Shwin&Shwin

"Best Friends" Summer Pajamas {Free Pattern}

2013-05-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

A little while back I saw Kate share on instagram a picture of some pretty awesome fabric. I knew I needed it. It must have been fate because Kelle from Ann Kelle for Robert Kaufman contacted me and asked me if I wanted to try out some fabric from her new line "girl friends". You don't have to ask me twice. I mean one, I LOVE fabric (clearly) but two, look at this awesome print! I knew Abbey would be all over that! And she was she squealed with excitement when it came in the mail and she wanted to sleep with it. It was when she was begging to sleep with it that I realized it needed to be pajamas. Abbey was in need of some summer pajamas anyway.

I used the free pattern I shared back in December with a few changes...

The first was the sleeve. I hacked it shorter and then I added a piping pleat. To do this fold up the bottom edge about 1.5 inches or more if you like.

Then you will fold it toward the front side so the fold sandwiches in some piping. (piping edge up) Then sew along the piping edge.

Fold the raw edge back to the back and top stitch in place. Now it is a nice little short sleeve with piping detail.

I opted out of the notched collar and instead of the collar ended before the front edge of the shirt I made the collar longer and brought it all the way to the edge. I also added a little pocket.

For the shorts you can simply cut them shorter and finish them the same way but I also added a little faux placket to the front just for kicks. I cut out a small rectangle and folded under all the edges and then sewed it down to the front. I added three small buttons to finish it off.

I had enough fabric left over that I knew would make perfect little dolls. So I cut around the girls leaving seam allowances and then cut the same for the back piece.

WIth right sides together I stitched around the girl leaving the bottom open.

Then I turned it right side out added stuffing and folded the bottom edges in and then stitched them closed. I didn't worry about doing a fancy stitch I just sewed a line with the machine.

When I was done I had a nice little collection of cute little mini dolls to match the pajamas.

Abbey was absolutely tickled pink to have new pajamas and new toys.

She had so much fun playing with the little princess dolls that are so small they fit in her pocket.

The print just makes me smile, it is so cute, I kind of want all the other prints in the collection so Abbey can have a whole collection of little mini dolls.

Pretty sure she would be in heaven.

What I wish I knew... {Mombo review and giveaway}

2013-05-17T14:00:00.001-07:00

This post brought to you by Comfort and Harmony. All opinions are 100% mine.

I think as parents we all reach a point where we could write a book titled "I wish I knew..." We could fill it with all the things we discovered along the path of parenting that we wish we would have known from the start. I think it is why we value the advice from other parents so much. Those who have already gone down that path. For me it was the reason we stumbled through the first time parenting stage, but handled things a little more gracefully with each kid that followed. At the top of the list of things I wish I knew would be products that you can't live without versus products you should skip. When I had Jude I remember buying the wipe warmer, I was sure that changing a babies diaper with a nice warm wipe would be much better than a cold wipe. I was sure in my mind that this would avoid all crying at diaper changes and it would be like a day at the spa. I was so wrong. Fast forward to the 10th diaper change in a day and the wipes are dry from being over heated, and I was just trying to get the diaper changed before I got whizzed on by a baby who could care less if the wipe was warm or cold, he just wanted to be dressed. A nursing pillow though? I passed on that. It seemed bulky and awkward and I didn't see the value. Let's just say after a year of shoving pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals under my arm to support my elbow, a nursing pillow was at the top of my list when I had Abbey. I am not joking when I say it changed my life. So when I was asked if I wanted to try out the Comfort&Harmony Mombo nursing pillow with Penny. I agreed. I still had my old nursing pillow but I was more than willing to try out a new one.

I love the Mombo Nursing Pillow. It is the best nursing pillow It has a soft pillow on top, which is very comfortable, and it has a flat firm foam pillow on the bottom to help support you during a feeding and help support the baby. I also find that is sat really well on the floor due to the flat bottom. There is also a vibration option to help soothe baby. I know babies must like the vibration thing, we have a couple baby items that vibrate but Penny was not a fan of the vibration. Which is fine since it can easily be removed. Penny loves belly time even more with the help of the Mombo because her face and body stay up off the floor.

The Mombo is great for just propping her up so she can see the chaos that is her siblings playing and she has the best seat in the house for it. Even though at nearly 5 months I had to stop nursing Penny I still use the Mombo for all of Penny's feedings (which are about every 2-3 hours throughout the day and night) it helps support both of us even in the bottle feedings and I still feel like we have the bond, which is good because stopping nursing came pretty hard to me. I also just love the look and feel of the Mombo, it is soft and stylish so it doesn't feel super out of place when it is hanging out in the living room.

If you have a newborn or are expecting a baby I would check out the Mombo baby nursing pillows for sure. It is one of the things I wish I knew about back when I had Jude and I know I could not live without one now.

They are available at Toys R Us and Babies R Us.

You can check out Comfort & Harmony on Facebook and follow along with Comfort & Harmony on Twitter for more information.

Also we are giving away a Comfort &Harmony Mombo Nursing Pillow today!

Entry is simple leave a comment on this post telling us why you want a Mombo.

**Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway is open until May 24th 2013, please leave your email address so I can contact the winner. One comment/entry per person. Winner will be notified via email at the close of the giveaway to claim the prize the winner must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be selected**

Super Easy Peasy Baby Headband

2013-05-16T11:30:00.003-07:00

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With a "newborn" (she is almost 5 months old but I still feel like we are in the two week old chaos phase) I need quick and easy projects. Creating something feeds my soul but when I sit down to sew it takes me a week to make a top... yeah. So I LOVE a project that takes less than 5 min and honestly you don't even need a sewing machine you could do a few quick hand stitches and be done. Hence the Super Easy Peasy Baby Headband.

A cute turban inspired head band that is beyond quick and easy and super comfortable for a baby to wear. Which is great because my babies always loose their hair in a bit of an odd pattern and their cute little fuzzy heads look better with a headband.

The cute little twist just adds a little something to the design and they are made from stretchy knit so it's super quick.

Start with a scrap of knit. You want the stretch to run width wise. I made mine a couple inches (3 maybe?) thick and then the width should wrap around the head 2 times a little snug but not too tight. Then sew the strip so you have a large tube. You just have to sew the ends together you can do this with the machine or by hand.

Then twist the big loop to make a figure 8.

Twist the center so it has a full twist and not just one layer laying over the the other.

Then pick it up and you will have a double loop with a twist in it.

pop it on the head and you are good to go. A couple notes. This works best with a knit that has about 50% stretch (can double in size and return) It makes it a little more comfortable to wear. Think knit with spandex or rayon in it. Also knit that is the same on both sides or doesn't have a "wrong" side per say will be best so you don't have to finish any edges or worry about the wrong side showing. If you did use a one sided knit you could sew wrong sides together to create a long tube before sewing the ends together and then all the raw edges would be on the inside.

