to remove length. I never try to remove more than an inch at any given place too so that it is easier to smooth back in the lines after my adjustment is made.

Calves. All my measurements put me right at an XS EXCEPT my calves. They measured as an XL. This makes so much sense to me because one of the most uncomfortable places for skinny pants and compressive leggings on me is at my calves. This is the part where I absolutely love sewing because it is so easy to just add the extra fabric I need there by grading to the size I need. In store bought clothes, if I buy a size that fits my calves, they are falling off of my butt so most skinny pants are out of the question for me. I absolutely loved that all the measurements I needed and markings on the pattern I needed were there. After grading out to an XL at the calves, I tried my pants on to see right where the thicker part of my calf ended and slowly graded back to my normal ankle size.

Crotch curve. I learned so much about my crotch curve in testing and was so glad that I got to be part of the update. I learned that the deep crotch curve of one of the early version in testing was AMAZING for me, and the regular crotch curve that fit everyone else so nicely was not comfortable at all for me. I have noticed on some pants/shorts that I feel a wedgie all throughout the bottom of my crotch, not really on my butt like a normal wedgie though. If I sit for too long in pants, it hurts right in my privates! Sorry if that was TMI, but try googling how to fix that! SO, previously when making bottoms with this problem, I would just scoop out the crotch curve. However, when comparing the crotch curves on this pattern between the different testing versions, I realized it was so much more than just scooping! I also need to add width to the back pattern piece as it approaches the crotch. I hope this makes sense! If not, send me an email, and I can draw out what I mean.

This first pair that I am showing you was made out of the final version of the pattern that had the crotch curve that was not my favorite. Thank God for 1/2 inch seam allowances because I was able to fix it by using the crotch curve that works for me and add room where I needed it.

Fabric

I used this textured nylon/spandex from Simply By Ti for this pair. I can’t get over how squishy and cool this fabric feels. It is thick and perfect for pants! It is so stretchy and has great recovery. I need all the colorways now. If you order some, order extra because it is not as wide as your traditional knit. I got 2 yards and had only a small amount left after finishing these pants.

Aren’t the details so fun on this fabric! I found the exact same fabric at a competitor for $17/yard and Simply by Ti carries it for $12/yard!!

The next pair was made with the last yard of distressed jacquard knit that I have been hoarding from Mily Mae since last year. I keep hoping she restocks this fabric because I had no idea just how much I would like it when I bought it, and now it has been out of stock for some time. Can you tell them to restock it please?

Real pockets!

I lowered the back pockets an inch from the pattern recommendations. Everyone has their preference for pockets, and I think this is my favorite spot.

Pumpkin Spice Dolman

I am wearing pumpkin spice dolman tops with my pants in these photos. The white one I made 2 years ago from a sweater knit that came in a mystery box from Sincerely Rylee. I initially made it in a tunic length, wore it that entire season, and then brought it back out and wore it nonstop throughout pregnancy this last winter. This year when the cold weather arrived, I gave it new life by cutting it off to be top length, and I am thinking it is going to be in heavy rotation again this winter. It is so easy to nurse in, and I love how cozy it is!

This next one is also in a sweater knit that was gifted from my friend Aimee. I made this with a band while I was pregnant. The only modification I made on this one was that I cut the neckline just a bit lower (maybe too low, it likes to be an off the shoulder top now!). After my pregnancy, I cut the band off this one and just hemmed it at top length.

The Pumpkin Spice is a workhorse pattern for me that goes in my favorite bin. Every single sweater knit I buy almost becomes one! That is a lot coming from me because I like to buy or test every shiny pattern that comes out on the market, but I keep coming back to this old time favorite!

Made for Mermaids Hudson Hoodie

The new Made for Mermaids Hudson Hoodie comes in Men’s, Women’s, and Kids. I tested the kids’ version on my oldest daughter. She has been wearing it non-stop lately. I used a hacci knit from Knitpop. It is so soft!

I made her a size 10 and graded to a size 12 at the hips based on measurements. If I make her another one, I will probably add more length to the torso because her torso is longer, and I would love for her to have more growing room.

She loves the hidden kangaroo pocket! It was also really easy to do following the instructions.

The princess seams on the pattern will make for great colorblocking and scrap busting. I always love patterns that let me use up scraps. Her only complaint on this one was that the hood was a little snug going over her head. It was fine though once she had it on. I think I will lower the neckline just a tiny amount and make a size 12 hood next time.

Resources

1. My pants pattern is the Patterns for Pirates SOS Pants. The girl’s version of the pattern is available here. They are both on sale right now.
2. The cool textured knit for my black/white pants came from Simply by Ti. Sign up for their newsletter so you can grab some during the massive Black Friday sale next week.
3. The distressed jacquard knit came from Mily Mae. Please tell them to restock more.
4. My top pattern is the Patterns for Pirates Pumpkin Spice Dolman. I used Sincerely Rylee sweater knit on it. They also have amazing black Friday deals that started today (50% off the site!!!).
5. The Hudson Hoodie that Abby is wearing came from Made for Mermaids. The pattern (and the men’s, women’s, and bundle versions) are marked down through Saturday at midnight. They are also having a sitewide 35% off sale for Black Friday!!
6. The fabric for Abby’s hoodie is brushed hacci from Knitpop.

