{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 

{BLOG TOUR} The Naples Dress by Jennuine Design

I am so thrilled to be invited on a Blog Tour by Jennuine Design.  Jenn's patterns are always loaded with options and The Naples Dress is no exception.  

The Naples Dress includes: 

~ Tunic and dress lengths,
both gathered or A-line

~ 4 sleeve options,
sleeveless, butterfly, mid or long bell 

~ Different neckline finishes,
including a free collar,

released earlier in the tour.

~ Sizes nb - 12

Did I mention that the tour is sponsored by Art Gallery Fabrics?  Eeek! We had our choice of a few colorways of Essentials II (new by Pat Bravo), denim, or solid knits.  After reading the pattern, I browsed the fabric and chose Essential II's Intertwill Azur, accented by Streakly Business Azur.  My blue-eyed blondie looks best in blue.  This fabric feels so great and sews so nicely. Thank you so much Art Gallery Fabrics!!

I chose to sew a sleeveless, gathered dress in anticipation of the upcoming summer temps we always encounter every Spring here in North Carolina.  By the time we get to sleeves weather, she will likely have outgrown it.  If you notice in the picture collage above, I opted to sew the bias-bound split back.  Of course, after I sewed my last stitch, I had a brilliant idea ... LOL  I'll save it for next time ;)

As I was preparing my pattern (which prints in layers, by the way!), I decided to line my bodice so I could cut Streakly Business on the bias to highlight the stripes.  I love how it turned out! I, then used Intertwill Azur to make handmade bias tape to complete the neckline.

Jennuine Design Shop

Save 25% off through Sunday 3/27/16 with code NAPLESTOUR

-- excludes bundles --

Jennuine Design Pattern Group

Art Gallery Fabrics

Be sure to stop by Filles à Maman, While She Was Sleeping & Czarina's Project for today's other 3 stops along the tour!

In case you missed the rest of the tour, or just want to show these ladies some more love...

3/21: A Jennuine Life * My Sweet Sunshine * Chelise Patterson

3/22: Rock the Stitch * Taylor Made Creates * Élégantine!

3/23: Handcrafted by RED * Lily Shine * Pattern Revolution

* Sew Sophie Lynn

3/24: Sew Shelly Sew * 2 Little Hooligans * Handmade Boy

3/25: Filles à Maman * While She Was Sleeping

* That's-Sew-Kari * Czarina's Project


A blog tour wouldn't be complete without a giveaway, right?! 

Enter below to win:
(1) Fat Quarter Bundle of Essentials II from Art Gallery Fabrics
and (3) PDF Patterns from Jennuine Design 

{Good Luck}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ladies Library Cardigan

Pattern by Little Lizard King

~ with a special appearance from Free Notion ~

It has been far too long since I've sewed for myself -- like since July.  Whoops!

I decided to rectify that by making myself the Ladies Library Cardigan by Little Lizard King.  This is knit cardigan that is perfect for fall, but contains options for light layering even in the warmer months.  The pattern covers sizes XXS - XXXL and features 3 sleeve lengths (short, 3/4, long), 3 length options (hip, mid, boho), optional elbow patches, and deep kangaroo-style pockets.  All of the options make it easy to customize perfectly to your taste!

Most women's patterns, I have to muslin, alter, etc.  This one was made without a single change!  The options I chose were hip length and 3/4 sleeves.  I should note that I am 5'1" tall and the pattern is drafted for the average 5'5" tall woman.  If you are taller than me (like 99% of you...haha), the hip length will be shorter on you.

I chose a slinky knit from Hancock Fabrics to help with draping.  I am a sucker for stripes and if you can believe it, I attempted to match all those teeny tiny stripes up.  

@lilyshineboutique I accepted your challenge 😘 Now it's your turn! #matchallthestripes #llkladiescardi #nowalkingfoot #ninjalevel

A photo posted by That's-Sew-Kari (@thats_sew_kari) on Sep 15, 2015 at 2:32pm PDT

I made the sleeves first and #nailedthem  -- then I got to the sides..... LOL  

Let's just say I gave up.

