Friday, September 14, 2018

Sew Long Summer Blog Tour

Welcome to the Sew Long Summer blog tour. We're going to have a fun one this year.

A nice group of sewing bloggers are going to share with you how we say "Sew Long Summer" and we'll be asking you to join in with a Social Sew too (read on for details and prizes) Sew Long Summer is all about getting those transitional wardrobe pieces ready; finishing up all those things we meant to make this summer; and well, basically whatever Sew Long Summer means to you.  
Share what you've been making to say "Sew Long Summer" to be entered into our random drawing.

Continental US participants will be entered to win a $20 store credit from Simply by Ti Fabrics.

All other participants will be entered to win a pattern of choice from DG Patterns.

To enter, please tag your sewing project with #SewLongSewcial18 on Instagram or facebook. You can also leave a link in the comments on the mahlicadesigns intro post. Please limit your entries to items you've sewn between Sept 10th and Sept 28th 2018. Winners will be notified and announced shortly thereafter.
We can't wait to see what you're making.


This year I said "Sew Long Summer" by sewing up a few back to school pencil bags!  No, I'm not in school, but I do know a few people who are and were very appreciative of their gifts!
What a great way to say "Hello" to a new school year...or a new teacher! ;)  



Aren't they adorable?  It's a free (yay!) pattern from Lorelei Jayne Patterns. If you haven't ever checked out her patterns, there's tons of free ones to try out!
I don't think you can see, but I found a really cute rainbow coil zipper tape online (???) and thought this was a great time to try it out!
Do you or your kiddos still use pencil bags?  I do and like I already said, I'm not even in school. LOL! Speaking from experience, this little bag holds a TON! I use one that I made over a year ago (still going strong) and it holds at least 20-25 pens/pencils...and the occasional piece of chocolate, lol!

How are you saying "Sew Long Summer?"

Don't miss out on the rest of the tour!!
The full tour includes these talented sewists, so I hope you'll follow along this week. Sept. 10th Sewing A La Carte, Tenille's Thread, A Custom Clothier, Made for Little Gents, Miss Marah Sewn Sept. 11th Manning the Machine, mahlicadesigns, Sewing Vortex, Crafting Fiend Sept. 12th Auschick Sews, Aurora Design Fabrics, My Heart Will Sew On, Vicky Myers Creations Sept. 13th Flaxfield Sewing, Sewing with D, Musings of a Seamstress, Make it Sew with the Bear and Pea Atelier, Petite Font Sept. 14th Sewing à la Carte, Sewing by Ti, Stitches by Laura, Sewing with Sarah, My Sewing Roots
Sew with us! Sew something along the Sew Long Summer theme (see blog post or @mahlicadesigns for details), tag your post with#SewLongSewcial18, and you'll be entered in our giveaway.

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Monday, August 13, 2018

One Thimble, Issue 20 Blog Tour

It's that time again!  This time around we are celebrating five years with One Thimble's 20th issue.  Happy birthday One Thimble, I'm so glad I got to come along for (part of) the ride! 💗



First up is the Big Ocean Appliques by Swoodson Says.  Aren't they adorable?
The directions are very clear~she goes through each step very thoroughly and everything is crystal clear.  As suggested in the pattern, I dug through my scrap piles to find bright fabrics I thought would be fun for this project!
I couldn't decide what to make with these appliques~usually I make a pillow with my FMA samples (I'm sure my niece loves getting them, lol!).  I wanted to do a something a little different this time. Luckily, there is a great tote bag tutorial on page 71 by Libby and Mae!  It has easy to follow directions and tons of illustrations to help you along the way. I'm so glad I *may have* procrastinated just a little on this one, lol! ;)


