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Category: Women
Hello lovelies! Welcome to my stop on the fabulous Laela Jeyne Patterns Plaid and Boots Blog Tour! There is a big giveaway for this tour so make sure you read all the way through, visit the other pages, and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway at the bottom of this post. Bonus: I’m leaving a lovely coupon code for you at the end of the post as well for 20% off your cart at Laela Jeyne Patterns!
My theme for today is Black Friday shopping! While these pictures were taken behind our home with no stores in sight, I do actually leave my little town to do some shopping on Black Friday. In the Midwest, layers are key, so you’ll notice that I used longer sleeves and comfortable knit pieces for my long drive to the store and for all-day comfort. And if there is a blizzard, I’ll be just as comfortable shopping at home from my computer!
We’re nerds.
There, I said it. We love Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Dr. Who…well, let’s just say we like lots of geeky, convention-worthy things. My husband and I played AD&D well into our 20s, and I even LARP’ed now and then. And…we both played Magic: the Gathering. Husband calls our eldest “Number One.” Our kids are following right in our footsteps, and we watch Star Trek together often. Eldest and husband watched the entire Star Trek: Voyager series, then The Next Generation, and now they’re watching the Original Series. Good times.
I have a confession to make.
I buy fabric to make things for myself, but never make anything. I end up hoarding it, or using it for my kids. Pattern testing for myself has been an awesome way to break me out of my shell. Since I have sewn wovens for many more years than knits, I was super excited when Judy from Patterns for Pirates announced that she had a woven pattern almost ready for testing. As soon as the call went out, I signed on. And you know what?
Hey all! I’m a little late to the party, but I *did* manage to sew some swimsuits for my girls! I’ve actually had these completed for a few months, but the girls weren’t very excited about having photos taken in their swimsuits. They just wanted to get in the water!
For my middle daughter, I used the Coco Cay Colorblock Tankini with some of Peek a Boo Pattern Shop’s amazing swim fabric. The thought of sewing a swimsuit was completely intimidating, but man…it was So. Easy. I used the Ocean Cuties and Mermaid Scales for this cute colorblocked suit with the bikini cut bottom style.
After spending most of my August unable to sew, I sure have been making up for lost time! This past week I tested the newly-released Mama Ava from Made for Mermaids! I always love testing a good wardrobe builder. And it’s been even more fun since I got my new serger! It’s a 5 thread and it’s made my sewing time so much more productive!
This was a bit of a sewing challenge for me. Not because it is a difficult pattern – no, it comes together very quickly! It was a challenge because drapey knits are recommended for it and I am a cotton Lycra girl. I have miles of gorgeous cotton Lycra prints in my studio, but didn’t want it to end up too boxy per the designer’s recommendation.
I am very happy to share my first pattern test for Love Notions, the new Canyon Cardigan. This was such a fun group to test for, and I truly adore this pattern. I see many more of these in my future. I LIVE in cardigans in cooler weather, and there are so many style options to choose from!
The cardigan is available in sizes xs through xxxl. This awesome layering piece has options for 3/4 and long sleeves, and a sleeveless vest option. The bottom skirt can be an a-line, a fuller gathered version, or a super fun waterfall version. Be sure to check out the pattern listing, because the creative testers used so many types of fabric, and each one makes the cardigan look just a little different.
Hello lovelies!
Fall is in the air where I live. It is still warm during the day but the nights are crisp and the apples are falling off of our tree. I find myself still wanting to dress cool for the day, but then needing layers for temperature changes. Keeping that in mind, I decided to sign up to test the Canyon Cardigan as one of members of Love Notions Promo Team. Testing with the Love Notions crew is always so fun! There is so much style in this friendly group.
The Made for Mermaids team has been busy cooking up your new favorite pattern, and I was lucky enough to test the girls version.
Introducing the Lea Dolman!
Lea is a super easy sew available in sizes 1/2 through 14 and offers options for a romper, dress, and tunic. It’s a dolman style, which means the sleeve is part of the body (woot woot…no sleeves to set in!) The pattern is designed for knits, although a woven can be used for the dress or tunic skirt.
Back to school shopping is so iconic. It brings back so many memories of trips with my mom and grandmothers before school started. Do you remember that feeling you got when you picked the perfect outfit for the first day? And then the feeling you got when you started second guessing it? 😉 Since my kids have gone to private school (uniforms) and been homeschooled, we’ve kind of missed out on that. I mean, let’s be honest…there isn’t the same FEELING when you’re going to buy navy pants, polo shirts, and Mary Janes! And homeschooling is a whole ‘nother battle. “Mom, why do I have to get dresssed? We’re not GOING anywhere!”
Hello lovelies!
I’m going to give you a little summary of the Sunshine dresses that Alisha, Genie, and I whipped up this past week during testing for Patterns for Pirates.
The new Sunshine dress has several options that make it a versatile staple for every wardrobe. There is a crossover bodice, halter bodice, and a strapless bodice. The skirt options include maxi length, above knee length, and below knee length. There are optional dress pockets as well. Both the halter bodice and the strapless bodice are lined, while the crossover bodice is finished with bands.