Something Different--Classic Book Challenge!

This is a little different than my usual sewing! I used to be an avid reader but have not read as much in the last number of years as I find I get lost in a book and have a hard time putting them away. Also, the little time I feel I have I want to use to read books that help me to grow in my faith and knowledge of God. However, as a homeschooling mom it is good to read the books that my kids will be reading and to keep my brain sharp. So...I will try to join in on this challenge:

Karen from Books and Chocolate is doing a Back to the Classics Challenge for 2018. 

1.  A 19th century classic - A G.A Henty book

2.  A 20th century classic - 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding

3.  A classic by a woman author. 'Cotton in my Sack' by Lois Lenski

4.  A classic in translation.  'Reis Door de Nacht' by Anne Devries translated to 'Journey Through the Night'

5. A children's classic. 'Winnie the Pooh' by A.A. Milne

6.  A classic crime story, fiction or non-fiction. Probably 'Sherlock Holmes' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

7. A classic travel or journey narrative, fiction or non-fiction. 'Pilgrim's Progress' by John Bunyan

8. A classic with a single-word title. 'Christiana' by John Bunyan

9. A classic with a color in the title. 'Anne of Green Gables' by Lucy Maude Montgomery

10. A classic by an author that's new to you.  I'll need to look for something yet! 

11. A classic that scares you. 'Pride and Prejudice' or 'Sense and Sensibility' by Jane Austen

12. Re-read a favorite classic. 'Margaret Paton: Letters from the South Seas' which was published in 2003 but the letters are written in the 1860's to the 1890's. 

I myself am curious how many of these I'll get to! I'd love to get in the habit of doing more reading and this looks like a do-able challenge.

Mug Rugs!

In December I had some fun doing a couple of small quilting projects--mug rugs! 

For a couple of years already I've been wanting to make some of my friends a small Christmas gift and this year I finally got to doing it for four of them. 

I had so much fun coming up with different ideas for each one, and working with each of their favourite color combos. 

This first one I found a cool idea on Pinterest with stacked tea cups, so I found some neutral colors in my stash to make them and then appliqued them with sketch-like stitching. 

Next up I used my Dresden ruler and just sewed them together along the long ends, alternating the direction. Navy, yellow, and teal were the colors of choice here. 

Black and white, grey and blue. This one has random strips sewn together and then the blue fabric, I fussy-cut around the design in the fabric. It turned out so bold and fun!

The last one has the hearts appliqued onto a piece of white fabric and then I reverse appliqued that behind the Essex linen. This one is based on my plates and cups--this friend has always loved the color of my plates and cups. They look almost like Delft blue but are actually a Martha Stewart set from Sears years ago. 

It was neat, working with the fabric I had on hand, doing some different quilting techniques (mostly free motion and straight lines), and trying to be a little artsy with fabric.

Maggie Tunic--One Day Sale!

I'm quite excited that one of my favourite shops will be having Sunshine Sunday Sales!

First up in the sales is the Maggie Top Tunic and Dress

This pattern comes together very nicely. It has three length options (top, tunic, and dress) and three sleeve options (short, 3/4, and long).

I chose to sew up the tunic length with short sleeves. 

It is a slimmer fitting top/tunic/dress so as a tunic it's perfect over skinny jeans or if your daughter is the legging wearing type over a decent pair of leggings. 

I'm sure I'll be using this pattern over and over to make tops for my daughters. 

The size range is 6 months to 12 years, so it's a pattern you can use for years and with all the options it works for all seasons.  

Sale price with the coupon code is $5 for the girls, $6 for the ladies, and $10 bundled! 

You can find the code in the Facebook Group!

Find the pattern here: Maggie Top Tunic and Dress from Bella Sunshine Designs.

Code is valid only from midnight to midnight EST the 28th of January. 

