Do you ever have that moment when your fabric inspires what pattern you use? I did with this project! Even better? My envision came out perfect with this one and I couldn’t be happier! Between the amazing fabrics and a great pattern, my baby girl is really styling. She is a bright and shining star in the dreary cold of winter!

Aren’t the fabrics so beautiful? Let me let you in on a little secret with these fabrics. I know you are all probably wondering where I got them and if they are from any of the more main stream vendors. Well they aren’t! Yes, I could have bought them from a more mainstream shop but I just love the customer service at Trixie’s Fabrics. I knew I wanted to work with the unicorns but wasn’t sure on which colorway or which coordinate. When I messaged Trixie through Facebook, she has a wonderful group for her fabrics, Trixie took photos of the fabrics together so I could see what they looked like. When I was still undecided she helped me even further but letting me know which were better matches than you could see in a photo! With her help, I decided on Blue Stars on Pink Cotton Lycra Jersey and a very yummy Organic Euro Unicorn Knit in the Aqua colorway. If it wasn’t for this I would have picked an entire different combo and not gotten this amazing end result! If you like this kind of service and great fabrics I highly encourage you to head over to the group and join! If you just want to shop she also has an Etsy store!

Before picking the perfect fabric combo I knew that the unicorns and stars had to be used on a pattern I have had for awhile but still hadn’t made. I have admired Shwin & Shwin patterns for awhile and have a few of them.  They are modern too!   I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. The pattern I used was the Lucille Top by Shwin & Shwin. I just love that this is designed for color blocking, the angled look, as well as the pleats that create a puffy shoulder. This raglan shirt comes in sizes 12-18mo to 8yrs. The overall fit is great. My girl is short at only a 7% for her age so the top is more of a tunic on her. That is fine by me as I love me some skinny jeans and leggings with almost everything. Another feature this pattern comes with is a cuff option for the sleeves. I had originally added the cuffs but then cut them off. After attaching them and trying it on my girl I found the cuffs made the sleeves way to long which in turn made it lose the shape at the shoulder. They also were a little on the tight side. I much prefer it without the cuffs for sure. I will try the cuffs again in the future but definitely cut some of the sleeve off so I don’t lose the shoulder shape. Overall this pattern is very easy and cute. You do have to pay attention when pleating the shoulders so they all go the same way, but even with that it is a quick sew. I was able to sew mine up in about 1.5hrs and that is with some fussy cutting of the unicorn fabric so I could feature a unicorn on each piece.

Don’t you just love when a project comes out just as you had imagined? I sure do. That feeling of satisfaction is unlike any other. One of the greatest highs of sewing! So head on over to Trixie’s Fabrics and snag some fabric that inspires you and create a look for someone you love (which can include yourself) for your own sewing high! Happy sewing!

Winter is here. Yes, I said it although I’m not too happy about it! I do try to look on the bright side of the chilly days and even chillier nights though. That bright side is very cozy too as winter sewing entails cozy material. I have just fallen in love with flannel this season too! What better way is there to make use of flannel and sew up some holiday pjs? I have sewed many outfits, dresses, sweatshirts, etc, but I don’t sew many pjs. Not sure why to tell you the truth. Certainly something that will be changing! Today though I have a chance to introduce you to a set of pjs that are comfy, cute, and girly too!

Take a look at the Ruffled Pjs by Once Upon a Sew! These are girls’ pjs that are made out of woven fabric and come in sizes 12mo-6. This is a 2-piece set with a top and pants. With an empire bodice with flowing skirt, this pj top is perfectly sweet. The top also features a lined bodice that closes in the back with buttons, snaps, or Velcro, and has elastic at the wrists. The pants have an elastic waist and can be created with or without the contrasting cuff.

I am just in love with these! If I could fit into them I’d make myself a pair too! They look so comfy and cute to boot! I know I’m a little bias but I think my girl looks like a baby doll in her pjs. Before bed she is quite active however the Ruffled Pjs didn’t restrict her in any way. When she finally did give up the battle and surrender to sleep she looked so cozy in her new pjs. The fit is great! I made a size 12mo and they were roomy without being overly big. The pattern is very easy to follow and a beginner could certainly sew this up without any problems. It also didn’t take a huge amount of time too. For me I sewed these up in one afternoon or around 2-3hrs. I closed mine with snaps to make is quicker for dressing a squirmy toddler. I also didn’t put the extra ruffle in the bodice as I liked the look without. I will certainly be making more of these and already have more flannel! I am also tempted to make this as a regular outfit as it doesn’t need to be limited to just pjs either!

