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{BLOG TOUR} "GET THE LOOK" Kits with SLPco & Art Gallery Fabrics

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Eeek!!  I am so excited to be included on the GET THE LOOK Fabric Kits {blog tour} with Simple Life Pattern Co. and Art Gallery Fabrics!  Simple Life Pattern Co has teamed up with Art Gallery Fabrics to offer you sewing kits that include the fabric and the pattern!  All you need to do is order and sew!  

When Katie invited me to participate and to design a custom look to offer, I knew I had to use my signature colors.  Black and white prints make my heart flutter.

{Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.  By purchasing through my links, I receive a small compensation.  Thank you for supporting me!}


The Lagom fabric line stole my heart from the moment I saw it, but I hadn't had a chance to sew any (SHOCKING!)  I chose Etern Soot for Emilya's Skinny Pants -- I ❤ a patterned pant and these skinny pants are so quick!  The pants will take you year-round as they include bermuda shorts, capri and full length options.  There are also cargo pockets or (as I have chosen) traditional pockets.


For the top, I selected Adelyn's Scoop Back Top (& Dress) in a solid black.  If you haven't sewn with AGF knits, they are a fantastic weight, extremely soft and wash really nicely.  Caviar is a nice, deep black.  I enlisted my 7 year old to choose the Adelyn options -- she chose short sleeve, modest scoop back with a circle skirt for maximum twirlability.  She decided to leave off the bow that ties across the back.  


While I love the bow, the simplicity of the scoop back is the perfect pairing for her bold pants.


I had so much fun creating these kits -- I hope you love them!  The patterns I chose are a couple of my favorites (and super quick too!)  Art Gallery Fabrics have never disappointed me -- they are superior quality fabrics and a dream to sew up!  When I finished sewing, I have to admit, I had outfit envy -- I need this outfit (and booties) in my life!  Until then, I will live vicariously through my daughter -- HA!




Emilya's Skinny Pants in Etern Soot {Lagom} "Get the Look" Fabric Kit

Adelyn's Scoop Back Top & Dress in Caviar {Knit Solids} "Get the Look" Fabric Kit



OOPS -- did I mention the kits are 35% off?!  
PLUS - everyone that purchases a #SLPcoGetTheLook kit 
will get an exclusive 35% off coupon that can be 
used toward your next pattern order! 
(Discount automatically taken off in cart.  Valid through Dec 6th).  
Do not delay!!!

__________________________________

Visit Simple Life on Social Media

{Website}  {Get the Look Kits}
{Facebook}  {Facebook Group}  {Instagram}

__________________________________


Visit Art Gallery Fabrics on Social Media

{Website}  {Facebook}  {Instagram}




Be sure to check out the rest of the blog tour and the kits they've created!

Nov 28th Caroline Hulse -- Sew Caroline   |  Kim Coffin – Sweet Red Poppy 
Nov 29th Kari Steiger – That’s Sew Kari  (that's me!)
Nov 30th Dana Willard – Made Everyday   |  Tami Peterson --  Sew Sophie Lynn 
Dec 1st Bonnie Christine – Going Home to Roost    |    Delia Randal – Delia Create’s 
Dec 2nd  -- Simple Life Pattern Company Recap 


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{BLOG TOUR} One Thimble E-zine ~ Issue #12 ~

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Wahoo!!  It's time for another issue of One Thimble -- the most creative and inspiring sewing e-zine.  Issue 12 is now upon us and I cannot wait to share what's inside.  Let's have a look at the cover!  Isn't it gorgeous?!


This issue's theme is watercolour and the pictures are amazing and so inspiring.  Inside, you will find 10 PDF sewing patterns ($103 AUD value), and 25 tutorials/interviews/articles!  WOW!  At just $25 AUD ($19.12 USD), this is a steal.

