Tag: holiday

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Winter Wear Designs Amuse Boho Reblog

I do participate in affiliate programs, so if you click a link in my post, I may receive a small percentage of the sales! These help cover my costs for materials and the occasional cup of coffee!

I am re-sharing some of my favorite makes this week! This was the Amuse Boho top and Dress. I need to make her a new one as she has outgrown this one already!

I have been on a sewing hiatus for about a year now! Sometimes, life just takes over and boy did it! In the last year, we have welcomed our third child, moved to a new city, and bought a house. These put my sewing into boxes for months. Then, I couldn’t find the motivation (or time) to work on unpacking it all with my 4 yr old and a newborn at home. Then, Jody started asking about what new patterns Suzanne was releasing, as she missed testing them (we have tested many of her ladies patterns!). Then Suzanne announced the homecoming tour for this pattern, and I knew Jody would love it! This was the motivation I needed!

As usual, I let her chose her own fabrics. She once again did not disappoint! this fabric fits her perfectly. I spent about an hour one night taping the pattern together and cutting fabric. The following day, it took me about another 45-60 minutes to sew up the dress. She opted for a straight hem, mini length dress, with short sleeves. Thankfully, she is on the shorter side, so it hits a bit more above the knee than mini length on her.

She chose a stretch lace for the yoke, and I did two layers. Next time, I will use a solid for the inner layer, as even with two layers, the lace was still pretty see through. The main fabric is a knit that I had in my stash. I opted for a quick knit neckband. She loves her new dress and even wore it to school yesterday. Random kids would walk by and tell her that they liked her dress, so I am calling this one a win!

We also wanted to see what it looked like on an adult, and our neighbor happened to come over while we were doing pictures. the length is more mini on her for sure!

This pattern has:

  • Scoop Neck
  • Front Yoke
  • Optional Back Yoke
  • Short Sleeve or 3/4 Sleeve with elastic hem.
  • Dress: Mini, above knee, or knee length with either straight or shirttail hem.
  • Top or Tunic length  with Shirt tail Hem
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Wacky Wednesday 5/25

Every other Wednesday, Danielle from Whimsical Fabrics puts a bundle of fabrics on sale in her group for a special price. I have been purchasing mine ahead of time. We have had a blast picking out patterns and brainstorming what can be done with these bundles. This weeks bundle is titled Geometric Bliss. You can see what I made with the other colorway HERE.

13288697_10209755575076048_2113036977_o

The first item I made with this fabric is a Reese Party Dress by Modkid. I shipped it off to one of my best friends for her little girl. She took some wonderful pictures of her little girl in it. You can read more about the dress pattern and see more pics on the Pattern Revolution blog.

download

The second Item I made with this week’s bundle is this adorable Sunny Day Suit by Whimsy Couture. She just released this pattern and it is on sale for $5 through the 26th of May. You can get your pattern here. This is a fairly quick sew, it took me about 2 1/2 hours from start to finish, this includes multiple 3 yr old interruptions.

This one is a size Newborn, and it is to tiny it wouldn’t fit on my infant mannequin! I tried putting it on my toddler’s 20″ doll, but the proportion are completely wrong on the doll for the straps.

IMG_1179[1] IMG_1180[1]

Here are all the pattern details:

Sizes: Newborn though a girls size 6. Pattern can be made for boys as well, but recommended for 2t and under.

Multiple strap options (Snaps are NOT included as an option, but I don’t like putting buttons on infant and toddler items)

A snap tape tutorial is included.

 2 pages to print.

Clear pictures and directions making this a fairly quick sew.

 

 

If you haven’t shopped the Wacky Wednesday deal before, here is how it works: At 12 noon CST (1 pm EST, 10 AM PST), Danielle will post the fabric for today’s deal.

You will receive each of these 5 fabrics in your bundle.
If you would like multiple bundles the fabric is still on the bolt and will be cut in continuous yardage.

• FULL YARD Bundle (5 total yards)
• HALF YARD Bundle (2.5 total yards)

Be sure to be in the Whimsical Fabric & me Facebook group so you don’t miss out! These deals are usually good for 24 hours, but have been selling out quick lately!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Wacky Wednesday Deal April 13

Every other Wednesday, Danielle from Whimsical Fabrics puts a bundle of fabrics on sale in her group for a special price. I have been purchasing mine ahead of time. We have had a blast picking out patterns and brainstorming what can be done with these bundles. This weeks is Summer Celebration Patriotic by Riley Blake. It just screams summer!

13009845_10209422061778424_2003832646_o

I decided that I would make a rag quilt with this bundle. It will be perfect for music in the park this summer, taking to the beach, and even to the theme/water parks to wrap up in at the end of the day!

IMG_4179

I used the Strip rag quilt by A Vision to Remember as my base. It is a free pattern on her blog. I only used 4 fabrics rather than 7, and I added 2 extra strips to the length to get 4 strips of each fabric. I put the inner layer of flannel in this one for added warmth and alternated red and blue flannel for the back.

