Breaking Ground Part 2

I'm back on the Breaking Ground Blog tour that Melissa of MahlicaDesigns has put together. 

Today I'm featuring the Halla Slimfit Dolman. Yes I know, nothing ground breaking about a dolman, but the whole point of the tour is to try new designers or new techniques. I opted for a new to me designer. I love a good dolman style top, I've tried many of the different patterns out there like the Asymmetrical Drape by EYMM and the Seafarer by Sew Much Ado. This one is different and its right on trend with the dolman styles that we're seeing in stores, especially when making the long sleeve option. 

Before going any further, go join the Halla Patterns facebook group. There are a bunch of discount codes to allow you to get this pattern (and others) for free!

This pattern even if it wasn't a promotional pattern would be a great staple pattern in anyone's pattern collection and a fantastic piece to have in your wardrobe.

There's a few different options on this pattern, long or short sleeves, armbands for the short sleeves, and also different lengths to create a tunic. The size range is huge! Size 00 to size 26 are all available on this pattern and the layered printing feature is available so you print out only the sizes you need.

I think this pattern with its great fit is so worth the time and effort of printing, cutting and sewing. Go check them out, Halla Patterns!

Need some inspiration to get going on that spring wardrobe, go check out the rest of the bloggers on the Breaking Ground tour!

Monday March 20- Anne-Mari Sews, Sewing By Ti, Musings of A Seamstress, Tenille's Thread, Couturious, Embrace Everyday, Sewing A La Carte
Tuesday March 21- mahlicadesigns, Kaleidothought, Ronda B Handmade, Elizabeth Made This Wednesday March 22- Rainy Day Sewing, Anne-Mari Sews, Sprouting Jube Jube, Sewing A La Carte, Tales of a Tester
Thursday March 23- mahlicadesigns, Lulu & Celeste, Very Blissful, Sprouting Jube Jube, Ronda B Handmade, Adventures with Bubba and Bug
Friday March 24- Anne-Mari Sews, Tales of a Tester, Sewing By Ti, Musings of A Seamstress, Harper + Lu,Sewing A La Carte

Until next time, xx.

Breaking Ground Part 1

J'ai plusieurs premières fois a partager avec vous aujourd'hui!  

Today is all about breaking ground! A lot of first times here...

J'ai débuté mon projet au mois de janvier et pour moi, de prendre de l'avance comme ça c'est toute une première. Je magasinais des patrons sur un site internet que je connaissais pas, Makerist. Il y avait des designers que je connaissais mais j'ai tomber sur le Joline Hoodie de Dreiem et je me suis dis que j'avais trouvé mon projet. Avec ce patron j'ai pu me pratiquer en allemand (une autre première, lol). Les instructions sont en anglais mais les pièces de patron sont uniquement identifiées en allemand. 

For starters, this is a first for me, I got this project going back in January. I was pattern shopping on a website I had never used before, it has many designers, I recognised some designers from the website but a lot of them are new to me. When I saw the Joline Hoodie by Dreiem's that I found on Makerist, I knew it was the project for me. Another first, I got to practice my German (heeheee) the pattern instructions are in English but the pattern pieces are all noted in German (but pretty self explanatory).

Les tailles disponibles dans le patron sont XS à XXXL pour femmes. Je me suis fait l'option hoodie, il y a aussi un option avec un grand col.

The sizes available in this pattern are from XS to XXXL for women. I made it with the hoodie but there is also an option for a cowl type collar. 

Une broderie pour personnalisée le vêtement. Maintenant que ma salle de couture est réaménagé (photos a suivre dans mon prochain billet) c'est beaucoup plus facile de me servir de toutes mes machines et d'aller juste qu'au bout de ma créativité.

I added a machine embroidery to the side of the hood, to make it more personalized. I actually went and fixed up that sewing studio to make it easier to be more productive and creative (photos in my next blog post)...and since we're talking about breaking ground, this was my first completed project in my revamped sewing room. 

J'adore mon nouveau hoodie, vraiment très confortable et la taille était bien indiquée selon le tableau fournie dans le tutoriel. C'est sure que je vais m'en faire d'autres!


