gloria june: #rafflecoptergiveaway

Showing posts with label #rafflecoptergiveaway. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

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 - Interview Creative Bug - The Wholesome Mama - stitched by crystal

June 4 - 6 Jalie – Interview Shaffer Sisters – Call Ajaire – hibbadoray

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

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

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

June 17 - 19 Victory Patterns – Interview Swoodson Says – Thread Riding Hood

– Sprouting JubeJube

June 18 – 20 FABulous Home Sewn – Interview Create3.5 – Calm and Carrion – Stitches by Laura

June 22 – 24 Filles a Maman – Interview Pattern 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 – Interview Sprouting 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

Thursday, January 29, 2015

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!