Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Seamingly Smitten Fall 2014 Pattern Tour

If you've been with me for a little while you know that I'm a HUGE fan of Jenny from Seamingly Smitten Sewing Pattern. She has amazing, classic patterns for women, girls and boys and has some accessories as well. When the opportunity came up to join her newest pattern tour I jumped at the chance. 

This Slouch Bag is one of her newest patterns and I was super excited to get a chance to sew it up. I've made plenty of tote bags before but I have never tackled a purse with hardware. I always thought it would be difficult to do so I steered clear. Boy was I wrong! This bag came together from printing to cutting strings in about 3 hours. It has a pocket on the inside and the outside as well as a magnetic snap closure. I went with the cross-body strap for my busy mom-on-the-go moments.
I used a lightweight suede with a metallic floral print for the outside of this bag. The inside is a nice neutral with metallic hearts all over it. I 'may' have started cutting before planning out my pieces and I ended up using the outside suede for the sides of the inside as well. It was poor planning....or late night sewing on my part but it worked and it still looks great!
I can see some awesome Christmas gifts in the future with this awesome pattern. If you are nervous about trying a bag with hardware, don't be! This amazing pattern is a great place to start. 


If you have stuck around this long here's the best part. There is a GIVEAWAY!!! Enter below and don't forget to check out what these awesome ladies have created. 

If you just can't wait you can grab any...yes ANY Seamingly Smittem pattern for 50% off!!! Just use the code PATTERNTOUR50 at the checkout and you can start sewing right away!

HAPPY SEWING!

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Thursday, November 6, 2014

The Betty Skirt Pattern Tour



Hey everyone!!! I know my blog has been dark for a long time. Real life got busy and I had to step away for a bit. Hopefully I can get back to posting weekly or so. What better way to jump back in than a blog tour? I mean....right? 

So this is the Betty Skirt by the Shaffer Sisters. It has so many options and a HUGE size range. It's adorable on top of all that. I was part of both the first round of testing for this skirt as well as the updated testing. Maddie now has 3 versions of this skirt. She has one with large pleats and two that are gathered. She is rocking the size 9 waist with the size 8 length. 

I love that you can print just what you need and you can customize the skirt to have the size and length that you want without having to think about it. The directions lay it all out perfectly and are super easy to follow.

 If you want a copy for yourself you can use the code BETTYTOUR and save 30% off. I'll leave you a few more pictures of what is arguably the cutest little 7 year old around. ;)







Monday, August 18, 2014

Maddie's New Lunch Bag


I made both my girls lunch bags last year using the Love Your Lunchbox by Ginger Cake. They held up so well and were such a hit that I decided to make them again this year. This time I used the Waste Free Lunch Bag pattern by the same designer. 


My girls start school 2 weeks apart so Maddie's is up first. She loves purple, animal prints and My Little Pony. She helped pick out the fabrics and we came up with this. 


I really like the interior pockets and I think this one will be just as loved as last years if not more so. 

The outside is a specialty fabric that was in the red tag section for $3 a yard. The My little pony fabric was a remnant and the pink polka-dots is the same PUL that I used for last year's lunch bags. The only other things that you need for this pattern are interfacing and insulbrite (to keep foods cool). 
Do you make your kids lunch bags/back packs or clothes for back to school? If so leave me a link in the comments. I would love to see. :)

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Gracious Threads Pattern Tour and Giveaway

Here is pattern tour #2 for week. :) This time it's the Raindrop Tee by Gracious Threads. It's an adorable hi lo tee that comes in short or 3/4 sleeve length and ranges from sizes 2-8 in girls. 
 Miss Abby was in an extra sassy mood when we were getting pictures. We went with the size 6 short sleeve top for my very tall 4 year old. She loves how comfy it is.

**This top as made during testing and the length has been extended a little in the from for the final version.**

If you'd like a copy of this adorable pattern for yourself you can find it on Etsy or Craftsy or you can enter below for a chance to win a copy of your own. If you get a chance stop by and check out some of the other versions on the tour.

Schedule:

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Thursday, August 14, 2014

sewVery Pattern Tour


Veronica from sewVery has released her very first pattern and it is just adorable! It's the Sunny Top & Dress. There are so many ways to personalize this pattern and make it just right for your little lady. Between my girls we used each of the options in the pattern and we also tried both ways of tying the top/dress in the back. It was a win for both my girlies and that's not always easy. 


