{Riley Blake Designs} On Safari

My oldest is obsessed with animal prints so when I saw this new collection, I knew she needed a new addition to her wardrobe.  She's definitely a girl after my own heart.

On Safari is new to Riley Blake Designs and features 5 stunning poster prints (perfect for quilts), an equally amazing set of 4 pillow prints and 5 fun animal prints.  The poster and pillow prints make me wish I was a quilter because I really wanted to see them in person - the most gorgeous animal photos in the wild!

    

My daughter loves leopard print the most so she chose the On Safari Leopard Brown,

She requested a dress in mini length, so I turned back to Colmar by Little Lizard King.  I had sewed her one earlier this summer in the RBD Poplin and we both loved the outcome so I knew it'd be perfect for this fun leopard print.   I surprised her and added pockets and a matching mask!  She heads back to school, finally in-person, tomorrow!

I also added the back tie again for a bit of added interest.  I love that despite it being quilting cotton, the feel and drape of the fabric is nice and soft.  I never have to worry about the fabric being stiff or easily wrinkled.  It washes with minimal shrinking and the colors never bleed!

This dress was a big hit!  She felt confident and comfortable.  She is hoping it meets middle school dress code!!

Reach out to your favorite quilt shop or online fabric store to order your own yardage!

 

{Raspberry Creek Fabrics} Painted Leopard Rayon Challis

 

Remember my quest last week to push myself to try new fabric bases?  I'm checking off another box on my list!  Today, I'm sharing my adventures with Rayon Challis and why it's jumped high on my list of favorite fabric bases.  

This year I as chosen to be part of Raspberry Creek Fabrics {Blogging Team} and this is my first post of the year!  As I was "shopping" for my selection, I clicked over to woven apparel to see what was offered.  I was intrigued by stretch crepe and rayon challis.  I actually selected the stretch crepe but found out just after it shipped that it would be a retired print before my post was live and it just so happened the new club rayon and stretch crepe prints were loaded.   Lucky me!

The moment I saw the Black Brown and Cream Painted Leopard Print, I really didn't need to look any further.  I knew my tween would flip out for it.  In fact, I nearly interrupted her online class to show her.  She immediately knew she had to have it!!

To showcase this show-stopping fabric, she chose one of her new favorite patterns -- Marigold by Peony Patterns.  She loves the sweetheart neckline, unique puffy sleeves, fully functional front button placket and most of all, the mini length!  It's a babydoll style cut and flowy fabrics drape so beautifully from the bodice.

Rayon is one of those fabrics that I kind of built up in my mind as being way too fiddly to deal with. In reality, I knew nothing about it.  It's a man-made fabric made of natural fibers and is super lightweight.  It's has amazing drape.  It turns out, I was scared for nothing.  It sewed up easily and even cutting was no where near as hard I imagined.   I made sure to use a nice sharp needle and also turned my iron down a bit.  When I finished the dress, I just couldn't stop staring at it!  The print may be one of my most favorite prints ever.

Pretty sure my tween thinks she's one of the coolest around.  She's never lacked confidence, but it's just oozing from her in this painted leopard print.  What prints are your favorite?  Click here to check them out!

{Riley Blake Designs} Woven Wool by Stacy West

I've made it an unspoken goal this year to branch out in my fabric selections.  When I had the opportunity to sew up the new Woven Wool by Stacy West for Riley Blake Designs, I jumped on the chance!  This wool is pre-felted and ready to use.  This collection is full of 15 gorgeous solid colors and 10 prints.

I honestly had a hard time narrowing down my choice.  In the end, I chose the Woven Wool Dot Black.

When it arrived, my daughters were arguing over it so I guess I chose well!  I had visions of a fitted jacket to pair with a cream sweater and skinny jeans.  However, my daughter had another vision....

My younger daughter told me she wanted a longer coat so I had her browse my patterns and she lit up when she saw the School Days Jacket by Oliver + S.  I had picked this pattern as part of my prize from winning Project Run & Play (Season 23) so I was excited to try it out finally.  

