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.**

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.

Time To Travel ebook

I have been busy working on a project and today is the big day that I get to share with you… Presenting Time to Travel.

Time To Travel is a collaborative ebook from the team at Sewing With Boys. This traveling-themed ebook features four PDF patterns designed for families on the go, as well as a variety of PDF printables, tips for traveling with younger children, and some fun extras! Buy it HERE.

Included in this edition:
• Just Like Papa Briefcase PDF pattern
• Ready, Set, Go! Wallet PDF pattern
• Swansea Bag PDF pattern
• Adventure Belt PDF pattern

My first PDF pattern is the Ready, Set, Go! Wallet that is featured in Time to Travel.

Hurry on over to Sewing With Boys HERE to purchase your copy of Time to Travel.

Waiting for Alice – Crafting Con and a Free Applique

 

“Little Alice fell
d
o
w
n
the hOle,
bumped her head
and bruised her soul”

Top Stitcher Challenge

The day I have been waiting for is finally here! I am on Pattern Revolution’s Top Stitcher Challenge. I am beyond thrilled to be picked to compete in this challenge. I asked to be placed in the Women’s category because one of my goals this year is to sew more for me. I knew this would push me to do just that.
I had so, so, so, so much fun creating this look. I think this is in my top 3 things I have ever sewn.

I am competing against Becca DuVal in the Women’s Stylist category and the prompt I received was:
Shamrock

This St Patrick’s Day duel is inspired by the holiday’s symbol: The Shamrock! Saint Patrick used these little green plants to preach the trinity, explaining how three separate entities can be one. 

 

In honor of the three (or FOUR) leaves of a Shamrock, create a women’s fashion ensemble deriving inspiration from a famous trio or quartet. Think: musicians, movies, even politicians or culinary groupings. Get creative with it!

Remember, as a Stylist, your objective is to utilize patterns, fabrics, model(s), props and settings to tell a story, as inspired by your prompt.

I thought of about a million ideas until one day while sewing and watching Mad Men it struck me. I would base my look on the trio of lovely ladies from Mad Men, Betty Draper, Joan Holloway and Peggy Olsen. I have been a fan of Mad Men since the very start, it got me through some long nights and days when Miss G was just a baby. On the surface Mad Men seems to be about the men of the show, but for me it is about this trio of women and how they evolve during the decade of the 60’s.

I decided to focus on the look of Betty Draper. I just love the style of the 60’s housewife. The beautiful dresses that they wore always have my in awe.

I used the Miss Texas Rose, by Ellie Inspired, bodice as the basis for my bodice and then made some modifications including taking in the darts on the back to make the top much more fitted. I also added piping to the princess seams, the collar and all the way down the front centers. I also lengthened the sleeves and added a sleeve cuff to give it a more 60’s feel. The skirt is a self-drafted half circle skirt. I also extended the button placket all the way down the skirt. The fabric I used was a vintage bed sheet that I have had for over a decade just waiting for the right project.

I have to admit the most challenging part of this project is the part you don’t see. This pettiskirt was essential to getting the right look. Without that flare it just doesn’t look right. I know if I ever think I need to gather tulle to make a pettiskirt I am just going to go running the other way. I am glad that I can wear this under future projects to make the time worth it.

My other challenge was trying to think of a location to take my photos. I was talking to Hubby about it and he pointed out that our kitchen would be perfect. He was right, our sink is an antique double drainboard sink  Living in an older house sometimes has it’s advantages.

I hope you all enjoy my look and please make sure to go over and vote on Pattern Revolution, voting runs through Thursday night so spread the word.

How To Add Zipper Tabs

Hi everyone!! Today I am over at Sewing With Boys with my Boy’s Treasure Tote-A-Long Pouch tutorial. In my tutorial I added zipper tabs to my zipper and I wanted to show you how I add zipper tabs to a metal zipper.

Tinkerbell Dress Tutorial

All you need is…

 

 

 

 

and a couple of cute kids help too. 

Pattern Parcel # 5 Girls and Tweens

I am so excited to be a part of another Perfect Pattern Parcel. It is such a thrill to work with such awesome Indie designers and help a great cause at the same time. For Perfect Pattern Parcel #5 I decided to sew up the Mimi by Filles a Maman. I have been eyeing this pattern for a while and jumped at the opportunity to use it.

Twirl and Wiggle Yoga Skirt Tutorial featured on SewMcCool

 

Do you have a girl who likes to dance, shimmy, shake and get all her wiggles out? or do you just want a really comfy skirt for your self? Head over to Sew McCool to check out my guest tutorial for this awesomely easy skirt. 

Owl Always Give You A Hand – Free Hot Pad and Potholder Tutorial

***This tutorial was originally posted on Sew McCool. Make sure to go over and check out all the FANTASTIC tutorials she has. ******

Gracious Threads Raindrop Tee Blog Tour

* the pattern was provided to me for free in exchange for my time testing the fitting and tutorial, all opinions are my own.

Today on the blog I am excited to bring you the Raindrop Tee Pattern Blog Tour and Gracious Threads Giveaway.