New Releases: Amelia Maxi, Dress & Top

May 16, 2017/0 Comments/in New Releases, News /by Melissa Prendergast

Today is a dream come true for me. For the past two years, I have had this design stuck in my brain just waiting to be released on the world. I’m so happy that day is here. And even more happy to have several of these beauties in my closet. I would like to introduce you to…

The Amelia Maxi, Dress & Top

The Amelia is perfection. It hugs all the curves you want to show off while hiding the ones you don’t. The neckline is perfect for date night while still hiding the assets. The lined bodice along with the tight band gives the bust plenty of support. And since the pattern comes with not only three garment lengths but also options fo a sleeveless, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve and long sleeve version as well, you have options that will last you all year long. Even more exciting, this dress also comes in a children’s version which means… matching mommy-and-me sets! That makes my heart so excited. I sewed up a version for my girls and I and wore them on Mother’s Day. It was the perfect time for a mom and me photoshoot. Take a look:

Another exciting thing about Amelia is that we expanded our size range to include MORE plus sizes! So many of you lovely ladies have messaged me over the past several weeks saying that you are in love with our Ladies Sahara and Ladies Alice, but that you didn’t fit into our current size range. We plan on fixing that. The Amelia Maxi, Dress & Top ranges from size 0 all the way to size 30! We plan on updating past patterns as well over the summer to the new size range.

As usual, our tester did a great job! Check out some fo their photos below:

And since you guys loved the last one so much, we also made a video of the Amelia so you could see her at all angles:

The Amelia Dress & Top is available for only $5.50 for girls and $6.50 for ladies through Wednesday, May 24th at midnight EST. Be sure to pick up your copy before the introductory sale ends!

New Release: Josephine Dress & Top Featured in One Thimble Magazine!

May 12, 2017/0 Comments/in New Releases, News /by Melissa Prendergast

I have been keeping a secret from you guys the past couple months. If you were to ask my husband, he would tell you that things like this physically pain me. I’m one of those people that tell you what I bought you for your birthday because I just can’t contain my excitement. Well, the cat is officially out of the bag and I am now able to talk about the thing I’ve been keeping for the last several months…

Bella Sunshine Designs has been featured in One Thimble Magazine.

I’m going to let that soak in for a moment. Ahhhhh. I can barely contain my excitement. If you are unfamiliar with One Thimble*, you have been missing out! They are an Australian based digital sewing magazine that is FULL of wonderful things such as sewing related articles, tutorials, and PATTERNS! The magazine comes out once a quarter, and every issue they feature different pattern makers. I am honored to be featured in their current issue. I have been geeking out about it for months, and I am so happy I can now share it with all of you. So without further ado, I would like to present you to…

The Josephine Dress & Top

The theme for the magazine was “Prepster”. I knew this design would fit into that theme perfectly. I had originally planned to release it last year for fall and got sick and behind schedule. I’m so glad it’s finally a part of our pattern collection.

The Josephine’s boat neck is such a classic design and pairs perfectly with the princess seams. The pattern includes instructions to add optional piping in the princess seams to really make them stand out when you are doing the garment in one fabric. The bodice features capped sleeves and a dropped waistline which is completely different from any of our past designs. The garment comes in three lengths: a top length, a mid-thigh vintage dress length, and a knee-length dress length.

I did both a traditional and a vintage dress length for my girls, and I was super happy with how they turned out.

The magazine also did a full photoshoot for the issue and they had some amazing shots of the Josephine along with some of the other patterns included in the issue. I am overjoyed that our dress made the cover of the issue. Check it out along with some of the One Thimble photos below:m

Our testers also did a great job with their dresses.

The Josephine Dress & Top is included with the current issue of One Thimble magazine. You can purchase a subscription here.* I have seen the issue, and it is FABULOUS! Be sure to check out the other patterns included in the issue! There are a lot of super cute, classic children’s designs this issue. You can also purchase the stand-alone pattern on the One Thimble website.*

*This post contains affiliate links. That means when you click on the link and purchase something, we get a small percentage of the sale which helps keep this blog running. We only promote things that we recommend and love.

