Pattern Review: Everyday Tank and Dress from Serger Pepper

Happy Saturday!  The kids have been under the weather, but recovered now, and I am going to take them out to this local fair tomorrow to celebrate.  That and being cooped up in the house with them all week has me feeling quite the need to get them out!  

Have you been following the Aspiring Designer's Challenge from Pattern Revolution?  I love seeing all these new up-and-coming creative minds at work.  I really love getting to test for some of them as well.  Last week I talked about the Omni Tempore from Sofilantjes for Connor.  Today I am here to tell you about the new pattern from Serger Pepper.

The Everyday Tank: Top and Dress:
Available in sizes 3 - 14
Three length options: tank, midi (knee length dress), and maxi (ankle length dress)
Optional pockets 

Banded or regular hemline options
Instructions for multiple binding methods
Made for knits
Great for upcycles

First off, the site chart was spot on for Inara's measurements.  The tank sits right at the perfect length to be appropriate for wear with leggings.  When you have a little one who can't stand jeans, its important to find tops that look good with her extensive legging collection.  

This top was made with Ooga Booga interlock, the solid purple is a cotton/Lycra from PurpleSeamstress, and white ribbing for the binding. 

And, since Inara loves dresses, I made her a midi length as well using a cotton/Lycra print, and two cotton/Lycra solids, all from Fabric Dealers.  

Look at that attitude!

The dress fits nicely without being too tight, which is achieved with the lovely subtle a-line that the dress has, as opposed to the night straight shape of the tank.  The pockets are a super fun detail that Inara just gushed over.

This is the second pattern of Irene's that I have sewn.  The first being these super cute undies...  (You should pick them up as well as the Everyday Tank: Top and Dress, the bum coverage is awesome). The patterns are well written and east to follow.  The instructions are laid out nicely and include lots of detail options to personalize your outfit.  The pattern pieces themselves are well drafted, and easy to assemble, which to me is always a relief, as I seem to have serious issues with taping...

Thanks for coming to check out my post, and I hope you enjoy sewing this one up as much as I did.  Huge thanks to Irene for allowing me to test, and for some more inspiration, check out the other awesome tester blog posts:

Maryall Made 

El Blog de la Tata 

Knot So Normal 

Pattern Review: Rissa Roo's Pixie Knit Shirt from The Plucky Butterfly

Hello and welcome to Monday.   In our house, Monday means house cleaning, laundry, and for this particular week.. Sick kiddos. I have to say, I am really blessed when it comes to my kids' health.  They are rarely sick, so when they are both so sick and miserable I just want to snuggle them.

Anyways, on a much more exciting note, are you looking for a cute, girly, unique shirt to add to your school wardrobe?  If so, I've got it!  Meet Rissa Roo's Pixie Knit Shirt.

The details:
Sizes 2-12 AND doll sized
Short or Long Sleeved options
Three hemline options: curved front and back, curved front/straight back, curved front with panel
Perfect for upcyles!

If you couldn't tell I really love upcycling, so this shirt is great for us.  Inara gets to have a creeper shirt that is just like daddy's but its cute and girly, so she is just thrilled.  Now they can all play Minecraft together in their Minecraft Shirts...  (dorks).

Inara spent a lot of the summer in her Rissa Roo Tank/Halters and her Rissa Roo Woven Dress is one of her all time favorite dresses.  BUT it's getting close to back to school time, and I was kind of sad that the cute hemline wouldn't get to be shown off in school (stupid dress code).  Now, I get to make them for back to school, and I can make her some cute long sleeved ones for winter. 

We even had a birthday party to go to right at the end of the testing period, and I made a girl and matching doll one for the birthday girl and paired them with the Jocole Faux Wrap Skort.

 I used a Frozen t-shirt to make the girl one, and an iron on transfer for the doll on.  I think that little miss likes her outfit!  AND she's got a Frozen outfit that none of her friends have, which is always cool.

So if you are looking for the perfect shirt that has that something extra to make it girly, without being too over the top - this is it.  Inara has already picked out her next two t-shirts to upcycle, which makes me breathe a sigh of relief, because it is so nice to have a pattern that she loves that I know she can wear back to school.

ALL of the Plucky Butterfly Patterns are on sale for a short short time more - so grab them quickly before they go back up to regular price... I highly suggest the Surround Me With Love Twirl Skirt too - its SO FUN to make.

Happy Sewing! 

