Friday, January 19, 2018

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, 



Thursday, January 18, 2018

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


a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Until next time,

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

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:
 

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)
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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

Until next time,