Sandy's Beach Bag by the Handmaiden's Cottage

So off AGAIN to the beach...I can't complain. I've been making my way so oftern to the sand and sun this summer that I don't want it to end! The joys of my job!

This time its all about a beach bag, Sandy's Beach bag from the Handmaiden's Cottage.

I used a beautiful canvas for this one. The shape of the bag is pretty basic with a flat bottom, but all the details that have been added like the outer and inside pockets, the loops for the drawsting and all the top stitching make this bag so stylish and durable.

Clear instructions on bar tracks and top stitching to create this beautiful bag are in the tutorial along with step-by-step photos.

And look at those fun loops at the top of the bag opening for the drawstring.

So I've fit 3 beach towels, my book, sun glasses and a couple of water bottles in my bag, and we're ready to go!

Ok, kids are looking at me asking if I'm ready to go to the beach! Summer isn't over, you still have time to make your own!

Until next time, xx

Summer Swimwear Tour 2016

Making our way back to the beach for another swimsuit. This one is from The Wolf and the Tree as part of the Summer Swimwear Tour 2016 along with Call Ajaire and Gracious Threads. 

I made the shortie shorts and the bikini length color block top.

I made the size 5 as indicated by JubeJube's measurements of 23 inches at the chest, 20 inches at the waist and 23 inches at the hips. After stitching the side seam at the recommended 3/8" I had to take it in another 1/2" on each side to get a slimmer fit. I still find the top a bit loose to my liking but she will grow and have it for next year.

I omitted waist band on the shorts, I felt they were highwaisted enough for JubeJube without adding another inch. I also left out the bands around the armscye, simply turning to hem at 1/4 inch. Again with the shorts I used a 3/8" seam allowance as recommended in the tutorial, and this time the fit was snug, but I wouldn't say they were too snug.

Changes to the pattern have been made, but unfortunately I have been able to sew a new one up in time to post it here. I can tell you that JubeJube is thrilled about her swimsuit, and for me, the next time I make it, I'll make sure to slim down that top a little more.

For now, I'm just going to sit back on the beach and enjoy watching JubeJube and Amelia play!

Until next time, xx.

*I did get this pattern for free for the purpose of the tour, but all opinions are my own.

Join in on the Summer Swimwear Tour fun by using the hashtag #sewswimtour to share your favorite swimwear makes.  And don't forget to enter the rafflecopter below to win some fabulous prizes from our sponsors!

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During the tour Designs by Call Ajaire is offering 20% off all patterns in the Etsy shop using the code SWIMTOUR, Gracious Threads is offering 15% off the purchase of 3 or more patterns in her shop (no coupon needed), and The Wolf and the Tree is offering 15% off patterns in her shop using the code SWIMTOUR as well.  So take a few minutes to visit Call Ajaire, Gracious Threads, and The Wolf and the Tree and of course the rest of the lovely blogs we have on the tour:

imagine gnats - Buzzmills - Sprouting JubeJube 

Our Chez Nous - Replicate Then Deviate - Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Once Upon a Sewing Machine - Kadiddlehopper - Lulu & Celeste - Skirt As Top - Needle and Ted 

Straight Stitch Designs - Rebel & Malice - Rae Gun Ramblings

Paisley Roots - Made by Sara - The Crazy Tailor - Skirt Fixation

Sew Chibi Designs - Max California - Better Dressed Child - Shaffer Sisters

Sew Country Chick - Handmade Frenzy - House of Estrela - Elegance & Elephants - SewsNBows

Yves by Blaverry

Another pattern by Blaverry has been updated, and here it is! JubeJube loves the dress I made her using Yves and the light cotton voile from my stash.

Updates includes three different lengths (dress, tunic and top), full linging to make it reversible and little extras like a coloring page for your budding designer.

