Hey y'all . . .
hop on over to PatternRevolution.com
for a quick look at Straight Stitch Designs'
Its a two-fer as team member Lisa also reviewed the pattern!
Happy Sewing,
gloria june
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Friday, February 13, 2015
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
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Lily Giggle New Zinnia for girls - Its all about the petals!
This post is cross-posted at Pattern Revolution. Stop by here to see another reviewer's look at the New Zinnia!
With Mardi Gras just around the corner, I had my inspiration to try out the New Zinnia by LilyGiggle. Lucky for me, I had just straightened my fabric hoard and found Robert Kaufman's Celebrate Seuss! Tossed Characters fabric smiling at me. It is time to celebrate Seuss-style. I searched the internet for an embroidery design and found the perfect one!
And baby sister gets a coordinating tunic too, with a Mardi-Gras jester hat on the cat-in-the-hat . . . and a little fur for her curious senses.
This pattern is all about the Petals. Yep, gorgeous petals at the end of your ¾ or long sleeves. Choose A-line or Empire waist in tunic, above knee or below knee lengths in sizes 2 – 12. (I added buttons to my petals as decorations, mimicking the circles in the skirt fabric.)
First things first:
- $9.50 USD, via PayPal, purchased here: New Zinnia;
- Fabric(s): Knit for the A-line; All Knit or Knit & Woven for the gathered Empire waist;
- Layered Printability – choose to print only the size(s) you need; 4 – 5 pattern pieces (short sash is optional);
- Imperial Size Measurements, Finished Garment Measurements, and Fabric Requirements are all provided in charts;
- Woven skirt portion and Sash is cut following a Length x Width Chart (no pattern piece);
- 3/8" Seam Allowance included in pattern;
- Quick Sew Instructions (for those who usually skim the tutorial/instruction part);
- No cutting chart for neckband. Instead, the designer's preferred method of determining band length & width are provided;
- Approximately an hour and a half sew;
- Intermediate+ sewist (neckband*)
I was glad to see the section on how to trace your pattern pieces onto freezer paper and then iron onto your fabric. I forget about this fantastic method and I'm glad it is included for those of you who haven't tried it yet.
The petals are my favorite part! In my state, I struggled to make sure the petals were trimmed perfectly, continuing to cut round and round . . . until I trimmed them too much. Sometimes folks, we need to just let it go . . . . J.
Happy Sewing!
gloria june
Now, for the photo bombs!
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:
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!
(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.
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:
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!
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!
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.
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:
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
LisaLisa Designs - Vaahtokarkkimonsteri - DIY Crush - Unikuun Terapiahuone - Golden Rippy
And now, onto the Giveaway! Good Luck!
Monday, January 19, 2015
Extraordinary Girl by Filles a' Maman, Its not another ordinary t-shirt!
This review is cross-posted at PatternRevolution.com Be sure to stop by there to see another reviewer's look at this pattern as well!
I found Extraordinary Girl to be very charming and a creative inspiration. I was able to do some #scrapbusting and try out the popular "fabric panel" craze with this pattern.
The boat-neck design, combined with lapped neck binding, brings a welcome change to the everyday T-shirt, together with a forgiving neckline allowing for a more comfortable on and off experience.
A week before I began this review, I received my order of princess fabric panels from Eurogirls! While they washed & dried, I looked through my favorite collection of Doodles knits from JoAnn (so very soft and cuddly!) and my knit remnant bucket (fabulous finds in the remnant bins of any fabric store at deeply discounted prices).
I had Extraordinary fun with color . . .
- Price: $9.79, payable via PayPal, available in English or French language versions
- Sizing: 12/18 months – 14 years (19.5" – 31" chest measurement)
- Boat-neck, hi-low hem, long or ¾ sleeve
- Mommy & Me is available! (purchase a separate pattern in women's sizes or the Extraordinary Girl Combo which includes both women & girls sizing)
- Designed for knit fabrics
- Printing option includes the ability to print "layers" (choose a specific size(s) to print); 12 pages to print, 7 pattern pieces to cut, including a functional front pocket.
- Cutting layout graphics are provided for a single color or color blocked top.
