I'm guest posting on a quilting blog! Seriously!!

Today I'm doing a guest post over at Rachel Rossi talking about a quilt hack. I had always seen quilts as an intimidating process. Especially since I have been 100% self taught. I decided at this beginning of this year that this was the year to finally learn. I happened to see a quilt test posted by Rachel and I decided to take the leap.

I am now in the process of making my 5th quilt and I'm guest posting on a quilting blog. What a year it has been. I would love you to stop over and take a look at my progress.

Happy Sewing!!

CraftingCon Mystery Month

Hey all!!! I'm participating in CraftingCon for the first time this season!! This month the theme is Mystery and Maddie and I went with Murder She Wrote. We'd love for you to stop over and see all the other details here.

Eleena Dress Blog Tour

I'm so excited to be a part of the Eleena Dress Blog Tour by Coffee + Thread. I first fell in love with this pattern during testing. I made the long sleeve version for my oldest and she absolutely loves it. You can read about that version here. 

My youngest definitely has more of a bright "look at me" personality and this fabric was perfect! It's part of the Origami Oasis Collection by Michael Miller. I loved it so much I bought it in the blue colorway as well. ;) 

The only thing to note about the fabric is that it's a little in the sheer side. This dress is fully lined.

I made her the size 7. To be honest, when I printed it actually printed a little small. I didn't even realize until I but it on her and the sleeves were skin tight. OOPS. Since it still fit everywhere else I just decided to cut the sleeves off and use bias tape instead.

I went with a lace zipper instead of the invisible zipper listed in the pattern. I love the pop of color that it adds.

This is such a fun dress and completely different from the first version that I made.

There are still a couple days left on the tour. The other bloggers that have already posted are listed as well. You should go and check out these other amazing ladies. You won't be disappointed. 

The pattern is on sale for $7 until March 7, midnight, EST. Keep scrolling and don't forget the enter the giveaway below!!

February, 22 

Bonnie & Lottie, As it Seams, Sew Happy, Call Ajaire

February, 24

In a Manner of Sewing, Skirt Fixation, Stitched Together, 

Made by Sara, The Life of Compulsive Crafter

February, 26

A Jennuine Life, Fairies, Bubble & Co, Hungie Gungie, Doguincho

February, 29

Rebel & Malice, Sew Shelly Sew, Creative Needle and Threads, 

Welcome to the Mouse House

March, 2

Candice Ayala, LBG Studio, Crafty Biggers, Sewing Like Mad

March, 4

Greendoodle, Rita Pirolita, Boevenbende, Kristine Hansen 

March, 7

Les Reloux, Just Add Fabric, Lokakid, While she was sleeping

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Sew Much Ado Pattern Review - Magrath Dress & Tunic

Sew Much Ado just released the Magrath dress (and tunic). It reminds me of a modern princess dress. It's a surprisingly quick sew and gorgeous too! 

 About the pattern:

• Dress and Tunic lengths included
• Sizes 12-18 months - 12 years
• 3 sleeve lengths; short, 3/4, and long but you could easily make it sleeveless as well. ;)
• Modest Sweetheart neckline
• Awesome exposed zipper for a pop of color
• Pattern has the option to print in layers
• Size chart and finished measurements included

My Abby is wearing the size 7 as is. She technically could have fit the chest and waist a size down, but with her broad shoulders I wanted her to be comfortable and  get some wear out of it. 

The tips and tricks in the pattern allow for a perfect finish every time. I love learning new techniques in a pattern! 

 The main dress is a charcoal corduroy with gold polka-dots that I found in the clearance section of Hobby Lobby for $4 a yard.

The light pink bow fabric, which also has gold polka-dots (spotting a trend here? ) is a Michael Miller print.

Magrath is currently on sale for $7 and totally worth the purchase!

Just Abby being Abby. Enjoy! ;)

Shwin Designs Pattern Review - Penny Lane Dress

I'm so happy to be back to blogging. The details in the patterns coming out lately are just stunning. I had the opportunity to test thew Penny Lane Dress by Shwin Designs for my Abby who is now 6 and we are both so happy with it. 

About the pattern:

• Available in either a top or a dress 
• Cuffed sleeves (same piece as the bodice, win!)
• Adorable Crossback design
• Available in sizes 12-18 months to 8. 

Abby is rocking the size 7 dress as written. She's square in the middle of the sizing on the chart. 

