Breaking Ground 2018

This year, breaking ground is a little more fun for me. Not only am I using a pattern by a designer I have never used before, I also get to use my birthday present that I got a week early! 

The pattern is the Jukebox Hits by Flosstyle. The pattern is a little more pricey than the average but you know the saying you get what you pay for, well it applies here! This pattern is a fantastic wardrobe builder! You get dresses and tunics and blouses... and a bunch of different options. It's so easy to change the pattern to suit your needs! 

I wasn't sure what fabric I wanted to use or what style I was going with until after March Break vacation. I walked into my sewing room and there it was...this huge box! For me! It was the Brother CV3550! Yay! Happy birthday to ME!
First thing, this pattern was designed for woven fabrics, I used a light weight French Terry with very little stretch. I knew that new cover stitch would be fantastic for this project ... and talk about ground breaking!

I just had to do some fancy stitching and drafted some hip pockets that would be top stitched to the front, then I decided I to add a facing for the rounded hem. For the neckline I used a knit cut on the bias, and then top stiched that to make the style fit.

For the front neckline, I simply cut out a continous lap just to add a little something fun I wasn't sure if I was going to add a snap or button closure and once JubeJube tried it on I liked the way it sit and left it like that. And instead of putting the elastic waist casing on the inside, I put it on the outside and inserted a drawstring. This also helped cover up and secure the top of the hip pockets.

The pattern has so many styles that is was easy to let myself be inspired and just go with it. As you can tell the fit is perfect and all I had to do was fallow the size chart.

If you'd like to try Flosstyle patterns for yourself, join the group, Flosstyle Fair on facebook, get the discount code and get the Ventura Lite raglan tee for FREE!!


This is the last day of the tour... so go back and check out what everyone has made for their Breaking Ground project!




Welcome to the Breaking Ground Blog Tour 2018. This week over 20 bloggers are joining together to break new ground by trying a pattern designer that is new to them, try new techniques, new styles, or whatever way they want to push themselves. The Full Tour includes all these creatives... we hope you'll visit us each day:

 Monday March 12- mahlicadesigns, Sewing Vortex, Sewing A La Carte, Little Heart Threads, The Sewing Scientist
 Tuesday March 13- Musings of A Seamstress, A Custom Clothier, Octaves of Color, Aurora Design Fabrics, Sew Altered Style
 Wednesday March 14- Flaxfield Sewing, Chook n Duck, Tales of a Tester, Sewing By Ti, Sewing Vortex, Kathy's Kwilts and More
 Thursday March 15- Very Blissful, Manning the Machine, Sew and Tell Project, Musings of a Seamstress, Stitches by Laura
 Friday March 16- Lulu & Celeste, Tenille's Thread, Sewing A La Carte, The Bear and Pea Atelier, Aurora Design Fabrics, Sprouting Jube Jube, Kathy's Kwilts and More

To make the tour even more fun, our Breaking Ground blog team member, Gail is offering 2 patterns of choice from her pattern shop Flosstyle to one lucky winner.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway 

***

We'd love to see how you're Breaking Ground this month. Share with us what you're working on by using the hashtag #BreakingGround2018 across social media.  Better yet, join the Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests facebook group to sew along with the Breaking Ground theme for the entire month of March. In the group you'll find support and encouragement for your projects and fun themed challenges.

As always, thanks for stopping by today.

Until next time, 

*Disclaimer: I received the pattern by Flosstyle for the purpose of the tour and review but all ideas and opinions are my own! 

One Thimble No.16

Everyone knows how much I love the One Thimble e-zine (affiliate link). The themes are always so fun and most of the time have my imagination run off to far away places. Issue No. 16 will have you dreaming of the beach, clear waters, beautiful sunset and mermaids!

Of course you don't need to be at the beach to enjoy Issue No.16 of One Thimble and all the sewing patterns and tutorials included in this issue.  And by the way, if you want to win your own issue of One Thimble read to the end and enter the rafflecopter giveaway! 

So let's get to it  because once I did start sewing from Issue No. 16 of One Thimble I just couldn't stop! All the patterns are so fun, I wanted to sew them all! 

I started with the Hally Dress by Ainslee Fox. Such a fun summer dress!

I had Wonderful Things fabric from Art Gallery for just a short time, but it called to me and I couldn't ignore its bold beautiful flowers. I took a short cut and unsed pre-made bias.

This pattern comes in a huge range of sizes (sizes 1- 12), layering feature to print only the sizes you want, easy to follow tutorial and  step-by-step photos. This pattern was designed with woven fabrics in mind. I found the sizes ran a little big and had to shorten the straps for a better fit, but again JubeJube is slim and as a seamstress I always take into account that some alterations must be made for a perfect fit.

What I really love about this dress pattern is the original design of the straps. It makes the dress so delicate and sweet.

