Canadian Designer Blog Tour

Hi! Welcome to my stop on this awesome Canadian Pattern Designer Blog Tour hosted by Lulu & Celeste!

I've sewn patterns from a lot of the designers featured on this tour... E+M, Filles a Maman, Audrey & Tiffany, and Thread Theory. And I've loved all of the ones I've sewn.  There is actually a sew along this month in the Fabric Igloo B/S/T/A & Fun Stuff Group for the Thread Theory Comox Trunks if you want a fun chance to try out a great Canadian designer!

But on to my pattern for the tour... I am REALLY excited for this one.  This is the third Pattern I've made from FABulous Home Sewn.  When I saw their name as part of the tour, I decided it was a great chance to jump into more of their patterns.

 This is the Perfect Petal Purse, which is super cute and makes the cutest accent purse for Inara's flower picking escapades :)

And this is the Zippy Keepers Pattern, which I actually keep in my purse all the time.  The small size is great for coins and the larger for cards etc.  (Embroidery is Sherlock inspired from Knits and Giggles)

So, since I've made those two... I am very excited to show you my Sunburst Clutch:

This pattern is absolutely darling.  It takes less than 2 FQs to make.. and you can do the front flap details in multiple fabrics and use up scraps if you want too:

The front flap is constructed with multiple angled panels that fit perfectly together (just be very careful with your seam allowance).  This gives you a great chance to play with different fabrics to get the effect you want. 

The pouch is about 8x5".  It closes with a magentic snap closure.  Inside there is a key ring loop and a small zipper pouch. 

The pouch is the perfect size for just taking the essentials with you, and if you decided to make it in fancier fabrics -- something lacey or vinyl, maybe?  You'd have the perfect clutch for a night on the town. 

I love how bright and summery these fabrics make the clutch look.  It makes me want to attend a garden party!  I picked up the fabrics during a "Wacky Wednesday" sale in Whimsical Fabric & Me.  It was a great deal on a coordinating set of FQs and I am SO GLAD that I got them on a whim, because they work so perfectly for this pattern and I plan on taking my clutch everywhere I can get without the kids! 



The pattern is very detailed in the steps and the pattern pieces are professionally done and everything fits together perfectly.  The designer even includes a quick note on what type of interfacing she chose to use for the stability she wanted, which was a great detail to include because then I knew what to use to get more or less stability. 

I will definitely be making another one of these and if you are looking for a cute clutch that is fast to make and has that little extra detail to make it special... well this is it.  And I would definitely grab any of her patterns while they're on sale too!  Patterns are already marked down in the Craftsy Shop, but if you prefer to use Etsy, the code is "ocanada" and gets you 15% off.  Code expires midnight tomorrow, so shop while you can!!

Thank you so much for stopping by to see my creation... AND now take a moment to enter the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


And make sure you check out all of the other fantastic bloggers and designers that are being "sewn off" this month!:

June 1 - 3 Gracious Threads - Interview Creative Bug - The Wholesome Mama - stitched by crystal 

June 4 - 6 Jalie – Interview Shaffer Sisters – Call Ajaire – hibbadoray 

June 8 – 10 Thread Theory – Interview Handmade Boy – Rebel & Malice – Sew Out of Control 

June 11 - 13 Audrey & Tiffany – Interview All Things Katy! – Not Sew Fast – Conversas de Hermana 

June 15 – 17 E+M Patterns – Interview From-a-Box – Made by Sara – Climbing the Willow 

June 17 - 19 Victory Patterns – Interview Swoodson Says – Thread Riding Hood – Sprouting JubeJube

 June 18 – 20 FABulous Home Sewn – Interview Create3.5 – Calm and Carrion – Stitches by Laura 

June 22 – 24 Filles a Maman – Interview Pattern Revolution – PhatQuarters – sewstarly – House of Estrela 

June 24 – 26 Closet Case Files – Interview gloria june – Rebel & Malice – Sew Far North 

June 25 – 27 Elegance & Elephants – Interview Sprouting JubeJube – AmandaRose – Mae & K

 June 29 - 30 Lulu & Celeste: new makes and a round up post 

July 1st Last day to enter Giveaways and Final Round up Post!

Summer Surprise Anniversary Tour

Hi! And welcome to Day two of the Summer Surprise Anniversary Tour for Sofilantjes.

Let me start with a huge thank you to Deb of Sprouting Jube Jube and Anne, the designer behind Sofilantjes for letting me participate.

 
One year ago I applied for a pattern pre-test for a new designer.  The designer seemed really friendly, and I was excited to see something new.  I even wrote a review on my blog about it.  And right then I was hooked on Anne and her way of testing.  She was sweet, involved, friendly, and over the top to make sure that the pattern fit just right.  I've loved spending the last year sewing more of her patterns and watching her style and shop grow.

