Perfect Pattern Parcel #7

You're almost out of time to get your hands on the Perfect Pattern Parcel #7.  (Ends Friday.) This one is all about handbags!! :)  Even though bags are one of my favorite things to make, I had such a hard time choosing one to make this time around!  Finally, I decided that I should make a bag for one of my nieces.  Here's a (not so great, lol) picture of Lily.

 

As you can see, she is a HUGE fan of Hello Kitty! ;)

 

After much deliberation, I picked the Barcelona Bag by Pat Bravo.

I switched things up a little and used one solid piece of fabric for the bag instead of piecing the front.  Yes, it made construction much quicker, but the real reason is that I couldn't find my larger Hello Kitty scraps.   May be time to sort my fabrics again, lol! ;)

 

Normally I would say that this bag is much too big for a 4 year old, but it actually may be the perfect size to carry pjs and a blankie to Aunt Laura's house.  It will also prove to be great for storing all of the treasures she is sure to accumulate this week. HA!

 

No smiles this time. :)

 

 

How Pattern Parcel Works:

Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel.  We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Its our goal to raise over $20,000 for Donors Choose this year.

 

 

Parcel #7 includes:
Barcelona Bag and Wallet by Pat Bravo

Butterfly Sling Purse by Emmaline Patterns

Evelyn Hangbag by ChrisW Designs

Midtown Messenger Bag by Betz White

Betty Bowler by Swoon Sewing Patterns

BONUS PATTERN: Daphne Bag by Clover & Violet 

 

 

 

Bonus Pattern:

Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #7 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That's just over $5 a pattern. The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the brand new Daphne Bag pattern from Clover & Violet. The Daphne is a slouchy satchel that can be worn cross body or as a shoulder bag. The zip top keeps your gear secure and the internal pockets keep your accessories where you need them. This is a brand new, never been seen before pattern and is an exclusive opportunity for Parcel #7 customers!

Don't delay, head on over and choose YOUR perfect pattern parcel today!

 

Want to see the great bags created by other bloggers??

Friday, November 7 Stitched || Sew Exhausted

Saturday, November 8 Made by Sara ||Oliver's Fancy || Strawberry Patch Ramblings

Sunday, November 9 from a box || Mia's Creations || MOMENTS

Monday, November 10 owen's olivia || While she was sleeping

Tuesday, November 11 Nutta || Radiant Home Studio || La Pantigana

Wednesday, November 12 Sew Fishsticks || Stacy Sews || Stitching Insane || GnomeAngel

Thursday, November 13 Needle and Ted || Patchouli Moon Studio || Sprouting JubeJube || The Crazy Tailor

Friday, November 14 Casa Crafty || A Jennuine Life || 'So, Zo... What do you know?'

Saturday, November 15 Rebekah Sews || Serger Pepper

Sunday, November 16 Blogs Like A Mother || Vicky Myers creations || Blossom Heart Quilts

Monday, November 17 Shanni Loves || So Sew Easy || GYCT Designs || Tiger In A Tornado

Tuesday, November 18 The Nosy Pepper || Keep Calm and Carrion || There & Back || Sewing Sober

Wednesday, November 19 Sew Like My Mom || Knot Sew Normal || Stacy Sews || sewVery

Thursday, November 20 Mimi's Mom || Our Family Four || shades of BOLD || Modern Handcraft

Friday, November 21 Shawnta Sews || Lulu & Celeste || Amanda Rose || Robin's Fabric Nest || House of Pinheiro

Pattern Parcel #5

  As you may know, most of my sewing time is spent making bags and memory quilts.  But, I also love to sew clothing.

I was lucky enough to be chosen as a part of the blog tour for the Perfect Pattern Parcel #5!  Don't know what that is?  It is a collection of fabulous patterns from indie designers and the proceeds go to Donors Choose and help the educational journey of many children.
You basically get to choose your own price for 5 patterns and possibly a bonus 6th!!  Here's a link to go check it out:  http://goo.gl/8Xcb1k

Parcel #5 includes toddler, girl, and tween sizes!! Yay for those hard to find sizes and to being able to make matching clothes for your girlies of all ages!! Not to mention, most of these patterns that work when your little doll is barely walking will also be great when she is ready for junior high!
 

