Owl Oven Mitt Tutorial

Do you love owls? Then you are going to need to sew the Owl Oven Mitt Tutorial I designed. This is a fun and useful project, and the design perfectly matches the owls used in Ann Kelle's fabrics!

Let's get started!

Stenciled Kraft-Tex Pencil Pouch

Someone recently gave my husband a leather pencil pouch with a tie strap that wraps around the pouch as a closure. I loved the simplicity of the design and thought it would be a great project to make with Kraft-Tex Kraft Paper Fabric instead of leather. Also, I wanted to make myself a more feminine pencil pouch using turquoise colored, pre-washed Kraft-Tex with stenciled arrows and heart designs on the outside. This Stenciled Kraft-Tex Pencil Pouch is one of the easiest projects I've made in a long time, and now you can, too, with my free pattern and tutorial!

Disclosure: The Kraft-Tex Kraft Paper Fabric and StencilGirl Products stencils were provided to me in exchange for my participation in this blog hop. All opinions are my own.

Keep reading below for details on how to download my free Kraft-Tex Pencil Pouch Pattern and to see the tutorial. Also, at the end of the post, find out how to enter a giveaway for a chance to win your own Kraft-Tex and stencils!

Round Cushion Pattern and Tutorial

These round cushions are the perfect decorative accent for a bed, or sew one to use as a padded seat on a round stool. My children love tossing them in the floor and sitting on them! However you use them in your home, you'll be sure to get lots of compliments, especially when you use fun fabrics like Panda-Rama by Maude Asbury or Flutter & Float by Ana Davis for Blend Fabrics.

Make a small 12" diameter round cushion or a large 18" diameter round cushion using my Round Cushion Tutorial below. It's easier to make than you might think!

Disclosure: I was provided the fabrics used in this post in exchange for sharing a project a sewed with it. All opinions are my own.

The Janie Dress & Peplum Top

If you are looking for a quick, easy, and very rewarding sewing project, then look no further! The Janie Dress and Peplum Top Pattern from Mouse House Creations (affiliate links) is the answer.

After recently cleaning out my daughter's closet, I discovered she hardly had a long-sleeved shirt that fit anymore! I immediately thought I needed to sew her a Janie Peplum Top with long-sleeves and a cowl neck. She loves an oversized slouchy collar (remember the Bimma Top?) and anything that gives her an excuse to twirl.

Sweetie Pie Baby Bib Pattern & Tutorial

Are you in need of a quick baby shower gift? Or do you have a baby or toddler who needs a stylish bib to protect their adorable handmade clothes? Either way, I've got you (and your baby) covered with my Sweetie Pie Baby Bib pattern and tutorial!

The round shape of the Sweetie Pie Baby Bib is just precious. The small bib size provides lots of coverage for a teething baby who needs help keeping moisture off his chest from drool while the large bib size is ideal for a self-feeding toddler. 

Sew the bibs with Ann Kelle's laminated cotton (slicker) fabric on the front and thick terry cloth fabric from Shannon Fabrics on the back to create the ideal barrier to protect your child's clothing. 

You can also use quilting cotton for the front, but please note that moisture will eventually wick through the cotton and terry cloth. Another alternative would be to use PUL fabric in a fun print or color for the front of the bib.

Let's get started!

VFT Lavinia Blouse & Skirt

Wow! It's been a long time since I last posted on my own blog! While I've been busy writing and posting for all my contributor positions lately, I have neglected my own site. It's time to change that, don't you think?

I have sewn so many things lately--lots of pants, skirts, dresses, zipper pouches, and notebooks--so it's time I start sharing a few of these projects and (hopefully) some new tutorials with you soon. I appreciate your patience!

One of my favorite projects from the end of last year is this lovely blouse and skirt set using the Violette Field Threads Lavinia pattern. Ella wore this ensemble to her piano recital and played beautifully. As you can see, I had edited photos and intended to post them around Christmas time! Better late than never!