If you have a girl then you need these pjs for her! I know there are many girls out there that don’t like nightgowns but have mamas still want to sew something a little girly for them. This is the perfect solution! Get your copy on sale for $5 over on Etsy with no coupon code needed. Don’t wait for too long though as it is only on sale till December 6th. Also don’t forget to check out the Once Upon a Sewing Machine blog for all the other tour stops for more beautiful pjs!

Good night sweet girl! Mama loves you…

I know many of you have already started your holiday sewing and I know some won’t start till the last minute! I fall into that last category. Good thing these blog tours are keeping me on time this year! Are you ready for another great holiday sew? Today we are looking at a very versatile pattern by Lil Luxe Collection! I am so excited to be apart of this pattern tour. I have admired these patterns since their release and have wanted to try one. I just love the modern fashionista look they have. And yes, this is my first one I have sewed, but it won’t be my last! Today we are looking at the Rouche and Division top, holiday style.

This top is just absolutely fun! It comes in sizes 18mo-8 and can be made in knit and woven. The swing style is just so flattering on girls but the best part is the surprise in the back. The division in the title is the division in the back where you can put a contrasting or non-contrasting panel for extra swing. Do you see the rouche yet? The rouche is the rouche you can add to the long or short sleeves. Not only will you get fun style with this pattern but also a great tutorial that is clearly written and even includes instructions for a customized fit. The pattern pieces are digitally drawn and also include a layering option so you only have to print the size you need! This is definitely a pattern that a beginner could handle.

For my top I made a size 18mo. My girl is still in a 12mo size so I did need to shorten the sleeves for her. The fit is great though! Now for my panel in back I used lace. Does that really surprise you? You know how I love lace! I wanted to keep the scalloped hem on the lace so I took the hem allowance off the panel pattern piece prior to cutting. When hemming the rest of the top it then lined up perfectly! The only other change I made was topstitching the seams of the panel to the side piece. I just love this!

I know many of you have done a little Black Friday shopping but today is Cyber Monday. The means there are still sales going on! Best of all, Lil Luxe Collection patterns is still on sale! Yes, all patterns are still 50%! If you don’t read this blog till Tuesday though you need to first subscribe to my blog so you can get email alerts and then still head over to the Lil Luxe website and get the patterns for 30% off with code “blog tour”.

The fun doesn’t stop there though! There is also a giveaway. Wahoo! I just love giveaways. I won’t bother asking you if you want to know the prizes because I know you do! Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance at winning: $25 from Owl and Drum Sew very Modern, $25 from Bobbie Lou Fabric Factory , or $25 from Imagine Gnats. The fun then continues as Jess will also be starting a Monthly pattern of choice giveaway. Every month she will choose one winner from her Instagram followers. Followers must tag @jessbluxe with their Lil Luxe Collection pattern creation. A winner will be chosen every first of the month starting with January 1, 2015. Guess it’s time to sign up for an Instagram huh?

I just love sewing for the holidays! The inspiration is amazing. Don’t forget to check out all the stops on the Lil Luxe Holiday Blog Tour. I can’t wait to see everyone’s holiday version of these patterns!

Who doesn’t love yummy fabric and amazing patterns? If you don’t love those then you are reading the wrong blog! If you do, then read on cause I am going to tell you of both! I know two ladies, Trixie of Trixie’s Fabric and April of Dandelions n’ Dungarees, that treated me to what I would say would be the ultimate banana split of the sewing world! Yes, fabric and patterns. Best ever!!

First we will start off with the fabric. After all with no fabric, there is no sewing! I have always admired Euro knits however they are a bit more expensive than I am used to. After using them though, they are worth every penny. This was my chance to try one! The fabrics I chose were Matryoshka Russian Nesting Doll Organic Euro Knit, and the Purple on Purple Dots and Stripes. These are all cotton lycra with a 4 way stretch. All quality knits and a joy to sew with. Trixie even helped me out with coordinates by taking a photo of the fabrics together to make sure they work together. Made choosing a combo so easy! She also has a Facebook group for specials, pre-orders, and to show off your works of art with Trixie’s Fabrics!

