Peek-a-boo patterns' Junior Joggers

My favorite pattern company, Peek-a-boo Patterns, just released a new pattern and its adorable!  

The Junior Joggers has got to be one of the fastest patterns I've done in a long time.  This pair I made up for Kallie is the very simple version of the pattern and it seriously took MAYBE 20 minutes.  And I'm typically on the slow side.  With a solid Grand Slam tee to layer with, she had a new outfit before breakfast.  Pretty awesome in my book.

The coolest part...she found them so comfy she actually kept the whole outfit on the entire day.  Usually she'll go through 3 to 4 outfits a day so this speaks volumes.

I made Colten a pair with the optional pockets and asked him if they were comfy.  His response..."YES! I wanna wear them every day and every night ALWAYS!"  Alrighty then.  I take that as a solid vote on the comfort factor.

This boy will not take his hands out of these pockets either.  He loves them.  They were so easy too.  I was pleasantly surprised and the tutorial was great.  A good steam iron is definitely your best friend with these.  Wash Away Wonder Tape would help too if you have a machine that likes to make knits wavy.

Pause for some snowflake catching.....

It's been snowing for the last 2 days but refuses to stick, boo.  But with snow on my mind, I plan to whip up plenty more of these for layering under other pants in the cold Minnesota winter we have headed our way.  The speed in which these come together and band at the ankle make this the perfect pattern for winter layering even if its not the original intention of the pattern.  But patterns that can multi task are by far my favorite.

The Junior Joggers comes in sizes Newborn - 6.  Make sure you grab the pattern today while its still on sale!

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New comfy jammies for ME!

Most of the sewing I do is for Kallie.  And if I do sew for myself its usually a test pattern that may not actually be may own style. It's just not that often that I sew something all for myself.  Yesterday I finally sewed up some new jammies that I actually cut out a month or so ago but never got around to finishing.  I'm so glad I did.  There's just something so satisfying about wearing items you've made yourself.

The top pattern I used is the Boston Boatneck by Peek-a-Boo Patterns.  The perfect combo of a raglan with the boat neckline that is my absolute favorite.  The neck is a breeze when you use Wash Away Wonder Tape to stabilize the fabric and it keeps the fabric from going wavy on you.  .

With a gentle curve at the bottom hem its perfect

For the bottoms I used the Yoga Mom Pants also by Peek-a-Boo Patterns.  UGH, they are seriously just so stinking comfy!  I swear I could live in them!!  Yeah, I don't even know what else to say about them...Comfy just completely 100% describes them...

I wear the typical baggy PJ pants sometimes but I greatly prefer yoga pants.  Not that I do a single bit of yoga.  I tried it a couple years ago and it lasted a whopping 1 week I believe.  I just feel so much frumpier in baggy pants and nobody likes feeling frumpy.  These are fitted at the top but no where near as tight as leggings that make the nervous about every single flaw that they're screaming to the world and the hubby likes me in yoga pants. Who doesn't like getting compliments even when their completely comfy in their jammies.  That's a Win-Win in my book.

The fabrics are both Cotton/Lycra knits form Raspberry Creeks CLUB line.  They are so soft and a dream to sew with!  And their prices are their custom designs can NOT be beat.

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Introducing.....Petite Stitchery & Co

Three lovely ladies have joined together to create a new pattern company and man did they start off with a bang!  They've just released 7 patterns in the first ever Fall Collection of Petite Stitchery & Co.  Every piece can be mixed, matched and layered to create endless possibilities and two of them, the Maize and the Ruby can even be mashed together to create an additional look as well.  I actually got to test 2 of these goodies myself, much to Kallie's delight, and we loved both of them.

I made the Maize for starters.  This pattern has so much you can do with it.  It starts as simple as you would like, but for fun you can choose from 2 extra hem designs beyond the basic straight hem as well as dress length or tunic length.  There's a fun curved hem that is longer in the front and back, but curves up on the sides.  The hem I chose to do is the very popular Hi-Lo hem in the tunic length.

CHEESE...

Oh, that sweet face!....Sorry, getting distracted.

I was so excited that the pattern offers a pocket option.  To be honest, I had never sewn pockets before but I was ready to face my fear and take on the challenge.

To my great relief and Kallie's joy, they were a piece of cake.  The tutorial is easy to follow and they come together almost effortlessly.  And what kid doesn't love picking up rocks and treasures everywhere they go and taking them home.  This way the rocks are in her pockets not mine!!  Major bonus!

Maize has two closure options for the back.  A tie back or, as I chose, an adorable button.  It also has three sleeve lengths, short, 3/4 and long.

Come on, are these sleeves not the CUTEST sleeves you've ever seen?!?!  Ugh, I can't get enough of them!  They have the sweetest puff to them without being overwhelming at all.  Just the right touch of little girl sweetness.

Adding the extra details is where your personal style can really shine with this pattern.  Ribbons, lace, appliques, embroidery, buttons.... anything and everything you want.  I chose some really cool wooden buttons and this beautiful crocheted lace I found to add to the bodice and then I couldn't resist adding it all along the bottom hem.  It adds such a lovely finish to the edge.