Since they have stretch they will grow nicely with baby. Now it's time to go make one for every outfit :)

Also Penny has already figured out the camera/phone deal and all smiles go away the instant she sees one... unless you put it off to the side and trick her, but then all the "smile shots" are out of focus. Hopefully she comes around to the idea of smiling for pictures.

The BIG Tote

2013-05-03T10:36:00.002-07:00

Hey guys! I am a wee bit late in getting this post out to you (with a coupon at the end) We went out of town and we tore our house apart the week before we left so it has been a few weeks of total chaos and we had really spotty wifi on vacation so I felt totally disconnected from everything, which I am not going to lie it was kind of nice to just unplug, but now I am way behind on posts, picking a giveaway winner and emails (sorry if you are waiting to hear from me) Anyway Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts contacted me about working with some new fabric from the HGTV Home Decor fabric line. Seeing how I buy about 80% of my sewing and crafting supplies from Jo-Ann (it's literally around the corner from my house) I of course could not say no to the opportunity. They sent me two of the fabrics from the line to work with and come up with a fun project. The fabric is a sturdy home decor fabric so it was perfect for making a big tote bag since I knew it would be durable and I needed a big "carry all" bag. (everything else I used was purchased by me from Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts)

I wanted a leather/pleather bottom and I picked up some awesome faux leather in the remanent bin last time I was there which was perfect. I also used a large zipper, and some rope trim from the trim section for handles. I started by cutting large rectangles out the size I wanted my bag to be (and the length of the zipper across the top) I cut the outside layer a little short so I could make the bottom of the bag from the faux leather.

Then I started by sewing the faux leather to the outside pieces so they were now one large piece the same size as the lining.

Then sandwich the zipper between the lining and the outer piece. The zipper should face the outside piece not the lining (I had to unpick and re-do that...it happens)

Then open that up flat and do the same with the other side of the zipper sandwiching it between the lining and the outer.

Then with the lining right sides together and the outside pieces right side together sew along the outside edge skipping over the center where the zipper is, and leave an opening in the lining so you can turn it all right side out. (ignore the fact that the pictures are jumping all over the place and remember that we are tearing the house apart so I was moving where ever I could work for a moment :)

Then so that the bag stands up flat, box out the corners by folding the corner and then sewing a straight line across.

Turn the tote right side out and hand stitch closed the opening in the lining.

Next I added the handles by cutting out little curved pieces from the faux leather and then sewing the trim down in the piece.

Lastly to reinforce the zipper end and fasten it down I added a faux leather tab and then stitched it down in place with the zipper ends tucked in.

Then I had a nice BIG tote that is lined and cute and can hold everything but the kitchen sink.

The fabric is amazing to work with since it is so durable and will hold up really well to lots of use.

Even though I am so late getting you this coupon code you can save 10% on your HGTV Fabrics and Trims through tomorrow! They have some really pretty designs!

Children's Fashion Workshop Giveaway

2013-04-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have a great giveaway for you today! Children's Fashion Workshop is great site to help you design any child's pattern you can dream up. It is really cool! Especially if you are new to designing for your self but really want to start somewhere. She has basic block patterns in a wide range of sizes to help get you started and lessons so you can learn how to add ease, collars, pockets, anything you can possibly desire you can learn how to draft.

I worked with the basic bodice, and showed you what I made just a few days ago adding bubble sleeves to a top.

And you know even though I draft patterns a lot, there is always something new to learn and that's what is really fun about using the blocks and lessons.

Today Children's Fashion Workshop is giving away:
One pattern set (which includes 3 sizes of either a bodice or pant)
and
Two lessons of your choice.

Pretty sweet!

To enter check out Children's Fashion Workshop and leave a comment telling me what you are dying to draft/design.

Giveaway will be open until May 1st 2013 Winner will be selected on May 2nd 2013

Good luck!

The Good the Bad and the Ugly (behind the scenes)

2013-04-21T16:14:00.001-07:00

Project run and play is wrapping up (last chance to go vote it ends tonight) I thought it would be fun to show you the "behind the scenes" since there is a lot that goes on that doesn't get seen during the competition. Week one I started back in December (actually the first sneak peek would have been during my "day of 12" pictures as I worked on it that day) It was one of those rare projects that literally came together exactly how I had hoped and besides the last min addition of leggings I was just tickled pink. Then we went to go shoot it, we went to my husbands work and I wanted her to just stand in the hall. It was Saturday the place was empty the lighting was perfect and Abbey? She was afraid to stand in the hall. Her dad walked her to the spot she should stand and it took her quite a while to open up. So I gave her my phone and she had a pretend phone call... then she was dancing and hamming it up for the camera and this was one of my favorite shoots of all time. If only all the sewing for the competition could have been like week one...

Week two was one of my hardest weeks. I loved the fabric but every time I looked at it I drew a blank. I finally decided that I would give some wide leg "sailor" inspired pants a try. So I made them. (it's ok if you like them) I hated them. They were all kinds of coo coo crazy and should probably be burned. So I decided to make a shirt dress. I mixed stripes in with the chevron and I kind of liked it (the striped leggings were not part of the look, she was just wearing them, I am not that crazy) So I didn't hate the shirt dress but it was nothing special, and not my favorite... so I scratched it again and decided to move on to week 3.

When I finally came back to the week 2 challenge my mind was refreshed and I was able to make the dress that I loved. Funny thing from the shoot. Abbey was LOVING the shoot. She was the best she has ever been and every picture was my new favorite. We had traveled out to an abandoned dead end road to take the pictures and everything was going great when out of nowhere this car (seen above) comes right towards us. I figured they had to be lost. They park right where we were taking pictures and then get out of the car and walk off into the woods. It was weird, and slightly annoying. So it was a good thing Abbey was being awesome or the shoot would have been ruined.

Then there was week 3. I made the most pieces for week 3. I started with embroidery. (on the shirt in the bottom left picture) I was worried I wouldn't get done in time or that I wouldn't like it since finding time to embroider with 2 kids and a newborn was a little challenging so I worked up a back up plan. I made the shirt in the top left corner, which had the peter pan collar, and rows of ruffles and pleats. Then I pinned it on her (in the picture it is pinned) I was just not loving it, so I made a back up plan with this awesome sheer fabric and gold trim, sadly I didn't measure well and as you can see it was Horrid. It did not fit at all and looked like trash but I liked the collar, so I saved it and made yet another top using the circle neckline... only it was all kinds of odd fitting... and again not quite right. (you can also see the jeans after the first die bath but before the second. So since my back up plans were bombing, I decided I better finish the embroider and I finished the top... sadly I cut the skirt on the wrong grain and I cut the back to wide and low... It was such a sad disaster. So I called my shwin. We walked through a better plan and....

