Canada Cups: Cheeky Ladies

I've been chatting quite a bit with Michelle of Michelle's Creations. I thought is would be fun to share 5 fun facts about Michelle. My booty buddie has been so encouraging through out this fun project (that you'll get to see more of a little laer in the week)  she has so much more experience than I in sewing lingerie.

This is Michelle in one of her favorite photos...isn't she just beautiful and elegant.

We asked eachother 5 questions, mostly sewing related, and this is what Michelle. (the left cheek) had to say:


What is your favorite bra?
Michelle's answer - My favorite bra was from a long time ago, it was baby blue and the along the top of the upper cup there was a blue and pink ribbon. My second favorite bra is one that I made. I love that plaid fabric on the sides and the bridge.

The next obvious question would be what is the worse bra you ever had?
Michelle's answer - The worse bra was from a boutique and for some reason that one ended up in the pruchase pile. When I got home I noticed it and wanted to return it right away but no exchanges or refunds on undergarments. the boutique did offer alterations, so that's what I did but they used white thread on a peach bra, and it was ugly!

What's your favorite lingerie pattern?
Michelles's answer -  My got to pattern is Kwik Sew 2286 (this is a blog post that Michelle wrote up, check it out!)

What is your favorite pattern?
Michelle's answer - It has to be the Flirt Skirt by Pan Howard.

*I really have to agree with Michelle on that...that skirt has a great style to it!

What is your biggest sewing mistake?
Michelle's answer - It has to be when I had sewn the bra cups upside down...or another one is cutting two of the right sides and not have enough fabric to recut.

Ok last one...What is the first garment you made for yourself?
Michelle's answer - I made myself a blouse in a sewing class...that too like the baby blue bra doesn't fit anymore.

Thanks Michelle for being my booty buddie through all this!


So you want to find out more about me...go see Michelle's post right here!

Stay tuned for more fun in the Cross Your Heart Relay...catch the Fairy Bra Mother's post with all the bosom buddies involved on this trip across Canada.

So now that you seem to have an idea what we've been chattig about, here's a change to see even more...

I'll see you back here tomorrow...I was able to chat with Émilie of Jalie patterns...find out what she had to say!

Until next time, xx.

Sew Long Summer Blog Tour

We will be saying so long to Summer soon enough, but on this beautiful but windy day I'm dreaming of Bali, or the Bali Blouse by New Horizons. All summer long I've been dying to sew it up. 

Make sure to read all the way to the end of this post...fun giveaway and coupon codes! check them out!

This is a pattern that I purchased when it was first released. I was drawn to the front detail of this blouse and the tulip style back.

To my surprise this pattern is drafted for both knits a wovens. Different sleeves have been drafted for the different fabric types.

I used a light weight knit with not a huge amount of stretch and went with the short sleeve option. there's 3 different sleeve lengths included in the pattern along with the sleeveless version.

I love the style of the top, the pattern was well put together, but I don't think that this style is the best fit for me, gathers above the bust line with a full bust is not the most flattering especially if you want to show off a small waistline. I will give it one more try and make the slim fit cut to have the blouse hug the curves a little more. I'll make sure to post it so you'll be able to see for yourselves if it does make a difference.

Want to see some more sewing inspiration, go check out the other stops on the tour!

Sept. 12th Sewing by Ti, Cindy Parrett, Sewing Vortex, Renata Laura, Couturious, Nina Makes

Sept. 13th mahlicadesigns, Musings of a Seamstress, Rainy Day Sewing, Sprouting Jube Jube, Sewing A La Carte, Anne-Mari Sews

Sept. 14th AppleGreen Cottage, mahlicadesigns, Kaleidothought, PrettiModesti, Olive Ashby, Sewing Bee Fabrics

Sept. 15th Lulu & Celeste, Diane Cullum of Two Chicklets, Adventures With Bubba and Bug, Wining Wife, The Pumpkin Room, Sewing A La Carte, Anne-Mari sews

Sept. 16th Sewing by Ti, Musings of a Seamstress, Tales of a Tester, Almost a hippy, At Margareta's Haus, Sewing A La Carte, Birds Of A Kettle

Until next time, xx.

Fun discounts and coupon codes from our sponsors:
Zierstoff Patterns 20% off patterns Code: zierstoffpatterns20 Ends 9/17/16
Blue Dot Patterns 25% off patterns Code: SewLongSummer Ends 9/17/16
On the Cutting Floor 50% off patterns Code: SEWLONG Ends 9/17/16


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Maple Skirt: Sew Along Inspiration

From the first time I saw the Maple Skirt by Gracious Threads I knew I had to make one. I'm so glad to be a part of the Sew Along to give some inspiration and maybe some tips.

My focus today will be on top stitching and all those little fun details I put on my skirt. 

