10 Disney Side Kick Nail Art Designs

As you can see, I've become very focused on nail art lately. It’s been such fun rediscovering my passion! And it’s been incredible building digital friendships with people who share my passion!

I was lucky enough to be able to participate in a really fun challenge where we all created some Disney nail art; the theme was "Disney sidekicks". The challenge was hosted by a fantastic nail artist, Maaikysnails(check her out on Instagram!)

Here's my entry:

This one was fun and creatively challenging – it took a while to decide on what sidekick to choose as I love DISNEY! I just could not choose; they’re all great but I really wanted to do someone fun and underrated. I thought I’d try my hand at the faceless art style which is all the rage at the moment (not sure I completely pulled it off haha).

Who would you choose as your favourite Disney sidekick? Drop me a comment below - who knows, it just might be my inspiration for some future nail art.

Now for some more fantastic Disney Nail Art:

Make sure to check out some of the other fantastic nail artists below. You'll notice some of these photos have numbers indicating there's more than one photo. If you click the photo it will connect you to their original Instagram post and you can swipe to your hearts content!

Let everyone know which ones you love and why in the comments below!

*I couldn't include them all because there was so many of us!!! But check out my original post to connect to all the entries.

Special thanks to our host Maaikysnails. Check out her genie nails...

and look at this detail on the thumb and ring finger!

Isnt this Cheshire Cat from flowsnailart great?

Who doesn't love BB8?? This star wars side kick by nailsbyflames is great!

snowbird_beauty has done the cutest nails with one of the newest sidekicks, Bruni from Frozen 2.

Under the sea, under the sea, down where it's wetter, down where it's better...

Ironforge.Nails got it right with the Sebastian nails!

Another fun Cheshire Cat from aqua_siv

This look so simple, but so captivating and clear who it is - I love this!

one of the most under rated Disney movies is Emperor's New Groove!

Hasn't kimsortanailedit done great with this mani of Kronk?

Now isn't this Minnie Mouse Mani one of the cutest things you've seen! Another mani that is simple and captivating! You look at it and instantly know who it is.

You've done amazingly 2sistasnails!

Those of you who don't know, Wall-e is like one of my all time favourite movies!!!

that.tiny.blonde has really impressed me with these cute Eva nails!

Last of our list, but certainly not least check out this fun Beauty and the Beast inspired mani by Pawprintnails

and finally, check out this amazing collage put together with all the entries!

you can click here to see all the entries with #monthlydisneynailartcollab.

Thanks for reading! If you liked this style of blog post let me know.

💕 Hannah

The best kids sewing patterns of 2020

Whenever people find out I love sewing (almost as much as I love polish) they always ask about my favourites. That’s a big question, so instead of panic-answering, here’s a thought-out list with my favourite patterns for kids from 2020:

You may not know, but I have two Tiny Knights. That’s right, I’m a boy mama times two! I very rarely sew for girls (only occasionally for nieces and friends’ kids). I love thinking up designs for girls, but very rarely get to sew them.

T-Shirt Patterns for Kids

If you want an all-rounder, basic and consistent T-shirt then I’d always recommend the EMMM by Peek-a-boo patterns. (review here)

EMMM is a set-in-sleeve pattern. The downside is they only go up to size four. Given my Tiny Knight is in that size now, it might be time for me to start thinking about where to next…let me know your recommendations below.

(EMMM with long sleeves and a self-drafted colour block)

I’ve tried a few t-shirt patterns in my search to find my favourite. When it comes to kids, I’m not too picky about the fit through the body. Kids don’t have many curves and as long as it’s accurate to size I’m pretty happy with a straight-lined boxy feel.

I’ve narrowed my favourites down and just find that the EMMM fit is the best for my kids.

My follow up faves are:

Declan by Peek-a-boo (paid pattern)

(Left with polo collar; right with henley collar)

Movie night PJs by Sew a Little Seam (free pattern)

The ringer tee by Brindille & Twig (free pattern)

The Declan by Peek-a-boo, I a contender for someone looking for a large size range. This is a big fit so needs to be sized down. It’s designed as a Henley/polo shirt so the pattern calls for the insertion of a placket (but I cut it straight for a basic tee).

