Tag: Self-care sewing

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Sew Yourself Some Love with Winter Wear Designs

I haven’t had a chance to blog about my makes in while! I’m happy to be returning with another Sew Yourself some Love post!

When Suzanne first showed the sketches for this set, I was pretty sure it wasn’t something I would like to sew or that I would be sharing photos of on my blog/page! But, here we are!
If the past year has taught me anything, it is that I need to take care of ME if I want to be able to take care of everyone else. Easier said and done when we are in the middle of a pandemic with everyone home 24/7. I also homeschool (this is my 8th year!) and run a small business. I really wasn’t taking care of me, so when I looked in the mirror, I only saw the bad (in my eyes), rather then the person I was. I saw the number on the scale, the mom pouch belly, etc…
Then one day, I decided I had enough! I turned my negatives into positives. The mom pouch belly is the result of bring THREE awesome kids into this world. That number on the scale- it shows me how much muscle I am gaining because while it hasn’t changed much, my clothes have…I’m down a while size in both tops and pants! There is positives for every negative thought we see…IF we are willing to look. I decided that I should be proud of myself, so I made not one but two of the new Y-back sets!

I did a two piece top and shorts. Both are a poly type mystery fabric from a mystery box a couple years ago. I started out with a size Large based on my measurements, and ended up having to take it in just a touch along the sides to get the fit I liked…Thankfully, the alterations within the pattern made that easy!

My second one, I decided to try the longer slip. This is again a mystery box fabric….likely another poly blend! Based off of how the first set was, I decided to size down to a medium for my second set. The second round of using the slides went much quicker.

Yes, I made the blanket as well!

Now, I have two new PJ sets, and my dear loving husband even asked where I bought them…even though I showed them to him multiple times while sewing!

Here are all the details of the new Y-back Sleep Set:
This sleep set is designed for woven fabrics.  With classic lines, these patterns can be sewn up to create simple looks or easily dressed up with lace details.  The delicate Y back can be created with adjustable straps using bra slides or a simple tie back feature.  The Slip features bust darts for shaping.  The Shorts sit just above the high hip (not at the natural waist).  There are two rise options on the shorts:  Low Front or Straight Front.  The Low Front has full coverage in the rear and then angles down to the side seam and curves down in front.  The Straight Front has the same full coverage for the bum, but then does not angle down as much at the side seam and comes straight across the front for fuller front coverage.

Slip Options:

  • Crop, Petite, Regular, or Diagonal Lace Hem Top Options
  • Above Knee Sleep Dress Length

Shorts Options:

  • Regular Hem
  • Lace Hem
  • Triangle Side Inserts
  • Low Front Rise or Straight Front Rise (shorts sit at high hip, not natural waist)

Make sure to get your copy here for yourself for just $6.50!!!!!

Happy Sewing!

Larissa

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Amuse Boho $3 Thursday!

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!

 

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
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Top it Off Blog Tour

Here we are! Back for another Winter Wear Designs* Blog tour! One of the events that Suzanne is doing this year is revamping older patterns to include new features-like layers that have become more of an industry standard-and update the covers. With each one, she is having a blog tour! What does that mean for someone like me that already owns every single pattern? I get to sew them up again! Except in this case, I had not made one of the La Croix before, mainly because when it came out, I didn’t think it would be flattering on me. When this tour started, I figured that I would sew one up for Jody, like I usually do since the girl can wear anything and make it look good!

Then, I saw a picture of a shirt on a Facebook post in a fabric group and inspiration hit! After that, I knew it was going to be a shirt for me! As I started debating fabrics, I had to stray a bit away from the recommended fabrics in the pattern to get the look I was going for. I ended up choosing a gorgeous slinky teal sweater knit that I received in my last knit mystery box from Boho Fabrics. Then, I had to make some modifications to the construction….ALWAYS FUN!

First, I didn’t gather the sides, as I needed a flat bottom to attach a band. Yep, I used the band from the Banded Tee * and put a band around the bottom. I cut my band at 8″ rather than the 7″ to make it a bit wider, then I added a couple inches to the width as the La Croix is a bit wider than the Banded tee. I opted for a sleeveless top, that will work under one of the many cardigans that I have or need to make for this summer. I followed the pattern for all the construction, until hemming the bottom, then I added my band, same as I would on the banded tee. I made sure I had enough band to stretch to fit to pull in the bottom for a flowy bottom on my shirt.

