Little Kiwi’s Closet Straight Skirt Tour

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Little Kiwi’s Closet is a new to me pattern company but apparently I’m late to the party, they are celebrating 5000 members in their Facebook group– hooray!

As a thank you to members, they are offering a code for this darling FREE Straight Skirt! I love to try out new designers and their free patterns are the perfect start.  This pattern from LKC did not disappoint.

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I paired the skirt with the Flutterby Peasant Dress and Top.  I’ve been missing a basic peasant top pattern in my collection and this one is fantastic.  There are multiple sleeve, elastic, and ruffle options and it comes in sizes newborn to 12.  Peasant tops are such a great starting point for so many looks so I know I’ll turn to this pattern again and again.

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She’s been wanting an off the shoulder top and it was a super easy hack to get this look.  Ready for it… just use longer elastic in the casing- DONE!  It’s such a trendy look and I love that I didn’t have to get a special pattern for it.

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This skirt is really so darn cute!  I used more Raspberry Creek CLUB fabrics for this whole look.  These fabrics should be available again starting this week.  I love that you can play around with fabric combos with this pattern.  Those pockets just beg for a contrasting fabric!

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There are a variety of options with this skirt too.  You can do angled or curved pockets, yoga or elastic waistband, above or below knee and banded or hemmed bottom.  It comes in sizes 12 months- 14 years.  I did a straight size 7.  She measures a 7 waist and 10 height, this is the below knee option hitting her right at her knees.

I love that right after we took these pictures she was climbing poles and running around.  That’s a sign of a comfortable outfit!  Definitely kid approved!  And yes, she habitually wears shortie leggings under all her dresses and skirts so she can feel free to play to her hearts content in style!

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This sweet, girly outfit has won Little Kiwi’s Closet another fan!  Make sure you join the Facebook group to get your copy of the Straight Skirt today!

You can check out more fun looks here:

Idlesunshine

ChristaCoDesign

SewSophieLynn

Tales From A Southern Mom

Phat Quarters

Living in Twinado Alley

Curtiepie

Lilliepawillie

Woohoo by Davina

And head to the Little Kiwis Closet Blog for more pattern details AND an awesome giveaway too!

Sew Straight and Gather’s Avenue Collection

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The newest collection of patterns is now available from Sew Straight and Gather! The Avenue Collection features a dress/top, flare pants, and a duster cardigan.

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I was lucky enough to test the Duster and the Dress patterns and I couldn’t love them more!

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Terri’s patterns are always impeccably drafted and feature the best tutorials out there.  Her designs are always on trend but classic at the same time.  I’ve really cut back on testing patterns lately but couldn’t resist these.  I knew I’d have a great experience as Terri takes her time and listens to her testers.  She works so hard to put out the best patterns around.  I always feel so comfortable and confident in recommending a Sew Straight and Gather pattern.

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For my look, I used the calf length Duster with pockets and facing.  I love that there are multiple length options and you can choose to do a band, hem, or facing.  I used Soft Coral Ponte from Cali Fabrics and love how flowy it looks but how easy it was to sew up!

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I did the knee length dress version with split hem in the back.  This gorgeous fabric is part of Raspberry Creek Fabric’s newest CLUB fabrics line (it will be available for retail soon!).  I used the cotton/lycra version and it was just the right weight for this dress.

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My little girl just loves this dress!  She says she feels so grown up in it but I love that it’s not too mature looking on her too.

Make sure to grab the collection while it’s on sale- the whole collection is just $15 (CAD) or you can pick up the individual patterns for $5 for the next two days!  Any US peeps that’s a smokin’ deal! I can’t wait to see all the stylish girlies in these!

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Sew What Do I Wear Valentines Edition

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Valentine’s is fast approaching and this mama needed something new to wear.  The Made for Mermaids/Patterns for Pirates ‘Sew What Do I Wear? Valentine’s Edition’ was just the push I needed to hit my sewing machine.   You know me- it needs to be stylish AND comfortable for me to wear it, even for a night out.  Enter…bum, bum, bum… a ROMPER!!  Holy smokes, people!  Where has this gloriousness been all my life?!

megan3I used the Megan Dress and Romper pattern from Made for Mermaids.  I’d actually been eyeing this pattern since it came out but figured I was a little too old and matronly to pull it off.  But all those cute testers in the pattern pics just kept taunting me- every single one of them looks gorgeous and you know they are beyond comfortable.  I decided to just take the leap and I am so glad I did.