 In their own words:  Parcel #5: Girls and Tweens includes: 

Lily Knit Blazer by Peek-a-Boo Patterns

Everyday Yoga Pant for Girls by Greenstyle

Asymmetrical Drape Top by EYMM

Playhouse Dress by Fishstick Designs

Mimi Dress and Shirt by Filles a Maman

BONUS PATTERN: Sunki Dress by Figgy’s

Bonus Pattern:

Choose a price of $28 or greater for Parcel #5 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the Sunki Dress by Figgy's. Fun pockets, a stylish silhouette, plus make it in knit or woven. Double bonus! The pattern includes both size runs, so you get 18 months through a 16 tween sizing. This is awesome sauce!

How Pattern Parcel Works:

Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel.  We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we've raised over $11,000 for classrooms in need!

 

 

 

Aren't the patterns adorable?  I had a really hard time choosing! In fact, I didn't choose at all.  I made my little model choose what she wanted to wear for me. ;)  She chose the EYMM Asymmetrical Drape Top and seems very happy with her choice!

 

 

 

 As you will see from the pictures, Miss B is quite the little ham!

 I couldn't get her to stand still and look at me for 3 seconds at a time, all she wanted to do was show me her "kungfu moves!"

I guess all that really matters is that she is so happy with her new top and I love that I put that smile on her face! :)

 

A little something about EYMM's Asymmetrical Drape Top:

 

*super quick sew!

*no trim pages :)

*3 different groupings for sizes

*different colored/dotted/dashed lines for each size

*clear, concise directions

*too cute!

*super quick sew!

 

 

Want to see what others have sewn up?  Here are links to the rest of the blog tour:


Parcel #5 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, September 19 Pienkel || Cookin' and Craftin'

Saturday, September 20 Sew Busy Lizzy || The Life Of A Compulsive Crafter

Sunday, September 21 Keep Calm and Carrion || Felt With Love Designs

Monday, September 22 Radiant Home Studio || Sewing Sober

Tuesday, September 23 Sew Fishsticks || La Pantigana || Amanda Rose

Wednesday,September 24 Shawnta Sews || Sprouting JubeJube || Knot Sew Normal

Thursday, September 25 Make It Perfect || Mimi's Mom || Climbing the Willow

Friday, September 26 Needle and Ted || Our Family Four

Saturday, September 27 Froo & Boo

Sunday, September 28 Stitches by Laura || Vicky Myers creations

Monday, September 29 Cookin' and Craftin' || The Crazy Tailor

Tuesday, September 30 mama says sew || FABulous Home Sewn || The Inspired Wren

Wednesday, October 1 lady and the gents || That's-Sew-Kari || Sewing Sober

Thursday,October 2 Gracious Threads || Blogs Like A Mother || SewsNBows

Friday, October 3 sew chibi || Lulu & Celeste || Made by Sara
Love what you've seen?  Ready to buy or just check out the rest of the patterns?  Here's your button:
 

I hope to be back in November with another PPP tour. :)  

 

Pattern Review and a Giveaway!!

Guess what?  I got to test another great bag pattern, two actually!!  This time from Get Your Crap Together. (https://www.facebook.com/GetYourCrapTogether?ref=br_tf)

Congrats to PJ BAKER, winner of the mini crossover bag! :)

The Lazy Day Crossover Bag comes in two sizes with three different strap lengths for each one. A small pleat on the front helps give shape and room to the bag.  There is an optional pocket on the inside.  If you are new to zippers, don't worry--Chelsea makes it easy!  Did I mention that these bags are completely reversible?  I chose not to sew in Velcro so that I can turn my bag inside out if I'm not in the mood for so many elephants!  ;)

The perfect companion to the Lazy Day Bag is the Purse Organizer. Simple squares and rectangles and 2 pieces of ribbon make this an easy project.  Tons of pockets or just a few, you decide how

 
many you want. This organizer is also completely reversible, so you can customize your fabric choices to match more than one bag.  This organizer would be great to move from bag to bag, I think it would be perfect to go in a diaper bag!

In the course of testing the patterns, I made the full-size Lazy Day and also the Mini.  I love the larger bag and have been carrying it exclusively since I made it.  I have gotten so many compliments and also requests to make more of these for my friends, I can't wait to find new fabrics!

