Thursday, June 19, 2014

ModKid Hailey Misses - It's in the BundleUp for Women hosted by PatternRevolution!

Pattern Revolution presents another bundle!  It's a BundleUp opportunity for you to get your self-care sewing on!  Today I am reviewing the Hailey Misses by Patty Young of ModKid.  

Get your copy of this pattern, and many more patterns just for ladies here.  














Hailey Misses
by modkid

Shirt, Tunic and Dress for Women
Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL






This dress makes me feel GREAT!



I feel fun and carefree in this dress!  I almost forgot that little voice in my head that reminds me I'm almost 50 (I'm planning ahead, it happens in 636 days . . . .and maybe 50 is the new black . . .) I believe the thoughts "footloose and fancy free" came to mind as I walked outside to take a few photos on our property.

The woman I want to thank for making me feel pretty today is Patty Young, owner/designer of ModKid. Patty describes herself as a "lover of all things pretty and colorful" on her Blogger Profile. I hope I have complimented her vision for the Hailey Misses.


To learn more about Patty and her beautiful creations, please visit her blog here.  You may also like to see her fabric line at Michael Miller Fabrics here.


Let's get to the Pattern now, shall we?!

This PDF Pattern is designed for women, sizes xs - xxl (size chart reflects 30" - 42" bust, 32" - 44" hip). Instructions and pattern pieces are included to make a Top, Tunic or Dress.  There are 18 color-coded pages to print, 3 nested pattern pieces to cut. The suggested fabrics are wovens (lighter weight class) or knits.

I went with a knit because I love how well it drapes.  And I know it shirrs well too!

This is a fun and flirty design, a v-neck, scoop back, and comfortable sleeves.  






Construction:


I decided to wait to finish the neck and arm sleeves until after I completed basic construction of the garment. I wanted to check the length of the bodice, how it sits on my body, while wearing my favorite bra.  Waiting to finish these hems would allow me to make changes to the shoulder seams, if necessary.  I also prefer the look of a finished hem/seam.

I did not have to make any changes! Perfect fit!  

I also waited to add the shirring after I stitched BOTH sides of the garment.

I am a backstitcher when I shirr, so I was afraid that I would cut into my stitched bobbin elastic when finishing the open side seam -- I use my serger more often than not in a garment like this, so I would probably not pay attention and cut my bobbin strings with the serger blade.  I like to shirr in-the-round.



I shirred the recommended number of rows for my size.  Perfect!

I chose to leave the hem unfinished.

Time to take a few photos!









My Recommendation

YES!! Add this to your BundleUp purchase!!!!

A Beginner+ will be comfortable sewing this pattern.  It is a quick sew -- about an hour to hour and a half --more if you are a perfectionist and want your rows shirred in the straightest line.

The instructions include helpful guides to choose your fabric, determine stretch (if you chose a knit), how to shirr, other helpful tips relating to the construction of this garment; and, diagrams & photos are included as you read through the instructions.

I will use this pattern often.  It is the most comfortable dress I own at the moment!

Thank you Patty Young for this wonderful self-care moment.

I think I'll head to Joann's next time I go to the city.  They carry Patty's fabrics, designed for Michael Miller Fabrics!

Show some love and head on over to the other Blogs on this Pattern Revolution Women's BundleUP Promotional Tour (June 20-27, 2014):







June 20
June 21 
June 22
June 23
June 24
June 25
June 26
June 27





I'll be back tomorrow with a look at Scientific Seamtress' Jenny; and then again the following day with a look at the options (I know!) I chose for my Jocole Peplum and Jocole Skinny Pants!  And on the 27th, I'll take a look at Violette Field Threads' Piper.  (My daughter wanted this one!)  


Happy Sewing!  

gloria june

Monday, June 16, 2014

Another BundleUp from Pattern Revolution is on its way -- and its for Women!!!

I've been taking lots of secret selfies in the last month. . . . all in preparation for 





WOMEN'S BundleUp Sale!



Here's a preview of the garments I have tested of the PDF Sewing Patterns for Women included in the 
June 20-27, 2014 promotion:



Ellie Inspired Spring Lily for Women










Greenstyle Creations Taylor Shorts








Citron Twist Shrug by Candy Castle Patterns








Everything Your Mama Made & More 
Calla Lily Skirt





Four Seasons Cardigan & Duster 
by Everything Your Mama Made & More








Love Notions Ladies Hip Hop Tank & Top
(Love Notion No. 5)





Mark your calendars Ladies!  You can find more information about the BundleUp here:




Happy Self-care Sewing,

gloriajune

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Stitchwerx releases a Sweet Suite of Baby Patterns that has inspired me to FLIP my blog!

