Hello Barcelona!!!

This past month a personal dream came true.  I got to test a pattern for Peek-a-boo Patterns!  I can't believe it.  I've admired her patterns for so long and love making them but to actually get to test for her was amazing!  You can tell that she truly cares as a designer and wants everything perfect.  She was there sewing shirts right along with us and pushed the release out because it wasn't up to her high standards yet.  As a sewer, I appreciate that so much!  I hate buying a pattern and then finding design problems right off the bat.  Your money is hard earned and Peek-a-boo Patterns really seems to care about making sure what you buy is perfect.

Now on to the glory that is the Barcelona Blouse...  Isn't she lovely?  Its designed for lightweight apparel fabrics with the option to use lightweight knits on the bottom part.  I chose Swiss Dots fabric on both of mine and love them.  They're so light and airy in this miserable summer heat.

With the gathering in the front, this top is so forgiving to our hard earned mom bellies, squishy hips and that pint of chocolate ice cream that I may or may not have finished off all by myself last night.  It magically is loose and airy while still having a great shape that is far from feeling like a potato sack like some tops.

The tulip sleeves are such a nice touch and really make the whole top in my opinion but there is also a sleeveless option for those that prefer it.

The lovely Miss. Barcelona will be on sale through Friday evening so don't miss out on this wonderful pattern!

Bishy Barnababes FM Appliques

One of the things I love about sewing is that it challenges me.  There are so many techniques to do so many things and there's always something new to learn.  It's absolutely nerve-wracking for me when I decide to tackle something new but so very exciting and rewarding when I succeed.  I've done plenty of appliques, but they have always been very basic, nothing fancy or unique.  I've known of Free-Motion Applique for a while, but was admittedly terrified and avoided it.  When the opportunity to test for Bishy Barnababes came I decided to just take the plunge.  Boy, am I glad I did.  I first tested her adorable Ballerina Briony.

 It was a little tricky to get the hang of but Vicki's instructions are great and helped so much.  In the end, I really enjoyed it and it really wasn't hard. The patterns also have the option to have the head and face, but I wasn't THAT brave, haha.  The stitching of the eyes and mouth still scare me a little so I did the faceless one.  Kallie's got such a cute face anyways so...

My little ballerina was in love with it.  She wanted to wear it all day, which is huge coming from a girl who changes her clothes about 5 times a day.  Next, Vicki presented the chance to help with one of her next patterns and since I was hooked after the ballerina, I quickly agreed.  This time I chose to try Mermaid Millie since Kallie, like every little girl, loves mermaids.

Can anyone guess which mermaid I was going for......green tail, purple shells.......Ariel, of course.  Just a very blonde version, haha.  Yes, I chickened out of doing the head again...don't judge me!  Isn't it so cute, though?!?! Absolutely perfect for summer and trips to the beach.

I just love all the details you can add with Free-motion applique!  Mermaid Millie was just released  long with, Fairy Fiona, Princess Paige, and Cool As Ice.  The possibilities are endless! I see Tinker Bell from the fairy, Cinderella and Belle from the princess and the ice cream cone can be stacked as high as your little ice cream loving heart desires!! Dresses, shirts, skirts, pillows, tote bags, even a backpack!  They can go on anything! They're available on the Bishy Barnababes Etsy page and there some great coupon codes available to get them at a great deal.

APPLIQUE saves you 20%
3BUNDLE saves you 30% when you buy any 3 patterns
5BUNDLE saves you 35% when you buy any 5 patterns

The Samantha & Sammy Swing Tunic and Dress Patterns.........LOVE!!!!!!

HELLO Mommy and Me sets!  Kallie absolutely loves it when I make us matching clothes and now I have the perfect pattern to do it with.  The Samantha and Sammy Swing Top and Dress patterns by Laela Jeyne are so great and the options are almost limitless!

  I feel so lucky to have gotten to test these.  Usually when I try an new pattern for myself, be it purchased or one I'm testing, I never love it quite as much on as I had hoped I would and I'm a little disappointed in the fit.  But after I made the first Samantha I tried it on and actually got giddy.  It fit great and I loved it!

The first one I made was a Hi-Lo Tunic with cap sleeves.  I absolutely love how its nice and fitted at the top and then flares out to be loose, comfy and so flattering.  Most patterns just do basic short sleeves which are fine and all but I loved having the option of cap sleeves.  They're just more feminine.  I'm by no means an overly girly girl, I don't have an obsession with shoes or jewelry.  I don't were ruffly things, but these cap sleeves are just the right amount of feminine to make it feel like a NICE shirt instead of just a tee shirt.

I used Rayon/Spandex from Joann's...definitely my favorite fabric.  So soft with plenty of stretch and the perfect drape for this pattern.  I wish ALL my clothes were made in this stuff!

Kallie's first Sammy was also the Hi-Lo style tunic with cap sleeves.  I think she approves.  :)

The second I put this on her she would NOT hold still.  She instantly started twirling.  It fits her beautifully and pairs perfectly with legging.

  

But I couldn't stop there.  I had to try more options...

Next, I tried the regular top hem and elbow sleeves.  I couldn't believe it, but I actually love this top more than the first one!  This is seriously my favorite shirt now.  Again, the chest area is perfectly fitted so it doesn't feel like I'm wearing a big shapeless bag but lose, comfy, flattering, and very forgiving at the bottom.  I'm always happy when a pattern includes elbow length sleeves, they're my go to favorite.

