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Sunday, August 31, 2014

Sodee Naturals + Giveaway

Days before my son's 10th birthday, he got what we thought was a bug bite on his chest. He scratched it and the spot got bigger and redder. A couple of days after his birthday party at a nearby lake, he developed a rash all over his upper chest. At first, my husband and I thought he had an allergic reaction to the rash guard shirt he wore to the party, but after several more days, the rash continued to spread and began to itch. Finally, I took him to the doctor who diagnosed the rash as Pityriasis Rosea.

The doctor told us there is no medication my son can take to speed up the recovery and that hydrocortisone and an antihistamine are really the only things he can take to help relieve the itching. We tried both with Benadryl helping the most but causing Connor to become so sleepy that he had to take a nap each time he took it. Since this wasn't an acceptable alternative for a 5th grader who needs to be alert all day, I turned to a group of my blogger friends for help and advice.

Although none of the friends I polled had had experience specifically with Pityrasis Rosea, several have eczema themselves or children with eczema who experience itching, irritated skin. They suggested using ice packs to sooth the itch as well as several different all natural products to relieve itching and promote healing as well. One friend suggested a product she has used most of her life to combat skin irritation and itching, and since her parents happen to own the business, she had them send me a sample.

Within a few days of reaching out to my friends, I received a box full of all-natural soaps, creams, scrubs, shampoos, and lotions from Sodee Naturals--much more than I had expected! My son couldn't wait to give them a try. He was desperate for some lasting relief from the itching spots that were spreading to his underarms, groin, thighs, and forehead!


Saturday, August 23, 2014

Simple Zipper Pouch + Fabric Bundle Giveaway!

Yesterday, my kids were arguing over a pencil pouch. One claimed the other took it without asking. Since I have no idea who the pencil pouch was originally purchased for, I decided to go make a couple of quick ones so they would both be happy.


I found the perfect pattern and instructions for making these simple zipper pencil pouches in Craftsy's Bag Making Basics: Reversible Tote and Zipper Pouch FREE mini class (affiliate link)! I printed out the materials list and cutting instructions and then grabbed some colorful fabrics I had received from Blend Fabrics. I used four different prints from Maude Asbury's Geofabulous collection. These were the perfect to make both a masculine and a feminine pencil pouch for each of my children.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

A sewVery Simple Envelope Pillowcase Tutorial

Today I'm showing you how to make a sewVery Simple Envelope Pillowcase using half yard cuts of fabric. Two or three times a year around a big holiday (primarily Valentine's Day, Halloween, and Christmas), I sew my children a new holiday themed pillowcase that they use all season long. They get so excited about the pillowcases, plus they add a little holiday decoration to their rooms!

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Winners Chosen & Sale Ending Today!

That's a wrap, folks! The sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern Tour has officially come to an end. It's been a fun week full of adorable Sunny goodness. Don't you think?

Here a just a few more pictures of some versions I made but have never shared on the blog. This was the very first Sunny Dress I ever made.


Saturday, August 16, 2014

Final Day of Guests on the sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour

Well, we've come to the final day of guest posts on the sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour. I'm going to miss seeing and sharing so many lovely Sunny dresses and tops with you all each day!


But before we get to my guests, let me remind you that the giveaway ends tonight (Saturday, August 16th) at midnight CST! I'll announce the winners of the 2 copies of the sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern here on Sunday, August 17th! Enter using the Rafflecopter widget at the end of the post.

Also, the code SUNNY20 to save 20% off the regular pattern price expires on Sunday, August 17th at midnight CST! Visit the sewVery Pattern Shop to purchase your copy now and sew up a couple of Sunny pieces this weekend!


Now on to the fun!

Although Marisa of the blog Thirtynine is experiencing winter weather "down under", she still managed to sew up two beautiful versions--a dress and a top--of the Sunny Pattern that her daughter has enjoyed wearing. She was part of my pattern testing team and used a lovely red and white voile for the first dress that you can read about here. Marisa sewed up a second, modified top version that includes eyelet trim and pin tucks! To read her review and see how the top turned out, head over to Thirtynine now!


