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Cozy Up to Fall with EYMM!

Man! I have been MIA for a while! Life has a funny way of taking over sometimes! But, I think we have settled into our new normal, and it feels so good to get back behind the machines again! If you don’t follow me on Facebook or IG, we moved in September 2016 and added a baby to the mix in January 2017. A preschooler and a newborn (and a teenager) definitely keep me on my toes these days!

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Anywho…on to the SEWING!! Jody has been wearing a Four Seasons Cardigan that I made during a tour a few years ago (or maybe is was during testing??) quite frequently these days. She also recently asked me to make her a few more as the weather here in CA has been chilly in the mornings while she is walking to school, and hot and muggy by the time she walks home! Perfect timing for the EYMM Cozy Up to Fall Blog Tour!

Not only did I make her a new sweater, I made her THREE, and all are out of different fabrics for different looks!

The first is a thin sweater knit I have had sitting in my staff for a while now. I love the look of the stripes, but am really bad at fussy cutting to make them line up (i didn’t do too bad this time around!), so the stripes tend to sit on the shelf until requested by a customer or my daughter! She loves that it is super light so she can wear it under a regular jacket and still look “put together”.

The second one I sewed up is a slinking floral I got in a mystery box from Sincerely Rylee a few months ago. It is so soft! I love the bright color and the larger floral print. This one has a definite 4 way stretch, so Jody loves this one the most! As you can tell by these pictures, she was not thrilled to be modeling. As she is getting older, she really doesn’t want to be in front of the camera as much!

Finally, I decided to step out of the “normal” fabric choices for this pattern and try it in a sweater fleece that I picked up at Joann Fabrics a few years ago. It is cozy and warm, but I think next time, I will made a few adjustments to the arms as she says they are a little tighter than the other two. As soon as I can find it in the boxes (yep, still haven’t unpacked all the sewing stuff yet!), I am going to add lace as a finishing for this one, as the sweater fleece feels like it needs something. She finally gave me a decent shot!

I hope I gave you some ideas on taking a pattern and stepping outside the box to try something new! As an added bonus, I am going to select 1 person from the comments to win a $10 store credit to EYMM! So be sure to leave a comment about your fall sewing!

Make sure to stop by all the amazing stops on the Cozy Up to Fall Tour!! (Keep in mind that the links below won’t work until their scheduled date, but feel free to click through and check out their other blog posts anytime.)

Oct. 3 – Tour Kick-off at EYMM

Oct. 4 – Capture, Craft, and Cook and Boutique Birdie

Oct. 5 – Sprouting JubeJube and EYMM

Oct. 6 – Pretty and Precious and House of Estrela

Oct. 7 – Analog Bytes and Connected By A Thread

Oct. 8 – Adventures With Bubba and Bug and With Love in Every Stitch and Beri Bee Designs

Oct. 9 – Five Blessings and Lulu & Celeste and Creative Counselor

Oct. 10- Tour Roundup on EYMM

During the tour, all featured patterns are on sale (save even more by buying the youth/adult bundles!) … the Four Seasons Cardigan (both women’s and girl’s), the Piko Top (both women’s and girl’s), and the Leggings Bundle (‘Get Moving’ Leggings for women and Jocelyn’s Leggings for girls). Use coupon code FALL17 to save 30% off these 6 patterns and/or 3 bundles in the EYMM shop, but only until 11:59pm on October 11, 2017.

 

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EYMM Capsule skirt

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We love the Capsule skirt in our house! We made a few when the pattern first came out, but as kids do, she has outgrown them! A blog tour was the perfect excuse to make another!

I let the teenager chose the fabric for this one, and as teenagers do, she went bold and bright!

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She loves her new skirt!

A classic, comfortable, and practical knit skirt. This will become a staple in your kiddos wardobe!

Details:

 -additional hemline option for the back piece

-an optional low rise front option

-side seam pocket

-Knit yoga waistband

 19 sizes for girls from newborn to 18 tween, and 15-18” doll

We had fun taking the pictures for this…until she realized there were bees in the tree next to her..then I got this for every picture….

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yeah, pictures outside during spring are always fun with this bee fearing child!

I know we will have a few more of these made up for this summer, especially since she can sew them herself!

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Make sure to check out all the other stops on the EYMM Capsule Skirt Tour.
(Note: The links won’t be live until the day they’re scheduled, but feel free to click through and check out other blog posts any time.)

