social media links

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Nostalgic Noel - Nativity Silhouette

I have yet another fun Christmas project to share with you today and as a part of Jo-Ann Fabrics' Holiday Make it - Give it Sweepstakes you'll have a chance to win a $100 Jo-Ann gift card!  I'll get into the sweepstakes details below, but first I'm so excited to share a little Nostalgic Noel.  Jo-Ann Fabrics has compensated for this post, but as always all opinions are my own.


Friday, December 12, 2014

Sew For Home Blog Hop

If you're looking for some great hostess gifts this Christmas, check out the Sew For Home blog hop below.  There are six projects that would be perfect for gift giving!


Counter Clockwise from the bottom left:
Prairie Point Yo-Yo ornaments by Chicken Scratch NY
Table Runner Trivet by The Inspired Wren
Christmas Tree Trivet by Call Ajaire
20 Minute Throw Pillows by That Moxie Girl

Monday, December 8, 2014

Another Giving Christmas

My friend Karly from Paisley Roots has a series called A Giving Christmas in which I participated last year.  I was really excited to hear she was doing it again this year and quickly jumped on board.  This is a good time of year to remind our kids (and ourselves) about the spirit of giving.


Friday, December 5, 2014

All The Trimmings - Michael Miller

There's nothing more fun to sew with than Christmas fabrics and Michael Miller's All the Trimmings line is no exception.  Here's a tutorial for making your own Christmas Tree Trivet which is a perfect project for using those holiday fabrics.  Michael Miller sent me the fabric for this post, but as always ALL opinions are mine.


Ruffled PJs and Nutta Fabric

Today I have two different tours to tell you about and I couldn't be more excited about sharing them with you.  When I was first approached I didn't realize the days were the same, but what a happy mistake; the two pair perfectly.  They are the Nutta Fabric Shop Tour and the Ruffled PJs Holiday Tour.  Let's start with the fabric.... cause everything starts with the fabric, right? hehe.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Riley's Nightgown

Bean is growing out of her pajamas so quickly lately, that I'm in need of an assembly-line style replenish day.  In the meantime, I have a couple of holiday pajama tours to tell you about this week and first up is Riley's Nightgown and Sleepshirt from EYMM patterns.


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Needle Organizer Pincushion - Holiday Blogger Challenge

When Deanna from Sew McCool came up with her 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Blogger Challenge I knew exactly what I would make.  It's her blog anniversary and she's gathered a bunch of us bloggers to celebrate with a challenge.  We are to post a tutorial or holiday-related craft on our designated day between the 1st and 12th of December.  At the end of the challenge there will be a chance to vote for your favorite and the winner will win $100!  And with that challenge, an idea I've had in my head for almost a year is finally realized.


Monday, November 24, 2014

Allspice Dress - Paisley Roots

I'm so excited to finally share Bean's favorite fall dress with you!  The Allspice Dress pattern by Paisley Roots is on tour this week along with a giveaway and a link up so let's kick off the tour in style.


Friday, November 21, 2014

Rouche & Division Top

Jessica Bustos is on a roll with her Lil' Luxe Collection of patterns.  The newest pattern is the Rouche & Division Top (*affiliate link) which I was happy to help her test so I've already made Bean three of them!


Thursday, November 20, 2014

Florence For The Holidays

I'm posting today with another pattern tour, but this one has a twist.  The Florence Christmas Blog Tour is also a competition!


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Reversible Long Sleeved Maxi Uptown Downtown Dress

Lately I've been on a 90's kick.  Am I the only one?  I didn't really love the fashion back then, but for some reason I'm sort of drawn to it now.  Nostalgia maybe?  Anyway, you've already had a sneak peek of my reversible long sleeved maxi Uptown/Downtown Dress, but as part of Sew Straight and Gather's pattern tour I'm giving you the all the details.


Monday, November 17, 2014

Happy Hunger Games - Katniss Cowl

While I really enjoyed the three book series The Hunger Games, I am embarrassed to admit that I had never seen any of the movies.  When Marissa of Rae Gun Ramblings announced her Happy Hunger Games series coming up I took that as the perfect excuse to watch the first two films.