I was actually a bit nervous to tackle this project, especially since I was using a new pattern and a new fabric base.  As I started sewing though, my fears were immediately eased.  The wool was so easy to work with!! I also love that it doesn't need prewashed!  You can immediately start cutting and sewing.

I lined the jacket in a cozy black fleece so it will carry her through our NC winters.  She's already told me she can't wait to wear it once it cools down here.  

Her smile says it all!!  While it wasn't my original plan with this fabric, I am glad I included my daughter in the design process.  She loves it and I finally got a chance to try out a new jacket pattern.  The wool is perfect for jackets, purses and more.  Reach out to your favorite quilt shop or online fabric store and pick your favorite colors!

What color will you sew first?   I'm thinking about trying the grape color next -- it's gorgeous!!

 

{Riley Blake Designs} Glohaven by Lila Tueller

 

My favorite fabric designer is back with another showstopping collection and it made me smile the whole time I was sewing it up.  Who can resist these gorgeous peaches on a stunning blue background?

Glohaven by Lila Tueller for Riley Blake Designs was inspired by a single peach tree in her yard and features an array of beautiful watercolor floral and peach designs.  The colorways include blue, red, yellow and white backgrounds with pops of peach, orange and greens.

The moment I saw the peaches, I knew it had to be my selection.  I envisioned a twirly, girly creation for my fruit-obsessed youngest daughter.  Thankfully, she's not allergic to the pictures of peaches!  (A couple years ago, she became allergic to all tree fruits and she loved them ALL so it's been an adjustment.)

I chose to sew Poppy by Peony Patterns because I was dying to try out that tiered skirt.  I also wanted to add the bodice flutters while my daughter would let me!  It turned out just as girly as I'd hoped. 

I love the bold contrast of the colors.  The peaches just pop off the blue -- makes me imagine that I'm lying under a peach tree and seeing the peaches against the blue summer sky. It definitely brings out the blue in her eyes too!!

Soaking in the last few weeks of summer weather.   Fall is around the corner and while temps won't cool down immediately, the days will get shorter and our lives will get busier with school.  Hopefully she'll get a few chances to wear this in the next month!  This fabric is so gorgeous and vibrant!

I knew she'd have to test out how twirly it is and trust me, this twirl is tamed down for my blog...lol  I was hoping the pettiskirt would add a buffer in lieu of the playground shorts that always go missing when we need them, but that pettiskirt joined in the fun.  HA!!  

Glohaven is now available so check your favorite local quilt shop or online retailer so you can sew some of this beautiful collection!!

{Cricut Joy}: 3 Simple Projects to Make Anywhere!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut for Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

Everyone needs a little JOY in their life! And Cricut is here to make it happen!!! This machine is small on size, but big on possibilities. It's the perfect machine to quickly and easily personalize anything with one cut and one color, in 15 minutes or less. It makes those little, everyday projects much easier. I already own a Cricut Explore Air 2 and a Cricut Maker, so I was curious if I really needed the Cricut Joy. Yes, yes, I do! And you do too!

What drew me to the JOY is the portability, the possibility of extra long cuts (yay, mat-free cutting for up to 20 ft repeated cut capability!), and the fact that you can craft anywhere (all you need is an outlet). I'm a preschool teacher and for years, I've wanted to label everything in my classroom, but by the time I got home, I never got around to designing all of the needed cuts. Next week, I return to set up my classroom and cannot wait to tote JOY and do all my creating right in my classroom. It's super tiny (check out the size comparison with a standard composition notebook) and there is an optional tote bag!! It's just so easy to move from place to place without needing a dedicated craft room!

To get myself acquainted on my new machine, I came up with 3 simple projects that I cut in my living room with my phone (yay, for not being tied to my craft space and computer!) and tried out all three cutting materials: Iron-on, Paper, and Vinyl. I used the Writable Vinyl so I could test out the Joy Pens to check for smudging too!!