New Releases: Ladies Alice Pleated Dress & Ladies Sahara Dress & Top

April 11, 2017/0 Comments/in New Releases /by Melissa Prendergast

The day is finally here BSD fans! We have had SO many requests for both of these patterns, that I know you are going to be so excited for this. Our two most popular patterns, The Alice Pleated Dress and the Shara Dress & Top, are now available in Ladies sizes!! And the fit on these is perfection! Take a look.

The Alice Pleated Dress for Ladies

It’s not often that you get a woven pattern that fits so well with minimal adjustments. But the Alice is that pattern. Alice comes in sizes 0-20 with 7 cup sizes (Cups A-G!). The fact that most people don’t need to do a bust adjustment is what helps make the fit so good right off the bat. I made myself an Alice for Easter, and it is wonderful! I cannot wait to show it off this coming weekend.

Don’t you love it? I think my favorite part is the pockets. That way I can carry my keys but still look posh. I’m not big on carrying purses, so that’s a nice feature for me.

Our testers also did an amazing job on their Alices. Everyone worked really hard this test. Look at their photos below:

Sahara Dress & Top for Ladies

Next up we have the Sahara. When the girls version came out last month, at least 40 of you requested a ladies version stat! Sahara comes in sizes 0-20 and includes a full bust adjustment for those of you that need one. I must say this is quickly becoming a staple in my wardrobe. It is such a quick sew and super flattering. I love how you can wear it casually with jeans or leggings or you can dress it up with heels just depending on the fabric you use. The pattern comes with two different necklines, three sleeve lengths (plus sleeveless!) and three dress lengths. My final was a sleeveless version. It was worn to date night that weekend. I love it that much.

Once again, we had a ton of fabulous testers that really helped perfect this pattern. I don’t think there is a single person that this garment doesn’t look flattering on.

If you already have the Sahara Play Dress & Top for girls, you know it currently only comes in two garment lengths. Well, that’s about to change because we have since added a tunic length! Some of our original testers were nice enough to test it out for me. Take a look.

All you have to do to get your updated pattern is head to our My Account page to the downloads section. Your updated pattern will be waiting for you. We also changed the construction method to make for nicer finishes. And if you don’t already have a copy, be sure to pick it up!

As if all that eye candy wasn’t enough, we made a video so you can take a closer look at these amazing garments.

The Ladies Alice Pleated Dress and the Ladies Sahara Dress & Top are currently on sale fo only $6.50. If you join the BSD Facebook group, you can get a coupon code for an additional discount valid the first 24 hours after the release.

New Release: Sahara Top & Dress

March 7, 2017/2 Comments/in New Releases /by Melissa Prendergast

The Sahara: This sophisticated and elegant dress is a must have in your child’s wardrobe. The design features a low scoop front and back; sleeveless, short sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, long sleeves and fully lined bodice. The dress has a full circle skirt that your child will love to twirl in. The design comes with two lengths; top length (hits at the hips) and dress length (hits just above the knees). It is a perfect dress, for every day and all year round!

You will love it!! The bodice is meant to be quite fitted so it can hold the full circle skirt very well.

New Release: The Sahara Top & Dress

Our testers as always did an amazing job! They all worked so hard to make sure the fit was perfect. Check out some of the great Sahara tester photos below:

Sleeveless

The sleeveless Sahara is perfect for warm climates and those with hot summers. Plus, it’s super fashionable!

Short sleeves

Short sleeves are a year round staple for your child’s wardrobe. Modest and still cool, but easily layered with a cardigan or jacket, it’s perfect for any time.

3/4 sleeves

Like the short sleeves, 3/4 sleeves can work in all kinds of weather. Very nice for early spring and fall weather especially.

Long sleeves

Cold weather, here we come! The fully lined bodice and long sleeves will help with warmth in the cooler fall and winter months. Plus, it’s so beautiful.

Top Length

Dress Length

This length is so perfect for all the girls who love to twirl. And some of our testers got some exceptional action shots! Just look below and be amazed at the twirl and movement these dresses can achieve.

