EYMM Zander Hoodie Blog tour

Phew is all I can say!  Have you ever committed to something and then have just about everything that could go wrong go wrong?  I'm sure we all have at some point, well anyway that's how this blog tour was for me.
When Kymy announced this blog tour I was like "Yes!  My son needs a new sweatshirt, I have the fabric, I'll even make one for myself and it will be sooo much fun!"  Well in the weeks leading up to the blog I've had three out of five kids sick, including high fevers and asthma attacks, high school and elementary school shenanigans to deal with,  secular work fiascoes and issues with my blended family that are so complicated I can't even begin to get into here....
BUT, I did manage to finish this just barely and my son did get an AWESOME new sweatshirt in his favorite colors with a super fun lining.  No I didn't get one done for myself but sometimes you just need to accept what you did accomplish and not dwell on what you didn't.
Enjoy the pictures and at the end there is a giveaway!

Now onto the pattern...the Zander hoodie is a lined sweatshirt or vest with a slightly over sized hood and asymmetrical zipper down the front.  I originally helped test this pattern so I've made it a few times before.  I would consider it more of an intermediate level compared to some other EYMM patterns.  This pattern is available in sizes 3 months to 18.  The directions are clear and offer lots of color photographs to help you through difficult areas.  I did the 4/5 size, which is great because it offers room for growth or layering.

I used a lightweight navy french terry for the outer and lightweight cotton jersey for the lining.  I accented with a red zipper and red ribbing for the wrist cuffs and waist.  My son's favorite part was the zipper because his favorite color is red.

I'm glad he enjoyed the zipper since it only took me four tries to get it lined up perfectly,  no joke, that's when I realized that perhaps I wasn't completely concentrating on my sewing.....
My advice for the zipper is first of all pin and check to see if the waist ribbing and pockets are lined up correctly BEFORE you sew and clear your mind before you start ;)
He was also pretty excite about the race cars on the lining fabric.  This is a great way to make something like a sweatshirt fun for a four year old boy who doesn't always want to wear a sweatshirt.

 So after  I finished I had to convince my four year old that it was time to take pictures, this is when the difference between boys and girls becomes extremely apparent.  I tell my daughter it's photo shoot time and we're going to take pretty pictures and generally she gets excited.  In contrast I had to bribe my son and even at that I only got a few good pictures before things deteriorated quickly first with the dog becoming part of the blog (haha Disney channel reference)  and then with my son attempting to give me some sort of GQ pose, then dirty looks and finally licking the tree.  Yes licking the tree, that's when I gave up.

A boy and his dog in a blog....

I'm not sure if this is I'm a serious model look or I'm plotting my next public fit to get back at you mom for making me do this....

Ummm yeah, I don't even know what to say.....

You made it to the end!  Congratulations!  Leave a comment below with your email address and your choice of Zander or his and hers and one person will be chosen randomly to recieve a free copy of EYMM's Zander hoodie or His and Hers Hoodie.

Make sure to visit the other stops on the tour to see more versions and hoodie inspiration!�Many�are giving away a copy of the pattern! (Psst ... check out the awesome savings listed after the tour links!)

*NOTE* The links below won�t show the tour posts until 7am PST on their day of the tour, BUT you are welcome to click through and check their blogs out at any time.

9/25

Blessed X Five and Capture, Craft, and Cook

9/26

The Wholesome Mama and EYMM

9/27

Rebel & Malice and Manning the Machine

9/28

Welcome to Our Crazy World and Connected by a Thread

9/29

Pretty & Precious Clothing and Boutique Birdie

Hop over to the�EYMM shop and use code FALLHOODIES2015 to save 50% on either hoodie pattern! Coupon is good for�Zander's Hoodie & Hooded Vest (newborn-18tween) or�His & Hers Hoodie & Hooded Vest (adult XS-5XL)�and�expires�11:59pm PST on Sept. 29.