Handmade gold polka-dot bias tape and an intricate back detail. Need I say more? ;)

The main fabric for the dress is Summer Night Lights from the Michael Miller Wee Wander collection.

The gold polka-dots is from Joann's.

This dress is adorable and a really quick sew. There will definitely be more of these for summer around here. I only wish it came in bigger sizes for my oldest. :)

Penny Lane is on sale right now for $6. Hop over and grab your copy.
EDITED: SALE ENDED 2/10/16

Coffee + Thread Pattern Review - Eleena Dress

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted here. Between life, kids, work, school, and a divorce, last year came and went so fast. Just because I haven't been posting much here doesn't mean I haven't been creating. You can stop by my Instagram and Facebook to see what I've been up to.

I started this year by jumping back into testing. I can't tell you how much I LOVE this pattern. It is the 60's inspired Eleena Dress with clean lines and the cutest collar from Coffee + Thread.

 The Basics:

• Sizes 2 - 12
• 3 sleeve options: Flutter, Short, and Long
• Options for collar or no collar
• Contrasting center inset or all one fabric

I tested the Long sleeve, size 12 with a leather collar for my very tall 8.5 year old. The only change that I made was to remove 1.5" from the length (she was that much shorter than the size 12 measurement).

I used leather for the collar to make it a little more fun but still keeping with the same awesome look that Olga designed.

The main dress fabric is from the Red Tag table at Joann's. The brown is Broad Cloth, and the Leather is a remnant from Joann's. Yay for good deals.

The long sleeve option is perfect for the cold months and is so stinkin cute as well. ;)

The back has an invisible zipper closure with the absolute best invisible zipper instructions I've ever used. This was my very first truly invisible zipper and I will never install one any different. Woohoo!

     The Eleena Dress is on sale through Friday, January 28th for $7 so don't miss your chance to get this adorable dress on sale.

Thanks for stopping by! I'll try to keep up with posting this year.

Made For Mermaids - Charlotte Top and Samantha Skirt

No matter how hard I try, I think I will always be playing catchup with my blog posts. This is an outfit I tested last month for Made for Mermaids. It's the Charlotte Collar Top and Samantha Suspender Skirt. The skirt is the button front option without the buttons or suspenders. Miss Maddie loves this look. She's always had a preference towards classic and clean lines but still girly. 

These two patterns are great because the possibilities are endless. They both go from 1/2 to 14 which means we should still get a couple more years out of them. Maddie is rocking the size 10 here. The top can be made with or without a collar and the skirt has a ton of options as well. 

I have plans for the suspender version for Abby but Maddie asked that I not include them on hers. I learned years ago to take there preferences into account if I ever want them to actually wear what I make for them. ;)

For our outfit I went with a grey plaid for the skirt with light blue and magenta stripes through it. The top is a white and black polka dot with chalkboard fabric as the collar. Why? Why not, right? In reality, all the fabrics I chose were either on red tag clearance at Joann Fabrics or from the remnant big. That's where the chalkboard fabric is from. I could have swore I had some black leather in my stash but all I could find when I was making this was the chalkboard fabric. 

We did try chalkboard markers on it after school one day but I forgot to take pictures. It came right off in the wash so I know we will be adding it to other outfits in the future. 

I'm finding it more and more difficult to find patterns that fit that in-between sizes when they are growing out of the little kid phase and into the tween one.  Patterns like this are awesome to make her feel grown up while still keeping her looking like my little girl. We paired this outfit with knee high magenta socks (yes they are socks, she chooses to pull them well above her knees) and Mary Jane style shoes. 

 

The skirt is a flat front, elastic back. This is probably the most comfortable and stylish option for most kids. 

 

My Maddie will be 8 soon and I can't believe how fast she is growing. If you are like me and still love sewing for your school-ager, I have created a facebook group called School Age Sewing as a resource to find patterns and get inspired by others who sew for their 'big kids'. 

Happy Sewing!!

My Sewing Story

I have had this blog for almost 3 years now and while I post a good number of sewing projects I've never actually shared my sewing story. If you ask pretty much anyone who sews whether it be quilts or clothing or home decor they will usually tell you that they sew for the love of the craft and the ability to create something beautiful and practical. How each of us got to this point is usually different.

