Review: Sense and Sensibility Patterns

Between the ages of six and eight, my daughter, now 12, took machine sewing classes. I purchased a sewing machine for her to use and she made quite a few simple projects during that time. The classes were enjoyed while they lasted, but the sewing teacher ended up getting a full-time job and there wasn't another teacher readily available to inspire. Since then, the sewing machine remains unused with the exception of an annual unveiling, by me, the non-sewer, to make costumes for a yearly theater production. I completely wing the costumes and have never used a pattern. Let's just say it's a good thing the performance is done on an elevated stage at a distance. Otherwise, my lack of skill surely would be noticeable!

Sense and Sensibility Patterns was started in 1996, introducing old-fashioned designs to a niche' market. Combining this cottage industry with the internet, accessibility quickly grew the company with the demand of those seeking feminine clothing. Sense and Sensibility now offers 18 patterns from five different eras, as well as online classes and eclasses. Patterns are available as a download or printed.

When I had the opportunity to try a Sense and Sensibility e-pattern and e-class bundle for the adorable Edwardian Girls' Apron, I considered it a great opportunity dig out the sewing machine. As a non-sewer, I would be an excellent candidate to give this product a trial run for those that would like to dabble in the craft. I was further motivated by some fabric that had been packed away for several years and visions of my 3-year-old niece twirling in the apron. My daughter liked the idea of making her cousin an early Christmas gift, so we dusted off the sewing machine and got started.

I was curious about how an e-pattern and e-class for sewing would work. Several files were downloaded from the site. Included were the actual pattern, an audio file, a PDF file, some instructions, and a file that showed the layout of the pattern. After reading the pattern instructions and making sure my printer was set correctly, I printed out the 25-page pattern, with a range of sizes from 2-14. The pages are printed in order of placement for a grid layout. I added the page number to the back of each page as it printed to avoid confusion on the order. The next step was to piece and tape together the pages to get a complete pattern. I didn't find the piecing together difficult, but it did take some patience. Holding the sheets of a paper up to a window to make sure I was lining up properly made the process less difficult. Before long, I had my pattern and fabric pieces cut.

The class portion consisted of a PDF slide presentation paired with an audio file. Jennie, who created the pattern and teaches the class, explains each step very thoroughly and includes links to supplemental video for some of the more trickier steps. Much of the first part of the class is devoted to explaining how to make your own binding. I decided to purchase binding and save myself some time (and frustration). I skimmed the class and then took my laptop and set it next to the sewing machine. I liked that I could listen to each portion, stop or repeat portions of the class, and work on that step. It really is like Jennie is right there in the room with you. My daughter helped quite a bit and regained her sewing confidence as we moved along. I'd sew one pocket, she'd sew the other, and so on. There were some tricky parts for a beginner, but I was able to get through each step by reading the instructions and watching the class.

Having never sewn with a pattern before, I was pleased with the results! I especially like the criss-cross strap design that threads through loops on either side of the skirt. This design allows adjustment of the straps as the child grows. The denim is durable and suits my niece's personality, but any patterned or floral fabric would give it a more feminine look.



I hope my niece enjoys her new denim apron on Christmas morning. My daughter plans to scale down the pattern, easily done by reducing the PDF file, to make a matching apron for my niece's doll. We'll include some cooking utensils for a personalized Christmas gift from the heart.

Overall, this was a fun project to do with my daughter and gave me some confidence to perhaps try a simple pattern again. Younger children could help by tracing the pattern to the fabric, stitching some of the straight seams, and ironing under assistance. Older children with some previous sewing experience could work fairly independently. I found the downloads convenient, the class helpful and the customer service exceptional.

Sense and Sensibility offers many other patterns, including a matching Edwardian apron for mom. The e-pattern and e-class bundle costs $24.95. The pattern is available separately as a printed pattern for $12.95 or an epattern for $7.95. Visit the website to see some of the other historical patterns available, get sewing tips and read about the Young Designers' Pattern Contest. Be sure to check out the other reviews and pictures of completed aprons by visiting the official TOS Crew blog. Perhaps you, too, will be inspired to dust off that sewing machine to make a treasured apron for your own child or a thoughtful gift for another little girl in your life.

A Review of Clean 'N' Flips by Trigger Memory Systems

There are two overused sentences in our household:

“I don't know.”
“I forgot.”

