GYCT Spring Dress Blog Tour

What happens when I let Amelia choose one of three fabrics... She insists she needs all three of them for one dress. Thank goodness they were all white with a navy print!

I showed Amelia the listing photo of the Rival Raglan by GYCT. She got very excited at the prospect of having a new spring dress that was comfy and that would replace another dress that she grew out of.

Amelia actually had a plan and she knew what she wanted so I took full advantage. She was quite clear she wanted the sleeves to have stipes and the skirt to have polka-dots. I added the striped band at the bottom of the skirt to balance out all those prints and in the end she loves it and that's all that really matters!

First, I'm so happy to say that sizing is spot on when you follow the size chart! And it's a really quick sew, almost all done with the serger and used a twin needle for hems. You get all the different sleeve lengths in this pattern from long to short and everything in between! The only thing I may have done different from the instructions is adding the clear elastic at the waist in the seam allowance so that everything stays nice and straight and the waistline doesn't get stretched out from wear. 

Also, there are two cut lines, one for the t-shirt and one for the dress to add the skirt. I left it t-shirt length since it did give a couple of extra inches to the bodice of the dress. I wanted the dress to have a little bit of a drop waist to it. Amelia really loves that style and I didn't want to disappoint.

I used a cotton lycra blend from my local Fabricville.We love this blend, it's so easy to wash and really comfortable to wear!

More fun styles are on the way with the GYCT Spring Dress Tour, don't be shy go take a look at the other stops! And don't for get to enter the giveaway!

Our Play Palace  *  Elli and Nels  *  Max California

Tales From A Southern Mom  *  Phat Quarters  *  Darrel Rob Crafts  *  GYCT Designs

Threadistry  *  Sprouting Jube Jube  *  Manning the Machine

My Sewing Roots  *  House of Estrela  *  The Berry Bunch

Kathy's Kwilts and More  *  Paisley Roots  *  Aurora Designs  *  Natalie Bug Creations

Sponsored By

Sunshine Rae Fabric

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Until next time, xx.

Journey by Monaluna

I can't believe I get to do a third post with Monaluna Organic Fabrics! The new Journey collection is just so lovely to work with ... come see! 

I love that every time I get my hands on some Monaluna Organic fabrics I'm inspired to go out of my comfort zone to make something that I don't normally make. I've admired Swoon Patterns (affiliate link) for years, purchased several of their patterns, made a Betty Bowler once but then never got around to making another...until now! I thought the Donna Vintage bag would be the perfect canvas to show case the Skull & Roses print. 

With a little fussy cutting I managed to center the bigger skulls and highlight them. I made my own piping with the Birdseed in blue print. 

Finally for the inside I used Arrows for the lining. Its a beautiful coral, its acutally a pitty that its hiding inside! 

With all the fabulous prints in the Journey collection it was really hard to choose! 

A huge thank you to Jennifer of Monaluna for supplying us with these wonderful fabrics! You'll want to check out the other stops on the tour today starting with Gemia, our hostess with the mostess, over at Phat Quarters! 

*  Phat Quarters  *  Crafting in the Rain  *  Handmade Boy  *  Sprouting JubeJube  *
 Wild & Wanderful  *  Kari for Pattern Revolution  *  Sew Sophie Lynn 
*  It's Liesel  *  Swoodson Says   *  Lulu & Celeste  *

One more thing, we have a giveaway for this tour thanks to our friends at Itch to Stitch, Grammies Dolls, Bella Sunshine, SisBoom, Little Moo Designs, Izzy & Ivy Designs, The Cloth Parcel, Jalie, Designs by Call Ajaire and Love Notions. 

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Boys Can Wear Pink - Season 4

I've been aching to make a shirt for Sebas, my oldest. I've also been wanting to take photos of him, he hates the camera. Well I think I was able to have get my cake and eat it too. And to top it off, I got to sew from my fabric stash and use vintage buttons. What could be better... Oh yeah, he likes his pink shirt and he looks fabulous in it! 

