This morning, I was going about my chores when I overheard Lil' Miss talking to her breakfast of bacon and fruit. She said, and I quote, "Sorry, Mrs. Piggy- you're just too delicious!!" (Promptly followed by the consumption of said delicious bacon.)
That girl- she cracks me up!!
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Cole's Corner and Creations- #diveintoswimsuits Blog Tour and Sew Along
Hello! Welcome to day five of the Cole's Corner and Creations #diveintoswimsuits Blog Tour! I'm so excited to be one of your hosts for the day. (After you are done reading my blog post, go ahead and show my co-host for the day, Adventures with Bubba and Bug, some love. :-)
If you are just joining us for the #diveintoswimsuits Blog Tour, be sure to catch up (and continue) reading all of Nicole's wonderful tips, hints and bathing suit how-tos at Cole's Corner and Creations. If you'd like to sew along with us (and, I hope that you will!!), this week, be sure to share your pictures with the hashtag, "#diveintoswimsuits" on the Cole's Corner and Creations Facebook page. Also, be sure to check out how you, too, can win some patterns/prizes of your own (at the end of this post)!
************************************************************
Lil' Miss is a fish and she LOVES to swim (and, this is totally biased, but she is an AWESOME swimmer)!! With weekly swim lessons and afternoons at the pool, Katy is hard on her suits. It's always helpful to have an extra, dry suit available.
One of my goals this spring (leading into summer), was to learn how to sew a bathing suit. It was a self-imposed challenge- conquer sewing slippery swim knits and create a durable suit that can withstand the rigors of an active five year-old swimmer. With the help Cole's Corner and Creations, three swimsuit patterns (The Lakehouse Swimsuit, the Bow-a-Licious Swimsuit and the All 4 One Swimsuit), I was able to meet and accomplish (and surpass!) my goal!
************************************************************
Cole's Corner and Creations- The Lakehouse Swimsuit- Front
Cole's Corner and Creations newest swimsuit PDF sewing pattern is The Lakehouse Swimsuit. Let's discuss The Lakehouse Swimsuit pattern basics, first;
-The Lakehouse Swimsuit is written for sizes 1/2-16.
-The Lakehouse Swimsuit features an empire waist and sweet bow detail.
Cole's Corner and Creations- The Lakehouse Swimsuit- Bow Detail
-The Lakehouse Swimsuit can be used for a bathing suit and/or leotard for gymnastics and/or ballet class.
-The Lakehouse Swimsuit PDF sewing pattern includes a sizing chart and fabric requirements chart.
For my daughter, I sewed up a size six swimsuit with bow. I fully lined the front of my daughter's suit for a little more modesty. I wasn't sure how see-through the white waistband would be, once wet (turns out that that it was fine).
I love coverage on The Lakehouse Swimsuit. With it's high neckline and adequate bum coverage, The Lakehouse Swimsuit definitely fulfills mom's desire to keep her little girl, a little girl. The empire waist is flattering and the sweet front bow is girly and fun. The shoulder straps stayed up and in place the whole time Lil' Miss swam and played and splashed around. This is a HUGE plus when it comes to swimwear for active children!!
Cole's Corner and Creations- The Lakehouse Swimsuit- Back
Cole's Corner and Creations loves their American Girl dolls! Lil' Miss LOVES that Cole's Corner and Creations does a matching dolly pattern for every one (EVERY one!) of their girl patterns. She loves to match her doll, Samantha! So cute!
***Disclosure: "I received The Lakehouse Swimsuit in order to pattern test for Cole's Corner and Creations. The opinions expressed here are my own."***
************************************************************
Another Cole's Corner and Creations swimsuit PDF sewing pattern is the Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit. This was the very first swimsuit that I sewed up (ever!) and it was a great introduction to sewing swim knits. I won't lie- the inside of this bathing suit is pretty rough, but once I was finished, I was so proud of myself! If you're like me, and would like to figure out how to sew a bathing suit, I would HIGHLY recommend starting out with Cole's Corner and Creations-Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit! It's a GREAT starting point with a really satisfying end product.