*NOTE*�These two patterns are INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED sewing level, as they include zipper installation and some unique assembly techniques.

EYMM Second Anniversery Tour

  Join EYMM and 24 fellow bloggers as we celebrate the first 24 months of our pattern shop with a huge sale and giveaway!  We will be featuring 8 different patterns for women and girls, as well as having a Manic Monday sale and a huge site-wide sale.  There is also a great giveaway at the bottom of this post. Don't wait because you don't see sales like this often from EYMM and it will be over before you know it!
*NOTE* The links below won't show the tour posts until 11am PST on their day of the tour, BUT you are welcome to click through and check their blogs out at any time.

7/27 Connected by a Thread, Pattern Revolution, The Wholesome Mama

7/28 Climbing the Willow, Rebel & Malice, Hibbadoray

7/29 Pretty & Precious Clothing, Sprouting Jube Jube, Call Ajaire

7/30 Once Upon a Sewing Machine, Swoodson Says, Blessed X Five

7/31 Beri Bee Designs, Sewing the Seasons, Sew Outnumbered

8/1 Creative Counselor, Lulu & Celeste, Analog Bytes

8/2 Handcrafted by Red, Boutique Birdie, HattieLu Handmade

8/3 Capture, Craft & Cook, Welcome to Our Crazy World, Create 3.5

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This blog contains affiliate links
Sooo, it's been awhile since I blogged but I was asked to participate in the EYMM's second anniversery blog which makes me really excited and helped me get off my lazy summer booty and blog again.  It feels good to be back.

I sewed the beautiful Calla Lily skirt for myself and the Calla Lily skort for my daughter.  This is a knit skirt that is shorter in the front and longer in the back with a unique crossover look in the front.  There are three waistband options; regular, yoga fold over style, and elastic. It's available in sizes XS-5X for women and Newborn to 18 for girls.

I chose to go with the regular style waistband.  I kept the length according to the pattern for both my daughter and I.  The girls version of the pattern includes a skort option and a fishtail hem option.  For my three year old I included the shorts under her skirt since we are still working on sitting like a lady. For myself I used the Everyday Essentials pattern by EYMM to make a mid thigh slip for a little more modesty, I found the skirt to be a little sheer for my taste. The Get Moving leggings pattern can also be added to the waistband of the skirt for both women and girls for more coverage or to transition into cooler months.

The fabric I chose, OK actually my daughter chose, is a thin drapey knit.  I was really happy with her fabric choice, I was a little worried I would be trying to convince my daughter we didn't need pink kitty cat matching skirts in the middle of a fabric store while my little diva was sitting on the dirty floor bawling and my four year old was running around pulling bolts of fabric down and making forts.  I got very fortunate and she found the navy stripes, touched them and proclaimed they were very soft and she wanted them.  Phew crisis averted!  
I did a contrasting band because I wanted a fabric with more recovery and stability than the striped knit had, no fear of these skirts falling off.
I always have found EYMM patterns to be very true to size, no alterations needed at all even for my daughter who often times needs length needed.

I went for a lettuce edge for the hem of the skirt, I like the way it looks as a contrast to all of the stripes and it's so much easier than actually hemming.  Honestly I hate hemming knits so I will avoid it if at all possible. If you don't want to a lettuce edge, rolled edge, you can leave it unhemmed if you carefully trim away the seam allowance or if you do a regular hem I strongly recommend using wonder tape.

I like to style my Calla Lily skirt with a jean jacket or chambray shirt, I love the way it looks and it's a perfect layer as we transition into fall.

My daughter was thrilled at our matching skirts but then my son was feeling left out so I made him a quick t-shirt and used the Boy's Silhouette reverse applique pack to add a cool dump truck with the leftover skirt fabric.

He LOVES!

We had so much fun with this photo shoot and it's great to be able to make mommy and me matching outfits.  I'm so happy my kids think it's fun to dress alike, I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts!