The result was just what I could have hoped for. I guess sometimes you have to go through the bad and the ugly to get to the good. The photo shoot on the other hand? I had almost no time to shoot because our sunny bright and warm weather was going away not to return so I literally finished and we hurried outside to take pictures before the rain came... and it started to rain... Abbey was mad. She kept looking up to the sky in concern, freaking out with every drop that would land on her... and getting mad and her brother who was teasing her, then she came up with some err interesting poses...

The final week was the only other week that I knew what I wanted to make from the start and it all came together pretty well. The only issue I had was that I wanted Navy gingham for Jude's shirt, but I couldn't find any, which actually turned out ok since I really like the mint and I was able to use the chevron tie I had planned on using during week 2. I could have actually used Jude's whole outfit during week 2 but I wanted to save it for the formal week. The outtakes during the photo shoot which got moved inside after 2 failed attempts were pretty funny. Taking pictures of two kids proved to be a little more challenging that on the weeks with just one, mainly because they were just goofing off.

So It's over and done and it was a lot of fun, the girls are all so great and the talent is amazing.
Remember you can still hop over to vote through tonight.

Two of us {week 4 formal wear challenge}

2013-04-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

The final week of Project Run and Play! The final challenge is Spring formal wear. When we first got the themes back in December I knew exactly what I was going to make for week one and week four. The weeks in the middle? Not so much in fact I made 3-4 looks for each week. However back in December I was already dreaming of Spring and I knew just what I wanted to make. I wanted to design something for both kids and I wanted to play off their personalities.

Head here to vote for you favorite!

For Jude I went very casual for the formal wear. I made him shorts since to me boys in the spring time are running around and falling and this way he can look more formal with the trouser style shorts but not have to worry about grass stains or tears in the knees of his pants.

The shorts which are basically shorts versions of the Number 9 Trousers have faux flap pockets in the back because I wanted the look of the flap but I didn't want the corners curling up or the pockets looking sloppy, and since the back pockets are almost never used anyway I just skipped them. So they are sewn down around the edges and then I added two vintage buttons.

The shirt is a slim fit color blocked collared shirt. It is a lot like the Maxwell Top only I started from scratch to draft the shirt so it had a slimmer fit, and it had pleats in the back and a stand collar so he could wear a tie. I also added color blocked stripes across the chest and color blocked the pockets to follow the chevron lines in the tie. The tie is something I had cut out and planned to make during week two since I was using the chevron fabric, but I never ended up making an outfit for Jude during week two, but the tie was perfect for this week. The navy and white chevron offer a great pop against the mint, white and grey.

Then there is Abbey. She is a spunky little girl who loves to wear twirly dresses, or princess dresses. So I knew I needed to give her a super fun silhouette. The dress started with the most gorgeous loose weave linen in bright coral. As a linen lover the fabric was just heaven. It had a great drape and flow but also held some shape really well.

The dress started with constructing a slip dress of sorts, layers and layers of gathered white tulle were sewn to the fully lined white bodice. This gave the base of a super full and puffy dress. Then I attached the pleated skirt to the bodice. I added hand beading in a water fall effect over the shoulder. I used a mix of 5 different beads to get the effect I wanted and it pulled all the colors from both outfits together.

The bodice is cut with a ballerina style neck line and V in the back. A navy ribbon ties around the waist and really pops with the colors. The skirt also got a thick heavy hem to keep the skirt weighed down a bit since the light fabric and layers of tulle would have made the skirt easily fly away.

This may have been my favorite week, I loved designing for Jude sewing for boys is a lot of fun and Jude is at an age were he once again loves wearing what I make for him, he was also getting jealous of Abbey and all of her fittings and photo shoots so he was thrilled to be a part of it all. Even if half the pictures were with him being a bit of a goon. You can go HERE to vote.

And just for fun a little recap of the past 4 weeks looks. The whole competition has been so much fun, I loved sewing along with super talented ladies each week. They are all the nicest most amazing ladies. I have made some of my most favorite pieces, and now its time for a vacation :)

Adding bubble sleeves to a top

2013-04-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well friends I am finally done sewing for project run and play! The final looks go up tomorrow (and I am super excited about them!) What does this mean? Well dinner for my family, time with my husband at night, and back to sewing quick and easy projects. I can also get around to sharing the projects I had been working on but never blogged since apparently I only have time for one thing at a time ha! So a while back (like February) I was contacted by Erin from Children's Fashion Workshop. If you have always wanted to make your own designs but struggle with drafting a basic bodice and sleeve to start things off, then you will find your solution here. She has basic bodices and sleeves for infant-10 years, you will also find basic pants.

She gave me a basic bodice and sleeve block to play around with and even though the possibilities are endless, I went with a basic tee, my daughters favorite and I added a bubble sleeve like I had on the Modern Artist Dress. Even though it was done a little different for the knit the concept is the same. (let's all ignore the little pucker at the shoulder... I should fix it, but I didn't eh)

The knit is a super soft and stretchy knit that my husband picked up for me at Britex Fabrics in San Francisco. The knit is heavenly and since I accidentally saw how much he spent on it I have been holding on to it for a year now, but I finally bit the bullet and made a tee shirt, and I love it. I have enough left for one more project so now I just get to decide what to save it for :)

So starting off, I used the basic bodice and sleeve in the size 4T. The are designed with 10% ease (plenty for a tee) You do have to add your own seam allowance, and then all I did was lengthen the bodice and alter the neckline so it was a little wider. I cut the sleeve nice and short (more on the sleeve later)

So I cut a front and back bodice, and then since it was a tee I cut some neck ribbing. It should be a strip about 1.5 inches thick and wide enough to fit around the head when stretched.

For the sleeve. I cut one sleeve at the regular size slightly shorter than I want the sleeve to be. Then I cut a second one that is wider and longer, that is the bubble layer.

Now to sew the tee sew the front and back at the shoulders.

Then sew the neck ribbing to form a loop. Fold the loop in half width wise. Then pin in place at the front back and shoulders. You will have to stretch the ribbing as you sew.

Then top stitch the ribbing in place again stretching as you sew.

Now for the sleeve. If you are not using a knit you will want to gather the bottom edge, but since I was using a knit I just stretched the regular sleeve to fit as I sewed them together. To do this pin the middle of the two sleeves together then pin the two sides together and stretch as you sew.

