Pattern Review - Colorblock by Heidi&Finn

I had the amazing opportunity to test a new pattern for Heidi&Finn. And I decided that rather than just share the photos of the final project with you, I would also share my thoughts on the pattern for you mommas out there that sew as well. And then the thought occurred to me that I could share my thoughts on some of the other patterns that I use as well. So be on the look out for some fun pattern reviews to come. If there is one that you would like to know about, just let me know and I will review it for you.

Let me start by saying how honored I was to be chosen as a pattern reviewer. And I was so very excited because I am in love with this modern yet retro little dress. I know I will be making many, many more of these beauties (yes, for you non-sewing mommas it will be coming up in the shop). I could not decided if I wanted to stick with the plain fabric, or try some patterned fabric... so I just made two!

My Detials:
Fabic used - I used all cotton for both dresses.

Time - It took be about 3 hours to make both dresses. That included reading the pattern (very thoroughly for testing), printing, cutting and taping (which took FOREVER because the pages got mixed up and they are not numbered... thank God for the diagram they provide), tracing the sizes I needed, cutting the fabic, and sewing two dresses. Not bad really.

J was being such a ham at our mini photo shoot... and shockingly cooperative!

Pattern Maker:
In general, Heidi&Finn patterns are very professional and exceptional well put together. The are excellently written and chalk full of great detailed photos. I really love patterns that have lots and lots of photos. They are great patterns for beginning sewers.

This Pattern:

I would rate this specific pattern an experienced beginner. If you have never sewn a garment before, I might not choose this as my first one. But if you have a few pillowcase dresses under your belt you will be just fine. It went together easily and relatively quickly. And the finished product is gorgeous. The dress is fully lined making it very sturdy and excellent for year round wear. 

Some of the other features I love about this pattern are the finished garment measurements chart allowing you to know just what size to make your little one, the color coded pattern pieces, and the fact that there is extra space around the pattern pieces so you can overlap when taping. One feature that I wish it had is numbered pattern piece pages. Overall I highly suggest giving this pattern a try. You can purchase it at their Etsy shop. There are two sizes ranges to choose from, 12M to 5T and 6 to 12 years. 

I was not paid nor asked to write this review. Just lucky enough to be selected as a tester. 

HootyCutie is TWO!

Well poor little HootyCutie has been a little neglected and I totally missed it's birthday! We have been crazy busy around here and doing quite a bit of traveling. We have attended four weddings this month! But we survived and have had an absolutely wonderful time this month. I would like to think that things are going to slow down a little bit, but with Springtime Tallahassee in less than two weeks, I can think again. But I wanted to take a minute to tell HCD...

I can not believe it has been two years already. My how time flies (pun intended!). And I want to tell each and everyone of you how much I appreciate you. HCD would not be where it is today without our amazing mommas and there adorable cuties. So to celebrate lets have a sale. Starting today and lasting to the end of the month you can save 22% on all items in the Etsy shop. No coupon code required. All items are already marked down.

But I'm not letting the fun stop there! I will also be including a fun surprise in all packages of orders placed during the sale. And to make even more fun, two lucky orders will receive store credit coupon. So get to shoppin' mommas!

**Remember, if you are a local momma (Tallahassee), you can message me for a custom listing without shipping.

Garden Party - Spring 2013

Why hello there blog... it has been a while! Man have I been busy. And I am loving it. One of the things that has been keeping me so busy is the spring line. I sure most of you have seen the pictures on Facebook, and have checked out the listings at the shop by now. But I still wanted to share with the blogosphere. So here it is...

Dainty Mint Dress

Sizes: 6-12M, 18M, 2/3, 4/5, 6/7,8

What is not to love about this sweet dress. Pleated front, button tab shoulders and a fun pop of color at the hem. Oh and did I mention POCKETS! You little one will love to wear this dress. 

Emerald Tulip Dress

Sizes: 2T, 3T, 4T, 5, 6, 7/8

 Oh how I love this fabric. I bought it just because I had to have it. Didn't even know it would become part of this line. But I am so happy that it did. The sweetness of the one shoulder and ruffle are the perfect compliment to this fun take on a traditional fabric. The top is made of linen for that add touch of luxury. 

Mustard Seed Dress and Gardener Pants

Dress Sizes: 6-12M, 18M, 2/3, 4/5, 6/7
Pant Sizes: 6-12M, 18M, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8

Oh how I love this mustard polka dot! The mustard seed dress is such a fun mix of color. Isn't that navy ric-rack just yummy?! I loved this dress, but felt like something was missing. And it was. The final touch... a flower pin (locking pin, please remove before washing) at the waist to tie it all together.

And did you check out those suspenders on that handsome little guy?! So stinking cute. They are fastened with knots at the waist, so they are completely adjustable. 

Pink Poppy Top and Ziggy Rufflers

TopSizes: 12-18M, 2/3, 4/5, 6/7

 Bottom Sizes: 6-12M, 18M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5T

Yummy, Yummy, Chevron! This zig-zag print is so much fun. Some many shades of pink and yellow. The back of this top is open for a fun take on a traditional top. The pants are capri length  and packed full of ruffles.  

Violet Posey Dress

Sizes: 12-18M, 2/3, 4/5, 6/7

What is not to love here? Buttons, ric-rack, round yoke, purple, pink... this dress has it all. One of my all time favorite patterns (by the amazingly talented Amy at Brownie-Goose) this dress is the perfect combination of modern and sweet. 

Crystal Blues

Sizes: 3M, 6M, 12M, 18M, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5, 6, 7, 8

 And last up are these darling blue check shorts. Complete with pockets, faux fly, and the perfect mustard button your little guy will be stylin'. These are the perfect multi-purpose shorts. You can dress them up with a button down and bow tie, or paired with a tee for every day. 


I want to give a huge Thank You to all of the people that helped make this line a reality. Thank you to the amazing Long's Photography for taking the beautiful photos. Thank you to Terri Smith Details for providing the amazing props. Thank you to Magic by Marcy for the adorable graphics (and my number one supporter from day one). Thank you to Daizy Bugz Designs for the perfect finishing touch (those beautiful necklaces).  And last but certainly not least, my incredible hubby for spending countless hours tracing out patterns, cutting out fabric, and ruffling ruffles. I would never have finished on time without all of his help.