Next up was the Piccolo Beach Blanket by Piccolo Studios.  I had so much fun "creating" fabric for this quilt! The pattern gives you directions for using a solid piece of fabric or piecing strips together.  I took it one step further (because I am on a mission to use up as many scraps as I can!) and pieced together as many pieces of fabric as I could. I loved that this pattern tells you how to cut your fabric into circles based on the width of your fabric, so my pieced together fabric simply grew until I needed a break, lol!  As my newly created fabric wasn't a standard size, I used a flat sheet for the backing and I love how it turned out!   Pardon the waviness, I hadn't given it a good final pressing at the time of the photos. :/





What else is in this fabulous issue?  Oodles and oodles of patterns, tutorials, and articles of course!
As witnessed by my sewing choices, this issue is jam packed with beachy sews for the family. We are heading into Fall soon here, but I definitely have my eye on that cute kaftan for next summer!

As always, the articles cover multiple topics from trending fabrics (some really fun summer ones!) to business advice (helpful hints on staying positive!).
Need advice on shirring or how to work with finicky fabrics?  This is the issue for you!
There are also great articles on creating your own piping and tips on using bias tape.  
I could go on and on, but trust me...you don't want to miss a single word!!


Be sure to stop by and see what others have sewn up from this issue!
8/11

8/12

8/13

8/14

8/15
GAAF Machine
That's Sew Kari
Candice Ayala


AND a giveaway? Who wants a $50 voucher to One Thimble??
Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway 



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Thursday, March 15, 2018

Breaking Ground Tour~Flosstyle EZ Wrap Wallet




Welcome to the Breaking Ground Blog Tour 2018. This week over 20 bloggers are joining together to break new ground by trying a pattern designer that is new to them, try new techniques, new styles, or whatever way they want to push themselves. The Full Tour includes all these creatives... we hope you'll visit us each day: Monday March 12- mahlicadesigns, Sewing Vortex, Sewing A La Carte, Little Heart Threads, The Sewing Scientist Tuesday March 13- Musings of A Seamstress, A Custom Clothier, Octaves of Color, Aurora Design Fabrics, Sew Altered Style Wednesday March 14- Flaxfield Sewing, Chook n Duck, Tales of a Tester, Sewing By Ti, Sewing Vortex, Kathy's Kwilts and More Thursday March 15- Very Blissful, Manning the Machine, Sew and Tell Project, Musings of a Seamstress, Stitches by Laura Friday March 16- Lulu & Celeste, Tenille's Thread, Sewing A La Carte, The Bear and Pea Atelier, Aurora Design Fabrics, Sprouting Jube Jube, Kathy's Kwilts and More


I'm up today for the Breaking Ground Tour!  I'm quite happy to share my make for the tour with you.  It's the EZ Wrap Wallet, provided by Gail of Flosstyle. Thank you, Gail!  If you haven't sewn anything from Flosstyle (I hadn't), you should definitely click on the name and check out those patterns!  I bet you'll find something you just have to have!

Who doesn't need a new wallet?  I mean, I am always on the hunt for the perfect wallet---the perfect bag as well, if I'm completely honest, lol!  I think the EZ Wrap will prove to be pretty close to perfect. There are so many options I couldn't keep up~something for everyone's taste!  Two different sizes, loads of other options including pocket variations--It was so hard for me to choose, so for my first one I chose the MINI wallet, no clear ID pocket (this will be a definite "need" next time, lol), wrap style, zippered center pocket, and snap closure.  Whew, that sounds like a lot, but it came together fairly easily.  Make sure you read through the pattern as suggested, each option is in a different section and you don't want to get confused!

I pulled a few of my favorite poplins from Mabel Madison and love the "Spring" feel the wallet has.







Do you have a favorite pattern from Flosstyle? If you haven't tried any, which one do you want to try first?  I have my eyes on those cute stuffies!


To make the tour even more fun, our Breaking Ground blog team member, Gail is offering 2 patterns of choice from her pattern shop Flosstyle to one lucky winner.

Enter Here!