So here we are, one year later, and I'm excited to tell you that Anne has revamped and updated the pattern a bit and here's what you get:
The pattern comes either bundled or in two size ranges 6mo-7 or 7-12, and the pattern has skinny sizing from 12mo - 12 that is included.
The pattern comes with three lengths - top, tunic and dress
The pattern is made for knits and has a pretty inverted pleat on the front and bow detail on the back.
Layered print option.

So elegant lol

Since this is a blog tour and Deb said to be creative... and she has 5 traditional Summer Surprises that she wears all the time (we really like this pattern lol), I decided to fancy it up a bit.  Using the pattern pieces for the top, I took a few inches off the bottom of it and added a circle skirt.

Quick interlude to tell you about the fabrics... I used the Art Gallery Petal and Plume knits from Whimsical Fabric for the dress.

 As soon as I applied for the tour, I ordered these fabrics, even though I wasn't sure yet how I planned on *hacking* the pattern. 


If you've never used Art Gallery knits before -- they are ah-mazing.  So soft and nice to work with.

 The twirl is just fantastic.  An Inara fancies herself a princess with her elegant summer dress.... which I think explains her choice of head-wear.

Seriously, the epitome of elegance.

In order to celebrate the Sofilantjes anniversary, this pattern is on sale.  The code "Anniversary" will get you 25% off on the pattern on the Sofilantjes website.  AND to make the celebration even more awesome, there is a giveaway every day for the duration of the blog tour.  Here's today's giveaway:

 Day 2 giveaway

-Serger Pepper Designs, winner's choice
-Lily Bird Studio, winner's choice
-Cole's Corner and Creations, winner's choice
-Paisley Roots, All Spice
-Kelly J Designs, winner's choice
-Laela Jeyne Patterns, winner's choice
-KB Stitch Design, winner's choice
-Sofilantjes, winner's choice


a Rafflecopter giveaway

And don't forget to check out all the other awesome bloggers for more ideas on how to be creative with this pattern AND to enter all the giveaways for the week!

Congrats to Anne for such an awesome first year, and I wish you many more!

Inspinration - The Craftiness in Me - Van Je Veel - Boutique Birdie - Tory Frail Designs - Wining Wife - Keep Calm and Carrion - Moon Star - Circle Meets Line - Amazing Adventures with Bubba and Bug - Manning the Machine - Sugarplum Cuties - House of Estrela - Create 3.5 - Handcrafted by RED - Lulu & Celeste - Rebel & Malice - Two Novembers - From a Box - Sprouting JubeJube - Maryall Made - Phat Quarters - Knot Sew Normal - Sew Happily Ever After - All Things Katy

Women's Bundle Up Blog Tour: MODKid Women's Malibu

Good morning!  Welcome to Day Three of the Pattern Revolution Women's Bundle Up Blog Tour!

I'll be posting a bit this week to show off the patterns I've sewn from the bundle, but let's start here with the gorgeous MODKid Malibu.  

*Disclaimer, I am totally and completely awkward when it comes to photos, so enjoy my attempting to follow Inara's instructions to "pose pretty."  

The details:
Sizes XS to XXL (30"-42" Bust and 32-44" Hip)
Made for knit fabrics
Two back options (crossover or solid)
Two lengths (mini or maxi)

I did the mini-length with the crossover back.  I am kind of at the top end of the fit for this pattern, and I feel like I could have taken it in a little, so there is definitely some give room if you're worried that it won't be big enough, don't worry!  In fact, my hips are definitely outside the measurements and I was a little worried that I might have to adjust the skirt, but it didn't need it.

This is me attempting to listen to Inara's constant critiques of me posing.  She was standing off camera on her play set yelling down at me.  She goes "Mom, your dress is pretty, how about you pose pretty too? AND take that frumpy sweater off."

Apparently, she doesn't love my cardigan... but it was a bit chilly, and I wanted to show that it layers up nicely for cool summer nights!

The pattern gives instructions for either using FOE for the binding or doing a knit binding.  I thought a pretty lace edged bias would look cute.

What I loved: I love that the back shows off my tattoo, while still allowing me to wear a bra.  I also like the A-line skirt shape, which I find to be much more flattering to my body type than a straight or gathered skirt. I also like that it has a solid back option for more modesty, if that's what you're looking for.  Also, this I thought was cool, the pattern gives 3 cutting lengths for the skirts: petite, average, or tall.  Which meant that I wasn't cutting a skirt that would end up being 3" too long, because I'm kind of short.

