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

Pattern Revolution 2015 Women's PDF Pattern #bundleUP - Jocole

Another year has passed, another birthday candle added to my cake . . . .and more patterns to add to my collection of Women's PDF Sewing Patterns!  

During the #bundleUP Blog Tour, I'll post my versions of a few of the patterns offered. 

Are you ready to #bundleUP?

Pattern Revolution, 

together with several PDF Pattern Designers, have created several #selfcaresewing patterns

 just for You!

bundle pricing is only available during the #bundleUP sale

May 1 - 8, 2015

Day 1 of the #bundleUP Blog Tour:

Jocole A-Line Shift Dress for Ladies

 Jocole's contribution to the #bundleUP is a Ladies A-Line Shift Dress or Tunic with boat-neck or scoop-neck option.  

• Sizes XS (0-2) to XXXL (24-26) included
• PDF Pattern, printable on US Letter, A4, and Copy Shop (36" x 77") sizes, included
• Knit or Woven fabric friendly
• Fabric Yardage Guide, Suggested Fabrics, Notions & Tools, included
• Sizing Guide, with Body Measurements only, included
• Line Drawings and Inspirational Photos, included
• Tips to find the perfect fit as well as links to various tutorials and contact information, included
• Quick Guide Instructions and Glossary of Sewing Terms, included

This pattern suggests "Finding the Perfect Fit" as it is drafted with average/standard measurements.  As I have several fitting issues, I made a muslin with Michael Miller woven fabric.  

I found that I needed alterations to the torso portion.  

Back to the pieces I traced . . . . 

At the lengthen/shorten line, I shortened the torso area, and worked on my "sway-back" issues.  

Information on how to "find your perfect fit" is provided in the pattern instructions.

Links to various tutorials and blog posts are included to help you achieve a great fit.  

(I traced the pattern and marked my Apex, an important point in placing darts on a fitted garment; and used a Full Bust Adjustment later to better fit my body.

Both garments shown in this post are my muslins. This pattern suggests making a "Shell" which is also known as a muslin.)

For my next version, I sized down a couple of sizes to use this lovely floral knit from #girlcharlee (from a KnitFix sale).  

With the modifications made to my pattern pieces, 

I have the fit I wanted.  Yay!  

Follow the Blog Tour May 1 - 8 (during the sale).  You'll get a look at all the patterns included, with reviews and inspirational photos to 

help you choose.  

More information can be found here (click on the image):  

Happy Sewing,
Gloria June

Mark your calendars! Women's PDF Sewing Patterns #bundleUP 2015 Starts May 1!

Pattern Revolution has put together another bundle of PDF patterns for Women!  Mark your calendar for MAY 1, 2015.  

See Previews of the PDF Patterns included 

AND,

You can also win it before everyone else has a chance to buy it here:  WIN IT!  

Here's a look at a few of the patterns I've tested for the #bundleUP.  

Beginning May 1, 2015, use this link to purchase your bundle:  

BUNDLEUP

Happy Sewing!

gloria june

Seamingly Smitten - Drop Shoulder Top for Misses Releases Today & Coupon Code!

Seamingly Smitten, a PDF pattern source for the beginner sewist, releases a new knit top for Misses

Jenny Hall, owner and pattern designer at Seamingly Smitten, thoughtfully and purposefully designs PDF sewing patterns for beginners.  She also offers a blog with tips, tricks and tutorials for everyone!

Join the Seamingly Smitten Sewing Pattern FaceBook page for more inspiration, chat with other beginners, and learn more about Seamingly Smitten patterns available.  

I tested the Drop Shoulder Top for Misses which is available now here on Etsy.  This is a comfortable knit shirt that is easy to cut, construct & sew together.  Learn how to sew with knits and add binding to a neckline with this easy to follow pattern.

• $8.00, available today for 50% off with code SAVE50;
• Knit fabric;
• Petite, regular and tall cutting lines;
• Hi-Lo option;
• 3/4 or long sleeves;
• Instructions are numbered, so you can mark your steps as you sew;
• Sizes are nested in 3 pattern pieces; 
• 18 pages to print & line up (no trimming pages or matching lines to assemble pattern);
• Beginner Friendly

I used fabric from "Spot The Bolt" tables at Hancock Fabrics.  Saw this lovely floral and had to have it for this top.  I paid $2 a yard!  Spot the Bolt is my first place to look in the stores . . . those clearance items can have hidden gems!

Here's my comfy new top!  

Start shopping now and have a look at the variety of patterns for beginners available!  Don't forget to use code SAVE50 for 50% off your purchase today.    

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

Ballard Top by Straight Stitch Designs

Happy New Year! 

My first blog post of 2015 is over here at Pattern Revolution's Blog. I'm an official Team Member of the Pattern Revolution Pattern Reviewers and from time to time, I'll have pattern reviews posted there.  

Here's a sneaky-peek at one of the Ballard tunics I created:  

Click here to be directed to the 

Pattern Revolution Review of the Ballard Top 

by Straight Stitch Designs.  

Have a magical New Year of self-care-sewing!

gloriajune

A quick look at the Jocole Quick Dress/Top

The Jocole Quick Dress & Top

Hmmm . . . .

what to wear . . . 

I may go into town to shop today . . . 

I need something quick and easy . . . . 

Let's see what my sewing magic can do with the Quick Dress.

I have some Fashion Knit from Hancock Fabrics, a yard or so of Travel Knit from Hobby Lobby and the Quick Dress & Top pattern from Jocole. (The hyperlinks will take you to the pages for the fabrics at Hancock & Hobby Lobby -- but, there are lots more choices in the actual stores than online.)

Instead of making a facing for the top yoke portion, I simply cut 4 of the contrast yoke, attached each yoke at the shoulders, placed them on top of the other, right sides facing, and then stitched the neck opening only.  

Turned this right side out.

I cut a few strips of my Fashion Knit fabric, folded in half and pressed with the iron.  Placed the strips along the arm hole, right sides facing each other, then serged.  I did this on both sides.  

Looking good . . . .

A couple more strips sewn the same way on the 

arm opening of the remaining portion 

of the front and back of the dress . . . 

Attach the bottom of the dress to the yoke, sew up the sides, and voila, I have a new dress!

What sewing magic can you make with the Quick Dress & Top?

You can buy the pattern here:  Jocole Quick Dress & Top

Happy Sewing,

gloria june