I actually finished this cardigan a few weeks ago.  But after I picked out my knit, I realized my new sewing tee that was on order from Free Notion, would be perfect layered underneath.  The day my shirt came so did days and days of rain.  Standing on a bookshelf indoors (from my post, Welcome to my Fauxtography Studio) may work for my two girls, but I'm a bit too tall ;)  

Better late than never!

Shopping links: 

Ladies Library Cardigan | Girls Library Cardi | Library Cardi BUNDLE 

Free Notion Sewing Tees

In case you missed them... I have the Girls Library Cardi featured in these two posts:

Click the images to redirect

{Sew Coordinated} October 2015

The 5th of the month is quickly becoming my favorite day!  It's Sew Coordinated Reveal Day!!!

Sew Coordinated is a monthly subscription sewing kit (sign up HERE) brought to you by Mama Made and Beautiful Fabrics.  I had so much fun sewing up these whimsical fabrics from Studio E featuring our favorite forest friends.

When my kit arrived, I had my 4 year old help me open it.   After petting each fabric, she said "You're a lucky mama to get all these pretty fabrics".  Of course, she's the lucky one because she gets to wear them!

This month's kit contains:

• 1/2 yd Gentle Forest (Tea & Sympathy for Studio E) 3046-33
• 1 yd Gentle Forest (Tea & Sympathy for Studio E) 3042-09
• 1/2 yd Gentle Forest (Tea & Sympathy for Studio E) 3043-92
• 1 yd Gentle Forest (Tea & Sympathy for Studio E) 3044-22
• 1/2 yd Gentle Forest (Tea & Sympathy for Studio E) 3041-22
• 2 yd of Ribbon - Owl & Fox
• 3 Wuttons Shank Buttons - Foxes and Hedgehog
• Gutermann Thread # 322
• Surprise Notion (when you receive it, leave a comment below with what it is!) 

Fall inspired and perfectly girly!

{Simple Life Co} Daphne's Double Skirt ~ slightly modified

As I started planning the outfits, I had an idea to use a portion of the Border Print ( 3041-22) as the waistband and two of the frames as pockets on a skirt.  

Simple Life Pattern Co. just released Daphne's Double Skirt which was the perfect starting point!  Daphne's contains both a double layer skirt option (which I almost chose) and a single layer with pockets option.  I decided the pockets were essential so I chose the single layer.  

As I mentioned, I had to slightly modify the pattern -- only so I could best showcase the prints of the fabric.  I added height to the waistband to allow the entire border print -- making it a high-waisted skirt which is really popular right now.  The pocket size is also slightly changed so I could showcase just the framed pictured of the animals.  The pinkish purple frames add the needed touch of girlishness for my 4 year old.

Remember those matching fox buttons?  I slipped some elastic in the holes of the shank buttons for easy hair accessories!

{Little Lizard King} Best Dressed Girl ~ slightly modified

The Best Dressed Girl by Little Lizard King is quickly becoming my go-to fall dress.  I love the 3/4 sleeve option and the pieced bodice allows for a front feature, such as another framed animal picture included in the border print.  I used the ribbon as the side ties and featured the last Wuttons button (the hedgehog) on the back.

Hello, little friend!  These buttons are machine washable, but it is recommended to turn your garment inside out.

The only modification made was to lengthen the bodice to fit the framed animal on the center panel.  I have several framed animal pictures left from the border print and I can't wait to feature them in other projects!  They are so cute.


Who is excited to receive this month's kit?  What patterns are you thinking of using?  Leave a comment below :)

*** If you aren't signed up to receive a kit, it's never too late to start treating yourself!! ***

Thank you Hurricane Joaquin for the indoor pics :P [sarcasm font]

P.S.  I've already received November's kit -- can't wait to pick out the perfect patterns to showcase what's included!

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!

{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*