Last, but most certainly not least, is the Fawn leggings....

I've made my decent share of leggings during my time sewing and I absolutely must say...This is the best fitting legging pattern I have ever made Kallie.  I've tried patterns that have the hem around the ankle so tight that it is a full on struggle to get them over her heel.  Others that are baggy in the legs or so tight they look like they're cutting off her circulation.  And my least favorite...where the crotch was poorly designed with so much pull on the fabric and the crotch of every one of that pattern I made ended up with a whole in the crotch during the first time they were worn.  So frustrating and a total waste of fabric and time.

Thankfully, the Fawn leggings are a perfect fit.  They stay up, actually fit her legs and she can get them on by herself without a two man team to force them over her heels. And the crotch doesn't tear a hole when actually worn!!!!! This is seriously the only legging pattern I plan on ever using from this point on.

Now, I chose to make the plain leggings for this outfit, but the pattern comes with a really fun tuxedo stripe version as well.  A lot of the testers made them and I loved them!  Such and great way to use up some extra fabric scraps you have laying around.

All 7 of the patterns in the Fall 2016 Collection are on sale through Sunday and they are absolute must haves for your pattern hoarding.  Do Not Miss Out on these! You can even join their Facebook group to get a look at even more of the amazing outfits put together by the testing group. I already have Kallie's Christmas outfit planned using these same patterns.  I'm so excited for it.  The fabric is going to be a beautiful pain in my butt, oh but it'll be so worth it!

Hello Barcelona!!!

This past month a personal dream came true.  I got to test a pattern for Peek-a-boo Patterns!  I can't believe it.  I've admired her patterns for so long and love making them but to actually get to test for her was amazing!  You can tell that she truly cares as a designer and wants everything perfect.  She was there sewing shirts right along with us and pushed the release out because it wasn't up to her high standards yet.  As a sewer, I appreciate that so much!  I hate buying a pattern and then finding design problems right off the bat.  Your money is hard earned and Peek-a-boo Patterns really seems to care about making sure what you buy is perfect.

Now on to the glory that is the Barcelona Blouse...  Isn't she lovely?  Its designed for lightweight apparel fabrics with the option to use lightweight knits on the bottom part.  I chose Swiss Dots fabric on both of mine and love them.  They're so light and airy in this miserable summer heat.

With the gathering in the front, this top is so forgiving to our hard earned mom bellies, squishy hips and that pint of chocolate ice cream that I may or may not have finished off all by myself last night.  It magically is loose and airy while still having a great shape that is far from feeling like a potato sack like some tops.

The tulip sleeves are such a nice touch and really make the whole top in my opinion but there is also a sleeveless option for those that prefer it.

The lovely Miss. Barcelona will be on sale through Friday evening so don't miss out on this wonderful pattern!

Bishy Barnababes FM Appliques

One of the things I love about sewing is that it challenges me.  There are so many techniques to do so many things and there's always something new to learn.  It's absolutely nerve-wracking for me when I decide to tackle something new but so very exciting and rewarding when I succeed.  I've done plenty of appliques, but they have always been very basic, nothing fancy or unique.  I've known of Free-Motion Applique for a while, but was admittedly terrified and avoided it.  When the opportunity to test for Bishy Barnababes came I decided to just take the plunge.  Boy, am I glad I did.  I first tested her adorable Ballerina Briony.

 It was a little tricky to get the hang of but Vicki's instructions are great and helped so much.  In the end, I really enjoyed it and it really wasn't hard. The patterns also have the option to have the head and face, but I wasn't THAT brave, haha.  The stitching of the eyes and mouth still scare me a little so I did the faceless one.  Kallie's got such a cute face anyways so...

My little ballerina was in love with it.  She wanted to wear it all day, which is huge coming from a girl who changes her clothes about 5 times a day.  Next, Vicki presented the chance to help with one of her next patterns and since I was hooked after the ballerina, I quickly agreed.  This time I chose to try Mermaid Millie since Kallie, like every little girl, loves mermaids.

Can anyone guess which mermaid I was going for......green tail, purple shells.......Ariel, of course.  Just a very blonde version, haha.  Yes, I chickened out of doing the head again...don't judge me!  Isn't it so cute, though?!?! Absolutely perfect for summer and trips to the beach.

I just love all the details you can add with Free-motion applique!  Mermaid Millie was just released  long with, Fairy Fiona, Princess Paige, and Cool As Ice.  The possibilities are endless! I see Tinker Bell from the fairy, Cinderella and Belle from the princess and the ice cream cone can be stacked as high as your little ice cream loving heart desires!! Dresses, shirts, skirts, pillows, tote bags, even a backpack!  They can go on anything! They're available on the Bishy Barnababes Etsy page and there some great coupon codes available to get them at a great deal.

APPLIQUE saves you 20%
3BUNDLE saves you 30% when you buy any 3 patterns
5BUNDLE saves you 35% when you buy any 5 patterns

The Samantha & Sammy Swing Tunic and Dress Patterns.........LOVE!!!!!!

