Great Canadian Craftsy Bag Tour

So excited to be on this fun little tour with fellow Canadians and Craftsy! This is one tour you won't want to miss. Every stop is a new project, and you'll nevery know what you might learn. 

So thanks to the people at Craftsy I got to take the Sew Sturdy Home Organizers class with Annie Unrein (affiliate link). Just so you know, I did get this class for free for the purpose of the tour, but all opinons are my own. 

I watched all the segments to this class, about 3 hours of how-to videos (I didn't watch all in one sitting). I downloaded the patterns, and got my shopping list ready. I did have an issue finding By Annie's Soft & Stable,  so I had to make due with other stabilizers. I'll be able to tell you what I used and how that worked for me.

This is how I started my morning. See where my focus was, yup you guessed it, on my coffee! I cut out my pieces and applied a fleece interfacing and then a firm polyester stabilizer. I wanted the basket to be firm enough that it wouldn't just collapse if I decided to stack them. I think the combination of fleece with the firm interfacing worked fine. I wouldn't have any worries about stacking the baskets either.

I decided that I was to start off with the smallest nesting basket, just in case I didn't like it or the interfacing that I used didn't give the results I wanted. Once everything was cut out and interfacing applied I was able to measure the handle and little vinyl pocket placement. One thing that is mentioned in the class is to keep that little piece of tissue paper on the vinyl so that the clear vinyl doesn't get lost in the shuffle...I want to add that its also a good idea to hold on to that piece of tissue paper for easy top stitching. Place the paper over the vinyl so that everything feeds nicely under the presser foot. Once you're done just rip the paper off.

I don't usually make bags or sew thick fabric and I know Wonder Clips are life savers for some of us...but when you don't have Wonder Clips you can always use office supplies? These binder clips really did the job, not sure they would work for everything you would use Wonder Clips for, but in this case...

Once I had finished sewing the base to the body I felt it looked a bit like a pot. A pretty pot, but still a pot and not a basket. I had to hurry and get that lid made. I thought of what I would put in my little pot looking basket and if it would still look like a pot with its tag in place a lid.

JubeJube thought it would look nice with her toys in it and begged me to put her stuffed rabbit in it. thoughts?

I'm thinking these would make great gift baskets. Give a gift with its own storage container? That could work. 

In the end I think its my rick rack that won a new home...a girl can never have too much rick rack! Only in Canada, you say? Pity!

Here are a few things that I really liked about the class:

• You get two projects to work on, the nesting baskets and the Catch All Caddy.
• A good explanation on interfacing and which one would  work best for this project.
• Tips and tricks that are discussed in the class.
• Easy pace and not too much information all in one sitting.  

I really feel like I was able to benifit from this class and got to learn something new.

Guess what! Crafsty is going to offer this class at a huge discount, just for you! How about 50% off this class, no code needed with my affiliate link! Offer expires April 12th, 2016.

Craftsy has also graciously sponsored a prize for a giveaway! Up for grabs is Rowan Three-Quarter Patch Tote Kit (includes PDF pattern and fabric)*, plus Pellon Fusible Fleece Interfacing*.  Just click >>HERE*<< to enter!

*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.

Meet my fellow Canadian bloggers on this tour with Janelle on her blog, Emmaline Bags! So many more projects to take a look at! You'll also want to go check out Marsha's blog, Seam of My Pants...I think she's got somthing up her sleeve...

Tour Dates

Monday, April 4

Seam of my Pants -- Bag-Making Basics: Reversible Tote & Zipper Pouch with Kristin Link and Learn to Sew: Simple Bags with Nicole Vasbinder

Tuesday, April 5

Sprouting JubeJube -- Sew Sturdy: Home Organizers with Annie Unrein

Lulu & Celeste -- Sewing With Oilcloth: Bags & Baskets with Kathy McGee

Wednesday, April 6

Happy Okapi -- Sew Sturdy Travel Organizers with Annie Unrein

Thursday, April 7

Michelle's Creations -- Mix & Match: Clutch Bag Techniques with Janelle MacKay

Friday, April 8

Shelaine's Designs -- Sew Better Bags: The Weekend Duffel with Betz White

Tangled Blossom Designs -- 20 Essential Techniques for Better Bags with Lisa Lam

Saturday, April 9

Emmaline Bags -- Recap/Roundup

Sunday, April 10

Sur "prizes"

Until next time, xx.