Maddie is wearing the size 8 dress without the ruffle (view B) and Abby is wearing the size 5 top with the ruffle (view A).

The back has loops to make tying the straps super easy. You can either feed the straps straight down like Abby is wearing them or you can cross them in the back like Maddie is wearing them. 


They are super cute and easy to wear for my very active little girls. They have worn them a few times already and get compliments everywhere they go. There are still 3 more days left in the pattern tour. Stick around and check out these other awesome ladies! 

There is a giveaway for 2 free copies of this adorable pattern. If you can't or don't want to wait that long the pattern will be on sale for 20% off during the pattern tour (August 11-17) with the code SUNNY20.  

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Willow & Co - Poplar Pup Tent

So, I made a tent....no really. From purchasing and cutting the PVC pipes to sewing the outside this baby is made 100% by. I didn't come up with it all on my own of course, I followed an amazing pattern by an adorable and talented lady. 

If you haven't seen this pattern yet you are missing out on some quick and easy summer fun. This is the Poplar Pup Tent by Willow & Co Patterns. It was designed by the adorable Elisa of Charming Doodle. It's part of the Glamping pattern collection so I decided to run with that as the theme for my version. 

The pattern tells you exactly what you need to pick up at the hardware store and most places will even cut the pipes to size for you. For my tent I used an old daybed set that my parents dug out of their basement. It from the early 90's. Anyone else rock this awesome bedset?

The bedding set was twin size so I had to piece the flat and fitted sheet together to make it big enough. I also added lace to the edge to up the glam factor a little bit. After I pieced together my 'fabric' it took about 30 minutes to sew together. This seriously came together so quickly.

This turned out more adorable than I ever expected and my girls had so much fun during our little photo shoot. We've already had a couple living room camp out and I can see many more in our future. 
I took a ton of pictures and they were just too cute not to share so if you are interested keep scrolling.











Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Seamingly Smitten Pattern Tour

http://www.seaminglysmitten.com/
One of the very first PDF pattern designers that I was introduced to a couple years ago was  Seamingly Smitten. The patterns were so easy to follow and the results were a hit with my little girls. When I was ready to start sewing for myself I decided to start with Seamingly Smitten. I was so excited to have to opportunity to participate in this pattern tour so I thought I might as well push my comfort zone a little further and go strapless. :)
I bought this quilting cotton a few months back at Joann with the idea that I would make something for myself and then it just sat there. I guess it was waiting for the perfect dress. 

This is the Riverwalk Sundress. I measured right between the L and the XL so I decided to go with the L to minimize the extra fabric around the middle (I have enough all on my own). ;) This is the strapless version with inseam pockets and elastic at the waist.  All of these options are in the pattern as well as a couple more. This is a great and versatile pattern for the summer.

I decided to throw on a jean jacket and see how well this look will transition into the fall. I can't wait to get some wear out of this adorable dress. 

I'd like to give a shout out to my awesome photographer, aka my 7 year old daughter Maddie. She's such a big helper. 

If you are interested in this or any other pattern you see on the tour check out the coupon code below and don't forget to enter to will 5 patterns of your choice. 

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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

The Cottage Mama pattern review - Claire Pajamas

I was recently able to test the newest pattern from The Cottage Mama called the Claire Pajamas. This is a great piece going into fall. It has options for long or short sleeves as wells as a nightgown or top and pants option. The Claire Pajama Pattern includes size 6 Month through 10 Years as well as 18″ doll pattern. We are working on a matching doll gown next.

This is Maddie, age 7, in the size 10 long sleeve gown that I made from a Target fitted sheet. I decided to go with a sheet since the size 10 takes 3.5 yards of fabric and I already had the sheet on hand. She loves how comfortable it is and I love how easy it came together and how easy it is to wash and wear.


The bib front is such an adorable addition and the instructions make it really easy to put together. I used some sheet scraps to make matching fabric covered buttons. If you've never tried those you should pick some up. You will never have to worry about having the right button to match what you are making and they come in quite a few different sizes.


As always, I'm going to leave you with Maddie's chosen pose. She said we needed a picture to show everyone that this is pajamas so they wouldn't think it was a dress. ;)





Thursday, July 3, 2014

Whimsy Couture Pattern Review - Bohemia Dress

A while back I had to opportunity to test the Bohemian Dress by Whimsy Couture. Somehow this post was misplaced and never posted so I thought I would share it now. It is super easy to sew up and adorable! It has rolled hems and shirring as well as an over-sized removable flower and comes with a matching doll dress as well.That is always a hit in our home. 