Now you ready to hear what I did with those yummy fabrics? I saw these two patterns when she put out the tester call but didn’t have time to test then. So I was very excited when April asked me to review the new Flyaway Ruffle Cardigan and Saucy Skirt. Let’s start with the cardigan shall we? This lovely cardigan is available in baby sizes (NB-24mo), child sizes (2-7), and tween sizes (8-16). It uses knit fabric to create a fun look with a little ruffle bustle area on the back. There are instructions included on how to make a bow to embellish the back with if you’d like as well. It closes with a button and button loop. No need for a button hole!! While I made mine for everyday wear, there were others who made it out of dressy fabric like lace for a dressy look. This pattern is really fun and versatile!

The Saucy Skirt is sure to please any fashion forward little lady and also packs amazing twirl power! It also comes in baby sizes (NB-24mo), child sizes (2-7), and tween sizes (8-16). This skirt features a drop waist with a single, double, or double with sassy tie options. The skirt portion is a circle skirt which is where it gets its twirl ability! I just love the double skirt with the sassy tie for that peek a boo look.

Both these patterns are a ton of fun and I enjoyed sewing these up. I would say these are good for even a beginner that can follow directions well as there are several steps. Because of the amount of steps it is classified as an intermediate pattern. I sewed up the size 12mo and the fit was just what it said it would be. A tad large on my girl as she is between 9 and 12mo sizes right now. I like it a little big though as it will last all season! I had no issues with either pattern. The steps were all clear and the pattern fit together perfect. There was only one thing that I changed and that was the width of the panel for the sassy tie. I found that to be too wide and cut an inch off of it. I would also place it more towards the hem line in order for the bow to be shown off more. That is it! Can’t wait to make more!

Wondering about the leggings? Those are the Jocelyn Leggings by Everything Your Mama Made. They are super easy leggings that come in sizes NB-18 and women’s. I just love the yoga waist which allows for no elastic! So comfy!

Ready to do some shopping? You won’t regret any of these purchases. Visit Trixie’s Fabrics on Etsy for more amazing fabrics. Now that you have the fabric you need the patterns! You can get any of the sizes of the Flyaway Cardigan and Saucy Skirt or buy the bundles with all the sizes. Don’t forget the Jocelyn Leggings either. They come in a bundle pack too. Happy sewing!

Have you heard of One Thimble? No? Well it’s a good thing you are reading this today then! I first heard of One Thimble when they first started publishing; however I had yet to have the chance to actually get a copy and see what it is like until now. Wondering what it is? It’s an e-zine- which is a digital sewing magazine for sewing enthusiasts!

I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. Do you know how many magazines I’ve gotten and still haven’t read? Tons! I knew they included lots of patterns in their issues and there were articles as well, but with magazines you never know if you will actually find something in there just for you. You know what I mean? Well, let me say that I just loved reading this issue and now I WANT MORE! The articles are diverse on topics so that they can “talk” to us whether we are professionals who sell our items or just getting our feet wet in the sewing world. Tips, tricks, tutorials, suppliers, you name it it’s in there. Even exclusive discounts! This particular issue even has Christmas goodies for the holiday season!

Now before I jump straight into what I sewed out of the issue I want to give a little shout out to one particular tutorial that I LOVED! It’s called The Practical Guide to Serger Cleaning & Oiling. I am very horrible on keeping my serger cleaned. And I will admit, please don’t judge, I think the only time I have ever cleaned by serger is when it was taken to the shop for maintenance (which I guess means I didn‘t really clean it…). Yes, I am a horrible serger mother. I am hoping to set this straight soon though as this tutorial makes cleaning your serger look so easy. I didn’t even think that my tensions were off because it was dirty! It makes sense though!

Now in order to celebrate the amazingness (yes, I created a word) of One Thimble I created a girl superhero look using two of the patterns in the e-zine. These are the Helios Dress by Golden Rippy and the Sweet Grace Ruffled Headband by Snickerdoodle Stew.

The Helios Dress is just plain fun! It is a tent style dress with a zipper in back, which by the way, isn’t hard to install at all. This comes in sizes 1-12yrs too! It’s long in my girl as she’s short. I didn’t try to shorten it either as with the pieces front I’m not sure how that would work. I actually love the maxi look though! The sun flare color blocking on the front just screams summer, however don’t let that stop you from having fun with a variety of different fabrics for tons of different looks. It is SUPER fun to create a personalized look for your special girl! My girl loves her brothers and playing with their toys which includes their superheroes It is only fitting to make a superhero themed dress in honor of her brothers as they are like her superheroes, especially her youngest older brother. She is like a sidekick to him! Can you tell?