  

Pattern Review: Omni Tempore Boys Shirt from Sofilantjes

Happy Saturday!  I am actually attempting to pack an overnight bag in a rather hurried fashion as we are heading off the peninsula for a camp-out birthday party for Inara's friend.  Thankfully the mother is letting Connor and I crash in the house, since I'm not sure how well he would do in a tent all night with a bunch of squealing girls...

Actually, this is two posts in a row that are Connor-centric... which I am really stoked about, because I spend so much time making things for Inara, that it's fun to find some cool patterns for Connor.  I am here to tell you about today's Pattern Revolution Aspiring Designer.   This is the second designer I have tested for that publishes her patterns in two languages.  Annemieke of Sofilantjes Patterns publishes her patterns in both English and her native Dutch.  She has native Dutch speakers in her testing group and I am constantly using my *translate* button to try to learn some of the language.  

So I present to you, the Omni Tempore Boys Shirt ((Buy it now, while it's on sale!)) 

About the shirt:
Sizes 12mo - 14yrs
Baggy fit
Unique Collar
Short or long sleeves
Made for knit fabrics

I love how fast this comes together, and I especially love the collar detail.  It's just a little pop of something different, but it makes the top fun to give that personal touch to.  This is the second paid pattern from Sofilantjes, and I love that she is doing both boy and girl patterns.  Her patterns have these nice clean lines, but all have a cool detail that makes them so original.  If you're on the fence, check out her free skirt pattern, and get a feel for her writing style and pattern style. 

I may have been having a bit too much fun with this pattern, and made a whole bunch of them, but Connor really loves them, and we get tons of compliments on them.  And I even pulled out one of my fun custom knits for the one above.  What else is great about this shirt?  Perfect for cool upcycles...

Gotta love that little face... he was SO excited to show this one off.  I used a $7 t-shirt from JCPenny and some leftover cotton-lycra from PurpleSeamstress and in under an hour, we have this awesomely personal, sized for my little Minecraft lover, one of a kind shirt. 

And my last bit of gushing over this shirt.. I know it says *boys* shirt, BUT it is totally awesome for little girls too.  Want to see? 

Both little ones totally rock this shirt, and loved how comfortable it was.  For me, the ability to make an shirt that is comfortable, unique, great for upcyling, and a style at works for both kids in under an hour is just perfect. 

So definitely stop over either the Sofilantjes Craftsy Shop or Etsy Shop and pick up the Omni Tempore,  AND if you happen to have a girl, you should totally grab the Summer Surprise Dress/Tunic (you can read my review here). 

Congrats Annemieke on another awesome pattern!!

Perfect Pattern Parcel #4 Blog Tour: Zippy Jacket

Hi!  Long time no see (I know you are all going, UGH again!), but I'm really excited to be back to blogging, and I'm slowly pulling myself out of the haze of personal issues that seem to have clouded my head lately.  And today I'm here to tell you about the Perfect Pattern Parcel #4 .  This is actually my first of two posts about Parcel #4, which is all about boys.  And it is pretty fabulous actually.


So let me start by explaining how this thing works... From now until September 5th you can purchase these patterns while supporting both the awesome indie designers who made them AND children's education equality, as after expenses are paid the remaining profit is donated to Donorschoose.org.  So there are 5 patterns included in the bundle and you kind of get to name your own price on this bundle (retail value is over $60).  If you pick a price over $26, then you get a special bonus pattern that is also VERY cool.   If you can, the Perfect Pattern Parcel people (say that one ten times fast?) would love it if you choose  to pay as much as you can so that they are able to donate as much as possible to Donorschoose.org, especially since it is back to school time!

The patterns for this parcel are: 

Maxwell Top by Shwin Designs

Zippy Jacket by Blank Slate Patterns

Schoolboy Vest by Sew Much Ado

Small Fry Jeans by Titchy Threads

Jet Pack Bag by Betz White

Bonus Pattern:  Knight Hoodie by Charming Doodle.

So for my first Perfect Pattern Parcel #4 post, I am going to show off my Zippy Jacket by Blank Slate Patterns.  I actually own a couple of patterns from Blank Slate, but they were bought on a whim and have sat in my MAKE THIS folder for way too long.  After making the Zippy Jacket, I went ahead and printed out the pieces for the other Blank Slate patterns I have.

Say hi to Connor, who is getting better at modeling, I think...  He was SO excited to put this one on and didn't fuss at all about the pictures.

