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The Legend of The Great Giraffacorn

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Once upon a time their was a sweet princess. This sweet princess loved two animals more than anything. She loved giraffes and she loved unicorns. She wanted to know why there wasn’t a giraffacorn. The fact that there were no girrafacorns made Princess G very sad.

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That night Princess G made a wish upon a shooting star. She wished with all her heart that she could see a giraffacorn. Luckily for Princess G she has a very talented Fairy Godmother and she decided that Princess G’s wish needed to come true.

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Princess G’s Fairy Godmother crafted her a special girrafacorn shirt from the Mae TunicMae Tunic by Straight Stitch Design. She also self drafted a special giraffacorn stuffed animal for Princess G to snuggle.

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…and they lived happily ever after.

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I was so honored to be part of the Legends of Love Tour and I want to thank  Crafting Con and Phat Quarters for putting this fun tour together.
Now go and check out all the other super talented ladies and go join the link party for a chance to win



For the Love of Legends Blog Tour hosted by CraftingCon and Phat Quarters
3/14
The Wholesome MamaSkirt FixationAmazing Adventures Of Bubba and BugBella Sunshine DesignsFrom-a-Box
3/15
Wild + WanderfulThe Fairy Dust BinGYCT DesignsThe Kisses Co.Call Ajaire
3/16
Handmade BoyMae & Kcreate3.5Pear Berry LaneSewing Mama RaeAnna
3/17
The Inspired WrenRebel & MaliceSew StarlyXO JessicaFalafel and the Bee
3/18
PenSeb&RoxKnot Sew NormalBeatnik KidsLulu & CelesteSwoodson SaysFriends Stitched Together

And be sure to check out our giveaway sponsors and enter below!

Prize Package 1:
Phat Quarters: $20 Gift Card
Momma Quail Patterns: 1 Pattern of Choice*
Bella Sunshine Designs: 1 Pattern of Choice*
Handmade Escapade: 3 Digital Downloads of Choice
Sewing Mamma RaeAnna: 1 Pattern of Choice*
XO Jessica: 1 Custom Shirt
Knot Sew Normal: 1 Pattern of choice*

Prize Package 2:
Phat Quarters: Legendary Pattern with 3 piece FQ Bundle
One Thimble: 1 Magazine Issue
Modern Yardage: Paul Bunyan FQ
Love Notions: 1 Pattern of Choice*
Beatnik Kids: 1 Pattern of Choice*
Swoodson Says: 1 Pattern of Choice*
GYCT: 1 Pattern of Choice*
Call Ajaire: 1 Pattern of choice*
Skirt Fixation: 2 Yards of Fabric

*Excludes bundles

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We will draw a random link-up to win an issue of One Thimble Magazine!
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

[inlinkz_linkup id=615103 mode=1]

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Momma Quail’s Walker Jeans & Shorts Pattern Review

**Disclaimer – I received this pattern for free in exchange for testing the pattern for the designer, but all opinions are mine.**

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Hi fabulous readers! I know, I know, long time no blog. I am so sorry for my extended absence. I am hoping that today’s blog post will make that up to you. Today I have a review of the awesome Walker Jeans and Shorts by Momma Quail patterns. You can purchase the Walker Jeans HERE, they are on sale for $6.00 until March 14th, 2016. Continue reading

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Momma Quail Pattern Tour and Freebie Free Motion Applique Pattern

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Happy Friday everyone! I can’t tell you how excited I am about today’s post. This post is part of the Momma Quail Blog Tour. Why am I so excited about this tour?!?! Because Amy Macdonald is the most awesome. She is not only an awesome pattern designer, she is just an awesome person. She is a great friend and someone that is great to have in your corner. She has cheered me on more than I count. She is a member of the Sewing with Boys team and is constantly inspiring me. Ok enough of my praise, let this pattern speak for it’s self.