Cole's Corner and Creations-Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit PDF sewing pattern includes/features the following;
-The Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit is written for sizes 1/2-16.
-The Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit is a one piece bathing suit featuring a big bow that can be worn on the front, or the back (such a fun feature!).
-The Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit includes a sizing chart and fabric requirements chart.
I sewed up a size six Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit with reversible, solid-colored bow. As with The Lakehouse Swimsuit, the Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit has great coverage. The neckline is nice and high and the leg holes are modest and stay in place.
Lil' Miss LOVES the big bow feature on the Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit! She likes to decide to wear the bow in the front, or the back. (Note, if you want the bow to be reversible, be sure to make the bow in a solid color). Since sewing up this pattern, she has worn this suit to swimming lessons every week and it has held up very nicely. Stroke after stroke, this suit has stayed in place- on the shoulders and no riding up on the bottom.
Of course, Samantha needed a matching Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit! So, I sewed up a matching suit for Lil' Miss' favorite AG doll. Adorbs!
Cole's Corner and Creations-Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit for Dolly
Last, but no least, I sewed up Cole's Corner and Creations very first PDF sewing pattern, the All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit. While this pattern is a little older (and definitely not as refined, digitally, as the Lakehouse Bathing Suit, or the Bow-A-Licious Bathing Suit), the All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit is another great pattern to "get your feet wet" and start sewing with swim knits! Plus, the All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit is currently on sale for $3! Can't beat that- a great, inexpensive way to start sewing bathing suits (and, hopefully join us in the #diveintoswimsuits sew along!).
************************************************************
Cole's Corner and Creations All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit has the following features;
-The All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit is broken into two different patterns (purchased separately); Sizes 1-5 and 6-16.
-The All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit features four different views- Pin up, Modern, Frilly or Retro.
-The All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit features three different strap placements- Traditional, Razorback or Halter.
I sewed up a size 6/7 view Frilly, Halter strap placement, All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit. I do want to note that in the All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit, the size "6" is actually a size 6/7. (Lil' Miss is really more of a 5/6 in fit and sizing).
Lil' Miss was most excited about this swimsuit pattern for two reasons; First, it had a skirt! She LOVES dresses and skirts and anything girly, so a skirted bathing suit is just about heaven for her! Second, I could make it so that it had halter ties- just like "Mommy's bathing suits." For some reason, she had it in her head that halter ties are more "sophisticated" and "grown up" when it comes to bathing suit attire... hahahahaha!
I'm happy to report that the All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit delivered in it's promise to be both girly and "grown up" (at least in my five year old's eyes ;). She loved it! She had to put it on RIGHT AWAY and she was dancing and prancing around the house in the suit all evening.
The All 4 One Stylish Swimsuit is a great compromise, when it comes to the world of little girls' bathing suits- it is girly and sweet, without being too revealing, or too high/low cut to be age-appropriate. Also, with the added circle skirt, there is no risk of "peek-a-boo" cheeky buns while at the pool. ;-) The top was a touch big on my daughter, but that is no surprise due to the difference in sizing. However, since I chose to sew the halter-style straps, I was able to pull the straps tight enough to make sure the top was snug and secure.
Once again, I couldn't make Lil' Miss a new suit and NOT make Samantha a matching one... so, Samantha is now the proud owner of not just one, not two, but THREE new bathing suits!! That's a lot of suits for a non-swimming doll!! Ha! I was able to construct the dolly suit from just scraps and cuttings from Lil' Miss' suit. So, it didn't actually take any additional fabric.
