Bow Back Beauty Blog Hop

Hello Again!!!! I am soooo excited to be participating in the Little Kiwis Closet blog hop!  I test for the amazingly wonderful and talented Lydia often but I did not get to test this gorgeous dress.  So when she was looking for people to participate in a blog hop I jumped at the chance.

Officially welcome to the BOW BACK BEAUTY BLOG HOP!

If this is your first time seeing my blog: Welcome! I am glad to have you. Feel free to look around! I sew for my two children and mainly for my daughter who is fashion minded and has a unique style of her own.  

First about the pattern:

Sizes: nb-12 years, so basically everyone!

Fabric: This is a great time to use those yummy knit fabrics you have been stashing. 

Options: 

My! So many options let me count the ways:

Bodice length

~ natural waist

~ hip length

~ Onesie option too!!! (in sizes nb-4years)

Back options

~ bow

~ plain

Skirt style

~ peplum

~ dress

~ hi-low

Sleeve type

~ sleeveless

~ short

~ short with cuff

~ long fitted

So how did I choose with so many options?  Well, I asked the diva of course!  She is in love with length on her dresses so she chose the high low option with the bow back.  And told me to surprise her with fabrics.... I think I chose well!

 I left the bottom unhemmed to give her a little bit of extra length which made for a very happy little girl. The top is a shiny spandex that she loved and gives her a little sparkle. The skirt fabric was directional and the pattern gives great instructions for using this type of fabric.

The binding on the bow creates a beautiful look that calls attention to the back and wraps around for a full coverage look.  The instructions are very clear and easy to follow.

So head over to get your copy of the Bow Back Beauty and make your own! I know I will be trying the other options very soon.  Leave me a comment letting me know what option you would choose!  But wait before you leave... enter the rafflecopter to win one! And head over to the blog and see my fellow blog hoppers creations!

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Spring Summer Collection by Gracious Threads!

So some of you may not notice but I tend to test a lot!  I am not really sure why I test as much as I do.  For some designers, I love their designs, some I love to work with and some I just like to help out if I can.  And then there are the people that are all of those things and so much more.  One of those is the amazing Jess DeWit from Gracious Threads.  She works so hard to get all of her patterns just right and is so nice to work with.  So today I wanted to introduce her newest release that I had the honor of testing.

It is three patterns! And all of them are amazing!  This bundle includes the Cirrus Skirt, the Rainbow Tee and the Sunshine Headband.  The three patterns are also available separately but why not just go buy all three?

The Particulars:
Sizing Fun:  Both the Cirrus Skirt and the Rainbow Tee run from a 2T to a size 12 and the Sunshine Headband comes in a Small, Medium and Large. (Pssst... I have a secret.... the large headband fits the adults too!!!)
Fabric Choices: The Cirrus Skirt and the Rainbow Tee are both for knit fabric and the Sunshine Headband is for woven fabric,

All right enough of that nonsense... time to get to the pictures.

       I decided to go with the plain view instead of the color blocked option for the Rainbow tee.  I could never be completely plain so I used a different fabric for the back of the shirt to match the waistband of the Cirrus skirt and add a bit of contrast to the outfit. There is elastic in the skirt waistband but there is also a very fun drawstring to allow for further adjustment.

There is this amazing method of finishing the neckline and arm bands with elastic that creates a great clean look.  And avoids that sad stretched out neck band look that I create so often despite my best efforts.

The headband has a fully enclosed piece of elastic that creates a clean look.  Plus the ease of the construction methods creates a lovely product in only a few minutes.  Perfect for making one in every color or just making one on the fly to match the perfect outfit.

So why are you still here? Head over to grab your bundle HERE!  Or browse around the SHOP and buy what you need. Or if you are still on the fence or just want a chance to win it, go check out the Gracious Threads blog for a chance to win the bundle!

Winter Wear's Bateaux Garden Dress

Sometimes you just see a dress and fall in love... for me it was when I saw the testing call for Winter Wear's new dress. The line drawing just calls your attention even before you see it in fabric.

So I applied and actually got picked! Yay me! But before I delve into my creations, let me give all of that specific information that you really want.

Sizes:1-14
Options: 3 lengths: tunic, vintage and regular.
               2 different bodices: cross back straps and full back
Twirl factor: 10! The circle skirt is beautiful!

So at first, I decided to start with something super quick and make a tunic version.  So I made a muslin (which I don't do half as much as I should.) and decided to forge ahead.  I had been hoarding this pretty pink fairy frost fabric that my daughter was in love with so I decided that this would be the perfect time to use it.  I choose the cross back in hopes of tricking warmer weather to show up.  This came together surprisingly quickly and I even tackled a zipper closure. I am slowly getting better at them... I hope.  The real wow factor came when I put it on my daughter.