Friday, November 14, 2014

Saffron Swirl - Monthly MashUp (11)

I took a bit of a hiatus from the Monthly MashUp, but there's been a lot going on behind the scenes.  Starting in January there will be some fun changes.  For those of you looking for the rest of the October MashUp, it'll be coming in December, but for now we're moving on to November's MashUp so you can have time to make a unique holiday dress for your girl!


Monday, November 10, 2014

Kenzie's Party Dress

The holiday season is upon us so we're all thinking about fancier clothes, right?  I've been working hard behind the scenes on a few fun holiday things and the first up is the Holiday Tour for EYMM's Kenzie's Party Dress.


Wednesday, November 5, 2014

The Everyday Tank

I know it's not the season for tank tops here in Maryland, but I love the style of Serger Pepper's newest pattern so much that I couldn't turn down a stop on the Everyday Tank blog tour.


Monday, November 3, 2014

Betty Skirt Tour

Remember the Betty Skirt Pattern eBook that the Shaffer Sisters released last winter?  They have made the pattern even better by adding sizes and perfecting the tutorial and I couldn't be more excited to be a part of the rerelease.


Friday, October 31, 2014

Day of the Dead Celebration

Melissa of Rebel and Malice is hosting a tour for Dia de los Muertos and I am excited to join in.  I love the idea of taking a day to honor those who have passed and celebrate their lives.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Ballard - Pattern Tour

The Ballard from Straight Stitch Designs is touring this week and I love the versions I've been seeing.  Jaime's seriously blew me away and I definitely need a floral Ballard in my future.


Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Crafting Con - Dr. Horrible

Have you heard of Crafting Con?  Maegen from Mae & K and Amy from Friends Stitched Together joined forces earlier this year to add a little more geekiness to the internet.  And when they asked if I'd be a part I was excited to join in on their Villains theme for October.


Bean has been obsessed with listening to Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog for a few months now, so when I mentioned Dr. Horrible she was super excited to wear the costume. Though he is a villain (his goal is to join the Evil League of Evil), you sympathize with his character.  Bean hasn't seen the movie, so she doesn't totally get the whole theme, but she loves the songs and insists on listening to it in the car all the time which is fine by me, cause I love it too!
Crafting Con
Head on over to Friends Stitched Together to see more of Bean in her Dr. Horrible costume.  Spoiler Alert: The costume is reversible cause he gets to join the league and his costume is different once he's in.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Marbella Dress

During the most recent Selfish Sewing Week, I decided I needed more dress patterns for myself and specifically a fancy-ish going out style.  As luck would have it, Kennis from Itch To Stitch was testing her Marbella Dress (*affiliate link) and I had the chance to join the testing group. 

Friday, October 17, 2014

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Pumpkin Coasters

I'm really excited about Halloween this year.  Bean is into anything "spoooooooky" lately so we've been having a lot of fun preparing for the big day.  Since she's only three years old, her idea of spooky is relatively tame so I've been sticking to pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, and black cats.  

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Signature Look - Project Run & Play

It's the end of yet another season of Project Run & Play and though I cut it close this week, I've managed to sew-a-long with each theme.  It's always fun seeing what everyone in the sew-a-long creates each week.


Bookworm Abbey - Monthly MashUp (10)

For those of you that were looking for a MMUp post last Thursday, I decided to push this month's schedule ahead a week because there are five Thursdays in October and this MashUp is a bit more complicated than some of the others so I wanted to dedicate some time to the specifics.  That aside, I think you're going to be super excited about this MMUp!  Also - spoiler alert - there are some seriously cute pictures of Bean from December 2012 that you won't want to miss.

Monthly MashUp - with Call Ajaire

The October MMUp patterns are the Bookworm Button Up from Blank Slate Patterns and the Abbey Jacket from Shwin Designs.  The mash-a-long schedule is:

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Halloween Hacks - Princess Jasmine

Swoodson Says is having a fun series about how to hack up your favorite patterns to use as the jumping off point for a Halloween costume.  I loved this idea and immediately wanted to be part of it.  If you haven't been following along, then you've missed out on some great hacks already.  But never fear.... it's the internet so you can go back now and catch up on all the Halloween inspiration!



Monday, October 6, 2014

Pumpkin Lacing Card for GYCT

Today I'm over at Get Your Crap Together sharing another fun Lacing Card Activity.  This one has a Halloween theme which fits in perfectly with their 31 Days of Halloween series going on right now.


