Lucy’s for two

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You know I’m on a major plaid kick.  These plaid Lucy tops from Shwin Designs are pure perfection!

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My lil Payton got hers before Christmas and I could hardly wait to make my own!

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I used plaid flannel from Joann’s for my outer and lined it with a cozy cream microfleece.  We took these shots in freezing temps and we’ve done some award worthy acting to hide our shivering 😉

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The top features a crossover front with buttons at the shoulders.  It’s fully lined so you can make it reversible!

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I added a fun little leather detail to the hem of mine that gives it a little more ready-to-wear vibe.

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Payton’s is made out of Joann’s flannel and a light chambray from LA.  I added the extra buttons to hers to make hers reversible (I didn’t add the extra buttons to mine because I don’t forsee me wearing the fleece on the outside).

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The fit on her is spot on and so, so cute!

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I made us both size 6’s.  I’m sad it only goes to 6 in girls.  I’ll be adding length and tweaking the pattern so I can make many more of these for my girls in the future!

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The ladies version features bust darts that add to the flattering fit.  I added two inches to my length (per pattern instructions) since I am 5’7″.

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The Ladies pattern offers the suggestion of wearing it open or even adding a button at the waist to wear the collar down while bringing in the waist.

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I love this fall/winter version but I’m also excited to make a flowy light version for spring too.

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You can pick up the girls Lucy here and the Ladies version here.

I am a Brand Ambassador for Shwin and have been provided the patterns for free but my thoughts and opinions are purely my own.  I have a true love of all things Shwin!

 

 

 

Mermaid Tails for Christmas

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Mermaid tails are everywhere these days and I was so excited for my girls to open their’s up on Christmas morning.  These are definitely the most used Christmas gift at our house.  They’ve slept in them every night and are usually curled up in them watching a show or reading a book any chance they get.

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I used the Anna Banana Mermaid Tail pattern.  I purchased it on Black Friday and wouldn’t you know a free version from another designer came out just days later!

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I’m glad I purchased this though because the shape of the fin is so cute and the waistband is darling too.

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It comes with an 18″ doll pattern and 8 different sizes from infant adult.

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My girls rarely play with their dolls anymore so it was fun to see them break them out again so they could be matching.

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I made an adult version for another family member and I think it was the gift I was most excited to give this Christmas. It was so cozy I almost stole it for myself!

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These blankets are such a quick, fun sew and I highly recommend them if you are just beginning to sew or are looking for a project to use up all that fleece you couldn’t resist.   My fleece is all from Joann’s and all bought during their sale so these blankets cost about $8 each to make.  I love me a great deal and simple, fast sews!

Club Sloane Sweater

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I have been so excited for the new Club line buffalo check.  I have a serious plaid crush right now and this new print is just perfection!

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I used the french terry version with the Club dots in cotton/lycra to make me a Love Notions Sloane Sweater (affl. link).

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I love the color blocking option with this pattern.  I used a simple coral french terry but I have a solid version with a woven plaid contrast I can’t get out of my head!

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I was inspired by this pin.  What are your thoughts on the boxy sweater/sweatshirt trend?  I honestly can’t decide if I like this silhouette on me.  I love that it’s different from my other sweatshirts and it is beyond comfortable!  I think paired with skinny jeans it’s flattering and cute but hey, I totally want to wear it with my favorite joggers and I’m afraid I’ll look like I stepped out of the retirement home in my sweatsuit.

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This pattern comes with a slimmer view and high-low shirttail hem option also.  It really is a versatile pattern.  There are some amazing sweater knit versions out there.

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This new Club french terry sews like a dream and is so soft!  I can’t wait to pair this buffalo check with a floral for my girls.  And those dots!  Possibly my favorite fabric ever!  It’s buttery and coordinates with EVERYTHING!

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I’m going to leave you with my late night sassy pants pose!  Make sure you pick up the new Club Line from Raspberry Creek Fabrics and the Sloane Sweater for some serious comfy perfection!

 

Club Line 2 for the Boys

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The boys in my house have been loving the new Club line from Raspberry Creek Fabrics, too!

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I seriously can’t get over how versatile these prints are!!

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So far they’ve gotten things made with the Club aztec and buffalo check but I think stripes are in their future too.

Charlie was the first up.  He got a comfy new pair of Mini Hudson Pants out of buffalo check french terry.

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He always grabs sports pants when he dresses himself and I love that these have a bit more style.

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This time he got a 3t with a 4t length for the perfect fit!

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Next up, Alex requested a tee like Tanner got out of the first Club line.

I used the Jalie Men’s/Boys T-shirt again.  I like the slim fit but next time I’ll need to lengthen the sleeves.  Too short for his taste even if mom thinks it looks great.

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I used the Club aztec in cotton lycra and solid white and charcoal cotton lycra from Raspberry Creek also.