***
We'd love to see how you're Breaking Ground this month. Share with us what you're working on by using the hashtag #BreakingGround2018 across social media. Better yet, join the Sew Alongs & Sewing Contests facebook group to sew along with the Breaking Ground theme for the entire month of March. In the group you'll find support and encouragement for your projects and fun themed challenges.
As always, thanks for stopping by today.

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Monday, February 19, 2018

One Thimble Issue 18---Linden Tote Review

One of my favorite things about reading One Thimble is finding new pattern designers.  This issue is no exception!
I knew when I saw a picture of the Linnden Tote (I know I have the spelling wrong in my title, but I can't change it now without messing up the tour html. OOPS!) that I just had to make one for myself. This pattern, by a new-to-me designer (Annie Zorzo), did not disappoint!
Designed to be made partially with leather, I made a few slight modifications and made the entire bag with fabric. I love that I'll be able to toss it in the washing machine when it begins to get a little grungy. ;)
This truly is a great bag for a mom on the go! It's very roomy and will hold lots of essentials for your kiddos. There is an optional interior zippered pocket great for keeping up with your keys and such!
Sadly, I don't have any trips to the beach or park planned and my kiddos don't rely on my keeping up with their important items...I think this will be a perfect bag to carry to the library. Can't wait to try it out for real this week!

Be sure and check out the rest of the tour. There are some really great posts to read and pictures to swoon over!!  

2/15

2/16

2/17

2/18

2/19

2/20

2/21



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Thursday, January 18, 2018

Fresh Start Tour w/ DG Patterns


Welcome to the Fresh Start Tour

with DG Patterns.

It's that time of year where we're thinking about getting a fresh start on our habits, new wardrobes, and trying new things. Join me and my fellow bloggers this week as we showcase how we're getting a Fresh Start with DG Patterns. (Be sure to read on to learn about our sponsor giveaway)
DG Patterns is offering a 50% discount during the tour to help you get some fresh patterns. 



I decided that I wanted to make a fresh start with my wardrobe this year and I am starting with lounge wear, lol!  As I am primarily home, this makes the most sense to me. Of course, I chose to work with patterns that are not necessarily intended for lounge wear, but are working out very well indeed!  

Let me introduce you to Alice and Helen:


Alice is a lovely "boxy" top with teardrop cutouts at the back neckline.  I discovered that I was running just a few inches short  of the floral fabric so I did a little color blocking, bringing the pants fabric to the top and I love the effect! 

As for Helen, she got a little modification as well.  Since I knew these are going to be worn almost exclusively at home, I opted to leave off any pockets! Usually, I'm all about pockets (and these look very generous!), but really have no need for them at home. ;)
Both patterns are very easy to follow and a fairly quick sew...The only thing that might slow you down is the cut outs, but don't let that worry you!


My husband was out of town this week, so many thanks to my son for snapping a few pics! ;)

If you haven't already, head over to www.dgpatterns.com/wp/ and check out the patterns. They are all on sale this week for the blog tour!  Also, be sure you scroll to the bottom for an awesome giveaway!!

Make sure you check out everyone's fabulous makes!
 

Southern Belle Fabrics is generously sponsoring the Fresh Start Tour. During the tour use code: DGBLOGTOUR to save 20% in the shop.

Discount code expires Jan 21st 2018 11:59PM CST

Southern Belle Fabrics is also offering a fabric giveaway. Enter below to win a MFRB Mystery Box valued at $60+.

Giveaway includes shipping to US and Canada (up to $45 in free shipping)
 

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Giveaway winner will be announced through social media on or about January 20th.
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Saturday, November 11, 2017

One Thimble: Issue 17 Blog Tour



Can you believe it's already time for another issue of  One Thimble? With 14 patterns and countless articles, Issue 17 is sure to have something for everyone!
My favorite is that there are several smaller projects included that are perfect for Christmas gifts!


 I focused on the Fruit Bags by Sewperior, the Teachers' Gift Pack by one + two, and the Fabric Wrap Bracelet by Sarah of Pattern Revolution.
All three of these patterns are suitable for beginners, which means that you can easily sew up more than one of them in an evening. Won't that make your holiday sewing fly by? ;)

 Here's my fruit bag.  It's just perfect for apples and bananas. I can't wait to get to the grocery store with it!