Amazing, right? The top can be paired with our Rose bubble shorts, Bow-tie leggings and Sansa Flare pants. Take a look:

The Sahara Top & Dress will be on its introductory sale of only $5.50 through Wednesday 15th March at midnight EST, so be sure and pick up your copy if you haven’t already.

Happy 2 Years to Us!! Plus, gifts for you!

February 24, 2017/41 Comments/in New Releases, News, Sales /by Melissa Prendergast

Holy smokes, guys! When I started on this journey, I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined that BSD would grow to what it is today. Bella Sunshine Designs started off as a hope and a dream, and it has grown to something so much more. I want to take a quick moment to say thank you to all of you that have believed in me along the way. Whether you were a frequent customer, a pattern tester, or just someone that cheered me on along the way, I could not have done all this without your continued support. I really mean that.

Gifts for you!

So I promised presents! And boy, have I got presents for you?! I have been keeping a couple HUGE secrets from you. As a huge thank you to all past customers, we have updated your BSD account with print shop files!!! That’s right. Go check your downloads section of the My Account page, and you will find A0 sized files that you can use to print out your pattern pieces at your favorite local print shop. Think of all that time you will save on taping those pattern pieces together? And even better news, all future BSD designs will now have these files included at no extra charge.

Next, we have TWO new releases today: The Reagan Raglan for Ladies & the Reagan Raglan for Kids And even more exciting, join our Facebook group and you can get these patterns for FREE!!! Yep! Just check the pinned post for the coupon code (please don’t share them outside of the group!). Check out the tester photos of the free Reagan Raglan for girls, boys and ladies!

Thank you to our sponsors!

On top of ALL that, we are giving away lots of patterns and fabrics from some of the best of the best! Check out our generous Sponsors below:

The Wolf and the Tree
Lulus fabrics UK
Designs by Call Ajaire
Itch to Stitch
Chalk and Notch
Threads and Stitches
Designer Stitch
Pickle Toes Patterns
Handmaiden’s Cottage
Pollywoggles
Serger Pepper Designs
Laela Jeyne Patterns
Pumpkin & Bunny Patterns
Patterns for Pirates
Peach Patterns
Sunday Girl Designs
5 out of 4 Patterns
Flosstyle
Sofilantjes
Ellie and Mac

Be sure to check out their sites. You might find something amazing to put on your wish list. You can use the form below to enter to win some cool prized from them (as well as some free patterns from BSD!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So closing the celebration, we are also having a pattern sale! For a limited time only, you can get 40% off all sewing patterns from Bella Sunshine Designs. Offer ends Sunday, March 5th at midnight (EST).

New Release: Lala Spring Top & Dress

February 14, 2017/0 Comments/in New Releases /by Melissa Prendergast

We want to introduce to you, Lala. This cute, 70’s vintage-styled, raglan-sleeved, oversized blouse has it all; optional neck ruffle detail, elasticized neckline, and sleeves which make it easy to put it on and off your little ones, billowing sleeves that you will love and a flared hem! The design requires no zipper or buttons which make it super fast and easy to sew and beginner friendly. The pattern is meant to be quite loose-fitting, which is extra comfortable to wear for your child.

New Release: The Lala Spring Top & Dress

The pattern includes 3 lengths: top length (hits the hips), Vintage-length (hit mid-thigh) and dress length (hits just above the knee). Take a look:

Top length with ruffles and long sleeves

Top length without ruffles and short sleeves

Vintage-length with ruffles and long sleeves

Vintage-length without ruffles and short sleeves

Dress-length with ruffles and long sleeves

Dress-length without ruffles and short sleeves

And our testers as always did an amazing job! They all worked so hard to make sure the fit was perfect. Check out some of the great tester photos below:

Amazing, right? Lala looks great with shorts, bloomers, pants and leggings, knee-high socks just to name a few. It is perfect for Spring/Fall and also can easily be layered year round.

