Lady and the gents

It's February, and that means it's time once again to take a look in the mirror and fall in love. We all too often forget about ourselves, constantly looking after others, making sure our homes are in tip top shape, making sure our significant others, kids, pets, families are taken care of. But this month it's time to do something for ourselves.

I am so happy to be a part of Pattern Revolution's Sew Yourself Some Love Blog Tour! I was long overdue for some new clothing pieces, especially since my belly seems to be growing at an alarming rate since I found out baby #4 is on it's way!! And with constant sickness for the last 2.5 months, I deserve something special!

I'll be honest, I never thought to sew my own maternity clothes before, but the idea of having custom pieces that I can wear now, and some even after pregnancy, is intriguing. I stepped up to the challenge and decided to give it a go!

Patterns for Pirates was the first designer to come to mind when I was brainstorming what I was going to make! Judy, who recently had a beautiful little baby girl, sewed TONS of her maternity clothes using hacks and mods of her patterns! She is a true inspiration and I couldn't wait to give some of her patterns a try!

First up was the Slim Fit Raglan. With this pattern I decided on no mods, although next time I am going to do a mash-up of this and the maternity add on for a perfect fit!

I LOVE this top and it is soooo comfy! It's perfect for hanging around the house and running errands! I love all the sleeve options! I knew I was going to want to wear this after baby is born this summer, so short sleeves were perfect!

The fit on this is great! I sized up to accommodate my growing belly! I have been hoarding this floral, but I'm so glad I finally used it, because this top makes me smile!

I will definitely be making more of these! Not only is the pattern super easy to follow, but it's a quick sew and the options on this one are many! It's definitely a winner!

Now on to my favorite! I was lucky enough to test the Layer Me Up Top way back when and it is one of my go to tops! It seriously has endless possibilities. I couldn't wait to give the Maternity Add-On a try!

I specifically bought this ivory and black dot ponte for this project because I saw the CUTEST maternity shirt on pinterest and new I had to recreate it!

I am IN LOVE with this top! Since I am still fairly early on, I sized up so I can wear this my whole pregnancy.

The instructions are amazing and the finished project is perfect! I can not say enough good things about this pattern. I know it will become my go to maternity top pattern!

The ruching on the side is so flattering, comfortable, and extremely easy to execute! This top has tons of options too! I will be able to sew up a bunch of variations that will last me my entire pregnancy!

I am so happy with my new creations and can't wait to sew up some more! I feel beautiful and
I loved spending a little time doing something fun for me! Thanks again to Pattern Revolution for having me! And don't forget to check out all the other amazing bloggers on this tour!!

Feb 1 Sew Thrifty

Feb 2 Feather's Flights

Feb 3 The Wholesome Mama

Feb 4 Sprouting Jube Jube

Sugarplum Cuties

Feb 5 Shaffer Sisters

Feb 8 Mabey She Made It

Feb 9 Rebel and Malice

Feb 10 If Only They Would Nap

Feb 11 Sugarplum Cuties

Feb 12 Hibbadoray

Feb 15 Bee Quilted Beauties

Mabel Madison

Feb 16 Sew Starly

Feb 17 All Things Katy

Handmade Boy

Feb 18 Friends Stitched Together

Lady And The Gents

Feb 19 Sew Happily Ever After

Sew Like My Mom

Get your Beatles playlists ready! It's time to sew! I couldn't help but sing "Penny Lane" the entire time I was sewing up the newest release from Shwin Designs. Such a lovely song and pattern, you will have a hard time not wanting to sew up a million of these tops and dresses!

The Penny Lane top and dress features an adorable cap sleeve and unique cross back design that looks so intricate! I will let you in on a little secret, it's much easier than you think!

In sizes 12m-8yrs, Penny Lane is perfect for little ladies of all ages. The fit was spot on for me, so follow the chart in the pattern and you will have no issues. My little one is wearing a size 12month with the length of a 2t. She is very petite, so I'm very used to having to mash sizes.

I LOVE that Shauna included an awesome video tutorial of how to construct the cross back design, to help those who are visual learners! It's a great help!

Use your favorite woven fabrics like I have here, or choose a sturdy knit! I can't wait to try the dress version in knit.