*denoted affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase from Winter Wear Designs, I receive a small commission on the order. I only share links to products I have tried and loved, so never fear that I am just trying to sell you something! I do not see any of your personal information.

 

Now…On to the pictures!

 

A HUGE thank you to Simply By Ti Fabrics for sponsoring this blog tour and providing the fabric prize for the blog tour. Speaking of fabric prize…Do you want to win $20 GC from Simply By Ti Fabrics and 2 patterns of choice from WWD???? Be sure to jump over to the Winter Wear Designs Fun group  and enter to win! Be sure to share your creations as well!

 

Happy Sewing!

Check out all the Stops on the Blog Tour:

3/26
Jessica of Jot Designs USA
3/27
3/28
Ilse of Sew Sew Ilse
Patricia of Sew Far North
3/29
Livia of Liviality
Mari of MNW Sews
3/30
Lisa Dawson guest posting at Winter Wear Designs
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Bring on the Blouse (and the self love)!

*Denotes Affiliate link
The ‘Bring on the Blouse Blog Tour’ is a celebration of the Omega* and Classic Shell Patterns*.  These are both patterns designed for woven apparel fabrics and they are divine in rayon blends and other drapey woven fabrications.  So strap in because this week will be filled with inspiration for both patterns.  Don’t own these beauties???  Save 20% and grab the Omega* for just $7.95 this week during the tour.  And get the Classic Shell* for just $5!!!
I have been sewing consistently for quite a few years now, and for myself for the past 3 or 4 years. I started out with simple things like skirts. Mostly things that didn’t need too many alterations to fit okay. Then I started making dresses and tops, not because I planned on wearing them often, but because it was what was being tested by my favorite designers, or they needed a review for a new pattern. I love the designs, they just weren’t practical for my daily life. They were also ill fitting because I didn’t know HOW to tailor them to MY body. They were wearable, cute, and exactly what the pattern told me to make. Where did they end up? They all went to hang in the “handmade” section of my closet. I couldn’t toss or donate because “I made that!” I even moved then from out apartment to our new house, and lovely rehung them in my closet. All the while, knowing that I would likely never wear most of it.
Then, Suzanne and I started talking patterns…A LOT! During these talks, we realized we both had a lot in our closets that just wasn’t practical to our daily lives. This gave me the push to clear out my stuff. It also made my sewing mission this year to sew items that I not only love, but that are tailor fit for me! Enter Winter Wear Designs Wardrobe Essentials Collection! The Classic Shell was one of the first releases in this awesome collection!
It is made for woven apparel fabrics, but I didn’t have any in my gigantic stash of fabrics that was love-so I couldn’t sew one…or could I?!?!
YES! I made a few alterations and made one out of knit! it is so comfortable and I know it will be worn a lot! I used a waffle knit that I received in a mystery box from Sincerely Riley. I added a fun trim to the hem for a little pop.
The only alterations I did to this one were to size down and a narrow shoulder adjustment (directions are in the patterns!). I chose to size down in the knit, just because I knew I would want more negative ease than the woven and that the knit would likely stretch a but while wearing.
On to my other two tops! I made both a woven and a knit Omega. The woven was again from a mystery box from Sincerely Riley. I made it towards the end of last year, but it never got blogged or really shared much, as the holiday season took over! It is a well loved shirt in my rotation of “wear every week” shirts! I didn’t make any alterations to the woven version, but the next ones will have the narrow shoulder adjustment for a more tailored fit.
For the knit, I did a lace overlay on the front yoke, along with a narrow shoulder adjustment. This Art Gallery fabric, that I have been hoarding, was bought from Whimsical fabrics a couple years ago!  After sewing it, I put it on and had these weird “wings” in the armpit area. I ended up turning it right side out and pinning it to fit how I wanted, then took it back to the sewing machine and tool off a triangle of fabric starting at the sleeve seam and tapering down into the side seam. It fits so much better!
So, do you sew a tailored wardrobe or do you just “sew to sew”? I am working hard to make sure that I check my measurements every month (I take new ones for the kids, why not myself?), learning about more personal alterations, learning how I like my clothes to fit, and learning to SEW myself some Self Love. I hope this inspires you to sew clothes that you love and that fit you well, whether you need s FBA/SBA, narrow shoulder adjustment, or just need to lengthen or shorten something to fit YOU!
To kick your sewing off right, Boho Fabrics has teamed up with me to give away an awesome prize bundle.  We’ve got a mystery bundle of fabric from Boho paired up with two sets of the Classic Shell and Omega patterns (one for you and one for a friend – because it is always more fun to share the love!)  This prize is open to everyone!!!!  International entrants will need to pay shipping for fabric.
ENTER HERE
Happy Sewing!
Check out each stop on the tour:
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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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Amuse Boho Homecoming tour

