Georgie Girl Coveralls by Ruby Jean's Closet

If you've ever had a chance to check out Ruby Jean's Closet you were most certainly amazed by all the sweet little details that they put into every pattern. The Georgie Girl Coveralls pattern is no exception! Contrasting fabrics and ruffles make this simple coverall just beautiful.

I'm so proud to say that this time I didn't go out and buy any fabric, I used what I had from my stash. The main fabric is a light weight denim with a floral embroidery that I've had in my stash for at least 9 years, and the contrast fabric is a cotton print that I picked up only a few months ago.

I love all the little details like the ruffles on the front bib and pockets, the sash in the back to give it just enough of a girly look and  the loose relaxed fit of this pattern. 

And yes once again Amelia was overjoyed to be able to put her hand in the pockets like she was here. Anything to get photos done with a little girl with a cold, even complying with her wish to keep her runners on her feet and keep her little bag of cereal for the shoot.

Over-Sized Receiving Blankets Giveaway

17 years ago, going back to my oldest baby Sebastien, I realized that those store bought receiving blankets didn't cover up much of anything since they were so itsy bitsy, so of course they were useless for swaddling. I started making my own receiving blankets with cute little prints. When baby #2 came along, Sabrina, I was now a pro at swaddling and she just loved her blankets. 15 years later she still holds on to her favorite one with the sheep print.

Just to give you and idea store bought balnkets are about 32 inch square, and Sprouting JubeJube blankets are 36 inches by 43 inches. those few inches makes all the difference when swaddling a baby.

When baby Julia (AKA JubeJube)  was born 4 years ago I started all over again with those receiving blankets and this time decided to share my knowledge with those around me. While on maternity leave I founded Sprouting JubeJube and today has become a lot more than blankets and bibs. Soon after I was blessed with baby #4, Amelia, who is now 2.5 years old, and Sprouting JubeJube continues to "sprout".

 For all the new parents out there take a look at The Happiest Baby on The Block believe me it really works.

So there you have it, the short story of the receiving blanket and why I began creating them. Now I'm giving you a chance to win your very own set! You'll be able to choose the 3 prints you like from my Etsy shop.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Leona Bolero-Top-Dress by Popolok Design

What a wonderful design! All of Popolok Design pattern are original and beautiful, and I got a chance to test Leona! The pattern has been released and I can now show you this beautiful design.

I took it as an opportunity to start my Christmas sewing. Yes, I did say Christmas (BTW, less than 100 calendar days till the Holiday Season ). I chose heavier weight fabrics, a polyester viscose blend suiting.

This pattern features a bolero that can be worn over just about any outfit, a peplum top, and a dress with different sleeve options. The tutorial is full of extra information like adding a sash, making a little pettiskirt, how to put in a regular or invisible zipper, and that's just to name a few. The pattern pieces themselves are full of markings to make sure everything is lined up correctly when you start assembling you garment. Tons of step-by-step photos along the way, I think even a beginner with some experience would have a lot of fun putting this one together.

The sizing chart is spot on. With JubeJube's measurements I decided to go with a size 3, and it was a perfect fit. I didn't even have to make any adjustments to the length of the skirt.

The options I used were the dress, with puffy sleeve, and ruffled collar. I generally use an invisible zipper, I just find it looks prettier. 

And did I not say something about Christmas...Yes JubeJube had me take out some decorations seeing that I told her she could wear her new dress for a Christmas party.

Sophie Jacket by My Little Plumcake

For fun, I decided to take part in a sew along that ended on the 15th of September. The pattern being used was the Sophie Jacket by My Little Plumcake. BTW so many other patterns to choose from in thier Etsy shop, all of them beautiful!

The fabric I chose was a hound's tooth wool bend, just amazing to work with, and a basic black polyester lining.

So easy to make, even for a beginner. When working with plaids just make sure that your prints line up perfectly, it will make all the difference in the finished product. That is one of my pet peeves, when plaids don't line up. It may take a little more fabric and a little more time but its so worth the extra effort. I even make them line up when I'm making PJ's, I'm a little OCD that way.

So stylish with its ruffled collar and belt tie. What's even more fun about this pattern is that it can easily be modified and a hood or little accent pockets could be added.

This jacket is the perfect for the weather here this time of year. 