Every super baby needs a super accessory! Sweet Grace Ruffled Headband to the rescue! The pattern is a SUPER easy and SUPER quick that gives a SUPER cute look all while using scraps of fabric and trims. It works for any sweet girl from newborn to adult. I love the versatility of this one. You can change the look by how you finish the ruffles, how many layers, trim option, and button option. This headband alone could go with every single creation and still give a different look each time!

Ready to get your own copy?? You won’t be disappointed! The articles, tips, tricks, guides (there is an interfacing guide!! That cleared up a lot of my interfacing questions!), and so much more are all super helpful and great for any level you may be at on your sewing journey. You can get your copy here! There is also a Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win your own copy so don’t forget to enter and tell your friends about it too! Now off to start my next project! Happy Sewing!

Oh don’t forget to check out all the stops on the tour. So much eye candy!

Who is ready to do a little self care sewing? Yes ladies, you deserve it! What better to sew than a new purse? Not your thing (I totally understand, but you may want to make an exception this time) then perhaps make one to give as a gift. The holidays are looming closer! Now add giving to charity with some gift or self care sewing and you have the perfect excuse to buy the Perfect Pattern Parcel #7! It is here! I know I love getting the parcel. Great patterns, great price, great impact, what more could I ask for.

Don’t know what the pattern parcel is? Well over at Perfect Pattern Parcel they support independent (inde) designers by helping us sewists to purchase these patterns at a name your own price bundle! They also donate all the profits after expenses from the sales to charity. This year the goal is to raise over $20,000 for Donors Choose. This is the last parcel of the year so we need your help to go out with a bang!

There are parcel prices of $20-$58 and even a custom option for those that want to donate extra. Now if you spend $32 or more you get the bonus pattern! Trust me when I say you don’t want to miss the bonus pattern. It’s an exclusive release for the Pattern Parcel and the bag I chose to make!

This is the brand new Daphne Bag from Clover & Violet. This good size slouchy satchel has options for cross body or shoulder strap that closes with a zipper. On the inside it has a zipper pocket and an open pocket. Now this pattern typically features a more pieced and quilted look as that is how the pattern is supposed to be. I wanted to feature my much coveted Cotton and Steele horse fabric so I decided to do a non quilted version. I just love it! It is a good size bag that I can use for just about anything. There is plenty of space to hold not only my wallet, phone and keys, but also to stash a couple extra diapers, wipes, and snacks for the kids with room to spare. I am a mama of 3 kids so this purse is a great way to have a little fashion without sacrificing function! I especially love the detail of the tab on the zipper!

Yes that is my horse modeling my bag for me.  I didn’t have anyone to take a photo of me with my awesome new bag so I improvised.  He was such a good sport!  He carries it pretty well if you ask me.  I think his friends where even a little jealous!

Ready to head on over and get your own Perfect Pattern Parcel? Just click on the button below and pick the perfect parcel for yourself! Don’t forget to see all the other lovely bags on the tour for inspiration in what you can do with all the patterns!

Parcel #4 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, November 7

Stitched ||

Sew Exhausted

Saturday, November 8

Made by Sara ||Oliver’s Fancy ||

Strawberry Patch Ramblings

Sunday, November 9

from a box ||

Mia’s Creations ||

MOMENTS

Monday, November 10

owen’s olivia ||

While she was sleeping

Tuesday, November 11

Nutta ||

Radiant Home Studio ||

La Pantigana

Wednesday, November 12

Sew Fishsticks ||

Stacy Sews ||

Stitching Insane ||

GnomeAngel

Thursday, November 13

Needle and Ted ||

Patchouli Moon Studio ||

Sprouting JubeJube ||

The Crazy Tailor

Friday, November 14

Casa Crafty ||

A Jennuine Life ||

‘So, Zo… What do you know?’

