Monday, September 30, 2013

Fall & Winter Pattern Sale Starts NOW!

Today's the day!  The Sew Fab Fall and Winter Pattern Bundle Sale starts right now!  These are 26 amazing patterns all for only $29.95!  Wow!  That's just a little more than $1.15 per pattern!

These patterns are all really wonderful!  I know because I've already made at least 5 of them (and some of those multiple times) as shown below.  Keep reading to see who the designers are and what patterns are included in the bundle.  Then please, please, please use my affiliate link by clicking the "Buy the Bundle Here" buttons below to purchase your Sew Fab Pattern Bundle!  Oh, and there are prizes, too!


This post contains affiliate links.  When you purchase the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle through those links, I earn a percentage of the sale.  Thanks so much for your support!

 

 Welcome to the Fall and Winter 2013

Sew Fab e-pattern Sale Event!

Last February was the first ever Sew Fab e-pattern Sale and it was so successful and was so well received that Jenny Yarbrough of The Southern Institute, the creator and administrator of the sale, decided to have more! This sale is bigger and better than the first, with plenty of patterns to get you through the fall and winter (if you live on this side of the hemisphere), and a few warm weather patterns thrown in for those of you who live on the other side of the world. You'll also find more gender neutral patterns for those of you who are sewing for boys. And what about you? Of course there are a few women's patterns thrown in for some selfish sewing too! Over the past several weeks a lot of behind the scenes planning has taken place to bring you this newest bundle of ePatterns from many of the top established and up and coming online sewing pattern designers. The result is a bundle of 26 PDF sewing patterns that you're going to love! For one week only, twenty-six pattern designers have come together to bring you 26 of their best PDF patterns, valued together at well over $2oo.oo, for the incredible price of $29.95!!! That’s over 80% off of the combined retail value! Plus you can enter to win a dream of a giveaway with several prize packages from some of your favorite online fabric shops!
For less than $30.00 you will have a library of resources that you can use over and over again.
The designers that have joined this sale are experts in their craft. Each designer has contributed one of their favorite patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please! Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use.
If you’ve never sewn with a PDF pattern before, let me tell you how great it is! After downloading your pattern instructions and your pattern, you will print out the pattern itself, creating pattern tiles, if you will. Simply tape the tiles together to create the full pattern! At that point you can cut out the size that you need and pin the paper pattern directly to your fabric, or you can trace the pattern size that you need onto sewing paper or tracing paper and cut it out, saving the paper pattern for later when you need to sew another size. Pdf patterns are so convenient because you can print them out as many times as you need!

 

Now for the good stuff... the PATTERNS!

26 amazing ePatterns from 26 well-known and up and coming designers are instantly accessible to you by PDF download upon purchase of the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle. Here are the patterns that you will receive (click on the links below the images for more information about each pattern.):

 

Reversible Zippy Hoodie from Kitschy Coo, Ananda Pants from CHOPSTIX, The Sally Dress from Very Shannon, Best Harem Pants from Too Sweets , Notebook Slipcover from Gingercake, Junebug Dress from Craftiness Is Not Optional, Fancy Pants Leggings from Titchy Threads, Skinny Jeans from peek-a-boo, Pajama Eaters from Sew Fearless, Ruffle Dress from Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Go To Cape for Women, Sadie Grace Nightgown from Seamingly Smitten, Vintage V-Neck from Blank Slate Patterns, Zermatt Bow Swing Coat from See Kate Sew, Tumble Tee from imaginegnats, Nituna Jacket from Figgy's, Greenpoint Cardigan from Hey June, Gathers and Giggles Quilt from Sew Much Ado, Billy Car Play Mat and Roll Up from Handmade Therapy, Bimaa Sweater from LouBee Clothing, Candy Carousel Dress from Molly Blossom, Convertible Clutch from LBG Studio , Infinity Sweater from One Girl Circus, Undies Pattern from From the Red Kitchen, Owl Backpack from The Sewing Loft, Ethan Shirt from the Scientific Seamstress

This Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available for one week and will never be available again! You can purchase the bundle from September 30th at 8 a.m. EST through October 8th at 8 a.m. EST and there will be no late sales offered. Due to the nature of the sale there are no refunds.
You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of 26 PDF sewing patterns from 26 of the best designers out there!
 

And now for The Sew Fab Giveaways!