What I'd change: This one comes down to body type, I think, but when you add the elastic at the waistline, it gives the dress a better shape, but if you're like me and have a natural waist that is significantly smaller than your hips, it almost pulls the bodice up a little too far.  So I think for the next one I will shorten the bodice a little bit, so the crossover in the back sits more flat when worn.

This is my first MODKid Women's pattern, and I'm really happy with it.  I found the instructions to be easy to follow and understand, and the dress came together in about two hours from print to hem, which is amazing for a dress for me!

If you're still deciding which patterns to bundle up, this one is a yes from me!

And if you need more opinions and to see more options on all the patterns included (which come on, we all need to see more inspiration!), make sure you check out the rest of the bloggers on the tour

I've found that the best way to see all the posts, is to make sure you're following the Pattern Revolution Facebook Page!  

**Last disclaimer... this pattern was provided free to me in exchange for blogging about it, but all opinions are my own, and I picked it because I loved the teaser pics!

MCM Studio Designs Blog Tour - Estherlyn's Jumper

Hi! Welcome to day three of the MCM Studio Designs Blog Tour!

I was lucky enough to test the Love Bird Dress a couple monthds ago, and was really impressed with Linda's patterns, so when she said "blog tour?" I jumped on it.  And today I am going to show you a couple versions of Estherlyn's Jumper.
 

First, the details:
Sizes: 3m through 10yrs
Fully or partially lined options.
Made for woven fabrics
Buttons at shoulders
Cute Asymmetrical Apron
Multiple pocket/applique options included.

First up, the more traditional one... this one I used some Riley Blake and Michael Miller fabrics that have sat in my stash for ... well over a year... probably closer to two years, waiting for the *right* pattern.  I think I found it!

This is the fully lined version, with the apron and I used the included patch pocket that was included. From start to finish, this pattern took under two hours to complete, and I am totally thrilled with it.  Inara is at the top of the range for the size 6, so I did a size 7 with a size 6 length.

Inara's chest is 24.5", and the size 6 says 24" chest and size 7 says 26".  So I she probably could have had a more fitted look with the size 6, but as it is, it is just loose enough to wear a sleeved shirt underneath, since it's still cool here, it's perfect!

After finishing that one, I decided I wanted to show off another way the pattern could look.  So after a ton of browsing around on the Whimsical Fabric site, I picked a couple prints from the Sidewalks Line.  And then after (very little) more waffling, I added on some more of the Ruffle-Rac that I am totally obsessed with, and a couple of Riley Blake Buttons.  Okay, supplies all gathered... here's where I went with it:

Same dress... different look!  This is the partially lined version - so lighter for summer and beach wear... but still encloses all of the bodice seams nicely.  And I left off the apron, and instead added some ruffle-rac long the bodice.  *Squeal* I love it!!

 And used some of the included appliques, and the buttons I ordered, to add a cute detail to the bottom of the pattern.

I think together it creates the sweetest little summer dress.  And leaving the apron off, it took even less time to sew and still looks fantastic!  I had so much fun with this pattern. It's so fun to customize and the instructions were clear and easy to follow.

What I liked: The fit is spot on, the partial and full linings are both well written and enclose all the seams that would otherwise itch the heck out of Inara.  I LOVE how fast it is to sew, and the ability to highlight fabrics.

What I'd change:  I think the length is a little longer than I'd like to see for Inara, even though I did the size 6 length, Inara is at the bottom of the range for the size 6, so if I want a shorter look, I know to cut the 5 length for the next one.  That said, the measurements match the finished chart perfectly, so its not the pattern!

Through April 25th, all of the MCM patterns are 25% off.  They are already marked down in her Craftsy Shop and in her Big Cartel Shop use the code SPRINGSALE25.  I highly recommend both this and the Love Bird.  I haven't made the Ginger Snap yet, but some of the other bloggers have posted it, and I am totally in love!

And after that, make sure you check out the MCM Studio Designs blog.  Why? Well, first, so you can get the links to check out all of the other awesome bloggers.  And second, to find out how to enter to win a pattern of your choice!

Thanks for stopping by!

Bella Sunshine Designs Holiday Cutout Blog Tour: Day 2

Welcome to Day Three of the Bella Sunshine Designs Holiday Cutout Blog Tour!  And Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Since it's St. Patty's Day, I decided to give you a look at the shamrock cutout version.  And here is our take on the Bella Sunshine Designs Holiday Cutout Top and Dress.

The details:
Sizes 12m - 10
Dress or Top Version
Instructions for Cutout or Applique
Includes 6 different shape printouts.

I did the dress version with both an applique and a cutout.  The cutouts come in three sizes and the pattern includes recommendations on which to use for different size kids.   I used the recommended medium sized cutout for Inara's, since she is a size 6 and I think the size is great on her.

