Modkid Modkified: Cassidy with Piped Heart Pockets

Just in time for Valentine's Day, we have a little heart inspiration for your sewing using the Modkid Cassidy pattern. We took adding a heart to a garment to a whole new level by creating a heart shaped pocket tutorial. We've added piping to ours, but omitting the piping makes for an even simpler sew.

First cut two heart shapes from your fabric for each pocket you plan to sew, 4 total for the Cassidy. I used the Cassidy pocket pattern piece to gauge the size. If you are using thin fabric, you may want to interface one side.

Start pinning your piping right sides together raw edges aligned to one heart shape. I don't pin all the way around. I just adjust the piping as I sew. You can see I started to clip the piping seam allowance where the piping would curve around the top of the heart. Start your stitches about at the pin I show, so you have a 1" tail.

Using a basting stitch and a piping foot or zipper foot on your machine, stitch the piping around the edge of the heart close to the piping stitches. Clip the seam allowance of the piping as you go around the curves.

As you approach the top point of the heart mark where the point will fall at the seam allowance. When your needle hits that point, leave it in the down position, lift the pressure foot, and pivot the heart and piping to turn directions. You will need to push the seam allowance to the side you have already stitched to continue.

Use the same method of marking and pivoting at the bottom of the heart. Clip into the piping seam allowance in at least two places at the point.

As you near the tail, stop with the needle down. Trim your piping so it with overlap the tail about 1". Open up the piping and pull back the seam allowance to expose the cording. You may need to seam rip the piping stitches.

Trim the cording so that it will butt up with the end of the tail cording.

Fold the piping end to the wrong side and wrap it around the loose tail piping enclosing all of the raw edges.

Continue to baste the piping in place overlapping your stitches.

Place the other heart pocket piece right sides together with the piping sandwiched between. Stitch around the heart with the piping or zipper foot on your machine with standard stitch length and stitches just inside the basting stitch line (You can see the basting stitches in the photo below). Be sure to leave a 1-2" opening along one side of the heart for turning.

Trim the seam allowance and clip into the seam allowance around the curves and at the point of the heart. 

Turn the heart right sides out through the opening. Mark two spots toward the top of the heart where you will stitch the pocket to the dress. Topstitch around the top of the heart between those marks for the pocket opening.

Pin the pocket to the dress front in the desired location using the original pocket markings as a guide. Topstitch the pocket in place between the dots along the lower section of the heart.

 Repeat the process for the pocket on the other side of the dress. Now, your dress is all set for Valentine's Day!!

This pocket technique isn't limited to the Cassidy pattern. Try it on the Harper Dress, Katie Skirt or Zoey Shorts as well!!

Modkid Modified: Cassidy with a Gathered Skirt

We have already brought you one modification for the Cassidy pattern, and now we are back with more. Nothing says fall like a little denim and flannel!!

I made this variation on the Cassidy dress using Patty Young's Acorn Valley flannels, and I'm going to show you how easy it is!

First, I wanted the bodice to extend a little lower for the gathers. When cutting the front and back bodice, simply add 1" at the bottom using a clear ruler. Complete the bodice as instructed in the pattern.

The other change when cutting, is to lay the skirt pattern piece on the fold of the fabric. Then, cut the fabric the same height of the skirt pattern, but use the full wide of the fabric. Do not cut along the side seam line. You should now have a long rectangular skirt piece. You will need to cut the same piece for the back skirt.

You may notice with the bodice extension that this will result in your dress being 1" longer than the original pattern. I found this length perfect with the gathered skirt. The length is also fully adjustable with the dress straps.

Now, create a tube with the skirt pieces. Sew the short sides right sides together with a 1/2" seam allowance and finish the seams. Hem the skirt at this point by folding the bottom edge to the wrong side 1/4". Then fold again 3/4". Stitch along the inner fold.

Next comes gathering. We have a full gathering tutorial here.

Turn the skirt wrong side out and insert the bodice inside aligning the raw edges. Attach the gathered skirt to the completed bodice right sides together aligning the side seams with the middle of the button placket. Stitch with 1/2" seam allowance and finish the seam. Press the seam allowance toward the bodice and topstitch in place.

Now you have a twirly Cassidy!

This dress is featured today on Sweeter Than Cupcakes along with the Modkid Sydney pattern for the Back to School blog tour. Come check it out and grab the coupon code!

