Pandalicious Blog Tour

Art Gallery Fabrics is one company that always makes me swoon over their designs and quality. As soon as I caught a glimpse of the Pandalicious line by Katarina Roccella, I immediately wanted everything. No exaggeration. Everything. 

When I first started sewing, I often indiscriminately bought fabric that my daughters said they liked in the hope that they would agree to wear what I made. This included unicorns, cats, and other cute and fluffy animated characters. Nothing wrong with that, but then one day, I discovered Art Gallery Fabrics. Well, it was like the skies cleared and birds started singing. I was in a world where clothes were lovely to touch and I wasn't tearing my hair out trying to sew with knits. So you can imagine my joy when I was invited to join this tour with all of these talented women: 

By the way, there's a great giveaway you can enter at the end of this post and a chance to win a Titchy Threads pattern, so please keep reading!

I have wanted to make the Petal Fold Playsuit from the moment I saw the Fold|2 Collection from Madeit Patterns, in particular, when I saw Toya's gorgeous version. However, my daughter "doesn't do" playsuits, so for the tour I considered making a dress. After some back and forth (thank you, Anna & Olu!), I decided to go with a longer version of the playsuit. A bit grown-up for her, but it's balanced out by the flutter sleeves I decided to add. At least, I like to think so, ha ha. Best part? It's dress-like enough that my daughter approves of it, phew! 

I made a quick muslin of the culottes to make sure the bottom wouldn't be too voluminous when I lengthened it. Now that I see it finished, I think I could have lengthened from the bottom because I really like the wide-legged look. I probably should have made a size 4 with size 5 for length (or maybe even a 6 since she has a long torso), but oh well.

I used Zhu Nectar for the pleated panel on the bodice and the lining for the flutter sleeve, and the rest of the playsuit was made using Hidden Panda Leaf.

Then came my little one. She can be soooo difficult. But this fabric! Nothing difficult about it; it's incredible. I really wanted to keep it for myself. In fact, I've already bought some more fabric from this collection to make something for me, heh heh. 

I can't say enough times that this Yinghua Cherrylight knit was a dream to sew with. I had originally intended to make a Japanese pattern set for my younger daughter using the Cherrylight and the Hidden Panda Cottonbud fabrics. The set was so cute. But you'll just have to take my word for it because my capricious child changed her mind and rejected it in favor of a dress.

So I planned to make the Balloon Fold Dress from Madeit Patterns. But my headstrong child the Groove Dress won. And with the cool twirl factor, I could hardly blame her -- especially since I have made one for myself using a Leah Duncan Art Gallery knit. And I love it.

So there was the question of what I should make with the Hidden Panda Cottonbud since I was no longer making the Japanese set. Turns out the answer was simple: a Titchy Threads pattern. 

I made my little one's favorite Twisted Tank using Hidden Panda and the leftover Cherrylight. Unfortunately, I didn't check the stretch properly and so my neck and armbands were too short, hence the pulling you see. After consulting with my Sewing Guru (otherwise known as Mie), I realized I should have tested it out first because she reminded me that all knits act differently. Don't do what I did, friends! 

I didn't have enough of the Hidden Panda left to make bottoms, so I decided to use my precious Limestone Feel Indigo to make some Unfancy Pants. I made the straight size 3, but I should have lengthened them so she can wear them for longer. I love the waistband of these pants, which unfortunately I forgot to photograph (you can catch a glimpse here). Judging from my daughter's reaction, though, they are very comfortable.

Of course I couldn't resist a matching look for my big girl. I turned to one of my absolute favorite t-shirt patterns: the Rowan Tee. I was inspired by the dress Mie made for her daughter using the Safari Raglan Tee, but I wanted mine to have a fitted waist. So I went with the Rowan and used the shorter bodice with the hem piece as the waistband. I then cut the skirt using Jolie Jupe from Filles a Maman because I like the shape of it (though with all the gathering I did, maybe you can't really see the shape anymore). 

A heartfelt thank you to Art Gallery for the gorgeous fabric, and virtual hugs and a thank you to Karly for having me on this tour! You'll definitely want to check out the other blogs if you haven't already (plus there are chances to win other prizes from each blogger). So many fun looks using this fabulous collection! 

Paisley Roots  Pear Berry Lane  Chalk & Notch

Phat Quarters  Lil Luxe Collection  The Crafting Fiend

Blaverry  Just Add Fabric  Craftstorming

You can see the whole line here: Pandalicious Line
And check out the Pandalicious Look Book!

And now for the giveaway. Enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a copy of the Linen, Wool, Cotton Kids Pattern Book & 2 yards of Hidden Panda Cottonbud in knit. You will not be disappointed!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For a chance to win a Titchy Threads pattern, please leave a comment below saying which one you would love to sew, and a winner will be chosen by the end of the tour week! Good luck and thanks for visiting!

UPDATE: The winner has been chosen via Random.org and it was Boevenbende!! Congratulations - I will be in touch!