First of all, the fit was spot on with the chart.  Connor is in the 18mo/2T and it fits him perfectly.  Second, the instructions were fantastic.  I love how each step is clearly and simply explained and the entire jacket can me made with a very finished look without needing a serger.

For my jacket I used a cotton-lycra knit from So Cheeky Fabric with a white wide-ribbing for the cuffs, bottom band, pocket bindings, and for the underside of the collar.  Start to finish the jacket took me under 2hours to make, which was surprising in itself.  I sat down to sew in the evening with a cup of coffee, since I looked at the jacket and thought, *I could be here a while.*  In the end, I finished the jacket, watched and episode of Dr. Who, made a birthday gift, organized my ribbon, watched another episode of Dr. Who, and then finally the caffeine wore off enough for me to go to sleep.

 I am still some what stunned at just how fast this was to sew. Especially with how darling the finished product is.

The pattern itself comes in four sizes: 18mo/2T, 3T/4T, 5/6, and 7/8. 
Comes with very clear and easy to understand instructions.
Nicely drafted and easy to piece printable pattern pieces.

And I know this is the boy's parcel, but this jacket is totally fitting for boys or girls, and I'm already planning out Inara's for this fall.

He looks so grown up here, right? He's puffing out his chest to show off his awesome ninja turtle Zippy jacket!  And don't let the zipper scare you, her instructions make it a total breeze!!  This one is a must have for the back to school wardrobe!







You really can't go wrong snatching this up during the Perfect Pattern Parcel #4 deal, and make sure you check out the other awesome bloggers over the next two weeks, who will all be showing off more of the patterns that are available in this parcel!


Parcel #4 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, August 22 casa crafty || Lulu & Celeste || Keep Calm and Carrion
Saturday, August 23 Max California || Amanda Rose
Sunday, August 24 little betty sews
Monday, August 25 Kadiddlehopper || Radiant Home Studio
Tuesday, August 26 La Pantigana || Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts || Friends Stitched Together
Wednesday, August 27 Make It Perfect || Modern Handmade || GYCT Designs
Thursday, August 28 Needle and Ted || Mae & K || Mimi's Mom
Friday, August 29 Pienkel || Once Upon a Sewing Machine || Friends Stitched Together
Saturday, August 30 FABulous Home Sewn || Gray Skies || The Crazy Tailor
Sunday, August 31 Nine Stitches || Max California || Oliver's Fancy || Friends Stitched Together
Monday, September 1 a happy stitch || lady and the gents || Our Family Four || Swoodson Says
Tuesday, September 2 verypurpleperson || Things for Boys || The Crazy Tailor
Wednesday, September 3 Our Family Four || Rebekah Sews || a happy stitch
Thursday, September 4 Sew a Straight Line || la inglesita || Made by Sara || Knot Sew Normal
Friday, September 5 Knot Sew Normal || Gracious Threads || Sofilantjes || Max California  

 

Cozy Nest Convertible/Reversible Bag Blog Tour and Giveaway - Day 1

Hi!  I feel like it's been forever since I've sat down to write... actually, it has been quite a while!  Eep!  Being at my parents' house was just not conducive to being productive.  I don't go home often, and this was the longest I've been back in a few years, and I got kind of wrapped up in relaxing instead of accomplishing anything. Sorry!  I'm back now, and SO SO excited about this post.

I actually own a few patterns from Cozy Nest Design.  A while ago Sarah posted a tester call for the Cozy Cakes Backpack and I thought it was insanely cute.  Even though I didn't test it, I saw a lot of positive feedback from the testers, and they all seemed to really enjoy working with her, so I snatched it up as soon as it came out.  And then I ended up getting a few others along the way.   If you remember, I made the Little Bunny Poo Poo treat bag for my kids for Easter and it was a big hit.  My friend Tiffany makes the Goody Good Gumballs Treat Bag for her shop (Tiff2any Designs) and they are adorable as well.

Either way, I've really liked working with Sarah's patterns, so when she said "blog tour?" I said, ME!

And here we are!  Welcome to Day one of the Convertible/Reversible Bag Tour.  Make sure you read till the end, as Sarah has graciously organized a lovely giveaway to go with the tour!  This bag is pretty ingenious, actually.  As you can see in the picture, it actually converts 4 ways, giving you 4 totally different bags.   If you're newer to sewing, take it slow, and follow along carefully, and you'll be just fine.  The bag calls for a bunch of different hardware, but it is easily adapted how you like (ie leaving off the D-rings or using snaps to end the straps instead of swivel hooks).  Even her instructions for sewing on the zippers are clear and easy to follow!