The bubble layer will be all nicely gathered.

Then gather the top of the bubble layer sleeve. Fold the sleeve so the raw edges meet up.

Then sew the sleeve into the arm curve. You will sew the bubble edge to the right side of the shirt and sew through both sleeve layers.

Then with right sides together sew the sides of the shirt. Lastly hem the bottom and done.

As you can see simple changes to a basic block pattern can create endless design possibilities. Over at Children's Fashion Workshop you will also find lessons so you can learn how to add different design elements.

I know I had fun playing with the basic bodice.

All You Need is Love {and patience) Week 3 look

2013-04-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

This week the challenge at Project Run and Play was "it's all in the details" I thought to myself when is sewing not in the details? Every stitch, button, ruffle, fabric choice, it's always all about the details. So I thought about how I could take the details and make them both pop and be subtle at the same time. It all started with the top.

This was a design that I had been dreaming up ever since I made this top and I finally decided now was the time to execute the design. Which I did twice since my first one had some really unfortunate mishaps, but I may share it later this week. The top has 3 layers of a circle skirt hem each one with a rolled hem. I knew I wanted to focus on embroidery for the challenge since it was and is my first love. (even before sewing) So I stitched up hundreds of little french knots to form a heart. The design was made to look like birds flying in to form the heart, and the knots fade in the same ombre effect as the pants. I also embroidered the words "All you need is love" along the bottom of the heart. It was truly a labor of love. I got really good at stitching french knots while nursing a baby or rocking a baby to sleep.

The sleeves are pretty little gathered sleeves that are finished off with the contrast of a nice smooth band. I had fun mixing with textures and subtle design options.

The back is quite possibly my favorite element the low swoop perfect for warm summer days. The back overlaps and buttons into place. The skirt pieces are cut and matched to look like one continuous piece even though they are not.

The pants were also one of my favorite pieces. I used a white stretch denim and made some lovely rita skinnies, only I left off the button tabs, added a back yoke,and faux fly and cropped them a little shorter so they were ankle length. Then I dip dyed the bottom in a pink dye bath, and then put the whole thing in a blue dye bath. The result is a lovely blue that fades into a purple. I love the blue but my daughter won't wear anything these days if it doesn't have pink or purple on it.

If you have been around the blog long enough you may know that I am a bit of a Beatles fan. (quite a bit actually) I am often influenced in my designs by their music, although not always in a super obvious way. There are detail elements that are influenced by a total of 6 different songs. It was kind of fun to hide them away in the details, which really just make it special to me.

The last element, to top of this feminine and flouncy outfit was the tulle bow. I have a tutorial for that coming up. So hop on over to Project run and play to cast your vote!

The Modern Artist {Tutorial of sorts}

2013-04-08T10:49:00.001-07:00

You know how they say time flies when you are having fun? Well it also flies when you are not... Ha! I am only kidding we have been having fun, and only a little hair pulling :) The kids were on Spring break, but we were super smart and planned our Spring break trip for later this month... all this means is the kids were home all day and we had nothing to do. I thought they would play and the baby would sleep with out being woken up to make school runs and I would get a lot of sewing in, I was wrong. We had a birthday to celebrate, and the kids wanted to be constantly entertained. So that's what we did instead. It really wasn't all bad but I was pretty glad to have school start back up. Now I don't have to hear "I'm bored" all day. I also have time to share some stuff. Like a nice little mini tutorial for the Modern Artist dress.

Remember I said I was enjoying "free sewing" for Project run and play? Yeah this means I didn't stop to take many step by step tutorial pictures. However, I do have some for the peplum, and I can walk you through the rest.

So for the dress in general I drafted the whole thing up fresh because I wanted that "perfect fit" So since Abbey is between sizes for patterns right now so I usually have to take in some areas and let out others anyway. If you want a pattern the dress is basically the bodice from this free pattern And the peplum style from The Claire (coming soon in larger sizes but you can snag the old pattern for $5.00)

So for the peplum. I cut out a bunch of random sizes of squares and rectangles in all the colors I wanted to use. I think a bunch of neon and neutral colors would look amazing but I tried to stay as close to the Mondrian art but using fresh and current versions of those colors, like lime green and magenta pink. I cut them out and then laid out the design I wanted in a rectangle.

Then I sewed each section together.

And then sewed all of those sections together so it was one big piece. Over all I wanted the piece to be the length of the peplum I desired, and the width was the hip measurement X 1.5. (I divided that by two so I made a front and back)

Then I used black twill tape and sewed it down on both sides covering every seam. I did the cross sections first so the twill tape from top to bottom would cover the raw edges. Then I sewed the side edges together so it was one large skirt. I finished the bottom edge with bias tape.

I added the peplum at the waist between the skirt and bodice. I added pleats to fit the peplum to the waist.

The bodice is fully lined just like this pattern, only I used an exposed zipper instead. I also added bubble sleeves, which I will hopefully be putting together a tutorial for here soon, they are fun.

The collar is bias tape, I used the smallest bias tape I could and finished the neckline with it and then using disappearing ink I traced a collar design on and then sewed the bias tape down following the line.

The leggings are made following this tutorial, only I did end up just hemming the leg instead of adding the cuff...

The leggings are made from a very thin and stretchy lycra knit, The dress is made from a stretch poplin, the peplum is made from kona cottons and twill tape.

Later this week I have a tutorial of sorts for the Chevron Dress.

Project Run&Play week 2 {Chevron Challenge}

2013-04-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Week two is here! Week two for project run&play was the chevron challenge. We were given 2 yards of our choice in color of the chevron fabric from Riley Blake. I decided on the navy, figuring it was a good "basic" color that could easily be used for any design. I designed and made two looks before this one. (I may share them someday) I started with pants, they were a bit wild, then I made a top, and it just didn't wow me. Then I was nearly out of fabric and knew I had to make the last one count. :) Plan C came through for me. Good old faithful plan C. I decided I needed to focus on the things that I love and that the design would come together.

So I went with a color blocked skirt that I pieced together using coral and sea foam green cotton. I went with a really full gathered skirt so it was fun and girly.

The top has a circle neckline with a button closure int he back and is all trimmed out with bias tape I made with the same fabric from the skirt.

The back is split down the back so it is easy to get on and off, and I matched up the chevron print so it looks like one piece, which also over laps so you don't get a gapping back. The dress can be worn by itself for a perfect everyday dress.

I also made a navy petti skirt out of tulle to add a fancy flair. My daughter loves to feel like a princess these days and fun fluffy skirt did just the trick.