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This pattern I sewed up is the Jackalope Tee. One of the challenges of having 1 boy and 1 girl is finding sewing patterns that I can use for both of them. All of Amy’s patterns are so versatile that it makes it so easy to customize for my girl or boy. I love being able to sew for both of them with just one sewing pattern.

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The next thing I LOVE about the Jackalope Tee is the ease to mix and match fabrics and the ability to incorporate woven cotton into a t-shirt. There are SOOOOOO many cute woven’s out there and they are MUCH cheaper than most of the custom knit fabrics, this pattern really appeals to my frugal side. On Miss G’s shirt I used 5, yes 5 different fabrics. She adores all the colors and it makes my inner Punky Brewster smile. The side stripe on Miss G’s shirt is flannel to make it extra cozy.

For Mr T’s shirt I used a Marvel t-shirt from the clearance rack and some woven Marvel fabric from the remenants bin at Joann. This shirt cost me $4 in fabric. That makes my frugal heart swoon.

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When you first print out the Jackalope Tee, you may think that it is a lot of pieces for a t-shirt. But have no fear, Amy makes putting this shirt together a breeze. I made these 2 shirts and 1 other in about 1.5 hours, including cutting out the fabric. I sew pretty slow so that is a quick sew for me.

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So where can you get this and all the other fantastic Momma Quail Patterns?!?! Etsy, Friends Stitched Together, and join the Momma Quail Pattern Group on Facebook. Use the coupon code “MQPATTERNTOUR” for 30% off in the Etsy shop through 11/21/15. This is going to be the biggest Momma Quail Pattern sale in November – don’t wait til Black Friday.
Amy is also generously giving away a pattern to 3 lucky winners. Make sure to go all the way to the bottom of the post for the giveaway.

BONUS – FREEBIE FREE MOTION APPLIQUE PATTERN

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For Miss G’s shirt she requested a giant cupcake on the front of it. We recently saw a t-shirt that said something along the lines of “happier than a unicorn sitting on a rainbow eating a cupcake.” I wanted a little more detail than a freezer paper stencil and I have recently been swept up in the free motion applique frenzy. Sooooo…what’s a blogger/pattern maker to do…make a pattern for a cupcake free motion applique. I also decided to offer this pattern to my readers for free.

Cupcake-FMA-illustrations-01You can download the pattern here CutieCupcakeFMA-ByKnotSewNormal, all the instructions are included in the file.

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Make sure to go check out all the other fantastic looks on the blog tour and enter the rafflecopter giveaway.

11/16:

Sew ThriftyWillow and StitchThe Wholesome Mama

11/17:

Create 3.5Lulu & CelestePear Berry Lane

11/18:

The Berry BunchPaisley RootsCall AjaireFalafel and the Bee

11/19:

House of EstrelaAdventures with Bubba and BugSwoodson Says

11/20:

Rebel & MaliceKnot Sew NormalSew Thrifty

Rafflecopter giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Presenting the Perfect Park Crossbody Bag PDF Pattern

Hi everyone!!! I just have to say sorry once again for being so quiet, but I have a great reason why! I am today’s featured Aspiring Designer for Bettie’s Basket. Go over there and check out my brand new bag pattern and enter to win a copy for your self. After that head over to my ETSY shop and buy one of my patterns. The Perfect Park Crossbody is on sale for 25% off until 11/17/2015, No coupon code needed.  Are you worried that you will buy the pattern and then win it. No worries. If you purchase the Perfect Park Crossbody PDF pattern and then you win the rafflecopter, I will let you pick any other pattern in my shop.

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The Perfect Park Crossbody Bag PDF Pattern by Knot Sew Normal

 

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Kids Academy Apps Updated | Free Educational Apps + Printable Worksheets!

Kids Academy Releases Preschool Education Center for iOS and Android

Montessori Learning with Kids Academy FREE Apps! Google Play & iTunes

This blog has partnered with Mom Buzz Media to announce this exciting information!