What you can expect with ALL Blaverry patterns:

• Huge size range, from 2T to 16 years.
• Layered printing, print only the sizes you need.
• Easy instructions for blending sizes for a custom fit.
• Measurement charts in imperial and metric.
• Easy to the point instructions with tech drawings for each step.
• Fun styles that your kids will love to wear. 

JubeJube and I took a walk in the woods for this mini shoot. The fabric has a definite boho style to it with its ombre dye and ribbon appliqué.

As we walked she kept on say that she was like a real princess, like Poca-the-hauntis (I just love when kids change words around).

Until next time, xx

You want more inspiration with this pattern take a look at these blogs too!

Blaverry Blog - Stylin' Stacey - Élégantine! - Sprouting JubeJube - Sew Sophie Lynn

Baby Shower Gifts

Some time ago I was a guest on Gracious Threads for a virtual baby shower, so now I think I post it here.
I'm known as the go-to person when getting baby shower gift baskets ready. I get this type of mesasge on a regular basis...I'm going to a baby shower tomorrow, do you have anything on hand? I'll look in my stash and come up with what is needed to make this new little baby feel cozy and comfy.

Here are some of my favourite handmade gifts for a new baby. I start off with an oversized receiving blanket, a baby can never have too many of those. These blankets are over sizes so they do last longer than the store bought ones, JubeJube still has her favourite one that she snuggles with in front of the television or in the car when we go for a long drive. 

I use cotton flannel and cut it to measure about 115cm by 95cm (44 inches by 36 inches). I like using a bias tape to trim them out for extra durability and style. If you want a closer look on how to use bias tape here's a little tutorial I posted a while ago.

I'll add bib and washclothes to the gift basket, two more items you never have enough of with a baby. To make the washclothes I cut out a 7 inche square piece of a cotton print and another of cotton terry, both have been prewashed. Using a 1/4" seam allowance with right sides of fabric together I sew all around the edge, leaving an opening to pull them right side out. I then edge stitch all the way around. They're the perfect size for those messy faces.

The next little item on the list...These adorable little crib shoes! These are the Ruched Mary Janes, and the pattern is by PetitBoo.  The pattern shop has a nice veriety of boys and girls crib shoes.

Seriously They are addictive to make!

So now we have in this gift set, a blanket, bib, washclothes, crib shoes, and I also like to add a set of baby hangers, and wrap it all together with a pretty keepsake box. The box can be used to keep the hospital bracelet, that lock of hair from the first hair cut, some photos and many other cherished memories.

Once everything is put together I run to my friend Elena of Just ME, card maker and desinger extraodinaire,  and ask her to put a baby shower card together or raid her stash.

Until next time, xx.

Pool Side Beach Party Free Pattern and Tutorial Round Up

Now that the party is just about over I thought it would be nice to leave you with some lovely parting gifts...like a round up of free patterns and tutorials that can be used in creating some pool or beach party fun or your own.

Before starting up that list of fun patterns and tutorials check out Lulu & Celeste to find out if you're one of our lucky winners in the daily giveaway.

Just as a heads up, some of these patterns are Pinterest finds and I haven't tried them out.

• This first one is for men! Its a pattern from Vancouver (Canada) based company, Thread Theory. Their specialty, men's clothing patterns! The full Arrowsmith Undershirt pattern with instructions can be downloaded here for FREE!...Thank you Thread Theory! 

• I love this style as a beach cover up! Its a Kimono style dress tutorial for women. Here's the full blog post that I found over at Sew In Love. 

• Over at E+M Patterns (facebook group) you can find this adorable dolaman top pattern for FREE, I sewed it up and posted about it here. Adding a couple of inches in length would create the perfect beach cover-up for kids. 

• Next is a traditional bucket had, its perfect for toddlers in the sun and at the beach. The pattern is FREE over at Oliver+S. Although I haven't tried this pattern you know that so many others have! Pattern fits up to age 6-8 depending on head measurement!

• Talking about hats...I made the cutest bonnet! Find the pattern in the Jilly Atlanta pattern facebook group! The pattern is free and it is just adorable! 