If you aren't already a part of the Gracious Threads Sewing Group on facebook, you need to go there because that's where the main part of the sew along is taking place. You'll find a whole bunch of tips and ticks and more hacks....so much inspiration! PLUS so much more!

Top Stitching:

So let me start off by saying these pocket were not an after thought. I started with the outer pocket ...even before adding the lining. Very important to notice that if you do not have the thread color you need or want for top stitching denim you can always thread the top of your machine with two spools of your thread and pass them through so that both threads go through the needle. You'll notice the left side of my stitching is a lot darker than the right side. the bobbin thread stays as is. So now, back to my pockets...

I finished my raw edges with my serger and pressed down the top of the pocket by about an inch. Then I pressed down my seam allowances all the way around so that I could get a good look at the space I had available for my embroidery.  I did stitch down the top of my pocket so that it would look like the image below. I actually omited the lining of the pockets, but if you want to line them now would be a good to do it, before stitching down the top of the pocket.

After I drew out a simple curly vine looking image and just stitched over my curves with my machine then added the flower shaped buttons where I wanted to and sewed then on by hand.

Then all you have to do it stitch the appliqué pockets to the front of the skirt. I did a lot of top stitching on this skirt just to give some fun little details...like those buttonhole, they're all faux, I actually made the buttonholes and added snaps to close up the front of the skirt.

Adjustable waistband:

I also made an adjustable waistband on this skirt because my girls can actually share their clothes, they're about the same height, but they don't have the same body shape and one of them has an extra inch around the waist.

I made the waistband with two cuts to be able to thread through the elastic...making sure I kept the same length in total for the waist. 

 Pressed my seam allowances open, then stitched it to the outer waist band as directed in the tutorial. 

Thread through the elastic, sew the buttons on in the side, and that's it.

The Final Result: 

The top, by the way, is the Raindrop Tee, also by Gracious Threads. 

Until next time, xx.

*I did get the skirt pattern for free for the purpose of sew along, but all opinions and ideas are my own! 

EYMM Back to School tour: Moms Edition

JubeJube and Amelia have been back to school for a week now...so with an empty house I get to sew a little more, and this time its for me. The days are getting shorter and the evenings a little cooler so why not make a cozy cardigan to be able to stay out a little longer.

Four Seasons Cardigan by EYMM (affiliate link)  and a sweater knit was just the perfect combination. I made this pattern a some time ago but decided I needed a new one. The version I made has the hood and I made it 4 inches longer than the cadigan length. You'll notice on your pattern that there's also the duster length. Not to mention many different sleeve lengths and a huge range of sizes. 

The longest part of this project was getting the pattern tiles assembled, but once cut out and at the sewing machine it took less than 2 hours to put together. That does include taking the time to iron all hems before stitching with my twin needle.

I did use a little bit of clear elastic to stabilize the fabric at the shoulder seam and the back neckline since this is a very loose knit. I didn't want those seams to stretch out.

I think this one is a winner, comfort and style all in one. I'm working on rebuilding a more adult looking wardrobe and I think this one will fit in very nicely!

Looking for some more ideas on some fun sewing projects...check out the other stops on this tour!

Don't miss any of the posts on EYMM's Back to School Tour: Mom's Edition! (Note: the links below will not work until their scheduled day, but feel free to click through and check out the rest of their blogs anytime!)

September 7 Sewing by Ti and Sprouting JubeJube and Call Ajaire

September 8 Inspinration and Idlesunshine

September 9 Boutique Birdie and Needles to Say

September 10 Capture, Craft, and Cook and Kelly's Sewing Creations and Lulu & Celeste

September 11 Adventures with Bubba and Bug and Pretty & Precious and MeMade

September 12 Five Blessings and House of Estrela and Rebel & Malice

September 13 Recap at EYMM

The kids are back in school and parents and caregivers everywhere are excited to catch up after summer break! Use coupon code PARENTSROCK to save 50% off any adult-size patterns for men and women now through 11:59pm PST Tuesday 9/13/2016. This offer may NOT be combined with other offers including bundles.


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.

Maddox by Blaverry

You'll find Maddox on the Blaverry website along with other ggreat patterns to create a back-to-school wardrobe. 

Talking about back to school, this little one is starting kindergarten tomorrow and my mommy heart has mixed emotions about that...but that is for another time. 

To start with, Maddox has been designed for woven fabrics, and since I do try to sew from my stash I found this print that I has squirreled away from myself, it called out to me and said Amelia should get it as a new safari style dress.

Be warned, this is not a beginner friendly pattern. The version with sleeves has a continuous lap, and buttonholes, and pockets with pocket flaps and that front buttons placket is a little of a challenge if you've never done one before.

I love the small design details like the curved hem.

This pattern also features 4 oversized pockets with pleats and pocket flaps.

Yeah, I think this little one is ready for school and new adventures! 

Be sure to check out the rest of the Maddox creations all week long! 

