Think Spring.....TOPS!

Though it doesn't feel much like it around here (W. Massachusetts), it's Spring Top time!  I made 2 new shirts for myself last week, kind of itching for it to be warm. 

Total side not, you can choose to ignore if you want....one of my New Year's resolutions, even though I don't do New Year's resolutions, is to not crop my face out of all my pictures.  It's silly, but I always crop my face out.  Why?  There a million reasons probably going back to my childhood (just kidding), but it's time to just grow up and put it out there.  Ok, back to things that really matter, spring tops!

This shirt was a nod to one of last year's shirts with the shirring.  This time I decided to try it out at the sleeve end rather than at the shoulder.  I like it!

This next top I made with this this fun bird fabric.  I got both fabrics from Girl Charlee.

For this top, I did a cuff on the end.  I wish I had made the sleeves either longer or shorter.  It's not really a 3/4 length and ends up feeling a bit awkward.  I do still love it and have already worn it a few times.  

You can't really tell from the pictures, but both shirts also have a bit of a scoop neck in the back too.  I traced the pattern from a shirt I own that I've had for many many years.  Had to add some length to it.  Is it just me or do shirts get shorter and shorter over time?  I know I'm not getting longer....

Will definitely be making more Spring Tops, so check back soon. 

Don't forget to enter the Girls Night Out clutch GIVEAWAY over at Jane of all Trades. 

Girl Night Out Clutch - Bag and Pattern Giveaway

All I can say is WOW!  Have you been following Roselee as she posts 5 Girls Night Out clutches this week?

Not only did she make 5 bags, she's giving away the pattern and to a second winner, the bag of their choice!

Go leave a comment on her GIVEAWAY PAGE now to enter to win.

Take a closer look at each of her bags HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

Which one is your favorite?  So hard to choose!  Take a look at some other cute versions HERE.

Can't thank Roselee enough for hosting this giveaway.  Sending some blog loving her way...

~Flip Vest Pattern~ Review and Giveaway-CLOSED

A few weeks back Dana from Made asked me to test out her newest pattern.  I was so excited to just be asked and then even more excited when I found out it was for a vest.  Not only a vest, but a reversible vest!  I am a lover of vests and I've got 2 kids that love being cozy, how perfect.

Dana gives great tips and fabric suggestions in the pattern and in typcial fashion I decided to push the envelope. I upcycled a sweater for one side and used microfleece for the other.  The vest and pattern are great, but I wasn't thrilled with my initial fabric choices. 

 For my second attempt I used flannel and blizzard fleece.  Much better choices in my opinion. 

 The blizzard fleece and flannel are a little less floppy and gave the vest little more structure.

I cut a 3T/4T for the skinny 4 year old boy, and the sizing is just right.  He's on the taller side too, so I think next time I might make it longer.

 I cut a 4T/5T for the 6 year old, who is also a tall and skinny.  I added a few inches to the length and made the armholes bigger before adding the binding.

 She's all about the pink and was in love with this flannel.  I convinced her the green buttons would be a nice touch rather than pink.  And the fit is great too.

So overall, the pattern is great!  There's one pattern piece, awesome, and the instructions are really easy and clear.  I sewed both of my second attempt vests in under 2 hours!  Including cutting time!  It doesn't get much better than that.

Checkout some other great Flip Vests here and here.  You can read more about the pattern (and purchase a copy) HERE.

So, are you ready to win a copy of your own?  

Leave a comment with your email address to enter to win a printable copy of The Flip Vest pattern (pattern will be emailed).

Giveaway ends FRIDAY, MARCH 1, at midnight Eastern Time.

3 winners will be chosen at random!!

1 entry per person please. 

And, a huge thank you to Dana for including me in this recent pattern launch.  So fun!

Introducing...The Mirabelle Messenger Bag

 My first (and maybe only) for sale e-pattern!  I'm so excited to complete this pattern.  It's something I've been wanting to do for a while and finally was able to accomplish.
 

Here's what I love about this pattern....

 The sizing works well for both kids and adults,

 it looks great done in fabric,

and laminated cotton. 

The adjustable strap allows you to use it as either a shoulder bag or a cross body bag.  

I've got options for a magnetic closure or a button closure, an interior zipper pocket and a padded strap.

The pattern is for sale here and here.  I also have the hardware you'll need, but haven't had a chance to list it yet.  Drop me a line if you're interested.

A great project for your Thanksgiving break.

Want to win a free copy?  Head on over to Jane of All Trades to see her cute version and to enter to win a free copy of the pattern.

Enter her giveaway until Friday, November 16, here. 

 

 

Then come back later in the week to see some tips on how to make this super cute version of the Mirabelle Messenger Bag.

Show Me A Story: Book Review and GIVEAWAY-CLOSED

Today, I'm honored to be a part of the blog tour for Emily Neuburger's new book, Show Me a Story.  

Not only is this book amazing and Miss Emily super talented, but she's one of the most genuine and kind people you'll ever meet.  I am fortunate to be able to call her a friend. 

This book inspires the storyteller in us all.  The projects are simple in design, but the possibilities boundless.  The 4 year old story teller in my house, couldn't keep his hands off of it.

Since the weather has been so nice, we decided to go out for a Storytelling walk.  The idea is to "mentally" collect items to later create a story with.  For my little boy, physically collecting items to tell stories with is part of the fun as well. 

We took along a bag, and some friends, and collected.

There were stories of troll homes along the way,

and at home, we drew and retold stories from the day.

This book truly inspired me to look at the world around me and even if for but a few moments, get lost in an imaginary world.  I have fond memories of creating these worlds as a child and look forward to sharing that experience with my own kids.  This will be the guidebook to help lead us there. 

To enter to win your own copy of this fabulous book:

• Leave a comment (with your email address) here telling me what inspires the storyteller in you (US residents only, sorry!)

• You can also enter a second chance giveaway on the Storey Publishing Blog: HERE

• Giveaway closes on Friday, October 7 at midnight

Happy Weekend.