Animal All-in-One Hooded Scarf

Cats and foxes and dinos - oh my!  Christine at Heidi & Finn has released the new Animal All-in-One Hooded Scarf - another of her versatile pdf patterns that is easy to sew, has tons of options, doesn't require much fabric, and is great for keeping or gifting.  This pattern is so much fun!  Each of my kids wanted (at least) one right away.  The pattern is a great springboard for your own creativity.  With options and pattern pieces for cat, mouse, fox, bunny, pig, bear, and monkey ears - as well as spikes for a dinosaur and fins and teeth for a shark, you can also combine or modify pieces to come up with your
own versions as well.  I created a wolf using the fox ears and shark teeth, and I made a puppy by modifying the bunny ears.  I also learned a new word this past week - I'd never heard of a scoodie - have you?  Now I've not only heard of them, I've sewn four!

Overview:

• Forty-five page pdf pattern and tutorial with photos.  Pattern is sixteen pages for the full pattern with both options (button closure and full scarf) and nine pages for just the button closure and all ear options.
• Fits sizes 6-12m to most adults.
• Option for button/snap closure or full-length scarf.
• Includes interfacing at closure
• Easy sew.  Nothing complicated or unclear.  A serger is optional for this pattern - you can sew the entire pattern on a regular sewing machine.

Review:

• Clear and easy.  Following the instructions given should give you everything you need to sew this up.  No difficult parts.
• I am so glad this pattern includes instructions to add interfacing at the closure.  Its seems many pdf pattern makers sadly skip this step.
• Great way to use up scraps from other projects, and inexpensive project.  You only need 1/2 of the main and 1/2 yard lining fabric even for larger sizes, so you can hit the remnant bin at your local shop and really make this an economical project.
• Works well with a variety of fabrics.  My favorite version that I did used an upcycled sweatshirt for the main fabric and nice fleece for the inside (the Dino).  Its cozy and the thick fabrics give it a good shape and weight.  But I also used a variety of flannels and different fleece and all worked well.
• Sizing seems good.  My 2 year old is in the XS, 5 year old is in the S, and 7 and 9 year olds are in M.  You can easily size down and/or adjust the closure if you want a more or less snug fit.  The hoods will fit them for a long time.
• I do not apply for every pattern test out there.  Even from my favorite designers, I often skip a testing call if its not a good time, or the pattern isn't something I think I'll love.  In this case, I had a two-week old at the time of the testing call and had intended not to apply for any testing until after the new year.  But when I saw this one come though, I had to apply - and I'm so glad I did!  It was easy and fun to sew - and I was able to sew several in one day (which is not common).

Thanks for coming by and checking out my post.  I'd love to hear from you in the comments - which version of this scarf are you going to sew up first?!

You can pick up your own copy of this pattern in the Heidi & Finn etsy shop here.  

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You can see more pictures below!

Cowl Neck Dress and Sweater from Heidi & Finn

I absolutely love the new Cowl Neck Dress and Sweater pattern from Heidi & Finn! Easy to cut and sew; adorable, cozy, warm, and practical for my daughter. What is not to love?!


I had the opportunity to be part of the testing team for this pattern and the results were great from the start.  The dress and top pictured in this post are from the original pattern run.  Changes made during testing include a slightly slimmer cut on the bodice, the option of a band at the bottom hem, shorter sleeve length in smaller sizes, and a larger cowl in larger sizes.  I used the optional ties in both the dress and top I sewed, which can be tied to the front or back.  The dress also looks great without the ties, or with a belt.  Butterfly appliques are an option included in the tutorial, and several other testers added adorable appliques of their own.  Your choice of knit fabric can be used for this dress ranging from a thinner knit to fleece.  The cowl
will take a different shape and hold depending on the fabric.  I could make these over and over again, and I'm sure I'll make several each year for my own daughters and as gifts!


Another bonus: the pattern does not require a lot of fabric (especially in smaller sizes).  I made both my versions out of a sweater weight knit - the dress is from the Doodles collection at JoAnn's and the purple top I made from a 1/2 yard remnant I purchased at a local specialty fabric shop.  It is buttery soft and warm, and the remnant only cost $4.00 (which is WAY less than I paid for the first two yards of that fabric I bought for myself a few months prior!).

I really appreciated the way the tutorial has you hem the sleeves and bottom (if you do not use the optional band at the bottom).  By finishing the edge of the fabric (with serger or zig-zag stitch - I used serger for one and faux serger for the other) and then hemming, you are able to avoid having the bulky hem that a double-folded knit edge often leaves.  It's little things like this, her method of measuring the cowl neck to make sure it fits correctly (it varies with types of fabric) and similar touches that make this a pattern that is satisfying to make and looks great when finished.