When it comes to this bag, fabric selection took me just as long as sewing the bag did.  Mostly because I was so excited about the idea that I could have two completely different looks all within one bag.  For *Bag 1* I used a really pretty princess like pattern from Clothworks, and to be a little more trendy with *Bag 2* I went with a black and white for the main and did the contrast in a bright pink to make it pop.

My *Bag 1* is very everyday style for me.  I'm calling the look "classy princess," and am seriously considering making myself a dress that matches...  *Bag 1* has two options, a larger bag, which is perfect for everyday use - even when I toss in wipes and a diaper!  And for the rare occasions that I make it out without the kids, I can fold it into the smaller option, which uses the same shoulder strap, but is perfect for those kid-free trips!

For *Bag 2* I attempted to go with something that was a little more eye catching.  Something I would use when I was out with my friends shopping, maybe.  And then, once our shopping trip was complete, I can turn it into the clutch with the fold-over flap to take with me to a nice quiet drink!  (The following scenarios are all me reminiscing my pre-child days...shhhh)   I totally love the little clutch version, and am dying for a chance to use it.

They look like two separate bags, right?  It blows my mind how this is one bag that converts into all of these options. In fact, once I was done, I may have spent an absurd amount of time flipping from option to option in awe.  I did my bag in quilting cottons, but if you use a laminated cotton, you would have a waterproof interior/exterior as well.  AND the pattern includes instructions to make a little vinyl pouch to go in the bag for makeup and such.

If you haven't noticed, I have this slight obsession with organization.  This is important because this pattern has a lot of pieces, and they can get a bit mixed up if you aren't careful.  Sarah solves this dilemma perfectly - the pattern comes with printable labels that you can cut out and pin to your pattern pieces to keep them all organized as you work your way through constructing your bag.  They are amazing.  And the pattern itself is laid out so you can check off each piece that cut for the bags, and then check of step by step as you go through the pattern itself.  The whole layout of the pattern made me so peaceful while sewing it.  Even if it looks a little daunting from all the pieces, you will have no issue working your way through with the great system Sarah used!  SO, if you haven't yet, hop over to her shop and pick up the pattern and start picking out your fabrics!

Thank you for stopping by to see my day of the tour! A huge thank you to Sarah as well for organizing the tour and for creating such an awesome pattern that was so much fun to work with. Lastly, thank you to the other bloggers, who have made prepping for the tour a lot of fun, they are so talented and creative!  Make sure you stop over and check out the other awesome their posts this week...

Monday, July 28th

Maria of Mia's Creations

Niki Stringer of Roonie Ranching 

Tuesday, July 29th

Lynn Potts of PottsCrafty

Marilyn Brandt at Shades of Bold

Alyssa Carrion at Keep Calm & Carrion 

Wednesday, July 30th

Vicky Myers of Vicky Myers Creations,

Liz Schaffner at MOMENTS

Sarah at Cozy Nest Design

Thursday, July 31st

Amy Macdonald with Friends Stitched Together  

Kathy from Handmade Dress Haven

Judith Clauss of Judith Stitches and More

Friday, August 1st

Jonie Brooks with Knot Sew Normal  

Lorena Rey of my way of...

Bethany Rapp with Sweet Bee Buzzings

AND while you're here... please take a moment to enter the giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Little Kiwi's Closet Scalloped Princess Dress Blog Tour: Day 1

Hi!  Welcome to day one of the Little Kiwi's Closet Scalloped Princess Dress Blog Tour.   Being on day one always makes me so nervous (shhh, don't tell Lydia).

I'm actually really excited to be part of this tour.  I do a lot of testing for Lydia, but when it was testing time for this dress, I was getting ready to visit my parents in New York and I wasn't sure I would have time to get it done, so I very reluctantly sat it out.  When Lydia announced the Blog Tour, I may have squealed a little, because I LOVE having a chance to show off her patterns.

Little Kiwi's Closet is one of the first designers I tested for, so she kind of holds a special place in my heart.  When I started testing, I wasn't very good at photos (at the time all I had was my cell phone), but I had bought one of her patterns and really loved how it was written, and when she posted a tester call, I crossed my fingers and applied.  Lydia is so sweet to test for.   She's receptive to suggestions, always has a positive attitude, and her patterns have this distinct feel to them that is just so *her* that I find myself really getting into each pattern.