************************************************************
Okay, as promised, if you would like to win some awesome patterns and prizes from the designers listed in the graphic above, please go here;
******All swimsuit fabric was purchased from Chez Ami, before they went out of business. The pink polka-dots is SPF 50. 3/8" Swimwear elastic was purchased by the yard at my local Hancock Fabrics.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Sofilantjes Summer Surprise Anniversary Tour
Dutch PDF sewing pattern designer, Sofilantjes, turned one this past week (Happy Anniversary!!) and they're celebrating with a fun blog tour, highlighting their very first pattern, the Summer Surprise Dress. This sweet little sleeveless dress is a super quick sew that is perfect for the hot summer months. Love that!
-The Summer Surprise Dress comes in sizes 6m-7y and then sizes 7y-12y (Two different PDF sewing patterns).
-The Summer Surprise Dress is meant to be sewn using knit fabric.
-The Summer Surprise Dress has three hem options- top, dress and tunic.
-The Summer Surprise Dress features a simple box pleat front bodice and a gorgeous bow in the back.
Sofilantjes, Summer Surprise Dress- Front Bodice Detail
Sofilantjes, Summer Surprise Dress- Back
I sewed up a size six, dress length. Lil' Miss loves her dresses! I purchased all of my knit fabric from the wonderful Purpleseamstress Fabrics. I did not alter the pattern in any way and/or mash it with another pattern/size/additional idea. In other words, I sewed as instructed in the Summer Surprise Dress tutorial. :-)
The Summer Surprise Dress has three pattern pieces- front, back and bow. There are measurements to cut the arm and neck bindings and bow center. I love when a PDF sewing pattern has minimal pieces to print, tape and put together! I also enjoy when PDF sewing pattern has size layers- that saves so much ink, time and erases any room for error when cutting out the pattern.
Sewing up the Summer Surprise Dress was very straight-forward. I really enjoyed the simple, clear pictures in the tutorial. The flow of the tutorial felt intuitive and natural. I never questioned what a particular picture was trying to show me and/or illustrate. Simple, white arrows also helped to aid in my understanding of the pattern.
There is a lot of set-up in the beginning of the Summer Surprise Dress tutorial. Instead of just skimming, be sure to really read through the directions and understand it- it really helped me while sewing!
This dress was a really quick sew! It can be sewn on either a regular sewing machine (using a stretch stitch) or a serger. I used a combination of both. I definitely believe that the Summer Surprise Dress would be a great starting off point for somebody wanting to delve into the world of sewing with knits.
Now, let's take a moment to talk about the bow in the back of the dress- how cute is that!?! I love that the bow is self-enclosed (no raw edges and no bindings on the bow, itself). The bow adds a girly touch without being in the way. Cute and functional- that's always a winner in my book!!
Sofilantjes, Summer Surprise Dress- Bow Detail
Quick sew! Comfy knit! Cute bow back! I know that I'll be making many more of these Summer Surprise Dresses! Love!
Congrats, Sofilantjes, on your milestone anniversary! Thank you for inspiring us with your story and your talent, Anne (the brains behind Sofilantjes). Thank you, for allowing me to take part in your blog tour- I really had fun sewing up the Summer Surprise Dress. Cheers to many, many more (and lots of fun, new patterns ;-)!
Check out all of the awesome sponsors for this Summer Surprise Anniversary Tour! For your chance to win patterns from the list below, enter here!
Day 5 a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck and happy sewing!
Day 5 a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck and happy sewing!
Please check out the 24 other talented bloggers (link below) that took part in the Summer Surprise Anniversary tour! Lots of talented ladies and their beautiful dresses displayed here!
Inspinration - The Craftiness in Me - Van Je Veel - Boutique Birdie - Tory Frail Designs - Wining Wife - Keep Calm and Carrion - Moon Star - Circle Meets Line - Amazing Adventures with Buba and Bug - Manning the Machine - Sugarplum Cuties - House of Estrela - Create 3.5 - Handcrafted by RED - Lulu & Celeste - Rebel & Malice - Two Novembers - From a Box - Sprouting JubeJube - Maryall Made - Phat Quarters - Knot Sew Normal - Sew Happily Ever After - All Things Katy
***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern from Sofilantjes in order to participate in the Sofilantjes Summer Surprise Anniversary tour. The opinions expressed here are my own."***
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Preschool Graduation- Last Day of Preschool.... EVER!!
