Greenstyle Creations Focus on Fall Blog Tour Kick Off

I am so excited to day to be kicking off the Greenstyle Creations Focus on Fall Blog Tour.  This tour is one that Angie (the designer over at Greenstyle Creations) and I have been working on for a while now, and I am so excited to see what all of the talented bloggers we have lined up are going to come up with.

So what is this all about?  Over the next two weeks, there will be a series of bloggers featuring the entire Greenstyle lineup of children's patterns.  We also partnered up with Riley Blake Designs, who generously supplied the fabric for all of the bloggers on the tour and with Whimsical Fabrics who generously supplied some terrific prizes (HINT: the giveaway is at the bottom!).

With fall in the air, it is time to start thinking long sleeves and leggings.  Since my girls are both going into a new size, this was the perfect opportunity for me to get started on their fall wardrobes.

For my older daughter, I made the Anna Lap Dress from Greenstyle and paired it with the Lucy Leggings . I used the Riley Blake Navy and Purple Stripe paired with a custom knit for a bit of contrast.

The Anna Lap Dress is such a cute and cozy option for the fall.  It includes short and long sleeves and directions for both a tunic and a dress.  I made the long sleeved tunic to pair with the leggings. 

The lap detail and contrast band gives the Anna Lap Dress a little extra touch and makes it so easy to personalize.  I did not do the optional ruffles on the bodice, but I am sure I will eventually.  We love ruffles around here!

She played in it all day and it's dress-code friendly, so the versatility and comfort are great benefits. She will get a lot of use out of this outfit this fall and winter.  

For my little one, I made the Savannah Skirt and the Bella Bubble Top.  

The Savannah Skirt was made with the Riley Blake Hot Pink Stripe  and Hot Pink Small Dot for the waistband (you'll just have to take my word on that since we didn't get a picture of the contrast waistband!) 

For the Bella Top, I used the Riley Blake Solid White knit and the Hot Pink Small Dot for contrast.  I did a simple ruffle instead of the bubble sleeve for my top. 

Since we are very much still in Frozen Mania at our house, I embroidered a frozen phrase on the top. She can't read yet, but once she found out what it said, she was smitten! She thanked me several times for her pretty skirt and top, so I call this one a win.  

The Savannah skirt is super easy to make and I already have another cut out to make with a matching Bella for my older daughter.  The little one liked it so much that I will probably make her a few more for this fall.  She is on a pants strike, so we will need lots of skirts to get us through the winter.  Thankfully we live in a warm climate!

 These four patterns, like the entire Greenstyle line up, are super comfortable and versatile.   I have adult versions of both the Bella and the Lucy in my own closet and frequently wear them.   So I know first hand how great and wearable they are.

Proof they really do love each other...

My versions of these patterns are just the beginning of the tour, so make sure you check out all of these amazing ladies and their projects over the next 2 weeks!

October 13- Kick off Post by Blogs Like A Mother
October 14- Friends Stitched Together
October 15- Handmade Boy
October 16- Becca Duval Photography
October 17- The Lady and The Gents
October 18- Snickerdoodle Stew
October 19- The Sewing Sparrow
October 20- Once Upon A Sewing Machine
October 21- Babyfish Designs
October 22- FABulous Home-Sewn
October 23- Gracious Threads
October 24- Wrap Up Post by Blogs Like A Mother

If you want to grab a few of these patterns for yourself, Greenstyle Creations is offering a 25% discount with the code "25discount" during the tour. 

C'mon! Where's the giveaway?

A huge thank you to Riley Blake Designs for providing the fabric for the tour.  And another huge thank you to Whimsical Fabrics and Greenstyle Creations for providing the prize packages.  You can enter by using the widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks you so much for stopping by today!  Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour to enter for more chances at one of the 4 prize packages!  

Perfect Pattern Parcel #5-Greenstyle Yoga Pants

Hello everyone and thanks for stopping by! I am back again today (two days in a row? Someone mark this day down!) to feature a second pattern from the perfect pattern parcel #5; the Greenstyle Creations Yoga Pants.  