I'm loving my new hoodie, the size is spot on according to the measurement chart and its a style I'll for sure be making again! 

Voici un aperçu des participants de la tournée, il y en à tellement a voir et à découvrir! 

Here's a look at the other stops on the tour! So much to discover on this tour, new patterns, new designers! 

Monday March 20- Anne-Mari Sews, Sewing By Ti, Musings of A Seamstress, Tenille's Thread, Couturious, Embrace Everyday, Sewing A La Carte
Tuesday March 21- mahlicadesigns, Kaleidothought, Ronda B Handmade, Elizabeth Made This Wednesday March 22- Rainy Day Sewing, Anne-Mari Sews, Sprouting Jube Jube, Sewing A La Carte, Tales of a Tester
Thursday March 23- mahlicadesigns, Lulu & Celeste, Very Blissful, Sprouting Jube Jube, Ronda B Handmade, Adventures with Bubba and Bug
Friday March 24- Anne-Mari Sews, Tales of a Tester, Sewing By Ti, Musings of A Seamstress, Harper + Lu, Sewing A La Carte

Everyday Essentials with EYMM for Valentine's Day

To be honest I was a little worried about how I was going to present the pattern on my blog. Wondering if I would be confident enough to do modeled photos of my new nigthgown. We all have our reservations about going out of our comfort zone, we all have our little imperfections that we wish to hide from the world but in the end it is what it is. Yes I have curves, and imperfections that I didn't have when I was 20 years old, but they are a part of me and they tell a story. Really so glad that I was able to show you modeled photos and jump out of my comfort zone on this one.   

This pattern is the Everyday Essential by EYMM (affiliate link). The pattern offers so many options and such a huge size range (xs-5xl) including different cups sizes so its easy to get a good fit. 

The fabric suggestions for a good support fit is a cotton lycra blend, but I wanted the soft flowing silkiness of a rayon blend which doesn't have the best recovery. My solution was to line the bra or bodice part, front and back, with a white 95% cotton 5% lycra knit and get the comfort and light weight feeling of the rayon knit.

I also wanted a girly look to this nightgown and so I went through my stash of elastic lace. Finally I found some matching fold over elastic for the armcye. I spent more time contimplating my fabric selection than I did sewing. The pattern is very easy to understand and I put most of the garment together using my serger.

I haven't had a nightgown in years, I could get used to feeling this girly and leave those old flannel PJ's behind.

Make sure to visit all the stops on the Valentine Essentials Blog Tour! (Keep in mind that the links below won't work until their scheduled date.)

Feb. 3 -Sewing by Ti

Feb. 4 - Joelle at EYMM

Feb. 5 - Embrace Everyday

Feb. 6 - Sprouting JubeJube and Capture, Craft, and Cook

Feb. 7 - Call Ajaire and Blessed x Five

Feb. 8 - Rebel & Malice and Sew Haute Blog

Feb. 9 - Kelly's Sewing Creations and Sew Far North

Feb. 10 - Roundup at EYMM

During the tour, the Everyday Essentials pattern is on sale for half off! Use code VDAYTOUR on the EYMM site to save 50% on the Women's Everyday Essentials pattern until February 12 at 11:59pm PST.

Disclaimers:
This blog contains affiliate links meaning I make a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase through it at no extra cost to you. 
I received the pattern at no charge for the purpose of the tour but all opinions are my own.  

Sew Long Summer Blog Tour

We will be saying so long to Summer soon enough, but on this beautiful but windy day I'm dreaming of Bali, or the Bali Blouse by New Horizons. All summer long I've been dying to sew it up. 

Make sure to read all the way to the end of this post...fun giveaway and coupon codes! check them out!

This is a pattern that I purchased when it was first released. I was drawn to the front detail of this blouse and the tulip style back.

To my surprise this pattern is drafted for both knits a wovens. Different sleeves have been drafted for the different fabric types.

I used a light weight knit with not a huge amount of stretch and went with the short sleeve option. there's 3 different sleeve lengths included in the pattern along with the sleeveless version.

I love the style of the top, the pattern was well put together, but I don't think that this style is the best fit for me, gathers above the bust line with a full bust is not the most flattering especially if you want to show off a small waistline. I will give it one more try and make the slim fit cut to have the blouse hug the curves a little more. I'll make sure to post it so you'll be able to see for yourselves if it does make a difference.