Hazel by Jilly Atlanta AND George & Ginger

So you must have seen the new pattern collaboration by Jilly Atlanta and George & Ginger, right? Meet Hazel!

You can get the Hazel for girls from Jilly Altanta and for ladies over at George & Ginger. Both priced at $7.00 for a very limited time.

So we're getting ready for warmer weather around here (I hope) and this tunic is just the way to start building that spring/summer wardrobe. So happy I got a head start on this one and was able to help test it. 

The tunic is designed for light weight wovens and is cut on the bias to give it that beautiful drape. The layers are asymmetric, I think it creates a beautiful style. The back features a keyhole with ties at the back neckline. The whole thing is lined so you could also play around with different colors and textures in the fabric. I chose a fabric from my stash, a light embroidered cotton voile. 

So easy to wear, and looks good paired with leggings, capris, or jeans.

Size range for this pattern is from 2 years to 12 years. You'll also find a full tutorial with photos, metric and imperial charts, list of notions and material requirements and a glossary of sewing terms.

I bet when Amelia sees JubeJube's new tunic she'll want one too...better get a jump on that one, heeeheee!

Until next time, xx. 

Odette Add-on by Sunday Girl Designs

Remember this cute little pattern from a couple of years ago! (click here) Its Odette from Sunday Girl Designs.  Well I'm so excited because Odette has been re-released with new features!

If you remember correctly Odette was a top with shorts and capri pants...now there's a dress length!

The fit hasn't changed, so you still can expect the same great fit. You can also expect:

• Layered printing to print out only the sizes you want and need.
• clear photos with step-by-step written instructions.
• 5/8" seam allowances.
• Printing chart to print out only the pieces you need.
• Accurate measurement chart...believe me, I went with what the chart said and the fit was spot on!
• List of required notions and yardage chart.
• Sizes range from 3 to 8 years.
• Tutorial for creating a contrasting front pleat.
• Sleeveless option.
• This pattern was designed with woven fabrics in mind.

If you're looking for the full pattern here is the link, if you already have the pattern but just want the add on here is the link for that! 

So now that Miss Amelia showed off her dress to JubeJube, I have another to make! Perfect since the both now wear the same size!

Until next time, xx. 

Spring Break PJ Party Tour: Day 5

What a week this has been on the Spring Break PJ Party Tour! We've featured over 20 designers from 30 bloggers, had a number of giveaways, and walked away with tons of inspiration! For the last day take a look at:

Made By Jaime, Mae & K, SewSophiLynn, Amazing Adventures of Bubba & Bug and MahlicaDesigns 

A huge thank you going out to the 24 designers sponsoring prizes for this huge party! 

We are also lucky to have four fabric shops offering readers discount codes:

Mabel Madison is offering 20% off with the code JAMMIES. Code expires March 31st!

PhatQuarters is offering 10% off OR FREE shipping to US addresses on orders over 40$ US (with an equivalent discount for international shoppers). Use the code PHAT10 for 10% off OR FREE40 for free shipping within the US.

Raspberry Creek Fabrics is offering 15% off

Tangled Blossoms Designs is offering 10% off with the code PJPARTY. Code expires March 25th!


And now for today’s giveaway!

Today’s prize is sponsored by Felicity Sewing Patterns and StitchART. You could win 1 pattern of choice (excludes bundles) from Felicity Sewing Patterns and 2 patterns of choice (excluding bundles) from StitchART. Visit Felicity Sewing Patterns and StitchART to see what they have to offer. The giveaway ends March 26th at 11:59pm EST. See the Rafflecopter on how to enter! You have up to 8 chances to win! The winner will be chosen March 27th and will have 48 hours to respond to the email before a new winner is chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.