If you are not familiar with the Perfect Pattern Parcel, here are a few details for you...

How Pattern Parcel Works:

Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel.  We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we've raised over $11,000 for classrooms in need!

Parcel #5: Girls and Tweens includes: 

Lily Knit Blazer by Peek-a-Boo Patterns

Everyday Yoga Pant for Girls by Greenstyle

Asymmetrical Drape Top by EYMM

Playhouse Dress by Fishstick Designs

Mimi Dress and Shirt by Filles a Maman

BONUS PATTERN: Sunki Dress by Figgy’s

Bonus Pattern:

Choose a price of $28 or greater for Parcel #5 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the Sunki Dress by Figgy's. Fun pockets, a stylish silhouette, plus make it in knit or woven. Double bonus! The pattern includes both size runs, so you get 18 months through a 16 tween sizing. This is awesome sauce!

Using this link is like saying "BlogsLikeAMother sent me, ask her to do your tour again!"

What can I say about yoga pants except that I have a pretty deep rooted love and appreciation for them.  Not so sure my husband feels the same way after seeing me in them just about everyday, but they are one of my favorite items of clothing.  I am pretty sure they go with everything (no need to correct me, I won't believe you anyway...) and they are comfortable without being slouchy.  So I guess it should not come as a surprise that when my daughter saw this outfit she was smitten.  

So here is a lesser known fact about the children of bloggers and pattern testers: they don't always feel like taking pictures according to your deadlines and projects.  In fact, I have told my girls several times that I am just not going to sew for them anymore because they complain about the pictures so much.  They love having momma made items and like almost everything I make, but they don't always love posing for pictures.  Why am I telling you this? Well, because of this rare sighting that occurred in my backyard...

A real...life...actual smile from my older daughter.  

Okay, so I exaggerate a bit, but she does normally need a little bribery encouragement to get out there and take some pictures.  Not the case this time.  She saw the outfit and perked right up, grinning ear to ear and quickly changing into it.  

As soon as she put it on she remarked how cozy it was and that it would be great for fall.  I have to agree; this is an outfit I would wear too! She then proceeded to do a little dance and chant about how great she looked in her outfit.  It was love at first sight! 

Ok, so now a little more about the pattern.  The pattern is really quick to make; I made it in less time than a round trip visit to my local chain store would have taken me had I gone to buy a pair.  They feature a yoga style waist band and include cut lines for shorts, capris and full length pants.  There are only 3 pattern pieces to put together, so the pattern assembly and cutting is super quick.  Including taping together the pattern and cutting them out, this pair took me about 40 minutes.  

I paired the yoga pants with the Greenstyle Creations (affiliate link) Lacy n Lane Hooded T-shirt made from the same purple knit fabric (found at joanns) and an up-cycled "Ponies Forever" T-shirt that I found in the mens section at my local target (I apologize in advance to the Bronies that were not able to buy the t-shirt that I bought to cut up...but look how cute it turned out!!!) It is a perfectly paired fall outfit and she LOVES it! Score one for mom!

You can grab the yoga pants and the other great patterns in the perfect pattern parcel through October 3.  So if you haven't already grabbed it, now is the time!  It is chock full of great patterns, supports a great cause and is a terrific price.  You won't be sorry!

Using this link is like saying "BlogsLikeAMother sent me, ask her to do your tour again!"

Need more inspiration? Check out these other bloggers who have also shared their projects from the parcel...
Parcel #5 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, September 19 Pienkel || Cookin' and Craftin'