Next up the Triton Tank and Scuttle Shorts both by Ainslee Fox Boutique... Both great basics for a summer wardrobe.

What I liked:

• Huge size range (1-12) for the Triton Tank and (3-12) for the Scuttle shorts
• Layering feature to print only the sizes you need
• Tank is a fast sew, no extra options but so easy to go add an appliqué, like Meg the mermaid featured in the One Thimble No.16.
• Short have two length options and also a colour block option.

I found once again the sizes ran a little big and that especially the Triton Tank has large armhole openings so I layered it with another close fitting tank top. I think we can certainly chalk it up to JubeJube being on the slim side. One thing that will help you make your size selection is that the finished garment measurements are available and looking back I could have gone down a size in the width and kept the same length. 

Both patterns were designed for knit fabrics. I used a light weight rayon spandex knit blend for the top and a french terry for the short.

The Pearlie dress by Peach Patterns is one of those easy to make and easy to wear dresses, designed with knit fabrics in mind. The sleeves are a short dolman style sleeve and the skirt is a shirt style hem with the back being slightly longer that the front.

This isn't a deal breaker for me but the layering feature isn't available on this pattern, so all sizes (1-12) get printed out at once.

I reversed the order a little and the first thing I did was put the pocket on the front bodice and then for the rest of the assembling I used my serger. I used a twin needle for hems and top stitching at the neckline.

Amelia chose the fabric for this project and has been wearing it straight out of the wash everytime she can since I've sewn it up. I think she'll need a couple of these for back to school.

Want to know more about this issue... Here's the scoop:

There's a bunch of fun dress up ideas! Going back to Issue No. 13 and the One Romper by Fille à Maman that was featured in that issue, easy costume ideas for Halloween, book day, character day dress up day at school, or simply dress up for fun were explored. And while we're on the subject of dress up, included in Issue No. 16 is an easy felt mask by Candice Mason over at Rose Petal Collection.Go check it out, I'm sure you'll find more than half a dozen project you can't wait to try! 

I can't give away all the details of One Thimble No.16 but go check out the other stops on the inspiration tour. 

Blog Tour Kickoff
Pattern Revolution

8/11/2017
Sewing with Sarah
GAAF Machine

8/12/2017
Call Ajaire
Happy Okapi
Idle Sunshine

8/13/2017
Pear Berry Lane
Candice Ayala
Needles to Say

8/14/2017
House of Estrela
That's-Sew-Kari
Made by Sara

8/15/2017
Little Cumquat
Beri Bee Designs
Once Upon a Sewing Machine

8/16/2017
Sprouting JubeJube
Sew Haute Blog
Lily Shine Creates

8/17/2017
Lulu & Celeste
Adventures with Bubba and Bug
Curtiepie

Don't forget to enter that giveaway! 

Until next time, xx.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Caroline Party Dress and Pink Flamingos

Ce n'est pas la première Caroline de Mouse House Creations (lien affilié) que je confectionne. Cette robe a un style classique que j'adore. Amelia était débordé de joie de voir une si jolie robe juste pour elle et elle adore les flamants roses! 

This isn't the first time I make a Caroline Party dress by Mouse House Creations (affiliate link). Its a true classic. This one was for Amelia and she was just overjoyed to get such a pretty dress with flamingos no less! 

Les tissus et merceries sont disponible chez Club Tissus. Vous pouvez maintenant magasiner  sur le nouveau site web et faire livrer chez vous! Le tissu est un coton léger un peu satiné donc il est vraiment confortable, idéal pour l'été. J'ai décidée de doublé la robe en entier, la crinoline est amovible donc elle va pourvoir être sous une autre robe.      

All fabrics and notions are available at Club Tissus. The new website is up and running and you can now have your favorite fabrics shipped to you!  The fabric is a light weight cotton  with a sheen to it. I decided to fully line the dress for more structure and I also made a crinoline that can be worn under other dresses.

Il y a cinq mètres de tulle pour la crinoline. Je croyait qu'il était pour m'en rester mais non, c’était parfait.


I used five meters of tulle to make the crinoline, it may seem like a lot but really its not. 

J'ai utilisée un fermoir invisible à l'arrière, le placement du tissu pour cette robe est tellement important. Je voulais être certaine de bien enligner l'imprimé.

I used an invisible zipper at the back, and fabric placement was so important to make sure the flamingos lined up just right. 

Since the beginning of summer vacation my kids have been spending a lot of time up north near Mont-Tremblant. I've been doing a lot of back and forth so I've been getting a lot of sewing done, but its not always ideal when you need your models to be around. This was a now or never moment. The dress had been sewn for some time now and instead of waiting to get Amelia back home, I brought the dress to Amelia.