Disclosures: I received the P4P SOS pants pattern and M4M Hudson Hoodie patterns for free as part of testing so that I could give the designer feedback to make the pattern perfect for you. The fabric links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a small compensation when you purchase via my link.

The So Classic Sundress Details

The So Classic Sundress is available in girls’ sizes (3 months to 14 years) and women’s sizes. I made the girls’ size 9 months for my 7 month old and size 7 for my 7 year old based on their measurements. The sundress has the option for an empire waist or natural waist bodice with lengths above the knee, below the knee, and maxi. The princess seamed bodice can have a placket with functional or non functional buttons or can be made with a plain front. The back has elastic casings to make the dress easy to go on and off without the buttons, and this also helps the dress to fit longer. The dress also has optional bucket patch pockets.

The So Classic Sundress Pattern Review

I LOVE this dress. This has been the summer of sewing woven fabrics for me, and this pattern fit right in. It came together rather easily. All the seams matched up exactly and the instructions have all the professional details you need for a perfect fitting dress. I did have to get my seam ripper out a few times to perfect my gather game, but I love how they turned out. The princess seam and sweetheart bodice are just adorable. I love the waist tie for a contrast fabric and all the fun color blocking options. The skirt pattern pieces are not printed as a pattern piece, which made cutting and taping the pattern pieces together really quick. There is a chart to tell you what you need to cut for the skirt for your desired look.

I also love that the baby sizes are included with the big girl sizes. I have turned away from patterns that have separate purchases for baby sizes and kids sizes because then I end up paying double to make a dress for all of my girls.

For Hannah, my 7 month old, I made the above the knee length with a natural waist bodice with the plain front. I can’t get over how sweet she looks in her dress. She is playing on her quilt that I made for her when I was pregnant and blogged about here. I get all crazy emotional looking at photos of her on this quilt. Even making the quilt was a challenge for me because of the what ifs in pregnancy after having losses. Now to see her playing on it gives me all the happy tears!!

Fabric

I like to use quilting cotton for little girls dresses. It doesn’t drape very well and gives the skirt such a full look. I used some of my favorite Ana Maria Horner prints for Hannah’s dress, pictured here. The turquoise fabric on the bodice sides is called Cutting Line and can be found here. The main fabric that I used on her skirt and front and back bodice is called Minor Chords and can be found here. The yellow and pink coordinate that I used for the straps and waist tie are called Hugs and Kisses and can be found here.

For my second daughter,  I used rayon challis because I made the maxi length and wanted fabric that draped and flowed. The rayon challis that I used was found locally at Wherehouse Fabrics. It was shifty as could be, but it was worth it to get the drape that I wanted for a  maxi. I wanted her to breeze around like a princess. For her dress, I also used the natural waist plain bodice.  I used the big stripes vertically so that I did not have to try to stripe match them on the sides. She was so happy with how her dress turned out!! I think this dress is perfect for the summer months we have left and will also look adorable worn with a cardigan this fall.

You can purchase your copy of the youth So Classic Sundress pattern here. The women’s pattern is available here. It is on sale (no code needed) through Friday August 10th at midnight CST.

Tabitha is 7 and will turn 8 in November. She absolutely adores her sister Hannah and plays with her and helps her all the time. When she is not playing with Hannah, she is playing Barbies or swimming with her friends or older sister. She had expanders put in her mouth at the orthodontist three days ago so please send all the tips my way. All her favorite foods are crunchy so she has been getting very frustrated at re-learning to talk and eat with the device in her mouth. She cried when she could not eat a taco yesterday. I think it lifted her spirits when I made her this special dress.

My heart. This girl loves dresses. I have had to fight with her so many cold winters when she is determined to wear a dress. Since we homeschool, I get to spend a lot of time with her. I wouldn’t have it any other way and pray I continue to have the strength and wisdom to keep up with her!

Now, let us talk about this 7 month old. She just started army crawling and pushing herself all over the house. She puts everything she can find in her mouth. She loves to join us at meal times and get bites of whatever is age appropriate for her. She hates the mushed up baby food, though. She just figured out that she has a voice and has been saying all the “momma” “dada” “yaya” “popo” sounds and letters she can figure out. She knows now to watch out for her 4 year old brother and will growl at him when he is near. If he gets too close, she will grab his hair, pull, and squeal. She may be the baby, but I am not worried about her being able to hold her own in this house!

She is still trying to figure out what is going on when Aimee takes photos of her. She gives her the funniest grins when she pops out from behind the camera.

The hardest part of this post was deciding which photos to use! So, be prepared for photo overload, because here are more photos that I just love.