I'm so excited about these giveaways! Can’t buy the pattern bundle? It’s okay… purchase is not required to enter. Each of these prizes will inspire you in your sewing as well as keep you stocked with what you need for your upcoming projects. There are lots of chances to win and each entry applies to all of the giveaway packages. Just use the Rafflecopter widget below the prize descriptions to enter as many times as you want, no purchase necessary.
#1: $50 Gift Card to Fat Quarter Shop
The Fat Quarter Shop was founded in 2003 by Kimberly Jolly who began her shop as a side business, cutting, packing and shipping right out of her house during evenings and weekends. From the very beginning, she was committed to delivering top-notch service for every single order and customer. You'll still find the same level of service at Fat Quarter Shop, along with an extensive selection of high quality fabrics at great prices.
 
#2: $50 Gift Card to Girl Charlee Fabrics
Girl Charlee Fabrics is your retail and wholesale source for unique knits fabrics at the best price. Browse their wide selection of fabrics and specially select knit specific sewing patterns from independent designers.
 
#3: $50 Gift Card to Modern Yardage
Modern Yardage has a curated team of talented designers who design fabric exclusively for them. They print your fabric on-demand and offer their prints in small, medium, and large scale and as many as 10 different color options. Designs are printed in the standard 44" width on 58" wide, pre washed, 100% cotton quilting weight fabric, and they use the 12" margin to print features about their designers, free projects and patterns for you, and other fun goodies!
 
#4: $50 Gift Card to Michael Levine, Inc.
Located in the heart of the Los Angeles garment and fashion district, Michael Levine, Inc. is one of the Largest fabric retailers and wholesalers in the nation. With two retail outlets and a super stocked warehouse, Michael Levine, Inc. is the place to buy fabric.
 
#5: $50 from Finch Sewing Studio
Finch Sewing Studio provides a curated selection of modern fabrics and cool tools. Our classes are offered in our physical shop in Loudoun County, VA. We offer fun, on-trend classes for beginner and experienced sewists alike. We teach the skills and provide the materials to make beautiful, handmade goods.
 
#6: $50 Gift certificate from Fabricworm

Fabricworm offers a selection of fresh, modern fabrics that you'll love, including organic fabrics and japanese import fabrics.  You'll find children's fabrics, fabric bundles, quilt kits, and free sewing patterns when you visit Fabricworm's shop.  Come by and search their great selection today!
Sign up for the Sew Fab Newsletter to get the latest Sew Fab News! Winners will be announced in the newsletter as well as upcoming sales and other news pertaining to the Sew Fab Sale and the world of pdf patterns. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Sale!

Sew Much Inspiration right at your finger tips…

only $29.95!

Get your bundle now!

  *Patterns included in the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle are intended for personal use only. The selling of patterns without designer's permission is prohibited and punishable by law. Please contact individual designers for licensing requirements if you desire to create and sell clothing from patterns that have been purchased through this sale. **For answers concerning sale terms and customer service questions, please see the FAQ page.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Sewing Summit 2013

Lindsay from Lindsay Sews, Veronica, and Justine from Sew Country Chick 
Hello sewVery readers! I'm Caila from CailaMade and today I'm taking over Veronica's blog to tell you all about Sewing Summit 2013 and what I learned about her while I was there!

Veronica and I have known each other in the virtual world for about a year, but we actually met for the first time last weekend at Sewing Summit. We shared a room with two other girls, and had an absolute blast talking about fabric, sewing machines, blogging, and everything else in between. I really enjoyed following her around to get pictures of her over the weekend. Can you appreciate the very serious look on my face in the picture below? 

Caila from CailaMade and Veronica
Before I jump into the Veronica-stuff, I should probably tell you a bit about Sewing Summit. Sewing Summit is an annual sewing-and-blogging conference attended by approximately 250 people. We gathered together to take sewing classes, learn about growing our blogs and businesses, network with others in the industry, make new friends, and ultimately have a lot of fun with people who speak our creative language. Veronica and I both took a lot away from Sewing Summit, including some really great friendships.