Patterns included:
(Patterns in bold were sewn for my review)
  • #111 thread faction dress   (size 2-10) 
  • Azure Party Dress (size 2-12)
  • Brook Blossom Skirt (size 00-20 LADIES sizing)
  • Calla Lily Crop Top   (size 2T -12)
  • Cozumel Shirt (size 1-14)
  • Darling Daisy Girl’s Bag
  • Flutterby kite
  • Melbourne Romper (size 3months to 4T)
  • Girls Brook Blossom Skirt (size 2-20 GIRLS sizing)
  • Oswald, Pond & Williams Bow tie

The great thing about One Thimble is you get an entire magazine at your fingertips for a variety of tips, tutorial and inspiration for growing in your craft.  I always brew a fresh cup of coffee and sit down with my tablet to read through it.  Reading all the pattern instructions helps me figure out which patterns are at the top of my sew-list.   It definitely gets my creative juices flowing!  Plus, I always learn something new!

 Among the 25 bonus articles, the articles that stood out to me were:
  • How to make fabric from scraps  -- this blew my mind!
  • Freestyle stitching -- this will be great to pass the time in car line for school ;)
  • Make a hair accessory holder --my girls need these for their rooms!
  • Sewing tips for specialty fabrics such as knit, leathers, etc.
  • DIY Water + Colour Tee -- I need to paint myself some fabric! So pretty
The sewing patterns I cannot wait to sew next are the Flutterby Kite for my girls' rooms, Azure Party Dresses for Daddy/Daughter dances this year and the Brook Blossom Skirt for ME in my IKEA funky fabric find!  

Calla Lily Crop Top | Moku Shorts {Issue #5}
I am super excited to share what I chose to showcase!  First up is the Calla Lily Crop Top by Jennuine Design.  This fun top has a few options (gathered or pleated shoulder, cap sleeves, unlined, bottom flounce)  I chose to sew plain shoulders, sleeveless, and lined it so it would be completely reversible!  I am IN LOVE (and have total wardrobe envy of my 7 year old HA!)

 I chose a striking black/white geometric print fabric for the main (Hancock's liquidation find) and a solid black for the reverse.  The Moku Shorts (One Thimble, Issue 5) were sewn in a hot pink Kona cotton and modified to have pockets.



The back features two placket styles -- hidden or visible.  I chose to make my placket visible on the main side, but it's hidden when my daughter wears the reverse side!  Because I used Kam snaps, it makes it even easier to wear on the reverse side.  P.S. The way the placket is sewn is genius -- don't doubt the instructions!  It really does work out!


Calla Lily Crop Top (Reversed) | Schatje Skirt {Eli Monster}

This simple sew makes a big statement!  Plus, making it reversible doubles your daughter's wardrobe possibilities at half the time.  It would be perfect for any capsule wardrobe planners.  Add a simple tank top and it's school appropriate!


Next, I sewed the #111 Thread Faction Dress by Thread Faction.  This is an all knit dress with a curved bodice and a-line skirt.  The bodice is lined, eliminating the need for any neck/arm bands.  The dress comes together super easily and in a way you'd never expect!

I chose a solid blue cotton lycra blend (from Walmart) and paired it with a houndstooth jersey cotton I spied on Amazon earlier this year!  I am  all about style on a budget!


The back features a slight racerback.  The instructions are well written, with easy to follow size blending information.  I was lucky enough that my daughter's measurements were the exact sizes she blended in the tutorial!  


So what do you think?!  What patterns are you most excited about from Issue 12?
Looking for more One Thimble Issue 12 inspiration?  Be sure to visit the rest of the tour stops!









*** This post contains affiliate links.  By purchasing through my link, I receive a small compensation.  This issue was sent to me complimentary in exchange for my review.  All thoughts are mine -- no compensation given for this review.
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{Blog Tour} Acorn Valley by Patty Young

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Beep. Beep. I'm back with another tour!  This time, I am so excited to be on tour with Patty Young of Modkid showcasing three of her patterns in her newest fabric line -- Acorn Valley for Riley Blake.  This line comes in both flannel and knit.  For this line, there are 5 prints available, each in 2-3 colorways.

I decided to keep it cool and comfy since it's nearly 100-degrees every day right now. I chose several knits from the new line and made two looks -- one for each daughter.


First up, is my 5 year old in a new Melanie Dress.  She has sadly outgrown her original one and she's been hinting for another.  For this dress, I chose to pair the Leafy Chevron (in teal) with Forest (in cream).  I had originally picked out Bloom Dot (in teal) to use for the pockets, but I decided I liked the leafy chevron all the way down the side.  I'll be making the Bloom Dot into some coordinating Perfect Leggings (shorts length) for her to add underneath for Kindergarten.