 I'll admit my "teachers set" may be a little cliche, lol, but I like this fabric made me smile.  I'm sure your child's teacher will be thrilled to receive this set in any fabric! This set includes a cozy for a takeout coffee cup and a coaster for your wine glass that won't fall off!

 My last project for this issue is the bracelet. So fun!  I decided to go with the same fabric and will probably include this one for teacher gifts this season. :)

I can see these bracelets being a hot trend this season!








What else is in this issue:  Well, have you ever heard of an interactive applique?  Me either! But, you will find one inside the covers of this fabulous e-zine!
Do you remember a few months ago when OT had a contest?  The “Gifts to Sew Competition?"  
The winners are in here too!
Let's not forget about the Festival Clutch, Sol dress, Nori dress...There's even a pair of shorts (half fly? I'm very interested in this pattern!)  and a jacket that you don't want to miss!  Want to slow down, maybe do a little deliberate sewing? The Flora Fiesta hand embroidery pattern may be for you!  I may have missed mentioning one or two patterns. If so, it's only because my head is spinning at how fun this issue is!
Go, see what your favorite designer has to offer this go round or, maybe, find a new favorite!
This issue is all about festivity and does not disappoint with the first article that celebrates the life and influence of Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican artist who still impacts art and fashion in today's times--50 years after she lived.

 Have big dreams for your crafting, but a small budget?  No worries! In "All I Want for Christmas...) you'll find budget friendly alternatives to some of the fancy machines and gadgets on the market.

 I do love giving handmade for special occasions and this issue has plenty of suggestions for everyone in your life, and the whole family can create together, to help you through the giving season.

 Are you giving handmade?  Be sure to check out the article on wrapping your precious gifts!

 As always, there is a section meant to help your handmade business thrive--really a lot to think about here.
Not only will you find tips for sewing faster, but there is also a focus on slowing down.  From the hand embroidery pattern to the list of podcasts, you'll enjoy every moment of it!

 Now to choose which pattern to work on next...

Don't forget to check out all the other stops on the tour and happy sewing!!
11/9/2017

11/10/2017

11/11/2017

11/12/2017

11/13/2017

11/14/2017

11/15/2017
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Friday, October 20, 2017

Button Up Blog Tour





 This week we are "falling" into button up love with Winter Wear Designs!
I'm the last stop on what has been an amazing tour for a great pattern.
The Button Up top for women is on sale for $6.50 right now, so grab it while you can!

What a versatile wardrobe piece. Straight from the website, here are the options:
 

• Long Sleeve with tab
• Long Sleeve with cuff and placket
• 3/4 sleeve plain
• 3/4 sleeve with tab
• Short Sleeve
• Sleeveless
• Front Pockets with optional Pocket Flaps


I'm not big on long sleeves, so my version features the short sleeves.  I realize that's not much of a "Fall" look, but it would be great layered with the Provence Pea Coat!  (Psst...I saw that there will be a sew-a-long for the PPC at the end of the month!)


This pattern has been updated with LAYERS!!  I love it when I can only print the size (or two if blending) that I need!  If you haven't tried French seams, this pattern could be your introduction to the method.  Of course, you can always finish seams any way you'd like. ;)
AND princess seams!! I love those!  All the shaping you need without worrying about dart points! ;)
You are led step by step through the pattern, so no need to fret if you aren't familiar with one of the techniques I've mentioned.

I picked a cotton fabric that I've had in my stash for probably 16-17 years, lol. I think I'll try my next one out of something a little more flowy and see how I like that.  

Once again, mad props to my son for his (lack of) photography skills! :D













Check out all the stops of the tour:

Lunatiek 10/19
Stitches By Laura 10/20


What fabric will you use for your next Button Up?



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