I'll be the first one to admit that I was that weird, nerdy kid that had to be making something all.....the.....time! Like constantly. I don't come from a crafty family so I used whatever I could get my hands on. I ripped apart old school supplies, stashed away used gift wrap like it was gold and spent hours stuck in my head where all the beautiful ideas where. If you stick around I may throw up pictures of some early projects. They are comical at best. 

When I was about 8 I went to a friends house for a sleepover. Her mom has a sewing machine and fabric and showed us how to hand stitch pillows for our barbies. I was hooked! I begged and begged for fabric when I got home and I finally got a yard of fabric with carousel horses all over it for my next birthday. In the mean time I grabbed old jeans and rags and put together barbie outfits, bedding, purses. I was an upcycler way before it became the thing to do. ;) Once I had my fabric my parents told me that they actually owned a sewing machine. WHAT!!!! They bought it when I was a baby with hopes of making clothes for my big sis and I to save money. They made exactly 1 dress for me.

I begged for them to take the old Singer out of storage and from about age 9 on I would spend hours in my room stitching away making pretty little things. I used my allowance money to but thread, needles, whatever I thought I needed. No one ever taught me about proper techniques, fabric selections that there were different needles and notions for different projects, but I LOVED sewing and giving away what I made. 

I started making and selling purses that I designed in high school for gas money. I learned to quilt pillows from pictures and altered my own clothes. Looking back they were imperfect but until I had my oldest daughter in 2007 I didn't even know patterns existed, paper or PDF. Call me naive but who was supposed to show me? 

I started out making photo prop outfits for my baby and dresses that out little one income family couldn't have afforded otherwise. I finally upgraded to a brother computerized machine in 2008 and really got into sewing for my little lady. I found out about the online sewing community in 2011 when my youngest was almost 2. I stalked a number of ladies that I still stalk today and learned a TON! I started my blog in 2012 to have a way to look back over things I made for my house and for my girls. A virtual scrapbook if you will. I started pattern testing shortly after. I got in way over my head a few times with patterns that I would find ridiculously simple now but I learned new techniques and finishes and ways to make the beautiful things that I had always pictured in my head.

Sewing is my mommy super power. I know the days of my girls walking up to me and asking for a seemingly impossible outfit or costume are limited. The look in their eyes when I hand them something I created from their vision is priceless. Both of my girls have already caught the love for sewing bug. I plan to nurture that love and encourage every crazy vision they ever come up with. 

My family may never quite get why I NEED to create but they love what I make and encourage me to continue. That is how I view the online sewing community. Like my not-so-little crazy sewing family. I want to encourage those just starting out and look up to those who have come before me. I don't want my love for the craft and my skills questioned because my story isn't your story. If you were lucky enough to have been taught the craft from a family member, friend or institution you should know how truly blessed you are. Please use that as a way to guide the rest of us not tear us down. After all, we are all just here for the same reason. 

Happy Sewing

Boys CAN Wear Pink Tour

I have two little girls so I'm very used to sewing pink things. When Kelly posted that she was having a month long blog series of pink clothes for boys I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I asked my 8 year old nephew if he was interested and he was happy to help. 

Kaleb is the sweetest little boy I know and a little on the shy side. I knew I didn't want to go crazy in your face pink with him because I wanted him to feel comfortable wearing the shirt. This top is the Bowling Shirt by Scientific Seamstress. He's a little small for his age so I went with the 5/6 and I love the fit. 

The dark brown is a broadcloth and the floral fabric I picked up on sale at Walmart last spring. I made my Maddie a dress using the same fabric and this was what was left over. I think it was the perfect combination for this little man. 

After participating in the Boys Can Wear Pink Tour I now have a new found respect for mom's who sew for their boys. Patterns for girls are so easy to come by and I almost never give a second thought to what fabric I choose aside from if I or my girls like it. I'm glad that I was able to participate in a tour that is helping to break down those stereotypes. 

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Potato Chip Skirt from the #BundleUp collection

 I was excited to get the opportunity to test the Potato Chip Skirt from Tie Dye Diva as part of the #BundleUp sale that is currently going on. Maddie loves simple skirts, pockets, horses and dogs. Simple enough right? Even better when you can get that all in one skirt fit for a soon-to-be 8 year old. (Can you believe she's almost 8?!?! I can't. )

The patterns runs from 12 months to a 13/14. I love this because Maddie wears a 9/10 and we can still get a couple more years of this pattern for her. You can do the simple unlined version, lined version or the reversible version that I went with. It has inset pocket with the option for piping as well.