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I knew I wanted a pretty flowy floral and this rayon spandex from Raspberry Creek Fabric was absolutely perfect for Valentine’s!  It has the perfect drape and sewed up so beautifully.  It’s lightweight enough that I think I can wear this through the summer too!  And a little secret- it was about 20 degrees when we took these pics so I layered some fleece lined leggings underneath and it’s so loose you can’t even tell.  Here, here to an all seasons outfit!!

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I only made a couple of changes to make it suit my preferences.  I did an elbow length sleeve (of course) and did a 3-inch binding band around the bodice as suggested in the pattern to offer a little more coverage.  I’ve got no cleavage to show off so a little cami underneath kept me nice and modest 😉

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Funny story- I told my husband I had to make a romper this weekend and he said, “Oh nice.  For Payton?”  I was like, “No, for me.  What do you think?”  No response…  Probably a good call because I could tell exactly what he was thinking and it wasn’t a good thing, haha!  I came up a bit later in it and he actually said, “Wow!  That looks really nice!”  In husband talk that’s a HUGE compliment!  He never notices my makes and after 16 years doesn’t really care about my appearance (huge blessing since I wear tees and joggers 90% of the time!). I’m calling this outfit a win in the “How to impress the Hubby” category.

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Another secret- It totally feels like I’m wearing my pj’s, maybe even better!  It’s so comfortable that I really could wear it everyday.   I’m thinking that throwing a long cardi over it will be perfect for dressing it down a bit.  Oh, or a denim jacket!  Can I get away with wearing my Chucks with it?  We’ll see… I feel like this has opened up a whole new world for me!  Now I know why my girls are so obsessed with rompers!

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Ready to get your mind blown with even more date night inspiration?!!  I sure am!

Make sure to check out all these lovely ladies:

vdaytourdays

Pattern for Pirates Joggers

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It’s not very often I get to sew for my big boys so I jumped at the chance to test Pattern for Pirates newest joggers.  Best part- there is a pattern for the whole family!

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On any given day in our house at least 3 or 4 of us are sporting joggers of some kind.  My big boys live in their woven ready-to-wear versions and love to lounge around in comfy knit ones too.  My littlest will ALWAYS pick ‘soft pants’ and I can’t make them fast enough for him.  Now me, you know I’m a fan (here, here, and here).

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This guy is growing like a weed and we have the hardest time finding pants long enough for him.  These are perfect for him!  We didn’t need to add length this time but it will be an easy alteration in the future.

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He likes his joggers nice and skinny and was pretty happy with the fit of these- loose through the hip and thigh and tapered calf and ankle.

For his, we did slat pockets, elastic waist with drawstring, and cuffed bottoms.

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This guy is still tiny!  He’s finally growing a bit but his waist/hips are staying slim.  The fit on him is a bit bigger since I went with his waist measurement and not his hips which would have took him down a size or two.

He likes the fit and has worn them any chance they’re clean.

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His pants feature the patch pockets, elastic waistband and rolled hem.

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A winning combo!

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Charlie is super easy to please.  He picked his fabrics and is one happy camper!  All of the fabric for our group shoot is from the lovely Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

His love of comfy pants is hard because he’s got a tiny waist and long legs.  RTW elastic waist pants are usually too big in the waist for him.  So unfortunately (wink, wink) mom has to sew him a drawerful of cute pants.

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These are a size 5 with a 4 yoga waistband.  The yoga waistband totally ups the comfort factor even more!

mama4I made two pairs for myself during testing and I can’t hardly stand to take this pair off.  It’s a super soft double brushed poly and they feel like heaven!

I struggle with fitting my calfs in other jogger patterns and I love that calf measurements are included in these.  I made a size small graded to a large at the calf and then back down to a small at the ankle.  The fit is just perfect!

Make sure to pick up your copies today! You can get the bundle or buy them separately- Baby Bear, Mama Bear, and Papa Bear.

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One Thimble Issue 13 Blog Tour

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The newest issue of One Thimble is here!  It’s packed full of unique and fun kids patterns and so much sewing inspiration.  I’m excited to join in the release day fun and share two of my makes from Issue 13.