HELLO Mommy and Me sets!  Kallie absolutely loves it when I make us matching clothes and now I have the perfect pattern to do it with.  The Samantha and Sammy Swing Top and Dress patterns by Laela Jeyne are so great and the options are almost limitless!

  I feel so lucky to have gotten to test these.  Usually when I try an new pattern for myself, be it purchased or one I'm testing, I never love it quite as much on as I had hoped I would and I'm a little disappointed in the fit.  But after I made the first Samantha I tried it on and actually got giddy.  It fit great and I loved it!

The first one I made was a Hi-Lo Tunic with cap sleeves.  I absolutely love how its nice and fitted at the top and then flares out to be loose, comfy and so flattering.  Most patterns just do basic short sleeves which are fine and all but I loved having the option of cap sleeves.  They're just more feminine.  I'm by no means an overly girly girl, I don't have an obsession with shoes or jewelry.  I don't were ruffly things, but these cap sleeves are just the right amount of feminine to make it feel like a NICE shirt instead of just a tee shirt.

I used Rayon/Spandex from Joann's...definitely my favorite fabric.  So soft with plenty of stretch and the perfect drape for this pattern.  I wish ALL my clothes were made in this stuff!

Kallie's first Sammy was also the Hi-Lo style tunic with cap sleeves.  I think she approves.  :)

The second I put this on her she would NOT hold still.  She instantly started twirling.  It fits her beautifully and pairs perfectly with legging.

  

But I couldn't stop there.  I had to try more options...

Next, I tried the regular top hem and elbow sleeves.  I couldn't believe it, but I actually love this top more than the first one!  This is seriously my favorite shirt now.  Again, the chest area is perfectly fitted so it doesn't feel like I'm wearing a big shapeless bag but lose, comfy, flattering, and very forgiving at the bottom.  I'm always happy when a pattern includes elbow length sleeves, they're my go to favorite.

I even made another Mommy and Me set, though I never got pics of mine or us together...we got a new 2 month old puppy and lets just say its been crazy!  I did catch a few of the little lady in hers though.  This one is the cap sleeves again but with the regular hem.

Once again she approved!  You know how I can tell?

The twirling...

and twirling...

and more twirling...

With a hand stand attempt thrown in for extra pizzazz.

Tadah!

These patterns are so great whether you just make for yourself, just for your little Miss or for both.  You just can't go wrong. It has regular hem, hi-lo tunic, hi-lo dress and regular dress length options.  Cap, short, elbow and long sleeve options and a racerback option.  And regular neck or Cowl neck. which will be so perfect with the long sleeves come fall time.  The Samantha pattern ranges from XS to XXL and Sammy goes all the way from 6M to 14!

They're both on sale through Sunday at 11:59 pm EST so don't miss out!  The sale price for Samantha is $6.50 and Sammy is $5.60 or you can get the bundle package and get both for $11.50.  Plus, all other single patterns on the site are 30% through Sunday at 11:59 pm EST, as well.

Be sure to also check out these other ladies' amazing versions!!

PEAR BERRY LANE

kaleidothought

Connected By A Thread

Mama You Can Make It For Me

Olive Ashby

Momma Sew Savvy

My first Sewing Swap

I decided to try something new and do a Sewing Swap.  Its a Sewing group I found on Facebook where every month you can sign up and get paired with another sewing lover.  You both share the measurements of your little ones and then you sew something for them.  It was so much fun but really kind of tricky deciding what to make!  I know my kids and their quirky  likes and dislikes when it comes to clothes but I have know idea what these kids will like. So, fingers crossed they like their surprises, because I sure do.

So,  first is the little man's outfit.  I really like it a lot.  I of course started of with my go to raglan tee from Peek-a-Boo Patterns.  So basic yet effective and cute.

Then for the shorts, I tried out a new pattern for me.  This is the Hunter shorts from the Star Shorts bundle by Flosstyle Patterns.  I got the pattern for the skort option in it but I really like these Hunters too.  They're made with twill fabric so they'll hold up very nicely to play and wash.  I love twill!

I'm really happy with the cargo pocket feature on these.  It was pretty easy to do, but really adds a nice design element that takes them far beyond simple boring shorts.

And of course I had to add snaps.  The pattern didn't call for them but the flaps were...well...flapping and I just didn't like it so out came the snaps. And I think they add a really nice POP.

And for the little lady...  When in doubt...make a Larkin!  Its the same pattern I used Kallie's birthday dress, but with a very basic skirt. With out any ruffles it'll be more like a tunic and I figured that was perfect for a little 1 year old trying to get around and play.  Gotta love Create Kids Couture's Larkin!  This is the 3rd I've made in just over a month...

I did leave off the back sash/bow.  I didn't figure she really needed it and I was going more for fun and play instead to the full blown fancy dress.  I like it, keeps it easier for mom and that's ALWAYS good.

And you know me....I have to make little bloomers.  I can't have a diaper butt hanging out from under the top!

All in all, this was a lot of fun!  I'll definitely do it again, but maybe I'll wait until I have a slightly less busy month.  I really cut it close on this one.  The deadline to ship the items out was today and I finished sewing this afternoon and immediately ran to the post office.  I got them shipped out with 2 hours to spare....  WOW!