Twinkle Toes and Company

{Please note that some of these links are affiliate links.  If you purchase something I have recommended, sewn etc. through those links I will receive a small percentage of compensation.  It costs you nothing, but helps support my sewing "therapy" and the ability to review and test more patterns.} I'm on a roll lately; I've been modeling things I wouldn't typically model. Leggings, Swimsuits, dress with amazing ties in the back?! That's right, a dress with ties in the back.  Now, I wouldn't normally wear a dress that ties in the back or is as tight fitting as the Laura Swim Suit, Tankini and Dress from 5 out of 4. In reality though, the dress itself isn't that tight fitting.  The top is basically a built in bra! Yes, you read that right...a built in bra! Let's face it, when the back looks like this:  You need a built in bra.  I made an F cup FBA...don't panic, the Laura has an FBA already done for you in the pat...

{Please note that some of these links are affiliate links.  If you purchase something I have recommended, sewn etc. through those links I will receive a small percentage of compensation.  It helps me support my sewing "therapy" and the ability to review and test more patterns.} I raise fish  humans that LOVE water.   Thankfully we live in an area that has great swimming options from Memorial Day until almost October.  And even then we have the option of swimming indoors the rest of the year.   So, swimsuits are something we need a lot of...hence my swim fabric collection and the perpetual search for great swimsuit patterns. We really look for suits that aren't run of the mill.  I like to be able to find my kids when we're at the pool or river and not have their suits look like all the other kids! The Girl's South Seas Suit by Petite Stitchery fits the bill. This is the boyshort option with banded legs and a tie back. ...

Swim season is right around the corner.   In our case, we're headed faster than most because we hit warm weather pretty early. So the excitement about the Bahama Mama is real in my house! A swimsuit and rashguard all in one?!?!  Count us in! The Bahama Mama comes in three sleeve lengths, cap, short and long sleeve.  All of which are perfect for playing at the river or beach...or just outside in the sun! The Raglan style sleeve makes assembly quick and easy.   There are two zipper lengths that can be used.  I used a 9" zipper here.  However, a 12" zipper can also be used for ease of access or for nursing moms. At first Miss. Opinionated Teen was a tad worried about the rear end coverage.  (The "opinionated" was a bit understated in this conversation.)  When I was fitting the muslin, I didn't put in the elastic so the fit wasn't quite the same.  However, the coverage is perfect, just make sure to measu...

We all know when a new pattern is being released, we start seeing snapshots of amazing fabrics and glimpses of tester's creations on Facebook.  I belong to so many fabric and pattern groups that I see a lot of fantastic pictures!  Over the years as I have been sewing, I have often wondered who tests patterns.  Until I started sewing knits at the encouragement of a friend of mine, I had no idea what an Indie pattern designer was or that I could buy a pattern online from a stay at home mom (although not all are), print it out my pattern, put it together and sew away.  I was SHOCKED that I didn't have to go to the store and look at all the same old boring patterns.  Seriously, they don't really change.  Most of the pattern directions in the store bought patterns (in my opinion) are hard to follow.  While I have learned a lot over the past year as I have branched out sewing new fabrics, I would  have considered myself a fairly advanced seamstress eve...