The skirt had twirl-abilty and that made for a fun dress for this little girl who could not stop twirling all about.

Abbey was simply in love with her new dress, and I loved the play with the circle neck line, chevron bodice, and striped skirt. It had a geometric flair in its subtle way and that sums up my design quite well.

So head on over to Project Run&Play and cast your vote for this weeks looks.

A Wash Test and giveaway

2013-04-01T12:00:00.001-07:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cottonelle for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was able to try out Clean Care toilet paper and flushable wipes by Cottonelle recently and wrote about the great toilet paper debate we have in our house. We have tried out the flushable wipes now for over a month and I have to say going back to regular dry toilet paper. For me the "ah ha" moment was when I was changing Penny's diaper. What do you use? baby wipes. Wet, heavy duty baby wipes, not toilet paper, toilet paper would just make a mess, and not get anything clean. So why do we stop? Why do I think that my toddler can get clean just by using toilet paper? Sometimes especially when it comes kids getting clean flushable wipes just make sense. Part of the challenge by Cottonelle was to come up with my own wash test. They point out that you wouldn't wash your car without water why would you not use water to get clean in other ways? **Scroll down the the bottom for info on how you can win your own

So I challenged my husband to wash these dishes without using water.

So he took some soap and a dry sponge and wiped the dishes.

And voila! Clean enough to eat on right? Wrong! Turns out you really need water to get things clean, so why not sue that thought everywhere? Nothing leaves you cleaner than the Cottonelle fresh care flushable wipes

Cottonelle is also sharing their own hidden camera wash test videos that you can check out.

Like this one here:

You can also test your own cleaning logic and enter to win $10,000 for a bathroom makeover enter now until June 30th.

Today you can enter to win a Cottonelle care package of your own containing Clean Care toilet paper and flushable wipes.

To enter Simply Like Cottonelle on Facebook and Follow Cottonelle on Twitter then Leave a comment on this post saying why you want to win and leave your email address so the winner can be contacted.

sweepstakes rules

The Modern Artist

2013-03-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

It is time for the week one challenge of Project Run and Play All Stars! I honestly can't get over the fact that someone out there thinks I am an all star but this has been the most fun I have had sewing in a long time and I am so honored that I am sewing amongst friends. To say I "needed" this may be a little crazy but really, I needed this. It was so fun to challenge myself, to think out side the box and to stretch my creativity, and really to just sew freely. When I first saw the themes that the girls were kind enough to give us back in December, I was pretty stumped by the Art Challenge. That is until I googled "art".

The first piece that came up was a piece I remember seeing in the Art Museum when I was a little girl. It was my favorite piece and really I have always been drawn to the modern art movement. I always felt empowered when I saw squares, lines, and splatters hanging in famous museums, because I would think "I can do that!" In fact if it wasn't for modern art I would feel like art was unattainable. (if you saw me draw a sorry excuse for a stick figure you would understand) I took the challenge fairly literal.

I made the dress a solid white canvas with a color blocked pieced peplum. The collar which is made by shaping bias tape is intended to look drawn on. I also added a short bubble sleeve to play with shapes and silhouettes.

I made the dress back in December and had Abbey try it on, it fit like a glove and I did a happy dance, so happy I guess that I started having contractions and we went into labor and delivery. It was a false alarm, and we had a really fun waiting game back and forth until Penny was born and the dress waited patiently in Abbey's closet until a few weeks ago when we were ready to go take pictures. Do you know what happens in a few months time? Kids grow. So the once perfect dress was now too short. However as Tim Gunn would say "make it work" so the dress, became a tunic and I whipped up a pair of leggings to wear underneath. Honestly I love it even more as a tunic than I did as a dress, and so does Abbey because she loves any chance she can have to wear leggings.

The back has an exposed zipper in bright green. The splash of color that pulls from the peplum added an industrial feel to the modern art piece, and I love the pop of interest to the back.

I love the shape of the peplum, which I have a mini tutorial for later next week. It has a few pleats that help give it shape and form and add to the flair.

I used a stretch poplin for the dress so it has comfortable easy fit for an active little girl.

She was quite pleased with the dress and thats all that really matters.

So head on over to Project Run and Play and vote for your favorite look.

Project Run and Play All Stars

2013-03-28T10:34:00.001-07:00

Project Run and Play All Stars started up this week! Tomorrow is the big day for week one looks! I am beyond excited! We have been sharing behind the scenes sneak peeks on instagram using the hashtag #prapallstars (follow along @shwinpics) I thought I would share the sneak peeks here for those of you who are not on Instagram. I have been having a lot of fun! Sewing, and taking pictures. Even stepping out of my comfort zone (sorry back yard fence, you will be missed)

Using fabrics and supplies I have never used before, and some that are old favorites. It's been a fun mix.

And with everything a LOT of trial and error. I have officially started 10 looks so far, and I have finished 5 and used 4. Some I will share here but honestly I have been having so much fun "free sewing" I don't have a lot of tutorials, just some mini tutorials, or a few "this is how I did it"

Some new techniques have been a lot of fun to try out even if they have been time consuming.

Abbey has even been very involved in the design process, I wanted to make sure she truly loved everything which is partly why so many things are being scrapped... she is picky!

Here is the only sneak peek I have for tomorrows look. In case you are sewing along it's inspired by art and it's fun!

Nowhere Man Pants Pattern

2013-03-26T08:53:00.001-07:00

As you know I am updating all of my old patterns and adding new sizes to many of them. It's a fun under taking, since I am loving the chance to sew them all up again, and add some fun new details when I can. Of course when I add new sizes or new details I am also offering a discount code to those of you who purchased the pattern already. (I am not however offering a code on the patterns that don't have added sizes or style options like the Maggie Mae and the soon to be re-released Abbey Jacket and Prudence Jacket) Today is the day for the Nowhere Man Pants. They are Jude's favorite pants. He told me so :)

A year ago when I first released the pattern I made him some awesome green linen pants in a 4T (he was just a little guy) Only a year has past and he is already in a 6! We went with a light weight light colored denim that I used the reverse side as the right side. My husband thinks they are 70's but hey, I guess I have a thing for the 70's.

I love the Nowhere Man Pants because kids are free to move and be kids without the pants restricting them in anyway. Jude thinks they feel like sweatpants, but they look like real pants so it's a win win over here. (he has been forbidden from wearing sweatpants out of the house) The new pattern also includes a back yoke option so they can be like real jeans, and a faux fly option. They can also be the cute and basic pant if you are just starting out. Nothing tricky here.

Just comfortable cool relaxed pants. Perfect really for a boy or girl, but I make them mainly for my little guy.

