Wednesday, October 9, 2013

PJs x 8 and Some Squishy Mail

Finally, I am done these.
My kids have been sleeping in stained (almost) rags.
So, two pairs of PJs for each of my four kids.
The actual sewing of them was quick--it's always the pressing and hemming that takes forever for me.
 
 
The flannel I got for free from a friend. Yards of each. It doesn't look like I've made a dent in it yet.
I could have sewed up some shirts for them too, but I wanted a quick PJ fix.
So, the shirts are from Walmart. I had to dig for these. Like, really dig.
The green set has onesies in 24 months.
The kids had picked out which fabric they wanted for their PJs as soon as I got it.
It's been laying by my desk for months. Seriously.

 
I used the Sewing for Boys pattern again (the sweats length) but I adjusted them quite a bit.
The oldest's are size 2/3 width but size 6/7 length. The next, I believe were also size 2/3 width but size 4/5 length. My daughter's I folded in the pattern to take it in, and the length is also 4/5. The youngest's I majorly took it in and guestimated where I should put the length. The two younger ones have a good sized hem. The older two have much smaller hems. Next time, I'll have to lengthen my oldest's.

 
But, the kids love them. And, they'll be nice and warm this winter. And, decently dressed for the nights out!
 
 
 
Yesterday, I got some lovely mail.
Mara from Secretly Stitching was so kind as to send me one of her many pouches she has made in the last while. I have been admiring her pouches, and she totally surprised me when she emailed me to send one to me!

 
That's some Greek chocolate she sent along! Mmm....so good. I ate half of it before I got home from town, and the other half I ate today while I was sewing.
But, that was not all she sent!
Mara sent over a bunch of pairs of socks for the Pregnancy Care Centre!

 
They are so cute, and so is the packaging--I love that little girl!
Thanks so much, Mara!


Monday, October 7, 2013

Last Chance!

Have you bought your Sew-Fab pattern bundle yet?!
Today is the last full day--it ends tomorrow morning, bright and early!
 
 
 
You can buy the bundle here:
 


Tuesday, October 1, 2013

October Goals

As the cold starts to creep into the air,
The frost is an almost daily occurrence,
It's time to think of Fall clothes.
 
Sigh...
I'm going to miss Summer.
 
But, I have plans. Lots of them. Probably too many.
First of all, I have an order that I need to fill this week--some baby boy bibs!
And, then there are the button-up shirts for my boys.
I 'think' that I'll do that next.
Unless I decide that my daughter really does need a Tinny, or an up-cycled dress (a lovely charcoal button up shirt I found at the thrift shop!)
I think though, that first of all I *need* to sew them all up some PJs.
Like, I really need to.
Especially since my kids are all going to be spending a week at Grandma's and a friend's place later this month.
So, that is top priority after the order is finished.
 
Oh, if you're looking for the giveaway(!) and the awesome pattern bundle, have a look here!
 
 
 
Or, you can just buy it here:
 


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!