Green Bee Scoop Tote

Recently, I participated in Purse Palooza hosted by Sara of Sew Sweetness. Throughout the month of October, bag pattern reviews were posted by a variety of bloggers and sewers. These reviews provide a great resource for anyone considering making one of the reviewed patterns.

For my bag pattern review this year, I chose to sew The Scoop Tote by Green Bee Patterns. I purchased this paper only pattern as part of a kit from Craftsy (affiliate link). 

This post contains affiliate links through which I may earn a small commission on purchases. 

Road Tripper Duffle Bag

Are vacation and holiday travel in your plans for the next couple of months? Then it's time for you to sew yourself a new piece of luggage! Recently, my family and I visited the white sand beaches of south Alabama, and instead of traveling with my normal large, hard sided suitcase, my things were packed in style in my new Road Tripper Duffle Bag.

Don't let the Road Tripper Duffle Bag pattern by Betz White intimidate you because of the bag's large 20" x 11" x 9" size. Although this is a big duffle, the sewing techniques used to construct the Road Tripper are typical to every basic to intermediate level bag I've ever sewn. If you can sew a zipper and a metal buckle on, then you are good to go!

Lulu Dress Pattern

This post is way, way, way overdue! About a year ago, Jessica from Craftiness is Not Optional came out with the Lulu Dress and Top Pattern, and I promised to make one and blog about it! I met half the promise since I sewed the dress immediately, but then one thing after another came up and I never took any photos of Ella wearing her Lulu dress. To make matters worse, I finally did take photos last September, but then I never wrote the post--until NOW!

So, so sorry, Jess, for the delay in sharing the news about your wonderful pattern. Ella wears her Lulu dress often and her wearing it today is what reminded me that it was way past time for me to share it.

Bunny Face Bag Tutorial

Easter is almost here, and I'm gearing up for Spring by sewing a couple of Bunny Face Bags for my kids. My children love bunnies (what kid doesn't) and love bags (they take after their moma), so it was a no-brainer to put the two together to create these adorable tote bags for Easter.

The Bunny Face Bag is the ideal size for children, measuring approximately 11" x 11", and is perfect for holding books, crayons, Easter eggs, or candy! Have left over fabric from sewing your daughter's Easter dress or your son's new shirt? Then make them a matching Bunny Face Bag to complete the look.

It's a pretty simple bag to make. Here's how!

sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour & Giveaway Next Week!

I've invited a few of my sewing/blogging friends to try out my new sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern. Starting Monday, they will share what they made and a review of the pattern on their own blogs! Oh, and there will be a giveaway, too! 

Make sure you don't miss a thing by signing up to follow sewVery via Bloglovin', Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, RSS, and my new newsletter!

Check out this terrific line-up of bloggers on the sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern Tour!

sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern - ON SALE!!!

I finally did it! I finally created my very own pdf clothing pattern for sale! Introducing the sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern available for sizes 2T - 12!

The pattern offers two styling options (Option A with the neck ruffle and Option B without the neck ruffle) and two lengths (dress or top).

Through Sunday, August 3rd, grab your copy of the sewVery Sunny Dress & Top pattern for 20% off the regular price using code SUNNY20 (no coupon code required if purchased through Craftsy (affiliate link)).

Go to the sewVery Pattern Shop now!

Thank you for your support and have fun sewing!

Bookworm Button Up (Make Believe Collection)

In less than two weeks, my baby girl will be headed off to kindergarten!  I can't believe it!  I'm happy and sad all at the same time.  My goal was to make most of her school clothing for the year, and I started with the Bookworm Button Up!

I was provided all four top patterns in the new Pattern Anthology Make (Believe) Collection in exchange for my honest review of any of the patterns.  Here's what I truly think about Bookworm Button Up pattern! This post contains affiliate links.

Kangaroo Pouch Pocket Tutorial for Skirting the Issue

I'm excited to be participating in this year's Skirting the Issue Series hosted by my friends at Simple Simon & Co. Today, I'll show you how to add a Kangaroo Pouch Pocket to the Tilly Skirt Pattern by Sewing Mama RaeAnna.  This tutorial would work on any basic skirt pattern that has two individual front hip pockets.