Cute and comfy, this pattern is a must have! Easy to get on and off, no buttons or zips, this is a quick sew that will be a must have in your little one's wardrobe! Get yours now on sale for $6 now through Wednesday (2-10-16)

Life has been crazy. Between 2 boys in school and 1 little lady at home with me, after school activities, jobs, and everyday insanity, busy doesn't begin to describe my life. The One Thimble Blog Tour is one thing I am {never} too busy for!

If you haven't heard about One Thimble, you are either living under a rock or you are new to the world of online sewing. If you know all about it, then you already know that this amazing sewing magazine will be your favorite resource for patterns, tutorials and articles. With 14 PDF patterns and 27 articles/tutorials/interviews, One Thimble is a fantastic way to learn new techniques for sewing and crafting, and great ways to grow and build your business.

Issue 9 is stuffed full of amazing articles and interviews. My favorite was "Plan your way to social media Nirvana". As a virtual media assistant and blogger for Violette Field Threads, I find myself constantly on social media, either posting, commenting, or writing on multiple platforms. This article was extremely helpful and gave some great advice for planning and content. For anyone running a business, this article is a must read!

I also found the article "Top Tips for Fab Flat Lays" extremely helpful. As a WAHM who owns a small clothing boutique, I am either sewing of photographing what I have sewn. I often struggle with photographing when it is not on a model, and this article was just what I needed! The pointers and helpful tips about presentation the use of props were wonderfully helpful, and I can't wait to put all this new knowledge to work!

I also {love} the new layout for the magazine! All articles are in the beginning, and all patterns are at the end. I personally find it much easier to navigate and really like the flow of the magazine.

After getting a look at the full issue, I knew I had to sew a few things up, and what better than a dress with some matching accessories.

The Cross Bow Dress from Boo! Designs fit the bill. I instantly fell in love with this dress and new that my little lady needed it, even if it is almost winter here!

This dress features sizes 0-8, dress of peplum options, cross back straps, removable bow, and side invisible zipper.

I opted to leave off the bow, but it can easily be added later if I decide her dress just {needs} it!

The instructions were extremely easy to follow, and the zipper tutorial was wonderful, with great drawings and step by step instructions, a zipper novice will be able to tackle this with no issues. Unless you have a defective and don't realize it until it's too late!! GRRRRRR I will be taking this zip out and putting in a new one since this one felt the need to pull part at the teeth. :(

My daughter falls slightly smaller than the 12 month chest measurements, but needs the length of a 2, which is normal for her. I did find the finished dress to be a slim fit in the bodice, so next time I will size up a bit for a bit more room.

And did you see the hem??? No need to fret about having to tediously hem the circle skirt! The instructions for hemming with bias tape are amazing and so easy! I chose a fabulous gold bias tape for a fun look!

My daughter adores her new dress, but no dress is complete without the proper accessories, and for my little lady that means hair accouterments.

Together we perused the magazine, looking at what we thought would work with her new dress, and we decided on the Good Fortune Headwrap from Rosie Petal and Festive Felties from Molly and Mama.

The Good Fortune Headwrap is a super quick and easy pattern that has a lovely vintage vibe. I adore the look of this headwrap.

It also comes in 3 different size widths and size newborn-adult, this pattern is perfect for all ages!

My little lady wore hers all day and wouldn't take it off! And unlike other headbands, this one doesn't move throughout the day! It stayed put and looked oh so cute all day long!

I made mine in a cotton lycra and opted for the concealed edge option, but if you are in a hurry, (although this pattern is so unbelievably quick) sew the exposed edge version! Either way gives you a super cute finished product!

I will be making many more of these! It is the perfect hair accessory to help keep those crazy baby hairs out of my little lady's face, but still have her looking cute!

The Festive Felties are adorable felt accessories that can be used to make a plethora of items! I decided on a hair clip, but put these on a headband, as an applique on a dress or top, on a gift, as a Christmas ornament, the possibilities are endless!

These felties come in 3 different templates: Mouse, Reindeer, and Cupcake. They can be made for all kinds of occasions. I decided on an everyday cupcake, because no day is complete without dessert!