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I was immediately drawn to these two bottom patterns- the Peg Shorts by Tadah Patterns and the Orbis Skinny Harems from Sofilantjes.  I love that they both come with a ton of options!

charlie4The Orbis Skinny’s are a unisex pattern in sizes 12 months to 14 years.  They are loose in the hips then almost legging tight through the calf- such a hip silhouette!  You can make them in 3/4 or long length.

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The pocket is one big piece that is so unique and such a great place to use those fun scraps.

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The asymmetrical faux fly is such a show stopper!  My little guy wanted snaps instead of buttons and I love the finished pants.

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Those pockets and the amazing french terry have won this guy over.  He has worn them constantly since I made them!

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I was loving the Peg Shorts pattern and was excited to make them work with our quickly dropping temperatures.  In a gorgeous red cordoroy layered over tights, these are just perfect!

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I love the buttons on the front and the classic style.

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Gold details make these a fab choice for the upcoming holidays.

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They come in sizes 3-10 and have a ton of adorable features.  You can do back welt pockets and Kawaii ruffles or a skirt front as well.  The back elastic waistband makes these super comfy too!

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We struggled to get photos in after school one day.  Anyone else struggling with Daylight Savings?  I love the sunshine in the morning but it seems like it gets dark so quickly these days!

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This tour is full of amazing bloggers and so, so much inspiration.  Make sure you check it all out and pick up your issue here.

11/10 Pattern Revolution, Beri Bee Designs, The Sew and Tell Project, SewSophieLynn

11/11 Create 3.5, GAAFMACHINE

11/12 Tales of a Tester, Little Cumquat, Call Ajaire

11/13 Happy Okapi, Sunflower Seams, Stitches by Laura

11/14 Made by Sara, Candice Ayala, Filles a Maman

11/15 House of Estrela, Snickerdoodle Stew, Swoodson Says

11/16 The Lady and the Gents, Lulu & Celeste, Pear Berry Lane

11/17 Finn’s Door, Blue Wren Handmade, Once Upon a Sewing Machine, Just Add Fabric

I’ll leave you with this cutie 😉  Pants not pictured just luscious blonde locks in need of a haircut.  Everytime I cut his hair he looks years older and it just about kills me.  This mama is struggling letting go of her ‘baby’.

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Raspberry Creek Club Fabrics Line 4

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Raspberry Creek Fabrics has done it again!  The newest CLUB fabrics line is almost here and it could be my favorite yet! (Available for preorder here.)

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These fabrics coordinate so well and are perfect for fall!  Each print will be available on 9 oz. Cotton Lycra AND 4-way stretch French Terry.  Grey, black, and navy stripes will also be back- hurray!

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It was so fun to get together with our friends, Diana the genius behind Raspberry Creek and Emily of Enjoyful Makes, to shoot this fun new line!

Cute Grace is wearing the Hey June Camden Raglan in the new Navy Magenta Floral and Navy Polka Dot with a Deep Magenta neckband.  I love the dots/floral combo.

I’m going to need my own version of this top.  The Magenta Floral on Heathered Grey is so pretty!  Paired with the deep magenta and Navy Cotton Lycra it’s the cutest Jolly Roger Raglan I ever did see.

My little guy also got a Jolly Roger.  His is a classic combo-Mustard yellow stripes, Light Grey, and navy.  I can’t wait to sew him up a few more in all the great stripes headed to the shop.

Halle’s darling Figgy’s Stellar Tunic is my favorite!  I love this Purple Lightweight Chambray  paired with the gorgeous grey floral.  It looks fab with a touch of navy and mustard.

The Navy and Grey Triangles are perfect for boys and girls of all ages.  My girly flipped over her Love Notions Miss Mary Mack made with the triangles and deep magenta cotton lycra.

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I love seeing them all together!  Such cute kiddos looking their best in these darling fabrics!

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Oh how I love these goofy kids!

Make sure you pick up the new line at preorder pricing (savings of $1 a yard!) until November 4th!  Stripes are available and shipping now and the other prints are beginning to trickle in.  I can’t wait to see what everyone makes with these amazing prints!

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Love Notions Maggie and Margot Peplums

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I’ve been testing for Love Notions for about a year now and I’m so excited to help Tami celebrate the release of her 50th pattern!!!  The Maggie and Margot Peplums are full of options and will be a great addition to your PDF line-up.

*This post contains affiliate links.

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Confession- this test was full of firsts for me.  This was my first EVER peplum make, first one I even tried on really.  This is also my first time using Liverpool.  I’ve got to say that I will definitely be doing both again!

