The Lakehouse Swimsuit Pattern

May 26, 2015, 12:27 pm

We released our Lakehouse Swimsuit pattern for girls today!
Thank you so much to our beautiful cover models.

Our Lakehouse Swimsuit comes in sizes 1/2- 16 and is just darling as a swimsuit, but also doubles as a leotard pattern. Now that Lucy is in competitive gymnastics, we need a lot of leotards.

I got this leopard fabric from one of the fabric warehouses in Dallas and I just LOVE it so much.

I love being able to make her leotards, because she lives in them.
She really wanted this shot on the cover of the pattern. :)

I also love that you can use three different fabrics on this suit. I laid out EIGHTEEN different choices for fabrics. There are so many versions I want to make!

I made this one with the leftover scraps from my Mom's swimsuit. It's so pretty and has little silver glitter lines on it.

Our testers knocked it out of the park on this one, too. You are going to see some of this week if you follow along with our Dive Into Swimsuits week.

Here is a schedule of all the bloggers and designers that will be joining us in the fun!

I hope, so much, that you will sew along with us, as well. Starting tomorrow, I'll be adding some tutorials to get you started. I'm so excited!

If you still need to pick up a pattern, we have all of our swimsuit patterns on sale this week. But it doesn't have to be one of our patterns! Maybe you want to make a suit for you or use a pattern you already have on hand. It doesn't matter. Just sew a long with us!

And while you're shopping for suits, don't forget the dolls!
We have all of our dolly patterns on sale, as well.

Here's a shot of our girls dressed up in suits I've made over the years.

Our Lakehouse Swimsuit for Dolly also released today.
Our dolly version uses fold over elastic for the band and bow to make it quick and easy!

My girls love it so much when I make them matching dolly outfits. The smiles and "thank you, Mom"s are the best.

Is there anything sweeter than a girl and her doll?

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Dive into Swimsuits!

May 27, 2015, 2:00 am

≫ Next: Day One: Choose your pattern!

≪ Previous: The Lakehouse Swimsuit Pattern

Hey everyone!
So happy you decided to check in and Dive into Swimsuits with us!

I love sewing swimsuits. I love designing swimsuits. I love wearing swimsuits!
My kids live in swimsuits during the summer. One year, it's literally all Lucy wore.

I get a little sad when I hear ladies say they have never tried swimwear or that they are scared to try sewing swimsuits. I just don't know why...?
It's like saying, "I'm scared to eat candy." Crazy, right?

Sewing swimsuits is fun, economical, easy, and I think if you just try... you'll wonder what you were waiting for.

So... I've gathered a bunch of friends to help me talk you into trying it! This week, you are going to be hearing from some of the best designers in the business! Seeing some amazing show offs and reviews. Reading lots of tricks, tips, and tutorials and hopefully... we will motivate you to try your hand at a swimsuit. It can be for yourself, your child, a friend... whatever! It can also be any pattern!
That's right! I didn't want to limit it to just our patterns, because we only have three and they are all one piece. That leaves so many other designs and people out. So you can do women's, men's, boys, one piece, two piece, tankini, dolly swimsuit, leotard, whatever. YAY!

And if that can't talk you into trying... then check out all the amazing sponsors I have lined up. I am going to have a prize you can win every single day... then... TWO big give-a-ways at the end of the week. One you can win just by blog hopping and following along with us and one you can win by doing the sew-a-long and showing us your finished swimsuit!

Don't worry. We will give you time to finish your suit. You will have until June 11th to finish and photograph your suit. Also, the winner won't be chosen by who made the prettiest or best suit. You just have to participate and upload a picture to be entered. The winner will be chosen randomly!

If you're not a member yet, come over and join our pattern group. That is where we will be doing the sew-a-long.

And now... Here's Brooke!

Hi! My name is Brooke and I am super excited to say I was able to test the NEW Lakehouse pattern. Even though I have been sewing almost 20 years I have never ventured into knits until now. Thank you so much Nicole for being able to test it and being able to review, not just 1, but 2 of your patterns! So come check out my review of it and her Bow-A-Licious pattern as well.

Hop on over to Brooke's Blog: A Cattle Farmer's Daughter

Then come back and make sure you enter our rafflecopter for today!

There are two prizes to raffle off! One winner will receive The Lakehouse Swimsuit Pattern for Girls and Dolly and one winner will receive the Bow-a-licious Swimsuit Pattern for Girls and Dolly!

The give-a-way is only good today and the winners will be chosen tomorrow. That way if you win, you can use your pattern for the sew-a-long, if you wish! Good luck! Please leave a comment with your email address so that I can contact you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Day One: Choose your pattern!

May 27, 2015, 3:53 pm

≫ Next: Dive into Swimsuits- Blog Hop Day 2- Horris and Deedle

≪ Previous: Dive into Swimsuits!