Veronica and Lindsay
Here are my Top 5 Favorite Things About Veronica:
  1. She is one of the kindest, most caring souls you will ever meet. Veronica always has good things to say about everyone, is considerate, a good listener, and great for "talking shop" about blogging. 
  2. Veronica LOVES her children. It's evident all over her blog, and I could hear it in the way she talks about them. I tell you, they are so lucky to have a mom like her. 
  3. She can sew like a boss. Seriously. Have you seen the leather accent tote she made at Sewing Summit? It's beautiful! 
  4. Veronica blogs because SHE LOVES TO SEW. This is one of the number one things I took away from a weekend with her. She doesn't blog because she wants to make a million bucks. She doesn't blog because it's the next big "thing." Veronica blogs because she loves to sew and she wants to share it with you. I think that's what makes her so trustworthy as a person who writes about sewing patterns and shares projects and tutorials. You can trust what she says, and find inspiration in what she sews. 
  5. Veronica has beautiful hair! Yup. You ought to see it in person. She got a haircut while she was there (done by Melissa Esplin's sister, in one of the hotel rooms) and it pretty much shimmered the whole weekend. 
Carving stamps in Miriam's class 
From what Veronica shared with me, I can tell she really enjoyed her classes. She took the following ones, and I'm sure she would tell you more about them if you asked: 
  • Designing fabric, by Pat Bravo
  • Sewing with Leather
  • Printing on Fabric with Miriam Tribe
  • Personal Branding with Olivia Omega
  • Working with Brands, by Bernina
  • Making a Metal Frame Pouch (the one she sewed was amazing, by the way).
  • Making a Leather Tote
  • Building a Creative Business, by Alicia DeRigo
Veronica carving a stamp. 
Eight classes in one weekend--that's a lot of creative inspiration! Veronica shared with me later that the highlight of the weekend was meeting her online friends in person and making new friendships. 

Our roomies: Jen from iCandyHandmade, Lindsay, Veronica, and Caila 
I could tell that one of the other highlights for Veronica was visiting more of Salt Lake City with some of the other women who are just as addicted to fabric and sewing as she is. Shopping for fabric with sewing friends is really one of the highlights in life, don't you think? 

The only regret I have after Sewing Summit is that I didn't get more pictures of Veronica and I! To tell you the truth, we were too busy talking to stop and snap a shot (and I was too busy sneaking around getting candid shots of her carving stamps). 

Before I go, here are a couple more pictures of Veronica with her TRULY INCREDIBLE leather accent tote. I can't believe she actually made this in one class: 



Gorgeous, right? After the weekend we were pretty tired, but it was worth it. Veronica said, and I agree, that Sewing Summit is a trip she looks forward to all year long and it did not disappoint. After all the talking and late-night sewing, we all went home and did this: 


Thanks for reading, everyone! I hope you enjoyed this peak into Veronica's weekend at Sewing Summit. Have a great weekend!

Caila, you did a pretty terrific job of summing up my Sewing Summit experience!  It was great to finally meet you in person, too, and I hope to see you again soon to hang out and talk more.  I appreciate all the pictures you took of me at Sewing Summit, too!

Visit each of these blogs to read more Sewing Summit stories from some of your favorite sewing bloggers and to see who got the chance to stalk follow them around for a few days!








Thursday, September 26, 2013

The Bubblegum Coat Pattern

The fabulous Kate of See Kate Sew recently released an amazing collection of patterns, including the Bubblegum Coat, which I was most fortunate to test for her.


When I agreed to test this pattern for Kate, I had never before attempted to sew a coat or jacket. At first, I was intimidated by the idea of making a long-sleeved, buttoned-up, fully-lined garment, but once I read her pattern instructions, I was surprised at the simplicity of the entire design!


First of all, like all of Kate's other patterns, the illustrations and directions are clear and concise, and the level of detail is outstanding.

I used the sizing chart of the Bubblegum Coat Pattern to determine that my little girl needed the size 6. Ella is only 4 and a half, but she is tall and growing like a weed!  I knew the sleeves would be a little long, but I decided to keep the extra length so that the ends could be turned up to show off the beautiful lining fabric. As an added bonus, I'm sure Ella will be able to wear this coat next year, too!


Speaking of fabrics, the exterior is a wool fabric that I purchased nearly 20 years ago at the Piece Goods Shop (not even sure that chain still exists).  It must have been on sale because I had roughly 6 yards of it, but this project took less than 2 yards of that (it is 60" wide though).  I love the plaid and mix of fall colors!




For the lining, I used Anna Maria Horner's Loulou Thi in Summer Totem Strudel.  This fabric had all the colors used in the plaid, and because of the larger print, worked perfectly for the lining.  Oh, and did I mention that I happened to have 2 yards of it on hand already!  So no shopping for fabric was required to complete this project!


The brown buttons were rescued off a brown corduroy vest that I had purchased at Goodwill for 99 cents last year.  That was definitely worth the investment, plus I still have 4 or 5 buttons left!