The Lala Spring Top & Dress will be on its introductory sale of only $5.50 through Wednesday, February 22nd at midnight EST, so be sure and pick up your copy if you haven’t already.

New Release: Juliet Flutter Dress

January 26, 2017/0 Comments/in New Releases, News /by Melissa Prendergast

OMG, our newest release is Juliet is to die for. This dress is dreamy romantic and whimsy! Juliet has it all; bodice flutters both front and back, tucked center, button up back and beautiful back sash. Swoon! Both the bodice and the skirt are fully lined, so there are no itchy seams to irritate delicate skin. I did a photoshoot of my Bella and Lilly in their new Juliet, and I am so in love. Take a look:

The Juliet Flutter Dress

And my testers as always did an amazing job! They all worked so hard to make sure the fit was perfect. Check out some of the great tester photos below:

How adorable and perfect are these girls? So cute! But we have more!

Some have sass, some have class, but they are all absolute perfection! I can’t get over how perfect they all really are! I mean, some of these faces…

And the styling some of the testers did just blows me away. Accessories can definitely make any outfit pop!

Just a few more beautiful little dresses to share! There were just so many, it was impossible to pick only a few!

Amazing, right? They really knocked it out of the park! The Juliet Dress will be on its introductory sale of only $5.50 through Friday, February 3rd at midnight EST, so be sure and pick up your copy if you haven’t already.

New Release: Alice Pleated Dress

January 17, 2017/0 Comments/in New Releases /by Melissa Prendergast

Alice is the newest addition to our lineup. The results are in, and you guys LOVE the new Alice Pleated Dress. If you haven’t seen it yet, you are in for a treat! A Peter Pan collar, a beautifully box-pleated skirt, and hidden pockets? What’s not to love? Alice has also gotten rave reviews that the inside is as beautiful as the outside. Both the bodice and the skirt are fully lined, so there are no itchy seams to irritate delicate skin. I did a photoshoot of my Bella in her new Alice, and I am so in love. Take a look:

The Alice Pleated Dress

Guys, my Bella is getting big! It kills me! She looks so grown up. She’s so beautiful in this dress. We’ve been wearing it everywhere and getting a lot of compliments. And my testers did an amazing job! They all worked so hard to make sure the fit was perfect. Check out some of the great tester photos below:

So many fun prints out there to choose from! Vintage or new, floral or novelty… you can’ go wrong!

I just adore the pleats and hidden pockets. Perfect for little treasures they might come across while out in the big wide world.

This dress is so unbelievably perfect for tea parties or other semi-formal affairs. So pretty and proper.

And let’s talk about color blocking… Just so cute with a print top and colored bottom, or vice versa, and with two different solids. It all works so wonderfully.

From quirky to classy and everything in between, Alice looks great in all kinds of prints, don’t you agree? She’s simply amazing. Perfect for school, church, picnics, the zoo… wear her anywhere. The Alice Pleated Dress is still on its introductory sale of only $5.50 through Friday, January 20th, so be sure and pick up your copy if you haven’t already.

New Release: Maggie Top, Tunic & Dress for Ladies

December 16, 2016/0 Comments/in New Releases, News, Sales /by Melissa Prendergast

Hello sunshine! Melissa here. And have I got a treat for you today! I know here at BSD we mainly focus on children’s designs, but this year we’ve been slowly adding to our women’s patterns. I love to sew for myself but I barely ever get any time to do so. What I really need is a nice basic that I can sew up during my little one’s nap time. Enter the Maggie Top, Tunic & Dress for Ladies.

Introducing the Maggie for Ladies!

The Maggie goes together fast, y’all! Which is always a plus when you sew as slowly as I do! The Maggie is super flattering and oh so comfy. It’s perfect for that knit fabric you’ve been hoarding. Take a look at the holiday version I made.

Cute, right? My husband loved it on me, too. That always makes me feel good. In fact, I loved it so much that I actually wore it for our family Christmas cards. Take a look:

OK, so maybe this photo doesn’t show off the pattern too well, but how cute are my girls? I’d love to say I made their outfits, but I totally cheated and got them at Old Navy. There never seems to be enough time to go around this time of year.