Okay guys... first thing's first... you have to choose a pattern.
Maybe you're making one for your child, maybe yourself, your doll. Whatever. You have to make a decision.

This is the first swimming suit I ever made. That was in 2012. After that, I decided to draft my own and that's when I came up with the All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit.

Lucy's so tiny and cute!!! Ella was very jealous... so I made one for her the same weekend. (I think in the same day.) Cutie pie!!! I miss those chubby cheeks!

Both these suits are still around and still being passed down to the younger nieces. Here's Sophie wearing one. Oh... she's so tiny.

After you get that first one made, then you can make another and another and another... until you've lost count of how many you've made!

If you still don't know what to choose, check out some of the swimsuits of our sponsors:

Boo Designs

Cole's Creations

Ellie Inspired

Jalie

Patterns for Pirates

Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop

So many cute things to choose. I know it's hard, but choose one~ so we can talk about sizing and fit and fabric!!!!

Take a picture and upload it to our day one photo album in our pattern group!
I can't wait to see what you guys will be making!

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Dive into Swimsuits- Blog Hop Day 2- Horris and Deedle

May 28, 2015, 2:00 am

≫ Next: Dive Into Swimsuits Blog Hop Day 3

≪ Previous: Day One: Choose your pattern!

My gosh guys! So much great information today from our guest blogger, Marnie. I'm just so thrilled to have her on our blog tour today. I think I've found a kindred spirit in her! We both love sewing 'swimmers' as they say down under. :) She has so many great tips and tricks for you! And she'll be introducing us to Boo Designs today and Kristie has kindly offered a THREE pattern pack to one lucky winner today!

Thank you so much Marnie and Kristie for joining in with our event. I'm so pleased to have you both.

And here is Marnie:

Hi, Marnie here. I live in Sydney Australia and blog over at horris and deedle, and also on the Pattern Revolution site as a member of their team. I absolutely love sewing swimwear, but despite being an experienced sewer, I didn't venture into it until last year. If you want to hear all about my swimwear sewing adventure, please pop on over and have a quick read of my blog. And then try it yourself!!! It's not hard and it is fun!

Hop on over to Marnie's blog and then come back and enter the give-a-way for today!

A Swimwear 3 pattern pack courtesy of Boo Designs.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Dive Into Swimsuits Blog Hop Day 3

May 29, 2015, 2:00 am

≫ Next: Dive into Swimsuit- Blog Hop Day 4

≪ Previous: Dive into Swimsuits- Blog Hop Day 2- Horris and Deedle

It's Day Three! I'm so excited.
Some of you may be looking for a schedule... ha ha ha...
there's no schedule here. The swimsuits have to be finished and uploaded into the album in our pattern group by June 10th. That is when I will do the big give-a-way at the end.

This week, we just want to educate you; show you some patterns, give you some tips and tricks and really encourage you to get started and get excited. Hey... we all have families and jobs and activities. I don't want you to feel rushed or like you are behind. Let's all just make a suit or a couple suits, okay?! I want you to have fun with it! And if you're ready and you want to make your suit, go ahead! Work at your own pace and we'll be here cheering you on!

Today we have two amazing guest bloggers and three give-a-ways!

First up we have Megan Thoman... you'll have seen her sweet kids and her pretty face around and I'm so excited for her to guest post today! I have been dying to see her post....

Megan, thank you so much for all your amazing work and for always being up for a challenge!
You make testing so fun (and SO beautiful!)

Hi there! I'm Megan, from The Northern Belle. I'm a self-taught seamstress, and a swimsuit newbie. I've been scared to try one, ever since I started sewing with knits.

I recently tested The Lakehouse Swimsuit for girls and dolly... and guess what? They are so much easier than I thought. Why was I so scared?! Check out my blog review of The Lakehouse and the Bow-a-licious Swimsuits by Cole's Creations here on my blog, The Northern Belle.

And next up we have Melanie Henry, the designer behind Filles a Maman. I'm so excited to have Melanie here with us today and I REALLY want the swimsuit she made. :) Anything with cats is a win at our house! (and hearts... swoon!)

Mel, thank you so much for joining in our blog hop! We're so happy to have you here.

Hi I am Mel from Filles à Maman. I live near the beautiful City of Québec, which is also the town of Jalie. Because we share the same passion, because I admire their work, because of lot of reasons, I had to met them in person. Today I am showing you how to make rashgard and swimsuit bottom with leotard and underwear pattern. More about those wonderful ladies and their patterns on Filles a Maman.

For the give-a-ways today we have a Jalie pattern of your choice!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm also giving away a set of Lakehouse patterns!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And a set of Bow-a-licious patterns!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for Diving into Swimsuits today.

