Perfect Pattern Parcel #2 – A Little Girl’s Capsule Wardrobe and Welcome to my new site!

Hi folks, it’s Perfect Pattern Parcel (http://www.patternparcel.com) time again and this time the little one’s in our life are getting in on the wardrobe-building action!

But before we get to my pattern reviews, I’d like to welcome you to my new site! It’s really exciting to finally have my own domain and I’m looking forward to the possibilities that this platform offers. I hope it’s onwards and upwards!

Ok back to the patterns and what a fab selection the Pattern Parcel gals chose this time!

I have two little girls and I’m totally ecstatic about PPP#2! With this expertly curated collection of patterns, you have a complete little girl’s capsule wardrobe and what’s more, with a little pattern tweaking and imaginative fabric choices, I can see these patterns working all year round! There are wardrobe staples for everyday wear and some cute dress and blouse patterns for fancier occasions.

For my first outfit pick, I went with the Celestial Tee from Figgy’s patterns and The Hosh Pants from LouBee Clothing.

You see my little girls are action girls. They’re always whizzing round on their scooters and bikes and so their everyday outfits of choice are pretty simple – things they can easily dress themselves in preferably without complicated fastenings (did I mention how independent they like to be!) and can wear with ease. T-shirts, leggings and jeans get the most wear – things they can run around in and cake dirt on!

I think the Celestial tee and The Hosh Pants fit these requirements perfectly, although I hope my daughter doesn’t cake too much dirt on these!

The Celestial tee was super simple to put together. I used an organic cotton single jersey and an organic cotton rib jersey for the neck-band. Next time I make this, I’m going to try gathering the neck rather than doing the pleating to see how it looks, but either way, I think this front detail gives the top a cute girly look. It’s a great basic that I’m sure I’ll be making again and again.

The top has the same hi/lo hemline as the Dixie DIY Summer Concert Tee that was so popular in PPP#1 and I think it has the same relaxed vibe. I made this pattern up in age four for my three-year old and it is a bit wide around the neck but she can get away with it and hopefully it’ll see her through to next summer as well.

The Hosh Pants were also easy to make. The pattern suggests using light to mid-weight stretch woven fabrics so I used a baby cord cotton from Liberty Art Fabrics from my stash. I really love these pants, so practical and stylish. They’re like a skinny jean cut with nice slim legs but with enough ease to not restrict movement. An ingenious design!

They have an elasticated waistband but what really sets them apart from most elasticated waisted kid’s pants IMO is the waistband shaping. The waistband is lower at the front and the elastic is only in the back waistband piece. This dip in the front nicely accommodates my three year olds little baby Buddha belly (we can all associate with that problem, right?!) so the elastic doesn’t cut her in half which often happens with regular elastic waisted pants. The elastic section is also adjustable.

I’m a little jealous of these pants, I wish they came in adult’s sizes, I could do with a little adjustability myself these days!

I can’t wait to get going on the other patterns in this Pattern Parcel. My older daughter has already requested the Hanami dress by Straightgrain and my younger daughter wants to have the Caroline Party Dress by Mouse House Creations and I’ve got a pair of the bonus shorts pattern cut out, ready to be sewn up. I can see I’m going to be kept busy!

All in all, this is a great set of patterns, so don’t miss out! This offer is for a limited time only. You snooze, you lose my friends, so head over to www.patternparcel.com now!

Please leave a link in the comments below, I’d love to see what you make from PPP#2!

Happy sewing,

Christine