Fresh Start Blog Tour

It's that time of year where we're thinking about getting a fresh start on our habits, new wardrobes, and trying new things. Join me and my fellow bloggers this week as we showcase how we're getting a Fresh Start with DG Patterns. (Be sure to read on to learn about our sponsor giveaway)

I have to admit--I was pretty nervous to sew up the 

Sarah Dress and Top from DG Patterns.

DG Patterns is a new to me designer and there were not a lot of examples elsewhere of the Sarah Dress sewn up, but I had been eyeing it for awhile because I loved the center pleat detail, so when I had the opportunity to sew it up I signed up. 

Then I had second thoughts as I was about to cut my fabric--I even messaged the organizer of the tour to express my concerns!

But, I'm so glad I did sew it--it turned out to fit very well.

I did make a couple of mods. I lowered the neckline by about an inch and instead of just turning the neck and sleeve under and topstitching, I bound them. Partly to bring the neck and sleeve openings in nicely to avoid any possible gaping. Also, the blue fabric is soft on the inside but it's 'itchy' on the outside and I didn't want to turn that in towards the inside. 

I also added a little bit of length for the short dress version. I added an inch to the bodice and an inch to the skirt part. I wanted a dress that hit around the knees--not too far above. 

Would I recommend this pattern? 

Yes! With the mods I made I love how it turned out. There are also other options included in the pattern such as a pleated top and a long dress as well as a basic top, short, and long dress. 

There are also four different sleeve options. 

I chose the pleated short dress and sleeveless.

I'm quite excited about this dress and am looking forward to an opportunity to wear it out.

You can save 50% off any purchase at DG Patterns using the code FRESHSTART50 during the tour. 

Be sure to stop by all the other bloggers on this blog tour! 

Monday: Sew Cucio, Flax Field Sewing, Fee Bricolo, mahlicadesigns, Sewjourns

Tuesday: Lilla Gumma, Create Whimsy, Frullemieke, Hutsepruts, A Custom Clothier

Wednesday: House of Estrela, FABulous Home Sewn, Spools + Oodles of Fun, Sprouting Jube Jube

Thursday: Very Blissful, Stitches by Laura, Auschick Sews, it's Liesel

Friday: Kathy's Kwilts and More, Stitched by Jennie, Sewsewilse, Our Play Place

Southern Belle Fabrics is generously sponsoring the Fresh Start Tour. During the tour use code: DGBLOGTOUR to save 20% in the shop.

Discount code expires Jan 21st 2018 11:59PM CST

Southern Belle Fabrics is also offering a fabric giveaway. Enter below to win a MFRB Mystery Box valued at $60+.

Giveaway includes shipping to US and Canada (up to $45 in free shipping)

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Giveaway winner will be announced through social media on or about January 20th.

Tao Raglan for Men

I have a new favourite t-shirt pattern for men.

The Tao Raglan by Sinclair Patterns.

I had the privilege of testing this pattern and was impressed by the quality of the drafting and how well the pieces fit together. 

Plus, the final result is well worth the amount of fabric needed for men's clothing. 

The pattern comes in short, regular, and tall and it is a multi-sized pattern so all the tall sizes are nested. As are the short and regular--each in a separate file. This makes blending sizes easy. 

(This is a newer feature for Sinclair patterns, so if you were turned off by the individual sizing in the past, do check this one out!)

There is a regular length and a tucked in length, long and short sleeves. 

I chose to make the regular, tucked in length with short sleeves. 

The fabric used is a lighter weight, drapey athletic jersey for the body and another unknown content fabric--both of which I got off a destash. 

This pattern will be getting more use--I think it'll be my go-to for shirts for my husband. 

Get it on sale for $6.99 until January 18th 2018. 

New Year, New Sew Blog Tour

Welcome to my stop on the New Sews for the New Year blog tour! 

One of my boys has been finally outgrowing his clothes so when he was complaining that all his sweaters were too small, I knew he was next on my list. 