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Dive into Swimsuit- Blog Hop Day 4

May 30, 2015, 2:00 am

≫ Next: Dive into Swimsuit Blog Hop- Day 5!

≪ Previous: Dive Into Swimsuits Blog Hop Day 3

Day 4 of Dive into Swimsuits!!!!

How are you guys doing? Are you getting pumped up?

I've made the girls new suits, but I still need to make mine.

You guys!!! I'm serious.

I gasped out loud when I saw Kimberlee's sneak peek for her blog post.

Snow White is my absolute favorite Disney Princess and.... I mean, can her little girl be any cuter?

Thank you so much Kimberlee for joining our blog tour. I'm so happy to have you!

This photo makes me so happy!

Hi guys! My name is Kimberlee and I'm the owner and blogger of Harper Creek Boutique! I'm a self taught seamstress thats been sewing since I was in middle school (15 years ago!). I started sewing swimsuits for my daughter, Brylee, last summer and wanted to share a couple things I've learned along the way! Sewing swimsuits is fun, fast and super rewarding, so let's dive in!

We also have Megan on the blog today! Yay! You know her as Made for Mermaids, but to me she's just my baby sister.

I'm so excited to have Megan on the blog because she is an awesome seamstress and also because any excuse to see photos of my sweet niece is awesome! (Even though Megan said she was being contrary during the photo shoot. ... I don't believe it.)

Hi! I'm Megan from made for mermaids. I love sewing swimsuits for Sophie, because she is so tall and thin. Ready to wear swimsuits just DO NOT fit her. Sewing swimsuits is the only option. (Thank goodness my Mom and sister design the cutest swimsuit patterns... okay... I (Cole) wrote that. I hacked my sister's intro....)

Check out her Bow-a-licious swimsuit on the Made for Mermaids blog.

For our give-a-way today you can win a copy of the Talor Tank Pattern by Made for Mermaids and use it as a great swimsuit cover up!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And also... enter to win a All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit Bundle~ it will include both girl sizes and the dolly size, too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm going to make you guys some more youtube videos. I hope you've been enjoying them and learning something. Make sure to let me know if there's anything you want me to cover.

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Dive into Swimsuit Blog Hop- Day 5!

May 31, 2015, 5:54 am

≫ Next: Dive into Swimsuits- Blog Hop- Day Six!

≪ Previous: Dive into Swimsuit- Blog Hop Day 4

Day Five! Can you believe it? The week is just flying by.
I hope you guys are enjoying all of our guest bloggers and their creations, entering the give-a-ways and getting ready to sew (your first) or another swimsuit! If you still need inspiration, remember you can search #diveintoswimsuits and see what others have posted and what questions have been asked. I also have a pinterest board and have done some youtube videos with common questions!

Our first blogger today is Heather and I'm so pleased that she is here on the blog today! Our daughters both received Samantha for Christmas this year and Heather and I have been having fun sewing up a new wardrobe for them. Our girlies love having matching girl and dolly clothes and I've just loved watching her sew up so many adorable things for Katy! Thank you so much for being her with us, Heather!

Hello, Cole's Corner and Creations readers!

My name is Heather and I call my small part of the blogosphere, All Things Katy! I blog about family, sewing and of course, Giggles, Spills and Life with Katy Grace!

Up until this past April, I had never sewn a bathing suit. In fact, I was pretty intimidated by the whole concept.... Slippery swim knits...! Where to find the special supplies...?! Well, after putting it off for a couple of weeks, I just decided to "dive right in!" (pun, intended)!

Guess what? Sewing a bathing suit is not that scary! It's actually quite satisfying to be able to proudly state, "Yes! I made that bathing suit!" Please join me over at All Things Katy and read all about my bathing suit sewing adventure (and a chance to win some fun prizes!)!

Next up we have Essence. Essence blogs over at Adventures with Bubba and Bug. My favorite thing about Essence are her fabric choices! You can tell that her children are happy and proud to be wearing what Momma makes and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us!

Take it away, Essence!

Hi, I am Essence and I blog at the Amazing Adventures of Bubba and Bug! I have been sewing for a little over a year and I just use it as stress relief and fun! My two beautiful babies Bug, age 8, and Bubba, age 10, keep me on my toes and behind the machine creating fun things! Come on over and check out our adventures with swimsuits!

Thank you so much ladies!
And guys...

Don't forget to enter our give-a-way for today!

Today we are giving away a Lakehouse Swimsuit bundle!

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Dive into Swimsuits- Blog Hop- Day Six!

June 1, 2015, 5:24 am

≫ Next: Dive into Swimsuits Blog Hop- Day 7!

≪ Previous: Dive into Swimsuit Blog Hop- Day 5!

Hey guys!
Not much action during the weekend, so I hope you will get a chance to read through our previous blog posts. You won't want to miss them!