IMG_4182

As I was sewing this up (a total of 4 hours from cutting to snipping), my 2 year old got very excited and ask if I was making him a new blanket, so I know this will get plenty of use this summer!

If you haven’t shopped the Wacky Wednesday deal before, here is how it works: At 12 noon CST (1 pm EST, 10 AM PST), Danielle will post the fabric for today’s deal.

You will receive each of these 4 fabrics in your bundle.
If you would like multiple bundles the fabric is still on the bolt and will be cut in continuous yardage.

• FULL YARD Bundle (4 total yards)
• HALF YARD Bundle (2 total yards)

Be sure to be in the Whimsical Fabric & me Facebook group so you don’t miss out! These deals are usually good for 24 hours, but have been selling out quick lately!

***SOLD OUT***

Check out whimsical fabric to see her selection of in stock fabric!

IMG_4182 IMG_4179 IMG_4156

IMG_4180

IMG_4164

Be sure to come back and let me know what you plan to make with yours!

Posted on by — 2 Comments

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!

IMG_3772

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.

IMG_3773

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!

IMG_3776

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

IMG_3777

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

Posted on by — 6 Comments

Whimsical Winter Wear Dress

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 must 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.

Late last year, I started sewing up samples of these bundles, hoping to give people some inspiration and show the fabrics in use.

Here are the ones I have done so far:

IMG_3462
Jocole Skirts- 2 size 14 girls skirts out of a 1 yard bundle!
IMG_3538
Sig Creations Delaney and Birdie ruffle pants- Size 3 with fabric left over from a 1 yard bundle!
IMG_3665
And this awesome Swoon Vivian and Straight Stitch Have it All Wallet- this set used all of the main print, most of the grey (its the lining of the purse as well), and then pieces of the floral- this left me 2 full yards that I chose not to add in from the bundle.

Lets get to today’s bundle!

Today’s fabric is Milk, Sugar, & Flower by Penny Rose Fabric. Isn’t it just adorable?

12736841_10208811394592126_1955177487_o

As soon as I saw it, I knew it was destined to be a dress for a little girl. The problem? I dont have a little girl anymore! So I put out some feelers for models, and got a couple hits but none that would fit the bill and timeline! I realized I was going to have to send this out to someone, and time was running out! So, I started looking at my sewing friends and who would fit the bill of what I was looking for. All the sudden, I came across a picture Suzanne posted of her little girl and I knew I had found the girl for this fabric! Suzanne is the owner of Winter Wear Designs, and also works on Pattern Revolution. She is also an amazing photographer! I quickly sent her a message asking if she would be interested. Thankfully, she was as excited as I was! We tossed around dress ideas, and settled on the girls Bateau dress from Suzanne’s pattern line.

Isn’t she perfect in this fabric and dress??

bateau garden-1001

This is just perfect on her! I’m so glad I had that light bulb moment and sent that message!
This was my first time sewing the girls version! I tested the ladies version and made many muslins to get the perfect fit on my teenager! So sewing this was pretty quick, since I didnt have to run back and forth between my computer and my sewing machine! To get from printing to the zipper installation probably took me 1 1 /2 hours. I then put it down for 2 days, and finished it in another hour or so before sending it out! Not bad for a dress with 4 double box pleats!

bateau garden-1005bateau garden-1011

Details of the Dress pattern:

Sizes: 1-14 (Size 1 is equivalent to a size 18 months)
Side zipper – great directions on how to put it in and have it turn out well!
Boat neck
Options of a scoop back or cross strap back,
Tunic, vintage, or regular lengths
Pleated rectangle skirt or pleated circle skirt
The optional petti-skirt allows you to add additional ‘poof’ under either skirt version.

This version is a size 7 width and size 6 length with the scoop back and pleated rectangle skirt. I think I want this in my size now! (there is a Ladies Bateau dress available!)

bateau garden-1015

I added on the Bateau bolero to round out the outfit, and it just works so well with this style of dress!

bateau garden-1017

Details of the Bolero pattern:

Sizes: 1-14
Basic bolero
This can be basic and casual in knit or quilting cotton, or over-the-top in fur or sequins.
The front is designed to close with ribbons tied in a bow, but I love it with no closure!

Be sure to grab your bundle today! It will be on sale HERE at Noon CST! ***Fabric SOLD out*** Be sure to check out her website for more awesome fabric!

 

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Winter Wear Designs: The V Neck Vest

When I really got back into sewing and discovered PDF patterns, I quickly caught the testing bug! I love testing patterns and helping designers work out all the kinks! As life became busier and I started working for designers, I stopped testing, I just couldn’t make the time commitment and I really don’t like turning stuff in late! Lately, I have been getting back into testing groups, and Winter Wear Designs is one of my favorite designers to test for. I love her approach to testing and how she actually listens to what the testers say and suggest. I also LOVE that she is working on getting more BOY patterns out into pattern land! you can see more of the items I have made from this designer here.