Saturday, November 15

Stitches by Laura ||

Rebekah Sews ||

Serger Pepper

Sunday, November 16

Blogs Like A Mother ||

Vicky Myers creations ||

Blossom Heart Quilts

Monday, November 17

Shanni Loves ||

So Sew Easy ||

GYCT Designs ||

Tiger In A Tornado

Tuesday, November 18

The Nosy Pepper ||

Keep Calm and Carrion ||

There & Back ||

Sewing Sober

Wednesday, November 19

Sew Like My Mom ||

Knot Sew Normal ||

Stacy Sews ||

sewVery

Thursday, November 20

Mimi’s Mom ||

Our Family Four ||

shades of BOLD ||

Modern Handcraft

Friday, November 21

Shawnta Sews ||

Lulu & Celeste ||

Amanda Rose ||

Robin’s Fabric Nest ||

House of Pinheiro

Who else likes taking an already awesome pattern and using it to create something that is uniquely yours with little modifications? I know when I first started sewing, modifying a pattern or adding something to it that wasn’t part of the pattern was rather scary. Once you get more confident in your own sewing skills the possibilities become endless. That being said, when I had the chance to be part of the Pimp That Pattern Tour of Little Kiwi’s Closet Romper and Playsuit patterns I gladly jumped at the opportunity.

I had originally planned to pimp out the playsuit as I have made it before and loved the outcome both times. It’s a cute onsie pattern with a peasant neckline and many sleeve options. Ranging in sizes NB-4yrs, it is the perfect addition to any little ones wardrobe. However my plans soon changed when I came up with a great idea on how to pimp the romper instead. I couldn’t wait to get started.

The results where better than I had imagined! I know you want to hear about the modifications I made but I want to first tell you about the pattern! The Flutterby Romper comes in sizes NB-12yrs. There are a ton of features in this pattern that make it perfect for both babies and older girls. These include many sleeve options, instructions for snap crotch, pockets, shorts and pants options as well. You could literally make a different style romper each time you make this pattern by changing up the options you use each time. And of course the tutorial walks you through every step so even a beginner could make this pattern.

Ready to find out how I made it more of an empire waist with a skirt? I know I am ready to tell you! First an easy add was the lace overlay on the sleeves.  I just cut 2 sleeve pieces in the lace and 2 of the lining fabric.  Usually the elastic at the waist falls at the waist. In order to make this look I needed to raise it to an empire waist. This was accomplished by cutting the bottom of the top pattern piece 2.75″ below the arm pit curve. I then added that piece to the top of both the front and back pants pattern pieces. This raised the waist to an empire cut. I then continued to follow the tutorial exactly as written until it was time to add the waist elastic. To add the skirt you need to cut two band pieces the width of the romper plus seam allowances that is about 2″ in length. I then also cut two ruffle pieces (enough to fold over so you don’t have to hem) and 2 skirt pieces to my desired width based on the fullness I wanted. I then sewed the band, ruffle, and skirt into a circle for each piece. Gather the ruffle piece and skirt pieces. You will then attach the ruffle to the top of the band with RST and also attach the skirt to the bottom of the band with RST. Don’t topstitch yet! You will do this when attaching it to the romper. Now slide the romper into the skirt and line up the skirt so that the band is centered over the elastic casing and the seams of the skirt and ruffle are pointing in towards the center of the band. Topstitch all the way around the band 1/4’ away from the ruffle and skirt portions. This will attach it to the romper. Now if you look on the inside of the romper you will see that your elastic casing is still intact. You can go ahead and finish the romper now! How fun is that?

Ready to try out either the playsuit or romper yourself? Head on over to Little Kiwi’s Closet’s Craftsy store and get one or both. They are even 30% off during the tour. There is also a giveaway too! Just link up your playsuit or romper and you could win two patterns from Little Kiwi’s Closet! Link up here-> An InLinkz Link-up

Now it’s your turn. I challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone, try something new and make it your own. Have fun pimping it out! (That sounded better in my head…LOL)

Oh, and don’t forget to check out all the stops on the tour for more inspiration!

3rd November

2girls1orca1pukeko.blogspot.com

www.gingerbear.wordpress.com

4th November

Www.petitgigihandmade.blogspot.pt

http://dribblepotsandtots.wordpress.com

5th November

www.calmandcarrion.blogspot.com

Sew-not-perfect.blogspot.com

www.sewoutofcontrol.wordpress.com

6th November

www.conversasdehermanas.com

fairykissesboutique.blogspot.com

7th November

http://anapprenticehousewife.blogspot.com/?m=1

www.mendandmakenew.co.nz

8th November

Www.rebekahsews.com

https://www.diy-crush.com/blog/