Showing posts with label pattern tour. Show all posts

The Valencia Tunic



Hi! Today I am showing you the Valencia tunic, a pattern by Mouse House Creations for Willow and Co. as part of their SS2015 tour! When I was contacted to join this tour I was leaning towards the Aberdeen jacket - another pattern from this collection - but my Spring/Summer wardrobe is in a great need of tops/tunics/blouses so that is all I am sewing for myself these days. :) 

I am trying to build a capsule wardrobe for this season but the truth is I started too late, so in a couple of days I will be starting to plan my Fall/Winter capsule wardrobe. Do you plan in advanced? Or do you just sew as you go? 

Dress Pattern N.15 - Canadian Pattern Tour




Summer vacation started last Friday, so all I can think about is Summer sewing! I am not sure how much I will be able to actually sew in the next ninety nine days. Yep, kids around here have those many days of Summer vacation. I think it is pretty cool actually! Kids need free time to play, imagine, create, to develop all those skills that come from playing freely with no tight schedule, aka long hours of boredom. :)

Of course the other side of the coin is the increased amount for grey hair on my head. Being at home for 24/7 for 99 days with three kids under 7  is... oh well, you know what it is... Amazing! Fun! Happy times! :) 

Today I am part of the Canadian Pattern Tour hosted by Ula from Lulu & Celeste blog. On this tour many sewing bloggers are showcasing PDF patterns from several Canadian indie PDF pattern designers, and I got to sew up a pattern by E+M! 

The Ishi Dress




Hi everyone! This week will be very busy blogging wise I hope you won't get bothered of seeing my makings. :) I am starting off this week with a dress that has become my favorite - it's the Ishi dress, a pattern by Straight Grain

Straight Grain is a bloand indie pdf patterns brand run by An, a Belgian mom of two girls. An makes the most beautiful things in her own style and color combo, go check her blog and you will see what I mean.

Oh, and yes, this girl just had a major hair cut. About 15+ inches of a long ginger curly hair is being donated to a Cancer Treatment Center. It wasn't my intention to cut it this much - I was thinking a chin-shoulder length - but the hairdresser grabbed the scissors and cut it in the back like that before I could say a thing... I was speechless!... Glad I could save it somehow, because I suggested her that she would at least leave it a bit longer at the front, and I really like it that way.

The Nina Culottes



Hi! Have you jumped to the newest big fashion trend yet? I did! 
As a child I had culottes and I loved them! I was able to run and jump and, well, do all the monkey business that kids do while looking like a girl. :) I still love culottes so I was happy when I saw their return two seasons ago. Most people I know don't seem to be very fond of this style but I love that they look like skirts, making us look really feminine, but yet are super comfortable and practical for moms with busy little kids. I can actually run with these and chase my little monkeys! 

On my daily life I will be wearing these culottes with ballerina shoes, not with high wheels, these were just for the photoshoot of course. :) As much as I love wearing high wheels (I really do) I don't use them as much as I used to before I had kids. Although I manage running in these pretty well and walk on them while carrying a child on my lap I am not getting any younger these days and I don't want to risk damaging an ankle... (Speaking of ankles let's talk about these right now, shall we? Yes, I have puffy ankles. No, there is nothing I can do about them. I am accepting them and showing them to the world as ugly as they are. I hope they don't hurt your eyes. :) Now, we can go on with the post.)

The Balmy Breezes tunic


I love sewing. I love trying new techniques and methods. I always jump at the chance of trying something new. I always accept a new fun challenge. 
This time was no different. When Maegan from Mae & K blog asked a few bloggers to join a fun sewing series on free patterns - Free Friday Pattern - I looked at all the patterns being showcased on every week this year and I immediately signed up for the Balmy Breezes Tunic.

The Balmy Breezes Tunic is a free pattern by Call Ajaire (for Sew Mama Sew) available only in size 3, that comes along with a tutorial on how to make Lattice smockingIf you follow my blog you may remember that a few posts ago I mentioned that there are two sewing techniques I have never tried: smocking and heirloom. Now there is one left: heirloom. Or... maybe not.

The first title I wrote for this post was: Lettuce smocking aka a failed attempt to make a Lattice smock. :) 

And I am sorry (not sorry) if I am already spoiling this post by revealing how this whole story ends. But I needed to spill it out. Phew! That felt great. 