Friday, August 15, 2014

It's Day 5 of the sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour

Today's lineup of guests will certainly inspire you to make some awesome, unique sewVery Sunny Dresses and Tops. Let's get right to my Day 5 Pattern Tour visitors!

I've had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out some with my first guest, Marissa, at the last two Sewing Summit conferences that we both attended. Marissa is the book-loving, Harry Potter fanatic who loves to sew and has a successful etsy shop making adorable themed bloomers, onesies, and halloween costumes among other cool items. She recently had a baby boy, but she still sews up tons of girl clothing items for her two beautiful nieces. Be sure to visit Marissa at her blog, Rae Gun Ramblings, to see how she involved her nieces in the fabric making decision for their new Sunny Dresses!


Thursday, August 14, 2014

Day 4 of the sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour

Aren't you loving all the sewVery Sunny sweetness that my guest bloggers are sharing this week? Well, I'm back for Day 4 of the sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour to show you some more!

Up first is a blogger that is new to me--Shelly of Giggles & Beans. Shelly has some awesome tutorials and tips for sewing with minky or cuddle fabrics, and she recently released a free pattern for making bibs and burp cloths with it. She also runs an online fabric shop, So Tweet Fabrics, with her husband. Today, Shelly has created a precious color-blocked version of the Sunny pattern. Head to Giggles & Beans to see more of her precious daughter wearing her new top!



Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Day 3 of the sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour!

It's Day 3 of my sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour! Yipee! I've got lots more Sunny goodness to share with you!

My first guest is a fellow pattern designer whom I admire. In fact, I've sewn most of her designs for Ella! Melissa of Sew Like My Mom somehow manages to run her pattern design business, blog, and a couple of other jobs all while raising 4 adorable kids! Even with that hectic schedule, she managed to make time to help me not only test my pattern design but also be a part of my tour! Please be sure to visit Sew Like My Mom to see more of the precious Option A Sunny Dress she made for her daughter!


Next up is Sara of Made by Sara.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour - Day 2

Yesterday was an amazing start to the sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour, and today promises to be just as exciting! Everyone is melting my heart with all this cuteness!


If you are just now joining the tour, here's a quick run down of what's going on this week here at sewVery. All week, my blogging/sewing friends are sharing their versions of my new pattern, the sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern. Each day, I'll introduce you to my guests and remind you to enter the giveaway to win 1 of 2 copies of the pattern!

If you don't want to take your chances with the giveaway, then be sure to grab your copy of the sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern while it is on sale this week for 20% off with code SUNNY20! Just visit the sewVery Pattern Shop to purchase your copy now!


Now on to the fun!

Monday, August 11, 2014

sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour - Day 1

Today I'm kicking off the week-long sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern Tour! Be sure to stop by each day for some inspiring sewVery Sunny Pattern ideas from a group of amazingly talented sewing bloggers.


On Sunday, August 17th, I'll wrap up the party and announce the winners of the pattern tour giveaway! Yep! I'm giving away 2 copies of the sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern to 2 lucky people. Keep reading to find out how to enter!

All this week, August 11th - 17th, use code SUNNY20 at checkout to save 20% off the regular price when you purchase the sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern.

There are two ways to purchase: 1) through ejunkie and 2) through Craftsy (no code required for the discount here) (affiliate link).  You can find both of these links with more information on the pattern in the sewVery Pattern Shop.

Now on to my special guests for Day 1 of the sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour!

Friday, August 8, 2014

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!

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Did You Know...

Over the last few months, I've been blessed with some new opportunities in the sewing and blogging community, and I have added a few new features to the blog here.


For instance,

Did you know...

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Sunny Pattern Tester Photos

Developing a clothing pattern and preparing it for purchase is a huge undertaking! I never could have completed the sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern without the help from a terrific group of ladies who volunteered to be pattern testers. They all did an amazing job of providing feedback on the pattern instructions, sewing up the garment, and sending me photographs.  Most testers even opted to make more than one piece because the pattern is so quick and easy to sew!

Friday, August 1, 2014

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!