Kids Academy Releases Preschool Education Center

for iOS and Android!

I have blogged before about the Kids Academy Preschool Apps and I am excited to say that now they are available on Android as well as iOS. Plus they have some free printable worksheets for your little scholar.  Download your app and print out your worksheets today.

Kids Academy – the team behind some of the top educational apps for kids with over 10 million downloads worldwide just released the long-awaited version of their flagship app – Preschool Education Center.

As the name suggests, Preschool Education Center is an all-in-one educational app for kids and toddlers. The app covers all aspects of early childhood education from the alphabet and reading to writing, building vocabulary and developing math skills. Based on the proven Montessori method the app offers a number of fun games that help master essential learning skills through play.

Being the mom of a 7-year-old and a 4-year-old, finding educational options in toys, apps, and entertainment that both enjoy has become challenging. They both play Kids Academy Preschool education center. Building and reinforcing the skills needed for preschool and kindergarten are essential for any child. Even though my 7-year-old has all these skills, but it is a great review for her. It is perfect for my 4-year-old to flex his preschool muscles and get ready for Kindergarten.  The Montessori method is one that has been tested and proven time and time again. That is part of what makes this app so successful. 

Until now, Preschool Education Center has only been available on iTunes but today’s release makes it finally available for Android device on Google Play! This fun and free app is currently being featured in the Family section of the Android store in the USA, Australia and Canada.

Get the app free on Google Play!

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iTunes Kids Academy

For iOS devices:

Kids Academy have also updated the iOS version of the app: Preschool & Kindergarten Early Learning Games adding new games, books and educational cartoons and shows as well as printable worksheets.

– The update boasts a bunch of cute little monsters that will teach your kids about money and how to count it.

– Kids Academy TV now has a 24/7 Live Zoo channel offering web-cam views on real-life animals.

Grab your free copy of the update on the iTunes App Store!

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free worksheets

BONUS!

Free Preschool & Kindergarten Worksheets for Kids

Kids Academy is also finding a way to expand beyond the screen and help master pen and pencil with free printable worksheets. You can get free preschool worksheets on a variety of subjects from alphabet to math (the library is being constantly updated).

Download, print out and get start practicing with good old pen and paper in seconds!

Head over to to the Kids Academy to get your FREE PRINTABLE WORKSHEETS and get your kids busy!

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Introducing My Top Stitcher Competitor, Michelle White.

Two posts in one day. If you think that craziness is about to ensue you would be right. I am so excited to announce that I will be participating in Season 3 of Top Stitchers over at it’s new home at Sewing Stadium. I am soooooooo excited. Becca comes up with the BEST prompts for this contest and it really pushes me to come up with not just clothing, but a whole story to go along with it. Our prompt is Post-Apocalyptic Style. Here is the prompt we were given…

“Bridges collapse, communication shuts down, and those fabric stores you love so much are over-run with zombies. Most survivors are hunkered down wearing whatever rags were on their backs when The End arrived, or ill-fitting garments they looted from a stranger’s closet. But not your kid. Your daughter has a master upcyclist for a mother, and you’re going to turn the trash around you into the most durable, functional, and stylish duds for your post-apocalyptic world.”

— Post-Apocalyptic Styles Prompt

Eeeekkkkk…sooooooo awesome.

Not only do I love the prompts of Top Stitchers, but there is so much talent involved. Today I want to introduce you to my competitor Michelle White from Falafel and The Bee. I am a huge fan of Michelle’s so it is such an honor to compete against her.

Here is a little more about Michelle.

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1. When did you start sewing? I did take Home Ec in High School, but I really didn’t sew until my first child (who is now 15) was born.