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 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
BUT FIRST!! I know you love a competition…
PRIZE:  3 WWD Patterns of Choice and 4 yards of fabric from The Fab Clique Fabric Shop.How to enter:
-Sew up and share an Amuse by Friday May 26.
-Use #Amuseme when sharing in the WWDF group so that Suzanne can find your entry.
– Already sewed up an Amuse???  Make a new post and share away with the #amusemeIt’s that easy!!!!
You can make a top, tunic, or dress.  You can hack it, make it in knit, smock it, whatever makes you smile.  I can’t wait to see what you all make ;o)

Don’t Forget:
-Save 20% on the Amuse through Sunday May 14th with code: AMUSEME
– Grab the discounted Amuse bundle of 4 yards of fabric for just $24 from The Fab Clique Fabric Shop.

Check out all the stops on the tour:
 Marta Glogger (guest blogger at Winter Wear Designs)
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Laela Jeyne Samantha Swing

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 The Samantha Swing Dress is an ultra-stylish and on trend dress or tunic! The Women’s Samantha PDF Pattern comes in hi-lo tunic, regular tunic, hi-lo dress, and regular dress length. It also comes in two styles: Sleeved and Racerback. With the sleeved style, you can make a cap, short, elbow, or long sleeve and you can add a cowl for an awesome cold weather look. The racerback style also comes with pieces to make a built in bra, if desired! Now you won’t have to go searching for the right undergarments! This pattern can be used to make extremely flattering styles for any shape, season, and mood.

Get this pattern with the girls’ Sammy Swing Dress and Tunic for an adorable Mommy and Me look!

Included in the pattern are detailed instructions on getting the best fit for your body! Fit instructions include Full Bust Adjustments, Wide/Narrow Shoulder Adjustments, and blending between sizes.

The pattern also includes:

Clearly written instructions with color photos or technical drawings to illustrate each step.
Fitting adjustment instructions for lengthening and shortening
Detailed information on how to print with layers so you print only the size you need
Detailed fabric layout
Yardage and size charts
Tested pattern pieces for women’s sizes XS-XXL (0-22)
No trim pages for US and A4 paper

The price for the Sammy is $5.95
The price for the Samantha is $6.50
and the bundle price is $11.50
All other single patterns are also 30% off until Sunday 11:59PM EST

Both the teen and I love this dress/tunic pattern!

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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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Whimsical Fabric Wacky Wednesday

If you haven’t figured it out, I love bag making! I also love Whimsical Fabric! Every other Wednesday, Danielle 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.
Today’s bundle is Art Gallery Fabrics Geometric Bliss in the Turquoise Angle colorway. It’s by Jenni Baker of In Color Order.

Isn’t it just gorgeous??

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For this bundle, I decided to make a Donna from Swoon. I love her construction and the ease of using her patterns. Of course Danielle challenged me to make a matching pearl to go with it. I accepted and killed it!

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Both these patterns were easy to put together. Let’s talk about pearl for a moment.

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this is one of those patterns that you see and think, “there is no way I can sew a wallet!” Let me tell you, the hardest part of it was folding the card slots the right way!” Once that was done, it sewed up pretty quick! I love the entire thing! It has a removable bifold, a zipper pocket for change, and is thin enough to slip into a purse easily!

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Donna was a pretty straight forward bag, a slip pocket on the outside, a zipper pocket on the inside and a drop in lining. I still struggle with the drop on linings, but I am slowly getting better! I love the front pocket with the piping detail!

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We posted a sneak peek yesterday in the Whimsical Fabric group, and it has sparked a lot of questions about my logo and my labels. My logo was designed by a friend from an idea in my head, but my labels I bought from a company on Etsy called Mountain Street Arts. Pam was wonderful to work with, and the turnaround was super fast! If you message her, be sure to let her know you came over from the CBAT blog!

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I love the mint green on the inside!

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card slots..probably the toughest part of the wallet!

Just a reminder, the Wacky Wednesday Deal starts at 12 pm CST (10 am PST) and is good only until it sells out (and I know this one will!) so be sure to head over there and snag yous quick!

And a little side note..Miss Danielle doesn’t know this yet, but she loves this set so much, it is being sent to her today 😉

Happy Sewing!

Larissa

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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