(Declan without Placket from when I had a sewing business)

The Movie Night PJs come with a t-shirt and legging bundle. The t-shirt is very basic and a quick sew, in a more fitted style than the Declan and Ringer Tee. The downside is that it starts at 12m. This may not be a deal-breaker for most people, but if you’re into sewing baby clothes then you’ll want to start with something smaller.

The Ringer Tee from Brindille and Twig is probably one of my first sews. Initially, I didn’t like this pattern which I’ll put that down to user error, as I selected the size based on ready to wear sizing and not based on measurements. I also don’t actually like ringer tee styles (a band on the bottom and cuff bands on the sleeve) for your everyday tee. If you are using this pattern for a t-shirt then size down (even from the measurements) and add an inch to the waist cut line so you can fold and hem.

(Ringer Tee and Helmet Hat by Brindille and Twig)

I also want to note that I’m obsessing right now over the Kids Over the Top Tee (OTT) from Little Kiwis Closet and kicking myself for not buying this in their latest sale. From the photos I’ve see this looks like the perfect kids tee for colour blocking, and I love the over the shoulder detail. I have this for myself and it’s one of my faves!

Watch this space- you may see it featured in a future favourite patterns review.

I do on occasion like to sew a raglan. I find this style particularly fun for patterned front and plain sleeves or vice versa.

I’ve used the Duck Duck Goose by Peek-a-boo patterns (review here) a lot for a raglan style but I really don’t love the neckline (I find I have to lower it a bit before sewing on the neck band). I’ve actually found a pattern I like more, the neighbourhood raglan by Rad Patterns, however it doesn’t go smaller than a size two (which currently excluded my Tiniest Knight).

(Neighbourhood Raglan by Rad Patterns with self-drafted colour block)

I’m lazy and haven’t been using this pattern much because I haven’t been bothered to print, cut and tape the size I currently need. I like that this pattern has two fit options, a tighter fit and a looser fit. I think my Tiny Knight suits the looser fit best; however, I can’t wait to sew up a swimming rash top in the fitted style!

Jumper Patterns for Kids

(twinning Ringer Tee jumpers)

To be honest, I just love the Ringer Tee by Brindille and Twig for a good basic jumper. I’m not hugely fussed on hoods on babies so this is the perfect go to for me. Like I mentioned above in general the pattern is a looser fit, a boxy design, which lends itself well to jumpers as wells as loose tees.

It’s a free pattern but the main drawback is the limited size range, stopping at size four. I do know Brindille and Twig are working on a collection for older children, but I’m unsure if this extends to the free patterns (including the ringer tee).

I’ve also made a few hoodies using the undercover hoody pattern by Ellie and Mac.

(undercover hoody) Again, this is a good basic boxy fit hoody. The bonus with this pattern is that it contains everything you need to make a basic hoody, or jumper (no hood) and a hoody with a cool slash pocket. I’ve used this pattern to make a few basic jumpers too from time-to-time and even made a kids tee. This is a paid pattern; however I find Ellie and Mac have the best sales and occasionally you can pick this up for $1 on Wacky Wednesday.

A notable mention is that Brindille and Twig have free hoody. This has a raglan sleeve and is an easy sew. I haven't actually made it with the hood designed for the pattern as it’s a scuba hood and I’m not a fan of those. I have made a heavily hacked version with a cross over cowl neck and large front pocket. In general, it’s a fine pattern.

Nothing amazing, but nothing to terribly hate. It’s a boxy fit, large neckline (because really it needs the scuba hood) and I found it a tad short so added some extra length. I will probably make this again if I’m after a raglan hoody; but will do some research and invest in a good hoody pattern which goes up to larger sizing as my Tiny Knight grows.

Pants Patterns for Kids

Oh gosh, don’t get me started on pants. I’ve gone through many pants patterns!

(left - right: Maxaloon; side pocket pants (no pocket); plain pants; Savanna Smiles)

I’ve actually landed on the Brindille and Twig side pocket pant, which I most often make without the side pocket and add two inches to the waist band and sew a casing for elastic. I've made many hacked versions of these including colour blocked, legging style, true to pattern and with fancy set in pockets (shown here)

I prefer elastic waistbands on my Tiny Knight because he is so active and sometimes the fold over style can get a bit lose with the active playing – that being said fold over is primo for comfy PJs!

I said I’ve gone through many pant patterns and that is no lie. All the legging patterns I tried were a bit too tight, and others a bit too loose. The side pocket pant is almost a fitted harem style. The crotch is not too baggy and the calf not too tight.