Then I knew I had to try the vintage dress length.  And in the interest of being a good tester, I decided to try the other version of the bodice.

And then being the good sewing mommy that I am, I decided to get a jump start on Easter sewing and kill two birds with one stone! The pattern does come with instructions to create your own petticoats but I was super lazy and decided to buy a slew of them for my daughter about a year ago so we used one of those.

Being the adventurous soul that I am, I decided to use an exposed zipper that I got with my Stitch Box Monthly subscription a few months ago.  I love the look of it and I have got to make sure I get some more lace zippers.  The boatneck shape of the bodice is stunning and really makes the simple dress look more elegant.  And instead of hemming the circle skirt, I decided to use a spring green double fold bias tape to add a pop of Easter color.

Head over to Winter Wear on Etsy and grab the Bateaux Garden Dress. Or take a peek in the Winter Wear Designs Fun facebook group for an exclusive sale code first.

Adeline by Boho Banjo

So I don't sew enough for myself.  I mean who does really? So I have been trying to apply to test more patterns for myself. And I bought a few patterns that I think I will eventually sew.

I recently had the chance to discover my inner boho and test a new pattern called the Adeline for the Aspiring Designers challenge. Before, I dive into my review, a few specifics about the pattern.

Sizes: There is the small Adeline which ranges from size 6-10 and the large Adeline which ranges from sizes 14-24.So no worries about making something for yourself and then not fitting in it after a huge meal..... or maybe that is just me?
Fabrics: Lightweight wovens, knits, or really anything with a decent drape would work well.
Pattern: There are very few pieces for this pattern, but for the larger ladies, it is about 50 pages to print out.

At first, honestly I was concerned that pattern would be a bit of a hassle because it was over 50 pages long. So I reached outside of my comfort zone and called my local FedEx store to see about printing it in a large format.  And I will never go back to printing those huge patterns at home! I placed my order over the phone and the helpful salesperson was able to get the options I needed.  A few hours later, I dropped in and picked up my 2 sheets of A0 paper.

After cutting out my pieces, I had to choose some fabrics.  With the wide range of options, I chose this orange fabric I loved,  Now because I am a larger girl, I had to be sure to cut the fabric right the first time because I did not have enough time to recut anything. And then I promptly cut the front upside down.... Yup, admitting you made a mistake it the first step.  But I didn't notice all the way until I was finished. And I think it turned out fine anyway.

Gotta love those husband amateur photographers! I think my eyes were only closed in half of the pictures this time.  But I love to wear this dress, especially on rainy days, I throw some leggings on and feel comfortable all day long.  Don't take my word for it... go make one for yourself.

Head over to Pattern Revolution and get more information on this great designer in the Aspiring Designers Challenge.  Or just head over and buy your Adeline pattern here! Until next time... which won't be very long...

Boys Can Wear Pink.... Volume 2!

So we had so much fun the first time, we decided to do it again!  So here is my second installment in the Boys Can Wear Pink series hosted by the amazing Kelly from Handsome Boy.  After you have read my post, head over and check out the amazing line up and other posts!

In case you have forgotten, (which I know you didn't) we are looking to break the barriers that boys are not "supposed" to wear pink.  This stigma stifles our creative outlets and prevents our boys from wearing some amazing creations.  It also harbors bias and stereotypes that lead to hurtful attitudes and words.  Well, we aren't standing for it anymore so at least in my house, boys CAN and DO wear pink.

I decided to make a whole outfit for my big boy this time.  Being as large as he is, it is often hard to find pants/shorts that will fit him properly.  A while ago, I jumped out and applied for a tester from Rabbit Rabbit Creations for a secret pattern.  It turned out to be the most fantastic pair of pants for my son.  I have made him 4 pairs of these already.  What pattern is it?  The Urbanite Pants!

These pants are not only amazing in their fit but the detail included to ensure you have a professional looking final result.  Check out my amazing pockets and double top stitching!

Then to find a shirt that would fit and be roomy enough to not cause fussiness in my preteen I headed to my go to favorite pattern maker.  I choose The Ethan Boy's Button Up Shirt by Sisboom.

Admittedly I am scared of collars and cuffs and facings and buttons... really all things dress shirt.  But I knew I could trust this pattern to make me feel like a professional.  And I do.  And I fooled everyone else. No one suspected I made the shirt! Check out these amazing details!