Want to see some more sewing inspiration, go check out the other stops on the tour!

Sept. 12th Sewing by Ti, Cindy Parrett, Sewing Vortex, Renata Laura, Couturious, Nina Makes

Sept. 13th mahlicadesigns, Musings of a Seamstress, Rainy Day Sewing, Sprouting Jube Jube, Sewing A La Carte, Anne-Mari Sews

Sept. 14th AppleGreen Cottage, mahlicadesigns, Kaleidothought, PrettiModesti, Olive Ashby, Sewing Bee Fabrics

Sept. 15th Lulu & Celeste, Diane Cullum of Two Chicklets, Adventures With Bubba and Bug, Wining Wife, The Pumpkin Room, Sewing A La Carte, Anne-Mari sews

Sept. 16th Sewing by Ti, Musings of a Seamstress, Tales of a Tester, Almost a hippy, At Margareta's Haus, Sewing A La Carte, Birds Of A Kettle

Until next time, xx.

Fun discounts and coupon codes from our sponsors:
Zierstoff Patterns 20% off patterns Code: zierstoffpatterns20 Ends 9/17/16
Blue Dot Patterns 25% off patterns Code: SewLongSummer Ends 9/17/16
On the Cutting Floor 50% off patterns Code: SEWLONG Ends 9/17/16


a Rafflecopter giveaway

EYMM Back to School tour: Moms Edition

JubeJube and Amelia have been back to school for a week now...so with an empty house I get to sew a little more, and this time its for me. The days are getting shorter and the evenings a little cooler so why not make a cozy cardigan to be able to stay out a little longer.

Four Seasons Cardigan by EYMM (affiliate link)  and a sweater knit was just the perfect combination. I made this pattern a some time ago but decided I needed a new one. The version I made has the hood and I made it 4 inches longer than the cadigan length. You'll notice on your pattern that there's also the duster length. Not to mention many different sleeve lengths and a huge range of sizes. 

The longest part of this project was getting the pattern tiles assembled, but once cut out and at the sewing machine it took less than 2 hours to put together. That does include taking the time to iron all hems before stitching with my twin needle.

I did use a little bit of clear elastic to stabilize the fabric at the shoulder seam and the back neckline since this is a very loose knit. I didn't want those seams to stretch out.

I think this one is a winner, comfort and style all in one. I'm working on rebuilding a more adult looking wardrobe and I think this one will fit in very nicely!

Looking for some more ideas on some fun sewing projects...check out the other stops on this tour!

Don't miss any of the posts on EYMM's Back to School Tour: Mom's Edition! (Note: the links below will not work until their scheduled day, but feel free to click through and check out the rest of their blogs anytime!)

September 7 Sewing by Ti and Sprouting JubeJube and Call Ajaire

September 8 Inspinration and Idlesunshine

September 9 Boutique Birdie and Needles to Say

September 10 Capture, Craft, and Cook and Kelly's Sewing Creations and Lulu & Celeste

September 11 Adventures with Bubba and Bug and Pretty & Precious and MeMade

September 12 Five Blessings and House of Estrela and Rebel & Malice

September 13 Recap at EYMM

The kids are back in school and parents and caregivers everywhere are excited to catch up after summer break! Use coupon code PARENTSROCK to save 50% off any adult-size patterns for men and women now through 11:59pm PST Tuesday 9/13/2016. This offer may NOT be combined with other offers including bundles.


Until next time, xx.

*This blog contains affiliate links meaning I make a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase through it at no extra cost to you.

Sew Ready For Fall with Stylish Fabrics

What am on doing on what seems like the hostest and most humid day of the year? Yup, I'm dressing myself up for fall weather!

I did have some help thanks to Sylish Fabrics, I was sent 2 yards of this beautiful sweater knit to use for the purpose of this tour. I was also sent over by the Patterns for Pirates team the add on pack to the Raglan Slim Fit  to add the hood to the pattern I already love so much! As always, my opinions are my own!

