Let's BundleUp: part deux

7:28:00 AM,2 Comments


I'm back!!!!  How lucky am I that I get to be a part of this rockin blog tour 2 days in a row?!?!?!  It's pretty exciting for me, and I am even more excited to share with you two more great patterns in the boys BundleUp!





Let's start with the really cool Zee's Tee by Tie Dye Diva!




Ok, confession time.  This is my first(gasp!!!) time sewing up a Tie Dye Diva pattern.  I know, all my sewing friends are falling out of their chairs right now, but seriously, I own like hundreds of patterns, even some TDD, I've just never sewn one up, until now!




This pattern goes from size 18month-12yrs!  That's a huge range!  I love a pattern that can take my kids from toddler hood through adolescence!  AWESOME!  The pattern was extremely easy to follow.  There are tons of things I really love about this pattern!  I really liked that it includes a quick print guide!  Seriously, if only every designer did this, life would be much easier!   Never sewn with knit before?  No worries!  An entire section on sewing with knits is included!



I also LOVE the instructions on how to upcycle old shirts for this pattern!  The color photos and step by step instructions were super easy to understand and follow.  And don't get me started on all the options!  I chose the coloblocked top tee, but you could also colorblock the bottom sides, or not colorblock at all and sew a pocket tee.  Maybe you just want ti colorblock the sleeves!  The possibilities seem endless, and I like that in a pattern!




This was such a quick sew!  I used clearance tees that I upcycled, so using the existing hems made it even quicker!  I will be sewing this a lot in the future, as the LOVE to mix and match fabrics and this pattern is the perfect canvas for doing just that!

But a great tee needs an awesome pair of pants, am I right?!?!  Thank you Aviator Pants by Winter Wear Designs for helping to complete this awesome look!



Remember yesterday when I said I was lucky enough to test 2 patterns?  Well, this was pattern #2!!  The Aviator pants are a great pattern!  The size range is 18months-14yrs!!  Amazing right?  And this pattern has a TON of options!




Gotta have a booty shot!  haha  I chose welt pockets and side slash pockets, but you can also choose cargo pockets.  Maybe you want even more details.  Why not add on a contrast triangle on the leg with a cuff.  Or do like I did and chop 'em off and make them shorts!




My gent LOVES these pockets!  Perfect for storing his growing rock collection.  And while this pattern boasts so many details, Suzanne did not forget to write a great tutorial.  She put this pattern through the ringer to really get it perfect!  The instructions are easy to follow and the color photos help guide you step by step.



I used rib knit for the waist, and my boy says these are way comfy!  He would wear them everyday if I let him!  I think I will be making many more of these for Pre-K this year!  

These patterns are winners, and you should definitely add them to your BundleUp!  You will not be disappointed!







Don't forget to check out the other amaing bloggers on the tour!!!  

2 comments:

Let's BundleUp!

6:14:00 AM,6 Comments


When I was asked to review a pattern for the new BundleUP boys edition I was ecstatic!  I don't get a lot of opportunities to sew for my two boys, and with back to school fast approaching, this was perfect timing to sew them up some one of a kind outfits for school!!

I was super lucky to test two of these patterns, and with both being pants, I knew I needed some tops to pair them with.  After taking a look at the patterns, I decided on the Butler Britches by Brownie Goose and the Shawl Collar Pullover by Greenstyle.




Let's start with the shawl collar pullover by Greenstyle.  I have sewn many many patterns by this fabulous designer, and this my friends, is now my favorite!  The pattern has an awesome size range of 2T-16!  The instructions are extremely easy to follow and also include color photos to help you in case there are any trouble spots.  And don't be scared if you have never sewn with knits.  This pattern is a great starting point since you can use heavier weight fabrics!  And no serger necessary!  Mine was sewn on my super beginner Brother machine!




The details on this pattern are awesome!  I personally LOVE the shoulder tabs!  I think it gives this classic but modern pattern a cool vibe!  I chose to use a navy sweatshirt fleece paired with a grey heathered fleece.  My gent say this top is ubber comfy and will be great for fall!