I'm finished with three suits and finishing up one more. I still have mine and the boys to do. Don't worry. We have some swim trunks on the blog tomorrow and we have some help for the women today.

I've been making some videos for you guys, but I haven't had a chance to edit them yet. They get pretty long when you actually start sewing the suit... so hopefully I can throw those up on youtube for you today.

So...let's get right to it!

I know you've seen this cutie around the sewing pages... Melissa's on the blog today! Melissa just started her blog and we're so happy that she decided to participate in our blog tour. Melissa just has the cutest little kiddos and is always such a great tester. I just love that her blog is called Tales of a Tester.

Thank you so much for being here, Melissa! I mean, could you just die?! Look how adorable her little one is... and that swim cap!!! Gasp!

Hi everyone! My name is Melissa and I'm the blogger at the newly minted Tales of a Tester. When Nicole posted that she wanted bloggers to help her dispel the fears of making swimsuits I thought that's a great idea. I debated and decided to dive right in(get it? LOL). I have been sewing for 3 years and this is the second swimsuit I have made and I'm very proud of both. So let's head on over and take a look shall we?

We also have Andrea here today representing 5 out of 4 patterns company. 5 out of 4 is new to me, so I'm super excited to see what she has to share. Also, it's for women! YAY!

Hi guys! My name is Andrea and I work over 5 out of 4 Patterns. I LOVE watersports of all kinds and spend a lot of my summer paddleboarding, kayaking, waterskiing, and swimming. I decided to start sewing my own swimsuits a few years ago so I could stop giving the athletic companies all of my money for swimsuits that didn't last. I have a newborn daughter, so this summer I wanted a swimsuit that I could nurse in easily. Come on over to the blog where I'll show you how to sew in bra cups to help make your swimsuit more supportive and modest. Let's Go Swimming!

Today Jessica is giving away a pattern of choice to one lucky reader!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And I'm giving away another Lakehouse Swimsuit Bundle!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So, fun! I will choose the other give-a-way winners today and be notifying you in the pattern group!
I still haven't started my bombshell, but I'm going to begin today. I'm so excited!

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Dive into Swimsuits Blog Hop- Day 7!

June 2, 2015, 9:05 am

≫ Next: Baby Shower hosted by Gracious Threads

≪ Previous: Dive into Swimsuits- Blog Hop- Day Six!

It's our last day of guest posters and have we got some awesome ones for you!
If you haven't had a chance to read all the posts, I hope you will go back and check them out, as we have had some really wonderful posts!

First up we have Amy from Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop.
I've always admired Amy and I just LOVE that she has so many swimwear patterns in her shop! She is also talking about women's patterns today, which is awesome because I haven't cut out or sewn my suit yet. :)

Hi I'm Amy from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop and I LOVE sewing swimsuits! My children already have a drawer-full so I finally decided to dive in and sew one for myself! I'm so happy I did plan to make many more in the future. Today I'm sharing my top tips for sewing your own swimsuit!

We also have Sharon on the blog today. Sharon is posting on behalf of Ellie Inspired. I'm so excited to have Sharon on the blog today. We both love making American Girl doll clothes and we both love Laura's designs. :)

Hello!! I am Sharon from over at Ellie Inspired! I adore sewing for my daughter and her doll and love to make them matching sets of clothes. Even though I would consider myself an intermediate seamstress I am still so new to sewing swim suits.

Last year was my first go at sewing swim wear and now I am hooked! This pattern surely does make it easy for a beginner like me to have a cute swim when you are all finished. I even add this super simple skirt to both the girl's swim suit and the doll's swim suit. Come on over to our blog to see more!

Don't worry... we didn't forget the little boys! We also have Judy here from Patterns for Pirates. Judy is my baby sister and I can't wait to see photos of my little nephew in his Swashbuckler Swim Trunks! Check out her blog post here.

We also have three give-a-ways for you today!

You have the chance to win a swimsuit pattern of choice from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The swimsuit/leotard pattern for girls and dolly from Ellie Inspired.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

And also the Swashbuckler Swim Trunks pattern from Patterns for Pirates!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for diving into swimsuits with us!
I'll be working on some posts and videos for the rest of this week so that you can finish up your swimsuits. Remember the deadline to enter the give-a-way is June 10th!

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Baby Shower hosted by Gracious Threads

June 5, 2015, 2:47 pm

≫ Next: Swimsuits! Swimsuits! Swimsuits!

≪ Previous: Dive into Swimsuits Blog Hop- Day 7!

Hey guys!
I'm over at Gracious Threads today sharing a tutorial that I know you are going to love!

Head on over and check it out!

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Swimsuits! Swimsuits! Swimsuits!