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Both the ladies and girls versions come with a basic bodice option or you can do princess seams like in this one.  I love being able to mix fabrics with the princess seams.  Still using my favorite stripes and florals- this time both come from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.  You can find the floral here and the stripes are coming soon here (available for pre-order).

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The Ladies comes in sizes XS-XXXL and features short, elbow, 3/4, and long sleeves.  There are also three skirt options- swing, gathered, and pleated.  I did a size small, plain bodice, elbow sleeve,  with a swing skirt.

(Another confession- I hate looking at the camera!  It’s so hard to look natural and not look like I’m trying to sell you lingerie!  Hence, the sunglasses in most of my pics AND why I sew for my kids way more than myself!)

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For Sophie I did a size 8, 3/4 sleeve, swing skirt top.  The girls version has all the same options and comes in sizes 2T-16 so I’ll be sewing these up for years to come!

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As always Tami’s patterns are trimless and feature layers.  They are thoroughly tested and flatter every tester I’ve seen.  The tutorials are always full of helpful tips and tricks and the Love Notions Pattern Support Facebook Group is a great resource if you ever get stuck.

Love Notions is celebrating big time in the Facebook group and it’s given me a chance to look back on my favorite Love Notions patterns.

I have ALOT! From the top- I wear my Canyon Cardigan almost daily and Charlie wears his Moto Maxx pants every time they’re clean.  The Tidal Top wins for cutest quick sew and the Tabitha Top is my perfect dressy casual top.  The Tessa Sheath Dress is the classic dress up or down dress.  My Charlie has requested more Vanguard Pants because he loves all the pockets!  In my search for the perfect dolman top I keep reaching for the La Bella Top for me and my girls- it’s the perfect slim fit that flatters everyone!  The options with the Li’l Laundry Day Tee, Tunic, and Dress make it a pattern I reach for ALL THE TIME!  I love patterns that almost all my kids can wear and the Samson Sweater is just that.  There are still so many options with the Sybil Illusion Skirt that I need to sew up but this pleated version is one of my favorite makes ever.  And finally the pattern that started my Love Notions journey, the Boyfriend Cardigan was my first Love Notions pattern test and I have a couple more planned for this fall.  I love that Tami designs for the whole family.  Looking back through all my makes was so fun and reminded me I want to make so many of them again!

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Make sure to pick up you copies here!  I can’t wait to see these start filling up my Facebook feeds!  Such a fun pattern!

 

Blaverry Upton

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The Blaverry Upton has been on my wish list for awhile now.  That darling split back and contrast yoke just have my heart.  I was more than happy to jump on board the Upton Blog Tour celebrating it’s recent revamp.

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My little one can’t get enough cozy dresses in her wardrobe and this one is absolutely adorable!

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I used a cozy french terry combined with a super soft Robert Kaufman flannel- all from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.  She would wear a dress everyday so this combination will be perfect once cooler temps stick around.

The Upton now features multiple sleeve lengths and all the features you love in a pdf pattern- layers, multiple measurement charts to get the perfect fit, detailed instructions, and a huge size range (2t-16).

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I just love that wrapped neck binding and that yoke is to die for!  The pattern calls for all knit but I found this woven worked just lovely!  I think knit/woven combos are so fun and open up endless possibilities!

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I think it would make a super adorable top too.  That back is just so on point!

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I am part of the Blaverry Promo team so I received this pattern for free.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- WE LOVE BLAVERRY!  I feel like Christie just gets that struggle every mom and daughter has- finding fashionable, cute clothes that you both adore.  Blaverry has solved that dilemma at our house!

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You can check out the other stops on the tour this week here:

Back to School Tour

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I sure love all this Back to School sewing I’ve been doing, especially the chance to get some boy sewing done!  Today I’m on the Back to School Blog Tour hosted by Lulu and Celeste and Sprouting JubeJube.  Of course, there’s lots of prizes and discounts for you, too!

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This little guy can’t wait to head back to pre-school in a couple of weeks.  He’ll be doing it in comfy style thanks to a few of my favorite patterns. (This post contains some affiliate links.  I receive a small commission if you purchase through them that will be turned around to get more fabric to then convince you to buy more patterns 😉

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I used the Jolly Roger Raglan from Patterns for Pirates paired with the Boxwood Joggers from Sew Like My Mom.  Such a comfortable, stylish outfit that he will grab again and again.

