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

Mystery Challenge - Florence Nightingale Inspired

Its another month of #sewingmagic for me.  Working on wedding preparations (my son is getting married a week from today!) and I joined in the Mystery Challenge Blog Tour for May . . . .

This month's theme is Moments and People Throughout History.  I was assigned Florence Nightingale.  The idea is to #create through inspiration . . . and I learned more about Florence than I ever knew.  

She's not just a Nurse.  She's not just an old maid born in the 1800s, with a trust fund.  

She is the #LadywithaLamp; so I chose the photos I found of her with the Lamp . . . with a twist on what Florence promoted most in her life.

". . . Every woman, or at least almost every woman, in England has, at one time or another of her life, charge of the personal health of somebody, whether child or invalid,—in other words, every woman is a nurse. Every day sanitary knowledge, or the knowledge of nursing, or in other words, of how to put the constitution in such a state as that it will have no disease, or that it can recover from disease, takes a higher place. It is recognized as the knowledge which every one ought to have—distinct from medical knowledge, which only a profession can have.

If, then, every woman must at some time or other of her life, become a nurse, i.e., have charge of somebody's health, how immense and how valuable would be the produce of her united experience if every woman would think how to nurse.

I do not pretend to teach her how, I ask her to teach herself, and for this purpose I venture to give her some hints."

 --Florence Nightingale, from the Preface of her book (Notes on Nursing:  What It Is and What It Is Not).

Flo improved the health of households.  She promoted cleanliness, sanitation, sunlight and concern for well being.  The inspiration came from her service as a nurse in the Crimean War.  Through her book, "Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not,"  she provided detailed guidance on how to care for the sick, which in turn encouraged us all to maintain a clean and inviting environment in our homes (as well as hospitals).  

With that in mind, I found a free picture of Florence with the Lamp (above).  I decided to digitize the photo and embroider onto an apron, adding my take on "here fishy fishy" for the woman who wears the apron.  

I used a photo program on my computer to erase portions of the photo. 

Then digitized the photo using my Brother PE Next Software and started stitching!

For the apron, I chose Sew4home's Pleated Apron.  I used this as a base and used my sewing magic to create an apron that had enough space for the embroidery.  I used fabrics from my #fabrichoard and leftover ribbon from my ribbon collection.  

I hope you're inspired to "Go with the Flo" 

when you've started your household chores!

Find more inspirations from this month's theme 

by visiting the Blogs of other participants 

in the May 2015 Mystery Challenge:  

5/25│ The Berry Bunch - Frank Lloyd Wright │ Sew Not Perfect - Lucille Ball, I Love Lucy

5/26 │ Create 3.5 - George Sand

5/27│ Zoe and Ted - Suffragetes

5/28│ House of Estrela - Woodstock/Fall of the Berlin Wall  │ Pen Seb Rox - Piet Mondriaan

5/29│ Friends Stitched Together - Impressionist Movement │ Wining Wife - Judgement of Paris

5/30│ Super Stay at Home Mommy - Madame Tussaud │ Keep Calm and Carrion - Jackie Kennedy  │ Gloria June - Florence Nightingale

5/31│ Sofilantjes - Andy Warhol │ Busy Little Bee - Marie Antoinette │ Amanda Rose - March 9, 1959 Barbie

6/1│ Pienkel - Bianca Jagger │ Huisje Boompje Boefjes - Anne Frank

6/2│ Taking it Up a Notch - Queen Victoria │ Amazing Adventures with Bubba and Bug - 1964 New York World Fair │  Kelly's Sewing Creations - Steampunk Mary Queen of Scots

6/3│ Mae & K - Tesla │ Pretty Little Blog - Moon Landing │ Knot Sew Normal - Lutie Eugenia Sterns

6/4│ Sew Starly - Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II │ Hibbadoray - Amelia Earhart │ Sew Far North - Countess Markievicz (1868-1927)

6/5│ Made By Sara - John Dillinger/Roaring 20's │ Friends Stitched Together - Prohibition/Roaring 20's

6/6│ Country Bella - 1900's World's Fair/Art Nouveau │ Lulu and Celeste - Rosie the Riveter

6/7│Sew Domesticated - 1960's/Civil Rights Movement │ Rebel and Malice - French Revolution/Joan of Arch │ The Fabric Hoarder - Gypsies

Happy Sewing!

gloria june

#bundleUP for Women Continues - VFT Ginger & FBA (Full Bust Adjustment)

You've seen lots of Violette Fields Ginger for Women variations during the blog tour . . . 

did you #bundleUP?

