{Little Lizard King}: Introducing Boulder & Telluride

 Hold onto your skateboards (hehe), Little Lizard King has a fantastic double release planned tomorrow in both girls and women's sizing!!  (Hmm, does that make it a quadruple release?!) My tween has been living in this set since I sewed it up so she is either stuck (send help!) or she really loves it and this is her subtle way of asking for more.  I going with the latter!

This sporty duo consists of Telluride which is a fun top with a twist in the back and Boulder which are leggings with a cool side pockets, perfect for colorblocking. 

My tween asked for a skateboard for Christmas and was over the moon when she received it.  I set out to make a set that would be perfect for skateboarding.   I started with cool Paint Splatter cotton spandex from Spunkin Honeyhead and paired it with a magenta mystery knit from Walmart.  The mystery knit had really great drape and I knew would be perfect for the dolman style sleeves and open back.

How cool is this back?!  This shows the tied option or you undo the bottom tie and let the tails hang loose.  I really love the upper triangle cutout.  The way the pattern all comes together is really cool too! I've been dying to figure out how you would get the middle linked and hemmed and it all makes so much sense now!  I think this back would be really cool with two different colors.

This is not your ordinary pocket.  The shape is super cool, and it's self-folding which means the whole pocket piece is just one piece -- no seams to make it a pocket! 

Of course, these are just some of the options available in the patterns.  You can also opt for long sleeves and thumbhole cuffs as well as a no pocket option on the Boulders.  Instead, it's just a fun color block piece.  You can also choose 2 lengths in girls and 3 in women's sizing.

Set your alarms for tomorrow's release!!

P.S.  YES, she has protective gear to ride her skateboard -- just kind of took away from these fantastic patterns.  

{Little Lizard King} Roseville Hand Embroidery

 

It always pays to dwell slowly on the beautiful things -- the more beautiful, the more slowly.  -- Atticus

In a world that seems to be rushing by, I had the best time taking my time to create this stunning hand embroidery to add to my daughter's dress.  I'm completely guilty of adding a million things to my to-do lists and I realize that this *is* technically one more thing added, but it forced me to sloooow down and appreciate the art that I was creating stitch by stitch. 

Roseville by Little Lizard King is a collection of hand-embroidery patterns that includes both floral and heart versions.  With a variety of sizes included, this pattern can help you embellish the smallest of pieces (like a hairbow or collar) to pockets to full bodice sizes.   I chose the full bodice size to pair with the Amsterdam Dress.

I was drawn to the floral version  -- it's a combination of stitches including French knots, modified lazy daisy, satin stitch, lazy daisy, woven wheel and backstitch.  As I went in search of coordinating fabric, I found a couple of yards of this bright floral print I'd picked up on clearance a couple years ago.  I love how bright and cheery it is!   Luckily, I am always saving my fabrics for "just the right project".  (My husband may disagree on that...HA!)

The great thing about embroidery floss is the variety of colors and can tailor the choices to suit your fabric.  I recently picked up a whole little kit and I was able to find several "perfect" matches.  Then, I had fun deciding each flower color.  After seeing all the other creations with this embroidery pattern, I can tell you it looks fabulous in all sorts of different color combinations. Each one is stunning.

The pattern comes with a great tutorial that thoroughly explains each step as well as an embroidery stitch guide for the design you choose.  This helps you quickly know how many threads you need for that step and whether it's single fold or doubled in the needle.   I used it as a coloring guide too so I could remember my choices!  

Also, don't be intimidated if you're new to hand embroidery.  I can count on one hand how many I've done!  You can absolutely create a beautiful masterpiece with little to no experience!

I added the embroidery pattern from the newborn-3m collar to the one of the ends of the 3" Nara Bow and I'm so smitten with how cute it looks!!

Slow down. Enjoy the process. Admire the beauty around you. Stop and smell the roses. 

{Riley Blake Designs} Gingham Gardens by My Mind's Eye

 I love that feeling when you look at a new fabric collection and you immediately fall in love.  I was actually hooked with just the name "Gingham Gardens"  (I love gingham!), and confirmed my opinion after looking at the swatches.   

Gingham Gardens is designed by My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake Designs and pairs gingham and floral (hence, the name).  The majority of the collection is soft shades of aqua, green, coral and gold.  While I'm normally drawn to the aqua colorway for my blue-eyed daughter, the charcoal colorway jumped off the screen for me.  I love the bold contrast and knew the perfect pattern to showcase it!