They can be so sweet together sometimes, and look at how pretty the skirt is with the slight breeze!

To celebrate their second year anniversary EYMM is having a big sale! 43% off of everything, coupon code is below and don't forget to check out the other blogs on the anniversary tour and see all of the amazing things they've done with EYMM patterns.


                                        

Not only is there an AMAZING blog tour going on but 1 lucky winner that leaves a comment below between now and 8.3.15 will win a FREE EYMM pattern of their choice!!!!  Which one would you pick? Then hop on over to EYMM to check out the awesome SALE, and an even bigger celebration giveaway with over $1000 in prizes.  There will be 40 winners in all.

Until next time....

Don't you just love the way the Calla Lily skirt looks from the back as you're walking!

Naughty and Nice Blog Tour

I

I had the privilege of being part of the naughty and nice blog tour!  Green Style and EYMM are releasing two wonderful patterns just in time for some quick pre-Christmas selfish sewing.  I have decided that I love sewing for myself.  Let's face it as a mother of five kiddos shopping for myself just doesn't happen.  Last time I had the ridiculous idea of shopping for myself it went like this...me in the fitting room with a 2 and a 3 year old.  My son "ewwww I see your butt"  in the loudest voice possible, my daughter "mommy you have cute underwear, I don't have a bra, you're naked" me, "no honey I'm not naked I'm just changing clothes"  then sword fighting with hangers starts and before I have even tried on one complete outfit my daughter, "mommmmmmy I have to go PEE!"  and that was the end of my shopping.   So I have found "selfish sewing" to work a lot better for me.  I can pick the colors of what I'm making, get the fit right and stitch it up when the kids are in bed.  In fact that is what I did with these two patterns.  They are both incredibly fast to sew, I stitched up both of these last night.


First I made the Norah nightgown by Green Style.  This was my Christmas present to my husband. Yay for multitasking -blog done and Christmas present done!   When I tried it on he couldn't believe that I had made it including the panties (which fit so perfectly).   He's always nagging me to sew more "practical" things, I think this might qualify as practical enough for him ;)  I used a very light weight knit with a burnout pattern on it, making it comfortable and sexy all at the same time.  This is can be made in three different lengths and has a boyshort or thong pantie version.  It's available in sizes XXS-3XL.  There's something pretty exciting about making something so special for yourself.  If I have enough time my husband wants a red stretch velvet one with white trim for Christmas hehe.....
A lightweight knit that is not see through could also be used to make this more of an everyday nightie.

         



















Next I stitched up the Off the Shoulder Dress Peplum by EYMM.  I had the opportunity to test this pattern so I have already made a couple for myself, check out my blog for those versions.  I also made a beautiful one for my mom.  Since I've made this pattern a few times I decided to alter this one a little this time around.  I went down one size to make it more fitted and lengthened the bodice portion.  This resulted in a drop waist look.  I used the circle skirt and just finished the edges with my serger.  I wanted it to look more casual and comfy.  I used a french terry so that it's pretty warm and perfect to throw on for last minute Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, or sipping on coffee Christmas morning while watching my crazy kids create a tornado of wrapping paper.
This pattern is availabe in sizes XS-5X and has the option of a circle or gathered peplum or skirt.

The one I made for my Mom out of a sheer light weight sweater knit.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and don't forget to take care of yourself!  It's such a busy time of the year that it can be easy to forget about taking care of ourselves as wives and mothers but if we don't then believe everybody around us suffers.  A happy mom and wife equals a happy home :)






Make sure you check out the other stops on this blog tour for some more selfish sewing inspiration.