For me, the Ginger doesn't work without 

a Full Bust Adjustment.  

  

To learn more about the advantages of properly fitting your bust & small or full bust adjustment, visit Everything Your Mama Made & More for the blog series:  "All About the Bust"  

So today is just a look at how an FBA can make your Ginger hug your curves!

Oh, and look how cute my new shoes are . . . my first pair of flats!

Show some love to the bloggers on the Pattern Revolution Women's BundleUP 2015 Tour:

Mimi's Mom - Baby Fish Designs - The Wholesome Mama - Gloria June - Sew Happily Ever After - Manning the Machine - Sew Like My Mom - Sproutign Jube Jube - Keep Calm and Carrion - Friends Stitched Together - Thread Riding Hood - Gingerbear Hibbadorary - Pensebrox - Sew Starly - If Only They Would Nap - Handmade Boy - All Things Katy - Bunch-o-Berries - Bee Quilted BeautiesSew Thrifty - Made by Sara - Feathers Flights - Mabey She Made It - Mae and K - Sugar Plum Cuties - Rebel and Malice - House of Estrela - Phat Quarter Blog - Sofilanjes

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

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

A modern princess dress for you by Greenstyle Creations (and a tip for hemming knits)

Inspired by the stylish #princesskate, Greenstyle Creations Katie Dress & Peplum PDF Sewing Pattern for Misses is here just in time for your Spring wardrobe.  

Greenstyle is one of my favorite pdf pattern designers.  The patterns fit my body comfortably; are quick sews; and are trendy without being complicated.  

• Regular price $9.00, Available today only for $7.00;
• Misses Sizing XXS - 3XL (size chart on website to view prior to purchase)
• Knit fabric
• 3/8" Seam Allowance 
• Slim/Fitted Design
• Skirt portion has two variations and lengths
• Sleeve options are short or 3/4
• Peplum option in two styles
• 11 Step construction
• Color Coded Nested Pattern Pieces, No Trim Assembly
• Fabric Yardage Chart, Suggested Cutting Layout & "Pages to Print" chart 

I was surprised that I would like this dress.  I don't often make a fitted garment following the sizing provided -- I like to size up so I have comfort, but still a hint of shape.  When I participate in testing though, I'm committed to following directions and that means making my size . . . . and I am comfortable!

If you're comfortable with sewing knits, or want to give this style a try, I do recommend the pattern. The steps are clear and you'll be finished with this dress before you know it.  Quick, fashionable, and made with your own sewing magic.  

I chose to make the A-line skirt and chose to cut the length between the regular and long version (the magic of making your own clothes!)  For me, that made me feel elegant and sexy at the same time. 

I ordered this fabric from Intrepid Thread a few weeks before while it was on sale.  

It is Art Gallery's Petal and Plume Knit and it is luscious.  

Written Instructions are provided to lengthen/shorten the dress. If you need to visualize this process, I have a smart tip here (posted previously).

I chose to gather with a traditional long stitch instead of using my ruffle foot.
The gathering at the bodice is what makes this dress stand out.

A look at the back neckline (minus my long red hair!)

There are photos of the peplum at the website and also lots of gals will be sharing their Katie creations in the FaceBook group here.  You'll find out about all the other patterns offered by Greenstyle (women, men & children), sewing support, inspiration and can chat with the designer of Greenstyle Creations.  

HOW TO Quickly Hem Knits (or cheat if you prefer)

If I'm in a hurry, or in this case, don't have navy blue thread for my coverstitch nor my sewing machine, try Pellon products.  My secret cheat.  

I placed tape all around the raw edge of the fabric, removed the paper backing, then folded the fabric over.  Press with the iron and you're done!

This Seam Tape is permanent, but you can still stitch over it -- it won't hurt your needle.  Just press it in place with your iron (make sure you follow the settings appropriate for the type of fabric you are using).  

Happy Sewing,

gloria june