{Simple Life Pattern Company} Holiday Blog Tour 2020

Every year, I sew up new fancy dresses for my two girls to wear to Christmas Eve mass.  This year, I'm super excited to have them finished early November!!  Of course, I have no idea if they'll have a special event to show them off, but they will be worn, even if it's just at home.  

I am super excited to kick off the Simple Life Pattern Company Holiday Blog Tour 2020.   Simple Life Pattern Company has no shortage of gorgeous patterns to select so I wanted to choose a new (to me) pattern for each girl.  Art Gallery Fabrics and Fancy Pants Fabrics generously provided all the gorgeous fabrics for the tour --- they pair together perfectly! 

I selected coordinating fabrics from Art Gallery Fabrics' Cozy & Joyful collection and fell in love with the holiday tulle collection from Fancy Pants Fabrics.  My oldest is wearing Candied Roses in Rayon and my youngest daughter is wearing Winter Wonderland in Joyful and Midwinter in Dusk from Art Gallery Fabrics and Gold Snowflake Tulle in Off-White from Fancy Pants Fabrics.

I started with my youngest daughter first.  I chose to sew Elouise's Asymmetrical Top & Dress because I really loved the bodice.  It features a delicate sweetheart neckline and has a uniquely pieced back with bow.  I omitted the asymmetrical skirt overlay to let the tulle take center stage.  

To create the skirt, I used 5 total layers.  I first cut out a lining layer from woven cotton, using the gathered vintage skirt cutting chart.  Then I cut a layer of netting -- this layer really helps the top layers stand out.  I cut this 1/2" shorter than the vintage skirt length and width of fabric (x2).  On top of the netting, I used two layers of nylon chiffon -- width of fabric x vintage length cut (x2).  Finally, the top layer is the gold snowflake tulle -- width of fabric x vintage length cut (x2).  Then I sewed up the side seams on each layer  -- for the tulle, nylon chiffon and netting layers, I used a double fold of tissue paper underneath the seams to prevent the fabric from gathering while sewing.  Gently remove the tissue paper afterwards.    I gathered each layer separately except for the two nylon chiffon layers.  The skirt has a placket which was easy to install to all 5 layers at once, but I'd recommend running your gathering thread prior to adding the placket.  I had to move all the other layers aside because I didn't think about it until after my placket was in place.  Whoops!  (Only the lining layer needs hemmed here)

The back is so pretty!  I thought the way it's pieced together is really clever and would be a great place for contrasting fabric.  I opted to keep just the bow in contrasting fabric to help in stand out.  I love the gold buttons I found which tied it all together.

I think this may be the first year her Christmas dress has sleeves.  HA!  She has really fallen in love with 3/4 sleeves this year and was happy to see the option in the pattern.

To finish out her outfit, I sewed up a Hair Bow in Mini/Piggy size from the Simple Life Pattern Company blog!  So cute and she loves having a bow on her pony tail.

For my oldest, I selected Patricia's Boho High Low Top and Dress.  Katie's pictures of it sewn up in rayon inspired me and I just had to try it out!  While my daughter is not usually one for ruffles, she approved this design and the rayon makes them really soft and flowy.    This pattern has no closures and just slips on over the head. 

I used the included skirt pieces for the dramatic high low option.  I hadn't really sewn rayon until about a month ago and while it's a bit fiddly to cut, it sews up so easily.  I really love how soft and light it is!

My daughter is excited about this dress.  Not only is it incredibly comfortable to wear, but it will last longer than the holiday season!  I think this fabric would be fabulous in the Patricia top version paired with skinny jeans too!

Time to go spread some holiday magic 💗

A huge thank you to our sponsors!!

Follow along the Simple Life Pattern Company Holiday Blog Tour 2020

❅ Monday (11/9) That's-Sew-Kari

❄ Tuesday (11/10) It's Liesel

❅ Wednesday (11/11) Kainara Stitches

❄ Thursday (11/12) SewSophieLynn

❅ Friday (11/13) Kutti Couture

Raspberry Creek Fabrics: Fall 2020 Club Line Release

 

I'm sure by now, you know my love of fabric runs deep.  I'm always on the search for great quality fabrics that also are in prints my girls love.  I want them to want to reach for 'mama-made'.  I am so excited that I was selected to be on the Raspberry Creek Fabrics Promotions team for the next year!!

Raspberry Creek Fabrics is a fabric company run by a husband and wife team who has offered high-quality apparel fabrics as well as eco-friendly in-house textile printing for the past 10 years.  They carry a "Club Line" which is designed exclusively for RCF as well as other retail fabrics in many different substrates.