Some notable mentions are:

Plain Pants by Duck Butt Designs – these are a goodie, and as a small baby I liked these on my tiny knight. They’re a free pattern and have a large size range! I have made a few of these into shorts and used my hack of adding inches to the top so I can use elastic. The only note here is that for my kids they run a bit short, so I either add a longer cuff or add length to the legs.

(Plain Pants and EMMM bodysuit)

Maxaloons – these are well known in the fluff community and have the cute circle on the butt. These fit terrible on my stocky boys (they are a grow with my style so go from baggy to fitted). I just couldn’t work out the right sizing on my kids initially and gave up. I should give them a go again as my friend’s baby has been wearing the pair I made her from about 3 months until 15months (and they’re still going strong!)

(Maxaloons)

Rad savanna smiles – I actually think this has been discontinued. These are a baggy crotch harem style pant with a fitted calf and ankle cuff. They are a very trendy looking style and easy to sew. They weren’t right for my Tiny knight as that baggy crotch just gets in the way of fun (like bike riding and tree climbing!)

(Savanna Smiles pants; EMMM tee with self-drafted colourblocking)

Shorts Patterns for Kids

As above. I’d use my favourite pants patterns and cut them off at the knee.

I hands down love the spring romper by Brindille and Twig (review here) . This can be made with woven or knit and fits almost like overalls (dungarees for you Brits).

I've also enjoyed making a Lullaby Line Snap PJs, by peek-a-boo. It's a bit more complex than a basic t-shirt but was still surprisingly easy for me when I was a beginner.

Hat Patterns for Kids

I’ve made to hats in my life, and one ended up with the lining the wrong way around (haha!) I used the sandcastle bucket hat which is a free pattern from made by jack's mum. It has good to follow instructions, and I’m proud I finally managed it, but be warned, if you’re a beginner or it’s your first time sewing a sun hat it is a time investment.

As for a beanie I love the slouch beanie pattern by …. And for babies the knotted beanie pattern from Patterns for Pirates (both are free)

We haven’t progressed into the undies stage; however, I’ve heard very good things about made by jack's mum so when the time comes, I think I’ll start there.

I’m yet to make swimwear; however I have the fabric here and I’m planning on using the rad neighbourhood raglan fitted and one of my favourite pants patterns.

Overall, favourite pattern company for kids

This would be a hard toss-up between Brindille and Twig and Peek-a-boo patterns. My Tiny Knights are still small so Brindille and Twig are serving me well. Their limited size range may become an issue as the Tiny Knights grow. Peek-a-boo is just a general all-rounder – they have such a lot of variety, but have a glaringly obvious lack of harem style pants!!

So there we go.

Let me know your favourites and stay tuned for the favourite patterns for me 2020.

So today I thought I’d write something a bit different. Someone in one of my sewing groups asked the very sensible question – is there list of NZ pattern companies? so here it is:

a List of New Zealand Pattern Companies

I didn’t know of one. So I thought I’d make one!

I hope this is a handy resource for anyone and everyone; please comment below if I’ve missed anyone.

I'm aware already, that there are companies missing - don't be shy! let me know who in the comments below.

Now I thought this would be an easy task, a quick google and it should yield many results…. WRONG. I searched on google and was amazed with the number of results. I’ve surprised myself and am actually really excited to see the number of NZ designers.

Now I know I’m going to make a conscious effort to try sew more NZ designers.

Here’s the list of New Zealand pattern Designers:

Papercut Patters

Papercut Patterns are based in sunny Nelson and describe themselves as “…a New Zealand based pattern design house that celebrates the combination of women’s individuality and eco-friendly fashion.” In addition to being stocked in stores across the globe they also sell PDF copies of their patterns.

It’s worth noting here that their patterns are listed in USD; They have a facebook page but as far as I can see no facebook groups.

The Sewing Revival

According to their info page on the website the Sewing Revival was started by Janine who grew up in rural New Zealand. A long way from shops and fashion runaways she learned to sew out of necessity.

The website says “Our mission is to ensure patterns are simple enough to ensure success and different enough to celebrate.” Sounds ideal to me!

It looks like the Sewing Revival sells Women and Youth patterns and it appears there is a freebie (however I couldn’t get that link to work for me!)