Two Sweet Peas and Me - Crafti Mom - Sprouting JubeJube - BLAVERRY - Élégantine! - Turtle Birdies  - Ruby Rue Creations

Until next time, xx. 

Back to School Tour Day 5

Here we are at Day 5 of the Back to school tour. Again so much to see today, some fun back packs, and some wardrobe items that are both comfortable and stylish. Don't forget to read all the way to the end of this post for the daily giveaway.

So let's get started with some teasers...go check out the full blog posts!

Cindy Parret Blog

Sew Starly

Sew & Tell Project

Élégantine!

Gracious Threads

Missed a stop, that's ok, go back to visit Ula at Lulu & Celeste for Day 4 and enter the daily giveaway there.

Call Ajaire * The Wholesome Mama * Sew and Tell Project * BLAVERRY * DIY Crush * Phat Quarters * Mahlica Designs * Handmade Boy * Kaleidothought * The Berry Bunch * Filles A Maman * Sew Happily Ever After * Tales of a Tester * 5 out of 4 Patterns * The Crafting Fiend * Create 3.5 * Sew Sophie Lyn * Sweeter Than Cupcakes * Wining Wife * Paisley Roots * The Eli Monster * Cindy Parret Blog * Sew Starly * Élégantine! * Gracious Threads * Sewing By Ti * Amazing Adventures with Bubba and Bug * Simple Life Pattern Co. Blog * Inspinration * Mama You Can Make it For Me * Moon Star 

Fun discounts and coupon codes from our sponsors:

To make back to school a little easier on your budget our sponsors are offering some great discounts!

Designs by Call Ajaire: Get  20% off in their Etsy shop with code BTS2016. Code valid from August 22nd through August 27th.

E+M Patterns: Save 50% with the code backtoschool on their website or in their Etsy shop. Code valid until August 27th at 11:59pm PST.

MODKID: Get 25% off  your entire purchase in their Etsy shop with code BTS2016. Code valid from August 22nd through August 27th.

Love Notions*: Get 20% off all kids patterns with the code loveschool. Code valid from August 22nd through August 27th.

Sew Happily Ever After: Get the Nana’s totes pattern at 50% off with the code BACK2SCHOOL2016. Code good through August 31st.

Laela Jeyne Patterns: 30% off Any Single Pattern, No Code needed. From August 25-29th, 2016.

StitchART: Will be having a discount as well! From Aug 22nd – 28th, 2016. Info coming!

Gracious Threads: Buy 3 patterns and save 15% off the purchase price! Use code SAVE15ON3. No expiry

The Eli Monster: Save 20% with the code yayforfall. Code valid until August 29th, 2016. 

Filles à Maman*: Get 25% off with the code BTS2016. Can be used on their website* or in their Etsy shop. Code valid from August 24th through August 28th midnight EDT.

Whimsy Couture: Get 50% off, no code needed! End August 31st, 2016.

5 Out of 4 Patterns*: Save 20% with code BTS2016. Valid from August 22nd-28th midnight EDT. Cannot be used on fabric.

Snuggle My Baby Patterns: Will be having a discount as well! Until August 31st, 2016. Info  coming!

DAY 5 (Friday, Aug 26): For Friday Bloggers

Prize: Friday’s prize is 1 PDF pattern from Gracious Threads and 1 PDF pattern from Designs by Call Ajaire

*excludes bundles

Runs from August 26 12:00 am EDT until August 28th at 11:59pm EDT

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Link Up/Sew Along Info:
The link up is open from August 22, 2016 at 8am EDT until Sept 4, 2016 at 11:55pm EDT. You may link up any back-to-school project sewn between August 1st, 2016 until the link up closes. By linking up you are eligible to win the Sew Along Prize! Be sure to enter your email address when linking up so that we have a way of contacting you in case you win. In addition, we may feature your project in a round-up post and include a link to your project.

Sew Along Prize Package Includes:

3 Yards of fabric from Mabel Madison

1 Tie Die Wire Headband, custom made to your size from 421 Myers Design Studio

1 PDF pattern of choice* from Sis Boom

Nana's insulated totes PDF pattern from Sew Happily Ever After

1 PDF pattern of choice* from E+M Patterns

15$ gift card to BLAVERRY

*excludes bundles

An InLinkz Link-up

Grand Prize Info:

As an extra thank you to everyone for following along with our tour and visiting all of our bloggers you can also enter to win the Grand Prize! The giveaway opens on August 22nd, 2016 and will close on August 28th, 2016 at 11:59 pm EDT!

Grand Prize package includes:

3 yards of fabric from Mabel Madison

5 PDF patterns of choice* from Whimsy Couture

1 PDF pattern* of choice from Pattern Emporium

1 PDF pattern* of choice from Snuggle My Baby Patterns

1 PDF pattern* of choice from Laela Jeyne Patterns

*excludes bundles

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