Sew in Tune - Mr Roboto

Just bringing home my outfit & tutorial originally posted for Sew in Tune.  Hope everyone's having a great weekend!

Hi Everyone!  I'm Heidi from Elegance & Elephants thrilled to be here for Sew in Tune!  I love music...in fact, I was a choir and band schoolteacher for years prior to being a crafty stay-at-home mom, so being inspired by music is something that comes naturally to me.  This project however, steered me in a different direction than my typical musical genres, since it all started with some Robert Kaufman fabric my son begged me to get him: Robot Factory.  And what song instantly popped into my head?  Well, none other than, Mr. Roboto by the Styx.  Having grown up in the 80s with an older brother, I was exposed his taste in music, and this song was one that was often played on the ghetto blaster.  If you're curious what it sounds like, check out the video.  Be prepared for 80s hair, style, and video quality.  It's quite something to behold, but the tune is catchy!!

Now, about the outfit...well, since I didn't want to make pjs again, I decided to subtly incorporate Robot Factory throughout the ensemble.  The shirt features a contrasting button placket and a little robot friend poking out of the pocket.  Orange thread was used for all the hems and topstitching, along with navy blue jersey for the pocket and elbow patches, upcycled from a shirt that's been outgrown.

Tobias requested that the pants NOT have a zip fly, so, I made an elastic waistband, using the inspiration fabric on the inside.  It was also used for the inside lining of the front pockets.  

His newest little plushie friend, Mr. Roboto, was created for this outfit as well and now sleeps comfortably with all the elephants on Tobias' bed.  The free downloadable pdf pattern & template with tutorial for the Mr. Roboto plushie is available at E & E.

I modified these two patterns for the shirt and pants: Play Date V-Neck Tee and Clean Slate Pants.

And just in case you're wondering how to make a contrasting placket, here's the tutorial...

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That's it!  And remember, if you're sewing this for a girl, reverse it, so the contrasting fabric is on the opposite side.

Thank you so much for having me here today!  

The Fabulous Ruffle Top Testers

I am so incredibly excited to share with you the wonderful creations the Ruffle Top pattern testers made.  These ladies did an amazing job, and I've been anxiously waiting for the opportunity to be able to show off what they did with the pattern.  Without further ado, here they all are...

The A Line Dresses

Ajaire from Call Ajaire

I love Ajaire's use of contrasting fabric for the armhole, hem, and button loop.  Just gorgeous!

Annika

This beautiful yellow fabric was a great choice for Annika's precious cutie!

Evie from Pendle Stitches

Right on trend, Evie chose a nautical print for her dress.  It's suits her sweet daughter perfectly!

Hillary from Lavender Blue Hilly Dilly

Love the print Hillary chose and how she tied it in front with pink.  So cute!

Rebecca

Rebecca's sweet baby girl modelling some houndstooth...isn't she adorable?!

Sally from Daisy Chain Creations

Love the styling and aubergine print paired with olive green for Sally's creation!

The Tunics

Amy from Sews N Bows

Amy did a lovely job using a beautiful vintage floral print for her tunic.

Alexia from Ty Bebe Photography

In case you missed my post earlier this week, here's a few more gorgeous shots by Alexia.  Stunning!

Chris

Chris did an impeccable job with her tunic.  Nicely done with the contrasting ruffles!

Mie from Sewing Like Mad

Overdose of cuteness on Mie's tunic!  Love her detailing and use of contrast.

Suzanne from Winter Wonderings, Wanderings, & Whatnot

Seriously...can Suzanne's cutie girl be any sweeter in her Ruffle Top & jeggings?!

The Swing Dresses

Barbara

Barbara's adorable daughter looks all ready for summer in this beautiful Swing dress.  Those colours are perfect!

Bernadette

Bernadette's Swing dress is layered with chiffon.  So beautifully whimsical and I love that emerald sash!

Chloe from Deadly Craft

How pretty is Chloe's creation, in this navy & white dandelion print!?  And it passes the twirl test! :)

Olga from Kid Approved

 And last but most certainly not least, is Olga's beautifully made Swing dress.  Lovely!

Are you as incredibly impressed as I am!?  I can't thank these ladies enough for patiently working with me on this first pattern.  There is so much detail work that goes into this process, and there's no way I could pull it off on my own.  Their feedback has made it possible for me to take this pattern to the next level...something I couldn't have done without them.  So, ladies, my humble thanks to each one of you and your lovely daughters.

Final touches are being made...watch for the Ruffle Top pattern release on Monday!

Calling All Kids at Alida Makes

Today you'll find me guesting over at Alida Makes for her Calling All Kids series.  Who says fedoras are only for boys?!

And if you haven't entered the giveaway for 5 Heidi & Finn patterns...make sure you do!  Only a few days left to enter.

Heidi & Finn Pattern Review and Giveaway

When asked if I'd like to review the recently updated Urban Hoodie by Heidi & Finn, plus offer a giveaway (giveaway has closed) and coupon code for my readers, it was so easy to say YES!  I mean, I love Heidi & Finn patterns, and I love giving you free stuff!

