Friday, September 16, 2016

Canada Cups, Cross Your Heart Relay - Jalie 2568

I bet you all want to see what I made using Jalie 2568. Well I can tell you I now have a full drawer of band new undies! I played around with the different styles available in the pattern, and also the different sizes...One thing for sure, smaller sizes are waaaayyyy cuter than the bigger sizes!


Je suis convaincue, que vous êtes curieuses de voir ce que j'ai fait avec le patron Jalie 2568. Je peux maintenant dire que j'ai un tiroir tout plein de nouvelles bobettes! J'ai profité de cette occasion d'essayer différent tissus et types d'élastiques. Je peux aussi confirmer que les bobettes en petite taille sont pas mal plus cute! 

    

I worked with different fabrics and elastic just to see what the results would be. the first pair with the orange trim is almost a mesh type fabric with a good amount of stretch in both directions, and the orange is fold over elastic (FOE). The fabric is very light weight but easy enough to sew because it isn't silky. 

I used a picot elastic and a three step zigzig to stitch on the elastic to avoid having the stitches pop. The fabric is a cotton lycra blend. No elastic needed at the legs with the boycut, I just finshed off the hem using my twin needle.  

Donc pour commencer, la première paire, j'ai fait avec un tissu genre mesh bien extensible des deux sens,  et la finissions est faite avec un élastique plié double orange. C’était assez facile à coudre parce-que le tissu n'est pas soyeux. 

Ensuite j'ai essayé la finition avec un élastique picot, j'ai pris le point zigzag a trois étapes pour éviter que mon fil casse. Pour la jambe j'ai simplement pris mon aiguille double. Ce n'est pas nécessaire de mettre un élastique pour la coupe garçonne.        


Now get ready for the cutest thing EVER! I was able to make a pair for the JubeJube in my left overs! All this using the same pattern because this pattern contains 27 sizes! The fit is perfect on her too. I get discouraged by the undies in the girls' clothing department, the fabric is so flimsy and the elastics come apart after two washes. I love that this cut of undies gives children that full coverage. 


Maintenant vous comprenez ce que je voulais dire...pas mal cute la paire que j'ai fait pour JubeJube à partir de mes reste. Et bien sure un seule patron a acheter parce-que les 27 grandeurs sont incluent. J'ai tellement horreur des petites culottes qu'on retrouve dans le départements des filles, le tissu et tellement mince et les élastique ne tiennent plus après deux lavages. Je peux aussi confirmer que cette coupe donne vraiment une belle couverture où nécessaire ;) 





OK, one last pair...The Brazilian cut. These are so quick to make especially if you already have the lace band available to you. 

Dernière paire, la coupe Brésilienne. Super facile a faire si vous avez les bandes de dentelle. 



Literally two seams to sew (I used my serger) and then stitching in the lining...and done! 

C'est vraiment simplement deux coutures (j'ai utiliser ma surjeteuse) et ensuite de pique la doublure, et c'est fini!  



Tomorrow you get to see what I made after having view Beverly's Construction and Fit panties class available on Craftsy...and guess what, I have an awesome deal for you...using my affiliate link you can get the class for half off (for a limited time). 

Demain je vous montre ce que j'ai fait apres avoir pris le cours "Construction and Fit panties class" de Beverly. ET en plus vous pouvez profiter d'un rabais de 50%sur ce cours avec mon lien affilié (pour une durée limité) 


* I got the pattern for free in exchange for the review, but all opinions are my own!


Giveaways

Click the image below now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
craftsy_final_circle_logo


 Stay with us through to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
  • complete kits to make your own bra,
  • bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
  • fabric, and more ...

Tour Schedule Itinerary

Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes

Canada Cups Logo Draft // Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
♥
Sunday, September 11
♥
Monday, September 12
♥
Tuesday, September 13
♥
Wednesday, September 14
♥
Thursday, September 15
♥
Friday, September 16
♥
Saturday, September 17
♥
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It's giveaway day today!
♥
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today's your last chance.
♥
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
♥
After September 20
  • Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It's always fun!
  • Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30
♥


 
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Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Canada Cups - Interview with Émilie of Jalie

Today, as part of the Cross Your Heart Relay, I have Emilie of Jalie in the hot seat! If you haven't heard of Jalie and their specialty patterns where have you been. 