The main side of Maddie skirt is a denim with little white hearts in it and a horse applique that I added using my new embroidery machine. :) I used a bright pink polka-dot material for the pockets for a nice contrast.

The reverse side does not include pockets but the seams are fully enclosed and the finish is awesome. I used the pink from the pockets as the waistband so that it would add a little color. This side is a white lightweight corduroy with little pink poodles all over it.

This is a closeup of the skirt and the horse design. Maddie actually cut all the pieces out for me and watched while I stitched the design. She was sew excited that she cut all the doll pieces out as well and stitched the horse on the doll top all by herself. I only helped with threading the machine a couple times. Proud mommy moment for sure.

 The doll version comes a set with a peasant style top and the same options for the skirt. We went with a fully reversible skirt to match Maddie's version. The fit was perfect for Miss Kit.

Are you planning on bundling up? What pattern are you most excited for?

The Tie Dye Diva Pattern Review - Storybook Pinafore

Have you ever looked through your post and realized you have a few that never got published. I used to skip over then because they were a different season or an old project but there are a few that I loved and I still want to share them. 

This is the Storybook Pinafore from Tie Dye Diva Patterns. I was part of the testing process last year. This is Maddie in the size 9/10 I believe. I had this rose printed quilting cotton that I've had for years and this seemed like the perfect fit for this. We were encouraged to be inspired by characters from childhood books so I went with Heidi.

I just put a pleated skirt and polo underneath but the results are ADORABLE!

The pinafore ties at each side and I absolutely adore the flutter sleeves. Oh those freckles......I just want to squeeze her!!

We pull this out if the closet every once in a while and she always gets noticed in this number. :)

Dear Seamstress on your high horse

This isn't directed at anyone person but this has been on my mind for a while and I thought I would share. 

I'm on a few different Facebook groups related to sewing and embroidery. I use these to educate myself and learn something new or make and meet other sewing gal pals. Sometimes it's also just fun to sit back and watch the drama play out that naturally comes when groups of women come together. 

There are a few things that irritate me in these groups. One of these is women who claim to have been sewing their entire lives that trash pattern designers or talk down to others in the group who are asking question they feel are silly or the person should already know. Here's why I think this way: 

1. I am 100% self taught. I started teaching myself on a machine I found in my parents stuff (that they never learned to use) when I was 9 and have been working at improving myself ever since. The person asking questions may have just opened up their machine today and your snide comments may make them want to box it up and forget about trying again. 
2. I have never met another person IRL (in real life) that also sews. I know I can't be the only one like this. When I am stuck and I can't YouTube or Google my way out of a sewing issue I ask questions. That's what these groups were formed to do. Help each other.
3. Paper patterns suck are really confusing. PDF's can be difficult to read too. Sometimes your vision is a little bigger than your skill set. So what!! I'm impressed you are giving it a shot and your should be proud of yourself. 
4. It's easy to over analyze or over think directions that seem sure easy and confuse yourself. Sometimes screaming kids, lack of sleep or a number of other reasons make seemingly common sense and logical ideas completely impossible. You may ask a question that you read the next day and laugh at yourself. So what! It didn't hurt anyone, I promise.
5. We all learn at our own pace. It may take you a week to do the same pattern it took someone else 2 hours to complete. You don't know what their schedule is like at home, if they have free time or help or even if they have been sewing for years. STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS!
6. Some designers are self taught and sew and instruct in their own way. Some of us appreciate and even prefer this style of pattern writing and construction. If you are more advanced than the directions and you want to do it a different way, go for it. That doesn't mean a pattern is bad because you find it beneath you.
7. Some designers write for those who have never made anything ever and not for those or have expert skills. Designers have to start designing somewhere as well. They improve as their patterns go. They get better testers, better writing and improve a ton. Give them some slack. Most of them are moms and have families just like you and me.
8. If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all!

I think anyone who sews can remember the feeling they got the very first time they made something usable or wearable. It doesn't matter if your first project is at the age of 9 or 99. Even with all it's mistakes it was still perfect to you. If you are someone who is just starting out, don't get discouraged. We all started somewhere. Some people forget from time to time they were once beginners too. It 's better to try and fail then never to have tried at all. 

Happy Sewing  

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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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. ;)

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. :)