I chose Gingham Gardens Main Charcoal and Gingham Gardens Check Charcoal.  I love the gingham is on the bias!

I chose to sew the Iona Dress by Little Lizard King.  This pattern features a full skirt and gorgeous off the shoulder bodice with shoulder straps.  I couldn't wait to see how the gingham looked on the bodice and it did not disappoint! 

I love the contrast of gingham and a bold floral.  I chose the charcoal colorway for added drama against her fair skin and blonde hair.  I sewed up a quick Nara Bow (3" size here) by Little Lizard King for her hair -- she has soooo many coordinating bows because they take literal minutes to make!

Riley Blake Designs fabrics are always consistent in size across the whole fabric design.  This is especially important when you want to match the fabric pattern across the button placket.  If you have followed me for any amount of time, you know I can't NOT match this across the placket.  It's actually pretty easy -- here's a blog post for step-by-step directions so you can too!

It's hard to believe in 3 short weeks, my daughter turns 10!  She's not turned into full "tween" mode yet and still loves pretty dresses and bows in her hair.  She really loves this style dress and is smitten with how it turned out!

Gingham Gardens is now available!  Check your favorite fabric source to get your yardage today.  It's perfect for Spring!

{Riley Blake Designs} Rayon Challis by Mimi G Style

Okay, I've said this before, but seriously, my 11 year old's wardrobe just keeps getting better and better! 

Mini dresses, billowy sleeves, animal print .... WE ARE HERE FOR IT!!!

Rayon is becoming one of my favorite fabrics because the drape is out of this world so when I saw Mimi G Style had a new collection of rayon releasing for Riley Blake Designs, I had to check it out.  This collection contains 12 amazing prints.  

The Ballerina Leopard is my absolute favorite!!  Of course, I left it up to my daughter, but luckily we're usually on the same page.  We both love animal prints and we love that the selection in this collection are totally unique!

Ever since I sewed up Jasmine (twice!) by Peony Patterns for her little sister, she's been asking where hers was.  I knew immediately the long sleeved version would look amazing with the drape of rayon.  As I was gathering the pattern pieces for her size, I wasn't sure I'd have enough with just 1.5 yds.  Luck was on my side as rayon is super wide at 57" wide!  I was left with literal scraps after I cut it all out.

I had to take a close up of the drape because I AM OBSESSED!!!  

Rayon can be finicky to cut out -- if you can avoid cutting on the fold (like for the skirts), it's easier to stay on the grain.  However, I have found that it's pretty forgiving.  I cut these skirts on the fold and when I opened them, I saw the fabric wasn't so straight on the grain.  I didn't have extra to cut out though so I sewed it up and once it was all gathered, you totally can't tell!  (I did have a moment of panic though...)

Hemming can be fairly easy with this little tip:  I like to run the raw hem through my serger.  This makes it easier to fold up a 1/4" hem twice and prevents the fabric from slipping so much while sewing the hem.

I never knew we'd need pink/black/gray leopard print, but Mimi G Style did and for that, we are grateful!!  I spy on the Riley Blake Designs website a coordinating designer knit with the gray and pink flipped.  EEK!!

This rayon and the rest of the collection has been released  -- run/message/hound your favorite fabric dealer/shop to order some of this amazing rayon!!!     

{Project Run & Play} Project Lounge Library

One of my favorite parts of competing on Project Run & Play is that I'm now part of the PRP family and get to participate in fun things like new collections!  This is the second PRP Collection I've gotten to sew for and once again the patterns are SO great!  (I do wish my schedule had allowed me to try a few more patterns this time around, but...)  This collection's theme is LOUNGE LIBRARY and is all about cozy and comfort!

For the LOOKBOOK and the Project Tour, we each selected a book or author that resonated with either our collection or us.  As I looked through the line drawings, I started thinking about my favorite books as well as my daughters' favorites.  One of my most-read series growing up was The Baby-Sitters Club.  My daughters enjoy them now too, although they prefer the updated comic versions.  We also binge-watched The Babysitters Club show that came out on Netflix over the summer.  I have so many great memories reading these books as a kid!  I knew immediately we had to recreate at least bits of it.

