Friday 6 September 2013

Faith, Hope and Love Skirts...


The September sew along over at Hopeful Threads, is in support of Create HOPE Designs, an organisation raising funds to help orphans and their communities. I've sewn several garments using Create HOPE Designs PDF patterns and have always been extremely pleased with the results, so when Kristy asked if I would do a pattern review for this month's sew along, I was more than happy.



I chose to review the Faith, Hope & Love Skirts, as I had used the pattern on two previous occasions: here and here. It's a versatile pattern, with instructions for three different skirts, fitting ages 1 - 6. In the past, I have only made the easiest skirt, so that's the one I started with this time.


Skirts don't get any easier!!! The pattern contains step by step instructions and would be a perfect beginner project for someone who is new to sewing. As long as you can sew a straight line and know how to use the zig zag stitch, you have all the skills you'll need.


The second variation is the Faith skirt. It's still just sewing straight lines, but there's more of them.  As with all the variations, elastic measurements are specified, which is great if you don't have a child handy to measure. 


I just love how the panels are cut in different widths. I've chosen to use three different fabrics, but you could go to town with your creativity and use up co-ordinating scraps of fabric


The Hope skirt is the third variation and adds ruffles to the mix. There are no patterns to piece together and cut. All three skirts are based on rectangles, including the ruffles.


Perhaps you might recognise the orange and red diamond fabric used on the contrasting band. I was lucky enough to receive this in the Triple Zip Pouch swap. Thanks, Erin! It co-ordinates beautifully with the floral fabric my daughter gave me for my birthday.


I think the red skirt is my favourite, made with more fabric from my daughter and the polka dot from my stash. I keep changing my mind as to my favourite.


I've sewn many, many ruffles, but this was my first time sewing ruffles where both edges are exposed. The ruffles are a very girlie addition and very easy. The pattern suggests two ruffles, but, as you can see, I've added a third.  How gorgeous is the daschund fabric, given to me by a friend who was de-stashing. The brown is a fat quarter from my stash and the ruffles, a polka dot from my winnings courtesy of Hawthorne Threads and Sew Mama Sew.

My three darling, little skirts are on their way to Anglicare, where they'll be given to disadvantaged girls in Sydney.


The Faith, Hope and Love skirt pattern has been created by Red Thread Stitches, one of 16 women who have donated their patterns to Create HOPE Designs. 100% of the proceeds from this pattern benefit China Little Flower.

As their patterns are downloadable PDFs, there is no overhead and so you know that all monies are helping children in need.


Costing only $5 USD, the pattern is a bargain! If you are new to sewing, you can begin with the easiest skirt, progressing to the other two as your skills develop. 

Even if you are an experienced seamstress who can design skirts yourself, the Faith, Hope & Love Skirt pattern is still a handy one to have. 
  • when you need to whip up a skirt in a hurry
  • or use the pattern as a base and let your creativity loose.

You can purchase the Faith, Hope & Love Skirt pattern on BigCartel or Etsy. If you don't have girls to sew for, there are many more patterns available, all for $5.

If you sew with a Create HOPE Designs pattern this month, not only will you feel good, you will be in the running to win some AWESOME prizes; some really awesome prizes

For a chance to win, all you have to do is:

Hopeful Threads

... Pam

18 comments:

  1. I love them all! I think the red fruity skirt is my favourite but that sausage dog fabric is fabulous! $5 is a bargain, I will definitely pick up this pattern. It's always great to have good basic patterns like this.

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  2. Thanks for introducing me to Create Hope Designs patterns. The skirt pattern is fab. I've seen lots of other patterns on their website I like, especially the Dixie horse one. I usually feel guilty when I keep on spending money on patterns, but I like how this can be a guilt-free purchase!

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    1. Spot on, Suzy.. guilt-free shopping! I've just purchased the Dixie horse, too.

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  3. E' una splendida iniziativa! Complimenti!!!
    Federica

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  4. what a lovely thing to do! There will be three very chuffed girls in Sydney wearing their very own skirts

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  5. They are all so pretty and any girl would love to have! My favorite is the third one, cute puppy print and ruffles, fun and cute!

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  6. Thank you so much Pam for sewing along with us this month!

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    1. My pleasure, Shasta. I hope you have a HUGE boost in sales this month.

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  7. Gorgeous skirts Pam, you have made some little girls day I am sure.

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  8. Beautiful skirts! Beautiful purpose! So grateful to have you sewing along this month Pam and so honored to get to share the joy and excitement of giving to others, with you as well!

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  9. The skirts are each lovely and unique in their own way. I see several patterns from Create Hope Designs that I would like to add to my stash.:)

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  10. Gorgeous skirts all three Pam! But my favourite is the puppy fabric and ruffle one!!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  11. I admire your talent, but more admire what you are doing with it. The skirts are beautiful, I love the last one, how fun.

    Thanks for sharing on Tuesdays With a Twist, you have been featured.

    http://yourlife7.blogspot.com/2013/09/tuesdays-with-twist-23-link-up.html

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  12. They look great! I love how each one looks so different! You chose such fun fabrics!

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  13. I'm going to show my daughter these skirts as I'm sure she would love one.

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  14. How cute they're going to be fantastic for scrap busting I think I will have a go at these!

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  15. Love these skirts Pam! Thanks for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday!

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  16. They are gorgeous Pam. I have also bought patterns there and love supporting them.

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