Harvest of Pears

I haven't touched my sewing machines in 5 days! Going through withdrawal, and starting to get hives from being too busy to do any sewing. Here's a little of the reason why. I have this beautiful and huge pear tree in my backyard that needed some attention. The harvest this year was so much more than any other year. I couldn't let these gorgeous fruits go to waste.

I spent the morning cleaning up the yard, and the afternoon making pie and poaching the delicious fruit.

New recipe for a pear pie, can't wait to try it!

If you'd like the recipe, just leave me a comment with your email and I'll be more than happy to send it to you.

Ladies 4-tiered skirt pattern by Whimsy Couture

Remember this little number! Well I'm please to announce that Whimsy Couture will be releasing the pattern with ladies' sizes! (Add this chart to the already purchased pattern.) Knowing just how amazing JubeJube's skirt turned out, I decided to try it for myself. To be honest I don't usually wear skirts, but this one I think I can pull it off. Seeing that I am 5 nothing in height I felt I needed to wear heels and if I'm going to put the heels on I should go ahead and just dress it up. I could have as easily worn flip-flops and a plain t-shirt, and that is what is so fun about the design of this skirt!

All dressed up and nowhere to go. Seriously 5 minutes after these photos were taken I was back in my jeans and cleaning the supper dished (glamorous!). 

I should maybe think of doing a little more selfish sewing and get me out of those jeans! 

Astra Peasant Dress by 5Berries

A new pattern is out from 5Berries and that means I just had to try it! This time in a size 7 for my sweet and sometimes silly niece.

Now that you've seen the silly side, now for the sweet side. This dress has a sweet romantic look to it with its empire waist with casing and drawstring and the tiered twirly skirt.  The length of the dress makes it easy to wear with leggings or even a pair of skinny jeans right in to late fall.

Janey Jump Around Dress -FREE pattern by Peek-a-Boo Patterns

Peek-a-Boo Patterns released a new pattern, and its FREE! I was lucky enough to test it out before it was released. A lot of time and effort went into this pattern making sure that it was just right as far as sizing and instructions on assembly go.  Here is the link to get your very own copy, all you have to do is sign up for the mailing list!

This is a knit dress, so comfy and cozy. The style of it is just perfect for back to school.

Believe it or not, JubeJube chose her own fabric (out of a selection of 4 fabrics) and buttons and wanted the short sleeve option. The dress falls just above the knee, the perfect length to be able to pair it with leggings.

Just love the details of the neckline.

The short sleeves make it really easy to wear with a cardy.

Yes Amelia chose her fabric too (out of a selection of the same 4 fabrics as JubeJube). I decided on the long sleeve for Amelia and instead of using ribbing for the collar and cuffs I used the same fabric as the dress. I simply made sure to add a little bit of length to those pieces seeing as it has less stretch than ribbing.

I think its safe to say that they like what they chose.

4-tiered skirt pattern by Whimsy Couture

I love when I'm able to test a pattern before its released, and this was one of those times. I also love when I have an image in my head of the colors I want to use and there they are at the store, just as I had imagined it. Whimsy Couture has created a tutorial for this beautiful tiered skirt to be released in about a week, September 10th (Its available NOW here!), until then visit thier Etsy shop for other great patterns and tutorials. 

The pattern is very easy to follow with a sizing chart to allow you to choose the right size for you model, and step-by-step photos along the way, this makes it a great tutorial even for beginners. What makes it even more fun is that there are no pattern pieces to print out, just measure out the pieces of fabric you need, cut and sew! The skirt has four tiers of fabric and falls just below the knee with an elastic at the waist.

JubeJube will be able to wear it with a jacket or cardy, and a pair of boots right through the fall season. I used a quilters weight cotton, but if you make it in coduroy or denim its great for winter too. On this overcast but very hot and humid day she couldn't wait to take that jacket off!

I wish I had gotten a smile out of her at the fountain. Only once we were home and she thought I had put the camera away did she smile one of those smiles, and I caught it!

And there it is, great shot of her, not so great shot of the skirt because we don't really see it. Well you win some and you lose some...

Custom Quilt

Sometimes I need just a small square of fabric to make an appliqué or for a pocket as an accent so once in a while I'll order a charm pack wich features samples of fabric (6 inch squares) in a collection. The last one I got was called Marmalade by Moda Fabrics. No pockets or appliqués here, they all went towards making this custom quilt for one amazing photographer, my sister. 

Enjoy!