A Roaring 20's Inspired Dress




Hi! Today I am sharing two things of the many I have made in these last couple of weeks. My sewing  machine is amazing because I am giving her (yes, it's a she) no rest and she is up to the challenge! It is a pretty simple sewing machine, non computerized, only about 20 different stitches (including stretch ones), it is actually a bit ugly (it looks like a cold machine, not a pretty and friendly toy). It is the love of my life. (Did I just say that?!) After my true Love (aka sweet husband) and my three spunky kids, of course. (Ahem.)

(End of love letter to my sewing machine. :) )

Have you hear about the Mystery Challenge? It is sewing/crafting challenge where a group of people swap themes and have to create something with the theme they get from their partner. Doesn't it sound like so much fun? 

I have already joined last round when I was given the theme "Under the big top" and you can see what I have made here. This time around I was given the theme "The Roaring 20's". Actually it was "John Dillinger and the Roaring 20's" and although I first thought about making a full shirt + pants + vest + bow tie + hat for my son, when I saw a tester call for the Dress Pattern No. 19 (pattern of E+M Patterns) I immediately felt that it was it. It has a slight 20's feel to it with that elasticized waistband and squared skirt, and those bodice tucks and ties. Luckily I was chosen to test it! (Thank you Allison!)

The Jukebox Dress



Hi! I have been quiet around here but super busy with my sewing machine. I can't wait to show you all the things I have been working in! Today I am here as part of the One Thimble Tour showcasing one of the ten patterns included in issue #7 that was just released! 

One Thimble is a digital sewing magazine full with patterns and great articles. I have had the chance to sew something from issue #6 - the Multi-Apron (blogged here) - and issue #5 - the Moku shorts (blogged here), and I really loved making both! 

Women's Bundle Up




Hi! I did some sewing for myself! Yay! :) If you follow this little blog of mine you know that one of my (sewing and personal) resolutions for this year was to sew more for myself. When I first started to sew - 4 years ago - I have sewn a lot for myself. Only a couple of years later I decided to sew for my kids (surprising, right?) and the thing is: I stopped sewing for myself. 

Now they have a whole lot more clothes than they need. (It's a shame, I know!...) And I have an almost empty and dull wardrobe because all over these last years I kept telling myself "I am *not* going to buy this blouse or that coat, because I can make them myself!" when I am at clothing stores. Truth is, I just keep sewing for them and not for me... Can you relate to this? I bet you do... :) 

So, to push myself into some self-care sewing, I am joining every blog tour and pattern testing for women clothes that I can! :) 

Today, I am part of the Women's Bundle Up from Pattern Revolution
I am sharing two patterns I have made from this bundle and I will be sharing a third one later this week. Can you guess what? I have made my first pair of jeans!
I can finally scratch that off my "sewing techniques to learn and sewing challenges to overcome" list. :) I feel like I reached another level of sewing! :) Now I only have to tackle: sewing bras, draping, smocking and heirloom. And after that I have to find another hobby. :) Luckly, I think it will take me a while to learn these techniques, so I will be here for the next... few decades. :) 

A Peplum for Spring


Hey there! Today I am part of the Bow Back Beauty blog hop, a pattern by Little Kiwis Closet.

When I first saw this pattern - when Lydia (the designer, based in New Zealand) called for testers - my first thought was how adorable it was with that bow on the back! Sadly I couldn't test it at the time so I was super happy when she asked a few bloggers to join a blog hop! 

Funny though, I have opted to make a view (one of the several options available) without the bow this time because the weather is still a bit chilly and this girl is needing some new long sleeve sweaters. Can you believe she is outgrowing all of her size 4 clothes and going into size 5? She is (only) 3 3/4 years-old!... 


The Socialite Peplum










Hey! Today I am part of the Lil Luxe Collection pattern tour. 
The designer behind Lil Luxe patterns is Jessica Bustos. She started her pattern company this year and had already released several patterns. All of them have a distinct and glamorous design. They are all being showcased on a pattern tour and I got to make the Socialite Peplum top. 

Pattern: 

The Socialite Peplum Bubble Dress, pattern by Lil Luxe Collection. You can get it (or any other Lil Luxe Collection pattern) here with 30% off from Dec. 2nd to Dec. 11th with coupon code “blogtour"!