I just love these two fabrics paired together!!


She's a happy girl!  She's taken a bit of a break modeling for me so I'm happy to see her back at it.  Her first Modkid Dress was the Melanie and she's grown so much since that first one!!



Next up, we have Modkid's newest patterns -- the Laguna Summer Top Collection (View B) and the Perfect Leggings in Capri length.  The fabrics I chose were Flutter (in multi) and Bloom Dot (in red). My 7-year old loves butterflies and looks great in red!

I chose to add the decorative tabs on the leggings -- I fussy cut the butterflies from the shirt fabric.  I was a bit apprehensive about the tackling the binding on the Laguna, but I have to say, it went together so easily!  After the first tie, I had to take a moment to marvel in the beauty.  I do want to mention my secret weapon for binding -- a glue stick!  It helps the binding stay in place, dries quickly, and doesn't gum up your needle.  After I get my binding glued in place, I give it a quick press with the iron to really dry it.


She has worn this outfit a few times since I've finished it and is begging for more!


The knits are so comfy and easy to sew too.  They are 95% cotton/5% lycra which is great for binding as well!

SALE ALERT: Coupon code AcornValley2016 gets 25% off your entire purchase in the Modkid Etsy Store. Valid July 11th through July 22nd at midnight EST.

 Check out the rest of the Acorn Valley Blog Tour line up!


Monday 7/11: Riley Blake & Modkid
Friday 7/22: Ameroonie Designs


Also, try your luck at winning a package of her coordinating flannels!



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{BLOG TOUR} Sew Americana

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Beep. Beep.   Welcome to my stop on the Sew Americana tour -- hosted by the amazing Katy of Wild & Wanderful.  For my post, I delved into my extensive (don't tell my hubby though, 'kay?!) pattern stash and pulled out one of my favorite patterns as well as an unsewn pattern that I had to have last summer.  Then I went out and bought a new pattern to round out the trifecta.  LOL


This is the LOL Swing Top by Jennuine Design -- otherwise known as the pattern I had to have last year, and then never got around to sewing.  I am soooo glad I finally sewed it!  I made mine in all knit, but you can also sew it up in woven (using a button on one shoulder to aid in dressing).  I originally had a R&W striped woven for the back bottom selected, but remembered at the last minute about this lightweight knit I had purchased from Joann's a couple years ago.  The drape is perfect and will help keep my daughter nice and cool on Monday. The navy stars Stenzo knit is from Mabel Madison and I had been saving it for the perfect project.  It also makes the perfect binding as the stars are 3/8" tall.

Photo inspired by Karly of Paisley Roots
The front of the shirt I chose white Stenzo knit again from Mabel Madison -- Stenzo knit is so lovely to sew with and I love how the navy pops around the trim.  The front of the LOL Swing is the perfect spot to add in a little free motion applique!


Enter the new pattern I purchased specifically for this post -- the Besties Free Motion Applique by Winter Wear Designs.  Of course, the American flag is not part of the pattern, but it was super easy to add!  I raided my scraps bins and came up with my choices -- hair is leftover from my daughter's Gingerbread Girl outfit, shirt and shoes are from an old work t-shirt, skirt is left from my youngest's Easter coat (2015), and the flag stripes are left from who knows where... haha.  This is now my 3rd FMA and I laugh because after my first attempt, I swore I'd probably never do it again because it took me f-o-r-e-v-e-r.  Some things grow on you (and yes, I've gotten a bit faster).   It was totally worth extra time it took when my daughter saw it for the first time and let out a squeal while hugging the mannequin.


This leaves us with one of my favorite patterns ever!  The Clover Shorts by Mouse House Creations {affiliate link} are hands-down my favorite shorts pattern of all time.  Each time I make them, I'm reminded how much I love them.  They are so classic and always turn out perfect.  If you haven't tried this pattern, you really need to.  {SALE ALERT:  Mouse House Creations is having a 4th of July sale!! Save 35% with code: BOOM  - sale ends 7/6/16}


Here is a close up shot of the pleats and button loops.  I opted to leave the included belt off because her shirt hem covers it.  I chose these stars on navy by Riley Blake -- I happened to have a 1/2 yd in my fabric bins (and I honestly don't remember ordering it :P) but it was nearly enough to sew a size 5 Clovers.  The pocket facing and inside waistband facing are cut from a navy/white stripe. I got brave and tried a french seam on my pocket curve and I will never serge a pocket curve again -- I should snap a picture so you, too, can marvel in the beauty of a french-seamed pocket.  Anyone want to see it?!  {UPDATE:  See picture below :)}


I had so much fun on this tour!  Thank you Katy for organizing it all - amazing job keeping it all smooth sailing!  Are you finished with your 4th of July sewing?  Link up your creation at the bottom!

And now, a little message from 'Uncle Sam' -- haha



Take a look at the AMAZING lineup for the Sew Americana tour!
Monday, June 27 
Wild & Wanderful | Sew and Tell Project | Call Ajaire
Paisley Roots | Wally and Grace
Tuesday, June 28
Sew Thrifty | Coles Corner and Creations | Rebel & Malice
Friends Stitched Together | The Wholesome Mama
Wednesday, June 29
Sewing by Ti | EYMM | HattieLu Handmade
Daydream Believers | PenSebRox | Handmade Boy
Thursday, June 30
Beatnik Kids | Phat Quarters | Sew Starly | Sew Sophie Lynn
The Kisses Co. | Adventures with Bubba and Bug
Friday, July 1
Very Blissful | That's Sew Kari | Sew Happily Ever After | Pear Berry Lane
Mae and K | Musings of a Seamstress | Sew and Tell Project
As a special bonus for our readers, use the code ' SEWAMERICANA ' and enjoy a 20% discount at www.THREADandGRAIN.com  You'll find a ton of maker-inspired goodies!
(All created by your tour guide, Katy, from Wild & Wanderful.)

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{BLOG TOUR} Desert Bloom for Riley Blake Designs

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Eeek!  I was so excited to check my email to see that fabric designer, Amanda Herring {The Quilted Fish} had personally messaged me to invite me on a blog tour for her latest line now available at Riley Blake Designs.  Desert Bloom is a collection of both woven and knit fabrics inspired by her home state of Utah.  The color palate is grays, aquas and reds in a variety of blooms, poppies, and birds and more.  



Gorgeous, right?!



As I was choosing fabric, I had the hardest time deciding.  The collection has 7 woven (each in 3 colorways) and 2 knit (each in 3 colorways) designs from which to choose.  For those keeping track at home, that is 27 choices. I wanted them ALL... haha.  But, that would be greedy.  Because I honestly could not decide, I enlisted my 5 year old.  She has recently gotten very demanding opinionated about what she wants to wear so I knew I needed to include her in the process.  She was immediately drawn to the birds {Desert Bird Blue}.  Her requests were -- shirt with sleeves.  To complete her outfit, she wanted cropped, soft pants (aka knit leggings - HA!).  For the leggings we chose Desert Gray Stripe in Knit.


I wanted to make a sweet Summer top that would be both playful and meet the "needs" of my daughter.  I decided to mash the Merry bodice with Kailua Town's front curve (both by Little Lizard King).  For the skirt, I wanted a slimmer skirt so I cut one WOF and then used half for each side.  I used a deep hem to hold the structure a bit at the bottom of her tunic.


I love how cool the back will keep her this summer!


For the "soft" pants, I turned to my favorite leggings pattern, Petunia Petals by LilyGiggle (sadly, she's closed down shop).  This knit is a nice weight with a 4-way stretch and oh so soft!  It washes up nicely too!  My 5 year old's opinion: "I like them soooooo much!"


She is admiring all her birdies and they couldn't help but "tweet" throughout photos.  I think this is a win :)  My only regret is not including her older sis in this tour.  Last June, they looked so cute in coordinating La Vie Boheme dresses also by Amanda Herring {posted HERE}.

Amanda, thank you so much for inviting me on tour showcasing your gorgeous fabrics!  You have an amazing talent and I'm so glad you're able to share that with us. The goody box you sent was the sweetest thing ever!!  And yummy :D




The Quilted Fish


Riley Blake Designs








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