Project 1: Paper Tags {For Your Handmade Business}

I don't actually sew to sell, but lots of my friends do and sometimes I send out handmade gifts or just want my girls' handmade to feel a little extra special. This project is SUPER easy and takes just minutes.

• Step 1: Open up Design Space on your computer or phone. Access the editable tag HERE.
  • Choose "Customize".

• • Edit "Your Business Name" and "Care Instructions" and resize as needed.
  • Select all layers and "Attach"
• Step 2: Click "Make It"
• Step 3: Choose your "Material Load Type" (I used cardstock from one of the card kits so I chose "Card Mat")

• Step 4: Check your preview screen -- everything should be on the tag. Click "Continue".

• Step 5: Connect your Joy by choosing the green "Connect" next to your Joy machine's name.(Make sure your Joy is plugged in and front cover open)

• Step 6: Choose your Cricut Material.
• Step 7: Load Material and Tool as instructed on screen and press "GO".
• Step 8: Change Tool as instructed. Press "GO".
• Step 9: Choose "Unload" on screen, remove from mat. You're done!

Project 2: Notebook Labels

I always love sending my girls to school with Cricut-labeled notebooks, but occasionally after the notebook is handled on a daily basis, they miss a letter or two. I was intrigued by the Smart Label Writable Vinyl so I gave it a try! It actually turned out SO easy and I didn't need to mess with any transfer tape! Just peel, stick, and go! I also loved that I could have the Cricut Joy write everything out for me and it doesn't smudge. I used the Cricut Joy Fine Point Pens 0.4 which allowed me to color coordinate the ink with my daughter's notebooks. (I'd suggest a solid color notebook, or place a square of permanent vinyl underneath if using over the pre-printed composition notebook label).

• Step 1: Open up Design Space on your computer or phone. Access the editable labels HERE
  • Choose "Customize".

• • Edit "Name" and/or "Subjects" and resize as needed. An alternative circle label is a hidden layer. Unhide to use.
  • Select all layers for each label and "Attach". Repeat with the remaining labels.
• Step 2: Click "Make It"
• Step 3: Choose your "Material Load Type" (I chose "without mat" since I was using the Smart Labels)

• Step 4: Check your preview screen -- everything should be on each label. Click "Continue".

• Step 5: Connect your Joy by choosing the green "Connect" next to your Joy machine's name. (Make sure your Joy is plugged in and front cover open)

• Step 6: Choose your Cricut Material.
• Step 7: Load Material and Tool instructed on screen and press "GO".
• Step 7: Change Tools as instructed. Press "GO".
• Step 8: Choose "Unload" on screen, peel label and stick on notebook. You're done!
  • Tip: To avoid bubbles on larger layers, apply from one side slowly until it's all applied.

Project 3: Personalized Spirit Wear

• Step 1: Open up Design Space on your computer or phone. Access the project HERE
  • Choose "Customize".
  • Resize as needed.
• Step 2: Click "Make It"
• Step 3: Choose your "Material Load Type" (I chose without mat since I was using the Smart Iron On)

• Step 4: Check your preview screen -- Make sure you turn on "Mirror Image". Click "Continue".

• Step 5: Connect your Joy by choosing the green "Connect" next to your Joy machine's name. (Make sure your Joy is plugged in and front cover open)
• Step 6: Choose your Cricut Material. (I used the Smart Iron On Glitter)
• Step 7: Load Material (shiny side down for Iron-on!) and Tool as instructed on screen and press "GO".
• Step 8: Choose "Unload" on screen, weed iron-on and apply on project using your Easy Press. You're done!

So, just to recap, this little machine has made paper tags (with added writable font), labeled notebooks so they will last all year, and turned a simple sweatshirt into school spirit wear, all projects completed in just minutes!! I've also used the Joy to make extra long cuts in vinyl to make Open House signs for my husband (real estate broker) that would normally been too long for a mat. This little machine is such a useful tool in my craft repertoire and I'm finding myself reaching for it over and over! Head to Cricut.com to learn more. The Cricut Joy is available online at Cricut.com, and online or in store at your favorite craft retailer!

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