And for these ones I even added an extra two inches to the hem so they can be let out as he grows, which seems to be all to quickly these days.
You can find the new updated pattern in the shop HERE

And if you purchased the Nowhere Man Pants already send me an email with the paypal email address, order number or a forward of the download email and I will send you a discount code so you can upgrade your pattern if you would like.

Sunshine&Submarines

2013-03-25T09:24:00.002-07:00

Well friends the Sun&Surf collection has come to an end. Thanks so much to all of you for the excitement and overwhelming response! We are already busy planning and dreaming our Back to School collection and all I can say is it's going to be good! So the patterns from the collection have been released in all of our own shops now, which means if you sadly missed out on the collection or were waiting to snag up just one or two patterns you can do that now. I thought I would blog about the two patterns I shared that are now in my shop. The Sunshine Dress is seriously one of my favorite dresses.

Even though we have had a very snowy Winter and Spring (don't worry she was only standing in the cold for a few min.) The dress brings a certain amount of sunshine with it, and would make a perfect Easter Dress if you are like me and still haven't started them yet. (I still have time till the day of right?)

Buttons down the back, big bubble skirt, and draw string hem are just the start of why I love this dress.

I also love the curved bodice, pleated front and little peeks of trim. In case you are wondering I used a Mustard Linen for the bodice, because I love linen, and I pieced the skirt (the instructions include how to do that) I used a lightweight denim and cream colored shirting fabric, I love all the texture from the 3 different fabrics. You can find the Sunshine Dress HERE

You know I love sewing for my little guy. I kind of love the challenge of coming up with something "different" since boys styles don't seem to change as much as girls do. So with the Submarine Pullover I added lots of fun pockets, convertible sleeve and and extra large placket. Not only are extra large plackets a little easier to sew especially if it is your first, but it's a fun statement especially since you can use extra large buttons :)

It has elastic at the waist but I have made Jude several now and skipped the elastic in a few and I love it just as much. The pockets are fun to mix and match, with this one I reversed the denim on the pocket, and added a rivet to the corner. It was a fun and easy thing to make it just a little more special.

The sleeves can be worn up or down with button tabs that hold them in place and the hood is a cute detail that is fully lined so it adds a fun place to stick a pop of color, or a cool lining, like super heros, bicycles or animals, you know all the things boys love without having an entire shirt made out of it. (by the way he is also wear the #9 trousers in the pictures)

This pullover is made from a light weight denim, but I have also made this in linen (a favorite) and a shirting fabric, it can be made in nearly nay fabric, it could also be made in a sweatshirt material for a more traditional hoodie.
You can find the pattern HERE

Sun&Surf Pattern Tour Looks

2013-03-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

It's your last chance today to buy the Sun & Surf Collection by Pattern Anthology . After today these patterns will be available individually in the individual designers' shops at full retail price, but they will never again be available in this discounted bundle. In case you're still not convinced that you need them, here's another roundup of what sewists around blogland are doing with these patterns. Click on any picture to go to the complete post.

Coastal Cargos by Delica Creates

Surfer Slacks and Beachy Boatneck by The Sewing Rabbit at Me Sew Crazy

Submarine Pullover by Skirt as top

Carousel Top by Craftiness is Not Optional

Beachy Boatneck and Santa Monica Cinch by The Cottage Mama

Andrea, in addition to designing two of these patterns, has been sharing several additional looks: Beachy Boatneck by The Train to Crazy at Alida Makes
Boardwalk Skirt at The Train to Crazy

Carousel Top at The Train to Crazy Beachy Boatnecks at The Train to Crazy
boardwalk skirt by Crafty Tammie via Flickr
Surfer Slacks at Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Sunshine Dress by The Crafting Fiend
If you've made a version of one of these patterns, we'd love to see it in our Flickr pool, so we can pin it to Pattern Anthology on Pinterest.

3 Months Old

2013-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet Penny is 3 months old today. The three months have both gone by in the blink of an eye and they have been some of the longest months of my life. Penny is a sweet little girl, with a smile that will melt your heart in an instant.

She is my tiny little peanut, 3 months old and just now approaching 10 pounds. I appreciate her staying small, I feel like it is prolonging her squishy little baby stage. Like she knows that I needed this. She has brought a joy to our home and I simply love seeing how Jude and Abbey care for her.

Having three kids hasn't been easy, some days its been downright hard. Meeting the needs of a school kid, a preschooler, and an infant can seem impossible when they all come at you at once. Finding the balance in life has been challenging, figuring out how to "do it all" is proving to be a difficult task. Like with most things the addition of something new means the subtraction of something old.

In this case the new addition is far better than the things I have had to give up, like blogging late into the evenings, that time is now spent feeding and rocking a baby, stealing some cuddles, and then getting a little rest before I do it again and again every couple hours that follow. We are just finally getting on a nap schedule, which helps. Nap time means sewing time, and me time.

The days are not perfect, the schedule is not yet consistent, and there are still plenty of moments where tears are shed, and breakdowns occur. (both mine and the kids) yet with all the colic, chaos and adjustments being made, 3 months in and I simply can't imagine or remember life without our dear sweet Penny.

A little while back on a particularly challenging day a sweet package arrived in the mail. It was the type of mail that turns your whole day around. A pair of beautifully packaged, hand embroidered loveys. My lovely sponsor Dolce Dreams, sent me two loveys for little miss Penny. One with the ultra soft Minky backing with Penny lovingly hand embroidered in the middle. The other with the new Organic backing which is soft and cuddly and had a hand embroidered P in the center, clean and classy looking.

The loveys are soft, and sized perfectly for little babies to love. The little ribbons are easy for babies to hold on to. Nathalie delivers a perfect and gorgeous product. Her hand embroidery is perfection and makes the lovey a cherished belonging. She pairs fabrics together perfectly. I am absolutely in love with the loveys and I know Penny will love them forever.

Sun&Surf Pattern Tour

2013-03-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok this post was going to go up Saturday... the Sunday...Then Monday... clearly it did not, I feel like I am holding out some awesomeness on you, but life with a newborn can be like that. Sometimes I feel like I am in some kind of coma and I wake up wondering what day (and year) it is, like time has passed without me knowing or allowing it to do so. I don't remember it being that way with the other two kids but maybe 3 is the magic time sucking number? Any way I digress, on the all the awesomeness that I have been holding back. The Sun&Surf tour is well underway which means you only have 6 more days to buy the full collection! So let me show you all the great things that have been made:

Starting with Costal Cargos, Sabra rocked out this pair, as well as the very "costal worthy" pictures. She is awesome.

Elsie Marley also knocked it out of the park with this hip version of costal cargos

Mama Says Sew made theses great costal cargos and the boardwalk skirt. I love them both and they totally go together!