The test we just finished up is for the boys V Neck Vest. It is on sale through Tuesday 2/2/16 for only $4!! Be sure to pick yours up! Of course, it will also look super cute on all those girls as well!

IMG_3689

Isn’t he just so cute??

 

Details:

Size: 1-14 (a size 1 is equivalent to 18 months)

V neck
banded arm holes
banded hem or a regular turned hem

Fabric choices:

upcycling
raw yardage of sweater knits
thick knit fabrics

This is definitely a nap time project! A few of the testers times ourselves and the average was ~33 min from start to finish!

My toddler loves his and keeps asking for his “soft shirt”

IMG_3717

Details about mine- The blue is a size 2 width with a 4 length and banded bottom. This was my first run of the pattern, and even though he fit in the 2 measurements, it was a little snug, so if you are in between measurements, I would size up. The red, is a straight size 3 with banded bottom. the fit was spot on! I can see is having a few more of these in the coming weeks! and defintely something cute for Easter!

Don’t forget to pick up your copy while it is on sale!

Posted on by — 1 Comment

A Vision To Remember Stocking Blog tour!

IMG_3579

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.

IMG_3581

 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

 

 

 

 

Posted on by — 8 Comments

Holiday Debut Blog Tour

 

Holiday Debut Tour-Blogger Logo-150

I am so excited to share this collection with you! Today, I have 3 new designers- Saskia Smith of The Wolf and the Tree, Gabriela Longfish of Chalk and Notch, and Holli Coats of Hello Holli.

IMG_3558

Lets jump right in! My sewing days for girls items are limited, and this collection offered me it’s own challenges, as I worked to accommodate her changing shape! When I was approached, I had an idea in my head with the vibrant red and a sophisticated holiday print. When I asked Jody about it, she saw this Matryshoka fabric, she fell in love! It was back to the drawing board!

Let’s start with the tights! These are Abby’s Footed tights from Wolf and Tree. Saskia has created a wonderful pattern! The directions were easy to follow. The Pattern comes in sizes: 0 – 14! It includes layers,  regular and extra wide yoga waistband, elastic waistband, easy sew option, side accents, french seams option, cloth diaper fit, and a quick instructions sheet. She also includes a glossary, which is helpful if you are still learning knits!

These fit wonderfully, and the option to use a thicker 4 knit (I used a Riley Blake Knit) for tights makes  it all the more appealing for the cooler months here in California!

IMG_3557

Next, Lets check out the Blue Ridge Dress from Hello Holli! Holli’s debut pattern is adorable!

The Blue Ridge Dress is a sleeveless dress with a fitted curved bodice, single button back closure, full gathered skirt, two length options, french seams, and uses bias binding and trim. Her unique bodice construction results in a beautifully finished garment inside and out, with no unfinished seams!

The pattern includes sizes 12m-14

I loved the design, but found that with my developing daughter it was not as flattering as I’d hoped; however, I’m excited to experiment with some mods to make it work for her but I definitely had to modify this one for Jody. I modified how I sewed the bodice to avoid using bias for binding it. This was a simple modification:

1. Sew the bodice together at the shoulders and repeated for the lining.

2. Place bodice and lining right sides together and pin along the armscye and neck.

3. Sew along armscye and neck. trim the seam allowance and/or notch along the curves.

4. Place side seams right sides together and sew

5. Turn bodice right side out, pulling bodice through one of the shoulders. Press well and topstitch.

IMG_3567

I gathered the skirt and attached, then tried it on for fit…and we hit a snag…with the shape of her body, the long dress looked very ill fitted and frumpy!  after a few moments of initial panic and brainstorming, I pinned the skirt up to look like a bubble and success! so I measured how far up for an acceptable length and off to the ironing board to measure and pin! I ended up pulling it up 10″ rather than a 2″ hem that the pattern calls for, which gave us the  bubble look and a cute retro length that she loves!

I loved the design, but found that with my developing daughter it was not as flattering as I’d hoped; however, I’m excited to experiment with some mods to make it work for her

IMG_3561

Finally, we have the Fishtail Kimono by Chalk & Notch. Gabriela’s design for this is so fun! The Fishtail Kimono is loose-fitting with a gathered back yoke and dropped hem detail. Sizes included are 18-24 months to 12. I of course had to play with it, and decided to put a pleat in the back rather than gathering, and I love the end result! I also used a rolled hem rather than a traditional hem just for some visual detail on the red. I played with lace, and it just wasn’t what I was looking for!

IMG_3578

We tried it on with the dress, and it didn’t flow as well as we had hoped with the shorter length, but she loves it for over a tee and her jeans! She has requested a couple more of these, and I am excited to play with the pattern some more- a longer length, narrow sleeves, a shorter sleeve with a cuff…I will be sure to share these when they are finally sewn!

IMG_3574

 

Be sure  to check out all the sponsors and enter the Rafflecopter!

Holiday Debut Tour-Sponsor Logo-150

This slideshow requires JavaScript.