Skirting the Issue is all about making skirts to donate to girls in foster care.  All July long, Simple Simon & Co. will introduce you to a blogger who will either share a skirt tutorial or skirt round-up with you in hopes that you will feel the need to sew up a skirt or two for a girl in need in foster care.

sewVery Sunny Tops Preview

A huge weight has been lifted, and I feel I can relax for a couple of days.  My sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern has been sent to testers! I'm so nervous even though I had the three sizes in the free version tested last month without many issues. So much work goes into creating and preparing a clothing pattern, and even if you have sewn and tested for years, you just don't know how time consuming it is until you try it!

So, while I twiddle my thumbs and anxiously wait to see some finished test versions and receive their feedback on the pattern, I thought I'd share with you some more photos of the sewVery Sunny Tops in Option A (with the neck ruffle) and Option B (without the neck ruffle) of the full pattern.

The Retro RuckSack Pattern

I really enjoy sewing purses and bags. They are typically projects that are more involved and challenging than sewing a typical child's garment. When I sewed my first purse more than two years ago, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed making it, and to this day, I continue to love the challenge of a purse or bag pattern!

Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Sara from Radiant Home Studio. She contributed her Water Bottle Tote pattern to the Perfect Pattern Parcel #3 bundle, and I chose to sew one up for the pattern tour.  As you can read in my post about my Water Bottle Tote, I was very impressed with Sara's pattern and design skills, so when she asked me to be a part of her Retro Rucksack Pattern tour, I did not hesitate to say yes!

sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern Call for Testers

First of all, thank you to everyone who has downloaded my FREE sewVery Sunny Dress Pattern! To me, it's been a huge success, and I sincerely hope that everyone who has downloaded it has enjoyed creating a fun, playful dress or two!

I've been working on expanding the sizes offered and including a couple of options for the design, but since it's summer, and I am a mom of two, my time to make these additions has been limited. Also, since this is my very first pattern-for-sale, I'm having to learn quite a few new business related things along the way.  I appreciate your patience!

Before we get to the pattern tester application, I want to share with you a few more pictures of what you will be able to make with the sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern that I hope to have ready for sale later this month.

The Totes Ma Tote Bag

My favorite bag designer, Janelle from Emmaline Bags, has just released her newest pattern:  The Totes Ma Tote Bag!  I was thrilled when Janelle asked me to test out the pattern for her.  I already had the perfect Echino fabrics on hand to make up this bee lovers version for my husband's aunt, Jeannie, who is an apiarist (aka beekeeper).  

That's right folks!  I'm giving away this beautiful bag as a gift! I hope Jeannie will love it as much as I do, but don't worry, I already have plans to make myself my own Totes Ma Tote bag as soon as I can make time!  Now I just need to come up with something just as good to make her husband, Terry!  They are both so good to us and our children and give us all the free honey we can eat!  They sell their honey here, at Queen Bee Gifts.

Now, back to the Totes Ma Tote bag.

The Bohemian Babydoll Nautical Dress

Elegance & Elephants latest pattern, The Bohemian Babydoll Dress and Top Pattern, is a summer favorite here in our house. My daughter and I love the style of the dress for its simplicity, plus it's fuss free to sew and wear thanks to the no closure design. Ella has been wearing this nautical version of the Bohemian Babydoll dress for almost two months now (in rotation with other clothes, of course)!

sewVery Sunny Dress Tester Photos Round-Up

A couple of days ago, I released my first graded digital pdf sewing pattern--for FREE! It's the sewVery Sunny Dress Pattern in Sizes 5, 6, and 7.  Boy, was it a labor of love, but I had so much fun making it that I plan to complete the grading and add a couple of variations to the design.

In order to make sure the pattern pieces were graded properly for a good fit and the tutorial instructions were clear and thorough, I requested the help from a group of ladies via a tester call-out on my sewVery Facebook page.  Didn't they do an amazing job?