Preschool "Graduate", May 20 2015
Diploma time!
We are so, so thankful for these two patient and loving teachers who have guided, shepherded and taught our daughter, this year! THANK YOU, Ms. Laura and Ms. Amy-Lyn!
Today was Katy's last day of Preschool! Ted and I went to her Preschool "Graduation," this morning and she did a great job of singing, smiling and dancing!
I am so thankful for the love and guidance that Lil' Miss received at St. James Lutheran Preschool these past three years. Thanks to the wonderful staff, Katy has had a wonderful, positive preschool experience (and by extension, so have I). I am grateful that Katy always looked forward to preschool and that her introduction to the school experience had such a positive impact on her life. I am so, so thankful for her teachers that helped teach her, guide her, mold her and just loved her for being uniquely Katy! Thank you!
She has really grown and blossomed in just a few years at school and I know that she's ready for Kindergarten, next year! It is so hard to believe that we started on this Preschool adventure just three short years ago.... Now, if only time would just slow down just a little bit....!
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Mother's Day- A Retrospective
Mother's Day 2010
Mothers' Day 2011
Mother's Day 2012
Mother's Day 2013
Mother's Day 2014
Mother's Day 2015
Happy Mother's Day 2015!
Mother's Day, May 10, 2015
Another year, another Mother's Day! I wouldn't be celebrating this Hallmark holiday if it weren't for the birth of our beautiful daughter, Katy Grace, five short years ago. The days may sometimes feel oh, so long, but the years just fly right by....! I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey, thus far. I stand back in amazement at the fulfillment I have found in just five short years of motherhood.
So, here's to the late nights, the sleepless nights, and the occasional well-rested nights. Here's to the down and dirty and the fun and happy! Here's to the wonder of childhood; the amazement, the beautiful awe of observing life anew through the eyes and discovery of your own child. Here's to every inquisitive question and every difficult answer. Here's to the hard choices, the difficult choices, the life-altering decisions that define us as a person, as a family and helps to mold and form our child into the person that they will one day become. Here's to the future- our future, her future, the future.
Simply, Happy Mother's Day 2015!
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Congratulations, Christa and Paul!
Flower Girl Extraordinaire!
White, frilly dress... peep-toe, sparkly high "heel" shoes.... Lil' Miss was in HEAVEN!!
A matching dress for Samantha!!
Katy was just a *wee* bit excited to be a Flower Girl!!
The beautiful Bride and the Flower Girl!
This past weekend, we traveled up to Pennsylvania for my cousin, Christa's wedding. As with all Petruzzi family weddings, there was lots of laughter, GREAT food (When the father of the bride is a chef, there are some HIGH reception dinner expectations....!!!) and general, overall silliness and fun! As one of my other cousin's plus one noted, "...wedding, holiday, funeral or, sporting event.... they pretty much have the same people and the same food involved!!" HA!! I must admit, he did have a point....
It was definitely a fun weekend and we were definitely WELL fed, all weekend long!! Both Ted and I agree that it was the BEST food we've ever had (or will have) at a wedding. Rehearsal dinner, alone, included lots of Italian favorites- meatballs, caprese salad and my personal favorite, eggplant! The reception dinner did not disappoint- between the raw bar, the butlered horderves and the prime rib duet dinner- we ate quite well!
However, this wedding held special significance because Katy was the FLOWER GIRL!! White, frilly dress with layers and layers of tulle.... a dream come true for Lil' Miss!! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves, but I will say that Katy tossed the petals with viver and thoroughly enjoyed dancing the night away!!We all had a great time!