This dress has a LOT of options, so I want to start with the details:
Sizes 12mo - 9yrs
4 Neckline options
2 Bodice Styles
3 skirt styles (below knee, high-low and long)
3 Hem styles
Instructions for button or snap closure on back

Sewing time: 1.5 - 2.5hrs depending on the options you choose, how many distractions you have and how fast you sew!




For my first dress, I knew exactly what I wanted to to.  I'm still in New York right now and we decided to take the kids to Sesame Place while I was here.  I don't usually go all out with the outfits like this, but the dress was just too perfect to not.

So here is Inara's Abby Ca-dabby inspired Scalloped Princess Dress.  I used the scalloped bodice with scoop neckline and the scalloped knee length skirt with hidden facing.  And then came the interesting part.  I decided I wanted the skirt to look like Abby's fairy skirt in blue and purple, so I sat down and stared at the skirt pattern piece for a bit and used the back seam side to create a template for a single scallop (if you do this, just remember you need to have a seam allowance on both sides of the scallop, and you need to make sure that you taper it correctly to the top so that the finished width of the skirt is the same as it would be if you used one fabric).  I will say, it was a little nerve-wracking when I got to the step to sew the hem facing on, because I was suddenly worried that my scallops weren't perfect and the facing wouldn't line up and I'd have been very sad.  But it fit!

How cute does she look posing with Abby?! I even made Connor an outfit for the day... I used the LKC Panelled Pants/Shorts Pattern and just appliqued some blocks on a store bought shirt... 

Okay, so the first dress, total hit at the park and with Inara.  She twirled around all day and proudly announced to everyone who asked that they could not have a dress like hers because her mommy made it with Miss Lydia's pattern.  After doing that dress, I decided I really wanted to do a second one that would help showcase just how diverse the options on this pattern are... and thus the second dress was born...

For this dress I used the sweetheart neckline, princess bodice, and hi-low hemline.  The hi-low is designed to be worn with leggings, but I wanted to go for a more dressy version.  And Lydia as always came through with this nicely placed tip on lengthening the pattern.  So I decided to do two layers to the skirt.  The bodice is the size 5, the pink sheer skirt is also the size 5, and then I did the underskirt in a sparkly purple satin with a size 5 waist and size 7 length.

The difference in length of the two layers gives the dress a really elegant look, and the longer bottom layer falls right at Inara's ankles.  I sort of wish I could make this in my size now, though, where would I wear it?  The supermarket?

The fit on the dress is perfectly in line with the sizing chart, as I've gotten used to with Lydia's patterns.  The sizing is very accurate, so measure your child and go off the chart and you will get a perfectly fitted garment.  The instructions are fantastic as well.  Each step is clearly explained with pictures, and should you have any questions her Facebook Group is active and full of friendly people who will help.  If this is your first LKC pattern, I really think it will hook you on her patterns.

Thank you for stopping by for my stop on the tour... make sure you check out the other awesome bloggers this week and also So Mama Sew who is posting today as well.  

And last, but very importantly... the giveaway!!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you enjoyed my creations!

 

Welcome to Sewing Land: Second Installment

Hi everyone!  Thanks for coming to check out the second installment of Welcome to Sewing-Land!

If you are just joining us, check out the Intro Post that should give you some idea of  what this series is all about.  And then, stop by the First Installment to welcome out first group of new sewists...  And now, on to the next group!!  Please take a couple minutes to welcome our new sewists, and stay tuned for the end of the series where there is a surprise waiting!

First up, please welcome Miss Pamela. 

My name is Pamela C.  I’m 33 and I live in Southampton, UK.  I have 2 children Eva (3) and Joseph (2).  I am an ex-Occupational Therapist who is now a stay at home mum. I spend most of my time chasing after my 2 kids and my husband.

 

I am totally reading her responses with an awesome British accent too... lol.  Maybe I can sweet talk her into some UK exclusive BBC merchandise??? ;)  Pamela has had a sewing machine sitting in a corner for 8 years, and decided two months ago to bite the bullet and jump in.  Pamela decided to start sewing for a very cool reason - her kids are not "standard" sized (I feel like this is a common problem, maybe store bought sizes are just lame), anyways, she wanted to make them clothes that would fit properly, which just makes me smile... she sounds like an awesome mommy!

 

 Her sewing experiences so far?  I have mainly been sewing for my children. Although I have made a bag for my sister-in-law too. I tried to make a dress for me, but it did not turn out well!

 

Here is what she has chosen to show off for us:  

 Her little man and the shorts are just both fantastic, right?  She chose this project as one of the first because she knew there were tons of pretty dress patterns out there for her daughter and didn't want her little man to feel left out. 

Her advice to other newbies?

 Just do it! Following a pattern isn’t nearly as hard as I expected. There is so much choice out there and every time you see your child wearing something you made it will bring a smile to your face.




Next up we have Hannah.  Welcome!!  Hannah hails from New Zealand and has a 20 mo old son and is pregnant with her next squish as well.  (Think of all the baby sewing!!!!)  

Hannah has only been sewing for one month.. Why did she decide to start?

 I...... decided to start so my son would have beautiful unique clothing,  I remember all the beautiful things my grandma and mumma would make me and didnt want that to get lost for my children. Not everything has to come from the mall and cost a bomb. Plus my son likes picking the fabric heh

Maybe a mini-fashion designer in the making??  So far she has been sewing for her son, niece and nephew.  

For Hannah's first project she dove into an area that terrifies me...  Cloth diapers - I have no idea why I think they must be so difficult to sew, but every time I considered doing it I cringed and ran off to find a WAHM that I liked... 

Hannah used the Babyville pattern for her diaper - and I am so impressed with this! It looks fantastic!!

Why did she choose this for her first project?

I thought if I could make these I would save so much from buying at stores or off other wahm plus I could choose the fabric!! (It also looked pretty basic apart from the elastic)

What advice does she have for others who want to take up sewing?


Just do it, make mistakes and have fun. :-) 









Our third new seamstress for today is Christy.  Welcome!!  

 

Hi everyone!  My name is Christy and I live in northern Indiana with Matt, my husband of 7 years, and our two daughters.  Madeline is two and Allison is six months.  I am a stay-at-home mom and love almost every minute of it.  Before I had my daughters I taught high school Math and plan to someday go back to teaching.  

 

Christy started sewing burp clothes and blankets about 10 months ago, but finally decided to jump into patterns after 4 months.  Her first pattern item was from a paper pattern, and after being unsatisfied with the outcome, she found PDF patterns and got hooked.  (Sounds like a familiar story, huh?)  

Why did Christy start sewing? 
Its been something I have always wanted to learn but my real motivation came after I stumbled across all of the cute children's patterns on Etsy.  I love making cute dresses for my girls. 

 

So far Christy has only sewn for her daughter, but she really wants to get into handbags and home decor stuff as well.  

 

 Christy made an awesome choice for her first PDF projects...  Tie Dye Diva has such well written patterns, they are such a great place to start!  

I stumbled across Tie Dye Diva patterns on Etsy when I was looking for a pattern designer that sold patterns in toddler and baby sizes.  I then joined the affiliated Facebook group and browsed the albums.  I choose the basic A-line because it looked the easiest and the Fair and Square because I was hoping to use it for my daughters 4 month pictures.  Thanks to a great pattern, great instructions, and a great group of ladies in the Facebook group I had a dress ready when her four month pictures rolled around. 

 

And what advice does Christy have for others wanting to take up sewing?  My advice would be to just go for it.  Buy a pattern and some fabric and give it a try.  When I first tried reading the patterns it looked so confusing but once I had my fabric in front of me and could follow along it was much easier than it looked.  I would definitely recommend PDF patterns and to join the Facebook group if the pattern designer has one.  They are so helpful!  Tie Dye Diva Patterns is a great place to start.  Her pattern instructions are very well written and easy to follow.  I also have had a great time learning how to sew with knits using Peek-a-Boo Patterns.  

Okay, please take a few minutes to welcome this group of new sewists and offer a few words of encouragement.  I'm so glad that these ladies have taken the time to give me some background so I can gush on how wonderful they are and how excited I am that they are joining the ranks of sewists who have chosen to create wonderful things!  

Thanks for checking in with us this week.  It looks like we'll have one more installment of amazing women to introduce, and then I will wrap it all up and explain what the little secret is that I've been keeping!

Thank you all for reading and keeping up with this.  It means a lot that so many of you are offering these women such positive words of encouragement!