One of the main reasons that I sew and make and blog is to instill a love for art and creativity in my children.  I want to inspire others to do the same and I treasure the opportunity to make beautiful things and document how my family uses them in our everyday lives.  As I worked on our third pattern book with my fellow designers at Five & Ten Designs, I was once again reminded about how important this journey is to me personally and, likely, to all of you who sew for your children, grandchildren, and friends.  To see the light spring into my girls’ eyes when I make something special for them, to dote on them and encourage them as they model these dresses, it fills me with pride and joy.
Today, our team is releasing our THIRD pattern book and it is spectacular!  If you’re not already familiar with Five and Ten Designs, the basic premise is this.  Five designers have come together with one basic pattern block to show YOU how to alter the pattern and create 10 completely unique and darling looks!  Volume Three is a pattern book full of A-line girl dresses.  There are add-on pattern pieces such as collars and sleeves, along with instructions for zippers, pockets, buttons, and trims!

The basic A-line girls dress is one of the simplest garments to sew.  If you’ve been thinking about learning to sew, this dress is a great place to start.  Once you have the beginning techniques mastered, or if you’re already a sewist, you have nine additional designs to learn and practice many other techniques!

I will be talking more specifically (and by that, I mean I have too many fun pictures to cram into this one post) about my two designs over the next week, but we can see a couple pictures now.  I call this the Big Bow dress – it comes with a crazy pretty bow and inverted box pleat – it also seems to elicit Big Personality.

If pin tucks and peter pan collars are your thing, you’ll love this second design.  I can always get behind the charm of such classic design elements.  Keep them classic or mix them in with modern fabrics, you just can’t go wrong.

There are so many great, great designs in this book.  I hope you have as much fun with it as we did!  Hop over to Five and Ten Designs for more details, pictures, and purchasing information!  THANKS, Friends!!

Click here for more information on Five & Ten Designs, Volume 3 eBook!!