A Girl and a Glue Gun also made a boardwalk skirt, with some lovely lace detail.

The girl inspired made the most perfect carousel top that makes me want one in my size.

The Cottage Mama made the Beachy Boatneck and the Santa Monica Cinch Jacket. I just love them both especially how she completes the looks.

Last but not least the adorable Sunshine Dresses, first It's Always Autumn made this adorable plaid version

Grovvy baby and mama made two I love the floral top with the solid fabric she did for this one

And the shorter overall print she made with this one. Both simply lovely.

We have also had testers, and others share the thing they made using the patterns and they are all so great! (click on the pictures to check out more details)

Source: boyohboyohboycrafts.com via Melissa (Melly Sews) on Pinterest

Source: handmademartini.blogspot.com via Melissa (Melly Sews) on Pinterest

Source: thetraintocrazy.com via kate / on Pinterest

Source: ifonlytheywouldnap.wordpress.com via Melissa (Melly Sews) on Pinterest

Source: onceuponasewingmachine.com via kate / on Pinterest

Source: ifonlytheywouldnap.wordpress.com via Melissa (Melly Sews) on Pinterest

Source: sewchibi.com via kate / on Pinterest

good news!
Jessica from The Sewing Rabbit put together a simply amazing Spring Giveaway and it includes the chance to win a copy of the whole collection! Click Here for More Details

Spring Giveaway!

2013-03-18T20:56:00.003-07:00

With warmer temperatures around the corner, we want to help you get inspired for Spring!

Some fantastic bloggers and companies have teamed up to help you get your Spring Sewing On. Enter the Sewing Collection Giveaway for your chance to win one of SIX incredible prizes. The total of all prizes is valued at more than $2,000! Get inspired this Spring!

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Pfaff® ambition essential™

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Andover Fabrucs || Pattern Anthology || Pellon || Sewing for Boys Book

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Aurifil || Pellon || Raspberry Creek Fabrics || LilyGiggle || Riley Blake Designs ----------------------------------

Craftsy || One Girl Circus || Pellon || Create Kids Couture || Fat Quarter Shop ----------------------------------

Cricut || Pellon || The Fabric Fairy || Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop ----------------------------------

Violette Field Threads || Pick Your Plum || Pellon || Sew it Girl || Banberry Place ---------------------------------- Let's get inspired for Spring!

To enter, simply like all of the Facebook pages below...

***Make sure you only enter ONCE, because this form is shared on participating sites. Duplicate entries will be deleted, giveaway ends Tuesday, March 25th. Good luck!***

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This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. No purchase necessary. For alternate entry, e-mail jgerblick(at)hotmail(dot)com with your full name and the subject line “Spring Sewing Collection Contest.” The sponsors will ship all prizes within 7 days of the end of the giveaway. Giveaway starts Monday, March 18th at 3 am EST and ends Monday, March 25th at 8 am EST. Once the giveaway ends, winners will be chosen using Random.org and contacted within 24 hours by e-mail. The main contest post at MeSewCrazy.com will be updated with winners’ names once we’ve heard back from them. Winners will need to respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen. Some giveaways open worldwide.

Maggie Mae {with a pocket}

2013-03-14T12:48:00.001-07:00

Today I re-released the Maggie Mae Tunic/Dress pattern. (Before you ask no I don't have a code for an upgrade on the pattern I simply put the two sizes together and reformatted the pattern to match my current standard no major changes) You can now buy one pattern and get all the sizes so that's cool 6m-10 years all in one. I thought it was high time to make Abbey a new Maggie Mae since I simply love them and she out grew her other ones. I fell in love all over again.

I used the same slub linen from Jo-anns that I used for the first one I ever made and it's really my favorite it has such great flow. You know how some fabrics can make or break a pattern? This one just always makes it awesome for me. Then for the accent fabric I used Simpatico Organic Pink and Golden Chevrons Yardage Cloud9 Organic Fabrics I got it from my lovely sponsors Fat Quarter Shop a while back and it was just waiting for the perfect use. It was a match made in heaven.

Then to be a little different I added a pocket on the chest (my new obsession is with small little pockets; you have been warned) Adding the pocket was really easy, I thought about making the curve go through the pocket to match up with the bodice but my sleep deprived brain thought a square would be ~~best~~ easiest.

So I cut out a square, folded in the top and sides the folded up the bottom corners.

Then I folded up the bottom little flap.

I added some gold bias tape to the top and then double stitched the pocket in place.

It's a fun accent and as I said I have become obsessed with little pockets.

I will always love the Maggie Mae, Abbey likes them to they are so easy to wear she is comfortable and carefree and I smile every time I catch a glimpse of her in it.

So you can grab a copy of the pattern yourself in the shop now with all the sizes in one :)

A Maxwell and some Skinnies

2013-03-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

So I know you are probably thinking the blog has been taken over with pattern posts. What with the Spring Pattern line, and the launch of Pattern Anthology, and the re-release of my early patterns, and last but not least Project run and play sewing... so in between the quiet moments of a baby sleeping, and kids playing my sewing machine has been humming, and it feels great! So I have exciting tutorials to share later but for now fun patterns! Like the grad re-release of the Lovely Rita Skinnies.

The Lovely Rita Skinnies are a fun and hip skinny fit pant that can be made with or without the button flap, and they have front and back pockets. Abbey is also wearing the Sunshine Dress as a tunic (one of the options from the pattern)

The re-release of the Lovely Rita Skinnies has new extended sizes so it is now available in 12-18m - 8Years perfect for the little girl in your life.

For the boys in your life there is the re-release of the Maxwell Top. It is my favorite shirt for boys, dressy and casual at the same time. It has a fun military-esque feel to it and since it has a long body and relaxed fit the top I made Jude over a year ago still fits him, just a little shorter and slimmer.
Jude is also wearing the Number 9 Trousers

The maxwell top has a cute little back yoke which is always fun to customize with pops of color.

The re-release of the maxwell top has extended sizes the pattern is now:
12-18m - 8Years Lots of fun sewing!

