Christmas Stocking - Contest and Giveaway!

So its starting to feel a little more like Christmas. First, the blog post about Morton Elf is trending again and second, I've been making stockings!

Lynn over at The Handmaiden's Cottage has a fantastic Patchwork Stocking pattern and she's offering it for FREE for all those who sign up for the newsletter.

We also want to see all those fantastic creations! Join the Handmaiden's Cottage Pattern Group and post the stocking you've made using #PatchworkStocking for your chance to win a fat quarter bundle valued at over $100.00. The winner will be selected at random on December 11th, 2015.

There are a few options for this patchwork stocking pattern, here are the ones I made.

I mixed up fabrics but stayed with a very basic color palatte, I even mixed up the styles a little to use the basic design and then the more intricate patchwork. Adding details in the top stitching is also a good way to fancy it up without spending a lot of money on trim. For the basic stocking layout I used grosgrain ribbon and a blanket stitch (that I have on my sewing machine). You could also use ric rac instead of grosgrain. I like to try and use what I have on hand.

There's just so much you can do with this pattern!

I really can't wait to see everyone's stocking! So remember, sign up for the newsletter here to get your pattern for FREE, post your stocking to the group here using #PatchworkStocking and you'll have a chance to win a fat quarter bundle! Fun, right!

Until next time, xx.

Wear to Where: Office Attire

This is one of the sewing portions of the Wear to Where Series put together by Katy and Angelica. Go read how this all came about here. 

Nothing says office attire to me more than the classic pinstripe and crisp white shirt. Its simple and classic and so many ways to dress it up with accessories.

The first idea that came to mind is lawyers...suits, paralegal, Rachel Zane..

Meghan Markle (AKA Rachel Zane in Suits)

So this is the kind of look I had in mind. Very corporate, no?

This is how it turned out...the skirt is a paper pattern from Simplicity, tried tested and true, it has never let me down...only now looking at the size I made the last time and the one I made this time...YIKES! I love the thick waist band and the invisible side zipper on this skirt.

The shirt is the Button Up Shirt by Winter Wear Design...will for sure be needing to size down next time and adjust it to my shape. I added mother of pearl buttons down the front.

The red shoes for a splash of color, and my favorite chunky necklace to complete the look.

I haven't been this dressed up in about 6 years now.  This whole experience reminded me of when I actually left the house for work as a manager in women's wear. Do I miss it...not sure, some days I do.

This last one I just had to throw in there, it made me laugh and I figured why deprive you of a good chuckle, ha!

Until next time, xx.

Be sure to head over to Wild+Wanderful or Gardening in High Heels to check out the other brilliant bloggers, sewists and stylistas on the tour, as well as be able to link up your own looks and show us what you would Wear to Where!
Now let's talk giveaway prizes for this tour!!
For the sewists: Choice of 3 patterns from Cole's Creations, Choice of 3 patterns from Made for Mermaids, Pattern of choice from Patterns for Pirates, Pattern of choice from Scientific Seamstress, Sewing-tee of choice from Sewing Stadium, Pattern of choice from Simple Life Pattern Co, Pattern of choice from StitchArt
For the Fashionistas: Set of 6 cards from Designs by Nicolina, 30 minute Social Media/Copy Consult by Gardening in High Heels, Tee of choice from Handmade Escapade, $20 Store Credit from Jenny Penny Designs, Tumbler from Joy+Tren
A big thanks to our amazing sponsors!
Cole's Creations | Designs by Nicolina | Gardening in High Heels
Handmade Escapade | Jenny Penny Designs | Joy+Tren
Made for Mermaids | Patterns for Pirates | Scientific Seamstress
Sewing Stadium | Simple Life Pattern Co | Stitch Art
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Finishing Up Lily by Frocks & Frolics

This is the final day of the Sew-a-Long featuring the Lily Dress and Tunic pattern by Frock & Frolics. Join the Frocks & Frolics Sewing Circle on facebook to stay up to date on up coming events and new pattern releases.

If you made this pattern to have an opening you'll want to add your button loop before stitching your back outer shell to your lining. 

I made my Lily as plain as can be, but adding lace to the hem or some button or floral embelishments at the top of the pleats can be so fun! I knew my fabric already had a lot going on and I didn't want to make it too busy but thinking of the summer when I'll make this pattern using a plain linen adding a little something as simple as a lace hem will make it go from plain to wow!

Thanks to Marina of Froks & Frolics for having me! JubeJube loves her new tunic (her smile doesn't lie) and it was a pleasure to sew up!
You can get your copy in their Etsy shop along with so many other fun patterns. Not to worry if you're new to sewing, you can use the step-by-step videos that Marina has set up here.

Until next time, xx.

