Monday, September 30, 2013

Sew Fab Pattern Bundle Sale (and Giveaway!!!)

* This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for supporting the Sew Fab Pattern Sale! *

I'm quite excited to be part of the Sew Fab Pattern Sale and Giveaway!
I took part in it the last time around and it's a great way to build up your PDF pattern library for a super good price!
Read on to find what fabulous patterns are included:

Welcome to the Fall and Winter 2013

Sew Fab e-pattern Sale Event!

Last February was the first ever Sew Fab e-pattern Sale and it was so successful and was so well received that Jenny Yarbrough of The Southern Institute, the creator and administrator of the sale, decided to have more!  This sale is bigger and better than the first, with plenty of patterns to get you through the fall and winter (if you live on this side of the hemisphere), and a few warm weather patterns thrown in for those of you who live on the other side of the world.  You'll also find more gender neutral patterns for those of you who are sewing for boys.  And what about you?  Of course there are a few women's patterns thrown in for some selfish sewing too! Over the past several weeks a lot of behind the scenes planning has taken place to bring you this newest bundle of ePatterns from many of the top established and up and coming online sewing pattern designers.  The result is a bundle of 26 PDF sewing patterns that you're going to love! For one week only, twenty-six pattern designers have come together to bring you 26 of their best PDF patterns, valued together at well over $2oo.oofor the incredible price of $29.95!!!  That’s over 80% off of the combined retail value!  Plus you can enter to win a dream of a giveaway with several prize packages from some of your favorite online fabric shops!
For less than $30.00 you will have a library of resources that you can use over and over again.
The designers that have joined this sale are experts in their craft.  Each designer has contributed one of their favorite patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please!  Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use.
If you’ve never sewn with a PDF pattern before, let me tell you how great it is!  After downloading your pattern instructions and your pattern, you will print out the pattern itself, creating pattern tiles, if you will.  Simply tape the tiles together to create the full pattern!  At that point you can cut out the size that you need and pin the paper pattern directly to your fabric, or you can trace the pattern size that you need onto sewing paper or tracing paper and cut it out, saving the paper pattern for later when you need to sew another size.  Pdf patterns are so convenient because you can print them out as many times as you need!
 

Now for the good stuff... the PATTERNS!

26 amazing ePatterns from 26 well-known and up and coming designers are instantly accessible to you by PDF download upon purchase of the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle.  Here are the patterns that you will receive (click on the links below the images for more  information about each pattern.):

 
 
Reversible Zippy Hoodie from Kitschy Coo, Ananda Pants from CHOPSTIX, The Sally Dress from Very Shannon, Best Harem Pants from Too Sweets , Notebook Slipcover from Gingercake, Junebug Dress from Craftiness Is Not Optional, Fancy Pants Leggings from Titchy Threads, Skinny Jeans from peek-a-boo, Pajama Eaters from Sew Fearless, Ruffle Dress from Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Go To Cape for Women, Sadie Grace Nightgown from Seamingly Smitten, Vintage V-Neck from Blank Slate Patterns, Zermatt Bow Swing Coat from See Kate Sew, Tumble Tee from imaginegnats, Nituna Jacket from Figgy's, Greenpoint Cardigan from Hey June, Gathers and Giggles Quilt from Sew Much Ado, Billy Car Play Mat and Roll Up from Handmade Therapy, Bimaa Sweater from LouBee Clothing, Candy Carousel Dress from Molly Blossom, Convertible Clutch from LBG Studio , Infinity Sweater from One Girl Circus, Undies Pattern from From the Red Kitchen, Owl Backpack from The Sewing Loft, Ethan Shirt from the Scientific Seamstress
This Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available for one week and will never be available again!  You can purchase the bundle from September 30th at 8 a.m. EST through October 8th at 8 a.m. EST and there will be no late sales offered.  Due to the nature of the sale there are no refunds.
You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of 26 PDF sewing patterns from 26 of the best designers out there!
 
 

And now for The Sew Fab Giveaways!