Altogether the outfit just worked! I was worried it would be too much but I think it turned out perfectly and will get some definite wear during the Spring/Easter season. Pardon my child trying to look "grown man serious", this must be a phase of the getting cool part of growing up?

So since the month of February is coming to close, you are running out of time to catch this amazing series.  And to enter the rafflecopter to win prizes... But you have plenty of time to sew up some pink for the boys and men in your life.  I would love to see it! Grab your favorite pattern, pink fabric and get at it.  Then run over to the Sew For Boys facebook group and post it.  Or wherever you post it make sure to include #boyscanwearpink so the world can know!  We dare you...

Enter to win one of the these FABULOUS prizes!!!

One yard of Stenzo Pit Stop Poplin in pink from Mabel Madison
$25 gift certificate, plus a surprise fat quarter from Phat Quarter Shop
One yard of solid cotton/lycra & one yard of coordinating fabric from Purple Seamstress
One pattern of choice from Paisley Roots
$20 store credit from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop
One pattern of choice from Patterns for Pirates
One pattern of choice from Mouse House Creations
Bottoms Up Pants Pattern from If Only They Would Nap
One Pattern of choice from Titchy Threads

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Boys CAN Wear Pink... Even Big Boys

So I was over the moon excited to be selected to participate in the Boys Can Wear Pink series that is being hosted by the AMAZING Kelly from over at Handmade Boy.  I am just one of many amazing bloggers who are participating in this tour. (Head over to the RoundUp and check out the other posts.)  This is an amazing experience, my first blog tour and an opportunity to feature Bubba on the blog, I mean he is half of the name...

So boys wearing pink you say?  Absolutely! Our society has been plagued by what we perceive as "normal" and we use it as a shield to hurt and judge others.  It is unacceptable! It is just plain wrong! And the worst part of it all??? We are teaching our children to have these judgmental values.  Ask an average teenage boy if he likes pink and his instant reaction is one of disgust.  The color pink is a color like any other and does not belong to girls alone.  Now my son is a preteen so he was super concerned that wearing pink would make him a target for ridicule.  I told him he could just model it for the blog tour and then he could put it in the closet.  But then I let him help me with the design, I let him sew a little.  He even put on his own snaps.  And now? He loves it!!! Enough of my soap box, let's get to my creation.

My son is huge!  I have a lot of trouble finding patterns that will fit him and hopefully for more than a day.  So when Scientific Seamstress released the adult version of their bowling shirt, I snatched my copy up the first day.  And then stored it in the pattern abyss and never looked back.  But I should have and I intend to make many, many more.  I ended up making him the XS which gave him plenty of room to grow and allows him to look as cool as he thinks he is.

Scientific Seamstresses Bowling Shirt

First off, I love this pattern! And the fact that to make the fun striped look didn't require any math on my part.  The pattern comes with complete instructions and measurements to make horizontal or vertical stripes.  And I was able to sew up two of them in a few hours.

And of course, my hip hop dancing son had to get his "cool" poses in...

Even after all of the hard work, he was still concerned about wearing his shirt in public. And admittedly, his stepdad wasn't much help.  Until I explained to him, how hurtful making fun of people is.  And we will accidentally raise our children to think it is okay to hurt people.  Silly men eventually see the light... so to support my son and boys/men who wear pink everywhere, he wore a pink shirt too!

Then they decided to state their love for pink with some fun fabric spray paints. In retrospect, I would have made it darker and therefore easier to photograph but in real life, the effect is more like graffiti which they love!

So to reward my strong son we went out to lunch.  I offered to let him change his shirt first but as you can see, he decided that wearing it was much cooler!  

Moral of the story: Boys look good in pink!  And they can love it too.  So enough of wandering the fabric stores looking for navy blues, greens, grays and blacks.  Grab some pink and sew something up for your boys, even your big boys!  And then head over to the Sew For Boys facebook group and show it off!  Or post it with the hashtag #boyscanwearpink.

WAIT!!! Before you go, enter to win prizes from our amazing sponsors! And check back with me later this month for my Boys Wear Pink Volume 2!!!!

One yard of Stenzo Pit Stop Poplin in pink from Mabel Madison
$25 gift certificate, plus a surprise fat quarter from Phat Quarter Shop
One yard of solid cotton/lycra & one yard of coordinating fabric from Purple Seamstress
One pattern of choice from Paisley Roots
$20 store credit from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop
One pattern of choice from Patterns for Pirates
One pattern of choice from Mouse House Creations
Bottoms Up Pants Pattern from If Only They Would Nap
One Pattern of choice from Titchy Threads


a Rafflecopter giveaway