Saturday, September 20 Sew Busy Lizzy || The Life Of A Compulsive Crafter

Sunday, September 21 Keep Calm and Carrion || Felt With Love Designs

Monday, September 22 Radiant Home Studio || Sewing Sober

Tuesday, September 23 Sew Fishsticks || La Pantigana || Amanda Rose

Wednesday,September 24 Shawnta Sews || Sprouting JubeJube || Knot Sew Normal

Thursday, September 25 Make It Perfect || Mimi's Mom || Climbing the Willow

Friday, September 26 Needle and Ted || Our Family Four

Saturday, September 27 Froo & Boo

Sunday, September 28 Stitches by Laura || Vicky Myers creations

Monday, September 29 Cookin' and Craftin' || The Crazy Tailor

Tuesday, September 30 mama says sew || FABulous Home Sewn || The Inspired Wren

Wednesday, October 1 lady and the gents || That's-Sew-Kari || Sewing Sober

Thursday,October 2 Gracious Threads || Blogs Like A Mother || SewsNBows

Friday, October 3 sew chibi || Lulu & Celeste || Made by Sara
Thanks so much to the organizers and designers of the Perfect Pattern Parcel #5 for letting me in on the fun.   See you next time!

Perfect Pattern Parcel #5-The Playhouse Dress by Fishstick Designs

Hello everyone and thanks for stopping by! Today I am so excited to be part of the Perfect Pattern Parcel #5 tour with my Playhouse Dress from Fishstick Designs.  If you are not familiar with the Perfect Pattern Parcel, here are a few details for you...

How Pattern Parcel Works:

Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel.  We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we've raised over $11,000 for classrooms in need!

Parcel #5: Girls and Tweens includes: 

Lily Knit Blazer by Peek-a-Boo Patterns

Everyday Yoga Pant for Girls by Greenstyle

Asymmetrical Drape Top by EYMM

Playhouse Dress by Fishstick Designs

Mimi Dress and Shirt by Filles a Maman

BONUS PATTERN: Sunki Dress by Figgy’s

Bonus Pattern:

Choose a price of $28 or greater for Parcel #5 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the Sunki Dress by Figgy's. Fun pockets, a stylish silhouette, plus make it in knit or woven. Double bonus! The pattern includes both size runs, so you get 18 months through a 16 tween sizing. This is awesome sauce!

Using this link is like saying "BlogsLikeAMother sent me, ask her to do your tour again!"

One thing I immediately noticed about the parcel was that I liked EVERYTHING in it.  They are all cute and functional patterns that will fit nicely into my girls' wardrobes.  Plus, with fall upon us (is it really already October? YIKES!) there are great cooler weather options in the parcel. 

The first pattern I tackled was the Playhouse Dress.  

My younger daughter is going through a very picky stage with what she will wear.  It must be a dress, it can't have long sleeves, and any character is a bonus.  She has been begging for a mermaid dress since this fabric arrived and I decided this was the perfect time to cut into it. 

The playhouse dress features a cute contoured bodice piece and comes with the option of short and long sleeves.  Since long sleeves don't make the cut these days, I obviously chose the short ones.  The   bottom of the dress can be done in a knit or a woven; I did knit for my entire dress.  

The sleeves are really cute and have a couple details that just make the dress.  The top of the sleeve is gathered in the center and the bottom of the sleeve is gathered into the arm band.  It makes an adorable puffed sleeve that is really sweet on any little girl. 

The back bodice has the same contoured look as the front.

That's pure, unadulterated joy right there people!

The best part of the dress? She LOVES it.  My nine year old has also already placed her order for one and I am planning to do a shorter, tunic length version for her to wear with leggings this fall (since she doesn't have a moratorium against pants...) Since the size range of this dress is huge (12M-12 Tween) I can use this for both summer and winter for several years to come.  And I do love a versatile pattern!

The perfect pattern parcel #5 will only be around for another day or so!  If you haven't already grabbed it, now is the time.  It is chock full of great patterns, supports a great cause and is a terrific price.  You won't be sorry!

Using this link is like saying "BlogsLikeAMother sent me, ask her to do your tour again!"

