Happiness is Handmade: Collection by Lori Whitlock for Riley Blake Designs

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As the temps are just starting to fall here in NC, I am already dreaming of warmer days.  I am putting my Christmas sewing on hold (ah, who am I kidding?!  I work best under pressure 😜)and prepping for SPRING!!  It's easy to be thinking of Spring with Lori Whitlock's new "Happiness is Handmade" line for Riley Blake Designs.  This line is the perfect balance of cheeriness, vintage and whimsy. 

I love the name of the collection.  For me, the happiness my girls exude when they are proudly wearing handmade is why I sew.  My youngest (and the one I chose to sew for this time around) told me something last year at age 5 that I will never forget.  She said "When I wear something you've sewn me, it's like you're giving me a big hug all day."  

Wow.  There isn't a better compliment in the world.  I think of it often as I forgo an hour or two of sleep here and there to sew up something new for my girls.  The excitement in their voices when they discover a new dress hanging on the back of their door as they wake up -- happiness is definitely handmade. It's my creativity twirling through life. 

I had such a hard time choosing which fabrics to select so I enlisted my daughter to help.  She really loved the little daisies on Happiness Floral Navy.  Next, I had her choose a pattern.  As we browsed the patterns in my pattern library, she chose the Charlie Dress by Violette Field Threads.  The cap sleeves and the little knot tie in front caught her eye.   I sewed the knot in  Happiness Dot Yellow for a pop of yellow.

Other than the little pop of yellow at the neckline (and the pockets.... shhhh), I kept it simple and sweet with just one print -- exactly how Miss 6 designed it.

Be sure to twirl on over to the rest of the stops on the Happiness is Handmade Blog Tour!

Jedi Craft Girl
Ameroonie Designs
Beri Bee Designs
Hem Me In

{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 Sewing Kit

{GUEST DESIGNER}

---------

June 2015 Kit

I am so excited that I was chosen to play Guest Designer this month for Sew Coordinated -- a monthly subscription sewing kit (sign up HERE) brought to you by Mama Made and Beautiful Fabrics.  As you can see, my kit was full of lots of fun and cheerful fabric that I was able to make each of my daughters the dress of their choosing and a matching headband!  I spent the better part of a day carefully laying out my pattern pieces and choosing the best layout to maximize the fabric without altering or compromising any pattern pieces.  I also divvied up the 5 included prints between the girls to best suit their personalities and coloring.  This way, they could coordinate (see what I did there?) without being identical.

... and I was literally left with mere scraps from the 3.5 yards included in my kit!

I'd say I used this kit about as well as it could be.  How about a prettier picture of the fabrics?

*NOTE: Kit is not packaged this way -- staged for photograph

Just look at these gorgeous, fun fabrics by Studio E Fabrics.  This is the Around Town by Small Factory line.  Also included in the kit are 2 buttons by La Moda, fun double-sided ribbon, thread (not photographed), and a clip-on drink holder for my sewing room!

Content details:

• 1 yard Around Town by Small Factory -- #2941-99  (Houses)
• 1 yard Around Town by Small Factory -- #2944-01 (Bicycles)
• 1/2 yard Around Town by Small Factory -- #2945-28 (Dots)
• 1/2 yard Around Town by Small Factory -- #2942-01 (Pennants)
• 1/2 yard Around Town by Small Factory -- #2943-90 (Bricks)
• 2 yards of double-sided pink/lime dot ribbon by Renaissance Ribbons
• 1 spool of coordinating Gutermann Thread 
• Clip-on drink holder

_______________________

Here's how I used it all!

My 6 year old has been begging me for a maxi dress.  I used the Annabelle Dress by Violette Fields Threads to fulfill her request.  Its chevron-pieced skirt was perfect for showcasing several prints.  Although she's 6, she's small for her age so I made her the size 4.  It's a good thing she's not any taller because the size 4 was the biggest I could squeeze out the Bicycle fabric.

I put the ribbon to good use as bodice detailing and a sash.  One of the buttons takes center stage at the top of the bodice.  I used 3 main prints in the Annabelle.  I used the Bicycle, Dots, and Pennants.  For the center of the bodice, I added a small section of the Houses.   A smidge of ric rac peeks out from her sleeves to bring the hot pink upward.  Lastly, I used a small scrap of the Pennants and a bit of hot pink FOE (fold-over-elastic) for a matching headband!

LOVE is a complete understatement for her feelings on this dress!  I chose these 3 prints for her because pink is her favorite color and being a brunette, these colors compliment her.

My 4 year old loves her twirly dresses.  I had her "go shopping" in her closet to show me what style dress she wanted me to sew.  She came back with the Bubblegum Swing Dress by Candy Castle Patterns which is an add-on to the ever-popular Bubblegum Dress.  The add-on changes the original a-line skirt to a super-twirly skirt.  Her original Bubblegum Swing is getting a bit small on her so it was time to sew up the next size.

For this dress, I chose the Houses fabric and used the Bricks as accent.  She's blonde and blue-eyed and looks fabulous in turquoises and blues.  I made a small change to the pattern and used the width of the sash from the Peppermint Swirl Dress for my wrap-around ties for a bit bigger of a statement.  For this, I chose a navy dotted swiss in my remnant box to bring out the navy of some of the rooftops and the navy in the Bricks.  I used the Sweet Grace Ruffled Headband from Snickerdoodle Stew for One Thimble (Issue 5) for her headband.  It was the perfect place to showcase her La Moda button!

~~~ Best Sisters Forever ~~~

Thank you so much, Sew Coordinated for letting me join in the fun this month!  My girls love their dresses and being sew coordinated!  I love the fact that the kit comes with plenty of fabric that neither girl gets left out.   I'm excited to see what patterns everyone else chooses to sew with their kits!

Meanwhile, I be at my {new} machine, staying hydrated now that I don't have to worry about my drink getting in the way on my sewing table.

Seriously, sign up!  You won't be disappointed!

Look below for Frequently Asked Questions!

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!