Looks like you buy the pattern by the size and you can select from a drop down menu from various currencies (including NZD, AUD, and USD) I’ve found them on facebook however cannot see a facebook group.

Below the Kowhai

Below the Kowhai has a cute website with the sweetest family photo on the about me page. Sophie describes her journey and inspiration and introduces her family here I’d totally suggest reading if you’re someone who loves to support small and find out about who you’re supporting.

Below the Kowhai finds it name as Sophie and he family live “..under a giant tree in Christchurch, New Zealand.”

Below the Kowhai stocks physical and PDF patterns (although I’ve never bought a physical) for women and kids (there’s even some cute bag patterns in there – including this free one here!

The website has a review function, which personally I love for any product!

It looks like there is a currency drop down menu, which has kindly auto selected NZD for me; they have a facebook page and a facebook VIP group here

Little Kiwis Closet (this is my affiliate link - I earn a small commission on any of your purchases)

LKC didn’t even pop up on Googles first page when I searched for New Zealand Pattern Designers.

LKC is started by Lydia who introduces herself and her family on the about me page it sounds like LKC started after Lydia delved into the “world of clothing patterns” after designing a pair of pants for her then infant, Portia.

LKC patterns are all listed in USD so keep this in mind when adding to your cart (darn exchange rate). They have a great supportive network on their facebook group and you can like their facebook page here.

Trish Newbery

As the name would suggest Trish Newbery patterns are designed by Trish who is a fashion designer and teacher. Trish has an impressive repertoire of awards and achievements which you can find on the “about me” section

Trish takes pride in being 100% Pure New Zealand and has a0 Projector files which can be used and avoid paper wastage all together.

Trish has a large collection of patterns which appear to be catered to women.

Her products are listed in USD; I’ve found both a facebookpage and facebook support group

Twig and Tale

The Twig and Tale website features beautiful earthy photography and natural motifs a true reflection of their pattern style. The about me page says “our sewing patterns embrace simple, step-by-step construction and the timeless charm of natural materials”.

Twig and Tale say “sewing is not just about creating things, but creating memories” – how sweet and how true!

Twig & Tale is for everyone who shares a love of creativity and an adventurous spirit—beginner sewers especially! It's a celebration of the innocence of childhood and the wonder of nature. It's about comfy clothes and warm things like hugs and capes and coats. It's about handmade, love, and imaginary play—featuring classic, simple patterns that inspire us all to tell a story.

Twig and Tale feature patterns for kids, men and women as well as play accessories.

The base currency is in USD however there is a small drop down menu next to the cart icon.

Twig and Tale have a facebook page and facebook group as well as a facebook group and free pattern specifically catered to those sewing masks during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Forget me not Patterns

Forget me not patterns believe in celebrating diversity and their tagline is "contemporary fashion patterns for women".

Based in Wellington, New Zealand they boast a number of beautiful women's patterns including this freebie here.

Their patterns are listed in USD; I've found their facebook page but cannot see a facebook group.

Notable mentions of New Zealand Pattern stores:

Thanks to google here are some notable mentions of stores that sell patterns within New Zealand. It’s worth noting that these are NOT pattern designers in their own right.

Miss Maude - https://missmaudesewing.co.nz/

Now I’ve never bought from this brand however was lucky enough to visit the physical store when I was off on a small town adventure in Greytown.

Miss Maude’s about us says they’re a boutique fabric and haberdashery store started by Emma. The Miss Maude name came about due to “…years of living amongst some of New Zealand’s most beautiful mountains.” - how freaking cute!!!

While not a pattern designer specifically they stock a number of boutique pattern designers (including some papercut designs). The Assembly Line (Sweden) Merchant and Mills (Europe?) and Closet Core Patterns.

It looks like the webstore is in NZD and I can see a facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MissMaudeSewing)

Sew Indie NZ - https://sew-indie-nz.myshopify.com/

Sew Indie NZ says they on a mission to bring the best of independent international pattern designers to New Zealand.

They appear to stock a variety of patterns which they sell in NZ dollars and ship domestically within NZ, thus cutting down the shipping cost and wait time to those who shop indie patterns from overseas.

It looks like it solely stocks physical patterns (hence the domestic NZ shipping) which may not be ideal for those PDF pattern lovers (like me!)

As the mission statement would suggest their items are in NZ dollars; their facebook page is here https://www.facebook.com/sewindienz