Wednesday, April 6
Connected by a Thread, Sugarplum Cuties, The Wholesome Mama

Thursday, April 7
Sew Far North, Lulu & Celeste, Pattern Revolution

Friday, April 8
SewSophieLynn, Welcome to our Crazy World, EYMM

Saturday, April 9
handcrafted by RED, Pretty and Precious, Capture, Craft, and Cook

Sunday, April 10
create3.5, Sewing the Seasons, HattieLu Handmade

Monday, April 11
Creative Counselor, Rebel & Malice, Blessed x 5

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the pattern while it’s on sale!
Use coupon code PERFECTSKIRT to save 25% on the Women’s Capsule Skirt, Girl’s Capsule Skirt, or Capsule Skirt Bundle until April 12 at 11:59pm PST.

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A Vision to Remember Houndstooth quilt

Time for another A Vision to Remember Pattern!! This time, we are using the Houndstooth Quilt pattern. I absolutely love this finished quilt!

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Whenever I see a houndstooth print or pattern, I think of the old Atari game Space invaders. Something about it makes me think of that game!

Bobbi (the designer) was so kind to send me the fabric for this quilt.  I am always up to sew whatever the designer wants to see, so when she asked if black and red were okay to send, I said sure! It is not my usual choice of pastels or neutral colors, but I love the contrast of the red and black!

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the red flannel has a bit of a marbled look to it, which was hard to capture in the pictures. My two year old has already tried to lay claim to this blanket, even though it will go in my shop this week!

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Even the back looks awesome!

Lets talk pattern details:

Finished quilt: 46″ x 46″ (that is with the optional border added)
Easy to follow step by step directions with pictures and diagrams to help those that are a bit more visual.
a final layout diagram is included to help with placing the pieces in the correct order to achieve the houndtooth print.

Honestly, the sewing of the pattern was quick. cutting and prepping everything took the longest for me. Of course clipping all the seams takes a while as well. this one has been through the wash once, but once it is washed a few more times, the rag quilt effect will be much better.  I am already thinking up the next color combinations for my next houndstooth quilt!

What colors do you want to see? Leave me a comment and I might just make one (or three!)

 

Be sure to check out all the amazing blankets on tour this week!

Be sure to check out the other amazing bloggers and their quilts on tour this week!

 3/21/16
 Larissa from Connected by a Thread
3/22/16
Bethany from Sew Not Perfect
3/23/16
Rebecca from Finn’s Door
3/24/16
Denita from HattieLu Handmade
JaNette from Merri Poppins
3/25/16
Kelly from Handmade Boy
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A Vision To Remember Apron

Before I found A Vision to Remember, I thought that rag quilts were the only option for that sewing. I also thought it could only be done with flannel! Boy was I wrong! I have made a purse and now an apron! I am already thinking about other things I can make..a pillow? towels? doll blankets? Really, the possibilities!

Bobbie asked if she could send me fabric for this project, and she picked a gorgeous line! I love this so much! It was perfect for Valentines day! We had originally planned this tour in February but once we started sewing them,  decided the pattern needed some updating. Bobbi was great and quickly took the advice of the bloggers and made the changes needed to bring the pattern up to date. Now we get to share it with you!

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Isn’t this fabric so pretty??? Something about pink and black together! Once cut, this pattern is so quick to come together! The front is all quilting cottons and the back is a lovely cream flannel.

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The pattern has a line drawing at the end, and I used it to label my fabrics/pieces before hand to ensure I would get the look I was going for!

I’m going to be wrapping this up for a gift, so I opted to only do flat shots and not wash it (in case the recipient has sensitivities or allergies!)

I will be making more of these and playing with this pattern some more! I want to make the toddler an art smock and the teen one for art/science/messy projects!

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I can only imagine how lovely this will look once it is washed!

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Be sure to hit all the stops this week!

3/1: Larissa from Connected by a Thread

3/2: JaNette from Merri Poppins

3/2: Patricia from Sew Far North

3/3: Melissa from Rebel & Malice

3/3: Ula from Lulu & Celeste

3/4: Denita from HattieLu Handmade

3/4: Essence from Amazing Adventures of Bubba and Bug

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Jocole Love Tour

If you have been sewing a while, you are probably familiar with Jocole. I love her patterns! The Derby Jacket was the first pattern I bought (a couple years ago!), during her weekly sale. That was the beginning of the end! I was hooked! Now, I own every pattern of hers, and have made numerous over the years! Now, I get to share some of my favorite bloggers with you this week, and they are sharing some of their favorite Jocole patterns!