The directions for all the felties are easy to understand. There is hand sewing involved with these, but I assure you it is well worth it!

My hand sewing is a little lacking on this cupcake, but I was going for a {childish} vibe, and think the overall look is just darling!

I love the size of these felties. While they are large, I think they look great as a hair clip and really help pull the whole outfit together! My daughter wants many more of these clips, and I have a feeling all of her friends will be wanting these too!

{Issue 9} did not disappoint! The patterns are top notch and the articles and informative and enjoyable. You will definitely want to pick up your own copy of One Thimble today! Enter below for your chance to win a copy of One Thimble Issue 9!

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Thanks so much for stopping by! And don't forget to check out all the amazing bloggers participating in the blog tour!

11/12 Pattern Revolution, Blue Wren Handmade, Snickerdoodle Stew

11/13 Lady and the Gents, Lulu and Celeste

11/14 That's Sew Kari, Finn's Door, Stitches by Laura

11/15 Create 3.5, Call Ajaire

11/16 Made by Sara, BeriBee Designs

11/17 Handcrafted by Red

11/18 Blue Wren Handmade, Baby Hobbes Design

11/19 Rebel and Malice, Bee Quilted

Every time the One Thimble blog tour comes around I jump at the chance to be a part of it! I have been lucky enough to participate is a few OT blog tours in the last year! I always get excited when a new issue comes out!

If you don't know much about One Thimble, it is a digital sewing magazine that releases quarterly and contains many many pdf patterns. This issue has 12 new patterns included, ranging from accessories to clothing to quilts! It also includes amazing articles about perfecting your business, bettering your sewing skills, and awesome tutorials. I once again had the opportunity to look over the entire magazine. I spent a better portion of an afternoon perusing the magazine! I am loving all the articles and tutorials!

My favorites are the quick and easy storage bags tutorial, which is perfect for my two boys who start school next month! I will be winning mom of the year award for the awesome super hero bags they will be getting!

I also really enjoyed the article on creating quality pins and how to create a stylized photo shoot! Both will be extremely helpful with my business. I am also excited on using the tutorial on how to add a faux button placket to patterns!

And while I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the articles and tutorials, I had to get my hand on some of the patterns to sew up! I decided that I don't sew enough accessories and it was high time I changed that!

The first pattern I chose was the Coco Flower Crown from Molly and Mama. Ok, confession. This crown is on the cover and I just about fell out of my chair when I saw it! I knew I had to sew this up!!

This crown has 7 succulent and 5 flower patterns to chose from! I decided to go BIG, so I made a variety of flowers and succulents for my little lady's crown!

I adore this pattern and I will be making a million more! The instructions are wonderful and so easy to follow.

I went out and got some new smaller scissors just for this project because some of these pattern pieces are tiny. It worked so much better than my regular pair of scissors!

What I loved about this pattern is you can really take the flowers and do whatever you want with them! I chose to add them on a linen ribbon for a more vintage feel, but these could easily be placed on an alligator clip! Add them to a stretchy headband, or even use them to decorate a beautiful wreath! The possibilities are endless!

I can't wait to make some hair accessories for my daughter and all her little friends! Any little princess will adore these!

The Fat Red Bird Fedora from Fat Red Bird Designs is the perfect hat for kids of all ages! I love that this pattern ranges in size from child to adult! Everyone in the family can rock one!

I was super lucky that my good friend, sewing sister, and fellow blogger/sewist, Erin from Crafty Biggers,was visiting me and let me con her into photos!

The instructions were so easy to follow and included color photos along with drawings in the pattern itself.

This is the second hat I made, and this came together really well!

I love the topstiching details that the pattern includes! I will do one more row on the brim next time for fun!

The one mistake I did make was to not use a sturdy enough fabric from the inside. Next time I will use a heavier weight fabric like the pattern suggests. This was all my fault since I wanted to use something in my stash. I still like the finished outcome and Erin looks fantastic in this hat! I will be making these for my boys since they are begging for hats of their own now!!!

One Thimble is available NOW, so get your copy here, or visit the website to buy individual patterns! Or enter below for your chance to win a copy of this awesome magazine!!!

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And please take a moment to check out the other amazing bloggers on this tour!!