I made a Swoon Pearl Wallet!

This has been a big week for me because I finally got up the courage to sew a wallet called Pearl by Swoon Sewing Patterns.  I was a little intimidated when I saw all the pattern pieces but I was able to make the entire wallet with only one small mistake that I easily changed.  I took it very slow and read all of the instructions carefully the entire time. 

So this wallet has been sitting on my table for a full 24 hours and I have yet to put anything inside of it.  It's so beautiful that I don't want to use it! 

I wanted to use up fabric that I had in stock so I went with a couple of prints from Joel Dewberry's Atrium collection.  I needed a coordinate but didn't want a solid so I went with the candy stripe from Art Gallery Fabric's Fantasia collection.  The entire interior was going to be the stripe but I changed my mind last minute and switched it to an Atrium coordinate.  I was worried that the stripes would make me cross eyed looking at them.  I purchased my hardware and interfacing from Joann Fabrics. 

I'm not sure that I will ever separate the billfold from the rest of the wallet but it has snaps on it so it can be done.  The only mistake I had made when sewing was putting the little swivel tab on the wrong side so once I saw what I had done I was able to move it before sewing it shut.  The wallet is nice and sturdy but yet it's still soft. 

This last photo is just showing off that wonderful little zipper pouch.  I have an iPhone 6 and it fits perfectly in there!  I never would have thought it possible but it does.  So if you want to dress your wallet up a little you can use it as a clutch and keep all your items in it for the day or evening.  I don't plan on using mine alone so the next one I make I will probably exclude the wrist strap.  I always like to make a pattern exactly as written the first time I make it so that I know exactly how it's supposed to turn out for future reference.  Now all I need to do is make a matching purse!  I have a pattern on hand already and will hopefully get started sewing soon. 

Have you sewn a Swoon pattern before?  If so, which one and how much did you like it?  Leave me a comment below!

Spring is here!

Spring is here and everything is growing, the sun is out more, and I'm feeling happier because of it.  I have been busy swooning over our newest additions to our home.  Just about two weeks ago we brought in five little Pekin ducklings.  They are just the sweetest, fluffiest things! 

Since I have developed a love of farm animals I found it fitting to carry an assortment of farm related fabric in my shop.  I have a few different prints at the moment in both regular quilting cotton and also organic cotton.  I'm hoping for a day in the near future that I can sew something up for the boys with the Monaluna tractor print.  They both love tractors, cars, trucks, planes, etc. 

I just can't get over the cuteness!  Do you think ducklings or chicks are cuter?  I loved all my little chicks over the years but these ducklings have such fun personalities that I almost think they are the best.  Leave me a comment and tell me what you think!

Jocole Love

Welcome to my part of the Jocole Love Blog Tour!  This is just the beginning of many stops during the tour.  I made two items from Jocole that I have had for years and never made.  My first item is the Little Miss Derby Jacket.

I still can't believe that I have had this jacket pattern for 3 years and had never sewn it.  It's adorable and if I wouldn't have made it in the wrong size my daughter would have loved it too.  Sizes run from newborn to girls 14, and even comes in doll size!  I am not use to following Jocole's instructions so when I decided on the size to make I made a 7 in width and almost 10 in length.  My issue was that the size chart was for finished product sizes and seeing that this was a jacket I should have stuck with an 8 or 10 to make it a little less tight.

All in all this was a fairly easy pattern to follow.  The jacket has an empire waist with a back ruffle that extends further down than the front.  It's fully lined (I used regular cotton woven fabric), the outer is made with some chambray.  There is also the option to put in an interlining of fabric to provide some extra warmth.  I left off the big bow that can be put on the back of the jacket but I'm pretty sure it's simple to make if you choose to put it on.

The next item that I made is the Sandcastle Halter Top.  This should have been a quick and easy sew but for whatever reason I just wasn't having much luck today.  I am a little more of a visual person and it took me several tries at reading parts of the instructions to get through some of the construction.  I had my seam ripper handy and used it a couple of times.

Aside from my mistakes this was a quick sew and turned out so cute.  The body is made from knit and the top and straps use quilting cotton.  I used some Happily Ever After from Art Gallery's Paperia collection.

The pattern says you can add a ruffle between the quilting cotton and knit, or add some rick rac.  I decided to use some elastic lace trim I had from Riley Blake.  I love the extra detail!

There are a couple of things I may try differently next time (although I'm not sure if my ideas will work or not).  I prefer a casing for the elastic to go through rather than sewing it directly onto the fabric.  I ended up with a section of fabric that wasn't as bunched as the rest of the back.  I didn't feel like using the seam ripper for it so I left it alone this time.  I also struggled with the sides under the arms.  It just didn't seem to look quite right compared to the photos I have seen.

My daughter approved of the top though!  The sizes are great and range from newborn to girls 14 and includes a doll size.  It's very comfy and will fit under a Little Miss Derby Jacket perfectly.

Thanks for stopping and reading!