I'm so excited about these giveaways!  Can’t buy the pattern bundle?  It’s okay… purchase is not required to enter.  Each of these prizes will inspire you in your sewing as well as keep you stocked with what you need for your upcoming projects.  There are lots of chances to win and each entry applies to all of the giveaway packages.  Just use the Rafflecopter widget below the prize descriptions to enter as many times as you want, no purchase necessary.  
#1: $50 Gift Card to Fat Quarter Shop
 
The Fat Quarter Shop was founded in 2003 by Kimberly Jolly who began her shop as a side business, cutting, packing and shipping right out of her house during evenings and weekends. From the very beginning, she was committed to delivering top-notch service for every single order and customer.  You'll still find the same level of service at Fat Quarter Shop, along with an extensive selection of high quality fabrics at great prices.
 
#2: $50 Gift Card to Girl Charlee Fabrics
 
Girl Charlee Fabrics is your retail and wholesale source for unique knits fabrics at the best price.  Browse their wide selection of fabrics and specially select knit specific sewing patterns from independent designers.
 
#3: $50 Gift Card to Modern Yardage
 
Modern Yardage has a curated team of talented designers who design fabric exclusively for them. They print your fabric on-demand and offer their prints in small, medium, and large scale and as many as 10 different color options.  Designs  are printed in the standard 44" width on 58" wide, pre washed, 100% cotton quilting weight fabric, and they use the 12" margin to print features about their designers, free projects and patterns for you, and other fun goodies!
 
#4: $50 Gift Card to Michael Levine, Inc.
 
Located in the heart of the Los Angeles garment and fashion district, Michael Levine, Inc. is one of the Largest fabric retailers and wholesalers in the nation. With two retail outlets and a super stocked warehouse, Michael Levine, Inc. is the place to buy fabric. 
 
#5: $50 from Finch Sewing Studio
 
Finch Sewing Studio provides a curated selection of modern fabrics and cool tools. Our classes are offered in our physical shop in Loudoun County, VA. We offer fun, on-trend classes for beginner and experienced sewists alike. We teach the skills and provide the materials to make beautiful, handmade goods.
 
#6: $50 Gift certificate from Fabricworm
Fabricworm offers a selection of fresh, modern fabrics that you'll love, including organic fabrics and japanese import fabrics.  You'll find children's fabrics, fabric bundles, quilt kits, and free sewing patterns when you visit Fabricworm's shop.  Come by and search their great selection today!
 
Sign up for the Sew Fab Newsletter to get the latest Sew Fab News!  Winners will be announced in the newsletter as well as upcoming sales and other news pertaining to the Sew Fab Sale and the world of pdf patterns. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Sale!

Sew Much Inspiration right at your finger tips…

only $29.95!

Get your bundle now!

 
  *Patterns included in the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle are intended for personal use only.  The selling of patterns without designer's permission is prohibited and punishable by law.  Please contact individual designers for licensing requirements if you desire to create and sell clothing from patterns that have been purchased through this sale. **For answers concerning sale terms and customer service questions, please see the FAQ page.  

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Hanami Top and a Skirt

It is done! The Hanami Top by StraightGrain!!
 
 
And, I love how it turned out.
 
 
So does my daughter.
She wanted to wear it all day after pictures. Even though it's supposed to be a Sunday outfit, I let her. Partly because I thought it looked rather cute on her and partly because with such enthusiasm over something I've sewn for her, I just can't say no.
 
 
There were only a few pictures where she was standing relatively straight. I guess she had to try out how it felt in all sorts of different poses...sigh.
 
 
The fabric I used is from Madrona Road--wild carrot in pink, bought here.

 
And, the lining is some white cotton I had in my stash...I think from Walmart.
I made a size 4 so she could wear it this winter with a long sleeved shirt underneath and then wear it next spring and summer too!

 
And, the buttons are from Fabricland.
 I love that I have a number of boxes of buttons that match!
 
The skirt is a basic skirt--1 1/2 times as wide as my daughter's waist and gathered with an elastic waist.
I *had* to add a ribbon (from Walmart) to differentiate the back from the front.

 
It is made from Premier Prints twill, bought here.

 
Now, to get on with the rest of my ever-lengthening list!
 
 
 
 


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Sew Fab Sale Coming Up!