Want to win more prizes? You still have time to enter yesterday's giveaway! Go to Made By Jaime's post from yesterday to enter the giveaway that ends at 11:59pm EST tonight (March 25th)!

Missed a stop on the tour? The full schedule is below:

Monday, March 21st

Sew Far North  |  The Wholesome Mama  |   From-a-Box |  Pattern Revolution  |  Inspinration | Paisley Roots

Tuesday, March 22nd

Sprouting JubeJube | 5 Out Of 4 | Sew Happily Ever After | Beri Bee Designs |  Phat Quarters | Connected by A Thread

Wednesday, March 23rd

Create 3.5 | Handmade Boy | HattieLu Handmade | Made by Melli |  The Crafting Fiend | Sweeter Than Cupcakes

Thursday, March 24th

Lulu & Celeste | Sew Starly | Phat Quarters | Pear Berry Lane Rebel & Malice | Creative Counselor

Friday, March 25th

Made By Jaime | Mae & K | Mabel Madison | SewSophiLynn |  Amazing Adventures of Bubba & Bug | MahlicaDesigns


a Rafflecopter giveaway

An InLinkz Link-up

PJ's for Spring Break

Its the first week of spring and its freezing here, so no short sleeved jammies for now. Instead I made a crowd favorite, Alex and Anna Winter PJ's by Peek-a-Boo Patterns! (affiliate link)

As usual, Amelia chose her fabric, she pleaded with me to buy this panda bear print. The fabric is 95% cotton and 5% spandex from Fabricville, its so soft and comfy.

This child is growing like a weed so I decided to make a size 6 and really glad I did. 

This pattern is really easy and fast to put together, only 90 minutes from start to finish including a number of interruptions from a little girl asking for snacks. As usual Amy's insturctions are easy to follow. The size range of this pattern is 3 months to 12 years, a fantastic range to make good use of this pattern.  

The final result is a cozy PJ to take Amelia into the warmer weather. I see more of these on my to-do list! I really do like the way they fit and she didn't want to take them off which means that she likes them too.

So this one is a winner, Amelia approved, and she even got her snacks! 

Special thanks to the 24 designers that sponsored the prizes for the giveaways!

 

 Along with today’s daily giveaway (see below!) there is also larger giveaway and a link up happening. Go to today’s post over at Create 3.5 to get the full details on how to link up and to enter the giveaway! We are also lucky to have four fabric shops offering readers discount codes:

 


Mabel Madison is offering 20% off with the code JAMMIES. Code expires March 31st! PhatQuarters is offering 10% off OR FREE shipping to US addresses on orders over 40$ US (with an equivalent discount for international shoppers). Use the code PHAT10 for 10% off OR FREE40 for free shipping to US. Raspberry Creek Fabrics is offering 15% off with the code PJPARTYTOUR. Good through March 26th! Tangled Blossoms Designs is offering 10% off with the code PJPARTY. Code expires March 25th!

And now for today’s giveaway!

Today’s prize is sponsored by Serger Pepper and Pollywoggles. You could win 1 pattern of your choice from both shops! Visit Serger Pepper and Pollywoggles to see what they have to offer. The giveaway ends March 23rd at 11:59pm EST. See the Rafflecopter on how to enter! You have up to 8 chances to win! The winner will be chosen March 24th and will have 48 hours to respond to the email before a new winner is chosen. a Rafflecopter giveaway This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.

Want to win more prizes? Visit Lulu & Celeste tomorrow to see what new prizes will be up for grabs as well as see the previews for tomorrow’s bloggers. You still have time to enter yesterday's giveaway! Go to Sprouting JubeJube's post from yesterday to enter the giveaway that ends at 11:59pm EST tonight (March 22nd)!