August 3, 2015, 12:46 pm

≫ Next: Designer Swap with Filles a Maman

≪ Previous: Baby Shower hosted by Gracious Threads

I 'think' I just made my last swimsuit of the season.

I used the Bow-a-licious Swimsuit pattern as the base and just sliced it to do the color blocking to make it look like Captain America. It's for my niece, Hailey, who is turning 9 next week.

I, actually, made all the nieces swimsuits in March, but Hailey has almost grown out of and worn out hers.

Kids grow so fast as this age!!!
The need new swimsuits each year and you just can't beat one that's made just for you.

I used the Bow-a-licious pattern for all of their suits (because I made so many and it's the quickest!)

Kentucky Basketball for Hailey, without the bow. :) The polka dot fabric is from The Fabric Fairy.

A daisy for my little Emma Daisy. The flower applique is from Lynnie Pinnie.

I put Emma's bow on the back! eeee.... I love that. Solid blue and yellow and white stripes and polka dots from The Fabric Fairy.

Whales for Miss Katelyn. (Lucy wanted them to match.) Whale fabric from Hancock Fabrics.

I love these bright prints from the Fabric Fairy for Alyssa's suit.

And a Paris themed suit for Sassy Sophie, also with the bow in the back.

Ella was VERY jealous of this one. :)

I also made this one for my niece, Lina, that I didn't get a chance to photograph. She loves purple and I have a hard time finding purple fabrics in my stash, but I did find this awesome fabric from the Fabric Fairy and I love how it turned out!

Of course, each girl needed a matching swimsuit for their baby doll. ;) I used the Bow-a-licious pattern for dolly for all of them.

I'm exhausted just looking at these photos. I made all those suits in less than a week.
It sure was fun, though.

They loved them, too.

Super fun! I'm a little sad that swimsuit season is over.

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Designer Swap with Filles a Maman

November 16, 2015, 5:44 am

≫ Next: Modern Undergarments Release Day!

≪ Previous: Swimsuits! Swimsuits! Swimsuits!

It's that time again!
It's so fun to be a part of the designer swap. This time I was paired with Mel of Filles a Maman, which is ironic, because Mel was paired with me last year and sewed up the most adorable set with our Katie John Skirt and Neverland Shirt.

I chose to pick one of Mel's adult patterns, so I could sneak in some self care sewing. I loved looking at all the tester photos of the Extraordinary Girl shirt for women- so I went with it. I just love knit shirts and I, especially, love a design that lets me mix different fabrics and prints- so FUN!

I used an orange and grey striped knit that I got from Hancock's to use for William and he didn't like, some grey rayon jersey from Wal-Mart, my mustard knit from Art Gallery, and a tiny scrap of some custom owl knit from Making Madie knit prints. (Which, sadly, just went out of business.)

I really love the tiny pocket on the T- because it's just cute, but also because I was able to use such a small bit of that custom knit. I have a heart attack when I cut into them, but it wasn't so bad for this small bit. I could even fussy cut it without dying.

That little owl holding a turkey just makes me swoon.

I love that the designer swap allows me to sew a pattern that I normally wouldn't get a chance to sew. Mel's directions are awesome. I love the diagrams! The pattern taped together easily and it was such a quick sew. I love that!

I love the understated high low hem on this pattern.
It's not too dramatic, but just enough to cover more of your bum.

I have to thank Ella for being my photographer and my little sister, Megan, for lighning up my photos. It gets dark so early now.

If you like the Extraordinary Girl pattern (which is also available in girl's sizing), you'll have to check out Mel's Black Friday Sale coming soon!

Heidi of Pollywoggles Patterns was paired with me, so check out the Spirit Jacket she made her son!
All our spirit jacket patterns will be on sale this week with code: SPIRIT25 in our etsy shop.

Don't for get to check out all the other Designer Swaps and enter the rafflecopter for a huge pattern give-a-way!
http://patternrevolution.com/featured-designer/2015/11/10/the-designer-pattern-swap-is-back

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Modern Undergarments Release Day!

January 25, 2016, 7:02 am

≫ Next: The Night Before PJ Pants Release Day!

≪ Previous: Designer Swap with Filles a Maman

We have 3 awesome patterns releasing today!

Our Modern Undergarments for Dolly and our matching The Night Before PJ Pants Pattern for boys and girls and The Night Before PJ Pants for Dolly!

I'm so excited about these releases. They are patterns I've wanted in our collection for a long time.

The Modern Undergarments for Dolly pattern includes patterns for both 15 and 18 inch dolls for panties, sports bra, camisole, and little socks. squeee..... they're so cute.

My girls were just always arguing over who got the dolly panties, because we only had a few pair. It's so fun to make these and they love them so much. The panties can be made from just a 7 inch square of fabric! What an awesome scrap buster.