Let's start by talking about the pattern. I used Burda 7045, a paper pattern. I've come to trust sizing with their patterns, after all I've been using Burda for so many years. The fit tends to be European, on the slim side, just what I needed. I used the style with front and back darts and the sport collar.


The fabric, funny enough has been in my stash for a couple of years. It was originally to make myself a shirt. So glad that didn't happen because this color just looks so great on Sebas. The fabric is a wonderful polyester with cotton bengaline, so its easy to care for. And I mentioned vintage buttons... I got them from a shop in Montreal when I was playing tourist with a friend visiting from BC. Most expensive buttons I've EVER put on a shirt, but they are just amazing... you can see them on my instagram post here!

So now, JubeJube and Amelia have been talking, since the beginning of the week, about Pink T-Shirt Day at school. The day that teachers and staff at school talk about being a friend and not the bully. And yes even the boys wear pink. So you can imagine how happy they were to see their big brother wear pink. We need to remove gender association to colors. We need to stop saying pink is for girls and blue is for boys. It's funny how other colors don't get that gender association... yellow, orange, green...

So there you have it, a pink shirt, with vintage buttons for my son.

Take a look at the other stops on this fourth edition of Boys Can Wear Pink. So many fun project!

Monday: Handmade Boy, EYMM, Wild & Wanderful, CKC Patterns, MBJM

Tuesday: Tales of a Tester, DoodleNumber5, Sew Shelly Sew,
Max California, CKC Patterns

Wednesday: Sprouting JubeJube, Handcrafted by RED,
PhatQuarters, CKC Patterns

Thursday: #roxthing, Beri Bee Designs, SewSophieLynn, CKC Patterns

Friday: The Bug's Bit, Paisley Roots, Sweet Meadow Threads,
The Berry Bunch, CKC Patterns

Until next time,

One Thimble No.18 - Full Review

I can never get enough of One Thimble! There's always a surprise waiting for us inside and this time in Issue No.18 (affiliate link) is no different.

One huge surprise for me is the Origami top, I'm wishing it came in my size! I haven't sewn it up yet, but just looking at the photographs in the magazine you can bet it's right up there on my list of want-to-make projects. I did however make the Ladies' Ballerina tie top by The Wolf and the Tree and the Linnden Tote by Annie Zorzo.

First thing about this pattern by The Wolf and the Tree, actually it should be true for any pattern, not just this pattern ... take your measurements and follow the chart. Don't let the size you come up with scare you if its bigger than what you would usually make because in the end it's only a number. The important thing is that it fits you the way you want and that you're comfortable wearing it. Sizing on this pattern in on point when following the size chart! 

The fabric was purchased in a little shop, just a 20 minute drive away, and there's always something to discover in this shop at a really great price! I can't be sure of the composition but there's probably some polyester, rayon and spandex. I can tell you that it's soft and cozy and I made sure I had at least 25% stretch to this lovely knit. I could have easily used a cotton lycra blend and it would have been as cozy. 

For the ties I decided against making them lined simply due to the fact that I was afraid the ties would be too heavy and add extra bulk where I didn't need it. 

And I seem to be noticing a trend here, I may like grey fabric just a little too much. The last three tops I made myself are grey, oh well! 

I also made the Linnden Tote. The fabric is from my stash, I've had it for a few years. It's a heavier upholstery fabric. This bag was meant to have leather, cork or vinyl accents, and straps but I didn't have leather to work with and I don't have a sewing machine strong enough for it either. I figured I should try it with all fabric to give others the inspiration to make without the leather accents if they so desired. 

The only thing I really regret not doing is putting interfacing in my straps. About the design; the tote is big enough, the bottom meausres 17.5 inches by 6 inches. It was designed without a lining but there is an interior  zipper pocket, perfect for a cell phone and small wallet. I think its the perfect shopping companion. I do wish there was an option to include a way to snap the bag at the top opening, and I think I'll put that on my next Linnden that I make. 