I have also made these patterns a few other times you can see those here:
Lovely Rita Skinnies paired with the Lucy Tunic
Lovely Rita Skinnies paired with the Love is in the air top

A checkered Maxwell
A polo Maxwell Remix
A mini Maxwell

Pattern Anthology {A Spring Collection}

2013-03-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well friends the day has come! If you follow me on facebook (shwinandshwin) or Instagram (shwinpics) then you have seen some sneak peeks about a super secret project I have been working on. A few months ago Andrea (Go to Pattern shop) emailed me and asked if I wanted to participate in a pattern collection. I was close to due with Penny, and feeling like I wasn't getting much done, so naturally I said yes :) Actually I thought it was a really exciting idea and that it would be a fun project to work on and distract me in those final weeks. I am so glad I said yes! This has been the most fun I have had designing in a long time. Along with Kate (see kate sew) and Melissa (blank slate patterns) The 4 of us had brainstorming meetings, secret pin boards and countless email exchanges as we worked together to create a cohesive and complete pattern collection for boys and girls. Available for a limited time you can buy the entire collection!

The Entire collection includes 4 patterns for boys (Surfer Slacks, Costal Cargos, Beachy Boatneck, and Submarine Pullover) and 4 patterns for girls (Santa Monica Cinch, Sunshine Dress, Carousel Top,and Boardwalk Skirt) all in a wide range of sizes. You can get all 8 patterns for 39.95!

Incase the whole collection is more than you want or need you can also buy the "mini collections" The Sun Collection for girls, has all 4 girl Patterns.

The Sun collection includes some adorable patterns to dress a girl for spring and summer.

The sunshine Dress which was my contribution to the collection is a fun sun dress with a draw string at the bottom to create a fun and full bubble effect to the skirt.

It also has a curved bodice which adds a nice little design element and pleated front bodice. So there is a lot of little style details while being carefree and fun.

The super sweet and talented Kate designed the one of a kind Santa Monica Cinch jacket. It has lovely pleat detail and a back bow that has just the kind of feminine touch that makes the jacket amazing. Front collar and button closure make the jacket. I especially love that the lining pops what a fun way to add a pop of color or design.

Andrea is amazing with knits and her Carousel Top pattern is amazing. It's not just a tee shirt but a super girly fun top with a keyhole opening in the back and amazing gathered detail to make the top anything but ordinary.

Andrea also designed the gorgeous Boardwalk Skirt. A fun drawstring skirt with a peek-a-boo layer that has many customizable options so the skirt choices are endless. The two pieces can be worn alone with nearly anything...

Or together and it is pure magic. A lovely outfit for any girl.
The Sun Collection is available for $24.95

Also available is the boy mini collection. The Surf Collection. Which has all 4 boy patterns.

Melissa designed a darling (boys can be darling right?) boys outfit with the Beachy Boatneck and the Costal Cargos.

The Beachy Boatneck is quite possibly the most perfect boatneck top for boys. It has that perfect Sailor type feel and it a great and different than the standard look for boys which I just love.

The Costal Cargos are not your everyday cargo pants. They have roll up legs, awesome cargo pockets and great trim detail everywhere. What boy wouldn't love these?

Staying with the roll up and pocket theme from the Costal Cargos, I designed the Submarine Pullover. With roll up sleeves that can be worn up or down and fun pockets everywhere (boys collect things you know) The Submarine pullover also has a hood and neck placket detail. It has elastic waist and just screams comfort.

Kate designed the surfer slacks. Talk about comfort and cool coming together. These relaxed slacks have amazing pocket details and the look of a dress pant but with the comfort of a knit waistband to help keep it relaxed and comfortable. I know Jude would live in these pants. He would never take them off.
You can get the Surf Collection for $24.95

Or again you can buy the entire Sun&Surf Collection for $39.95
Which is a huge discount but it's only available for a limited time.
Thats right! Pattern Anthology is a collection of patterns sold at a steal of a deal but only for a limited time.
The Sun&Surf Collection is only available until March 24th!
So you will have to hurry over to grab the collection for yourself!

The Sun&Surf Collection is also going on a blog tour where some amazing bloggers are showing their take from the patterns in the collection Check them out over the next two weeks:

Number 9 Trousers {New PDF Pattern}

2013-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Pattern number 2 is here for the Spring Pattern Collection. I started this pattern so long ago Jude has worn loved and outgrown 3 pairs...Yes I kept putting this one off, but finally no more, the goodness will be shared! It all started back when I made these trousers I knew I wanted to perfect the trouser, so I got to work on the Number 9 Trouser

They have a faux fly detail. Straight leg fit... (worn with the Maxwell top from last year since apparently the boy only grows in his legs :)

Real welt pockets and inset pocket flap detail. (a great place to hide super hero lining, Jude was so thrilled to have the hulk in his back pocket :)

Obviously the pants are unisex, and I have made Abbey a pair or two as well, but Jude loves it when I sew for him and so we have used the pattern mainly to expand his wardrobe.

You can find the pattern in sizes 12-18m - 8 years by clicking on the picture below:

*The Maxwell Top which is shown in all the pictures is currently on sale for $5.00 (and soon to be released in larger sizes!)

The Julia Jacket {New PDF Pattern}

2013-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! The day is finally here! The Spring Patterns are done! Well they will be shared over the next couple days anyway. I have to admit, having 3 kids is kicking my butt. I absolutely love them, but wow three is way harder than two, especially when the two that I had were pretty self entertained. So instead of doing a mass unveiling, the patterns that I have been working on for almost a year now are going to be unveiled much slower. They have consumed every second of free time for the past few months and I am kind of excited to release them. So first up is the Julia Jacket Pattern!

Asymmetric cross over jacket with pockets, buttons, and it is fully lined so it could easily be reversible as well.

The jacket has a slight flare to it to give it a fun and feminine line. It could be worn as a top, or as a light Jacket.

It also includes a short sleeve option, as well as a tie across the chest option to up the girl factor even more. Abbey loves her purple and pink version the best... she is so girly

The tie option gives the jacket almost a kimono type feel to it.

Both versions are perfect for spring, or could even be made with warmer fabric for cooler weather. It's really versatile and with the full lining you could mix prints and solids to create two looks in one.

PDF Pattern in size 2T-8years can be found by clicking on the picture below:

Also in shop news (remember I said changes were coming) I am re-working all of my first patterns many that were in very limited sizes. I am extending the sizes so that the shop is all to the same standard and for the patterns that are split into two size groups they will be combined into one pattern. With this there will be new pattern pricing. A lot of work goes into these patterns and I have learned a lot as I have grown the shop. So New Patterns (included recently released patterns) are now $9.00 which will be all of the new pricing going forward. There are still "bundle prices" which have changed a bit as well.

Now you save a percentage based on how much you purchase:

Buy 2 patterns Save 20% Use code: BUY2

Buy 3 patterns Save 30% Use code: BUY3

Buy 4 patterns Save 40% Use code: BUY4

Buy 5 patterns Save 50% Use code: BUY5

Also in the most exciting news, all of the old patterns will be on sale for $5.00 until the updated version in new sizes, and some with updated style features are re-released.