{Sew Coordinated} Special Edition: Linen & Lace

I have been keeping a secret.... and I'm so glad I can finally share!

{Warning: This post is loaded with pictures.  There was just too much gorgeousness to not share.}

Sew Coordinated is offering a Limited Edition "Linen & Lace" Sewing Kit!  This special package has been a year in the making and it contains  gorgeous Robert Kaufman fabric (Essex Linen and Raw & Refined), several yards of lace and three different types of embellishments.

 {But you seriously need to hurry because quantities are limited UPDATE: There is currently a waiting list as the kit is sold out.}

{Package Contents}

• 1 yard - Robert Kaufman Essex Linen {Flax}
• 1 yard - Robert Kaufman Essex Linen {Rose}
• 1 yard - Robert Kaufman Raw and Refined {White}
• 2 yards - Imported Lace Border {shown on the bottom hem of Adelaide}
• 2 yards - Imported Lace Overlay {shown on Bella's Dress}
• 2 yards - Imported Sequin Lace {shown on Elise Doll Dress}
• 4 - Pearl Organza Flowers from Miss Rose Sister Violet
• 1 - Pearl Cluster from Miss Rose Sister Violet
• 2 - Gold/White Bow Shank Buttons
• 1 Spool - Gutermann Thread - #20
• 1 PDF Pattern from Simple Life Pattern Co.

{Bella's Dress - Simple Life Pattern Co.}

I've been eyeing the Bella Dress by Simple Life Pattern Co. since its release, but just never took the plunge in buying it.  When I had the opportunity to pick a pattern to showcase this Linen and Lace edition for Sew Coordinated, I knew this one would be perfect.

There are 3 strap options - straight, angled or combination.  I decided the combination straps had that extra wow factor.  The fit of the bodice is amazing.  I mixed size 2 width with a size 4 length for a custom fit (*per my child's measurements).

Because I was using a lace overlay, I chose the simple skirt option (as opposed to the ruffle option) and simply gathered my lace and underskirt separately.  The lace overlay was wider as I used the full two yard cut for maximum twirl.

I used the leftover lace border (from the Adelaide Dress, shown next) as a sash and attached it along the bottom of the front bodice and up the side seams.  Then, I simply tied the lace into a bow in the back.  To adorn the sash, I used 3 of the Pearl Organza Flowers.  I attached the remaining flower to skinny elastic for a super quick, but matching headband.

{Adelaide Dress by Violette Field Threads}

As I was searching for inspiration for this collection, I came across one of the newest releases for Violette Field Threads, the Adelaide Dress.  Immediately, I had the idea to use the lace border on the bottom band and bring the contrast upward by using the Raw & Refined for the collar and back tie.

This back is simply stunning.  There are no other words to describe it.

I used the cap sleeves, but added a pleat and trimmed them with bias-cut binding (Kaufman Raw & Refined -white) so I could feature the little gold and white bow buttons.  

{Note: My daughter has very slim arms -- the pleat may not work for everyone.}

The pearl cluster is perfect as a hair accessory.  I hand-stitched it onto cream fold-over elastic.  

I always aim to match my pattern across the seamline.  My matching skills know no bounds!

{Elise Dress by Little Lizard King}

I couldn't help but make a doll-sized dress to match the rose Bella dress. The Elise Dress by Little Lizard King is not an exact match, but it was close enough.  I used the sequin lace overlay, along with the scraps of the Essex Linen in Rose for the skirt and the Raw & Refined in white for the bodice.  I had to lengthen the bodice because I had a limited amount of linen left.  I styled it with the headband (from above) wrapped around her waist and a pearl necklace.

But, shhh.... my daughter has no idea that I played dress up with her doll while she was at school ;)

To order your own limited edition Linen & Lace Sew Coordinated Kit -- $60 shipped*

Click HERE*

{Kit is SOLD OUT - but there is a waiting list}

{Click on "Message" and add your information to place your order}

*International ladies, please message Sew Coordinated for shipping costs*

{Sew Coordinated} September 2015

Eeeeks!! This is my first month as permanent designer with Sew Coordinated -- a monthly subscription sewing kit (sign up HERE) brought to you by Mama Made and Beautiful Fabrics -- and I had so much fun sewing up these fun prints by Windham Fabrics and incorporating the included ribbon and wood buttons.