Need more inspiration? Check out these other bloggers who have also shared their projects from the parcel...
Parcel #5 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, September 19 Pienkel || Cookin' and Craftin'

Saturday, September 20 Sew Busy Lizzy || The Life Of A Compulsive Crafter

Sunday, September 21 Keep Calm and Carrion || Felt With Love Designs

Monday, September 22 Radiant Home Studio || Sewing Sober

Tuesday, September 23 Sew Fishsticks || La Pantigana || Amanda Rose

Wednesday,September 24 Shawnta Sews || Sprouting JubeJube || Knot Sew Normal

Thursday, September 25 Make It Perfect || Mimi's Mom || Climbing the Willow

Friday, September 26 Needle and Ted || Our Family Four

Saturday, September 27 Froo & Boo

Sunday, September 28 Stitches by Laura || Vicky Myers creations

Monday, September 29 Cookin' and Craftin' || The Crazy Tailor

Tuesday, September 30 mama says sew || FABulous Home Sewn || The Inspired Wren

Wednesday, October 1 lady and the gents || That's-Sew-Kari || Sewing Sober

Thursday,October 2 Gracious Threads || Blogs Like A Mother || SewsNBows

Friday, October 3 sew chibi || Lulu & Celeste || Made by Sara
Thanks so much to the organizers and designers of the Perfect Pattern Parcel #5 for letting me in on the fun.  
See you next time!

Chrysanthemum-Sew Many Books!

There is no doubt that one of my favorite things on earth (in a close tie with fabric and chocolate, of course) is books.  I have always loved books and can remember reading non-stop as a child.  While I was growing up as an army brat in Germany, I travelled all over Europe in the back of my parents van.  I missed a great deal of it while engrossed in my own adventure, book in hand and nose pointed downward missing all of the scenery.

I am doing my best to raise little bibliophiles as well, as evident by the two full bookcases in their play room.  One of our favorite activities is to go to the bookstore and browse the offerings; me drinking a chai from the coffee shop inside, my girls often scamming me into more than one book per visit (my daughter tells me "mom, it's a book, and you can't say no to books!") In fact, my little one knows the surest way to get my attention is to bring me a book and ask me to read it to her.  Not that I am not always attentive to her every needs, of course I am (wink, wink) but we all know that sometimes life gets in the way of dressing that doll or untangling that ribbon.  But when she brings me a book and asks to read, I make every attempt possible to sit down and snuggle her while we read.

Needless to say, a blog tour called "sew many books" was right up my alley.  But how to decide on just one? I scoured the bookshelves in the playroom for that perfect book but couldn't make up my mind.  I also consulted the amightygirl website (if you haven't ever checked them out, you should!) because I love their mission and they have an awesome listing of books that are both empowering and inspirational for girls.  I wanted a book that honors that spirit, one that I seek to bring out in my girls, and I thought I might find something intriguing there.  As I browsed their list, I happened upon one of my girls favorite books and knew it was THE ONE.

If you are not familiar with the book "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes, it is about a little mouse named Chrysanthemum who is going to school for the first time.  She is a loved and confident and finds joy in her perfect name.  Unfortunately, she finds that not everyone thinks her name is so perfect when she gets to school and the other little mice make fun of her name.

One thing I found particularly relatable about this story is that she draws strength from her little dresses, wearing the ones that make her feel confident and strong.  I can relate to that in a lot of ways and I see that in my girls as well.  When they are wearing something I have made for them, they are so proud and joyful about it.  They often tell anyone who will listen that their mommy made their dress, even when the dress is not the topic of conversation.  I am pretty sure some people think I coach them (I don't, but if they didn't cough if up willingly, I might...)

Chrysanthemum has a bit of eclectic style in her outfits, as my girls do as well.  I tried to draw on that in choosing my pieces inspired by the book.  I made my "sunniest dress" inspired outfit using Quatrefoil in Yellow fabric (all fabric used in this post was generously provided by Riley Blake designs).   It is the perfect shade of sunny yellow and I added a few touches of red to bring out the red from her dress.  I paired it with leggings made from Riley Blake Purple and Navy Striped knit fabric.  My daughter absolutely loved it.  

For my other outfit, I was inspired by Chrysanthemums "Outfit with seven pockets".  

My daughter is more into ruffles than pockets, so I substituted those and used the Riley Blake Home Plaid Floral in Blue with the coordinating plaid in pink for the ruffles.  I paired that tunic with a pair of leggings using the hot pink and white stripe knit.  