The girls love these simple ones, but my favorite are these little 'character' undies.

It's so easy to find fold over elastic now, too. I remember when I had to search online to find it, but now there are many affordable options at Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby.

I've also come up with a method of applying fold over elastic that is headache proof and it's included in our tutorial. I just can't resist picking up those pretty elastics to use for dolly clothes.

Our socks can also be made with that pretty ruffly elastic that you can find at Hobby Lobby.

I hope you'll check out our new pattern- it's such a steal at our release price of just $2. I think you'll use this one over and over! The camisole is a sweet little undershirt, but also works awesome as a tank top!

And the sports bra..... be still my heart. The cheerleader in me just adores it.

This pattern is great for the 18 and 15 inch dolls. Check out our testers awesome photos!

If you do make this pattern, please remember to show off your photos on our facebook pattern group, facebook fan page, or instagram with hashtag #modernundergarmentsfordolly and tag me at colescreationspatterns

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The Night Before PJ Pants Release Day!

January 25, 2016, 7:30 am

≫ Next: 1st Communion

≪ Previous: Modern Undergarments Release Day!

I could not be more thrilled about the pajama pattern we have releasing today!
I've made countless pairs of pajamas during the course of my sewing career, but I've never been able to find 'just the right pattern'. It's so thrilling to be able to have the perfect pattern (for me).

I hope you guys will love it, too. This pajama pants pattern has a higher rise in the back (so no plumber's crack), a lower rise in the front (for comfort), just one pattern piece to print, tape, and cut out, and no side seam (which makes it SUPER fast and also negates the need for print matching), and most importantly- lots of options! This pattern includes pants and shorts with a hem, cuffs, or ruffles and also includes instructions for hemming, and applying cuffs and ruffles in the flat and in the round. I like to use both those methods, so I felt that both methods of construction needed to be included.

I hope you guys will love this pattern as much as I do. I know it will get so much use in the years to come. I just wish I would've done it earlier! My girls were so excited about them, they wanted to do a little commercial- for their 'favorite pants'. Here's Lucy's version.

And here is Ella's version! She's a little bit more dramatic than her baby sister. lol lol lol

So, there you have it, though. The best pants ever.

Check out all the awesome pants our testers made for their little girls and boys, too!

We didn't leave dolly out, either.

I just love this pattern for dolls, because it's such a great stash buster. I have so many scraps of flannel just waiting to be sewn up into pants and shorts.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. lol

Our Night Before pajama pants look great with our Mac's Monster T, Too Cute Bias Tank top for dolly, our Raglan shirt for dolly, and our new camisole in Modern Undergarments for dolly.

Our testers loved it, too. Check out all their beautiful work. I just love seeing the girls and boys with their dolls.

Our pattern release sale will be good today through Friday, so go scoop them up for your collection!

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1st Communion

February 22, 2016, 9:04 am

≫ Next: Hooded Towel folding tutorial!

≪ Previous: The Night Before PJ Pants Release Day!

Our kids made their 1st Communion last year.

It was really special that they got to do it the same year and made for some really special photos.
Ella and Lucy decided they wanted store bought dresses, so I had to reconcile myself with the fact that I wouldn't be sewing them, which was really difficult at first. I'd always imagined making their 1st communion dresses, like I did their baptismal gowns....

In the end, I let them choose the dresses they wanted and settled for sewing their dolls some 1st communion dresses. :)

For the silhouette, I did a pretty puffed sleeve, a fitted bodice, and a full, tea-length skirt.

For Lucy's doll dress, I did lots of lace! Lace sleeves, lace overlays and lots of lace trim on the skirt. For her veil, I roll hemmed the edge, added lace on the headband, and ironed on some pearls. So pretty! I also tied a satin ribbon around the waist and found this pretty bracelet for a necklace.

Here she is holding a little bible from Hobby Lobby and one of Granny's rosaries.

I just love how this little doll dress turned out. White fabrics are so hard to photograph... it's even prettier in person.

For Ella's doll, we used a beautiful bridal weight satin with embroidery on it. It's leftover from the Ariel wedding dress I made her years ago.

You can see the detail in the fabric a little better here.

Here she's holding another one of those little Bible's, but I printed off a tiny Book of Mormon and glued it on there for my niece.

Since my niece was getting baptized, we had to do a little Book of Mormon and a LDS CTR towel.

Eeeek! So cute.

We went ahead and made our design into a pattern, because these occasions are so special in a little girls life. We've named it the Celebration dress for dolly, because it works for 1st communions, baptisms, and flower girl dresses.

Here is my version of the flower girl dress. I love it so much! I just added some tulle to the skirt, a pretty pink sash, and a flower basket of course.