 

The Story Top & Dress by E&E Patterns became my point of inspiration -- it totally reminded me of the edgy outfits that Claudia would wear.  The oversized slouchy sleeves are my favorite part!  This pattern comes in 3 lengths and covers sizes 2-12.   It's drafted for knits with 30% or more stretch and excellent recovery.  

I sewed it up in a Bamboo French Terry (I think -- Walmart mystery bolt) in a gorgeous wine color.

To finish off Claudia's look, we styled it with a Bookish Beanie by Audrey of  Project Run & Play in a bold floral and stripe double brush poly fabric, tall boots and added some eye makeup.  Oh, and that kangaroo pocket was perfect for Claudia to stash a Hershey's bar!!

Picture time with her "charge" ...   

Babysitting this baby is easy-peasy because she's all smiles in her Nini Noni Nightwear by Designs by Call Ajaire set (love that it starts at NB sizing) and Bookish Beanie (also has NB sizing).  Her tee is embellished with the "Limited Edition" SVG by SewSophieLynn, part of the Lounge Library Digital Collection.

I dug through my stash and found a pink cotton lycra for the majority of the pjs and used scrap white French Terry for the top.  I used a flocked yellow iron-on for the SVG for a little dimension.  For the Bookish Beanie, I cut one side from the striped rib knit I used for my youngest daughter and then found a coordinating yellow dotted French Terry from my PRP Hackstravaganza project.

The second character that immediately came to mind was Mary Anne -- she's very straight-laced and is considered to be more sheltered of the group because her dad is very overprotective (and very much wants to preserve his "little girl" after her mom passed away).  The Novella Pinafore by E&E Patterns is exactly something Mary Anne would be allowed to wear.  This pattern is for sizes 2-12 and comes in 3 views -- straight skirt, simple gathered and tiered.   The denim is from Walmart.

I wanted a simple long sleeved tee to pair with it so I turned to the Nini Noni Nightwear top and carefully cut the stripes for the pieced top so the result would like it was a solid top.   I found a 90s-inspired striped rib knit in pink, white and yellow from Walmart and it's unbelievably soft.

To complete Mary Ann's look, we styled it with double braids, knee socks and mary jane shoes.

This doll is actually my youngest daughter's reborn doll that she got for her 8th birthday.  Her name is Madison and she fits NB clothing.  I kept the baby's outfit a surprise until it was time for pictures and the reaction that her "baby" was included was pure joy!  So thankful some of the patterns went down to NB sizing.  

This project was SO fun -- not only did I find a new favorite pattern (Story, I'm looking at you!), but my girls and I had a great time collaborating together on all of the details.  If I'd had time, I would have also recreated the other two original members with pieces from the Lounge Library Collection.

Kristy -  George Hoodie and Joseph Joggers -- styled with tennis shoes, pony tail and a ball cap

Stacey - Alice Top (without ruffles) -- styled with skinny jeans, tan booties, and some jewelry.

{Raspberry Creek Fabrics} Hacci

 The temperature is finally falling here.  Luckily Raspberry Creek Fabrics is helping my tween stay nice and cozy.  They've just released SIXTEEN new Hacci prints and IT. IS. AMAZING.  

Like, I'm insanely jealous I sewed this for my tween, instead of me... (hope that doesn't make me a bad mom...lol)

Mauve Burgundy Peach Olive Green and Heathered Grey Floral Brushed Hacci Sweater Knit, Club Fabrics

Hacci: Sweater knits, also known as Hacci, have a more loopy, open-knit texture than regular cotton knits and are usually made of blends of cotton and wool, polyester, or spandex. They are wrinkle resistant. ... It's soft and stretchy and sews up just like normal knits.

After we received this gorgeous Hacci, I had just finished sewing the Story Top & Dress by Elegance & Elephants for Project Run & Play -- we both looked at each other and said "STORY!!!"  It's one of my new favorite patterns.   This is the 3rd one in two weeks!  I knew the drape of Hacci would be so pretty for the balloon sleeves.  

We opted for the top version this time because this fabric was begging to be a cozy sweater.  Plus, she's more likely to wear it to school if she can pair it with jeans! 

I hope you love these Hacci sweater knits as much as we do!!!  This fabric is uber soft, has great stretch (50%) and was super easy to sew!!!   And now, I have to get some for ME (so I don't have to be side-eyeing her with jealousy. HA!)

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