Whether you are looking for ladies patterns or girls, there is something for you! I love the Endless dress and add-ons!

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I used lace on the hem of this one!

I used this dress for a tutorial over on Pattern Revolution to replace the buttons with a zipper!

The Yoga A-Line Skirt is a staple for me for summer (I have 4 in my closet right now and plans for more this summer!

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I used scraps to sew the 6 Panel skirt– Twice! Once in Cotton wovens and once with knits!

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I have a pair of skinny’s ready to be sewn this week (maybe I’ll share them at the beginning of next week?)

For now, let me share some previews of the patterns coming up this week!

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Be sure to check out all of the blogs on this tour! Which pattern is your favorite so far?

Feb 8- Larissa from Connected By a Thread

Feb 9- Tibeca from Sewing by Ti

Feb 10- Robin from My Little Lady & Gentleman

Feb 11- Patricia from Sew Far North

Feb 12- Linda from Sew Happily Ever After

Feb 15- Larissa from Connected by a Thread and Essence from Amazing Adventures of Bubba and Bug

Feb 16- Amy from Wally and Grace

Feb 17- Melissa fron Rebel & Malice and Sharon from Sweetpea & Pumpkins

Feb 18- Ula from Lulu & Celeste

Feb 19- Teronia from Crazy Crafty Haute Mama and Cindy from Cindy Parrett.com

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Addy Mae wrap up

Last week, I shared pics of the Addy Mae blankets from the A Vision to Remember blog tour with you. I hope you enjoyed the blankets and the posts all week. Each one was unique in its own way. I love that about sewing- even when you are all using the same pattern, they all come out different!

While everyone else was busy sharing their blankets with you, I was busy at the machine sewing up my own blanket! I am in love with this one! I don’t know if I will list it for sale, gift it as a baby gift, or keep it for myself!

*The fabric and pattern for this quilt were provided to me by Bobbi, the designer behind A Vision to Remember, the opinions and fabric placement are all mine though*

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I love that these blankets are quick to come together! One of the reasons I don’t quilt is that I know that once I got the top made, it would sit there waiting forever for batting and a backing , then the quilting and binding! These, I am sewing them all together at once!

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The downside? my washer and dryer didn’t do a very good job of gathering the lint from the ragging! I think I am going to designate an old towel and some wool dryer balls just for rag quilts!  This one will take another spin this week to get the rag quilt look to come out a bit more!

This pattern has 2 different size blankets, but you can add more rows or columns to it to make any size blanket you want! It also includes measurements and directions on how to make it a car seat blanket/cover.

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Hopefully this past week inspired you to make your own project with this pattern, and this is easily a 2 nap project- cutting takes a while, then making the “cakes” and laying out your pattern. Sewing is quick once you have it together!

Here are the quilts from the tour along with mine:

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Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments and I will pick a random comment to win a free pattern from A Vision to Remember!!

If you want to go back and read the posts from the week, check them out below.

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

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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!)

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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!

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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

 

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5 out of 4 Fleece Pullover Blog tour

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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!

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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!

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You know you want to go buy your copy now!

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!**

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**This link contains an affiliate link.

 

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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.

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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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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A Vision To Remember Stocking Blog tour!

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If you follow this blog at all, you probably noticed I share a monthly post from A Vision to Remember. I had never sewn a rag quilt before, and once I made one of her patterns, I was hooked! I randomly asked her one day about doing a rag quilt type stocking…she already had a pattern! and she did a step by step blog sew a long!

So of course, I rounded up some sewing friends and now we have a little blog tour for you!

Dec 14: Connected by a thread

Dec 15: crazy crafty haute mama

Dec16: adventures with bubba and bug

Dec 17: merri poppins

Dec 18: all things katy

This is really a quick sew! If you have a rotary cutter and mat, this is a nap time sew (with time to spare, I bet!)

I haven’t washed mine yet, mainly becasue I like to wait until I have a couple towels and at least 2 rag items to wash. I can’t wait to see how fluffy it gets!

I ended up using some mustache flannel that my teen picked out, and she has already claimed this  one! I think I will make one for the toddler with some grinch flannel I have.

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 This would be so cute fussy cut with a fun print!  I just used my rotary cutter and cut strips, had to get it cut before the toddler woke up!

I can’t wait for you to see what the other ladies have sewn up! Be sure to visit them all and let them now what a fabulous job they did!

Happy Sewing!

~~Larissa