Though it's not a new pattern, I chose to start off with the Dress-Up Hoodie from Mouse House Creations.  I love the fit of this hoodie and the style of the front of the hood--perfect for some fun grommet details that I've been wanting to try! 

Since the grommet details aren't included in the pattern (neither is the drawstring), I'll provide a little info on how I did it. 

I ironed the squares on with Heat 'n Bond, stitched them on, and then ironed some sturdy interfacing to the back part. Next, I punched the holes in and added the grommets. 

The drawstring is about 1.25" wide strip of fabric that has curled in on itself--great for making it match well. 

After asking him if he wanted anything on the front, he asked for one of his favourite animals--an elephant, so that was appliqued on. 

He is thrilled as am I. 

A first time for me doing a hoodie that I had to insert the grommets on my own, and also a first time sewing from yardage of jogging fleece. I usually just cut up old sweaters and re-use the details. (I've done another as well but neglected blogging about it.)  

Be sure to stop by the other stops on the blog tour--it continues all month long! 

Monday, January 1st: Introduction- Sewing by Ti

2nd With Love In Every Stitch

3rd FABulous Home Sewn *** You are here.

4th Kathys Kwilts and More

5th The Fairy Dust Bin

6th The Bear and Pea Atelier

Sunday, January 7th: Minn's Things

8th Lilla Gumma

9th Threadistry

10th Very Blissful

11th Margarita on the Ross

12th Stitched by Jennie

13th Mermaid Mama Designs

Sunday, January 14th: Sew Like a Sloth

15th Sewing With Sarah

16th My Sewing Roots

17th Back 40 Life

18th Sewing With D

19th Ma Moose

20th My Heart Will Sew On

Sunday January 21st: Flaxfield Sewing

22nd Tales from a Southern Mom

23rd Auschick Sews

24th Sew Sew Ilse

25th Seams Sew Lo

26th Kate Will Knit

27th Tenille's Thread

Sunday January 28th: Sew Haute Blog

29th Kathy's Kwilts and More

30th Sewn By Lone and With Love In Every Stitch

31st It Sew Colorful

Comfy Winter Boutique Blog Tour

Socks!
Who thought I'd sew myself socks?!
I've been wanting to try out some of the sock patterns from The Wolf and Tree before so when the opportunity to do a blog tour came up, I knew I wanted to join.
I chose to sew up the Ladies Knock-Out Socks.

They're the perfect length for wearing in boots and they're great for when you want to keep your legs warm in the cold winters here! 

I chose to upcycle a turtleneck sweater I found at the thrift shop--I love a good upcycle. 

The neck part of the sweater became the optional heels and the rest is made of the body with a small part used from the sleeves for the bands.

When I saw the sweater, I knew that some of my vintage lace would be a perfect match to add that special touch. Who doesn't love a bit of lace peeking out over the top of boots?

The pattern has an optional top of toe seam as well as at the end of the toes, so I chose the top of the toe seam. 

I did have to slim the toe and front of foot part down a little from the pattern but otherwise, there are no modifications made. 

I do think with my fabric choice that I'd put elastic in the band next time or make the bands tighter. This fabric has a lot of stretch so they do start coming down after a bit of wear. If they were made with a fabric with better recovery they'd stay up better. 

Overall, I'm quite happy with the pattern and the socks. 

With the option of 2 way or 4 way stretch there are so many fabrics you can use.

Plus, there are a lot of options on how to finish the top to make them fit your style. 

All patterns in the shop are on sale until the end of the blog tour, so be sure to stock up on all the $5 and under patterns! 