I enlisted the help of my girls to help me pick which prints to showcase and which patterns they wanted me to sew them.  Here is our mood board that we created to keep us organized for each fabric (and helped me determine yardage needed).

First up is Stitched Floral -- This floral practically jumped off the screen at me.  I'm a sucker for bold floral prints and this is a perfect Fall floral.  In our pre-design planning, my youngest and I thought it would make a beautiful long sleeve maxi.  However, as I sat down to sew it, I realized she would wear it a lot more often if it had a twirly skirt.  

Pattern: Bloomsbury by Little Lizard King

Modifications:  Modified the skirt to have a ruffled bottom. 

Fabric Base: Cotton Spandex Jersey

Next is the Tonal Mint and White Tie Dye Stripe.  Tie dye is making quite the comeback currently and I love that this one follows trend, but in a more subdued, sophisticated way.   I especially love that I had zero mess making it.  Both girls immediately picked this one, but had very different ideas for how I should sew it up.

Tween:  Her request: a cropped hoodie.  I added in some comfy lounge shorts with the leftovers which made her very happy!!

Patterns:  Chromium Cropped Hoodie by Call Ajaire / Alba Shorts by Little Lizard King

Modifications: Added thumbhole cuffs from the Bloomsbury Pattern (above) /  No mods on the shorts

Fabric Base: French Terry

Younger daughter: She asked for a tee with ruched sides like I used for her older sister HERE.

Pattern: Banana Boat Tee by Lil Luxe Collection

Modifications: None

Fabric Base: Cotton Spandex Jersey

Our final selection from the new Fall Club line comes from the 'Be Kind" collection.   Once again, both girls wanted this as well!  They came up with different choices as the coordinate so I actually used the whole collection, minus the floral option.  

Tween:  Her request: another cropped hoodie.  (apparently it's the tween dress code)

Patterns:  Be Creative Hoodie by Ellie and Mac* (affiliate link)

Modifications: Omitted the hood/cowl in lieu of a regular neckband.  Cropped the length and added 3/4" elastic in the shortened bottom band.

Fabrics: Be Kind Panel (child), Geometric Tossed Triangles, Micro Multi Stripe 

Fabric Base: French Terry  (Micro Stripes are cotton spandex Jersey.)

Younger daughter: She wanted a cute dress with a big rainbow on the front.

Pattern: Abigail's Pocket Peplum and Dress by Simple Life Pattern Company

Modifications: Omitted the sleeve tie, but kept the cutout.

Fabrics: Be Kind Panel (child), Rainbows, and Micro Multi Stripe 

Fabric Base: Cotton Spandex Jersey

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

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!!!

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Visit Simple Life on Social Media

{Website}  {Get the Look Kits}

{Facebook}  {Facebook Group}  {Instagram}

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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 

{Happy Birthday} Simple Life Pattern Co.

Eeek!  Simple Life Pattern Co. is turning ONE!  I am so honored to be included on their celebration blog tour.  Katie, Laura, and Ashley (of SLPco) teamed up with Laura (of Punkin Head Threads) and provided me with all the patterns and fabrics.

When I received the invitation, I spent some time browsing Laura's shop, Punkin Head Threads and I seriously wanted it all.  I decided to take a night and sleep on it before I made my selections.  In the middle of the night, I awoke with an idea -- a pretty fantastic idea that inspired my entire look.

Yep, I had a dream about cording.  And I thought it would look awesome as the straps of Bella's Dress and then I thought of Michael Miller's Regatta Borderprint I had swooned over while shopping Punkin Head Threads.  I quickly messaged Laura with my selection, along with a solid red from Art Gallery Fabrics for Braxton's Blazer {coming tomorrow}. Shipping was lightning quick!

The fabrics are amazing quality and of course, wash up (and iron) nicely.  I had zero bleeding and used no color catchers.  I had that much faith in the quality of MMF and AGF!

While my girls were having fun with their "snow days", I was dreaming of summer and crafting away, dreaming I was sailing away on one of these boats.  I adore nautical prints and decor (check out the props in the top photo -- those are my normal decorations in my house :) )

Bella's Dress is so easy to sew up -- you only need to print the bodice!  You can customize the skirt portion {gathered skirt, gathered skirt with ruffle, gathered maxi, gathered maxi with ruffle}.  The Regatta border was the perfect height for knee length for my littlest.  I added a faux sash at the waist for a little extra pop of red.