Lily by Frocks & Frolics Sew-a-Long Day 3

Welcome to Day 3! Don't forget to post your progress in the Frocks & Frolics Sewing Circle on facebook.

Today we're going to overcast the raw edges of the lower bodice lining (front and back) and also the center back of the lining and the main or outer shell of the garment. You can do this by using a zigzag stitch on your regular machine or your serger. We're also working on creating those pretty box pleats on the front of the garment. 

I like to have my pleats perfectly pressed all the way down to the hem and I'm going to tell you how to acheive that without spending so much time with a ruler or gauge at the ironing board.

1. Stith your pleats as indicated in the tutorial.
2. Change your stitch length to the longest and baste the rest of the pleat all the way down to the unfinished hem. (you may be able to see that long basting stitch in the above image).
3. Press using steam to make sure those pleats stay in place.
4. Just before your ready to stitch your hem, remove those basting stitches. They should come out very easily just by pulling on the bobbin thread, just make sure you haven't cut the tails of your threads.

Once your pleats are done, you can go ahead and stitch those shoulder seams on the main and lining.

Make your way back here tomorrow to see more of this project.

Until next time, xx.

Lily by Frocks & Frolics Sew-a-Long Day 2

We're starting day 2 of the Lily sew-a-long, be sure to join us in the sewing group on facebook for more fun and sharing! You've selected the size and options you'll be using to make your Lily, and you're just about ready to cut into that fabric...

This is a little check list I like to go through before I start cutting my fabric:

• Make sure my pieces are all on the straight grain of the fabric.
• If I'm using a directional fabric, make sure everything is right side up...it would be a shame if my characters were all on their heads and upside down.
• Make sure that all my pattern pieces fit on to the fabric and that I didn't forget any pattern pieces.
• As much as possible I have my prints line up, like stripes or big flowers (take a look at this post here on how I get my prints to line up)

Once all your pieces are cut out you need to transfer the markings from the paper pieces to the wrong side of the fabric:

• Center front of bodice at the neckline
• Box pleat markings
• Center front of lining ar the neckline
• Markings at center back if you're making the version with button closure at the back.

All these markings will help you make beautiful box pleats and  sew your pieces together so they match up as perfectly as they can.

Now a days a lot of us use fabric pens (most a water soluble), some will use tailors chalk. I still go old school and mark my patterns using needle and thread especially when there's a lot of details like pleats and darts. 

Come back tomorrow when we start to sew! I have a few more tips and tricks to share too! If you haven't started its not to late to join in on the fun, grab your pattern at a discount in the Etsy shop using the code "LILYROCKS" for 25% at checkout.

Until next time, xx.

Lily by Frocks & Frolics Sew-a-Long Day 1

I'm so excited to be hosting this sew-a-long for Marina of Frocks & Frolics! For this event you can follow along on my blog or join the facebook group, this will also allow you to stay up to date with new releases and sales. 

Its not too late to sew along with us, grab your pattern here, on Etsy and be sure to use the code "LILYROCKS" at checkout for 25% off.

Today we're getting together everything we need for the project:

• Pattern
• Fabric
• Notions (button, thread)

Before starting to sew I like to make sure I have everything I need since I often sew in the evening when the stores are closed. 

There are several options in this pattern like the neckline and length. I chose to make the tunic with the button closure at the back and the closed box pleats.

Come back tomorrow, I'll be sharing some fun facts about how I was taught to sew.

Until next time, xx.

Comfy Cozy Fleece Bathrobes

I was wanting to wait and give these bathrobes to JubeJube and Amelia as Christmas gifts, but then, I just couldn't wait. I used the Comfy Cozy Robe by Peek-a-Boo Patterns* and the fabric is fleece from my stash from a couple of years ago. I had no fabric to spare, I didn't even have enough to make the oversized pockets. That'll teach me not wait so long to sew up fabric when I buy it.

I let the girls choose their fabrics, JubeJube went with the pink and Amelia screamed out CHOCOLATE! YAY I WANT CHOCOLATE! She didn't make herself available for photos at this point, and I wasn't about to argue with her but you do get to see JubeJube in her finished robe.

I made a size 6-7, the sleeves are a little long, but at least now it will fit her for some time.

Here are some pattern details:

• Size range is from 6 months to 12 years
• 18" doll size included
• Yardage and measurement charts included
• 1/2 " seam allowances included
• Photos along with step-by-step tutorial
• Cowl or hood options included
• Designed for fabrics such as fleece, flannel, and light weight knits.

One thing I did, was add that sitiching midway the sash, not because I was affraid of loosing it in the wash, it was more because I didn't want the girls to tie each other up with them (yes my girls don't always play nice with eachother)

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.