2. What is your favorite thing about sewing?  I work well with parameters in Art, any creative medium, really. When I am given so many choices (like “paint whatever you want”) I get overwhelmed. But with sewing, I know a shirt will be a shirt. The creative part comes with how I make that shirt, and what it ends up looking like. I LOVE THAT. Plus, sewing something that someone will use everyday is practical. I love that too.
3. Who is your sewing rockstar? Oh goodness there are quite a few. But the two that come to mind for their incredible skills are Gretchen from Gertie’s Blog for Better Sewing, and Oonaballoona. Those ladies are super stars! I adore their professionalism and amazing abilities.
4. Besides sewing, what do you love to do? I love accompanying on the piano, my oldest daughter while she is playing the fiddle. We play with a group and I just love that time we get to spend together making fun music. I also really love photography. It amazing how you can uncover so much beauty in this world just by looking through the lens.

5. What is your favorite post apocalyptic movie? and why? Well, I tend to like the “lighter” ones like the movie 2012 where there is lots of action and less of the thriller/zombie/cannibal aspect. The Planet of the Apes films (newer ones) are really well done, too. And then there isI am Legend which is great (except for the zombies- I am a total wimp) and I loved The Road, but once was enough to haunt me for a lifetime (again,cannibals are not my cup of tea- ha!). Another favorite is Tank Girl.

Make sure to keep an eye out for what Michelle, I and all the other Top Stitchers are up to this season.

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Time For School Capsule Tour by Knot Sew Normal

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I am so excited to bring you my Time For School Capsule Tour post. When Melissa over at Rebel and Malice first pitched this idea I couldn’t wait to sign up. I loved it for several reasons. I love the idea of wardrobe capsules, this gave me a deadline to have Miss G’s fall/winter wardrobe done by and the final reasons was all the talent involved with the tour. Before I get started showing you my outfits I want to give a huge shout out to all the sponsors on this post.
Puperita, Go To Patterns, Momma Quail Patterns, Bethany Lane Buttons, and Titchy Threads. I am so thrilled and humbled to know such a great group of ladies. I also want to thank Melissa for putting this whole crazy tour together. It has been so much fun! Make sure to check out the link at the bottom for the AMAZING GIVEAWAY Melissa has put together.

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First up is this weeks featured designer Titchy Threads. These are the Skinny Fry Jeans. I have to be completely honest and say that even though Laura offered this pattern for the blog tour, I have actually owned it for about a year and half, but I just hadn’t gotten around to it. That is the big reason I signed up for these. I have been wanting to make them, and this gave me the reason to jump into them.
I really loved this pattern. I have a terrible time finding pants for Miss G, she is so slim that everything falls off her. I made this pattern in a size 3 width and a size 7 in length, and they fit perfectly. I did change it up just a bit and made a non-working fly and waistband, then I added a rib knit/elastic waist band for added comfort.

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Titchy Threads Skinny Fry Jeans, denim, Joann red tag section Puperita Dragon Vest Flannel Shirting, Joann Fabric; upcycled sweatshirt fabric, my stash Gracious Threads Raindrop Tee Knit, Joann Fabric; upcycled dress, my stash

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This second pattern is also one that I have owned for a LONG time and just hadn’t sewn up yet, Titchy Threads Hawthorne Zip Up Jacket. One reason I had never sewn this is to be honest I was a bit scared of it. Sweatshirt fabric + Zipper had me terrified. I am kicking myself now, because this jacket was a breeze to put together. I hand embroidered this sugar skull cat from Call Ajaire to add to the back to give it an extra bit of WOW. I also used my embroidery machine to make some name labels to add to jackets, just in case they get lost at school.

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Titchy Threads Hawthorne Zip Up Jacket Upcycled Hoodie from Walmart and leftover pink sweatshirt fabric from my stash. Sugar Skull Cat from Call Ajaire

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The Puperita Dragon Vest was another pattern that scared me a little, but the directions were straightforward and very easy to follow. I used some of the flannel shirting from Joann and quilted hearts on it. I was inspired by Becca DuVal over at Free Notion and her adventures in free motion quilting. This vest is Miss G’s favorite thing in the whole capsule. Her face lit up when she got home from school and saw it all finished up.
Miss G is also rocking leggings from Go To Patterns Leggings. Leggings are a wardrobe staple for her. I made a black pair, a pink pair and a grey pair. I also used the skirt pattern included to make a pink and grey skirt since I had plenty of extra fabric after making the leggings. I see a TON more of these leggings in our future. They went together in a snap and are so easy to customize.

