Canadian PDF Pattern Designer Tour - Bombshell Swim Suit & Giveaway!

I'm diving into Summer 2015 with a brand new swimsuit 

I made for myself!  

It was an easy decision to choose the Bombshell 

by Closet Case Files.  

I needed a challenge -- 

wearing a one-piece swimsuit is something I never do.  

I prefer bikinis.  

Imagine my surprise after almost 50 years of wearing bikinis 

(my dad bought my first one) . . . . it ain't so bad!  

And, I am totally comfortable!

The day this pattern was released in 2013, it was an immediate hit.  

And the next morning, Heather Lou posted the first of several installments of the

Bombshell SewAlong which offers all the information you need from choosing your fabrics to completing your suit.  There's also a gallery with links to several hacks by bloggers.

I did a couple of things differently:

I used my magical ruffler foot to gather the sides.  

I cut a ribbon the same measurement as the lining pieces 

to use as a guide.

And added FOE inside my straps, changed the tie-straps to secured straps.

(I needed more support than tying straps halter-style)

I also changed the construction at the crotch to conceal the seams of the liner and swimsuit fabric, which simply means I completed the crotch seams individually, lined them up, wrong sides facing, and stay-stitched the two fabrics together prior to placing the leg elastic.

Clear directions, good design.  

This was my first pattern by Closet Case Files.  I've heard about this pattern since its release, but never purchased it because it was a one-piece swimsuit.  I should've just tried it anyway because now I think maybe I can wear these!

The fabric I used from Joann Fabrics is not heavy when wet (even with a lining).

This pattern recreates the vintage look I like -- and with a little sewing magic to make the suit my own, this is a flattering style for me and I'm very pleased!

I'm working on a maternity one for my daughter.  

Instead of straps, I created a halter by joining the two triangles behind the neck where you would have tied them.  I created a "tankini" by cutting the pattern piece just above the leg opening/crotch.  The back was made using the lining pattern piece.  All I need to do now is make some bottoms.

 As many times as she goes to the potty, 

she's gonna need easy access . . . .

.

Closet Case Files is giving away Two Patterns of Choice to the Winner of this Rafflecopter:
(June 24-27, 2015)
a Rafflecopter giveaway


You also have an opportunity to win several other prizes from the Tour designers and sponsors.

To learn more, Click Here.

To view the complete Blog Tour, which includes interviews with the designers showcased, use the following links:

June 1 - 3 Gracious Threads - InterviewCreative Bug - The Wholesome Mama - stitched by crystal

June 4 - 6 Jalie – InterviewShaffer Sisters – Call Ajaire – hibbadoray

June 8 – 10 Thread Theory – InterviewHandmade Boy – Rebel & Malice – Sew Out of Control

June 11 - 13 Audrey & Tiffany – InterviewAll Things Katy! – Not Sew Fast – Conversas de Hermana

June 15 – 17 E+M Patterns – InterviewFrom-a-Box – Made by Sara – Climbing the Willow

June 17 - 19 Victory Patterns – InterviewSwoodson Says – Thread Riding Hood 

– Sprouting JubeJube

June 18 – 20 FABulous Home Sewn – InterviewCreate3.5 – Calm and Carrion – Stitches by Laura

June 22 – 24 Filles a Maman – InterviewPattern Revolution – PhatQuarters – 

sewstarly – House of Estrela

June 24 – 26 Closet Case Files – Interview, gloria june – Rebel & Malice – Sew Far North

June 25 – 27 Elegance & Elephants – InterviewSprouting JubeJube – AmandaRose – Mae & K

June 29 - 30 Lulu & Celeste: new makes and a round up post

July 1st Last day to enter Giveaways and Final Round up Post!

Happy Sewing!

gloria june

MCM Studio Designs Spring 2015 Blog Tour - Estherlyn Jumper

Happy Spring!  Yes, its Spring here in Louisiana . . . and to celebrate, we've joined the MCM Studio Designs Blog Tour to show you the Estherlyn's Jumper.

At the end of the tour, MCM Studio Designs will give away a pattern of their choice to 5 different winners.  Just comment both on the Merry Church Mouse blog and on one of the blogs that you visit on the tour, including mine!

Use Code SPRINGSALE25 at the ETSY SHOP HERE or visit the CRAFTSY SHOP HERE where patterns are already reduced by 25%.  

Special Thanks to Gabrielle Champion (who will become my daughter-in-love in 53 days!) 

for the wonderful photography of her friend's two little beauties, Ella & Sarah.

I haven't met Ella & Sarah.  I have only their measurements.  The fit was exactly as I planned:  

Ella is sporting a vintage-look length which gives her the freedom to run, jump and play.  

I love the "just above the knee" look of yesteryear.  

Ella is a size 4 in width, and size 5 in length, but I decided to make it all size 4, 

hoping for exactly the result we see here!  