Our Celebration dress for dolly pattern is on release sale right now and you can also pick up our Veils for dolly pattern on release sale, too. Because what dress is complete without a veil. I think my girls were equally excited about their veils as they were their dolls.

Our veil pattern includes 4 versions; the fascinator, the headband, the blusher, and the tiara.

I made a tutorial for the CTR towel and it's a FREE download in our Craftsy shop.

I had so much fun creating these dresses and veils, I hope you will, too.

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Hooded Towel folding tutorial!

March 8, 2016, 8:04 am

≫ Next: Sabrina Skinnies Sew-a-long!

≪ Previous: 1st Communion

I'm finally sharing the tutorial I shared during the Gracious Threads baby shower. I love making baby clothes, baby blankets, baby bibs, baby toys and I just LOVE babies!

My go to gift for baby showers is usually a baby blanket and a hooded towel. I have made so many of those sets for baby showers that I've gone to or as custom orders when I was sewing for profit.

These are a couple of my favorite sets! These puppy dog embroidery files are from Designs by Juju and the toy is an in the hoop project from Sewing for Sarah. (I just love those!).... but I'm sorry I just can't ever find anything on that site to link to...

The applique on the towel is from Designs by Juju. I can't remember where the one on the blanket came from and the toy is from Pickle Pie Designs, but I don't see it on the site anymore.

My hooded towel tutorial has been one of my most popular posts since I put it up there, but what I've really been begged for is a tutorial for how I fold my towels. :)

I never wanted to give my secret up before... honestly, because it took a lot of trail and error to figure out the best method.. and also, because I'm lazy and didn't want to take the photos and write it up.... but I don't even sell hooded towels anymore and I can't even count the number of times I've been asked to do a tutorial, so in honor of the baby shower tour... I'm letting the secret out!

First lay your towel down like this with the wrong side facing up.

Fold in the left side in thirds.

Fold the right side over the left side in thirds.

Fold the left side over again one third.

Fold the right side over the left side one third, so you have something like this.

Once more, fold the towel in thirds, but this time from the bottom.

Fold it again, another third.

Shove the towel into the hood. :) You're done.

Tie a ribbon around it, place your tag on it or a toy. It's done! It looks so cute and professional and ships easier like this, too!

All ready for the baby shower! I threw a couple of receiving blankets in, too! :)

The whale embroidery file is from Lynnie Pinnie. I have no idea where the anchor is from. :/

These towels are such a great addition to any baby gift!

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Sabrina Skinnies Sew-a-long!

March 18, 2016, 5:40 pm

≫ Next: Sabrina Skinny Pants Sew-a-long

≪ Previous: Hooded Towel folding tutorial!

Spring Break starts today!The perfect opportunity for a sew-a-long. I'll have the kids home to fit and model! YAY!

We're going to be sewing the Sabrina Skinny Pants. You can sew-a-long with the dolly or the girl version. On sale for just $5 and $2 today through March 25th.

Our Sabrina Skinny Pants come in sizes 1/2-16, so they're perfect for your whole family of girls.

Here is the fabric requirement chart, so you can go ahead and get your fabric. We recommend ponte, ponte de roma or jegging fabric for this pattern. You really need a fabric with about 35% stretch.

Some of my favorite places to get these fabrics are The Purple Seamstress, fabric.com, girl charlee, Fabric Mart, and locally at Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart and JoAnn's (if I had one local).

***Remember you want stretchy ponte, not the 100% polyester ponte that we use for cheerleading uniforms!***

I'll be showing you a new method for constructing the waistband and also some new pocket variations this weekend to spice things up.

Also, join our facebook group and our event page for more fun and to get entered into our contest and give-a-way. We have some great prizes lined up for our participants.

Here is the schedule for the week- Don't worry! These pants are SO QUICK to sew up! Even if you have very limited sewing time, you can make some.

Can't wait to sew-a-long with you guys!

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Sabrina Skinny Pants Sew-a-long

March 21, 2016, 3:00 am

≫ Next: Sabrina Skinny Pants Sew-a-long Pocket Options

≪ Previous: Sabrina Skinnies Sew-a-long!

Hooray! Welcome to our sew-a-long!
We're going to be sewing our Sabrina Skinny Pants Pattern.

Just as a reminder, here is our schedule for the week:

So, if you haven't purchased your pattern, go do it! I have the girls pattern marked down to just $5 and the dolly pattern marked down to $2 for the sew-a-long.

In our Craftsy shop and our Etsy shop.

Today you're going to print your pattern, trace off the size you need and cut out your pants.

DON'T cut your pockets out yet. I am going to show you guys some new pocket options tomorrow.

We'd love to see you make some dolly and me versions like these!

I just love seeing my girls with their dolls. :)

We have some awesome prizes lined up for you, too.