 

 

I decided that since I like my bag so much, I want to share with you.  One lucky reader will win the Mini Lazy Day bag that I made.  This cute little bag measures approximately 9 1/2" across the top, about 10" tall, with a 27" strap (13" drop). To enter, scroll down to the Rafflecopter box and complete your entries.  Good luck!!

 

 

Want the pattern so you can make your own bags?  Easy, follow these links to find all of Chelsea's great patterns!

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GYCTDESIGNS

                                    Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/user/1589652/pattern-store

 Both the Purse Organizer Pattern ($4.95) and the Lazy Day Crossover ($4.95) will be on sale starting 6/11 and ending the end of day on 6/14. There will also be a Bundle of both the patterns available for even les...s at $7.95!! No coupon is needed.

 Here's the link to enter the giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3549a51/

End of the year teacher gifts

Disclaimer:  Although Lisa gave me a copy of this pattern as a part of the testing process, she certainly did not force me to make FOUR bags! (so far!) :D


I had the honor of testing Aivilo Charlotte's  newest bag pattern, the Marietta Tote. I always look forward to new patterns from AC.  They are well written and creative patterns with easy to follow instructions, clear and concise.  If you ever need help, Lisa is just an email or Facebook message away.

My test bag

This bag measures about 15" x 11" x 3 1/2." A great bag for everyday use, it's roomy enough that you can carry your laptop in it! It features a snap closure and two pockets-one inside, one outside, with two cute ruffles framing the outer pocket. It's a fairly easy sew with lots of options for fabric placement.  I can see this bag made out of many different fabric combinations (I only used 2 different fabrics for each bag.).

I carried my test bag for over a week, then my mom saw it...Guess who got a new bag?  :)

Plenty of room for a laptop!

As I was sewing the first bag, I kept thinking about the great teachers my son has this year.  I decided that this would be a great gift for them.  So, I made my way to Hobby Lobby and grabbed this great tossed numbers/letters fabric and some coordinating tone-on-tones.  I know, I know-teachers get tired of  "school"  fabrics, but I got advice from two terrific teachers before I went shopping. ;) 




As you can see, I got a little  playful with the fabric placement!

The teacher that received this bag
said it's the cutest bag she owns...
I hope she enjoys using it!!



Inside pocket.
I divided this one into 3 sections.

Of course, no bag for a teacher would be complete without a matching lanyard for their name tag!


  

I have been challenged by one of my favorite teachers to make her a bag just like these, only taller. I also want to make one for myself, I think it will be perfect for trips to the library...Good thing it's now summer and I will have a lot more time to sew!!

 

If you would like to purchase the pattern and make yourself a Marietta Tote, here's the link to Craftsy, where many wonderful Aivilo Charlotte patterns can be found. 

http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/marietta-tote-by-aivilo-charlotte/97567

 

Happy sewing!

 

 

 

Pant~A~Loooons, a Review

Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in this post are my own. However, I was given a copy of the pattern in exchange for this review.

I recently found out that Chrissy from Muse of the Morning (https://www.facebook.com/MuseoftheMorning) was planning a blog tour.  Meaning that a group of bloggers would each blog about one of her patterns over a certain period of time. Needless to say, I was very excited when she agreed that I could be included in her blog tour. :)
This is my very first pattern review, so I'm going to keep it short and sweet. 

 

I got to make the Pant~A~LoOoOns Soft Toy and I love it!  Such a sweet and simple stuffed "animal" with loads of design possibilities. This was very easy to stitch up and Chrissy explains all of the steps quite nicely. There is even a tutorial for the embroidery stitches used to create the face.

 

I admit that my hand embroidery could use a lot more practice, but I love that there are no buttons!
Wouldn't this be a great baby present with a rattle tucked inside and baby's initial on one of the "feet?"

As you can see, I made a rather lopsided two-faced version.  That's right, I couldn't decide which one to make, so I pulled two fabrics and added a quirky ruffle for hair.  I know two little girls that will love their very own Pant~A~LoOoOn!