Sometimes they are even paired together, as in:

Mom: Why didn't your room get cleaned like I asked?
Child: I don't know. I forgot.

The first phrase often means “I don't want to tell you.” The second sometimes does mean what is says, but many times it really means, “I'm overwhelmed.” Frankly, the condition of my kids' bedrooms makes me overwhelmed too.

Trigger Memory Systems, founded by three homeschool moms, has created a tool that takes those seemingly daunting tasks and breaks them down into manageable steps for children. The Clean 'N' Flip products are top spiral bound booklets that give step-by-step instructions for various household tasks in a fun, systematic, and visual way. There are three titles in the series, Bedroom Cleaning for Kids, Laundry for Kids, and Zone Cleaning for Kids. In each title, children complete the task listed on the page and then flip to the next page until completion of the task.

Bedroom Cleaning for Kids



Cleaning the bedroom is broken down into 8 easy steps to help your child independently clean their room to completion. Even preschoolers can follow along by using the illustrations. The last page of the flip chart is a customizable “Day of the Week Jobs!” list for tasks not included in the previous pages.

Children are walked through the steps of making a pile of all out-of-place items, sorting them in laundry baskets and putting the items away. There is nothing novel about this system, but having it all put in steps and put together in a colorful book seems to make cleaning an out-of-control bedroom more manageable. It sure avoids those “I forgot” steps and keeps the kids on track. The end result will be a bedroom which both parent and child will consider clean.

Laundry for Kids


I'm ashamed to admit that I went off to college not knowing how to work the laundry machine! It has been a goal of mine to make sure that my kids are functional in that area. They've received laundry tutorials several times, but I'm not exactly consistent with the requirement of doing the task. As a result, each time I do request their help, in enters the “I forgot” phrase again.

The task of laundry is broken down into 7 steps, from sorting to putting away. There is also a page that discusses load size, water temperature and wash cycle options. All the steps are simply explained and illustrated. The only step I would add is to check pockets for items, but perhaps that is a step that applies more to families with little boys. It certainly is an important step in our household to keep clothing and items from being ruined; I've found some rather interesting things that have gone through the wash. It should be easy enough to add in steps specific to your family at the bottom of the appropriate page with a Sharpie.

I intend to permanently hang this item from a cord in my laundry room so the kids can reference it any time they are requested to help with the laundry.

Zone Cleaning for Kids



The Zone Cleaning chart is different from the previous two in that it is laminated and comes with a dry erase marker, making it more customizable and durable. If you are a Flylady follower, you'll appreciate this chart. There are three individual zones detailed - kitchen, bathroom and living room. Each zone is broken down into 5-7 steps over several pages. The first page for each zone has a spot for a child's name and time of day, e.g. morning, afternoon or evening, with the backside having a customizable "Day of the Week Jobs!" page. The following pages are the individual steps to be performed with check boxes. The chart could easily be used with several children, each taking a zone for the week or with one child, doing one zone a day. I had my children work together with the kitchen zone and was pleased with the results. They seemed to like having each step detailed and were better able to share the task. Anything that has my children working together towards a common goal gets kudos from me.

The price structure varies depending on whether the titles are purchased individually or as a package.

Package options are as follows:

Laundry, Zone and Bedroom: $29.95/set
Zone and Bedroom: $22.95/set
Zone: $17.95
Bedroom: $7.95
Laundry: $7.95

Note: There is currently a special offer from Trigger Memory Systems. If you order a Times Tales Deluxe or a Zone Cleaning for Kids and put FREEFLIP in the comments, you'll get a Bedroom Cleaning for Kids FREE!

I initially thought $30 for three small booklets was a bit steep, but I'm all for a system that helps with repeatable tasks. If you are a family that needs charts but the results with your children are ho-hum, this is certainly something to try. These are likely excellent tools for special needs kids who need a little extra help to be independent in tasks. The Clean 'N' Flip charts are great for all ages, customizable, durable, portable and definitely more visually appealing than charts on the wall. You can learn more by going to the Trigger Memory website.

So, has this system reduced the “I don't know”s and “I forgot”s in our household? Not only have these phrases been reduced when I assign chores, it was much to my surprise when I stepped out for an errand only to find upon my return that my 9-year-old son had picked up the Laundry for Kids Clean 'N' Flip on his own and did a load of laundry. Need I say more?