This week I want to talk about Hello Dear Kids' romper pattern (R18)! I've been following Hello Dear Kids on Instagram for the longest time and am constantly impressed with Mijeong Jeong's designs but I hesitated in purchasing an online pattern because I didn't know what to expect - especially with mixed reviews on Etsy.

After checking Joanns for a toddler boy romper pattern, and not finding what I had in mind, I decided to purchase the Hello Dear Kids' pattern (R18) a few days before Easter. A couple of months ago, I purchased a yellow and white seersucker fabric for $2.99 from the thrift store and it was perfect for this romper design! I was really excited to give it a try and I am really glad that I did!

So let's talk about pattern details, pros/cons, and those mixed Etsy reviews.

Pattern:

• The pattern is available for immediate download & is non-refundable. 
• If purchasing a bundle of patterns, you can use a shop code to receive a discount for bulk purchases. 
• Sizes 6 months - 7 years are included - yayyyerr! 
• Sizes true to commercial sizing.
• The files are divided into 2 parts: tutorial & pattern 
• The pattern pieces include a seam allowance and instructions clearly illustrate how to assemble the pieces. A measurement check is also included. Pieces do not include notches or button hole placements. 
• The tutorial offers step by step instructions with pictures prompting you as you go.  

Pros & Cons:

Pro:

• The design is adorable. I love how traditional yet trendy it is. Plus, this is a GREAT way to create a summer capsule wardrobe for your little one. 
• There are so many sizes included! The sizing was also perfect - Hugo wears a commercial size 2T and the 2-3T option was just the right size.
• I also love that the design is unisex. I just see myself getting so much use out of this pattern!
• The instant download is really convenient and pictures of the process eliminates guess work. 
• The rompers sew really quickly and can be sewn in an evening.

Con:

• The only thing that I really didn't like is the lack of button hole placement. It would have saved time if they were included and improved accuracy. 

Etsy Reviews:

• No seam allowance included: I think that Hello Dear Kids went back and modified the pattern to add a seam allowance because the seam allowance is clearly marked. 
• Complaints about spelling/English: I didn't think this was a fair comment, you can clearly understand the meaning that is being conveyed. 
• A lot of guess work/not for a beginner: If you're relatively new to patterns and sewing, this pattern may not be for you. Honestly, I didn't experience any difficulties but since notches and button hole placements aren't included, I could see how this could be a challenge for a beginner.
• Don't cut the waistband on the fold: I also saw a lot of comments in the reviews discussing whether or not to cut the waist band on the fold despite the pattern saying that it should. I followed the assembly instructions, cut on the fold, and it worked well for me.

Overall, I love this pattern and I plan to use it again soon. Hello Dear Kids has a lot of really cute patterns out there that I want to try and I can't wait to add them to my pattern collection. Now, I just have to chose which one should be next! Let me know if you have any suggestions! 

Look Expensive on a Budget: A DIY Lace Curtain Refashion + Simplicity 1099

So far, April has been my favorite month this year. It's the right kind of busy where there is always something to look forward to or do. The Tulip Festival is currently running, the farm reopened, Easter is right around the corner, and the Spring Fair is at the end of the month. There are so many things to show the little bear and our weekends are quickly filling with activities - just the way that I like it!

While we aren't out, enjoying our breaks of sunshine, I've been working on spring and summer inspired projects! There's something about transitional seasons that really inspires me to sew. I love getting a break from a dark color palette and seeing the stores filled with pastels, florals, skirts, dresses and heels. Unfortunately, my account has also felt the crunch this time of year because of my love for all of those things [Insert the saddest face] However, I have learned that you can indulge a little and still maintain your budget without sacrificing taste or quality which brings me to these lace curtain panels that I found at Value Village for $2.50

DIY Gingham Crop Top

I am so excited that spring is finally here! Every where you look, there are fresh leaves, flowers blooming, and sunshine! Thank heaven for sunshine!

There's no better way to celebrate than with this season's staples: gingham, ruffles, and a crop. I've been wanting to try out a crop top for awhile but, I'll be honest, I hate working out and I love cookies so most crop tops don't flatter my shape. However, this design is belly friendly for those of us who want to wear a crop and eat our cake too!

DIY Memory Quilt from Footie Pajamas

Remember a few weeks ago when I posted about how I was having the hardest time letting go of Hugo bear's cute little footie pajamas and created those DIY sleeper mittens? Well, I decided to save all of his sleepers from his first year and create a little memory quilt!

St. Patrick's Day Refashion

The other week I went thrifting with my mom and I found this forest green dress from The Limited for $3.49 and in the cart it went. Lurve, at first sight. It's always interesting to go thrifting with my mom because, even to this day, whenever I pick something out, she gets a really nervous look and tries to redirect my attention onto something else. To be fair, the dress was a major don't for my body type. Drop waist, sheath but too tight on my hips, too short, and the 2000-esque bow nicely accentuated a post-baby bump that shouldn't be there anymore (it's just so rainy outside and I'm definitely guilty of sometimes giving into the sweet tooth).

DIY Car Seat Pillow & Life Update

I can't believe that it's been almost a month since I've updated the blog!

Life has been crazy. Hugo was sick for a couple of weeks and then shortly after the terrible twos found us early. Like, super early and it is exhausting. I find myself trying to sleep whenever possible which means that the majority of my sewing projects have been neglected. Eek! We are trying to find a better routine to make things a little easier on the bear (and his parents) but it's a work in progress.

If you've been following my blog, you probably remember the post that I shared about Hugo's updated car seat. Well, his car seat is officially expiring next month so we purchased a Maxi Cosi and are waiting for it to come in!

DIY Maternity Sash + Baby Shower Details

This week our little bear became sick for the first time. Instead of catching the common cold or flu, he came down with croup and strep pneumonia. Croup in itself is already pretty scary but anytime you hear the word "pneumonia" associated with an infant, it's downright terrifying. Thankfully he is doing really well now and is continuing to improve daily. Since our little bebe is still not feeling well, I don't plan to post often until he is better and this is going to be a rather quick post.