• When going to the beach, you need a beach bag or tote bag...there are so many free patterns and tutorials out there for that type of thing, but the one I liked the most was the tutorial from Radiant Home Studio. It could simply be the fabric selection or the size of the tote that I was drawn to. 

• And something for Dolly? Why not! Another tried tested and true pattern shop...you shouldn't have any issues with this FREEBIE from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop (affiliate link). Its a swimsuit for 18" dolls. This is one on my to-do list! 

These are just a few...but you can find more on my Pinterest board, and its growing everyday! 

Enjoy!

Until next time, xx.

Pool side Beach Party Day 6

Here we are on Day 6 of our Pool Side Beach Party Tour...not quite the end, we still have to announce the winners of our daily giveaways...and today we have another giveaway!

Let's go see what our featured bloggers have made!

Over at Phat Quarters, Gemia has garnished her swimsuit cover-ups with pompoms...go check out all the details on her blog!

Essence has some fun colorful swimwear...I really can't wait to see the full look. For more go check out the Adventures of Bubba and Bug.

Miranda have it all in her post, the hat, the cover-up and the bikini...go get inspired with Inspinration!

Now I'm seriously wondering what Karly of Paisley Roots has put together...no clues at all from this teaser, but I bet you its amazing! Go take a look, I know you want to!

Looking for an ladies swimsuit, I think Eleri of the Sew and Tell Project has got that covered! Go take a look what she made using 5 out of 4 patterns!

Look back at the week and visit all the other stops...so many fun, colorful and inspired projects!
We'll be back in a few days with a beach bag designed by The Handmaiden's Cottage,  the winners of the daily giveaways, a round up post and maybe even a list of FREEbeach and pool realated projects...oh and also that hemp bracelet tutorial that I promised...there was just too much to pack into one week that's its flowing into next week!

Lulu & Celeste * 5 out of 4 * The Wholesome Mama * Sew Happily Ever After * BLAVERRY *  From a Box * Élégantine! * Wining Wife * Phat Quarters * Handmade Boy * Sew Sophie Lynn * Sprouting JubeJube * MCB Créations * Gracious Threads * Sew and Tell Project * Pear Berry Lane * Creative Counselor * Inspinration * Golden Rippy * Mahlica Designs * Filles à Maman *  Call Ajaire  * Cindy Parrett  * Adventures with Bubba and Bug  *  Paisley Roots *

Thanks so much to all our amazing sponsors! Here are some amazing deals, catch them beofre they're over!

Modkid (use the code POOLSIDE2016 for 25% of at checkout until July 2nd)

Sew Happily Ever After with the code Poolside16 get 50% off the Nana tote in thier Etsy shop until July 4th

Also Jennuine Design (one of the prize sponsors) is having an unrelated sale on selected patterns until June 30th. 40% off with code SATYASEASON

Phat Quarters Free US shipping on orders of $25 or more with code SUMMER25

BLAVERRY 15% off with code INDEPENDENCE2016  until July 10th

5 Out 4 Patterns  FIREWORKS2016 for 20% off your purchase now (6/27/2016) through Monday, July 4th, 2016. (Coupon cannot be used on PowerNet fabric)

Filles à Maman JULYONETOFIVE for 25% off everything including bundles, the coupon is valid from july 1st ending July 5th midnight EDT

Gracious Threads 40% off all patterns with code canadaday2016 Good from July 1st to 8th

Today's giveaway  is a $20.00 from Phat Quarters.

Mouse House Creations 35% off patterns and ready-to-sell items with code BOOM Good from June 30th to July 6th 11:59pm est

E+M Pattern 50% off all patterns with the Code SAVE50 at checkout good until July 6th (11:59p.m. PST).
Sofilantjes use the code FREEDOM for 20% discount excluding bundles

Today's give away is a $20.00 gift card from Phat Quarters fabric shop!

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