Abby is sporting the size 6 and yes, some of these pics have snow in the background. :)

This dress is perfect for layering with leggings or tights when it's cool or even with a shirt underneath but is just as cute alone.
Here is a close-up of this adorable over-sized flower. It's such a fun addition. In our world we like our accessories the bigger the better. *snow* ;)

Abby was so excited when she woke up and saw her Julie doll all dressed up sitting next to her new dress. We hope to have more Dolly and me sets on here in the future.

** Whimsy Couture is currently running a 30% off everything sale on their site if you are looking for some awesome new patterns **

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

PiePie Designs Cherry Pie Skirt Blog Tour

 photo tour_image_zpsfa53f77f.jpg
Climbing the Willow . Sewing Sober . Two Novembers . Crafty Biggers . Rebel & Malice .   Call Ajaire . Sew Many Adventures, Sew Little Time . Lady and the Gents . Made by Sara . Paisley Roots . Ali Cat & Co . Sew Starly . La Casa Cactus . Conversas de Hermanas . How I Make Stuff . Crafty Hour

The adorable Lisa over at PiePie Designs has a brand new pattern out. This is a high low skirt pattern that ranges from 12 months to girls size 12 and has a TON of different options to personalize it. It can be made with knits or woven and it's a super quick sew. When I was given the opportunity to test the skirt I jumped at it. I am so happy to be able to share my version with you today. 

Maddie really wanted me to make the skirt with the pre-ruffled fabric I had in my stash from a previous project. Since this can be made with knits as well I was game. According to the instructions, the height is the most important measurement for deciding size. Based on her height Maddie needed a size 8.
I used a knit waistband and did not hem the bottom of the skirt because folding in the ruffled fabric wasn't working so hot for me. :)
Maddie couldn't be happier with the finished look and I think she looks adorable as well.
Take a moment and enter the rafflecopter below for your chance to win a copy of this awesome pattern. If you have time you should check out some of the other versions of this skirt.


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Friday, June 6, 2014

E-Beth Designs Lorelei Women's Blog Tour

Today is the final day in the E-Beth Designs Lorelei Women's Blog Tour and Giveaway! Save the best for last right? HA! I am totally kidding. Have you seen the amazing dresses that have come before mine? I mean WOW!! This is one group of talented ladies.

Lorelei Blog Tour Schedule-01-01
*I am an affiliate of E-Beth Designs. This posts contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them I will receive a small portion of your purchase price. Thanks!*

I was lucky enough to be able to test the Lorelei Women's dress pattern back in April. I made my Easter dress with this pattern using the underskirt and tulle for a more formal look and I loved it. It is a coral lace over a light pink satin. My girls and I even had a twirl-off after church. It was so girly and fun.


When the blog tour was announced I jumped at the chance to make another version of this dress. This time I went for a more casual look. This dress is made from a knit I scored for $3 a yard at Joann's during their 50% off red tag sale. This dress is lined on the top only and it just sewn straight up the back. Since it is knit there is no need for a zipper. Win, win, right?

So here are some pics of my knit Lorelei.
This dress is offered in 12 different sizes, 00 to 20, with cups A-DD. There is no need to do a FBA like in other patterns. For me that is awesome. I usually have to adapt a pattern quite a bit to get it to fit me. I'm short (5'4") and very pear shaped but I was able to make one size throughout the whole pattern to get the look I wanted. 

I would recommend going down a size if you are using knits if it has a bit of stretch to it. 
I can't wait to sew up some Lorelei dresses for my girls and their dolls for summer. They love easy to wear dresses and I love dresses that they can put on and take off without fuss. 
I'd love to give a shout-out to my amazing photographer, Maddie. She did great giving direction and even knew when she needed to use the flash. I was super impressed. Yes, I know, I have the coolest 7 year old around. ;)


If you get a chance please go visit these other blogs. These ladies did a phenomenal job on their dresses and tops. 

June 4th:  Sew Starly Mama Lusco
E-Beth Designs is also doing a discount of $3.00 off the Lorelei Women’s Dress Pattern in the Pattern Shop using coupon code: blogtour.  Last but not least you can enter to win a free copy of the Lorelei Women’s Dress Pattern below (if you purchase first then win, your money will be refunded)!  There will be 3 winners!

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