The Wolf and the Tree Comfy Winter Boutique Blog Tour
12/3
Stitched by Jennie 
Cross Stitches Custom Clothing
12/4
Rikipedia Wear
12/5
The Wolf and Tree
12/6
The Sewing Scientist
Elli and Nels in Stitches
12/7
Kate Will Knit
Once Upon a Sewing Machine
12/8
Fabulous Home Sewn
12/9
Rebel and Malice
Blooming Skies
12/10
Lulu and Celeste

Holiday Blog Tour

I am not a winter person.
At all.
Up here in Alberta the weather gets cold. And it is a long winter often starting in October and ending with a final burst of snowfall or frost on the May long weekend. We don't plant gardens until after the May long weekend for that reason, though the weather can be decent for two months before that weekend.
But, I do love the coziness of having Christmas decorations up and all the yummy baking.
Add in cozy blankets, warm drinks, books, and friends and I'm all set.
It is a 'gezellig' time of year!

When I finally decided on how I wanted to sew up the Nancy Raglan from 5 Out Of 4, I decided to add long sleeves to combat the cold. 

I color blocked the sleeves to give a bit of a layered look and then tied the black back in with the neckband. 

The sleeves are the extra long length so I can warm up my hands as well. 

 The raglan is sewn up as the tunic length because I love long shirts. 

Nancy Raglan from 5 Out Of 4 

One of our traditions is to fry Oliebollen for New Years! 

It is a Dutch treat that I grew up with--I remember helping my mom fry Oliebollen in the shop every year. Our neighbours would come over and we'd have pails of batter to fry.

They were always the best straight out of the fryer after they cooled enough to bite into. 

But, they're delicious for days after with a bit of icing sugar sprinkled over them or a pile to dip them in as you eat it. 

You can even freeze them and reheat them in the microwave. 

This is the recipe I've started to use--it's not the same as my mom's as she used the boxes from the Dutch store...

I like the ease of that but I don't get out to the Dutch store often enough. 

So I searched and searched and finally found a recipe which I've tweaked a little and translated. 

Oliebollen

Ingredients:

• 150 gr. Currants
• 200 gr. Raisins
• 200 gr. Apples cut into small chunks
• 6 tbsp lemon juice (or juice from 2 lemons) 
• 80 gr. butter, softened
• 1 litre milk, scalded and cooled to luke-warm

• 1 kg flour
• 80 gr. yeast (about 8 tsp)
• 3 tbsp white sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• Oil for deep frying
• Icing sugar for dipping! 

Directions:

1. Soak raisins and currants in hot water for a couple of hours. 
2. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the apple chunks to keep them from turning brown. 
3. Place raisins, currants, and apples in a bowl. 
4. Let the yeast 'soften' in the warm milk.
5. Put the flour in a large bowl (it will need to have room to rise!) and make a dip in the middle. 
6. Add the eggs and the butter. Mix well. 
7. Add the sugar. 
8. Now, slowly add the milk/yeast mixture, stirring as you add.
9. Make sure there are no clumps in the dough. None. 
10. Add the raisin/currant/apple mixture.
11. Now, add just a dash of lemon juice. Mix.
12. Add the salt and mix again. 
13. Let it rise in a warm place with a tea towel covering it until it is risen 1/3 or so--about 45 minutes.  
14. Now, comes the fun part! Deep frying them. Heat the oil in your deep fryer and take a scoop (about an ice cream scoop at a time) of the dough and drop it in the oil. Fry and flip halfway through until it is a nice golden brown color. 
15. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place them in a paper towel-lined bowl. 
16. To serve, serve warm with icing sugar to dip or sprinkled over. Delicious! 

(Recipe is modified and translated from this Dutch recipe!) 

Giveaway *CLOSED*

For a chance to win a pattern of choice from 5 Out Of 4, leave a comment letting me know your favourite holiday tradition! 

**Please leave an email address to contact in case you win!** 

***WINNER: CarrieAnn13***

Be sure to stop by the other stops on the tour to see what they sewed up out of 5 Out Of 4 patterns and for more favourite recipes, and giveaways!