Be sure to check out all of the blogs on this tour! Which is your favorite so far?
Feb 8- Larissa from Connected By a Thread
Feb 9- Tibeca from Sewing by Ti
Feb 10- Robin from My Little Lady & Gentleman
Feb 11- Patricia from Sew Far North
Feb 12- Linda from Sew Happily Ever After
Feb 15- Larissa from Connected by a Thread and Essence from Amazing Adventures of Bubba and Bug
Feb 16- Amy from Wally and Grace
Feb 17- Melissa from Rebel & Malice and Sharon from Sweetpea & Pumpkins
Feb 18- Ula from Lulu & Celeste
Feb 19- Teronia from Crazy Crafty Haute Mama and Cindy from Cindy Parrett.com

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Greetings!  It's nearly Thanksgiving and I have been pondering what and how I can give to other people this holiday season.  I came across The Angel Card Project in years past but never participated.  I saw a post in a Facebook group that I am in asking desperately for volunteers to send Christmas cards to people who may need a little cheer.  I knew this would be perfect for my family to help with.  My daughter is old enough to help write out the cards, and all the children will get to see what it's like to bring a little joy to other people's lives.  If this sounds like something you may like to help with just visit the website and sign up to help. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas!

September Spectacular Event with Boutique's Best

Today kicks off the start of the September Spectacular Event at Boutique's Best Facebook page.  There are over 20 vendors who are participating with items such as jewelry, accessories, and children's clothing.  Items are selling fast so make sure you take a look before your favorite item is gone.  The event closes 9/20/15 at 9pm EST. 

There is even a giveaway going on right now that you can enter for a chance to get a $35 shop credit towards an item.  To find out all the details, go to the event page.

Here's a dress I made from a Brownie Goose pattern called The Lennon Blouse and Dress.  I used fabric from Art Gallery's Skopelos collection.  It's lightweight and gorgeous and if there's any leftovers you will be able to find it in my shop here and here.

 My favorite parts of this dress:  the collar, the zipper back, and the pleats on the skirt.  Here's the listing to purchase.  Be quick though, there's only one available in sizes 12 months to 12 years.

I often love simple things with no frills.  Here's another dress I have in the event.  It's called Megan's Wrap Top and Dress from Simple Life Pattern Co.  I used a classic white polka dot on hot pink fabric from my website. 

There's a single button that shows on the front and a hidden button underneath keeping the dress closed since it truly wraps around the front.  Here's where you can purchase this dress.  Just like the Lennon dress, there's only one available at this time. 

I love the fact that the back of the Megan dress mirrors the front with the little "v".  So cute, and the dress is great for layering without having ruffles bunched underneath a sweater if you need one.

Last but not least, there's only one spot of this adorable set available for the time being.  This is the Mayfair Top & Dress from Terra's Treasures.  I used fabric from Jennifer Paganelli's Caravelle Arcade collection.  I chose not to use a lace overlay but instead put in some Fabric Finder's chambray
to coordinate perfectly with the pants.  I love this fitted, super feminine top! 

The pants are Violette Field Threads Whitney Trousers and although I don't make them in women's sizes, you can buy the pattern.  These pants are awesome because they are dressy, fun, and comfortable. 

Hope you see something you like and maybe even a little inspired your creativity a little!

Lots of Pockets Bag

I think I finally found my sew-jo again!  This time I decided to finally make a purse.  I've been thinking about it for so long but could never get up the courage to just jump in and do it.  I needed a gift for a friend and found this was a perfect opportunity to give this a try. 

I had a ton of patterns that I purchased years ago and never put to use.  I decided I liked this one called Lots of Pockets because of those two cute pockets on the front.  The pattern designer is called Keyka Lou but I believe she may have changed her name to Michelle Patterns.  I looked in her shop but didn't see the pattern for this bag.  I'm wondering if it was discontinued which would be a shame because it was a great pattern! 

Since my friend who would be receiving this lovely purse also likes to sew, I decided to use this vintage printed fabric from Timeless Treasures.  It's just regular quilting cotton and you may still find some for sale in my shop here.  

The finished result turned out to be a good size for carrying lots of things.  I am looking forward to making more bags now!

Where did the time go?

Summer vacation is almost over and I feel very unaccomplished.  At the beginning of break I thought that I would have a ton of clothing sewn but that was far from what actually happened.  I'm getting myself mentally prepped for a great fall though.  So here's to hoping for lots more to post about.  

I made my first ever EYMM pattern today.  It was easy peasy and my daughter and I both love it.  I love it so much that I am going to make myself the women's version of this top.

This is the Carlie Dolman Top with the high-lo cut.  My daughter said it's super comfy which is something she doesn't usually tell me when I make things for her.  The fabric is a lightweight sweater knit that I found at Joann Fabrics.  

Make sure you check out EYMM (Everything Your Mama Made & More) because there's some great patterns to use.  The Carlie's was written well and I had no trouble following along.  The tips for sewing with knits were nice too.

Oh, and a shoutout to Cookie Crumbs Couture for the chunky necklace.  My daughter loves the big beads!