Here are just a few examples of  Heidi & Finn's modern, classic patterns.

Head over to the Heidi & Finn shop, and if you want to pick out some patterns, here's a sweet deal for E&E readers: if you spend $18 on patterns (which works out to about 3 patterns depending on which ones you choose), you get to pick a 4th for free!  Just mention the code FREEPATTERNE&E along with the name of the free pattern you'd like in the note to seller when you check out.  Coupon valid until Monday, March 11.

The Urban Hoodie pattern was a breeze to sew and will most definitely get a lot of use around here (especially since it's so perfectly suited for boys and girls).  The fact that it is fully lined gives plenty of opportunity to experiment with contrasting fabrics, too, so I had a little fun with that.  I also really liked the fact that when you work through the pattern, there are many tips & tricks for working with knits that you could use for other projects, as well.  Got to love a pattern that actual teaches you something as you sew!  And now the sizing options have been increased to include 6 months all the way up size 12!

I made a size 5T for Tobias (he'll be five in a couple months) and it fits him very well.  The fabric is up-cycled from one of my hoodies with jersey knit for the lining (green front/back and white in the sleeves).  Using a 50/50 mix of acrylic and fabric paint, I stencilled the elephant print for the hood lining.  And here is how it turned out...

**This giveaway has closed**

And now for the giveaway... one lucky reader will receive a 

5 pattern pack from  Heidi & Finn!

To ENTER you must:

1.   Follow Elegance & Elephants 

OR

Like Elegance & Elephants on Facebook

2.  Follow Heidi & Finn
OR
Like Heidi & Finn on Facebook

3.  Head over to the Heidi & Finn shop, and leave a comment below this post telling me which pattern is your favourite.

This giveaway will be open until 10pm EST on Sunday, March 10.

The winner will be chosen randomly and

announced on Monday, March 11.

Good luck!

First Ruffle Top Tester Photos

Alexia, who blogs over Ty Bebe Photography sent me these gorgeous photos of her completed Ruffle Top tunic.  She did such a beautiful job!  More tester photos to come in the next few days.

You'll be able to make yours in a couple weeks when this first E&E pattern is released!

Pattern Tester Call Update

Thank you all so much for the response to my call!  My readers are the best!!  With almost one hundred responses, it was so hard to narrow it down to fifteen.  Although I won't be able to respond to all of you personally, I have kept all your emails, and will keep everyone in mind for future pattern tests (planning on something unisex for the next one).  I also appreciated all the many sweet well wishes on this new venture of mine.  I hope I can create patterns that many of you will enjoy, not only for purchase, but free ones for everyone, too!

Please continue to let me know what patterns you'd like to see (many have mentioned the shorts, so I am considering them soon).  I truly value your feedback.

Thanks again!

Heidi

Want to be an E & E pattern tester?

The first E&E pattern is in the works (YAY!), and I'm looking for a some interested seamstresses who would like to test it out.  All you have to do is be willing to complete the garment one week after receiving the (complimentary) pattern, send me a photo of it, and I'll e-mail you a short questionnaire about your sewing experience.  Once I receive feedback from all the testers, and make any corrections, I'll send you a copy of the final pattern in sizes 18 months to 8 years for your further sewing pleasure!  Once you receive the final copy of the pattern, you will be able to blog/post about it.  With your permission, I will also feature select tester photos on my blog.  Last but not least, all testers must be Elegance & Elephants followers, subscribers, or Facebook page 'likers'.

If this sounds like something you'd like to do, e-mail me the following:

• Your name
• Blog, Flickr name, or a couple photographs of garments you've made
• Size(s) you are interested in testing for
• Your sewing level of expertise (indicate a number from 1 - 6 using the scale below)*

1.   I am an absolute beginner who has never used a sewing machine before.

2.  I’ve made pillowcases, simple curtains, cushions or something similar and can follow a simple sewing pattern.  

3. I know how to attach regular zippers and buttonholes, set-in sleeves, and sew many patterns of moderate difficulty level. 

4. I am comfortable sewing more complicated patterns with linings and and can make adaptions to patterns.  I can draft my own simple patterns and have sewn, or are comfortable attempting, most finishing techniques.

5.  I am able to sew most types of garments with ease and am comfortable sewing any commercial pattern.  I have some experience with more advanced techniques required for tailoring, evening wear, and draping.

6. I am experienced with advanced pattern drafting, working with couture techniques and fabrics, and 
advanced fitting.

This particular pattern is for this top, with two dress options, in sizes 18 months to 8 years.
*Testers must have a sewing level of 2 - 6 to test this pattern.

I will e-mail selected tester candidates in a few days with the pattern and further instructions.  I'll keep all tester info on file for future pattern test opportunities as well.

Thanks so much!  Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

E-mail me (Heidi) at:
eleganceandelephants at gmail dot com