- Imperial and Metric fabric requirements are provided as separate charts. A Size Chart and Finished Length Chart is included to guide you in determining appropriate size
- Lengthen/shorten graphic instructions provided
- Confident Beginner Friendly!
Once you print and cut the pattern pieces, you'll be able to put this shirt together in just under an hour. With each one you make, the process will go even faster. The instructions are written thoughtfully; and, together with impressive hand-drawn graphics, you'll appreciate the smooth construction technique.
I love the length—and, that the hi-lo hem is not a dramatic drop. I made no adjustments to either top and found that the sizes I selected based on measurements made a perfect fit.
I definitely recommend this pattern for your little ones! I'm going to make the women's version and am confident that I will love that one too.
New Year, new style . . . be Extraordinary!
Happy Sewing,
gloriajune
Friday, January 2, 2015
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
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
A New Year Resolution for my Fabric Hoard
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Here it is. My dreadful closet. Well, only ¼ of it. I would have to take a panoramic shot to get the whole closet in. Its wicked large.
There is definitely no sewing magic in there that I can find when I need to.
If you're like me, you find yourself in the clearance section of Hobby Lobby after you've picked up too much fabric, ribbon and trims. Over the holidays, I made several trips to my local store (ok, both local stores, one south and one east). I came across packages of "Value Pack Matboard". Since I had put off (again) ordering the comic book backing boards from Amazon, I decided its time to actually buy something to get started on organizing my fabric hoard. I picked up two packs, on sale at $4.79 each, 35 pieces measuring 8"x10".
Naturally, these two packs sat under my box of Christmas Fabric that I pull out every year. And now that I'm putting that box away, and happen to be prewashing a load of cotton fabric I found on sale at a local quilt/fabric shop, I felt forced (yes, forced) to make some magic happen.
The steps are simple, and its been blogged about time and time again.
Here's what I did:
Haven't decided which way I want to position the fabric, but I've made progress toward my New Year Resolution.
Have a safe & happy New Year everyone, and, as always,
Happy Sewing!
gloriajune
Here it is. My dreadful closet. Well, only ¼ of it. I would have to take a panoramic shot to get the whole closet in. Its wicked large.
Its black & white
because I feel so dreary when I go in there for fabric . . . .
There is definitely no sewing magic in there that I can find when I need to.
If you're like me, you find yourself in the clearance section of Hobby Lobby after you've picked up too much fabric, ribbon and trims. Over the holidays, I made several trips to my local store (ok, both local stores, one south and one east). I came across packages of "Value Pack Matboard". Since I had put off (again) ordering the comic book backing boards from Amazon, I decided its time to actually buy something to get started on organizing my fabric hoard. I picked up two packs, on sale at $4.79 each, 35 pieces measuring 8"x10".
Naturally, these two packs sat under my box of Christmas Fabric that I pull out every year. And now that I'm putting that box away, and happen to be prewashing a load of cotton fabric I found on sale at a local quilt/fabric shop, I felt forced (yes, forced) to make some magic happen.
I RESOLVE TO GO FROM THIS:
TO THIS:
It would definitely be magical, like a dream, if I actually executed a fully organized effort to store my fabrics.
If you're in the same boat, go ahead and pick up whatever you can find in the store or online to start putting your fabric away, neatly, or at least in a fashion that would allow you to find it during the season its meant for. Like, say, these fabrics I bought the same day I bought the mat board at Hobby Lobby so I could make a quilt or something by Christmas . . . .
I'm blogging about this in hopes that I'll actually complete this goal. Feel free to encourage me with comments about your Fabric Hoard Organization.
I think we need to create an online support group, . . . . say "fabric hoarders anonymous" and create
12 steps to a dreamlike hoard . . . . I'll let that be your goal. I'm still wrapping fabric around these mat boards . . . .
Here's what I did:
Haven't decided which way I want to position the fabric, but I've made progress toward my New Year Resolution.
What would you do? How do you organize your fabrics?
I do believe that if I could just fold my arms and blink,
I'd be one happy girl . . . .
Happy Sewing!
gloriajune
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