Blog Tour Schedule

December 1 - Marvelous Auntie M | ah baby! Custom Design

December 2 - Elli & Nels in Stitches | Sewn at Seams

December 3 - Pattern Revolution

December 4 - My Heart Will Sew On | Fabulous Home Sewn

December 5 - Wonderfully Handmade | Randoms by Rydz

December 6 - Sewing with D | Octaves of Color

December 7 - Turtle Birdies

Anegada Boat Neck

It's always neat to try out new-to-me pattern designers. 

And, to test a pattern for them is a lot of fun as well as you get to know the amount of work that is put into their patterns. 

One such shop is halfmoon ATELIER.

The Anegada Boat Neck is a simple pattern in a way but there are some neat details that set it apart.

It has 2 views. I chose to do view B which includes a neckband and pleats. 

The longest part of sewing this pattern is forming the pleats--the rest is a quick and easy sew and the neckband cut on the bias provides some stability to the boat neck, preventing it from stretching out too far. 

The fit was spot on for me.

And, depending on fabric choice, you can change up the look significantly.

Plus, with a view A which does not include a neckband but instead folds the bodice back a little at the neck to reveal some of the wrong side of the fabric and a waistband and sleeve cuffs, you have even more options! 

You can buy the pattern here.

Sharks, Hoodies, and a New Pattern

I've been doing a lot of testing lately it seems! 

One of my favourites is the Dress Up Hoodie from Mouse House Creations.

This hoodie has so many options.

A basic raglan hoodie and a variety of pattern pieces that you can use to dress up your hoodie. 

Line drawings of pattern pieces included!

I chose to do my final test as a shark for my youngest. 

The hoodie comes together very easily and quickly. 

I used a freezer paper stencil to paint the eyes on the hood and the words 'FEED ME' on the front.

To stabilize the fin, I added some fusible fleece on both pieces before sewing them right sides together.

Another tester came up with the idea to put the teeth on the lining of the hood and I love how that turned out. It's not as costume-y and more of a wear-every-day style which is my style. 

The neat thing about this pattern is that you can use the pattern pieces included and use your creativity to come up with all sorts of creatures/ideas. 

Each hoodie can be made as you want. 

I can see the deer ears being used to make a cow, some have made a fox, angry bird, etc.

 So many ideas!

In the meantime, I need to go feed this hungry little shark! 

You can buy the pattern here for $8.50 for a limited time. (Regular price is $10.50.)

Apple Cardigan

I recently had the pleasure of testing a pattern for Bella Sunshine Designs!

The new Ladies' Apple Cardigan. 

When I saw the preview pictures, I knew I wanted in on the testing--I loved the look of it and my sewing to-do list was almost empty. 

But, I had to make sure I had enough fabric as the fabric requirements weren't the usual 1.5 yards or so for a cardigan but 2 5/8 yards. 

After finding this fabric in my stash, I signed up and soon found out why the fabric requirements were larger than I expected: the cardigan has a half circle skirt which takes up a fair amount. I think I used around 2 yards with stripe matching on a size 6. 

There were a couple adjustments made after the version sewn here (and that version was tested by the stage 3 testers!) The sleeves were slimmed down below the elbows and widened around the biceps. 

As with all the patterns I've sewn from Bella Sunshine Designs the pattern came together very well. 

It was a super easy and quick sew and it's perfect for fall layering! (If you have a fall...I think we skipped it as it was cold and snowing when we took these pictures!)

You can get the pattern here and there is also a girls' version of this pattern which you can get here. 

The ladies' version is on sale for $6.50 until October 24th, no code needed! After that it'll be $9. 

The girls' version is on sale for $5.50. 

A Fall Outfit

I've been wanting to sew up a Military Messenger Bag in faux leather for quite sometime now. 

When I got some faux leather in a destash/sale from West Coast Fabric, I knew exactly what it'd be for. 

I had already bought some webbing from a neat little quilt shop in Canmore, AB so I was all set. 

Yet, I was a little intimidated--I knew if I made an error you'd be able to see where I had to seam rip.