I even made another Mommy and Me set, though I never got pics of mine or us together...we got a new 2 month old puppy and lets just say its been crazy!  I did catch a few of the little lady in hers though.  This one is the cap sleeves again but with the regular hem.

Once again she approved!  You know how I can tell?

The twirling...

and twirling...

and more twirling...

With a hand stand attempt thrown in for extra pizzazz.

Tadah!

These patterns are so great whether you just make for yourself, just for your little Miss or for both.  You just can't go wrong. It has regular hem, hi-lo tunic, hi-lo dress and regular dress length options.  Cap, short, elbow and long sleeve options and a racerback option.  And regular neck or Cowl neck. which will be so perfect with the long sleeves come fall time.  The Samantha pattern ranges from XS to XXL and Sammy goes all the way from 6M to 14!

They're both on sale through Sunday at 11:59 pm EST so don't miss out!  The sale price for Samantha is $6.50 and Sammy is $5.60 or you can get the bundle package and get both for $11.50.  Plus, all other single patterns on the site are 30% through Sunday at 11:59 pm EST, as well.

Be sure to also check out these other ladies' amazing versions!!

PEAR BERRY LANE

kaleidothought

Connected By A Thread

Mama You Can Make It For Me

Olive Ashby

Momma Sew Savvy

My first Sewing Swap

I decided to try something new and do a Sewing Swap.  Its a Sewing group I found on Facebook where every month you can sign up and get paired with another sewing lover.  You both share the measurements of your little ones and then you sew something for them.  It was so much fun but really kind of tricky deciding what to make!  I know my kids and their quirky  likes and dislikes when it comes to clothes but I have know idea what these kids will like. So, fingers crossed they like their surprises, because I sure do.

So,  first is the little man's outfit.  I really like it a lot.  I of course started of with my go to raglan tee from Peek-a-Boo Patterns.  So basic yet effective and cute.

Then for the shorts, I tried out a new pattern for me.  This is the Hunter shorts from the Star Shorts bundle by Flosstyle Patterns.  I got the pattern for the skort option in it but I really like these Hunters too.  They're made with twill fabric so they'll hold up very nicely to play and wash.  I love twill!

I'm really happy with the cargo pocket feature on these.  It was pretty easy to do, but really adds a nice design element that takes them far beyond simple boring shorts.

And of course I had to add snaps.  The pattern didn't call for them but the flaps were...well...flapping and I just didn't like it so out came the snaps. And I think they add a really nice POP.

And for the little lady...  When in doubt...make a Larkin!  Its the same pattern I used Kallie's birthday dress, but with a very basic skirt. With out any ruffles it'll be more like a tunic and I figured that was perfect for a little 1 year old trying to get around and play.  Gotta love Create Kids Couture's Larkin!  This is the 3rd I've made in just over a month...

I did leave off the back sash/bow.  I didn't figure she really needed it and I was going more for fun and play instead to the full blown fancy dress.  I like it, keeps it easier for mom and that's ALWAYS good.

And you know me....I have to make little bloomers.  I can't have a diaper butt hanging out from under the top!

All in all, this was a lot of fun!  I'll definitely do it again, but maybe I'll wait until I have a slightly less busy month.  I really cut it close on this one.  The deadline to ship the items out was today and I finished sewing this afternoon and immediately ran to the post office.  I got them shipped out with 2 hours to spare....  WOW!

The Mia Halter

OK...first, lets just take a moment and appreciate the pinch-worthiness of those cheeks!!!

Alright, alright, on to the dress...
I got to test the new Mia Halter pattern for Little4Awhile and I had so much fun with this one!!

Its absolutely perfect for appliques, in this case I went for a little Minnie Mouse number for my neighbors little girl because they were about to head to Disney World.  And lets face it, I just couldn't let her go to Disney without a cute dress.

Such a fast and easy sew.  And I love when patterns use elastic in the back instead of ruching.  Ruching is cute, but oh I hate doing it!!!  Using the elastic in the back is just as cute but without the headache and horrid  irritation.

And I couldn't help myself, I had to make some little bloomers to go under! All together now....AWWWWWW!!!

She loves you all too...

Oh, the CUTENESS!!!

Man, I love this combo! And she sure seems to also. ;)

 I participated in the Sew-along for the Blaycie's skinny pants over at Create Kids Couture's Facebook page and had a blast.  I have had this pattern for quite a while and it was a major on my fall sewing to do list but somehow in the craziness that was Christmas prep it just never happened......until now! 

 The sew along finally got me to make them and I'm so glad, because they are sooo cute!  Miss Kallie is right at the edge of the size 3s so I chose to go up to the 4 so these will last her all the way into fall.  

I paired it with a slightly modified version of the beloved Kimber's dress, also by CKC.  Who can pass up the perfect twirl of this pattern?!?!   This girl LOVES to twirl!

I gave it shorter sleeves and a shorter skirt to make it more of a peplum style top.  With the purple piping on the pants to coordinate with the purple hearts of the top, it really is the perfect pair.

AND.....one more shot of the cutie just for fun....

The Emily Tshirt

I recently got to test the new Emily Tee for Layla Jeyne Patterns.  It really is a wonderful pattern that I will use a TON!  Who can complain about being forced to do selfish sewing?

  Emily has such have a flattering fit and so many options, I've barely scratched the surface!  The hoodie and cowl will absolutely be staples in my wardrobe come fall!