This is a great pattern for someone who is thinking about sewing her first knit pattern.  You do not need a serger, so if you don't have one, don't let that stop you from sewing this dress!  The tutorial includes directions for using a serger as well as doing it without.  The serger I was using fritzed out after the first dress, so for the top I used a stretch stitch and then the faux serger stitch on my Janome to finish the seams and it turned out just as nice inside and out.


Features:

• Easy to follow pattern, quick sew
• Slim cut body
• Option for long/short sleeves
• Super comfy large cowl neck
• Optional long ties sewn into each side can be tied in the front or the back for a different look. 
• Dress pulls right over the head for easy dressing.
• Optional sweater length, bottom band, long or short sleeves makes this a really versatile pattern
• Can be made in any type of stretch or knit fabric (interlock,jersey sweatshirt material or fleece etc.). 
• BONUS- butterfly applique patterns are included to embellish your dress
• No serger needed - instructions for both serger and sewing machine are included in tutorial

Heidi & Finn's Chic Cocktail Swing Coat: Review

If you are looking for a quick and easy sew that results in a beautiful and unique coat for a little girl in your life, you have to check out Heidi & Finn's Chic Cocktail Swing Coat.  It is a quick and easy project with amazing results!  When Christine at Heidi & Finn recently modified this pattern and added new hood and sizing options, I had the opportunity to test the updated version in size 18m.  I absolutely loved making the coat and was pleased with how well and how quickly the pattern came together.  In fact, the fabric I used for the first draft was just some extra fabric and I was not expecting to like it much until I used a better fabric.  But I ended up loving it and can't imagine having made anything with that fabric that would have turned out so adorable.  I am not exaggerating when I say that whenever my daughter has been wearing her new coat, we receive multiple compliments from perfect strangers!  On our last errand trip I counted at least eight strangers who asked about and complimented her coat.   I am planning a raincoat version using Amy Butler laminated fabric.  I can't wait to sew up another one!

This week only, you can purchase the pattern in the Craftsy shop for $4.50.  After that, it will be the regular price of $7.95 for the lower (12m - 5T) or upper (6Y - 12Y) sizing file, or $10.95 for the bundle which includes the full range of sizing in the Etsy and Craftsy shop.

My Thoughts
I really enjoyed making this coat and think all the new options are adorable.  I love that it can be customized for a sweet spring or Easter coat as well as a warm coat for fall and winter.  The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the results are fantastic.  I am very happy with the fit and I especially like that the hood offers excellent coverage and protection from wind, rain, etc while not being too bulky or creating discomfort in a car seat.  I chose the button closure simply because I was thinking practicality and (again) ease of fit in a car seat.  I imagine the bow closure would work better in a forward facing or booster seat.

The only (minor) difficulty I came across was making the larger button hole, as my machine only makes button holes up to 1" (but my button was 1 3/4").  However, I came across these fantastic instructions on how to fool your machine into making a larger button hole, and it worked perfectly!

 Pattern Specifics and Options
The updated pattern is for sizes 12 months to 12 years and includes the following options:

• Collar or hood
• Plain hood, or hood with bunny, mouse or bear ears
• Button closure (1-3 large buttons) or large bow closure (the ties for the bow pull through the button hole, then are tied into a bow to secure the coat closed.)
• Extended sizing from the original

This pattern is designed for thicker fabric such as wool, wool blend, canvas, etc, with a lining of your choice (cotton, flannel, etc).  You want to choose a thick or stiff fabric so the coat will hold its shape.

The sizing is intended to fit over sweaters and layers of clothing, and to fit for several seasons of wear (making this pattern a great value for your time and effort!).

The pdf pattern instructions are easy to follow and include multiple pictures to help guide you along and provide clarity.  The pdf file is 6.9 MB (for smaller sizes) and 39 pages, with the last 14 of those pages being the printable pattern pages and the rest the instructions.

Pattern Description from Heidi & Finn:

What a Chic coat! This pattern is for the NEW Chic Cocktail Swing Coat. 
ON SALE for one week only! get it at this great price while you can!

This coat features a slightly fitted Upper body, boat-neck neckline, bell sleeve, and Swing body. With tons of options like Bow tie or button closures, collar or hood, ears or plain hood, this is a truly versatile pattern! 
A modern and classic design that will look great for years. The collar can be worn up or down for different looks. This coat can made with heavier materials for a perfect fall/winter piece. Or can be made with light cottons for a spring time option. The possibilities are endless!
This will be your favorite thing to sew!

NO SERGER NEEDED - as always, all my patterns are great for those just starting to sew and all you need is a sewing machine - no fancy tools needed!

This easy to sew pattern features all colour photos and pages of step by step instructions

Grab your pattern now at the great sale price and sew up a darling coat for a sweet little girl in your life!