"http://calmandcarrion.blogspot.com/2014/12/naughty-and-nice-double-pattern-release.html
"https://boutiquebirdie.wordpress.com/

"http://www.hattieluhandmade.com/
http://www.graciousthreads.ca/

EYMM does it again! The off the shoulder dress/tunic

I love EYMM patterns the directions are very easy to follow and the designs are always right on trend.  Kymy, the designer of EYMM patterns, definitely did not disappoint on her latest creation, the off the shoulder cowl neck dress or tunic.  You know you have a winner when you're husband loves it and your mom, sister and brother's girlfriend all see it and ask for one.
Let's start with the basics:  the pattern is available in a broad size range  XS-5X, it's designed for knits although the skirt/ flounce portion can be made from woven.  Options, the best part, you can make this in either peplum or dress length.
Don't be scared at the thought of a peplum, I was at first.  Personally, I usually avoid peplums, love the look but hate the way they look on me.  With the beautiful cowl neckline and the length of the bodice to flounce portion this peplum works!  No longer do I look like a pear in a peplum :)
Anyway, I digress, back to options....the peplum flounce or the skirt portion can be made either as a circle skirt or a gathered skirt depending on the look you want.  In addition the bottom portion can be made from a variety of fabrics making the looks you can get from this pattern endless.
 I chose to do one in all knit and another one with a knit bodice and chiffon flounce.  I really want to do a dress version in velour and another shirt version in french terry, oh if only I had all day to sew......
A couple of the testers did the dress version and then put a pettiskirt under and oh my goodness it was amazing looking!  Perfect for holiday parties.
If I haven't convinced you yet that you need this pattern then this might help-this gorgeous pattern is part of the Sew Fab bundle available here.  You get 10 brand new, previously unreleased patterns for only $29.95, that's an amazing deal!

Flounce circle skirt in chiffon

                   

Gathered flounce

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and please follow me on my adventures in sewing

Miss Audrey Dress

First let me say how excited I am to be part of my first ever blog tour.  Even more exciting is the dress I get to tell you about! Oh and bonus the dress and I have the same name!!!! :)

 I had the privilege of testing the Miss Audrey dress by 1 Puddle Lane.  Let's start off with the basics....this is a princess seam bodice with the option of gathered or pleated skirt and side seam pockets.  The back has an invisible zipper and you have the option of making the dress fully lined or not.  The pattern is available in sizes 2-16 U.S. (6-20 UK/AUS sizes).  First you find your size based on your bust measurement, then your waist measurement and finally your bra cup size.  You can easily blend two sizes together to ensure and perfect fitting bodice. The PDF pattern has layers incorporated so you can choose to print only your size (I love this feature).  This is such a versatile dress and can be made out of almost any woven fabric, think quilting cotton, linen, satin, lace, gabardine, basically it's all up to the look you want and your imagination.  Take a minute to look through some of the other blog posts at the bottom of this post and see all of the beautiful variations.

I decided to go with the fully lined version with the pleated skirt in a striped cotton with some stretch to it.  Honestly I'm not sure what kind of fabric I would call it, I found it on the clearance section of my local Hancock's. I love the almost men's dress shirt look of it in contrast with the classic style of the Miss Audrey dress.  I was going for a 1950's housewife meets Wall Street.....I'm not sure if I achieved it but regardless I love the way the dress turned out LOL!



My Mom saw it and immediately wanted one, she was disappointed the fabric was clearance but I'm sure I can find something else she'll love.  Or I could purchase one of the fabric kits that are available through 1 Puddle Lane, it includes the necessary fabric for the Miss Audrey dress along with all of the notions.  How convenient is that??!!

Ann, the designer, is so extremely helpful if you ever get stuck on part of the pattern, even better she will be hosting a sew-a-long starting Monday December 1st for the Miss Audrey dress so that you can make a new dress in time for Christmas and have help and support while you do it.

Don't be intimidated by the zipper, the princess seams, or the lined bodice, believe me this pattern is so well written and Ann is always quick to answer questions with clear precise answers that I'm sure you can accomplish this dress.  It's definitely a dress that when you wear it people go "WOW, YOU made THAT?!?!"  Hehe I love hearing that!


Check her out on Facebook

Oh my goodness I love the pleats,  I'm very into pleats right now.  I love the simple classic feel of them!