The detailing of the coat is what makes it so special.  I love the cute little rounded pockets with a buttoned flap, and the subtle gathers on the front and back at the waist area add a sweet, feminine touch.


I'm already plotting the next Bubblegum Coat that I'll make Ella.  I'm considering a corduroy version or perhaps a lightweight coat made in all quilting cotton fabrics.  Oh, the possibilities!

You know you want the Bubblegum Coat Pattern, so just go buy it at See Kate Sew's Pattern Shop! You'll be glad you did!

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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Time for Another Sew Fab Pattern Sale!

Please be sure to come back to my blog, sewVery, next week for more info and to purchase the latest Sew Fab Pattern Bundle!

Coming next week...

http://thesoutherninstitute.com

  For one week only, twenty-six pattern designers will be joining together to combine their best PDF sewing patterns (valued together at over $200.00) and selling them to you for the incredible price of $29.95! That’s over 80% off of the combined retail value!
Grab the bundle when it goes on sale next week and you'll be all set to sew for school and the coming holiday season! You'll have to wait until next week to see which patterns are included in this fall's bundle, but I can tell you right now that you won't be disappointed!

See you bright and early on Monday morning!

 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

The Sally Dress

My multi-talented and super sweet friend, Shannon, from Very Shannon and Luvinthemommyhood, has just released her latest sewing pattern for The Sally Dress, and I was lucky enough to be a tester for this pattern and be a part of the pattern tour!


Shannon's Sally Dress Pattern is just as amazing and simple to make as her Sweetheart Dress Pattern. I adore them both, and even better, Ella loves wearing them both!  To see the Sweetheart Dresses I made last year, click HERE and HERE.

The Sally Dress Pattern features two large (I mean really big) pockets that are just perfect for active little girls who love to carry around stuffed animals, Little People, Barbies, or even Legos. Ella has had no trouble loading up those pockets while playing around the house or when we run to the store.



Another great detail of the Sally Dress Pattern is that it has no closure and just slips on and off over the head.  This is great for little ones asserting their independence in the "I can dress myself" department!


Back View

The square neckline bodice and shorter skirt length give this pattern a vintage vibe.  In addition to sleeveless, the pattern offers two sleeve length options:  short and 3/4 length.  I think the sleeveless version would be great for fall or winter with a t-shirt worn underneath it.

Although the pattern instructions don't include details for adding piping around the neckline, armholes, and waist, any experienced sewer can do it.  It took me roughly an extra hour's sewing time to make and sew on the piping.


The bodice is fully lined, and Shannon's pattern instructions and illustrations provide you with detailed steps on how to do this effortlessly.  Thank you, Shannon, for letting me test The Sally Dress Pattern!  I absolutely love it!


As far as the fabrics I used to make this dress, I was recently contacted by Kelle of Ann Kelle designs for Robert Kaufman about using some her fabrics.  Immediately, I knew that the Sally Dress would be perfect to showcase several of her coordinating fun, colorful prints.

I made this very outdoorsy version of The Sally Dress using Ann Kelle's Woodland Pals fabric in Bermuda for the bodice and skirt, Remix Small Chevrons in Bermuda for the outside of the pockets, Woodland Pals Raccoon in Bermuda for the pocket lining, Remix Dots in Bermuda for the bodice lining, and Remix Stripes in Bermuda for the piping.  You can purchase all of these prints at a variety of online and brick and mortar retail fabric stores.




Ella loves looking over the skirt for the hedgehogs, bunnies, fox, moose, deer, and mushrooms. Sometimes I turn it into a game to see how many of each she can find or if she can identify the colors on the pockets.  Who knew that fabric could help your pre-schooler learn her colors and to count!  Thanks again, Kelle, for all the fabric!  I love the quality, the colors, and most definitely the designs.  Fun!


Want to make your own version of The Sally Dress?  Then be sure to head to enter the contest below to win your own copy of the pattern.  If you just have to have the pattern right now, then head over to Very Shannon to purchase your own copy of The Sally Dress Pattern.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Thanks sewVery much for coming by today!  Please be sure to visit all the other amazingly talented bloggers on the Sally Dress Pattern Tour for more inspiration!

sally dress pattern tour on luvinthemommyhood.com

Hope you'll visit sewVery again real soon!