More things to sew! I have to make sure that JubeJube and Amelia don't get to see these photos because you know they'll ask me to make every single pattern! One of their favorite things is to dress up and well, dress up ballerina style and pretending to be a ballerina do go hand in hand and  there's nothing wrong with that but I can hear JubeJubes now,  "No Amelia, jeté not plié" and this before 7am!  

Besides all the patterns available in One Thimble No.18 you need to check out the articles... Some of you might know I love just about everything vintage, my favorite are vintage sewing machines. Bec Wood in her article, Not Made in China, tells us about her vintage love. 

Follow the rest of the tour for more sewing inspiration from One Thimble! 

2/15

Pattern Revolution
Inspinration

Call Ajaire

2/16

House of Estrela

Beri Bee Designs

Katewillknit

2/17

Seams Sew Lo

Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Lily Shine Creates

2/18

GAAFmachine

That's-Sew Kari

2/19

Kathy's kwilts and more

Stitches by Laura

Sprouting JubeJube

2/20

Elli & Nels

Candice Ayala

Pear Berry Lane

2/21

Made by Sara

The Crafting Fiend

Stitched by Jennie

Until next time,

The JubeJube Apron

Today is all about something fun that Gemia from Phat Quarters Fabrics has put together. I think I may have had a hand to play in this one since she did decide to name this cute little poject JubeJube.  

Yes I've sewn up an apron using the pattern and I had to plead for volunteers to model it. Amelia was all up for it on the condition that she got to do some baking... Perfect! So she decided she wanted to make brownies. Here are some fun shots of her making one of her Dad's favorite treats and I'll even share the recipe with you so you can make your own treats! Also visit Phat Quarters to get all the details on getting this apron pattern for FREE! 

The JubeJube apron was designed with full coverage in mind so it has a range of sizes from preschooler to teens. And no, it's not just for the kitchen, I think it would be great to create an apron for a budding artist so they don't get covered in paint!

The neckstrap is adjustable and you there are different styles of pockets to choose from. On this one I made a simple hip pocket.

Now for the recipe:

• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 1/2 flour
• 6 Tbsp hot water
• 3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350° F. Grease 9 inch square pan. Mix all ingredients together except the chocolate chips. Once everything is well mixed fold in half the chocolate chips. Pour into 9 inch pan and sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!

Until next time, 

Hank & Clementine Fabric Tour

I've been looking forward to sharing this project with you for a least a week. Both the fabric design and quilt pattern are from Susan Emory for Michael Miller Fabrics. 

This is my second twin sized quilt and with this one, Equal Rights, by Swirly Girls Design, I pushed myself to go beyond cutting and sewing on the grain line or cross grain. The 60° angle triangles create a fun design and the ruler used to help cut the pieces is easy to use once you get the hang of it. The rotary cutter has also become a good friend of mine with this poject. The instructions to the pattern were easy to follow and everything went together so nicely.

When I first saw the fabric it spoke to me of my childhood, those big bold flowers reminded me of a set of sheets I had when I was a child, my borther had the original Star Wars and I had florals... so now you know I'm talking about the 70's.



The Hank & Clementine collection as a whole is just beautiful, the colors are so vibrant and fun. The fabrics I selected are all from the Sprout color way. The greys and mint greens are so soothing and then there's the splash of bright coral. To make the coral really pop I decided to use a coral binding for the quilt. My first instinct was to go with grey, I knew with grey I couldn't go wrong, it was safe to go with grey but I wanted to be a little bold.

One of my favorite things to do with the left overs is to make a throw pillow cover. I had a few scraps left for the front of the pillow cover and the back of the pillow cover is the backing I used on the quilt. I used the same pattern and scale as I used for the quilt but with far fewer pieces. I used an invisible zipper for the closure. I store my quilts in the pillow covers when I'm not using the quilt.

