Aspiring Designer's Challenge--Zippy Keepers Pattern!

Yay!

I'm excited to be part of the Aspiring Designer's Challenge.

 

 

 I'm even more excited to introduce my newest pattern--Zippy Keepers Pattern.

 

 

"A versatile pattern with 2 size options, wristlet option, and 4 different center panel options! You can make an improvisational pleated center, a measured pleat, gathered, or pieced. It is a quick sew--perfect for gifts. Use them as coin purses, make-up pouches, pencil cases, sewing supply cases, personal hygiene pouches, for crochet hooks, etc.! So many possibilities in one pattern."

 

This pattern is great for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, party favors, etc. as they are quick to sew up!

 

Hop over to the Pattern Revolution blog to see some amazing tester photos!

 

Enter to win a copy of the Zippy Keepers Pattern!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can buy a copy of the Zippy Keepers pattern here!

Around The World Blog Hop

I had read and seen a couple of these posts--'Around the World Blog Hop.' But, I never really read how they worked. Then, I got an email from Starly of www.sewstarly.com asking me to play along.

It sounded like a fun thing to do, so here goes!

1. What am I working on?

Right now I'm working on making this into a pattern! (It'll release on the 20th, so stay tuned!) 

I'm quite excited about it, especially since there are going to be a good number of options.

I'm also working on sewing up a number of rag blankets and other goodies for a table I rented at a Bazaar in December.

Finished stack

Needs snipping and washing

For the Bazaar, but all are options in the Zippy Keepers Pattern!

 

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I'm not 100% sure if it is so much different than what's out there.

I use fabrics that I love--whether they are 'in-style' or not. If I like them, I'll use them!

Tough and durable for the boys, pretty and practical for the girls.

Generally, I don't make one-time outfits--to me that is a waste. They need to be able to wear them--over and over again.

 

Much of my sewing is tailored specifically to my own children's likes--they inspire me with the things they love. 

 

 

 

 

3. Why do I write/create what I do?

Part of the reason I create is because it's relaxing.

When the kids are in bed, instead of turning on a TV, I start creating--my sewing machine gets used almost daily, and if it's not being used, I'm scheming either on paper or in my head what my next project will be.

And, I write about it to share and inspire others.

I know that I love to see what other people make--I only wish sometimes I could hold the items in my hands, inspect the seams, and see how it's put together...I love learning new techniques, and want to be able to pass on these techniques and ideas to others. 

 

4. How does my writing/creating process work?

Generally, I make clothing for the kids when they need it, or if I've signed up to pattern test.

For myself as well. I really, really dislike shopping for clothes. Seriously.

So, when I can make my own wardrobe at home with fabric (which I really, really like shopping for), it makes things so much easier.

I often buy fabric thinking, 'this will make a nice top/dress for me.' Or 'this is perfect for my daughter.' Or 'the boys would absolutely love this fabric!'

I then find a pattern or make a pattern to fit the picture that is in my head and sometimes sketched onto paper.

And, now, I pass the baton onto Mel from Filles a Maman and Karly from Paisley Roots.
On the 17th, hop over to their blogs and see what they're working on!
 



Handmade Saturday--Guest Post at Fleece Fun

Today I'm over at Fleece Fun for Handmade Saturday!

Hop over to get the full tutorial to make a fun Ribbon Book Mark.

 

Ladies Perfect Pattern Parcel--Julia Cardigan

When I saw the patterns in the Ladies Pattern Parcel, I was super excited! I had been eyeing the Hudson Pants for quite some time--they'll be perfect for the cold, cold winters we have. I'll be a little more ready for the -35/-40 degree Celsius weather we have up here. The Bronte Top was also on my list to sew when I saw it--a perfect layering top! And, then the Julia. I already had the Julia but I love it, and had fabric put away to make one.  

 

Since I didn't have time to sew up all of the ones I wanted, I sewed up the one I had the fabric for, and which had been on my to-sew list for a while--the Julia!

The white knit is from the thrift shop, and I knew it'd be perfect to winterize some of my dresses.

 

I chose to layer it over this dress for the pictures, but I have a number of other dresses it would work with as well (here and here.)

The cardigan I made has 3/4 length sleeves, and I love that length!

It's comfy, and makes a sleeveless dress a LOT warmer.

 

Now, I just need a coat.

Ha! I was quite cold taking these pictures--it's about 4 degrees Celsius out here and windy!

 Brrrr...

 

 Make sure to hop over and get your parcel!

It's a great deal, with some very fun patterns included.

 

Parcel #6 includes: 

Syrah Skirt by Lauren Dahl (exclusive release!)