So, I put it off. And off. 

Finally, I got up the nerve and just started cutting and then sewing. 

The hardest part was the fact that the faux leather would stick to the presser foot and not move as it was supposed to. 

Some people gave tips, and I ended up taping some masking tape to the bottom of my presser foot to make it more slippery. 

I'm so glad it got finished--I love how it turned out! 

The sweater is also a newer sew.

It's the Relaxed Raglan from Patterns for Pirates. 

The fabric is (or shall I say was) an XXL men's shirt from Walmart for $3. 

I did a lot of seam ripping to be able to re-use the neck band, hem and sleeve bands, and was even able to keep the fancy V on the neckline! 

I had to do the 3/4 sleeves as I didn't have enough fabric to get a long raglan sleeve out of a regular sleeved men's shirt. 

The sweater is super comfy and a bit of a step away from a lot of my pinks and florals that I love so much.

Before!

You can read more about the jeans here. 

Back to School Tour

This post contains affiliate links--they help support my sewing addiction so if you are inspired to buy a pattern because of what you see on my blog, please buy through my links. Thank-you! 

Or, the Not-Back-To-School stop on the tour...

We're not heading back to school as we homeschool, but each fall the kids are in dire need of some new, well fitting, un-torn, un-stained clothes. 

We do often leave the house for swimming lessons, co-ops, and other functions after all. 

So, first up is the Nivalis Dress from Sofilantjes and the Caramel Leggings from Filles a Maman. 

My daughter is thrilled with this outfit! 

I love the style of the Nivalis--I'm a sucker for European style. 

And the Caramel Leggings.

What I love about these is that they are not just plain leggings. 

They actually have design features, and the fit is great.

Next up is the Dax Trousers from Gracious Threads, the Military Messenger Bag from FABulous Home Sewn, and Rascal Raglan from Ottobre 4/2013.

So for this one, the Dax Trousers are such a classic pant style. 

The functioning fly, adjustable waist, and welt pockets make it so you can have play pants with a sturdy denim or you can have Sunday pants with a fancier fabric. 

My son uses the Military Messenger Bag for taking his Bible, pen, notebook, and other 'necessities' to Church. 

It makes a great book bag! 

(You can read more about this pattern and bag here!)

The shirt is a staple in this house. I keep turning back to this pattern for my kids. 

I do put a different cuff on this shirt than is provided in the magazine.

They have you put a cuff on single-layered and then still hem that. I do a folded over cuff so I don't need to hem the sleeves. It makes it a bit of a quicker sew and I prefer the look. 

Be sure to stop by all the other great stops on the tour!

Monday, September 25, 2017

Host: Sprouting JubeJube

Sewing by Ti  *  mahlicadesigns  *  Momma You Can Make It  *  Kutti Couture  *  MoonStar - Wondermirakel  *  Call Ajaire

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Host: Lulu & Celeste

Sew and Tell Project  *  From-a-Box  *  Ronda B. Handmade  *  MeMade  *  House of Estrela  *  My Heart Will Sew On  *  Tales From A Southern Mom

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Host: Sprouting JubeJube

mahlicadesigns  *  Gracious Threads  *  Adventures With Bubba and Bug  *  Elli & Nels  *  Bellevi  *  Little Heart Threads  *  Sewing By Ti  *  Lulu & Celeste

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Host: Lulu & Celeste

Paisley Roots  *  The Crafting Fiend  *  Sewstarly  *  It's Liesel  *  Tales of a Tester  *  Kaleidothought  *  auschick sews

Friday, September 29, 2017

Host: Sprouting JubeJube

SewSophieLynn  *  Sew Haute Blog  *  mahlicadesigns  *  Sew and Tell Project  *  RP Custom Fabrics Blog  *  FABulous Home Sewn  *  Sewing By Ti  *  Phat Quarters

And, check out the amazing sponsors over at Sprouting JubeJube!