Sarah just turned 1, but her measurements in width fit the size 2.  

I considered that she may be on the ground more often than her sister, with her curiosities getting the better of her, so I went for a look that would cover her knees if she gets down in the dirt/grass to get closer to the all the little things someone her age tries to put in their mouth,

I'm very happy with the results!

What's included in the PDF Pattern:

• Sizes 3m - 10 years
• Line Drawings
• How to take Measurements
• Size Charts
• Finished Garment Measurements
• Materials List
• Fabric Yardage Requirements
• Printing and Assembly Instructions for the pattern pieces
• Tiled Pattern Pieces (you can select to print the lines for one size, many, or all)
• "Before You Sew" Tips as well as more Tips as you go along!
• Numbered, Step - by - Step Instructions
• Links to tutorials and other goodies related to this pattern

You can purchase the pattern HERE or at the Etsy or Craftsy Shops listed above at 25% off throughout the tour.

and, at the end of the week, you have a chance to win your choice of Merry Church Mouse (MCM Studios Designs) Patterns by entering a comment on the blogs in the tour.

I love using my embroidery machine to embellish -- 

and there's just enough room on the bodice to personalize.

Fabrics used in these jumpers were purchased from Ebeth Designs on Etsy.

Moda Domestic Bliss

SMART TIP:  

Use Iron-on Adhesive or Fusible Tape to stabilize ric rac or ribbons (instead of pins) before you sew!  (see previous post HERE).

Another SMART TIP:  

Purchase buttons in bulk when they're on sale.  

I have many colors and sizes in simple buttons 

(I don't just hoard fabric).   

Sometimes, a simple button is just right. 

Be sure to follow along on the tour and tune in to the Merry Church Mouse blog daily for links to the bloggers included.  Remember to enter a comment with your contact information for a chance to win a pattern of your choice!  Good Luck!

Happy Sewing,

gloria june

Sofilantjes Patterns - Otium Sweater Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Welcome to another stop on the Sofilantjes Otium Sweater Blog Tour & Giveaway!  Details for the giveaway and a look at Mommy & Me versions are here!

I knew the perfect family to gift the girls and women's versions:  My good friend Nicole and her little girls, Ava & Allison.  And there's a surprise for her friends later on . . . . 

During the tour,  the Otium individual girls' or individual women's patterns are 20% off and the Otium Bundle (includes both girls' and women's sizes) is 30% off, no coupon code needed!

There is also a way to win some patterns:  A total of 12 patterns will be given away to one reader -- enter the giveaway for your chance to win!   Here are the sponsors:  

First, let's look at the Pattern:

Its a lot to print, tape and cut, but well worth the end result.  In fact, for me, having the range of sizes that are available in both girls and women's sizes is a godsend since there's already demand in my family for shirts!  

So I've cut out all pattern pieces to the largest size, and I'll trace what I need when I need it.  

(I usually hang the full printout on a pants hanger in the closet, but this is easier for me as some pieces don't need to be traced, they can be folded at the size to cut)


To be honest, I didn't want to give this shirt away after I made it.  Its an awesome design.  I made the low back, bow option for all three, but there are several more options available in the pattern.

And ladies, if you're expecting, going one size up gave Nicole enough room for her growing baby bump.  

Surprise!!!  I have another (adopted) grandchild on the way!!!

I love the fabric I found at JoAnn's.  

There was a sale on all knits in their Doodles Collection, and I had a coupon for 20% off my total purchase.  Couldn't pass that up!

Nicole's sweater fabric can be found here:  http://www.joann.com/doodles-collection--sofia-reverse-sweater-knit-big-dot-fabric/13421987.html

For the girls, a coordinating fabric with woodland creatures, from the Doodles Sofia collection. 

Sewing it up:

I've been sewing for quite some time (30+ years), so sewing up Nicole's shirt took about 30 minutes.  
I believe, if you're comfortable with knits, you can do it in an hour or so.  Maybe 2  nap times, after you've had your lunch, and time to clean up the kiddos mess from the morning.  The girls' versions can be done in the same amount of time.  In fact, if you do not chose the low back, bow option, you will cut 15 minutes from your sew time.  

Always remember that the time it takes me to sew can be very different from how long it takes you --  I don't have any kiddos running around anymore (yep, I'm a long-distance grandma).  Your busy schedule may interrupt your precious sewing time, limited space, limited time . . . but really, this pattern is very well written, the pieces all fit together very well, and the design is made with great construction techniques.  However long it takes you -- you'll be very pleased with the pattern overall!

Then there's the front pocket option.  That can add another 15-30 minutes to your sew time, but worth it.  

Looking at the girls' fabric, I decided they needed some woodland creatures to put in their pockets. Thankfully, Stitched By Crystal had a free Fox Pattern, which I made in a couple different ways, even shrunk the pieces to 50% to make a little fox for the baby!  (just a representation for the girls, as you shouldn't give babies buttons to pull off!)