Stitchwerx Ainsley & Aiden Collection Baby Suite 1

This collection of sewing patterns for baby's first year has me flipped!  So much so, that we are flipping the blog today -- the HOW TO is up first!


I'm part of a blog tour promoting the release of this pattern.  If you follow the tour, you'll see lots of beautiful photos of babies wearing garments made and inspired by the entire collection.  A few of us used baby dolls that were carefully selected to fit the sizing of a preemie or newborn -- so you might even see photos of those as well.

Most important to me in promoting this pattern is to let you know that I participated in the testing of this pattern; and straightaway I knew it was a winner.  I used scrap fabrics, as I usually do during testing of a new pattern, and wouldn't you know it . . . I should have used my best fabrics because 


All of the items were perfect the first time!!!  

That is why . . . . .




I finally have a GO-TO pattern 
for baby showers and newborns! 
(happy dance!!)





Here's HOW-TO  create your own, easy to access, never cut it out again, best-baby-gift ever-pattern-pieces, conveniently stored for use over and over again from Stitchwerx !




Grab everything you need to start tracing your new favorite pattern:

  • Tracing paper
  • Printed Pattern (link to purchase the pattern)
  • Tape
  • Ruler
  • Pattern Weights
  • Markers/pens
  • Cutting tool


 
Lay your fully taped pattern on a flat surface.  
Place your tracing paper on top, lining the edges on the fold side or straightest edge of the piece you are tracing.  Place pattern weights on top.  






Trace the pattern with a sharpie.
Use a ruler to keep the straight lines straight.  This really helps!






Mark your grain line direction and all placement markings. 



Hang your fully taped pattern piece in the closet for future use of all the other sizes.



Grab an envelope or file folder.


Pretty it up so you'll be able to find it later -- I'm keeping this pattern on TOP of all the others!


You're done! 
The next time you get an invitation to a baby shower, or news of a new baby on the way, 
you are ready to go!!!


I've decided NOT to share the photos of my first gift set.  They're for my niece and nephew.  The shower is in July.  Emma Rose is due early September.  You don't want me to ruin the surprise for them do you?


For inspiration and to view an array of beautiful garments you can make with this collection, 

please visit these blogs on the pattern release tour:

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11THURSDAY, JUNE 12
Pattern RevolutionRebekah Sews
Mama Says SewLulu & Celeste
The Berry Bunch
Begin With B
FRIDAY, JUNE 13MONDAY, JUNE 16
Once Upon a Sewing MachineGolden Rippy
Feather’s FlightsPlayground Pixie Designs
Pattern NutFriends Stitched Together
The Life of Jennifer Dawn
TUESDAY, JUNE 17
Stitch and Bake
Shaffer Sisters
The Life of a Compulsive Crafter


You can also enter to win a fabulous Prize Package as Stitchwerx celebrates the release!


Prize Package & Giveaway Rules

Prize Package:
          *4 patterns of your choice from Stitchwerx Designs
          * Set of 4 Custom 8 x 10" Art Prints from Artful Life Designs
          * $25 Gift Card from the Fabric Store of Your Choice
          * Set of 100 Custom Mommy/Playdate Cards from Artful Life Designs

The Contest Rules:
You must be 18 to enter.
You can gain entries by entering the Rafflecopter Prompts.
Giveaway end: 6/20/14 at midnight EDT.
One winner will be chosen and announced on 6/21/14.


Good Luck everyone!  And, you can come back and thank me later!


Happy Sewing!

gloria june

PS:  follow me on Pinterest!  









Wednesday, June 11, 2014

My Little Plumcake's Sweet Jane Ruffle -- Enjoy the photos today and a get a discount code!

Oh my my!  I made the sweetest treats for two little girls that often model for me.

Today, I'm just going to let you take a look the beautiful pictures they took for me to show the finished product after testing.  We tested the Maxi version.

I'm just in awe of the Sweet Jane Ruffle created by Michelle Robertson of My Little Plumcake.  And, I'm in awe of the beautiful photos of Abby and Fiona by my friend and their mother, Whitney, while they were on vacation in Tennessee recently.  

Grab your copy of the pattern today and use code SWEETJANE for 20% off of your purchase for a full week in her shop!


Happy Sewing!

gloria june