Bean the Jack-O-Lantern wants you to head over there to download the free lacing card template, hehe.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

The Denim Avery Dress

ModKid is having a sew-a-long for the Avery Dress this week, which is one I've been meaning to sew for a while.  Since it's the Denim Challenge week at Project Run & Play I decided to make a simple Avery in a dark denim that can be worn with fun leggings all winter.


Friday, September 26, 2014

MashUp Blog Hop

Today I'm participating in a fun MashUp Blog Hop with a group of amazing bloggers!  There's so much amazing MashUp inspiration so start hopping and show these ladies some love:Pattern mash up blog hop
  1. Knight Hoodie + Bimaa Sweater by Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts
  2. Alleycat Daydream Dress by Call Ajaire
  3. Rainbow Princess Dress by Rae Gun Ramblings
  4. Ash Jumpsuit + Vintage Style Flutter Sleeve by Amanda Rose
  5. Burda Harem Pants + McCalls Dress by Lil Bit and Nan
  6. Sugar Plum Princess Dress + Poppy  Dress by Bee Quilted Beauties
  7. Dress #13 + Pants #2 by Sprouting Jube Jube
  8. Katie Fancy Pant + Field Research Pant by Scientific Seamstress
  9. Jumpsuit Mashup by Sew Like My Mom
  10. Lullaby Line Body Suit + Grand Slam Tee by Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop
  11. Cherry Pie Skirt + Socialite Peplum by Sewing Sober

Because Sometimes I'm a Fun Mom

While I was offered compensation for trying out Sands Alive! all opinions here are mine.  Spoiler Alert: I really am this crazy about messy activities, hehe.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen me use #sometimesimafunmom, but for the most part I feel like things can get pretty bland around our house.  Bean and I get into a routine of reading, puzzles, listening to music, and the occasional lego/train adventure, mostly because we enjoy it, but also because I'm not a big fan of making a mess.



Thursday, September 25, 2014

Alley Cat Daydream - MMUp Details and Features

It's the last Thursday of September so it's time for some features from the MMUp link-up and a few more details about the Alley Cat Daydream dress.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Secret Garden Dress Turned Top

The Secret Garden Dress is pattern collaboration between E+M Patterns and Sprouting Jube Jube and the result is just lovely.  When I first saw it out in blogland I fell in love with the gorgeous back.  The bow detail is so lovely, but the v-shape above it makes it all come together so perfectly.


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Starlight City and Socialite Peplum

Jessica from Lil Luxe Collection (*affiliate link) released three new dress patterns over the weekend and I was fortunate to help test two of them: the Starlight City Dress (*affiliate link) and the Socialite Peplum and Dress (*affiliate link).


Monday, September 22, 2014

The Butterfly Sling Purse - SSW

It's another Selfish Sewing Week and I'm super excited about this one.  I've been sewing SO MUCH for Bean's fall wardrobe that it'll be fun to take a break and sew for myself.  Whether you call it selfish sewing or self sewing or whatever, take some time this week to sew yourself something pretty!


Thursday, September 18, 2014

Go Go Gadget - Minus the Gadgets... Project Run & Play

It's time yet again for a fun season of Project Run & Play!  A few of the designers this round are friends so I encourage you to vote on your favorite look.  It takes only a minute and having been there before, I know just how much the designers appreciate EVERY SINGLE VOTE.


Alley Cat Daydream - MMUp (9) Sewing the MashUp

It's a busy day on the blog, but don't think I've forgotten about the fabulous Alley Cat Daydream mash-a-long!  Today we're sewing the MMUp and this one couldn't be more simple.


September Showcase: Meridian Cardigan

Over at Frances Suzanne, they are celebrating indie designers this month with a September Showcase as a part of their Flip This Pattern series.  I adore indie patterns, so I am thrilled to participate.  Today I'm sharing a lovely pattern by one of my favorite people, Rachael from Imagine Gnats (pssst she's competing in Project Run & Play this season and you HAVE to check out all the awesome over there and vote!!).