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He absolutely loves the pockets- perfect for Hot Wheels and Legos!

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The slim fit is so cute and makes these joggers hip and so, so cool!

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The Jolly Roger is a pattern that will be a staple for him.  A basic raglan is essential for little boys.  The relaxed fit is perfect for his little toddler belly (which is quickly disappearing, sniff, sniff). I think he’s doing his best supermodel smolder here for you 🙂

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This is the kind of outfit any little boy would love!

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Outfit number two is another classic combo with a twist.  I’ve been wanting to make him some Moto Maxx joggers from Love Notions forever.  They are full of awesome details that really make them look straight out of the department store.

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Double layer, reinforced knees will make these pants last longer and also up the cool factor.

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Lots of top stitching may take a bit more time but is so worth it.

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For his top I used the new Rowan Raglan from Made for Mermaids.  He really wanted a hooded t-shirt and this pattern is full of options so it was perfect.

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I never think to do raglans in a single fabric but will definitely be doing it more often now- duh!

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Almost all my fabric for these outfits came from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.  Their selection of french terry is constantly being updated so make sure you check back often.  The Boxwood Joggers and Moto Maxx pants are both made from french terry she carried (the black is usually in stock but the blue and stripes were one-time-buys).  The Jolly Roger was made with cotton/lycra from the shop also.

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The Rowan was made with a super soft sweater knit I picked up in LA.

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Now for the good stuff!  There are so many goodies up for grabs. Just look at all the amazing sponsors!

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Head on over to Sprouting JubeJube to enter the Link-up for a huge prize package.  You can also get all the info on some killer sales to help you create that back to school wardrobe you’ve been dreaming up.

Today’s prize is 1 PDF pattern from Modkid and 1 PDF pattern from Audrey & Tiffany
*excludes bundles
Runs from August 25 12:00 am EDT until August 26th at 11:59pm EDT.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the rest of today’s stops on the tour:

Create 3.5 Sweeter Than CupcakesThe Wining WifePaisley RootsThe Eli Monster

And make sure to visit the rest of the bloggers packing this tour with fantastic back to school inspiration!

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Call Ajaire * The Wholesome Mama * Sew and Tell Project * BLAVERRY * DIY Crush * Phat Quarters * Mahlica Designs * Handmade Boy * Kaleidothought * The Berry Bunch * Filles A Maman * Sprouting JubeJube * Sew Happily Ever After * Tales of a Tester * 5 out of 4 Patterns * The Crafting Fiend * Create 3.5 * Sew Sophie Lynn * Sweeter Than Cupcakes * Wining Wife * Paisley Roots * The Eli Monster * Cindy Parrett Blog * Sew Starly * Élégantine! * Gracious Threads * Lulu & Celeste * Sewing By Ti * Amazing Adventures with Bubba and Bug * Simple Life Pattern Co. Blog * Inspinration * Mama You Can Make it For Me * Moon Star

Boxwood Joggers from Sew Like My Mom

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The Boxwood Joggers from Sew Like My Mom are here!

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As soon as I saw Melissa’s cute versions I knew I had to get in on the testing.  I showed them to my 12-year-old and he was sold!  I can’t pass up a chance to sew for him since he’s so super picky.

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These joggers passed the ‘cool enough for 7th grade’ test 😉

I mean those pockets are so, so cool!

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Both pairs are made with french terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.  This pair is a heathered mint (currently unavailable).  The black pair is a solid black.  The cute pocket fabric is a remnant my sister gave me of Art Gallery’s Boardwalk Delight Ice Cream Shop Knit.  It was absolutely perfect for these pockets and cuffs!

These are a skinny fit pant and they fit a little looser on my skinnier than normal kiddos.  This guy says they’re just right!

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We added a faux drawstring on both pairs just for fun.  These pants are a super quick sew- print, cut and sewn in less than an hour.  They include shorts, capris, and full length options with a looser boy cut for the older guys.  In sizes 12 months-16, you can use this pattern for all the kids in the neighborhood (because you know once they see your kids, they’ll all be begging for them!).

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You can pick up the full size range here or the 12 months- 8 here or the big kids 6-16 here.  I can’t wait to see all the kids on the block sporting their matching joggers 😉

For more Boxwood inspiration check out:

It’s Liesel

CraftiMom

Miskin Makings

Kreatita

Penny Sew Vintage

Tales of a Tester