Fabric:

Medium weight woven, checkered pale pink background.

Details:

This pattern is a new version of Jessica's first pattern (which I got to test) that kept the main features - princess seams, scoop back neck and a bubble skirt. It offers options for sleeveless, short and long sleeves, with or without a little shoulder cap. And you can make it as a Peplum flounce top or a Bubble skirt dress with pockets.
For this tour I have opted for the peplum top version but you can see my super dress-up bubble dress version here.



This week's theme was " A dressy affair to remember - style your fashionista". When I was choosing fabric for this pattern - and I was thinking about making another dress - my dear daughter came to me and after realizing I was going to make her a dress she said "Another dress?! But I don't want another dress!... I have too many!" I have to say she is right... So I had to come up with a fancy no-dress version for this "dressy affair" tour... Well, I think a little girl can be all dressed up in... pants! Specially if they are fancy pants! So I grabed this black twill pants with velveteen hearts from her wardrobe, her shinny black mary jane shoes with the most cute bow, and that had to do it. And then it just happened again... I had this fabric on my hands - a red one with polka dots (that I used here), beacuse after all red is the Holidays season color - when she promptly said "But it has to be pink..." Well, pink it was... 
So, here is my no-dress fancy version of the Socialite Peplum Bubble dress and top. Sometimes a mom's gotta to do what a mom's gotta to do, right? :)







Giveaway!
Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win fabric!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jessica just announced the Monthly pattern of choice giveaway!  Every month she will choose one winner from Lil Luxe Collection Instagram followers. Followers must tag @jessbluxe with their Lil Luxe Collection pattern creation.  A winner will be chosen every first of the month Starting with January 1, 2015. Isn't this great?

A mostrar Lil Luxe 2014 Holiday blog Tour Banner.jpeg

Here is the Blog Tour schedule - go have a look at all these fabulous versions of Lil Luxe patterns!
Monday, Dec. 1 - Rouche & Division Top
Wednesday, Dec. 3 - Peek A Boo Hoodie
Thursday, Dec. 4 - Alley Cat Romper
Friday, Dec. 5 - Reversible Crop Top & Dress
Monday, Dec. 8 - Modern Belle Dress
Tuesday, Dec. 9 - Socialite Peplum and Dress
Wednesday, Dec. 10 - Two Haute Shorts
Thursday, Dec. 11 - Starlight City Dress


Happy Sewing!

The All Spice Dress









Hi! Today I am part of the All Spice Blog Tour. I had the chance to test the All Spice dress sometime ago and when Karly invited me for the tour I immediately said yes! On one hand because I admire Karly - she is an amazing stay-at-home mom of five kids! -, and on the other hand because I looove this dress. I have a crush for pintucks... 

Pattern
The All Spice dress, pattern by Paisley Roots. (You can get it here!)

Fabric
Cotton solid in black and emerald green (although it doesn't look like in the photos...).

Details
This pattern is available in sizes 6-12 months to 12 years. It features an adorable square-neck design with (optional) pintucks at the front. The bodice is lined and the seams are enclosed.
It comes with two different closures at the front - zipper or buttons - and it has four different sleeve options - sleeveless, flutter, cap and longsleeve - which makes it suitable for all seasons! 
There is a printing guide so you can choose to print only the pieces you need, and the instructions are very detailled! Karly does a grear job taking you through each step.

I have opted for a sleeveless dress and the button closure for which I have used these vintage glass buttons from my belated granny's stash. 
As always I had a hard time choosing which fabrics to use (from my stash, or my tiny fabric store as I call it... :) )... The version I made while testing this pattern was a floral birds-eye cotton piqué, so this time I decided to make a it... a color blocking dress! Coming from me that is a bit shocking right? :)

I have hand sewn the bodice to the skirt (on the inside) because personally I prefer less top stitching. For the hem I decided to go for a band hem to had some contrast to the black skirt. I really like how it turned out.



This dress is amazing! I really love the details... I mean, how lovely are those pintucks? 
Have a look at all the different versions made for the tour! 


Nov. 26 The Life of a Compulsive Crafter | Made by Sara

Black Friday sale code and a Giveaway!

Karly is offering a Black Friday sale of 25% off with the code BLACKFRIDAY2014 (valid until Sunday)!

There is also a giveaway for fabric and notions! Enter the Rafllecopter below for a chance to win. 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy sewing!