Each day of the sew-a-long there will be a one pattern give-a-way to a random person who posts in that day's album in our facebook group or to instagram with the #cccsabrinasal. :)

GIRL'S Pattern Give-a-ways!

The GRAND prize winner for the GIRL's pattern ( which will be chosen by the Cole's Corner and Creations team- made up of Cole, Mom, and sisters Megan of Made for Mermaids and Judy of Patterns for Pirates) will receive a 3 pattern pack from Cole's Corner and Creations, 1 pattern from Made for Mermaids, 1 pattern from Patterns for Pirates, and a $50 gift certificate to The Purple Seamstress!

The Most Popular winner (the winner with the most facebook 'likes' will receive 3 patterns of choice from Cole's Corner and Creations.

The RANDOM winner (chosen by Random.org) will receive 3 patterns of choice from Cole's Corner and Creations.

If you are sewing up the dolly version, you also have a chance to win some prizes!

DOLLY Pattern Give-a-ways

The GRAND prize winner for the DOLLY pattern (chosen by the Cole's Corner and Creations team- Cole, Mom, and sisters) will receive a 3 pattern dolly pack of patterns from Cole's Corner and Creations, 1 dolly pattern from Made for Mermaids, and a 2 yard bundle of fabric from Kimmie Anne Fabrics!

The Most Popular winner (the winner with the most facebook 'likes' will receive 3 patterns of choice from Cole's Corner and Creations.

The RANDOM winner (chosen by Random.org) will receive 3 patterns of choice from Cole's Corner and Creations.

If you sew up the kids version and the dolly version, you can enter both give-a-ways!

So, for today... here's a little video to help you assemble the pattern. Sorry, my videographer, Lucy, isn't the best and my sewing room is a wreck. :)

And a photo of the fully assembled pattern.

Now, trace off your size, cut out your fabrics and meet us back here tomorrow, so I can show you all those pocket add-ons!

Remember to add your progress photo to our facebook group or on instagram with #cccsabrinasal

Can't wait to see your fabric selections!

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Sabrina Skinny Pants Sew-a-long Pocket Options

March 22, 2016, 3:00 am

≫ Next: Sabrina Skinny Pants Sew-a-long Day 1!

≪ Previous: Sabrina Skinny Pants Sew-a-long

You're going to love all the new pocket options I have for you today!

Changing the look of the pockets is really fun, easy, and makes your pants one of a kind. I, seriously, can not decide which ones I like the best.

We've added a front hip pocket option and a few different options for the back patch pockets.
We've added all the pattern pieces and tutorials into the files section of our group and make sure to check out the Sew-a-long Event page and to add your photos in there to be eligible to win our everyday prize!

Front Hip Pockets

These Front Hip Pockets are SO, so cute. They really up the style factor of the Sabrina Skinny Pants. My daughters love them!

Bow Patch Pockets

I mean... how cute are those? You know I'm a sucker for a bow. :)
Love them!

Applique Detail Patch Pockets

These pockets are so fun and easy and the result is professional and polished.

Embroidered Patch Pockets

These pockets are so fun. You can use machine embroidery or machine stitching to make your pockets one of a kind.

So... now the hard part: decide which pockets you will add, if any, and go ahead and cut them out. Tomorrow we'll sew them up!

Don't forget to add a photo to the event page or on instagram to win prizes! Use #cccsabrinasal on instagram!

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Sabrina Skinny Pants Sew-a-long Day 1!

March 23, 2016, 3:00 am

≫ Next: Sabrina Skinny Pants Sew-a-long Day 2

≪ Previous: Sabrina Skinny Pants Sew-a-long Pocket Options

I have Jeanine helping me with the sew-a-long today! She's sewing the regular patch pockets, so if you chose one of the new add-ons, just follow along the add on tutorial until it's time to attach them to the backs.

Here's Jeanine!

Who is excited to start sewing??!!! These awesome skinnies go together fast and are such a great fit! By today you should have your fabric cut and ready to go! I'm using some jegging fabric that is great stretch in one direction and maybe 10% in the other, but it works fab for these pants!

What I did to make it easy for myself to know where to fold was I folded the pattern piece on the fold line

Then I placed my fabric over top of it - right side up. and just folded over and made sure the top edges were in line with the pattern piece! Isn't that easy! a little press and you don't even need to pin!

With the top folded down finish the edges all around (like shown on the right) and then turn the folded bit over and use a pencil end or paintbrush end to push the corners fully out. Then press the edges under all the way around as shown in the left picture. Now topstitch along the bottom of the folded over flap.

To get perfect placement on the pants I lined up my back pant pattern piece on the pants and then folded the top over along the pocket placement line so I can easily align the pocket in place.

Pin in place (like on the left pic) and sew around the 3 sides (as seen in the right pic)

Day one - complete! and it doesn't get any harder than this!

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