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I think it’s a win and he loves it paired with his new joggers out of this french terry.  I used Gracious Threads Lazy Day Lounge Pants for him since he’s sized out of the Mini Hudsons (they both go to size 10 but the LDLP was a few inches longer).  We modified the pockets to be like the Hudsons.

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Finally, Charlie got another Samson Sweater from Love Notions (affl. link).

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I did a simple version with a lined hood and added length. I used this french terry combined with the aztec.

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This is a first round aztec strike off and the colors have changed a bit since.  The red in the print now is deeper and is a great match for the burgundy in the shop.

I love, love these prints on my boys and Tanner has already requested a hoodie with the aztec.  I love that they let me sew for them and have even been spending a lot of time in the sewing room with me this winter break.  My big boys both made their own pj pants and love to help pair and cut fabrics.

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I’m also loving any excuse to get pictures of these two together.  Charlie is such a mini Alex and it’s so fun to see them together.  Best friends one minute and bugging each other the next 😉

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An Extraordinary Girl for me!

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Raspberry Creek’s newest line is HERE!!!  I was so excited to get my hands on actual yardage and I’ve been dying to make my own version of this tee.

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A free afternoon and VOILA!

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I used the new Club stripes and dots and this mustard from the shop- all in cotton/lycra.

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I added a bands to the sleeves and bottom to bring in some more mustard.

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I also had to bring the back shoulder piece down in the front a couple more inches than called for.  The neckline was too wide for my preferences but otherwise it was a great sew.  I did a size small graded to a medium in the waist.

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It’s just the perfect pattern to showcase and mix your favorite prints.  You can pick up the pattern here and pick up the gorgeous fabric at Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

Sew Straight and Gather’s Metro Pullover

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Terri at Sew Straight and Gather has got another brilliant pattern for you.   I have an addiction to making sweatshirts and consider myself quite the hoodie connoisseur so when I say you need this pattern you better hop right on that!

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There are two patterns- one for kids and one for women/men.  A pattern for the whole family is always going to get a lot of use in my house.

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Each pattern comes with a hooded version or a cowl neck.  I made a couple of each just because I couldn’t stop.  Seriously, I want to see you make just one…

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This cutie got the first one off the sewing machine.  I just adore his little face peeking out of that hood.  I love the unique hood and the fit of this sweatshirt.

I used Raspberry Creek Fabrics french terry in solid charcoal and oatmeal. The combo is neutral and the charcoal stripe hood lining just ties is all together.

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Payton’s was next and sewed up in a flash.  She picked out this anti-pill fleece from Joann’s and it worked just lovely for this pattern.

She got the cross-over cowl version.  It’s nice and big which makes it so cozy and cute!

The girls and ladies version have this darling pleat detail in the back.  It gives it a little more flow and adds just that little something extra.

There is a curved hem or a banded bottom option.  Payton got the curved hem.  I loved her version so much I headed to the fabric store the next day so that I could make one in my size!

I wasn’t signed up to test Sophie’s size but just loved this pattern so much I knew she needed her own too!  She got a cowl with a banded bottom out of Joann’s fleece.

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My first version was a beautiful eggplant french terry (from Raspberry Creek) hoodie version.

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I’ve had this lightweight mustard/cream stripe in my stash and it was absolutely perfect with this eggplant.  I used it to line both the hood and the pocket.

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I love the slim fit of this sweatshirt- not too baggy, not too tight!

I whipped up my cowl microfleece version in about a half hour after making the others.  Seriously, the cutest, quickest sew ever.  It is so cozy and I dreaded taking it off!

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I think we’ve found a new favorite pattern.  The big boys are feeling left out so we might need to whip up a few more real soon!

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Terri’s patterns are so clearly written and I love her clean, crisp layout.  She offers lots of tips and her tutorials make sewing a breeze even if you’re just a beginner to sewing.

Terri has graciously offered both patterns for $4 each or $8 (CAD, so us Americans will save even more!) for the bundle for a limited time.  Are you doing last minute Christmas sewing?  Or finished up and need a little selfish sew?  I’d waste no time and grab this pattern TODAY!  Pick up the kids version here or the ladies/mens here but really you should just get them both– you won’t regret it!

 

Angelic Li’l LDT

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This little girl had her winter dance recital the day we took these pics.  She wore an angel costume for her recital and I spent the day thinking how appropriate that was.

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For this version of the Li’l LDT I used a cream sparkle ponte from Joann’s.  I had originally gotten it for a cardigan but it was really meant to be this dress-  I heard it calling to me 😉

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As I sewed this up in the wee hours of the morning, I was nervous it would either be fabulous or look like a fancy nightgown.  With every project I cut out it’s so nerve-wracking hoping it turns out like the vision in my head.

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This one was exactly as I’d hoped.  Once she got it on and styled I fell even more in love with it.

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I did the cowl neck, bishop sleeves and high low dress version.  The front of the high low has been lowered a bit in the final version.

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The cowl and bishop sleeves together just make such a classic, sweet combination.