Check out their links here. Twitter – Facebook – Instagram – Pinterest

So back to this hot and humid day...and me dressed like its getting cool outside! I can't say that I'm ready for fall to come just yet, but at least I have this oh so comfy hoody!

About the fabric... I chose based on color and what I thought the texture would be, not sure exactly what to expect since I shop a lot by touching fabrics. If I don't like what it feels like, I don't buy it. When the fabric arrived I was pleasently surprised at how soft and light weight it was.

So I couldn't just drape myself in this wonderfully soft fabric, so the next best thing was to make it a hoodie. My go to top pattern lately has been the Slim Fit Raglan by Patterns for Pirates....add on a hood and I'm a happy lady!

I have to admit, I've never sewn up this type of knit before. So with caution, a lot of clips to avoid having wonky seams and good ball point needles I got the job done. I added some twill tape at the neckline to stabilize it and avoid stretching it out and glad I did.

So if you don't mind...I need to get back into the AC and cool off!

Make sure you check out the other stops on the tour! 

There are TONS of prizes, for which I’m not able to win so go on and enter and increase your own chances to win!

Enter the giveaway by going here: Sew Ready for Fall Intro post

August 1st

Sewing By Ti and Rebel and Malice

August 2nd

Gray all Day

August 3rd

Wild and Wanderful and The Sara Project

August 4th

Doodle Number 5 and Sweet Red Poppy

August 5th

Paisley Roots and Dos Natural Sistas and My Crafty Little Self

August 8th

Made By Melli and Sew Far North

August 9th

Sew Sophie Lynn and Creative Counselor

August 10th

Frivolous at Last and EYMM

August 11th

Lulu and Celeste and Sprouting Jubejube

August 12th

Adventures with Bubba and Bug and All Things Katy and Sewing by Ti

Until next time, xx.

Pool Side Beach Party Day 3

Welcome to Day 3! So much going on today so lets get right to it! 

*Don't forget the raffle copter giveaway at the end of this post!

Special Feature: 

I asked my friend Elena of Just ME if she'd create a fun card to go with our pool/ beach theme. This is what she came up with. Its a fun little digi stamp that is now available in her Etsy shop, Just ME Digital Stamps. Its always nice to bring a card to the host, or for the birthday girl, and even better when its handmade. For more card making ideas and just fun party themes, go visit Elena's blog!

The Teasers:

Today seems to be all about swimwear, for girls and women! Take a look, get inspired!

Starting off with Alisha over at the Sew and Tell Project. Sewing for yourself is never an easy task, but seeing how great Alisha looks, I think she's got the right fit with the pattern she selected! Visit her blog to find out more about her project! 

Now Jess over at Gracious Threads has been busy! go check out her blog, you'll see what I mean! Not just did she sew up a great looking swimsuit for herself...go, before I let the cat out of the bag!

Check out what Marie-Claude at MCB Créations sewed up for her blog post. I'm just loving the anchor print for the top!

Not one but TWO swimsuits are being featured SewSophieLynn, want to see what patterns Tami used, well just go visit her blog!

And you have my little Amelia chanting that she's ready for the the beach...you can check out my post here a little later on.

More fun stuff to be seen tomorrow with Ula over at Lulu & Celeste as she hosts Day 4!

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 *

Coupon Codes:

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
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).
A huge thank you to all out sponsors!

2 patterns of choice* from Mouse House Creations

1 pattern of choice* from 5 Out of 4 Patterns

1 pattern of choice* from Chalk and Notch

*Excludes bundles

Open Internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, xx.

Make Laundry, Don't Do Laundry Tour

These are my thoughts, you're in a time crunch, you have 3 loads of laundry to do, and you really don't want to do any at all, but you have an outing and you're favorite pair of jeans are in the wash and so is your go-to top...you know the one that fits you so well and that makes you feel wonderful. You have time to one load of laundry, so in the jeans go, and during that time you make yourself a new top, using that go-to pattern...try and beat the clock!

SO instead of making 1 top, I made 3, using 3 different patterns. Each taking just under an hour including cutting time.

I started with the first  PDF pattern I ever purchased. Its the Seafarer Top by Sew Much Ado. Its an easy dolman style top with a few options available to the pattern.