The shawl collar rocks!  Because the fleece is a little heavier, it really makes the collar stay up in the back, which will be great for those cool mornings at the bus stop.  I'd love to make this in something not so heavy!  This would be a great top, as well as pullover sweater!




The shawl collar is also the perfect spot for your sunglasses!  I loved all the other options too!  I decided on cuffs and a hem band.  My gent is pretty slim, so this is the size 3, with a 5 length.  He will be 6 at the end of September, but is definitely on the small side.  I felt the band and cuffs would give him the room for growth he may need if a growth spurt decides to show up this year!  I love how easy it is to customize Greenstyle's patterns to fit every child!

I really enjoyed sewing up this pattern.  It was quick, only took a few hours, and I can't wait to make some different variations!  


Time to talk about the pants!  The butler britches by Brownie Goose are a favorite of both of my gents!  They adore these pants!  Amy has a way of writing that makes you feel like she's sitting right next to you.  It's probably my most favorite part of her patterns, because not only does she have a great way of explaining how to sew her patterns, but she's hilarious, and I often catch myself cracking up while reading!




I was extremely lucky to test these pants, so both boys got a pair!  The options on this pattern are fabulous.  You get instructions for flat front or full elastic waist and two different pocket options!  And along with the wonderful instructions, you also get color photos that will help in case you get stuck anywhere.  




I did both pockets during testing, because well, why not! haha  I let them pick which they wanted and thankfully they picked the opposite of each other!




I am just in love with these pockets!  I love that you can change the look so much by just the fabrics and buttons you use!





The cuff is the best, am I right?!?!?!  I would totally love these pants without the cuff, but it really makes these pants special!  I love the asymmetrical look and the button tab!  So cute and funky!



I went all out for this pattern!  I let the boys pick their fabrics and buttons, and all of the details, and I have to say I am pretty impressed!  They did a great job pairing fabrics!  I may ask them to help me out more often!




You really can't go wrong with either of these patterns!  Both are winners and I will definitely be sewing both again!  Don't forget to pick up your copies of the patterns HERE!  And come back tomorrow for a look at two more patterns I was lucky enough to sew up!  Now here's a bunch more photos because my boys are too handsome not to put more up, haha!









And while you're at it, come take a look at other the other amazing bloggers that are part of the BundleUP Boys Blog Tour!




6 comments:

Delilah Pattern Tour

10:01:00 AM,6 Comments



It's been a busy summer full of sun, sand and swimming!  In between the fun I have been sewing up a storm!  Today I am back to show you a great pattern by a designer I just recently was introduced to!

Please give a warm welcome to Delilah!




 The Delilah by Golden Rippy is a wonderful roomy knit top with lots of features!  Rachel, the designer, did a fantastic job with this pattern.  It features:

  • sizes xxs-xl
  • well written easy to follow instructions
  • illustrations
  • 2 sleeve lengths
  • 2 embellishment options
  • printing guide
  • pattern layout




 This pattern is perfect for beginners and goes together in just about an hour if you leave off the embellishments and don't mess up your arm bands and neck bands....haha  I of course was cutting this during nap time, so I was entertaining my 2 little guys at the same time.  I cut my arm and neck bands with the stretch going the wrong way.  UGGHHH.  So if you don't do what I did, you can easily finish this during even the quickest of nap times!





 I adore the roomy fit on this top!  It is not too over sized, but oh so comfy!  I can easily see myself wearing this just around the house, or dressing it up with a statement necklace and earrings for a night out with my girlfriends or on a date with my Hubby!  




 I chose the short banded sleeve and was extremely happy with the end result!  I love the band on the bottom.  And all you ladies who worry about the band being too tight, no worries here!  The band fits perfectly and is really comfortable!  The hip band is great too!  It gives this top just a little extra to help make it a little more than "just a t-shirt".





 I've paired my Delilah with a great neutral skinny belt.  The ease of this shirt allows for lots of room to play with it, especially if you use a fabric that has awesome drape, like this jersey rayon!  Don't worry, you don't need to belt it though!