This pattern will be such a go-to pattern in our house.  The girls love all their versions and I love how quick and easy they are to whip up.  It’s so fun to think of all the possibilities and how it will work for every season.

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Have you picked up your copy yet?  Head over here and use code ‘forthegirls’ to get 20% off until 12/19.

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That scrunchy nose smile gets me every time!

 

 

 

Love Notion Li’l Laundry Day Tee

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This post contains affiliate links.  I became a Love Notions affiliate AFTER falling in love with her patterns and style.

The sewing world has gone crazy for the Ladies Laundry Day Tee by Love Notions.  Tami at Love Notions has done it again with the Li’l LDT for girls.

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The options with this pattern are absolutely incredible.  It comes in sizes 2t-16.  There are three different lengths- shirt, tunic and dress and high low options too!  Five, yes five, sleeve options; tank, cap, elbow, long, and bishop sleeves.  Finally there are a million, ok, maybe not quite a million neck finishes; neckband, asymmetrical collar, cowl, gnome hood, and rounded hood! How’s that for choices?!!!

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I used all fabrics from my stash and had to try out every kind of knit I owned.  And guess what? They all worked just lovely!

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My first tester version was a dress length with long sleeves and a gnome hood.  The fit of the shoulders changed a bit in the final version but you can see it was a good pattern to begin with.

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Payton thinks the gnome hood is so fun!  This is a soft ponte and flows beautifully.  It’s got great twirl factor which is important if you’re six.

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I cut into this gorgeous double-knit I picked up in Africa for Sophie’s long sleeve cowl version.

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I barely squeezed it out of a metre of fabric but it was just too perfect for this dress and my girl.  She loves the color and it just fits her style to a tee.

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Next up is an asymmetrical collar tunic version.

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I used a Girl Charlee knit for the main and my trusty RCF coral for the collar.  It’s just adorable and I foresee many of this version come spring/summer.

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You know I just HAD to do a french terry version.  I’ve been wanting to try one for me but knew my girls would look WAY cuter in it.  I did a regular hood and used Raspberry Creek Fabrics french terry.

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The drape of this particular french terry is just perfection!  I scrounged up the last of this floral french terry I got in LA to line the hood and add bands to the sleeves.  I wish I was wearing this myself right now!

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I’ll do a separate post tomorrow on my final and favorite version.  I did a ‘fancy’ one using sparkle ponte that I just want her to wear everyday! 

So, is your mind blown?  Seriously, the options are endless.  I had so many versions swimming in my head I couldn’t sleep and just had to sew them up.  Creativity can totally ruin a good nights sleep 😉

Pick up your copy here and use code ‘forthegirls’ to save 20% through 12/19.

Sisters are the BEST!

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Growing up I was nine years older than my one and only sister.  I sure loved to mother and treat her like my own little baby but it wasn’t until we’d grown that she became one of my best friends.  I love that my girls are only 21 months apart and share that special bond already.

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They couldn’t be more different personality wise but I think that helps them get along even better.

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If you can’t tell, Sophie is more serious and reserved and Payton has some serious spunk!

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Sophie is 8 going on 16 and Payton is happily 6 and still into dolls, playing pretend, and anything sweet and girly.

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They had so much fun doing this shoot- our first real one with props and everything.  I know my indoor photos need a lot of work but it’s sure fun experimenting and learning along the way.  It’s a family affair as my husband helps jimmy-rig the backdrop up and is teaching me the ins and outs of the camera.  I really love being able to capture the kids personalities and share my latest creations.

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My little super models are getting used to all the pics and for the right price ($1 a shoot as they save for Christmas) I think we all have fun in the process!

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Those smiles!!!

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I’m pretty sure Sophie is doing her best “Blue Steel” look here!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Mad for Plaid Cocoon Dress

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Dress number two for little sister has been in my head since I made these dresses.  I snatched up this super rad plaid corduroy last Christmas and it sat waiting- destined to become a cool retro Heidi and Finn Cocoon Dress.

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The shape of this dress gets me every time!  It’s just so dang cute!

I used a size 6 graded out to an 8 length and I love where it hits.

And you’ve got to have pockets!  These are done out of houndstooth for a bit of contrast.

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This dress just screams Cindy Brady to me but we added some moto boots to make it a bit more modern.

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Don’t tell anyone but as much as I love my non-traditional dresses this one is my favorite by far.  When I made my last batch I vowed to make only Cocoon Dresses from here on out.  It is such a quick, satisfying sew that I really would make them ALL DAY LONG!  Such a darling dress in a quick amount of time.  I dare you to make just one!

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I’ve got one more dress post for you tomorrow.  These cute sisters had a blast doing this shoot and I can’t wait to show you!  Are you sewing Christmas dresses?  Are you all about the pouf and pizazz or do you do simple and sweet?  Red and green or do you mix it up?  I’m loving seeing everyone’s dresses around the blog world!