Bronte Top by Jennifer Lauren

Julia Cardigan by Mouse House Creations

Hudson Pant by True Bias

Zsalya Dress by Kate and Rose

BONUS PATTERN: Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll

Bonus Pattern:

Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #6 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That's only $5 a pattern. The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll. Vintage inspired silhouette is had two flattering necklines and a gorgeous skirt.  The Odette Dress pattern goes from a size 4 through a 24!

How Pattern Parcel Works:

Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel.  We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we've raised over $12,000 for classrooms in need!

Go-To Leggings

To make my daughter's Sunday dress winter appropriate, we needed some leggings.

 

 

Of course, I turn to the Go-To Leggings, (affiliate link) which I always turn to.

I used some of the Riley Blake knits I had left over from the Greenstyle Blog Tour.

I had just enough to squeeze out a shortened pair of size 5 leggings.

1/2 yard is not quite tall enough.

 

 

But, they work great for in her boots, and they're super soft!

So, another KCW finish.

Skinnies and a Bimaa

It's KCW and I wasn't really planning on sewing along, but thought I'd pop in with a couple things!

My oldest son needed a Sunday outfit for fall and winter. 

 

 

I used the Bimaa for the top, and let him pick which collar option he wanted.

I used a ponte de roma knit for the main (from Girl Charlee (referral link)) and a knit from Fabricland for the collar and cuffs.

 

For the jeans, I used Peek-a-Boo's Skinny Jeans (affiliate link) in a nice denim from Canadian National Fabric. 

 

I sized up, thinking he'd need it with a non-stretch fabric.

I shouldn't have--it's a little saggy in the butt.

But, they'll be warmer than his linen pants for the upcoming winter, so we're all good. 

 

As a side note--I lost my camera cord during this last picture, and I could NOT find it in the leaves.

I enlisted all the kids and told them they'd get $2 if they found it.

My oldest found it and was quite pleased to add $2 to his piggy bank.

I was quite pleased to have my camera cord back (and I reminded myself to CLOSE THE CAMERA BAG!!!) Ha!

 

Greenstyle Blog Tour

(I received the patterns and fabrics for free but all opinions are my own!)

 

And....now....the Greenstyle Blog Tour!

I had signed up to join in and was thrilled when I learned after signing up that we could choose our fabric from Riley Blake Designs and they'd send it over for free!

 

 

 

I chose to make the Amy Skirt, the Lemon Drop Skirt, and after finding out the Study Hall Shirt had sizing only from tween to adult, I chose the Easy Options T-Shirt.

Now the most difficult part came in--choosing fabric!

For the first outfit--the Amy Skirt and an Easy Option T-Shirt, I chose the Small Dot Navy Knit, Knit Solid Yellow and Medium Gingham Green Woven.

 

 

Both are sewn in size 4.

The Amy Skirt is a super quick and easy sew--I love it!

 

When my daughter first tried it on for hemming, she gushed over how soft it was.

And, the Riley Blake knits are truly very soft and as an added bonus, super easy to sew up.

 

The only modifications I made was to add a woven flower applique with buttons and woven cuffs.

I basically traced the lower part of the cuff and cut them out of the woven. Sewed the sides together and sewed them with the right side of the woven against the wrong side of the sleeve with a 1/4" seam allowance. Then, I turned the raw edge over by 1/4" and topstitched that down after pressing the cuff up. Super quick and easy but it gives a whole new look.

 

My daughter loves the fact that it reaches her feet--'it's like a dress, Mommy!'

 

For the Lemon Drop Skirt and Easy Options T-Shirt, I chose Hot Pink Solid Knit, Gray Solid Knit, and Fancy Bikes Teal Woven, Fancy Floral Pink Woven, and Snapshots Family Gray Woven.

 

For this Easy Options T-shirt, I used both the long and short sleeves to make a layered look.

 

I first hemmed the short sleeve and then sandwiched both sleeves against the bodice and stitched them all on in one pass.

Then the under-arm and side seam was stitched again all in one pass--with the short sleeve sandwiched between the long sleeve.

 

The Lemon Drop Skirt, I made exactly according to the pattern though I left off the optional pockets.

I love that the waistband doesn't look super gathered or scrunched from the elastic.

It's short enough that it is only tightened a little with the elastic.

 

 

Make sure to enter the great giveaway!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And, Greenstyle Creations is offering a 25% discount off their patterns with the code "25discount" during the tour, so be sure to hop over and snatch up some great patterns.
 

  Greenstyle Creations Focus on Fall Blog Tour Schedule

October 13- Kick off Post by Blogs Like A Mother

October 14- Friends Stitched Together

October 15- Handmade Boy

October 16- Becca Duval Photography

October 17- The Lady and The Gents

October 18- Snickerdoodle Stew

October 19- The Sewing Sparrow

October 20- Once Upon A Sewing Machine

October 21- Babyfish Designs

October 22- FABulous Home-Sewn

October 23- Gracious Threads

October 24- Wrap Up Post by Blogs Like A Mother