It looks just as great without the belt!  The size chart was spot on for me.  This is the large, and it's not too tight or too loose.  I love the fit.  If you desire a closer fit, I recommend sizing down.




I decided to leave my top sans embellishments, since I really don't need any extra distractions up on top, if you know what I mean!  haha  I think it's still a great top without it, but really really love the bow!  I think I will try that on my next one.  If you're on the fence about this pattern, I really think you should take the plunge and buy it.  I don't think you will be disappointed.  

Rachel is super awesome and is giving away 2 patterns of your choice to lucky lucky readers!  Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win!  It ends TONIGHT, 8/6/14 at midnight PST!  So hurry up and enter while you can!!  And don't forget to follow Golden Rippy on facebook and on the blog.
a Rafflecopter giveaway





 I'd love for you to take a few minutes and check out the AMAZING bloggers in the Delilah Pattern Tour!  Thanks for stopping by!


 Monday- July 28

A Vision To Remember www.avisiontoremember.com

Tuesday- July 29
FriendsStitchedTogether     http://friendsstitchedtogether.com/
Cozy Cape Cottage    http://cozycapecottage.blogspot.com/
Gracious Threads    www.graciousthreads.ca
Wednesday- July 30
The Sewing Geek    http://www.thesewinggeek.com/
Sprouting JubeJube    http://sproutingjj.blogspot.ca/
Thursday- July 31
My Taylor Made     www.mytaylormade.blogspot.com
Friday- Aug 1
Stitchwerx Designs   http://stitchwerx.net
E-beth Designs   http://ebethdesigns.com/
Saturday- Aug 2
Marmalade Forest   www.marmaladeforest.com
Ali Cat & Co    alicatco.blogspot.com
Sunday- Aug 3
Monday- Aug 4
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
Lady and the Gents    www.theladyandthegents.blogspot.com







6 comments:

LOL Swing Top Pattern Tour

6:52:00 AM,9 Comments

*Warning, this post contains lots of super adorable photos.  And when I say lots, I really mean like more than anyone probably really wants to see, but she's super cute so too bad! :)*

I'm back with another awesome pattern!  I was thrilled when I found out I was going to test the LOL Swing Top by A Jennuine Life!  This was my first experience with one of Jennifer's patterns, and let me tell you, she really puts her heart and soul into her patterns!  

Let me introduce you to the LOL Swing Top.




This pattern boasts and adorable swing a-line top with a great racerback yoke!  It is extremely versatile and cane be made in both knits and woven, and has a cute little button or snap closure on one shoulder.


 Since I decided to go with a woven version, I opted for a button closure!  How adorable is that?!?!   The size range on this pattern is....are you ready????  Newborn-12years!  Yes, you heard that right!  A top that can take you from birth to tween sizes!  Amazing right!?!



I love the fullness of this top.  Even on my tiny little lady, it does not overwhelm her!  Jennifer really worked hard on making sure the fit was spot on!  This is my tester top, so a few changes have been made for the final pattern to make sure the fit was perfect.  I really like the binding she uses in the pattern.  I chose to hem the top in the binding also, and love the finished look!




The drape of this top is so pretty, and that back!!  To.Die.For!!  Who doesn't love a racerback in the summer!  But forget just the summer!  I see my little lady wearing this with a cute little cardigan and skinnies come fall!!  I think it will easily transition into the colder months!




My little lady loved playing in this top!  It was very comfortable for her and she had plenty of room for movement, which is very important if you are a busy 2 year old!  




This pattern is beautifully written!  Jennifer really took the time to give you amazing instructions and illustrations.  The pattern pieces went together with no issues.  I really likes how she took the time to explain each step in a way that even a beginner could understand!

This pattern is a winner!  I will definitely be making more!  I can't wait to try it in knit.    Here are a few more photos because I can't resist showing her off!









To get your own copy of the LOL Swing top pattern, head on over here!  Jennifer has it on sale for 20% off with code "LOLRelease" this week!  And while you're here, how about taking a few minutes to check out the other awesome bloggers in the tour!!!  And don't forget to like Jennifer's facebook page so you can stay up to date on all the happenings over there!




9 comments: