Month: January 2016
A Vision to Remember Blog Tour
Adorable dots!
Swooning for Whimsical Fabric
If you follow me at all, you know I love Whimsical Fabric. I have been buying my fabric from her for a while now. Twice a month, she has “Wacky Wednesday”. On these days, she has a set of fabrics from a line, usually 1 main print and 2-4 coordinates, that she posts in her group for a great deal. The catch? you have to buy the bundle, no picking and choosing what fabrics you want from it. Today is a Wacky Wednesday and I LOVE the fabric she chose for today! I had the chance to purchase my bundle earlier and sew it up to share. The pictures don’t come close to how gorgeous this fabric is in real life!
You might have seen this sneak I posted in the group last night, we love to tease you, don’t we? The Fabric is Nordika by Art Gallery Fabrics. This cotton is so soft! it is almost silky to the touch! As soon as I saw it, I knew it needed to be a bag! Of course, I turned to my favorite bag maker Swoon*! I decided to step out of my comfort zone and make a bag I hadn’t made before, and landed on the Swoon Vivian*. I also made the Have it All wallet from Straight Stitch to match.
This fabric sewed up so nice! The colors are perfect! I cannot wait to buy more of this!
I just love the colors together and the prints are not so busy that you get lost in them!
I used the grey inside the purse and I just love how it counters the bright red!
Now, lets talk the patterns!
The Straight Stitch Have it All Wallet was intimidating-UNTIL I Started sewing it! Once I started sewing, it took me a total of about 2 hours to sew up! The directions are clear and concise. The only thing I haven’t done yet is add a snap closure! I think a certain 2 year old hid my snap pliers! I have a new set coming tomorrow to finish it up! I also used a fusible stabilizer rather than a sew in since that is what I had on hand!
Swoon Vivian. I am in love with the final result! I made a few mistakes while sewing her up, but since this one is for me, I am okay with these little imperfections! As always Swoon directions are easy to follow and everything is broke down into steps, making it easy to stop when needed for a break (or to tend to the kids!) and come back and pick it up again! Total time put into this bag is close to 8 hours but it was my first run with it, so I’m sure the next one will be quicker!
Be sure to head over to the Whimsical Fabric Group today at noon Central (10 am PST!) to grab your bundle!
*denotes Affiliate Link
Happy Sewing!
Larissa
A Vision to Remember Addy Mae Blog Tour
Switching it up this week 🙂 I love everything about A Vision to Remember patterns! I love the simplicity of them, I love the look of her finished items, and I love the designer behind it all!
This week, we are sharing the Addy Mae Quilt pattern/car seat cover. Here are a few from the designers website (I don’t have any little ones in carriers anymore!)
I love her color combinations
Below, are some teaser from the posts coming this week, and at the end of the week, I will be posting one I am sewing up myself!
A Vision to Remember Addy Mae is the perfect gift for all those little babies this winter! Be sure to check out the different blankets this week!
Jan 26- Larissa from Connected by a thread
Jan 27- JaNette from Merri Poppins
Jan 28- Patricia from Sew Far North
Jan 29- Essence from Adventures with Bubba and Bug
Jan 30- Jona from Stitches & Spills & Larissa from Connected By a Thread
Color Me Fabric by Hayley Crouse
I had the wonderful opportunity to play with some of the new prints of Color Me Fabric by Hayley Crouse for Micheal Miller. As soon as I saw this floral, I knew it was destined to be a bag or purse of some kind! I wanted a pattern that I could showcase the print without breaking it up too much. The search was on! I started looking at the patterns I had in my pattern stash, and man, the options! I decided to try a swoon pattern that I hadn’t sewn yet, as the numerous other patterns from her that I have sewn have all come out perfect! I wanted something with simple lines and a couple pockets. I ended up picking Ethel. She is a free pattern, so be sure to show Swoon your love and appreciation!
This fabric was a dream to sew up! I didn’t prewash it as I was making a bag, but I did iron it with some best press. the fabric took to the hot iron well, and slid through my machine so nice! I paired the back and white fabric with a nice bright solid yellow. as I was going through my solid stash to pick a color, I wasn’t falling in love with anything until I pulled the yellow out! It is so bright and cheery!
I opted for a 2nd slip pocket rather than a zipper, as I wanted a place to put my phone when I am out that is easily accessible. The bag also has a larger slip pocket that is perfect for coupons and cards that I like to keep handy!
I am excited to purchase more of this line when it releases! I see many more bags and wallets coming soon!
Which print are you most excited for?
Happy sewing!
~~Larissa
Winter Wear Designs Blog tour
I have been a fan of Suzanne’s since before she started designing patterns! I love her repurposing and of course her photos are always amazing! I started testing patterns for her with the Parisian Pj’s and have tested many more since then! I love that she has patterns for boys, that are things my little guy will wear and ladies patterns that my teen and I both can use!
I love her patterns for their clear step by step directions, colored lines for printing sizes, clear directions and illustrations for difficult techniques. I do wish for layers, and hope she will start including them in her patterns in the future, but it isn’t a deal breaker for me!
I love patterns that are for basic everyday wear as I live in jeans and tees, as skirts and dresses don’t lend well to chasing a 2 yr old at the park most days! I love thisGiverney Blazer to dress up just a little bit!
Then there are the henleys…oh, how we love our henleys!
this was from when the pattern was in testing and the one below is one I just sewed up this week for him
Then the ones I made for my daughter during testing (she has since moved to the ladies pattern, but I cant find a picture of her in them!)
I also made her the free bolero and ladies Bateau dress during testing! This dress was a labor of love, but she loves it!
Did you know Suzanne also does Free Motion Applique? I had a stack to play with soon, but I did manage to get the leaves on a shirt for the teen this past fall, she loved that I could put something on her shirt that gave a pop of color but wasn’t babyish.
As you can tell, the entire family loves their Winter Wear Designs clothes! I hope I have inspired you to try your hand at one of her amazing patterns!
Be sure to follow along all week and check out the fabulous bloggers!
1/17/16: Larissa from Connected By A Thread
1/18/16: Ula from Lulu & Celeste
1/19/16: Tibeca from Sewing By Ti
1/20/16: Kelly from Handmade Boy & Tameka from Savannah & Co
1/21/16: Essence from Adventures with Bubba & Bug & Teronia from Crazy Crafty Haute Mama
1/22/16: Cindy from Cindy Parrett & Patricia from Sew Far North
1/23/16: Sharon from Sweet Pea & Pumkins & Fenna from Fabulous Home Sewn
Don’t forget to pick up your own copy of the patterns featured this week from Winter Wear Designs and save 20% off any purchase of $5 or more through the 25th of Jan with the code BLOGIT20!
More pictures of the items I have made!
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Ladies Bateau
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Giverney Blazer
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Ladies Bateau & Bloero
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Giverney Blazer
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
FMA leaves
Ladies Bateau
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Giverney Blazer
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
Everything but the Kitchen Sink Henley
5 out of 4 Fleece Pullover Blog tour
This week, I am excited to share with you the 5 out of 4 Fleece pullover! I have started sewing more for my little guy, but have had a hard time picking patterns and prints that reflect his style. Yep, at 2 1/2, he already knows what he likes and has no problem telling us! He loves to dress “just like Daddy!” which means jeans and a tee shirt. I debated sewing one of these for myself, and as soon as I pulled out the tub of fleece, he ran over and grabbed this TMNT fleece and told me “I love this momma!” I knew then that I could make this for him!
He loves TMNT, and just recently received this chair, so he was thrilled that we took it outside for some pictures!
The pattern comes with layers, which makes printing super easy! There are plenty of option within the pattern as well- pockets, color blocking, and zippered pockets!
I sewed up the children’s version, which covers sizes 2-18. There are separate patterns for both men and ladies available as well. I can’t wait to get some more fleece and make these for the whole family!
I struggled with my zipper a bit, and after talkign with the designer, I am ordering some wonder tape (which she recommends in the pattern) for my next one! I love that she uses a knit facing for the zipper which also covers the zipper, reducing the “itchy” factor for little ones! I followed the size chart for his chest measurement and the fit is spot on. I think next time, I will go up a size for this guy, as this one fits just perfect, and I like to have some growing room!
Be sure to check the logs below all throughout the week as we share our visions for this awesome pattern! Check out the 5 out of 4 Facebook page throughout the week as well, They are heading towards their 1 year anniversary, and I know she has some fun planned!
5 out of 4 Blog tour schedule:
1/10/16: Larissa from Connected by a Thread
1/11/16: JaNette from Merri Poppins
1/12/16: Ula from Lulu and Celeste
1/13/16: Tibeca from Sewing by Ti
1/14/16: Melissa from Rebel and Malice
1/15/16: Heather from All things Katy and Patricia from Sew Far North
1/16/16: Essence from Adventures with Bubba and Bug
You can purchase your own copy of any of the 5 out of 4 patterns here for 30% using the code “fleeceforall” now through Jan 17th as they celebrate their 1 year anniversary!**
**This link contains an affiliate link.
Leyla Jayne Comfy Cozy PJ’s
One of my goals over the past few months was to expand my sewing to try new designers or designers I had yet to try. I saw a tester call for the Comfy Cozy PJ’s, and had this combo just hit me! I chatted with the designer a bit about what fabrics she was looking for, and decided to add it to my crazy holiday sewing list! I am SO glad I did! Marisa is great! She was quick to respond to any questions/concerns during testing, and made sure everyone knew about any corrections made during testing.
This pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL
Pattern Features:
• Traditional 2 Piece Pajama
Set
• Short Sleeve and 5” Short
Length or Long Sleeve and
Pant Length
• 28” or 30” inseam
• Can Be Made With Knit or
Woven Material
• Great Pattern for Year-
Round Use
• Layered Pattern
• No Trim Pages
This is my favorite style of Pj’s! I love a quick sew, and with the cuffs on the sleeves and pants, these are a quick sew! The pink knit is so comfortable and soft! I used a cotton woven for the cuffs, top of pocket, and the facings. I also used snaps rather than buttons after my machine ate my first top while trying to make button holes!
Of course getting pictures of Pj’s is always difficult, especially since I don’t have a yard, so we tried to be playful with the pictures. My teen said she felt like she was spying on my while I read and drank my coffee!
I cannot wait to make more of these! Now to clean out the PJ drawer to make room!
So have I convinced you to buy the pattern?
The Comfy Cozy Pajama Sew Along is happening next week on January 11th-15th! Just join the group on Facebook, grab your pattern, and get your fabric ready! Marisa will be posting the steps everyday and answering questions on the group wall so if you’re uneasy about sewing your first pair, don’t be!
So now that I HAVE convinced you, get your pattern here!
Still not convinced?
You can see more reviews of the pajamas, check out some of the blogs from my fellow testers!
Rachel from Pookeebub has some awesome and inventive pictures on her blog
Indu from Kaleidothought made some beautiful pajamas with floral and pink fabric
Patricia from Sew Far North wrote about her summer pajama set
Lelaina from Mom U Sew Silly made some flannel PJ’s for her daughter!
Essense from Amazing Adventures with Bubba and Bug wrote about her shades of blue pair (check out her post on January 8th)
Kimberly from Mama You Can Make It For Me posted about her English Buss pair here!
Even the toddler approved!
2015 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 1,400 times in 2015. If it were a cable car, it would take about 23 trips to carry that many people.