Vous pouvez voir la première Caroline ici, c'était en décembre 2013 et vous allez remarquer qu'Amelia n'était vraiment pas intéressée à jouer au mannequin.


Take a look at the first Caroline I made Amelia way back in December 2013... you'll notice she wasn't such a cooperative model back then.

Until next time, xx.

Dress up this Town

This month with Sewing By Ti-Blog Tours is a little different... We're all showing off dresses and read to the end because there's a giveaway! 

I've come to realize that my go-to patterns for something easy, comfortable and great fitting, without any guessing games come from Patterns For Pirates (affiliate link). 

This is the Sunshine Dress, cross over bodice option in maxi length. 

Just a few things to expect from this pattern and any other pattern you may purchase from the Patterns For Pirates website:

• No trim pages. That is a huge bonus when you're in a time crunch or you're sewing while on vacation and don't want to deal with extra tools to bring along in your bags.
• Layering feature. Print only the sizes you need or want.
• Nested pattern pieces to be able to redraft pieces if you fall between sizes or need a large at the bust line and medium at the waist.
• Easy to follow instructions with step-by-step photos.
• 1/2" seam allowances. 
• All charts are available in metric and imperial measurements. 

The fabric is a rayon lycra blend with a lot of elasticity (more than 50%) from Club Tissus. Club Tissus has a brand new website and they now ship within Canada,  to the United States and if I'm not mistaken they also do international shipping. Something worth checking out! 

Check out more summer dress sewing inspiration on the other stop on this fun tour hosted by Ti! 

Week 1: July 1st-8th
1- Sewing By Ti ,  Stitching At Night
2- Me Made
3- Tenille's Thread
4- Sewing By Ti
5- Seams Sew Lo
6- Anne Mari Sews
7- Sea of Estrogen
8- Lulu and Celeste

Week 2: July 9th-15th
9- Living in Twinado Valley
10- Ma Moose
11- My Heart Will Sew On
12- Seams Sew Lo
13- Kate Will Knit
14- Creative Counselor
15- Sewing With Sarah

Week 3: July 16th-22nd
16- Stitching and Making
17- That's Sew Lily
18- Sprouting Jube Jube
19- Auschick Sews
20- Anne Mari Sews
21- Lulu and Celeste
22- On Wednesdays We Sew

Week 4: July 23rd-31st
23- Stitching At Night
24- Sewing Curves
25- My Heart Will Sew On
26- Indulging Mum
27- That's Sew Lily
28- Adventures With Bubba and Bug
29- Capture, Craft Cook
30- Sewing By Ti
31- Sew Like a Sloth

1 Pattern Designer Stitch
$10 Shop Credit to Patterns For Pirates
$10 Shop Credit to Simply By Ti
1 Pattern Sisboom

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Madelyn in a Knit

This isn't the first time I've sewn up Madelyn by the Hnadmaiden's Cottage. Going back to August 2015 to show you one of my favorite patterns.

The huge difference, JubeJube is a little older and bigger and Madelyn is made from a knit, Birch organic cotton from the Wonderland collection.

Some may want to size down when making a garment with a knit that was designed for a woven fabric, that is not always the case. You must take into cosideration the elasticity of the fabric and how the pattern is made. For this one I left everything as if I were making it from a woven fabric. There is no lycra/spandex in this fabric and its quite thick with not more than 30% stretch. It is soft and cozy and a dream to work with though! My suggestion is always to try it out to see how you like the fit with the fabric type you intend to use. 

So now to let you in on Lynn's little gift to you. Join the Handmaiden's Cottage Pattern Group on Facebook before Mother's Day 2017 and get the Madelyn pattern, for FREE! Only on Mother's Day!

Now I'll just let you enjoy JubeJube in Wonderland.

Until next time, xx.

Upton by Blaverry

Shaking my head, wondering why I haven't made Upton by Blaverry before now. I know you'll be wondering the same once you get a closer look at this sweet knit dress. 

This little knit dress has so much style it can be worn with Valentino inspired shoes.

The real surprise is at the back with that pleat in a contrasting fabric.

The fabrics are both Art Gallery Fabrics, the main is Artisan Aged Allure Washed and the contrast is Forest Floor.

This pattern by Blaverry is available in sizes 2T to 16 years and as with very blaverry pattern you get layered printing so you print only the sizes you want or need. All charts included are in metric and imperial measurements. Instructions included step-by-step tech drawings...And so much more, you can look up the details for yourself here.

Will I make it again...Yes! infact I have another one cut out and ready to go for Amelia. This little dress is so comfortable and easy to wear, even pairing it with sneakers would be adorable.

Go check out some more inspiration for sewing up the Upton dress:

BLAVERRY * Sew Sophie Lynn * Sunflower Seams * Sprouting JubeJube * Crafti Mom *

  MCB Créations * Turtle Birdies * Élégantine! 

Until next time, xx.