Congratulations, Christa and Paul!!! Thank you so much for including Katy in your special celebration!! We wish you a lifetime of happiness, laughter and love!
**As a special sidenote, 30 years ago, I was the flower girl for my uncle and aunt's wedding- Christa's parents. That's me on the left in 1985 (slightly younger than Lil' Miss is, now) and Katy on the right, May 2, 2015. :-)**
***Edited 5/13/15- Here's a link to photographer Sarah Rachel Photography's gorgeous pictures of the wedding! She included some pretty cute candids of our Lil' Miss!***
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Pattern Revolution- Women's BundleUP Blog Tour- ModKid, Malibu Misses Dress
ModKid Malibu Misses Dress
Hello, Pattern Revolution-ers!! Here's my second pattern for the Pattern Revolution Women's BundleUp blog tour- the ModKid , Malibu Misses Dress!
This new-to-me designer, ModKid , did not disappoint! With the Malibu Misses Dress, I was able to created a great summer staple dress. It's comfy, it's cute and it's easy to sew. I just may make one in every color.... :-)
Here are the ModKid Malibu Misses Dress pattern details;
-The Malibu Misses Dress is written for sizes XS-XXL.
-There are two skirt length options for the Malibu Misses Dress- Mini or Maxi.
-There are two back options for the Malibu Misses Dress- Cross Over or Full.
-The Malibu Misses Dress is meant to be sewn in knit fabric.
-There is also a coordinating Malibu Girls Dress available for purchase separately. (Perfect for mother/daughter matching outfits!)
-The Malibu Misses Dress PDF sewing pattern includes a fabric requirements chart, a sizing chart, cutting instructions and pattern layout diagram.
ModKid Malibu Misses Dress- Full Back
The Malibu Misses Dress is an all-knit pattern. So, I used my serger for most of the construction of this dress. I did use my regular sewing machine to topstitch around the neck and arm bands and hem the bottom skirt. It's a quick sew- it probably took me two hours from start to finish. I love a quick sew!
The Malibu Misses Dress PDF sewing pattern includes simple, step-by-step diagrams and illustrations. With very clear labels and shading, the Malibu Misses Dress directions are easy to follow and easy to understand. There are inspiration photos at the beginning and end. The Malibu Misses Dress only has pattern pieces for the front and back bodices. The bindings and skirt are all done from a cutting chart. So, there are minimal pieces to print, cut and tape together- one of my favorite types of patterns!
My only suggestion for the ModKid Malibu Misses Dress PDF sewing pattern is that I wish that it included set measurements for each arm band and neck band (as opposed to just instructing me to cut two WOF strips from my band material). I like to have at least a guideline band measurement so that each arm is even.
I love that the Malibu Misses Dress fits so perfectly into my own personal style. It's easy to sew and it's easy to wear. It's casual, yet put together. I definitely see lots more of the Malibu Misses Dresses in my future!!
If you would like to purchase the ModKid Malibu Misses Dress PDF sewing pattern (along with some of the other great patterns included in this season's Pattern Revolution Women's BundleUp ), please go here. You won't be disappointed! Happy Sewing!
Please check out some other wonderful creations sewn up by other talented bloggers using the Pattern Revolution Women's BundleUP patterns!
Mimi's Mom - Baby Fish Designs - The Wholesome Mama - Gloria June - Sew Happily Ever After - Manning the Machine - Sew Like My Mom - Sproutign Jube Jube - Keep Calm and Carrion - Friends Stitched Together - Thread Riding Hood - Gingerbear Hibbadorary - Pensebrox - Sew Starly - If Only They Would Nap - Handmade Boy - All Things Katy - Bunch-o-Berries - Bee Quilted BeautiesSew Thrifty - Made by Sara - Feathers Flights - Mabey She Made It - Mae and K - Sugar Plum Cuties - Rebel and Malice - House of Estrela - Phat Quarter Blog - Sofilanjes
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