Thursday, September 11, 2014

Alley Cat Daydream - MMUp (9) Reveal and Alterations

It's time for the September Monthly MashUp (MMUp) mash-a-long!  Today we'll go over the pattern pieces needed for the mash-a-long and open the link up.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway to win the patterns for yourself and as a reminder the Alley Cat Daydream mash-a-long schedule is:

Thursday 9/4: Introduce the patterns and open the giveaway (giveaway ends on 9/17 at midnight EST)
Thursday 9/11: Reveal the MashUp, alter the patterns, and open the link up (open until 9/24 at midnight EST)
Thursday 9/18: Begin sewing the MashUp with the Giveaway winner announced on Facebook and Instagram
Thursday 9/25: Share the details of the MashUp and features from the link up

And now for the reveal...

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Sew Japanese - Kids Clothes Sewing Lesson Book

Today I'm over at Nutta with her Sew Japanese series.  Shino's really delving into a few specific designers so there'll be a lot of great info this week and I urge you to check it out.  She asked us each a few questions as part of the series and you can read my interview here.


A while ago I won this book (*affiliate links) in a giveaway from the Japanese sewing series run by You and Mie and I was so inspired by the series that I couldn't wait to get it and start sewing.  Then it arrived, and was put to the back burner in favor of quicker projects.  Since I had never sewn with a foreign language pattern before, nor do I know ANY Japanese, I was hesitant to start what I was worried would be a long project.

Friday, September 5, 2014

Poppy The Panda - Sew Many Books!

It's no secret that Bean loves Pandas, so when I had the chance to be a part of Nap-Time Creations' Sew Many Books series, I knew exactly which book she'd choose: Poppy the Panda by Dick Gackenbach which is her absolute favorite.


Thursday, September 4, 2014

Alley Cat Daydream - Monthly MashUp (9)

Monthly MashUp - with Call Ajaire


It's the first Thursday of the month so it's time for another Monthly MashUp (MMUp).  For September the MMUp patterns are the new Alley Cat Romper from the Lil Luxe Collection (*affiliate link) by Jessica Bustos and The Daydream Ruffle Dress by See Kate Sew.  The Alley Cat Daydream mash-a-long schedule is:

Thursday 9/4: Introduce the patterns and open the giveaway (giveaway ends on 9/17 at midnight EST)
Thursday 9/11: Reveal the MashUp, alter the patterns, and open the link up (open until 9/24 at midnight EST)
Thursday 9/18: Begin sewing the MashUp with the Giveaway winner announced on Facebook and Instagram
Thursday 9/25: Share the details of the MashUp and features from the link up

Monday, September 1, 2014

Tinley Tee and Love Me Knot Tour

Today I'm sharing the Tinley Tee and Love Me Knot Short from GYCT Designs.  I am happy to be a part of a fun tour like this one:

Image Map

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Paneled Ash Jumpsuit

I have been planning this remix for over a month now and so excited to finally see it come together!  It's a MashUp of the Ash Jumpsuit by Celina of Petit a Petit for Willow & Co Patterns and my Paneled Sunsuit.


Thursday, August 28, 2014

Estherlyn's Tobago Jumper - MMUp Details and Features

Have you been following the mash-a-long?  This is the final Thursday of August so it's time for some features from the link-up and a few more details about the Estherlyn's Tobago Jumper MMUp.  As a reminder, this was the schedule for the August MMUp:

Thursday 8/7: Introduce the patterns and open the giveaway (giveaway ends on 8/20 at midnight EST)
Thursday 8/14: Reveal the MashUp, alter the patterns, and open the link up (open until 8/27 at midnight EST)
Thursday 8/21: Begin sewing the MashUp with the Giveaway winner announced on Facebook and Instagram
Thursday 8/28: Share the details of the MashUp and features from the link up

Monday, August 25, 2014

Clover Shorts and Another Aster

Willow & Co is having a fantastic contest through the 1st of September and I am so excited to have this outfit finished in time to enter.


Thursday, August 21, 2014

Estherlyn's Tobago Jumper - MMUp Sewing the MashUp

Now that the patterns pieces have been altered we can finally sew the Monthly MashUp (MMUp)!  Today in the mash-a-long we'll go over the sewing steps that aren't specifically in one of the two patterns.  I will refer to steps that ARE in the pattern tutorials out of respect for the designers.  If you weren't the winner of the giveaway, then you can still purchase the Tobago Tank from Sis Boom and the Estherlyn's Jumper from The Merry Church Mouse.