The outfits turned out so cute and they loved the resemblance to one of their favorite books. I used the Amelie Clothing Boho Dress and Lilly Ruffle Blouse patterns paired with the Greenstyle Creations (affiliate link) Lucy Legging to create my looks.

And in case you are wondering about little Chrysanthemum and her outcome...

Spoiler alert!

Well, it turns out that the "indescribable wonder" of a music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle, has an unusual name too.  And she loves the name Chrysanthemum, enough so that she names her little baby girl that because she thinks it's absolutely perfect too.  That turns the whole thing around for little Chrysanthemum and all of the sudden, the other little mice are making up their own flowery names.  Funny how one inspirational teacher can change the entire mindset of a group of little mice (which is another thing I love about this book).  

If you have a book that you love and would like to sew up an outfit inspired by it, you should join the sew many books sew-along here.

A special thanks to Riley Blake Designs for providing the fabric for this project; there are few things more exciting than getting a package full of gorgeous Riley Blake fabric! Thanks as well to Nap-Time Creations for allowing me to participate in the tour; what an honor! 

There is also a terrific giveaway that you can enter through rafflecopter.  Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Golden Rippy Delilah Pattern Tour

Hello everyone! I am so excited to be here today on the Golden Rippy Delilah Pattern Tour.  

I have done a few pattern tours before and I find them to be a fun and interesting way to see another persons take on a pattern.  It is a great way to get inspiration!  

So if you have looked at all at my blog, you know that I love dolman shirts and I love stripes.  I jumped at the chance to test out this dolman shirt since I am always on the hunt for another cute one! This one definitely fits the bill.  

This is the first pattern I have sewn from Golden Rippy.  She also has the Delilah top in kids sizes and I am looking forward to making a few of those for my girlios at some point (I love some mommy and me outfits!) I was excited to see all of the features on this pattern, they include:

-Sizes XXS-XL (I made the large) 

-Two sleeve options: Short or half length (I made the half length)

-Two embellishment options (I didn't use either, but I will on another one!)

 

I made my version out of a super drapey rayon knit.  This pattern has a drop sleeve and is roomy in the fit, so the light weight fabric worked really well.  I did end up needing to take it in just a bit after fitting; weight of the fabric was making it a bit more roomy than I like.  No big deal though, I simply took off a bit from the hip area.  I left the sleeve alone because I like a lot of drape in my sleeves, that's what gives the dolman its signature look after all!

The pattern also has a band at the bottom and on the sleeves.  I really liked the look of the bands, although my bottom one ended up being a little camouflaged by the stripes.  I guess I just did too darn good of a job matching those stripes!

One little thing I did to change up the look of my top was to add ruching to the side seam on both sides.  I have another (store bought) top that has side ruching and I really like the little flair it adds.  Plus it makes all those lumps and bumps around the middle seem like they are intentional...

The pattern was super easy to follow, had clear and concise instructions and I loved that the measurements to cut the bands were printed right on the pattern pieces.  That way I didn't have to search back through the pattern as I was cutting out my pieces.  

I really like the look of this top.  If you think you would too, you can enter for a chance to win two patterns of choice from Golden Rippy here:

(You must be 18 to enter. You can gain entries by entering the Rafflecopter Prompts. Giveaway ends: 8/6/14 at midnight PST. Two winners will be chosen and announced on 8/7/14.)

Enter the Giveaway here!

You should go visit the other stops on the blog tour too!