The first time I purchased a Jalie sewing pattern, ironically enough, it was for a constructions and fit class to make my own underwear...it was back in 2000 maybe. As it turned out, I purchased eveything need to take the class, pattern, fabrics and elastics, but never was able to take the class. 


This is the pattern the teacher had required us buy, I actually still have I do think I do need to use it more often. 



I love that their patterns keep on evolving. I also have the most current pattern for underwear. I have to add that it was given to me for the purpose of reviewing it (all opions on the pattern are my own) but you'll be able to see more of that on Thursday as part of the Cross Your Heart Relay tour.  




The Interview:



Who have you trained? Who have you taught? (sometimes the pupil becomes more famous than the teacher)
"Jeanne taught sewing classes in the family home basement for a few year. She taught hundreds of people how to sew and also trained Jalie instructors who would teach in fabric stores or from their homes."
Who are you wanting to reach? Who is your target market for patterns, for classes, for selling?
"We try to focus on things other companies won't tackle or try to find or revisit classics to make them easy to make and in size for kids and adults. This means we mainly create patterns for knits: staple garments like t-shirts and underwear, activewear and specialized sportswear (gymnastics, figure skating)."
 What got you started in this business?
"Students taking Jeanne's classes suggested she markets the patterns she would bring to class. The first patterns were printed on a copy machine that was in her bedroom at the time" 
What are your future goals?
"We want to reach more and more people and grow while keeping the team small and flexible."
What do you absolutely love about the business?
"When people share photos, comments. We sometimes receive very touching testimonies from people who got back to sewing because of us, people who got out of a depression by sewing, moms who saved tons of money making their kids' leotards / dress and this allowed them to continue practicing the sport, our patterns used for special olympic athletes (figure skating / gymnastics) who could not find anything off the rack in regular stores..."

Here's a look at Jalie 3421 as sewn by Mel of Filles a Maman...check out more images and full blog post here!


What do you despise?
"People who copy designs and claim it as their own. It happened in the past and it is so stressful to deal with that and see those companies still in business today, promoting new designs that they produce in record time. We can't help but suspect them from copying every single design from another pattern company or RTW garment... That and when parcels get lost"
What lack do you  see?
"That is not an easy one to answer since "what the market lacks" is typically what we go for"
What was it like when you started?
"People would sew everyday clothes for their families to dress them on a budget. We were they only ones offering patterns for knits. I could recognize Jalie garments at school because so many kids back then wore clothes their mom or grand-mother made. It's nice to see that those moms are now retired and took their machine out of the closet and started sewing again for their grandkids."
What trends have you seen?
"Browsing through an old catalog is so funny. Again, some of our first patterns would actually blend in with current trends (with new photos on the covers thought :)). The trend that I remember most vividly was neon colours. I remember 1990. I was dressed in Jalie neon everything from head to toe. Jogging suit, winter jacket, ski pants, hat, mittens... "

I just had to find some loud neon fashion! 


What is the difference between RTW and custom made?
"The first thing that comes to my mind is fit. With RTW you have to be lucky and find brands that work for your body type and keep your fingers crossed that the company will be consistent. If your body does not correspond to the commercial standards, you have to alter or settle for ill-fitting cloths. With custom made, using a pattern won't guarantee it will be perfect on the first try (although we work really hard to make that happen) but at least you have everything you need to tweak and make a final version that will be flattering, that will make you feel beautiful and most of all, proud of your creation."
What is the difference between the ever-growing number of patterns out there?
"Just like RTW companies, style varies, each designer has its signature, instruction style, body type they design for. Also, quality may vary too from one company to another. Some test on mannequins, others on real people."
Where do you see your business going?
"I would like for the company to be more mobile. We currently do everything from our office. It would be great to design in a little villa during the Quebec winter, have people running the warehouse while we are in the sun, designing and testing, wouldn't it?"
Where did it come from?
"It came from a family home in Levis (south shore of Quebec City), where it is still located. The inspiration for the company is basically the life of a young mom living on a shoestring budget who had to use knits to dress her little girl because it was the cheapest fabric available at that time."
Where else are there businesses doing what that do? 
"There is only a handful of printed pattern companies in Canada. There are more companies popping up all over the world, which is good because it means that more people are sewing." 
Where can we buy your patterns/classes?