Um yeah I probably should have ironed the back again :/

Thanks for reading my blog feel free to share and follow me, Audrey 

Take a minute to explore the other posts on the Blog Tour for some beautiful dresses and inspiration:

Wednesday, 26th Nov (today)

Abbie Daniels - Tigerlily Patterns

Thursday, 27th Nov

Debbie Cameron - Stitch It Now

Stacey Clements - All Sewn Up by Stacey

Friday, 28th Nov

Audrey Bottine - Pretty Precious Clothing

Lesley Fletcher - Cherub's Kiss

Saturday, 29th Nov
Natalie Williams - Sew Outnumbered
Leanne Benson - TBA

Rohan Hoodie modification

My son loves to pick out fabric.  He also loves tractors.  Hence I have yards and yards of bright big print tractor fabric.  The question is what do you do with it?  You can only make so many button down shirts and honestly some of the fabric he picks is a little garish (in my adult opinion) for button down shirts.  Yes you can add accent pockets with it but up until yesterday I hadn't found a pattern for wovens for my son that I totally loved that would work for all of this fabulous tractor fabric I have.  Then I was doing pattern research on Pinterest (ok actually wasting time and avoiding my dishes) when I stumbled upon the Rohan Hoodie by Crafty Kitty.   It was the answer!  Now my poor neglected son, neglected when it comes to mommy sewing for him, can have a fun sweatshirt.  The pattern is not originally fully lined but I went up one size and fully lined it with fleece.  In addition I added some cool yellow and grey FOE I had found on clearance to the neckline and cuffs.  This wasn't necessary just a fun touch.  He loves it!  It's cozy and covered in construction emblems what more could a three year old ask for!  I'm so pleased with the outcome!

Beach to School Knit Pants by Plucky Butterfly

I have tested quite a few patterns but this one in particular is a labor of love.  Pam, the designer, put so much effort and time into this pattern and it definitely shows in the fit of these shorts, capris, pants...  The pattern goes from sizes 2-12 and has five (yes five!) different lengths along with three (yes three!) different fits.  All in one pattern!  In addition it has the option of adding a flounce or a regular ruffle to the shorts, pants, capris.   This pattern is designed for knits and I found through my various tests that basically if it has stretch to it you can use it for these pants although I did get better results with knit that had a better recovery and if it doesn't have much stretch probably don't do the skinny fit (I might have possibly made my two year old a pair in denim that had very minimal stretch and had a bit of a time getting them over her booty :)  )   I had great sucess in making a pair for my three year old in stretch twill.  I added an elastic waist to his instead of the yoga style waistband I did for the girls.  He loves them, he thinks they're sweats and I love them because they aren't sweats.  Haha tricked the three year old!  
Warning I tested quite a few pairs of these so there's a lot of pictures to follow and as a side note some of these versions may differ slightly from the final pattern.  I wanted to share them though so you can get an idea of how amazingly versatile this pattern is.

 Jegging type of material slim fit

 French terry with reverse appliques loose fit

 Thin knit slim fit

 Velour slim fit on both girls and dolly

 Thin knit slim fit with grosgrain ribbon added to the top of the flounce

 4 way stretch knit slim fit with lace flounce

 French terry with contrast panels added on the sides, knee length loose fit

 4 way stretch knit (shorty short length)  perfect for beach wear or under dresses

4 way stretch knit, slim fit with flounce

As you can see the possibilities are nearly endless, these are such a quick sew and has quickly become my go to pattern whenever I need a pair of pants to go with a top, tunic or dress.  I love that the slim fit isn't completely fitted.  They're not leggings, instead they are just a bit looser.  A little more modest that way and very comfortable for playing.  In addition this pattern is unisex so believe you will get your money out of it!  Be creative with it and embellish away or use fun prints!  The Beach to School Knit Pants by Plucky Butterfly are only $5.95 through Sunday so hurry up and catch the introductory price!