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Puperita Dragon Vest lannel Shirting, Joann Fabric; upcycled sweatshirt fabric, my stash Go to Leggings – Upcycled yoga pants I bought for $1 on clearance.

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Have you seen Momma Quail Patterns yet? If not go right now. I am so happy to call Amy a friend and she totally rocks. The Calico Blouse is no exception. It sews up like a dream and is so easy to follow her instructions. For this shirt I used the rest of the flannel shirting from Joann and a scrap of black lace from my stash. I have been hoarding this lace forever and this was the perfect project. Miss G calls this her Rock Star look. Time For School Tour - Knot Sew Normal

Momma Quail Calico Blouse with added lace panel in back yoke, flannel shirting from Joann, lace scrap from my stash.  Go to Leggings – upcycled yoga pants I bought for $1 on clearance.

I received these beautiful wooden buttons from Bethany Lane. It took me a while to decide what I wanted to use them on and then over Labor Day weekend I saw that Brownie Goose was re-releasing her Tilly Top and I realized that it would be perfect. I added some extra length to the bodice and cute little button tabs to the back of the bodice. I really wanted to showcase those beautiful buttons.

Time For School Tour - Knot Sew NormalBrownie Goose Tilly Top – all the fabrics were from my stash, bought previously at Joann

Time For School Tour - Knot Sew NormalI tested the Gracious Threads Raindrop Tee last year and I forgot how much I loved it. I split the back into two sections to use the smaller piece of heart fabric from my stash. I paired this top with the pink  Go To Leggings and SkirtTime For School Tour - Knot Sew Normal

Knot Sew Normal Radical Raglan with a scooped out neck and extended hem line. Go to Leggings

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Knot Sew Normal Radical Raglan with an extended hem line. Go to Leggings


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Knot Sew Normal Radical Raglan with an extended hem line. Go to Leggings and skirt


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This tunic is self-drafted. I used one of Miss G’s shirts and drafted a doloman style tunic. Then I added rib knit arm and waist bands. I then added to big pockets to hold all the goodies a 7 year old needs at school . Go to Leggings

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Thanks so much for joining me on the Time For School Capsule Tour. Make sure to head over to Rebel and Malice to enter the AMAZING giveaway she has put together. After that make sure to go check out the awesome stuff that all the other bloggers have put together.

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Saving While Organizing – Guest Blogger at Sew Thrifty

I am doing another guest post this week. I am over on Sew Thrifty giving you tips on saving on orgzanization of your sewing supplies. Check out my post and then come back and let me know which one is your favorite. Also make sure to check out all the other bloggers Dana has had this month.


Savings Made by Sewing {Sew Thrifty| www.sewthrifty.org} Great tips for saving money and sewing

Fabric:
July 6: Sew Thrifty | July 7: Feather’s Flights | July 8: Mabey She Made It | July 9: Phat Quarters | July 10: Vicky Myers Creations

Patterns:
July 13: Sew Thrifty | July 14: Sew a Straight Line | July 15: House of Estrela | July 16: Sew Straight and Gather | July 17: A Real Life Country Housewife

Supplies:
July 20: Sew Thrifty | July 21: Bernina Representative | July 22: Pretty Practical | July 23: Finn’s Door | July 24: Lulu and Celeste

General Tips:
July 27: Sew Thrifty | July 28: From-a-Box | July 29: Willow & Stitch | July 30: Knot Sew Normal | July 31: Bringing it All Together by Sew Thrifty