"On our website www.jalie.com and from retailers worldwide www.jalie.com/retailers" 
When did you start?
"The company was founded in 1983 but Jeanne has been sewing since the 60's"
When will you quit (shudder!)? 
"I strongly believe that Jeanne will sew until her very last breath. I will do everything possible to keep it going afterwards, surrounding myself with inspiring people."

 Why don't you use Craftsy?

"We did have a few patterns on Craftsy before but decided to keep PDFs on our website,
 Because it's easier to manage everything all in one place."
Why patterns?
"Because patterns are a tool for people to make amazing things. We don't sell fish, we sell fishing rods :)"


 How did you become globally famous?
  
"We were one of the first (if not the first) pattern company to sell online back in 1999. That caught the attention of some retailers overseas.
A review of our t-shirt pattern 2005 on Pattern Review was also a turning point. The US market opened up and there was more demand (from customers and stores) for our patterns."
PDF Patterns allowed us to sell to countries where postal service is either very expensive or unreliable. The Internet really transformed the sewing world.

How many patterns do you have?

"We currently have 93 paper patterns designs available for purchase. 121 available in PDF (includes current and discontinued styles). Since the 1983, Jeanne has designed over 500 patterns at the very least."
How many do you have planned? How many in the works right now?

"About a dozen patterns are planned for the upcoming collection. That's why it's taking so long :) We try to include a little bit of everything in each collection... This one will cover pretty much all market segments!"
How do you reach your target market?

"Through social media mostly. When a new collection is released we post on our blog about it and we will have newsletter starting with the next collection."
Do you use technology?
"Yes! Patterns are drafted in a pattern-making software (their customer support still does not quite understand why we make our lives so complicated with 27 sizes per pattern!). Pre-press work is obviously done digitally (it was done mostly by hand until the late 90's) and we could hardly exist without our website."
How do you get the word out?
"Just like in the offline sewing world, word-of-mouth goes a long way online. We make announcements / promote to our customers and the word spreads quite rapidly. Also, lots of people find us by searching online, on Pinterest and Google mostly."
How long do you see this trend of making our own bra/panties/lingerie continuing? 
"I think it will last as long as any other DIY trend. I think there will always be suppliers selling beautiful fabrics and notions, passionate designers will keep on designing and sewists will keep the trend alive with their blogs / photos. I think seeing photos of garments completed by other people who have similar skills / body type boost many people's confidence. Reviews and ratings are good, but a there is nothing like a detailed blog post with tons of pictures. We designers are so lucky to have customers who take the time to not only make the garments but also share their experience and knowledge with their readers!"


A huge thank you to Emilie for taking the time to answer all our questions! 

How about a quick giveaway,  thanks  again to our sponsors on this tour! 



Giveaways

Click the image below now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice)*:
craftsy_final_circle_logo

 Stay with us through to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
  • complete kits to make your own bra,
  • bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
  • fabric, and more ...
*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. All affiliate links have been identified in blog posts. 

Tour Schedule Itinerary

Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes

Canada Cups Logo Draft // Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
♥
Sunday, September 11
♥
Monday, September 12
♥
Tuesday, September 13
♥
Wednesday, September 14
♥
Thursday, September 15
♥
Friday, September 16
♥
Saturday, September 17
♥
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It's giveaway day today!
♥
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today's your last chance.
♥
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
♥
After September 20
  • Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It's always fun!
  • Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30
♥
 

So see you back here on Friday so you can see what I made using the Jalie pattern!

Until next time, xx.
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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.
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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!





Until next time, xx.
Sponsor Collage Final
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


a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Friday, September 9, 2016

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! 
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Wednesday, September 7, 2016

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!


Back-to-School-Tour-web


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 8 Inspinration and Idlesunshine
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.

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