Missed a stop on the tour? The full schedule is below:

Monday, March 21st

Sew Far North  |  The Wholesome Mama  |   From-a-Box |  Pattern Revolution  |  Inspinration | Paisley Roots

Tuesday, March 22nd

Sprouting JubeJube | 5 Out Of 4 | Sew Happily Ever After | Beri Bee Designs |  Phat Quarters | Connected by A Thread

Wednesday, March 23rd

Create 3.5 | Handmade Boy | HattieLu Handmade | Made by Melli |  The Crafting Fiend | Sweeter Than Cupcakes

Thursday, March 24th

Lulu & Celeste | Sew Starly | Phat Quarters | Pear Berry Lane Rebel & Malice | Creative Counselor

Friday, March 25th

Made By Jaime | Mae & K | Mabel Madison | SewSophiLynn |  Amazing Adventures of Bubba & Bug | MahlicaDesigns

Spring Break PJ Party Tour: Day 1

Welcome to first day of spring and Day 1 of the Spring Break PJ Party tour...potentially the biggest PJ Party EVER!!!! We're featuring 20 designers and 30 bloggers and so many prizes to give away, including a prize bundle for those who sew along and link up their project to the linky party!

We're kicking of this week long party with From a Box, Sew Far North, Inspinration, Paisley Roots, Pattern Revolution and the Wholesome Mama. Visit their blogs, leave comments because we love to hear what you think!

A huge thank you going out to the 24 designers sponsoring prizes for this huge party! 

We are also lucky to have four fabric shops offering readers discount codes:

Mabel Madison is offering 20% off with the code JAMMIES. Code expires March 31st!

PhatQuarters is offering 10% off OR FREE shipping to US addresses on orders over 40$ US (with an equivalent discount for international shoppers). Use the code PHAT10 for 10% off OR FREE40 for free shipping within the US.

Raspberry Creek Fabrics is offering 15% off

Tangled Blossoms Designs is offering 10% off with the code PJPARTY. Code expires March 25th!

And now for today’s giveaway!

Today’s prize is sponsored by The Handmaiden’s Cottage (affiliate link) . You could win 2 patterns of your choice! Visit The Handmaiden’s Cottage to see what they have to offer. The giveaway ends March 22nd at 11:59pm. See the Rafflecopter on how to enter! You have up to 7 chances to win! The winner will be chosen March 23rd and will have 48 hours to respond to the email before a new winner is chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.

Want to win more prizes??

Visit Create 3.5 tomorrow to see the new prizes up for grabs as well as check out the previews for tomorrow’s bloggers!

Missed a stop on the tour? The full schedule is below:

Monday, March 21st

Sew Far North  |  The Wholesome Mama  |   From-a-Box |  Pattern Revolution  |  Inspinration | Paisley Roots

Tuesday, March 22nd

Sprouting JubeJube | 5 Out Of 4 | Sew Happily Ever After | Beri Bee Designs |  Phat Quarters | Connected by A Thread

Wednesday, March 23rd

Create 3.5 | Handmade Boy | HattieLu Handmade | Made by Melli |  The Crafting Fiend | Sweeter Than Cupcakes

Thursday, March 24th

Lulu & Celeste | Sew Starly | Phat Quarters | Pear Berry Lane Rebel & Malice | Creative Counselor

Friday, March 25th

Made By Jaime | Mae & K | Mabel Madison | SewSophiLynn |  Amazing Adventures of Bubba & Bug | MahlicaDesigns


a Rafflecopter giveaway

An InLinkz Link-up

Eller Peplum by Blaverry

March is already underway and since the beginning of the month I've been hidden away in the snow and mountains at my aunt's. Taking a short break from sliding and and shoveling snow to show you Eller a PDF pattern by Blaverry.

This little peplum top designed for knit fabrics is the perfect quick sew to add some fun to an end of winter wardrobe.

As usual Blaverry offers such a great size range (size 2T - 16 years), layered printing and easy to follow instructions.

JubeJube agrees, she needs more of these in her wardrobe to get her through to the warmer weather.

Until next time, xx.