The Florence Blouse











Today I am part of the Florence Blouse Christmas Blog Tour & Competition(I can't believe I am on a competition... I run away from them! I can't handle all the pressure of being the best of all, because I know I won't get there... :) I can't even remember what the prize is, so you can see I am not running for the podium. :) ). 

When Olu from Needle and Ted emailed me with an invitation to join this tour by using a great pattern from a new (to me) pattern designer I couldn't say no. First of all, I am a Olu's fan - I love all that she does, her unique style and voice (I love her sense of humour!) so when she says she has found a new pattern designer and that she was blown away by her patterns I trust her judgement. Second, (I keep saying this I know) I love to find new pattern designers so I jumped to the opportunity of trying a new pattern. And all I can say is that... I am amazed!... I really can't say enough good things about this pattern.

Made it Patterns is a pattern company based in the United Kingdom, owned by Anna Bruce. She has an unique fashion forward style that I love. Just have a look at the shop and you will see what I am talking about... (Anna doesn't have a blog so Olu is hosting this pattern tour for her.)


Pattern
The Florence blouse, pattern by Madeit Patterns.

Fabric
Cotton shirting, silver starry print on a mustard background (although it looks a bit on the greenish side on some of the phtotos...). I think is has a subtle Christmas-y feel to it, doesn't it?

Details
This pattern is a.m.a.z.i.n.g!... The pattern pieces are very good, with notches and snip marks all over so you can easily put everything together. The instructions are very very good, thorough and easy to follow. And the construction method?... Well it is some of the best I have seen in the PDF world... It also has a few amazing design details. Everything all together makes the difference between a good pattern and the perfect pattern.
This pattern is available on sizes 2Y to 10Y. It has two lovely & trendy options: the waterfall frill (which I was *this* close of making because in all honesty - coming from a person that is not very fond of lots of ruffles - I love it. (There, I said it. :) )), and the bow neck. It also features gathered sleeves, a "V" shaped back yoke and front body seams for a tailored fit. It is perfect.

Modifications 
The competitors were given the liberty to change the pattern to suit their vision, so I have made a few modifications as follow: 
  • I decided to play with the design of the collar, the optional bow and the front optional frill and created this all-in-one ruffled collar with a strap closure. I have mixed feelings about the collar... I think it ended up being a bit too wide but I kind of like how it looks... 
  • Instead of using buttons I have opted for inner snaps, to keep the front less busy with all the ruffles and straps, but I am actually thinking about end up adding buttons on the outside merely for a decorative purpose.
  • I increased the length of the sleeves and made an elastic hem instead of the cuffs, just to make it different. My initial idea was to insert straps through the case (instead of the elastic) but then I thought maybe it would be a little too much of bows and ruffles... And I like to keep it simple. :)


Coupon code and a Giveaway!
Anna is giving 20% off all her patterns until Sunday 23rd 7pm EST, with the coupon code "Tour20". And if you want to join all this Holiday fun and decide to sew up a Florence in time for Christmas, make sure to post it on Madeit Patterns Facebook page by the end of January 2015 for a chance of winning another Madeit pattern of your choice!

20 percent off


Blog Tour & Competition
You can see all the other versions of the Florence pattern - there are blouses, dresses and even a coat! - and vote on your favorite (I have a couple favorites! But I can't tell...) on the competition page, by leaving a comment there with your favorite Florence! 
Just a regular photoshoot with a toddler... :)


"Look mommy, it's waining!" It was starting to rain and that was the end of this photoshoot. :)

A Happy Toddler

I have made this blouse to go with those culottes - which were blogged here - for my older daugther. If you have seen the culottes post you may be asking yourself where is she then... Well, she is with a nasty cold so I had to use this kid instead. :) Needless to say she was thrilled with her new starry blouse! I couldn't really let her know that the blouse is her sister's though, otherwise I would have a crying toddler on these photos. :) I don't have enough fabric left to make her another one so I don't know how am I going to solve this... :) All I have is 16'' (40cm) x WOF (about 57''/ 145cm). Any ideas? 

Oh, and I bet you are wondering about their sizes and how could I fit this outfit on this little girl... Well, my 3 year-old chubby toddler and my almost 6 year-old super slim girl have just about the same measurements (chest, waist, hip)... Yes, don't tell me about it... :)