Back to School with Riley Blake

Freshly sharpened pencils, new school supplies, and the adjusting of alarm clocks are all reminders that it is back to school time. Patty and I are thrilled to bring you a little back to school sewing we did for Riley Blake's blog tour!

Patty started off with her Breeann Hooded Knit Top that is specifically geared toward the tween / teen crowd. This pattern ranges in sizes from 8 to 16!! The Riley Blake knits are a dream to sew and wear! The main body of this top is Vivid Fireworks in Fuschia and the pocket is Vivid Leilani in Fuschia.

We couldn't leave out the newest Modkid pattern, Cassidy!! It pairs up so well with the Breeann top!! Patty's Vivid Canvas for Riley Blake is the perfect weight for this dungaree style dress. 

For all of the paper pattern fans, I've sewn up the Modkid Abigail in Fuschia, Marigold, and Granite Vivid Fireworks. With it's gored design, the Abigail seems to have endless possibilities for playing with prints and patterns. Yet, it manages to remain such a simple sew!

The only thing better than back to school shopping is back to school sewing, so be sure to check out the rest of the Riley Blake blog tour for inspiration!

8/17 - Riley Blake Designs

8/18 - Beri Bee Designs

8/19 - Simple Simon & Co.

8/20 - Quiltscapes

8/21 - Jina Barney Designz

8/24 - Fishsticks Designs

8/25 - Riley Blake Designs

8/26 - The Crafting Chicks

8/27 - Violette Field Threads

8/28 - Riley Blake Designs

8/31 - Modkid Boutique

9/1 - Izzy & Ivy

9/2 - Sugar Bee Crafts

9/3 - Tie Dye Diva

9/4 - Riley Blake Designs Giveaway

Modkid Modified // Cassidy

We can't get enough of the new Cassidy pattern, and we hope you can't either! First, Patty launched the pattern with the special flash sale, then we got your creative wheels turning with some ready-to-wear inspiration. Now, Patty is bringing you a Modkid Modified tutorial to address those inquiries about using regular buttons instead of buckles. Not only does this modification give you a new look, but it also allows you to get sewing if you don't have dungaree buckles on hand!

In lieu of the buckles and dungaree buttons called for in the pattern, you will use 5/8"-wide regular buttons. You will need 8 of them-- 2 for each strap, to make them adjustable, and 2 for each side of the bodice.

The only pattern adjustment needed is to shorten the straps by 1" (so, cut the fabric 1" shorter than the pattern piece indicates).

Create a vertical 5/8" buttonhole at the top of the front bodice as indicated in the photo. I started mine 1/4" below the topstitching and centered left-to-right. Repeat for the other side.

Try the dress on the child and sew the top button on the strap where the dress fits well right now and another button 1" lower, for growth.

Sew regular 5/8" buttons on the side of the bodice, where indicated in the pattern piece.

And, that's it!! Another fun way to wear your Modkid Cassidy!

P.S. If buttonholes are not your forté, don't worry You can also use snaps in lieu of buttons. Use the instructions above for shortening of the straps and placement of your snaps.

Ready-to-Wear Cassidy Inspiration

We know Patty stirred some excitement over the new Cassidy dungaree dress. Now, I'm hoping to stir your imagination with some ready-to-wear inspiration! 

This all over petite floral is all about sweet style. (Pinterest Source)

Faux leather certainly gives an edgy spin on a traditional dungaree dress. (Pinterest Source)

How about a mix of casual and girly with this lined tulle skirt?!? (Pinterest Source)

This last piece gives a great layering idea with the jumbo gingham blouse. (Pinterest Source)

We can't wait to see your Cassidy style!!

Modkid Cassidy Dungaree Dress

We hope you haven't finished your back to school sewing just yet, because Patty has something new you'll want to add to your list. Releasing today is the Modkid Cassidy Dungaree Dress. It is perfect for your everyday wear from holidays to school uniforms! Cassidy can be layered over long-sleeve tees and leggings in the cooler months, but also worn by itself or with a tank top for the warmer months. The notions really make this dress stand out!

Would you like a deal?!? For the next 24 hours you can purchase the Cassidy Dress on Etsy or Craftsy for $5.00!! After 10:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, August 18th, the regular price will be $9.99. So don't delay!

Now, for a bit of inspiration from our amazing group of pattern testers.

(Bridgett Wright, Anna Ross Larson, Heather Turner, Marnie Durbridge, Leah Broadstreet, Jenny Fish)

(Debbie Clifton) 

(Courtney Davis) 

(Simone Kleefsman)