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Monday, September 16, 2013

Craft Book Month - Little Things to Sew

Have you been following Craft Book Month at Craft Buds this September?  If not, then you are missing lots of valuable information on great sewing and crafting projects!  Plus, there's a contest with great prizes!

When my super-duper sweet friend and soon-to-be new mom, Lindsay, asked me to contribute to the Craft Buds' Craft Book Month tour, I knew right away which project I would make:  the Baby Doll Carrier in the book Little Things to Sew by Oliver + S.


My daughter loves stuffed animals and baby dolls, and when she saw this Baby Doll Carrier in the pattern book Little Things to Sew, she begged me to make one for her.  Of course I agreed, and in a couple of hours, I had it finished!  



This book is full of wonderful O + S patterns for clothing, accessories, bags, toys, and more.  If you've ever sewn an Oliver + S clothing pattern, then you know the high quality of the patterns, the instructions, the pictures, and the graphics.  This book is no different and does not disappoint.

Picture Source:  Oliver + S Website
Ella loves wearing her favorite baby doll or stuffed animal around in the carrier like a real mom would.  The baby doll carrier is sized to hold a small (shown) or large doll or stuffed animal and has two different sets of buttons and velcro tabs to make the sizing adjustment when needed.  



It crisscrosses in the back and has a small little pocket in the front to hold a baby spoon or coupon when play shopping!


If you are like me, both storage space and funds are limited around my house.  Before I make the plunge and actually purchase most craft or sewing books, I normally check to see if my local library has it available.  If it does, I'll check it out and peruse it at my leisure, perhaps make a project or two, and then decide if it is really something I want to own.  That's exactly what I did for this book, Little Things to Sew by Liesl Gibson of Oliver + S.  When I did purchase it, I found it at Joann's Fabric & Craft Store and used a 40% off coupon!  Big score!

To learn more about Craft Book Month, the Craft Buds Blog Hop, and the contest, keep reading below. Also, be sure to check out the other Blog Hoppers to see what projects and craft books they've been using.  You might just find a few things to add to your wish list!

Craft Book Month

It's time for the 3rd Annual Craft Book Month at Craft Buds! This year, we're excited to celebrate all month log with a blog hop of your inspirational craft book projects, a crafty contest, free patterns and prizes!

Don't let those craft books sit on your shelf and collect dust! We want to see what you've been making. That's why I've teamed up with some fabulous bloggers who will be showing off their projects made from craft books, all month long!

Blog Hop

Week One
Monday 9/2: Fabric Mutt / LRstitched
Tuesday 9/3: Stitch This! The Martingale Blog / Stitched in Color
Wednesday 9/4: Fabric Seeds / Pile O Fabric
Thursday 9/5: The Feisty Redhead / Rae Gun Ramblings
Friday 9/6: Sew-Fantastic / Clover + Violet
Saturday 9/7: A Prairie Sunrise / Small Town Stitcher

Week Two
Monday 9/9: Hopeful Threads / Go To Sew
Tuesday 9/10: The Sewing Rabbit / Sewing Mama RaeAnna
Wednesday 9/11: Marci Girl Designs / imagine gnats
Thursday 9/12: Sew Sweetness / amylouwhosews
Friday 9/13: Lindsay Sews / 13 Spools
 Saturday 9/14: Inspire Me Grey / Angela Yosten 

Week Three
Monday 9/16: Sew Very / Craftside
Tuesday 9/17: The Littlest Thistle / CraftFoxes  

9/1-9/30: Link up your craft book project at Craft Buds from your blog or Flickr account, and enter to win prizes. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, October, 1!


To participate in the month-long contest, just link up any project you've made from a pattern in a craft book. That easy! You'll tell us a little about the book, the project, how you personalized it, etc.

Rules

1) One entry per person. 
2) Your craft book project must have been completed in 2013. 
3) Create a new blog post or Flickr photo (dated September 1, 2013 or later) and link back to Craft Buds/Craft Book Month in your post or photo description. In your post or photo description, make sure to list the craft book you used and provide a link if possible.
4) All winners chosen via Random.org. Some prizes available to international winners, so please join us!

Prizes

Visit Craft Buds and link up your craft book project during the window of Sept 1-30 and you'll automatically be entered to win some fantastic prizes from the Craft Book Month sponsors!

No time to make a project? You can also follow Craft Buds all month long for your chance to comment and win some new sewing and quilting books for your library.

 Craft Book Month at Craft Buds

Thanks for stopping by today!  Have fun sewing!

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