The arm bands...I had them on there but after trying it on I just didn't like the way it looked on me and they ended up on the sewing room flood. So even with this ouuups it still took me under an hour.

And then I looked in my to-do pile and saw the Art Gallery fabric and I've been wanting to make E+M Pattern's top No. 27 (free pattern alert, get it in the facebook group E+M + You) since its been out, and I still had time on the clock...so here we go!

Another quick dolman top with cuffs at the sleeves, a facing at the neckline and curved lower hem.

This pattern is available in sizes 2 years - 10 years.
Ain't it cute!

Ok, so time to put the load in the dryer, so I guess that means I have time for one more...
Next on the list, the Free Spirit Tank by Patterns for Pirates.

I had to use two different fabrics on this one because I didn't have enough of that floral print, but I really like the way it turned out. I made the Hi-Low hem option with the racer back.

Feeling quite sassy in my new tank...I may have to put the timer more often!

**FYI: I'm told I'm a little very OCD when it comes to laundry and folding, everything has to be folded the "right" way, it must be fresh out of the dryer and still warm and don't mix up those colors and whites because I may ban you from my laundry room! ...I acutally love doing laundry, but don't tell anyone here!

Go check out the other stops on this tour...either you want to avoid doing laundry so you just make more clothes (to eventually wash, hate to burst your bubble) or set the timer like I have...I'm sure you'll be inspired! AND don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Until next time, xx.

6/6 Creative Counselor / Phat Quarters / Call Ajaire / Friends Stitched Together / The Wholesome Mama / Wild & Wanderful

6/7 Blaverry / The Inspired Wren / Sew Sophie Lynn / Sprouting Jube Jube / Coral & Co / Once Upon A Sewing Machine

6/8 Paisley Roots / Sew Happily Ever After / Randoms By Rydz / Elegantine / Rebel & Malice / Fabulous Home Sewn / Candice Ayala

6/9 Create 3.5 / Muse Of The Morning / Sew & Tell Project / Gracious Threads / Beatnik Kids / Everything Your Mama Made

6/10 Sweeter Than Cupcakes / Pear Berry Lane / All Things Katy! / Sew Starly / Handcrafted By RED / Adventures of Bubba & Bug / Sew & Tell Project

 

Thanks to all of our amazing sponsors for being a part of this tour.

A few of the designers are having sales for the duration of the tour, so here's the codes!George & Ginger use code MAKELAUNDRY25 for 25% off her patterns Blaverry use code MAKELAUNDRY for 25% off her patterns Stitch Art use code MAKELAUNDRY for 30% off patterns Paisley Roots use code MAKELAUNDRY for 25% off patterns These codes are good through June 12th! Then Laela Jeyne's Emily Womens T-shirt & the Deluxe Charlotte Kids Leggings are on sale through the 11th! No code needed! I know everyone loves a good giveaway so here's the prize packages:

Link-up Prize Package

Link Up at Pear Berry Lane, Paisley Roots, or The Crafting Fiend

Thread Faction Full Collection Spring/Summer 2016

2 Patterns of choice from Momma Quail

$15 gift certificate to Gracious Threads

$25 gift certificate to Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop (good for fabric too!)

2 Patterns of choice from Made For Mermaids

1 Pattern of choice from Blaverry

1 Pattern of choice from Brownie Goose 2 Patterns of choice from Laela Jeyne Patterns (excludes bundles) 1 Pattern of choice from The Wolf & the Tree 1 Pattern of choice from Stitch Art 2 Patterns from Paisley Roots $20 gift certificate to Phat Quarters 3 Patterns of choice from Everything Your Mama Made

Prize Package 1

1 Pattern of choice from Pattern for Pirates

1 Pattern of choice from Brownie Goose 2 Patterns of choice from Hey June 2 Patterns from Paisley Roots 1 Pattern of choice from Muse of the Morning 1 Pattern of choice from Call Ajaire 1 Pattern of choice from Stitch Art 1 Pattern of choice from The Wolf & the Tree 3 Patterns of choice from Everything Your Mama Made

Prize Package 2

1 Pattern of choice from Simple Life Pattern Company

1 Pattern of choice from Modkid 1 Pattern of choice from Laela Jeyne

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