Pattern Description:
CHILDREN'S PLAYHOUSE: To cover 33" W × 33" L × 29" H card table. House A, Castle B: Contrast windows and doors with purchased bias binding.
Pattern Sizing:
One-size
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. There was one point where I tried to do my own thing and just sew down one of the layers of shingles on the roof, and then looked back at the instructions and realized they had a plan to make sure everything went together and didn't leave any exposed edges. That was the only time I had to rip anything out, and it was only because I didn't follow the directions!
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I LOVE the windows, but I didn't like trying to pin and sew the bias tape in an arch to complete the top. I'm probably the only person who will ever notice the puckers, but they were the only part that really gave me any problems. I was also excited that the whole thing folds up and can be put away so that it doesn't take up a lot of room when not in use.
Fabric Used:
Cotton, organza, and felt
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I found the pink fabric on sale and thought it was perfect, but I knew it would be just short of reaching the floor. Since there were already bushes and flowers around the bottom, I bought some light green fabric with a grassy pattern on it and completed the length with this to look like a strip of grass. It came out perfect, and when I mentioned it to anyone else they said it looked like it had been designed that way and they never would have noticed. Problem solved! I also did not find enough of the same brown fabric for the roof, but found 2 fabrics that were very similar in color and both had leaf designs. I wasn't really thinking ahead and could have made all of the same fabric work to the outside if I would have used the other fabric as the underside of the shingles and the lining for the roof. I just alternated the layers of shingles, and again no one noticed until I pointed it out. I also used the bias tape to finish the inside and bottom edges of the doors. The pattern had you hem the edges, but I didn't want to deal with trying to press up the organza and make such a tiny seam. I cut off the extra fabric allowed for the hem, and used the extra bias tape, which I think made a cleaner line.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I definitely recommend this pattern. While it is not complicated it did end up being time consuming, so plan ahead. I did not budget my time very well, and ended up still sewing and adding flowers until about 2am the night before my niece's birthday party! I was asked by one of the mom's at the party if I would ever be interested in sewing another one to sell, and I told her I would have to think about it. I decided that what I would have to charge in time and materials is probably more than anyone would want to pay, and the novelty of my niece having something that none of her friends do was enough for me to say no. However, given the right circumstances, I liked the pattern enough that I may end up using it again.
Conclusion:
I made this house for my niece's 3rd birthday party. She loved it, and all the kids at the party (and my my father-in-law!) climbed in right away. They didn't even want to come out to eat cake! I had a lot of fun making it, and my sister-in-law texts me pictures of my niece playing in it when they get it out.
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
That's so cute...what a big project!
1/16/13 4:48 PM
ohmygosh that's sweet.
1/16/13 5:59 PM
You are the coolest aunt ever! It looks really nice.
1/16/13 6:38 PM
very cool
1/17/13 0:56 AM
So cute and fun!
1/17/13 7:27 AM
aohhh! I am so glad you reviewed this. I want to make one for my granddaughter. She is only 7 months, so I have time. Yours is so cute! I am glad you mentioned about the time, I was wondering.
1/17/13 7:56 AM
I knew before you said it that they'd all be in there! What an awesome present.
1/17/13 9:51 AM
Wow! What a lot of work! Great job! I can see why your niece and party (and F-I-L) loved it!
1/18/13 0:14 AM
This is just adorable! I love it!
1/18/13 7:55 PM