Would you like a chance to win your very own Pant~A~LoOoOns pattern or any of the wonderful patterns by Muse in the Morning?  Follow this link for a chance to win a pattern of your choice:  http://www.museofthemorning.com/museblog/2014/blog-tour-day-1-giveaway/

Don't want to wait and see if you win a free pattern?  There is also a coupon code- it's BLOGTOUR30 and gives the user 30% off all patterns sold through her website (not etsy or craftsy) through May 17.  http://museofthemorning.com/


Thanks again, Chrissy, for letting me be the "caboose" today!  :)

                                                                

                                                        
 

The Best Laid Plans

Not long ago someone contacted me about making a quilt with her wedding dress.  A beautiful, sparkly quilt that would remind her of her special day. :)   I picked up the dress and started thinking. Between the two of us, we spent hours looking for inspiration, finally deciding on two intertwining rings showcasing all of the fabulous beadwork on her gown.

 

On the very day I was finally ready to cut into that gorgeous dress, she sent me a message...Had I already started on the quilt?  If not, please cancel the project... She had decided that she would like to offer her dress up to victims of  a recent tornado.  How incredible is she??
I will admit that I am a little sad that I never got to make that first cut, but am delighted that this dress will make another bride very, very happy.
On to my next project...

My First Quilts

Let's go back to the fall of 2001. Do you know where you were?  I had just moved to Houston, Texas, with my husband and then 2 year old son.  I was also expecting my second bundle of joy.  Almost as soon as I knew that I was pregnant, I started planning what I would be making for her....okay, him as it turned out! ;)

I hadn't even attempted a quilt since one of my nephews was born (So long ago I can't remember which one, lol). I must have made 4 quilts for my soon-to-be infant son, but unfortunately I didn't keep most of them.  I have kicked myself several times because I would love to have them to hand down to my grandchildren someday. :/  But that's okay, I have plenty of time to make something for them...hopefully at least 10 years! 

Here is the one I made that we kept. Affectionately referred to as the "Baby Blanket," this one finished somewhere around 45."  I came across the pattern in a magazine at my stepmom's house and instantly fell in love. Since we hadn't yet learned what we would have, I chose a pleasing combination of purple, green, and yellow. The back is the tie-dye fabric you see in some of the blocks. My son used this quilt on an almost daily basis until he was 9!  Yes, he had probably outgrown it at least 3 years earlier, but had not complained a bit. :)  I finally realized that he was a little big for it and offered to make him a new quilt.  Sweet, sweet child that he is, he asked me if I could just add some more onto this quilt so that it would be a little bigger!  <3

 

 Of course I offered to make a totally new quilt using any design he wanted.  He wanted the same pattern, just a bigger size.  Here it is, made sometime in the year before he turned ten.  He loves this quilt, too.  As much as the first one?  Probably not.  The original "Baby Blanket" is the softest, cuddliest, coziest quilt ever! I'm sure that is due to being washed so many times and being wrapped up in until the edges have started to fray a little.

 Guess what?  We still use the "Baby Blanket!"  I think it's the perfect size to curl up under while watching tv.  It's great if we have "little" friends over that need a nap. I have even caught my son using it from time to time! :)  Definitely a labor of love, well worth every minute, every crooked stitch, every pin-stuck finger. ;)

Do you have a favorite quilt with a story?  I would love to hear about it...

A Little Something About Me

First of all, thank you so much for joining me on this journey. :)  
I am a wife and mother of 2 (sons ages 12 and 14) that loves to create.  In the kitchen, in the sewing room, with the kids...I just love to create!  I am also a substitute teacher and have been very busy lately on that front, but I have been talking about starting a blog for such a long time-here I go!
I have been sewing for thirty years or so; first by hand for stuffed animals, then school projects, now I make quilts (lots of t-shirt quilts) and so much more from really simple bags to little girls' dresses...I recently made a long sleeved t-shirt for my son, he loves it and I love that he wanted me to make it for him!! <3
I have also been testing patterns for indie designers that I have found through FaceBook.  These patterns aren't at all what I learned to sew with!  If you are new to sewing, I highly recommend pdf patterns.  Most are very user friendly and the designers (and their fans) couldn't be more helpful.
I will be sharing pattern tests with you from time to time, maybe you will find some new favorite patterns and designers...and inspiration!

Please bear with me as I find my style and voice. Until then, welcome to my world!