So now that this one had a chance to wrap herself in the quilt and just lounge, she looked at me quite seriously and said, "Mom, can I keep it."
I couldn't help but laugh and answered no! I actually love that my Sabrina wanted it for herself, she might get the next one though... we'll see.

I want to thank Susan Emory and Michael Miller Fabrics for sponsoring the tour!

Take a look at the other stops on this tour, so much inspiration, so many fun projects!

Day 1
SewSophieLynn -and- Crafting in the Rain -and- Phat Quarters

Day 2
Thread & Grain -and- Handmade Boy

Day 3
Phat Quarters -and- GYCT Designs

Day 4
Mamma Sew Savvy -and- Lulu & Celeste -and- Sprouting Jube Jube

Day 5
Pattern Revolution -and- Sewing With Sarah  -and- Phat Quarters

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Until next time,

Tessa by DG Patterns

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! This is my first blog post of 2018 and only fitting that it be the Fresh Start Blog Tour with DG Patterns. This time of year is all about comfort, and style. I'm still trying to lose the holiday weight and I wanted something comfy and cozy but with more style than my pyjamas!

Meet Tessa, by DG Patterns. The ultimate sweater or dress in style and comfort!

I made Tessa with a shawl collar but you also get the V-neck and round necklines in this pattern. The pattern has been drafted in sizes 4-22. The sweater is well drafted, but I did have issues with the shawl collard and had to draw myself another pattern piece.  I did speak to Daniela, the designer at DG patterns, about the issue and I'm sure she will be fixing the collar pattern piece. Follow the size chart to pick your size and remember it's only a number! Don't rely on ready to wear sizes to pick the size to sew up because you might end up with a surprise and it won't fit! I'm a size 10-12 in ready to wear clothing and I just made myself a size 18, but then again I went with my full bust measurement and not my over bust and do a full bust adjustment as I would usually do for a more fitted look.

So I have comfort, and add a cute little scarf and there you have style! Even without the scarf the end result is very cute!

I did change the hem line just a bit. I didn't want to leave it as is because I wanted to hide my butt when wearing leggings. I extened the back by 4.5 inches and the front by 3 inches and stitched the sides to the original hem line. I rounded off the corners and finished off the hem with a twin needle. 

So here it is, the question... will I be making another one? I think so, I don't have a reason not to, the fit was good, I like the style and the instructions were easy to understand. I do wish there was a little more info on the type of knits we should use on the pattern and the percentage of elasticity it should contain but the end result is what I expected so I'm pleased with it!

Join me and my fellow bloggers this week as we showcase how we're getting a Fresh Start with DG Patterns. (Be sure to read on to learn about our sponsor giveaway) DG Patterns is offering a 50% discount during the tour to help you get some fresh patterns. . Your Fresh Start Tour bloggers are:

Monday: Sew Cucio, Flax Field Sewing, Fee Bricolo, mahlicadesigns, Sewjourns

Tuesday: Create Whimsy, Frullemieke, Hutsepruts, A Custom Clothier

Wednesday: House of Estrela, FABulous Home Sewn, Sprouting Jube Jube

Thursday: Very Blissful, Stitches by Laura, Auschick Sews, it's Liesel

Friday: Kathy's Kwilts and More, Stitched by Jennie, Sewsewilse, Our Play Place

 

Southern Belle Fabrics is generously sponsoring the Fresh Start Tour. During the tour use code: DGBLOGTOUR to save 20% in the shop.

Discount code expires Jan 21st 2018 11:59PM CST

Southern Belle Fabrics is also offering a fabric giveaway. Enter below to win a MFRB Mystery Box valued at $60+.

Giveaway includes shipping to US and Canada (up to $45 in free shipping)

 
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Giveaway winner will be announced through social media on or about January 20th.

Until next time,