Monday- July 28

A Vision To Remember www.avisiontoremember.com

Fabulous Home Sewn http://www.fabuloushomesewn.blogspot.ca

Amanda Rose http://madebyamandarose.blogspot.com/

Tuesday- July 29

FriendsStitchedTogether     http://friendsstitchedtogether.com/

Cozy Cape Cottage    http://cozycapecottage.blogspot.com/

Gracious Threads    www.graciousthreads.ca

Wednesday- July 30

GYCT Designs http://www.gyctdesigns.com/

The Sewing Geek    http://www.thesewinggeek.com/

Sprouting JubeJube    http://sproutingjj.blogspot.ca/

Thursday- July 31

My Taylor Made     www.mytaylormade.blogspot.com

Mimi's Mom http://www.mimismom.com

Rebel & Malice rebelandmalice.blogspot.com

Friday- Aug 1

Stitchwerx Designs   http://stitchwerx.net

Pienkel http://www.pienkel.com

E-beth Designs   http://ebethdesigns.com/

Saturday- Aug 2

Growing Family 1   http://growingfamily1.blogspot.com/

Marmalade Forest   www.marmaladeforest.com

Ali Cat & Co    alicatco.blogspot.com

Sunday- Aug 3

Made by Sara   http://made-by-sara.blogspot.com/

From a Box   http://www.from-a-box.com/

Crooked Whimsy  http://crookedwhimsy.blogspot.com/

Monday- Aug 4

Daisy Chain Creations   http://daisy-chaincreations.blogspot.com/

Knot Sew Normal   http://knotsewnormal.wordpress.com

Lulu & Celeste   http://luluandceleste.blogspot.ca

Tuesday- Aug 5

Mae & K    http://maeandk.com/

The Crazy Tailor   http://thecrazytailor.com

Blogs Like A Mother   http://blogslikeamother.blogspot.com

Wednesday- Aug 6

Bebe Lambs    www.bebelambs.com

Create3.5    http://createthreepointfive.blogspot.com

Lady and the Gents    www.theladyandthegents.blogspot.com

Thanks for stopping by!  See you next time...

Pattern Revolution Bundle Up Sale-ModKid Hailey Top

The latest Bundle Up sale by Pattern Revolution is going on RIGHT NOW and this edition is all about the ladies!  I have made up several of the patterns in the bundle and, let me tell you, this bundle is a good one!  I'll be featuring the patterns I have sewn up over the next few days while the bundle sale is going on.  

Today I am featuring the ModKid Hailey Top. 

This is a really fun and flattering pattern.  It comes in a shirt, tunic and dress length and the sizes range from XS-XXL.  The pattern also includes an optional ruffle for the dress length.  Plus, it can be made from knits or wovens.  

I made the top length, size L, but with the skirt portion of the top cut at the XXL length (because I am 5'11" and I need the extra length!) out of knit.  

I used a striped fabric and thought it would be super cute to do the stripes on a diagonal.  So, instead of cutting on the fold for the back, I cut two separate pieces and also cut the back and the front pieces on the diagonal to achieve the chevron look of the stripes.

I just love how it turned out.  Stripes? Good! Chevron? Good! (Any FRIENDS fans out there? That's my inner Joey...)

Because my matching of my stripes was not dead on in the front, I ended up needing to trim it just a bit to make it match, so my top was a little lower cut than the pattern typically would be.  I would have worn a tank under it regardless, so it was fine by me.  And it keeps that "really anal about stripes matching" voice inside my head from going crazy.  

Like all of the ModKid patterns I have made, this was well written and went together without a hitch. It is a really quick sew, I easily made it in an evening.  I skimped out a bit on the shirring, doing a couple fewer rows than the pattern called for; my bobbin ran out of elastic thread and it seemed to fit fine, so I left it as it was.  

I am super happy with this top.  I am going to try a woven version of it too.  I have a RTW top made out of a border print that is very similar in style and I have always really liked it, but it is a touch shorter than I like.  So now I can make a few in the length I like!  

I don't really do dresses, but I think I'll end up with a version of this as a swim cover up at some point too.  I got some semi-sheer tie-dyed knit recently that is just begging to be a swim cover up and this pattern would be fabulous for that.  

Whether a top or a dress, this is a universally flattering pattern with a little something for anyone!   

This is just one of the patterns available in the Bundle Up deal.  There are 12 patterns you can mix and match, plus you save more as you buy more (as low as $4.00 each!) and there are 2 bonus freebies when you purchase the bundle. Head over and build your bundle! 

*Like A Mother*