As a quick reminder, August's Monthly MashUp mash-a-long schedule is:

Thursday 8/7: Introduce the patterns and open the giveaway (giveaway ends on 8/20 at midnight EST)
Thursday 8/14: Reveal the MashUp, alter the patterns, and open the link up (open until 8/27 at midnight EST)
Thursday 8/21: Begin sewing the MashUp with the Giveaway winner announced on Facebook and Instagram
Thursday 8/28: Share the details of the MashUp and features from the link up

Monday, August 18, 2014

Alley Cat Romper

Are you familiar with the Lil Luxe Collection (*affiliate link) by Jessica Bustos?  If you haven't seen her growing line of pdf patterns for fashionable children's clothes, it's worth a look.  A fellow classmate of Pattern Workshop (*affiliate link), her designs immediately caught my eye.  So when I had the chance to test her most recent pattern I couldn't pass it up.


The Alley Cat Romper is an elegant style, with all the comfort a little girl could want.  It is easily dressed up or down depending on the type of knit fabric you use.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Estherlyn's Tobago Jumper - MMUp Reveal and Alterations

As a quick reminder, August's Monthly MashUp mash-a-long schedule is:

Thursday 8/7: Introduce the patterns and open the giveaway (giveaway ends on 8/20 at midnight EST)
Thursday 8/14: Reveal the MashUp, alter the patterns, and open the link up (open until 8/27 at midnight EST)
Thursday 8/21: Begin sewing the MashUp with the Giveaway winner announced on Facebook and Instagram
Thursday 8/28: Share the details of the MashUp and features from the link up

In today's installment of the Monthly MashUp (MMUp) mash-a-long we'll go over how to alter the pattern pieces for mashing and open the link up.  But first, I know you've been eagerly anticipating the big reveal.....drum roll please.....

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Sunny Top - Pattern Tour

The lovely Veronica from sewVery has released her latest pattern and I'm thrilled to be a part of the tour. 


The Sunny Dress and Top has a sweet little shape with a tie back and an optional collar.  I really love the simplicity of the non collared option, but I decided to use the collar to feature some more of the lattice smocking that I love so well.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Estherlyn's Tobago Jumper - Monthly MashUp (8)

If you're looking for the details of this monthly series you can check out the introduction post.

Monthly MashUp - with Call Ajaire

After months of figuring out what the Monthly MashUp and mash-a-long format should be, I have settled on a schedule that is sure to please.  The Monthly MashUp will now extend the entire month with a weekly post on Thursday.  With an every Thursday post, the schedule will be easy to follow and there will be plenty of room to fit in all the goodies that go along with the MashUp, including the giveaway and mash-a-long.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Sand Free Beach Tote - Guest Post at GYCT

Today I'm posting over at Get Your Crap Together for their Sizzlin' Summer Organization series.

Image Map

When I first learned about the series I had a different idea in mind, but after dealing with sand at the bottom of my bag this summer I decided a way to better organize that beach sand covered stuff was in order.


Enter the Sand Free Beach Tote (and blanket).  Head on over to GYCT for the full tutorial to make your own!

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Monthly MashUp (7) Sewing the Johnny Bond

Finally, it's time to sew our Johnny Bond MashUps.  But quickly, here's a reminder of the mash-a-long schedule:

Thursday 7/17: Introduce the MashUp Patterns and open the giveaway
Monday 7/21: Giveaway winner announced on Facebook and Instagram
Tuesday 7/22: Reveal the MashUp and open the link up
Tuesday 7/29: Alter the pattern pieces for the MashUp
Thursday 7/31: Sew the MashUp
Friday 8/1: Share the MashUps from the link up on Facebook and Instagram


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Monthly MashUp (7) Alterations - Johnny Bond

Today we'll start altering the pattern pieces needed for the Johnny Bond MashUp.  But quickly, here's a reminder of the mash-a-long schedule:

Thursday 7/17: Introduce the MashUp Patterns and open the giveaway
Monday 7/21: Giveaway winner announced on Facebook and Instagram
Tuesday 7/22: Reveal the MashUp and open the link up
Tuesday 7/29: Alter the pattern pieces for the MashUp
Thursday 7/31: Sew the MashUp
Friday 8/1: Share the MashUps from the link up on Facebook and Instagram

My recommendation with any MashUp is to always make at least a muslin of both patterns per the regular instructions before mashing them together.  That way you will know their individual quirks and be sure to have the correct sizing.  Here you can see the originals I sewed for Bean, as well as a bit of a review of the two patterns.