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About the product/service:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received an e-pattern and e-class bundle for the Girl's Edwardian Apron from Sense and Sensibility Patterns.  (See pics below.)  What's an e-pattern, you might ask?  Well, it's simply a pattern that you can instantly download from a website.  You print it out and piece it together.  Then you can cut it out and use it as is, or trace it onto something else.  If that doesn't appeal to you, you can also buy a regular pattern through the mail.

The e-class is a PDF file which shows pictures of how to make the apron step by step, complete with photos.  You can use this alone, or use the MP3 along with it if you are more of an "audio" learner. 

Sense and Sensibility Patterns also have lots of other products patterned after days gone by.  There are women's patterns as well as girls.  They even have patterns for dolls!

What are the pros of this product?  Well, I can't really compare the whole e-pattern thing to a regular pattern. I have so little experience with sewing that I have no clue what it's like to use a regular pattern.  I know how to pick them out at the fabric store and buy them, and put them somewhere in my house to be long forgotten, but that is about it.  (Remember, you can order a regular pattern too.)

With all my lack of experience, however, I was able to make this apron myself, which is nothing short of a miracle.  I really appreciated having the e-class to help me along.  To give you an idea of how much I lack in the sewing department, let me tell you this.  I do have a machine that Sane Man bought me a few years ago.  He is the only one that has used it.  I didn't even know who to thread it.  I had to get out the DVD that came with it to figure it out.  I am really that bad.  (The only other time I really tried to sew something myself was in Jr. High.  I had to make a pillow and got a C.  Well, the C was in Home Ec. so that included my cooking grades.  I did not deserve that C.  I deserved an F.)

So that is the biggest pro I can think of.  If a person with practically zero sewing experience can pull it off, especially if that person is me, it has to be a good product!  LOL

What's not to like?  It was a bit of a challenge to tape together the pattern in the right order.  It was large and didn't fit on my table very well.  I did have a few other challenging moments as I made the apron, but those I am pretty sure were a result of my newbie status.   (Like when I bought embroidery thread instead of regular thread and it kept pulling apart!  Oops!)

The Crazy Mom Take:  Like you might have figured out, this was a review product that was an adventure.  I could have easily passed on this one, saying that I did not sew.  However, I have this machine sitting here gathering dust, and lots of patterns.  Somewhere.  I knew if I committed to doing the review, I would HAVE to actually make the apron.  So I committed to it and I did it.  I was a huge moment for me.  Really!

There were moments when I wanted to cry and give up.  (These were all related to my machine, not the pattern.)   Thankfully, I had Sane Man who was able to come to my rescue a few times.  It is a bit humbling to have to ask your husband to help you sew.  I mean, I'm okay with him fixing the car, the plumbing, the electrical, etc., but it's a sad state of affairs when he has to help me sew.  Well, now that I know I can do it he won't have to mend his own pants anymore!

The pattern is adorable.  I made a size 8 for Bear.  The pattern is lady bugs.  She looks so cute in it.  Yes, she looks cute in it because I made a cute apron!  Can you believe it?  LOL  (Well, Bear is so cute, she'd look good in anything, but still, I made a cute apron!!!)

I love the old fashioned patterns.  You just can't buy cute stuff like that off the rack at Wal*Mart.  You really need to know how to sew.  Sense and Sensibility Patterns is a great place to find some really cute patterns.  Don't tell me you can't sew.  I can't sew either, and I made a cute apron!!! 

What's the bottom line? E-pattern $7.95/Regular pattern $12.95/E-class $19.95/E-Class with E-pattern $24.95

I am going to give 3 out of 5 smileys!!! *

(Special note:  I did not give 4 or 5 smileys because this is an optional product, not a homeschool necessity, and not everyone wants this type of pattern.  However, if you like to sew and like old-fashioned patterns, this is a 5 smiley product!)

Check it out!  http://www.sensibility.com/pattern/main/

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/708574/

*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Disclaimer!!!  I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew.  I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others.  Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way.  I am in no way obligated to give a positive review.  I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal!  What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive. 

As with all products, you must do the research before buying.  Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying.  I can't guarantee that a product will work for you.  You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s).  I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review.  I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else.  I am simply giving my opinion, only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath.  Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!