You can find Crystal's FREE Fox Softie Pattern here:

Stitched By Crystal Stuffed Fox

I used the same pattern to make a raccoon (following the look in the girls' fabric), a Fox, and also reduced the pieces by 50% to make the little fox.

Thanks Crystal!

My Recommendation:  

With so many options -- Short Hemmed Sleeve, 3/4 cuffed Sleeve, Long Cuffed Sleeve, Low Back, High Back, Bow -- you'll get a lot for your money!  The pattern covers all seasons.  Its a good investment!  I love it, and you will too!  Anytime you're in need of help or inspiration, just look at the pattern piece for help:  

Pattern Support!

Right there on your pattern piece is an email address and link to the Sofjilantjes Facebook Group Page.  There you'll find all the inspiration and help you need!

Don't forget to visit all of the inspirational Bloggers from the tour:  

Monday, January 26th

Huisje Boompje Boefjes - Pienkel - Straight Grain

Tuesday, January 27th

From a Box - Shaffer Sisters - Friends Stitched Together

Wednesday, January 28th

Mie Katoentje - Lulu & Celeste - Rebel & Malice - Work, Pray, Sew

Thursday, January 29th 

Sew Starly - The Berry Bunch - Sprouting JubeJube - Mllikepoinen

Friday, January 30th

Rebekah Sews - Gloria June -  Sew Out of Control - Jaime Sews

Saturday, January 31st

LisaLisa Designs - Vaahtokarkkimonsteri - DIY Crush - Unikuun Terapiahuone - Golden Rippy

And now, onto the Giveaway! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A princess dress everyday with Made for Mermaids, plus a #giveaway

Made for Mermaids Everyday Princess Collection

When I started testing PDF patterns pre-release for pattern designers, I was thrilled to join Megan Gorman and her testing team to volunteer to test her clothing patterns for girls!  

I asked Megan if she would like to offer a chance to win a pattern (ANY pattern!) to my readers and she said "I'd love to! :)"   So, keep reading for your chance to win one pattern of your choice from Made for Mermaids!

If you're not already aware, PDF pattern designers depend on testing their actual design before its released to the public for purchase to verify that their brainchild actually panned out on paper.  That's right, you print your own pattern that you purchase digitally, store on your computer, your cloud, your jump drive - and print at will or preserve your original printing to trace off sizes for use over and over again.  Opportunities for testing for various designers can be found on their individual FaceBook group pages, the PDF Pattern Sales & Promotion FaceBook  page, and various other places on the internet, including blogs and business pages.  

Everytime I pretest a pattern for Megan, it is perfect from the first draft.  The product she produces is quality and thoughtful.  

The Everyday Princess Dress line is designed for use with cottons, broadcloth, satins, velours -- whatever your heart dreams of fabric-wise, the versatility of these patterns will please you!  You will also be getting more bang for your buck here because you can make the dresses without "princess" inspiration -- they can be made using any print or fabric type, pleasing your sewing experience with everyday dresses, special occasion dresses, costumes or play dresses.  It may be time for you to build an "imagination station" to hang all your daughter's (or grandaughter's) princess inspired dresses in the play room . . . .

Here are a few dresses I've created with patterns from Made for Mermaids over the last year or so (click on the title of each dress to purchase the pattern in her Craftsy shop):  

My vision of the The Belle Dress

Baby Katniss! (my favorite!)

Frozen Inspired Dress

 

Cleaning Cinderella

Merida Brave Inspired Dress

 Tiana Inspired Dress

 

You can also purchase her patterns on Etsy.  

(I personally prefer Craftsy as you can share photos of your creations on the site, view other customer creations, and if there are any updates to any patterns from any shop you've purchased through Craftsy, you will be notified and download them without delay.)  

Newest Release:

We just finished testing Megan's latest pattern, the Briar Rose Dress.  And my friend Whitney took photos of her daughters as soon as she got home from work!  Here are Fiona & Abby, ages 8 and 7, in the versions I created with the pattern:

Yep . . . you're right, my vision for Fiona is inspired by 

Ariel's day dress or "town dress". 

Abby's dress is inspired by "Briar Rose" 

a/k/a Aurora a/k/a Sleeping Beauty

You may have noticed the embroidery on most of the dresses I've been inspired to create. Having an embroidery machine has made so many things so much easier . . .I was doing applique by hand and sewing machine after our granddaughter was born . . . then I took the plunge and bought a Brother PE770.  That was a good decision!  

As with all of the dresses in the Everyday Princess Collection, you can make the dress as a costume, following the colors and embellishments of the princess it is inspired by; or use your imagination and design your own dress  . . . . these dresses can be anything you or your little girl dreams of . . . . 

Now, onto the GIVEAWAY!

One winner will receive one pattern of choice from Made for Mermaids PDF Pattern Collection.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Sewing!

gloria june