{Color Me} a Pretty Mia Maxi

It's not everyday that you get invited to play with fabric, designed by the very person who inspired you to buy yourself a sewing machine!  I'm so excited to share what I made with one of the newest designs of Color Me by Hayley Crouse for Michael Miller Fabrics.

To give a brief backstory... I "met" Hayley Crouse on the Internet and I was amazed by her sewing talent.... and her witty humor. LOL  The more creations of hers she posted, the more I thought about buying myself a sewing machine.  So one day I did.  That was 3.5 years ago and am so grateful that my online path crossed Hayley's because I couldn't imagine life without making pretty things.

When Hayley messaged me to blog about her latest designs for Michael Miller Fabrics, I couldn't message her back quickly enough!  Because my youngest daughter gets quite a bit sewn for her, I purposely chose Papillon Paisley for my oldest daughter.  I knew the butterflies would be perfect for her Daddy/Daughter Dance at school.

To showcase the fabric, I chose to sew the Mia's Tieback Dress by Simple Life Pattern Co in the tiered maxi length.  I accented it with narrow black bias tape and a black banded waist.

You've probably noticed that I've not colored in any of the fabric.  No, I didn't forget!  For the dance, I decided that I wanted to keep the black/white color combo.  Then, my daughter can spend all Spring coloring in her maxi so that when summer comes, her butterflies will come to life!

Thank you so much to Hayley and Michael Miller Fabrics for allowing me to share this fun fabric!!

{Fabric Fix} Review & Pattern Giveaway

*This box was sent to me in exchange for the review.  All thoughts are mine.

I'm no stranger to monthly sewing box subscriptions, but there's a new kid on the block.  Fabric Fix has kicked off their debut month.  When Emily contacted me to review it here, I couldn't pass it up!

Each month, you'll receive a box of sewing surprises -- high quality fabrics from leading designers, coordinating trims and notions.  There are 3 subscription sizes so you can pick which one fits either your sewing needs and/or budget.  Each have a minimum of 3 month commitment, with an initial $10 sign up fee  (For more details, see below).

This month's box featured Riley Blake and Create Kids Couture.

Kit contents:

• Riley Blake Lulabelle Collection {Main Navy, Main Mint, Petal Pink -- 1 yd each}
• Riley Blake Cotton Solid {Jade -- 1 yd}
• Create Kids Couture Willow's Wrap Jacket Paper Pattern
• LED Sewing Notion Keychain
• Dritz Ezy-Pull Bodkin
• Spool of Sulky Petite Thread {12 wt}

With 4 yards of fabric and two smaller-than-average daughters, I can definitely pull off a sister set -- unfortunately, I only had half of the set complete when Mother Nature threw us a bonus weather day. So, for now, you'll get to see half.

 While, the kit included a pattern -- Willow's Wrap Jacket -- it doesn't quite match the style my girls prefer.  Instead, I turned to another Create Kids Couture pattern that my oldest would love - Brewster's Bubble Skirt. It features a folded yoga waistband, two large, elasticized side pockets and is finished off with a banded hem.  It's quick, easy, and my Bodkin made threading the elastic in the pockets a breeze.

For this skirt, I used Lulabelle Main Navy and Petal Pink.  Then I added a coordinating pink solid cotton Lycra for the waistband.  {The waistband normally gets folded in half, but how fun is it pulled all the way up?  I used to wear little tube tops in the summer when I was growing up!}

I used the Sulky Petite thread to top-stitch all my seams.  This thread has a nice thick weight to it -- it's actually intended for hand embroidery.  I will have to see how it looks on free-motion-applique too!

After sewing, I dug through my daughter's accessories to complete the outfit.  I added Cami's Tank by Simple Life Pattern Co, a jean jacket, Barbie necklace by Paradise Designs, knee-high socks, and finished it off with tall brown boots and a large pink mum hair accessory.  She loved it so much, she wore it for Class Picture day at school this week.  At nearly 7. she's at the age where the outfits I make need to portray how "cool" she is.  HA!  #nailedit

My youngest daughter is getting a new dress out of the {Mint} colorway, but I've not photographed it yet.  I'll be sure to share the final result as soon as I can.

{Fabric Fix} Sewing Subscription Sizing:

2 yards of fabric + 1 notion = $35

2 - 3 yards of fabric + 2 notions = $45

3 - 4 yards of fabric + 3 notions = $55

One final thing before I go...

Willow's Wrap Jacket needs to find a new home...

will you be the lucky one*?  

Enter Rafflecopter below for a chance to win the paper pattern!

{*U.S. Residents only.}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be {BOLD} Be {LOVED} with Little Lizard King

This quote defines my life, my passions, my everything.  

... and I hope I'm doing justice passing it along to my girls.

Life is all about taking chances, pushing your limits, and most importantly, sharing love.

I want my girls to be BOLD.  I am BOLD.  I am LOVED.

Today, I'm sharing sneak peeks of two new patterns in the works for Little Lizard King.  The Yoggers are a fun, relaxed, harem-inspired pant with a yoga waist, and tapered knit bottom.  There are optional pockets (which my girls ALWAYS say yes) and two length versions: Capri (shown above) and Pant.  I've mixed and matched sizes to get a custom fit for my tall & skinny 6 yr old daughter.

The Seashore Tank is the lined knit tank portion of the pattern which features uniquely threaded straps.  The pattern will include about a gazillion bottom options, though, and will likely be the only pattern you will need this summer!  Stay tuned to learn all the options!

How BOLD will you be?

Ani-Mazing Skirt: The LADYBUG Invasion

Eeek!!  My house has been invaded by LADYBUGS -- thanks to Cassie of Little Lizard King!

Three new faces {cow, owl, and ladybug} have released today for the the kickoff of the ANI-MAZING Sew Along and they are adorable!  Did I mention these new faces are FREE?  Yaaaaay!

In addition to the free face templates, you can also get the files for the modified eyes (for your Silhouette Cameo or Cricut) that Lisa of Lisa Lisa Designs has been wowing everyone with!  Of course, if your Cameo is still in its box {like mine} or you don't own one, you can cheat and use felt like I did... LOL   Shhhhh...

My skirt is modified from the original pattern.  On the skirt pattern, I eliminated the straps (I was out of my black/white hearts) and added an elastic back (2 channels of 1" elastic).  On the face, I used the new eyes, added a smirk and switched out the sewn antennae for a whimsical version.  I made the antennae removable for easy washing (of the skirt).

Are you joining the Sew Along?!  Which version will you sew?  My oldest NEEDS an owl, but I have some other projects to finish ahead of time.  Whooooo knows if I'll have time to sneak it in ;)

Pattern

Little Lizard Cafe

Sew Along Schedule/Info

P.S. The adorable ladybug fabric is from Mabel Madison!!