My testers did an amazing job with the Maggie. Check out some of my favorite photos below. I love how flattering it looks on all shapes and sizes. It really shows off your curves!

Nice, right? I think my favorite part of this pattern is that there is an optional bust adjustment included. I always have to make a bust adjustment for every single thing that I sew, so it’s nice to not have to do that for once!

Hurry up and get a copy of Maggie for Ladies before the sale ends on December 23rd! And if you’d like to match your little girl, you have a bundle where you can get both the Maggie for Girls and the Maggie for Ladies for a discount! Be sure and check it out. Also, if you haven’t noticed, we lowered the prices on ALL of our patterns across the board, so if you’ve been secretly wanting a pattern (or two), now is the perfect time to pick up a copy.

Happy Sewing!
Melissa Prendergast

NEW RELEASE: Violet Dress & Top

July 15, 2016/0 Comments/in New Releases /by Melissa Prendergast

Can you believe its already mid-July? Holy cow guys. This year is flying by! Not sure how it is in your part of the world, but here in Florida, it’s hot! Perfect timing for a quick summer sew. Introducing the Violet Dress & Top for both girls sizes 6M-12 years and Ladies sizes 0-20 (with an additional bust adjustment included!)

Violet Dress & Top – For Girls & Ladies

When we designed this we wanted something with bare shoulders made from a comfortable jersey knit fabric. And since its a single layer it makes it easy to beat the heat. And as a special bonus, its available in both girls and ladies sizes. You saw a sneak peak of the girls version when we released our Rose Bubble Shorts a few months ago. I have gotten so many emails of people looking forward to this release! I know you guys are all excited to see more pictures, so let’s carry on!

Like always our testers did a great job! Here are a few of our favorites!

Seriously, how cute are they? This is one of my favorite sews this summer. And the best part is that when my husband got home and saw it he was made at me because he thought I went shopping! He could not believe I made it. I call that a win!

We are having a limited release sale on the Violet Dress & Top until Friday, July 22nd! Be sure and pick up your copy before time runs out!

New Releases: Amelia Maxi, Dress & Top

The Amelia Maxi, Dress & Top

New Release: Josephine Dress & Top Featured in One Thimble Magazine!

Bella Sunshine Designs has been featured in One Thimble Magazine.

The Josephine Dress & Top

New Releases: Ladies Alice Pleated Dress & Ladies Sahara Dress & Top

The Alice Pleated Dress for Ladies

Sahara Dress & Top for Ladies

New Release: Sahara Top & Dress

New Release: The Sahara Top & Dress

Sleeveless

Short sleeves

3/4 sleeves

Long sleeves

Top Length

Dress Length

Happy 2 Years to Us!! Plus, gifts for you!

Gifts for you!

Thank you to our sponsors!

New Release: Lala Spring Top & Dress

New Release: The Lala Spring Top & Dress

New Release: Juliet Flutter Dress

The Juliet Flutter Dress

New Release: Alice Pleated Dress

The Alice Pleated Dress

New Release: Maggie Top, Tunic & Dress for Ladies

Introducing the Maggie for Ladies!

NEW RELEASE: Violet Dress & Top

Violet Dress & Top – For Girls & Ladies

More About BSD

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The Amelia Maxi, Dress & Top

Bella Sunshine Designs has been featured in One Thimble Magazine.

The Josephine Dress & Top

The Alice Pleated Dress for Ladies

Sahara Dress & Top for Ladies

New Release: The Sahara Top & Dress

Sleeveless

Short sleeves

3/4 sleeves

Long sleeves

Top Length

Dress Length

Gifts for you!

Thank you to our sponsors!

New Release: The Lala Spring Top & Dress

The Juliet Flutter Dress

The Alice Pleated Dress

Introducing the Maggie for Ladies!

Violet Dress & Top – For Girls & Ladies

More About BSD

Pattern Help, Sewing Chat, and Awesome Friends:

Need Some Customer Service?

Categories

Archive

Add A Knowledge Base Question !