Coming next week...

http://thesoutherninstitute.com

  For one week only, twenty-six pattern designers will be joining together to combine their best PDF sewing patterns (valued together at over $200.00) and selling them to you for the incredible price of $29.95! That’s over 80% off of the combined retail value!
Grab the bundle when it goes on sale next week and you'll be all set to sew for school and the coming holiday season! You'll have to wait until next week to see which patterns are included in this fall's bundle, but I can tell you right now that you won't be disappointed!

See you bright and early on Monday morning!

 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

September Finishes

I managed to finish up two of my September goals:
(If you click on the pictures, you can read more about each of them!)
 

 
Both the button-up shirts and the war pants took a lot of time, especially making two at a time of both of them.
But, now they have some decent clothes again so they don't look like beggars when we head out.
I had to actually enforce the need to wash the pants--my younger son wore them almost three days straight. I finally had to put my foot down and tell him that they really did need to be washed.
Oh, and the left shirt--the one with the vehicles--it has been used as Lego 'instructions.' He has been trying to recreate the vehicles on there out of Lego.
Love when they really like what I sew!
 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

War Pants

My little soldiers needed new pants.
War pants to be exact.
 
 
 

Yes, they are quite thrilled.
And, I love the fact that they are so excited about these pants and that they look decent--not like little beggars anymore with their pants that have holes in them.
 One of them had even torn a big hole in his Sunday pants.
 
The pattern is from Petite Kids Boutique--the London Pants, again. (Yes, I love this pattern!)
 
Instead of putting lining fabric in the legs and making the hem able to be rolled up, I just hemmed them normally. My boys are not such big fans of having their pants rolled up. Especially not 'war' pants.


 
The fabric is from Fabric.com and it is a camo twill. I love it though it is a little stiff. But, that will wear off once it is washed a number of times.

Lots of pockets for storing treasures...one little helper already filled them up with pickling cucumbers to bring them in the house.
 
Actually, I had cut the fabric out, both the outer and lining, when my husband said, 'Tractors? That just does not go with army pants.'
My reply, 'Well, it's what I have on hand and you won't even notice.'
 
The next morning, my sons saw the two piles of pieces and both of them said, 'Tractor fabric with army pants?! I don't want that!'
Then the oldest very tactfully said, 'Well, I guess you already cut it.'
So, yes--the lining in the pockets and the waistband are John Deere tractor fabric that my MIL found at the thrift store.
You can't even tell.
And, my very particular boys are satisfied--so satisfied that I didn't even have a chance to photograph them unworn.

 













Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Oma's Pfaff


I have some exciting news:

 
For those that follow my page on Facebook (Facebook Badge (link) on the sidebar) you will have heard of my new machine, very briefly. 
What you may not know is I traded my old Shark sewing machine for it, not even having seen this machine.
I'm still not sure if it was a good trade as I need to find a voltage converter or plug adaptor to get it to run at all.
But, I'm afraid that if this machine runs, that I may just have ripped my sister off....sigh...
I guess my consolation is she wanted a machine that ran--now. She didn't want to figure out the electrical stuff and get this thing checked out. I do.
Anyway, it is an old Pfaff 262, and it belonged to my Oma (Grandmother) who took it with her when she immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands. Hence the electrical questions...
 
 
But, look at all these stitches:


 
Seriously!
Now to figure out what combo to use for a straight stitch.
 And, in the Dutch instruction books it speaks of the ability to use 3 needles! (Nevermind that I still have to master the double needle...)
Plus it talks about embroidery...

 
It came with this lovely wooden rolling table.
 It needs it--this machine is *HEAVY*.

 
Look at all these attachments and different presser feet.
If I can get this thing going, I'll have so much fun trying to figure out what is for what!
And, how to use all the functions.

 
And, the back of this beauty:

 
My husband shook his head and said I was like a person who gets old cars...only this is an old sewing machine. I only have one now, and it is my intent to keep it at one extra sewing machine.

 
But, yes, if I can get this thing going, I think I made a steal of a deal.
Either way, I'm excited.
Any info on figuring out the electrical would be appreciated--like can you just get a new (US/Canadian) cord put on or do you actually need to get a voltage converter/plug-in adapter so that it uses the European amount of voltage (220V I believe) but can plug into a standard outlet in Canada(120/110V)? And, how many watts does a sewing machine generally use?
I have looked at Canadian Tire for something to 'fix' things but they had one where you could only plug in a US/Canadian plug and convert it to a host of others and then a plug adapter which could only do a 25W appliance and which didn't convert voltage, which I think may be a problem...I definitely do not want to fry this machine before I even get a chance to try it out!
Ah, the questions...
Have a great week!