Braxton's Blazer is releasing tomorrow in the new collection.  It features an open back or a narrow tulip back (as pictured).  It also has 3/4 sleeves (pictured), long sleeves and cuffed long sleeves.  Did I mention it's fully lined so it's reversible?! As I was halfway through sewing it, I ran across some picot-edged bias tape in my sewing room.... and then I got another idea.  I sandwiched the bias tape in between the back layers so just the picot edge showed on the back petals.  It was so worth the seam-ripping!  Luckily the pattern sews up rather quickly so not much time was lost.

Now if you are looking at the above picture and thinking that your eyes must be playing tricks on you, they aren't.  As I was finishing the blazer, I started thinking about the nearly two yards of stripes I had remaining from the top of the Regatta Borderprint.  A single layer of Daphne's Skirt was the perfect pattern to create a trendy skirt that would pair great with the blazer I just finished.  (Note: I added a little height to my waistband in order to feature my stripes how I wanted.)

Of course, if you make a new skirt, you'll need a top to go with it (I'm starting to think I'm in my very own "If You Give A Mouse a Cookie" book...lol) This is Cami's Tank {coming tomorrow} and will be free for members of SLPco Fan Group on Facebook (please do not share the code outside the group).  How sweet is that?!

Of course, I couldn't let my littlest have all the fun!  My girls are so close in size that they can often share clothes (convenient for me!).  Big Sis joined in on the snow day photo shoot :)

Then we ventured out in the Great Snow of 2016 (that resulted in no school for 3 days) to get a prize and lo and behold, it was nearly 55 degrees (F) outside!  So I ran back in for my camera and managed to snag a couple more of my oldest who didn't want to take off her new outfit.

If you look closely, you'll notice I ruched the sleeve hemline a tad with clear elastic.  (Note: This was possible because I did not line the sleeves as my blazer is lined with the same red and not reversible). Also, note, I made a tiny error on the ruffle -- I misread the directions and stopped it at the shoulder seam instead of continuing around the back of the neck.  I realized as I was sewing my two jacket halves together.  I was not seam-ripping at that point. HAHA  Luckily it ended up being a cute mistake.

Simple Life Pattern Co. is releasing several new patterns tomorrow so don't miss out!!

{Online Shops}

Simple Life Pattern Co. | Punkin Head Threads

{Patterns featured}

Bella’s Dress | Braxton’s Blazer | Cami’s Tank | Daphne’s Skirt

(releases tomorrow) (releases tomorrow)

{facebook groups}

SLPco Fan Group | Punkin Head Threads Group

{Tour Stops}

DIY-Crush | Because of Brenna

{Mabel Madison Monday} Penny's Pencil & Flounce Skirt

Haven't you heard?!  Tuesday is the new Monday.... LOL  (or at least that's what I'm rolling with).

Sooo, my {Mabel Madison Monday} is late.  Monday seems like it creeps up faster than I like. HA!

As I was looking through my {Mabel Madison} stash (it's a thing... and I always need to feel like I'm using the perfect pattern.  I hate feeling like I wasted pretty fabric), I came across this flocked poplin, that I honestly forgot I had ordered.  Hearts Flocking (Blue) by Verhees is so adorable!  There are little red, velvety (flocking) hearts on an aqua background.

My original plan was to do a knit fall dress, but summer snuck back in this week so I thought I'd squeeze in a fun little skirt. [Bonus: On Valentine's Day, she' throw on some tights or leggings and be all set for the festivities at school!!]

Enter, the Penny's Pencil & Flounce Skirt by Simple Life Pattern Co.  - a versatile skirt that takes you from mini to pencil to flounce all in one pattern!  The size range is 2t - 12 and has optional pockets as well.   This skirt does have an elastic back (as shown below).  Oh, and it's a super quick sew!

It took me longer to prewash the fabric than it did for me to sew!  I chose to sew the regular pencil skirt, but I am definitely trying the flounce on my next version.

I know you likely cannot see it (because I matched my print at the seams) but the seams are actually on the front (about the middle of each leg) rather than the sides.  I just thought I'd point out this little design feature -- it would look super cute with a contrasting front panel.

Mabel Madison has a huge selection of Euro poplins and corduroy that would be perfect for this skirt.  So why choose Euro? One of my favorite things about Euro wovens is they are wider.  I had just 1/2 yard of this flocked poplin and guess what?!  I have enough leftover, that my 6 year old can get a matching skirt!  Seriously, I used less than 1/2 of my original cut, making this skirt under $4.00.