As a mom of two girls, I always appreciate being able to get at least two outfits out of each kit.  This way, neither girl gets left out and they can coordinate without being identical -- despite their 2 year difference, they frequently get asked if they are twins. Haha

Package Contents:

• 1 yd - A Nod to Mod (40779-X) by Jan Avellana for Windham Fabrics (top left)
• 1 yd - A Nod to Mod (40780-X) by Jan Avellana for Windham Fabrics (top middle)
• 1/2 yd - A Nod to Mod (40781-2) by Jan Avellana for Windham Fabrics (top right)
• 1/2 yd - A Nod to Mod (40784-2) by Jan Avellana for Windham Fabrics (bottom middle)
• 1/2 yd - A Nod to Mod (40785-6) by Jan Avellana for Windham Fabrics (bottom right)
• 2 yds ribbon
• 2 Wooden Buttons by La Mode (machine washable)
• Gutermann Thread (# 589)
• Surpise sewing notion (not pictured -- obviously.. lol)

These fabrics are so fun!  They are not in my normal realm of what I'd choose when ordering fabric, but I have to admit, they look ridiculously cute and are perfect for fall.  They reminded me of sort of a throwback to the hippie days which led to a photo shoot in front of an old VW van (that belongs to a local church and sits in a parking lot next to Taco Bell).  So we packed up our gear and headed out.

PS... these fabrics were the perfect excuse to go ahead and get my girls started on their fall/winter boot collection.

And here's what I made:

Best Dressed Girl by Little Lizard King -- and what happens when you ask a 4 year old to hold up two fingers for the peace sign.  (Note to self: Next time, specify fingers should be on same hand...lol)

For my youngest, I made a Best Dressed Girl by Little Lizard King in a 3/4 length sleeve.  I added a contrasting band on the bottom of the sleeves to tie in the center panel.  

I also fussy cut the center bodice so I could feature the included buttons. And if you've ever struggled with getting perfect corners on the Best Dressed Girl bodice, I think you will love the tutorial I am writing up!

Instead of sewing side ties from one of the coordinating fabrics, I chose the ribbon.  I love this added detail!

________________________

The Schatje Skirt by The Eli Monster -- knee length view

I originally sewed this Schatje Skirt by The Eli Monster for my oldest (also featured HERE and HERE), but due to time constraints (read: sunset), I didn't get all my pictures in that I wanted.  So the next day, my 4 year old happily modeled while her big sis was at school!  Despite their age difference, they have the same measurements expect for the couple inch height difference.  Handy!

I decided to make the pockets in the same fabric as the waist -- a little hidden treasure!

I had just enough ribbon left to make a cute little bracelet...

So how did I do -- are you inspired?  What vision do you have for your kit?  (and if you don't have one, read below for signup instructions)

Oh and if you haven't heard... an EPIC bundle will be revealed very soon!  (brb... need to finish start sewing.)

I promise, this will be your reaction when you find out!

Sew Coordinated FAQ:

*Source: Sew Coordinated Facebook page

• What is Sew Coordinated? 

Sew Coordinated is a monthly kit club! Each month, there will be a brand new kit debuting with coordinating fabrics, trims, and other goodies!These kits are guaranteed to be priced lower than if you would buy all the products separately at retail prices. I am SO excited at what I have to bring you!

• How much does it cost? 

Sew Coordinated costs $50/month shipped domestically. It will ship in a flat rate padded envelope with free delivery confirmation and insurance. If you are international, it will be $45/month + the cost of a flat rate envelope to you. If you are a member of Mama Made and Beautiful (my fabric retail shop), I am happy to include it with one of your packages!

• How does it work? 

You can purchase Sew Coordinated as a membership subscription or on a monthly basis. If you choose to purchase on a monthly basis, you do run the risk of the kits being sold out. If you purchase a subscription, you are guaranteed the kit. Subscriptions run for a 6 month time period.

• What is the cost of being a Sew Coordinated kit club member? 

To become a Sew Coordinated kit club member, you will be charged an initial $10 membership fee. You will be required to pay this fee within 24 hours. After paying the $10 fee, I will send you a link to subscribe to 6 months of Sew Coordinated. You will be automatically billed $50/month for the next 6 months starting immediately.

• Why is it worth it to become a kit club member?? 

---- You will be guaranteed to get a kit! The first few months of the kit have already been purchased and I only have what I have so if you become a kit club member, you are guaranteed to get the kit during your subscription period! Your kits will come before anyone purchasing month by month!
---- You will get an extra half yard of coordinating solid fabric in your kit every month! The total retail value of this is around $30 for a 6 month subscription!
---- You will have first dibs at all sales, extra kit offerings, and insider info!
---- Because Sew Coordinated is going to be the next big thing and you want in!! There will only be a limited number of kit club subscriptions and once they are filled, you will be added to a waiting list for a subscription!