Friday, September 6, 2013

Some 'Knippie' Sewing

Last Spring--as in 2012, my brother and his wife went to the Netherlands to visit family.
I asked them to bring me a copy of the magazine, 'Knippie.'
When my parents went soon after them, I asked them to bring me another copy of 'Knippie,' if it was the next issue. It was.
Now, I have 2 'Knippie' magazines and I finally sewed something up out of them.
I know--sewing Spring/Summer clothes when it is basically Fall...
 
 
So, the 'Knippie' I sewed from is issue 3 June/July 2012.
I used pattern number 22 which has dropped shoulders with additional sleeve pieces to lengthen it.
(There is a girl's shirt that uses the same pattern pieces but leaves off the additional sleeve pieces.)
After measuring the boys, I decided to go with the width of 104 and length of 116 for my oldest and 110 all around for my second.
I think next time, I'd add some more length and possibly a bit more width to them.
It's funny because I was actually worried, comparing their measurements to the charts, that these would be on the wider side. They're not--they just fit.

 
The fabric was chosen by the boys themselves when we were camping.
We came across a quilting shop in Stettler, and I persuaded all to go in.
It was a great little shop--a toy play area for the kids, so my husband took the kids there while I looked around.
(I secretly hoped that they'd have some Rock 'n Romance in from Pat Bravo, specifically the 'Femme Metale.' I'd love to sew myself up something in that!)
They had some fun fabric that the boys decided they wanted for a shirt.
Every time I'd take the kids fabric shopping, the boys would go through and find fabric they thought would be great for a shirt for themselves. I finally gave in.  

 
The selvedges don't really say what the design is, but the quad fabric has this: Patt # 6191 www.blankquilting.com
The Thomas fabric has no info.
All the buttons are from Fabricland back when they had a sale on buttons.

 
They decided to go and play cowboys and Indians on the new hay bales.
One hawk feather taped to the side of head--check.
One bow and arrow--check.
One cowboy(ish) hat--check.
One cardboard holster (whipped together this morning)--check.
One cardboard pistol (also whipped together this morning)--check.
 
Now, on to the other list of projects I have!
 
 


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

September Goals and New Fabric!

I cannot believe that it is already September!
August was a very quiet sewing month--I only made one top for my little niece.
The rest of the time, I was too busy camping, canning, and life in general.
Now, September is rolling around and I'm not sure what I'll get done since school starts again and I'm homeschooling. But, I did start two button-up shirts for my oldest two boys for which they picked the fabric:

 
I need to finish those.
Both pieces of fabric were picked up on our camping trip when we stumbled upon a quilting shop in Stettler.

A friend of mine made a Fabric.com order recently and I joined in to save on shipping. Actually, I think I splurged a bit and just might have contributed to most of the order....sigh...


But, I have plans for most of the fabric--really I do!

 I *need* to make my two oldest boys each some pants.
I don't know how they wear through their pants so quickly!
But, the camo twill is for that.
I can probably make 2 pairs each...

My daughter needs a new Sunday outfit for the Fall/Winter, so the Premier Prints twill (aaah...it is hiding in the picture) is for a skirt while the Michael Miller print from the Madrona Road is for a top.
So, either the Maggie Mae tunic or the new Hanami top...anyone?

The two Essex Yarn-Dyed Linen pieces (here and the denim-blue doesn't seem to be available anymore) are intended for fancy button-ups for my boys. Although pants out of those would be good too. We'll see if I have enough for both.

The butterfly print (Aprils Garden--doesn't seem to be any left), the other Michael Miller print and the sparkly knit (was on for $2.99 when I bought it!) are for unknown projects.
Although the butterfly print would make a super cute dress for my daughter! Maybe the Tinny?

So, for September, I hope to finish the kid-picked button shirts, and the camo pants.
Those are my two goals for September!

And, I will leave you with this fun picture--this is what we did most of our camping trip: