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. ;)

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:

Wednesday: From A Box EatSleepMake

Thursday: Knot Sew Normal Crafty Hour

Friday: Sew Starly Kiwi Crafty Chemist

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Saturday: Crafty Biggers Hamilton Chicklets

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.  

Monday, August 11th Sewing Mama RaeAnna While she was sleeping 4Kids + 1 Momma = chaos Mama Says Sew Wednesday, August 13th Sew Like My Mom Made by Sara Shaffer Sisters Friday, August 15th Rae Gun Ramblings Rebel and Malice Right Sides Facing Sunday, August 17th sewVery

Tuesday, August 12th Handcrafted by RED Two-Many Feathered Ruffles Call Ajaire Thursday, August 14th Crafty Biggers Sweeter Than Cupcakes Giggles and Beans Pattern Revolution Saturday, August 16th Thirtynine Made by Momma Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop

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Seamingly Smitten Pattern Tour

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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Knight Hoodie - Charming Doodle Pattern Tour

I was so excited to get the opportunity to be a part of the Knight Hoodie Pattern by Charming Doodle. I mean seriously, have you seen the other ladies that are participating? To say that I am a little out of my league is an understatement. :)

I originally participated in the testing of this pattern back in December. You can see that full review here. At first glance you might assume that this pattern is all boy, but you haven't met my girls. Put a couple of feisty little ladies, neon sweatshirt fleece and an amazing pattern together and this is what you get. They just look like they're conspiring don't they? 

The directions for this pattern are awesome and so easy to follow. The pictures are very clear which is great for those of us that like to throw on a movie and get sewing without all the reading. This hoodie called for a viewing of "A Knight's Tale" of course! It took me about 2 viewings of the movie or about 3 hours from start to finish. This included everything from putting the pattern together to clipping all of my loose strings. 

My girls are both very tall for their ages. Abby, my youngest, is 4 year old. Her measurements put her in a 5 but I wanted this to last so I made her a 6. Maddie, my oldest, will by 7 in May. She is sporting the size 10 which is the biggest this pattern goes. Larger sizes, including adult sizes are currently in the works. 

So 3 days ago we had over 2 feet of snow on the ground. Two straight days of rain and 40+ degree weather and you get this awesome wet mess. Oy! The day we went out for pics was nice and sunny but windy as can be. Warning: you are about to see some windblown hair and fun faces. 

They were a little bit chilly but ready for battle. The best part of this awesome neon sweatshirt fleece that I found at Joann is that I will NEVER lose them in a crown. HA! 

This pattern is full of all the fun details to make your little guy or gal the most adorable Knight around. I somehow misplaced the large buttons for Abby's hoodie so I will have to clean my craft room pick some more up on my next trip to Joann. 

 Here is my so-so big girl in her new hoodie. By the look on her face you can tell it was a hit. 

Here they are side by side. I couldn't find a ribbed knit or zipper that matched the sweatshirt fleece like I had hoped and I didn't want boring old white so I did what I love to do. I pulled out the fabric spray paint and went to town on some white knit and a zipper. If you have never painted fabric before I would highly suggest it. It's tons of fun and has a great graffiti effect. 

I leave you with this adorable face and a special coupon code just for my readers. Go here to get more details and tobuy the pattern. The pattern normally sells for $12 but if you can use code CraftyBiggers from now until the end of February to receive $2 dollars off the pattern. 

My girls have so much fun running around pretending to be Knights. Hope enjoy this pattern as much as I do. If you get a chance stop by Charming Doodle and see what all the other talented ladies came up with.