I also added an applique to the skirt as well.  I wasn't sure if it was *too* much, but Inara insisted it was needed, so I went for it.  The pattern even includes instructions on how to applique the design on nicely.

I think what I love most about this pattern is that it is really easy to customize how you want.  Not even just with fabrics and cutouts, but you can make the skirt pieces wider for more fullness and twirl, or you can even do the skirt in knit if you wanted.  Or you can do what I did... FOE instead of the straps.  I was going to do the tie straps in green to pull it all together, but with tie straps, she wouldn't be able to wear it to school, so I decided to try something a little different and make the bodice binding and straps out of FOE, so that they would stretch to go on and off, but wouldn't be able to be untied!

We also decided to stick a shirt on under it since she wanted to keep it on all day and its a bit chilly here still...

What I love about it:  I love how it's so easy to customize... Have you seen some of the other bloggers on the tour (You can see the other two for today here!)?? There are all sorts of personal touches you can use with this pattern as a base.

What I would change:  The bodice is attached to the skirt so that you enclose the waist seam (yay!), but the way it's attached requires you to top-stitch that seam where I'd rather whip-stitch the lining closed, and forego the top-stitching.  But that's personal preference, isn't it?

Really though, the pattern is fantastic.  The fit was perfect without any adjustments, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow.  Here's an endorsement.. I actually tested the leggings and not the top, but bought the top when it was released because I really enjoyed the testing period and liked her writing style and the care she put into the fit and instructions.  There is even a free pattern in her shop if you want to check her out before buying!

While you're grabbing this great pattern, you should definitely grab the Bow Tie Leggings from the Bella Sunshine Designs Shop as well... I made them for Inara to go with this top... and the bows can be done in knit or woven, so they match the dress!!

Don't laugh too much at her shoes... she got them from a consignment sale and wears them ALL over the place.  As for the dress... we both love the look of it... feminine and well fitting, without being over the top.  It's perfect for my fickle child!

The code: BLOGTOUR will get you 20% off both patterns here, so grab them while they are on sale... then make sure to check out all the other awesome bloggers for the week!

Thanks for stopping by to check out my dress!

*disclaimer: this post includes affiliate links, but all opinions are my own!

Extraordinary Girl Blog Tour Day 2

Hi and welcome to Day Two of the Extraordinary Girl Blog tour (hosted by the awesome Deb of Sprouting Jube Jube)

Let's start with stating that I love these patterns... Both the women's and girl's version of the Filles a Maman Extraordinary Girl are fantastic, and I am happy to be part of the tour to show you ours!

Connor on the other hand is mad that I didn't make him one as well...

For this round I left the pockets off, at the decision of the boss (Inara).  She also chose the fabrics.. The main print is a rayon blend knit.  The red is a really soft modal, and the green is an interlock - which works out well for a collar that doesn't stretch too much when putting the shirt on and off.

This is what happens when Inara chooses the poses

The women's version runs from sizes XS - XXL and the fit is spot on with the size chart.
The girl's version runs from 12mo - 14.

Both are made for knits, have a light high-low hemline, boat neck, optional pocket, and 3/4 or long sleeves.

It was such a gorgeous day for pictures too!

I made the 3/4 sleeves for myself and the long sleeves for Miss. It's 50 degrees and won't wear her coat on the playground and complains that it's cold... (aka Inara).  I love how the neckline lets my tattoo peak out, without being so wide that my bra straps would show.

And the un-cropped version... Connor is not amused!  

Now, the fabric I used was a bit too floral for Connor... BUT I have actually made this pattern for him too.  To make it slightly more boyish in style, I made the bottom hemline straight across instead of high-low.  

And don't mind her mis-matching here... but Connor took this one, so I had to show it!  He did great!

 **affiliate note**
Over at Filles a Maman the girl's pattern is on sale for $7.00 through the tour and the bundle is on sale for $13.00!  The bundle is an AWESOME deal, and I highly recommend grabbing it while its on sale!!

And make sure you enter the giveaway for a chance to win an awesome pattern bundle:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And then follow along with the rest of the awesome bloggers on the tour:

Monday Feb. 16th

   Call Ajaire -  The Crazy Tailor - From a Box - Sew Out of Control

Tuesday Feb. 17th

Lulu & Celeste - Keep Calm and Carrion - Sprouting JubeJube - Sofilantjes

Wednesday Feb. 18th

Sew Starly - Rebekah Sews - Rebel & Malice - Isn't That Sew

Thursday Feb. 19th

Thread Riding Hood - House of Estrela - Project Destash

Friday Feb, 20th

Sew Cool for the Tween Scene - Phat Quarters - Pienkel 

 Shaffer Sisters - La Casa Cactus - Mabey She Made It

Thanks for stopping by!!