This past weekend, we took a super, duper, really QUICK road trip to see my maternal grandmother in PA. It was a whole lot of driving for not a whole lot of time on the ground but it was so worth it and necessary.
It was a really LOOONG car ride but Katy was a trooper. On our way home, we stopped at Sheetz for gas/restrooms/lunch. As we were driving along the highway and munching on our respective lunches, Katy pipes up from the back seat...
Katy, "This is despicable!"
Me, "What is despicable?"
Katy, "I only got one measly onion on my sandwich!!!"
Hahahahaha.... there is so much about that conversation that makes me smile... Most of all, though, Katy makes me smile!!
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Sewing Pattern Testing- Cole's Corner and Creations- Celebration Dress
Cole's Corner and Creations- Celebration Dolly Dress
Cole's Corner and Creations- Celebration Dolly Dress- Flower Girl Style
I had the opportunity to test a new dolly sewing pattern for Cole's Corner and Creations. Introducing, the Celebration Dolly Dress!! This puff-sleeve, fancy dress is the perfect special occasion ensemble for all of dolly's dressier events. This includes dolly's First Holy Communion, Baptism and Flower Girl! Lots of fun!
The Celebration Dolly Dress pdf sewing pattern is written for 15" and 18" dolls. I sewed up the 18" doll. Pattern pieces are for the bodice and sleeves, only, and there is a cutting chart for the skirt and armbands.
This is a quick sew with lots of bang for your buck. One dress takes less than 1/2 a yard of fabric (minus trims and any other additional details).
The first dress that I sewed up was the white, First Holy Communion Dress. I added lace trim to the bottom hem and a small lace overlay to the bodice. I used pre-made bias for the armbands and added a small white ribbon bow to the bodice.
Cole's Corner and Creations- Celebration Dolly Dress
Cole's Corner and Creations- Celebration Dolly Dress Sleeve Detail
Cole's Corner and Creations- Celebration Dolly Dress Back
The second dress that I sewed up was the pink Flower Girl dress. Lil' Miss was a flower girl for my cousin's wedding, last spring So, she was really excited to have a fancy flower girl dress for her doll, Samantha, too! I added lace trim to the bottom hem, a lace overlay at the bodice and a tulle overlay skirt.
Cole's Corner and Creations- Celebration Dolly Dress- Flower Girl Style
Cole's Corner and Creations- Celebration Dolly Dress- Flower Girl Sleeve Detail
Cole's Corner and Creations- Celebration Dolly Dress- Flower Girl Skirt Detail
Cole's Corner and Creations- Celebration Dolly Dress- Flower Girl Back
In conclusion, the Celebration Dolly Dress is lots of fun to sew up! The little girls (and dolls!) in your life will love it! Thanks, Nicole, for allowing me to test this adorable pattern for you!
***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to pattern test for Cole's Corner and Creations. The opinions expressed here are my own."***
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Happy 6th Birthday, Katy Grace!!
Happy 6th Birthday!!
This.Girl!!
She's SIX!!
She's sweet and she is sassy. She is beautiful and she is smart. She is fiesty and she is kind. She makes us laugh and yes, there are times that she can make us cry (because as any parent will tell you, Love is a beautiful, messy mix of emotions!).
Katy has accomplished so much in year five! She has learned to read proficiently. She can add and subtract simple equations. Her questions get more intricate- the answers not so simple or rote. She is making friends and learning her way in the world.
Today, I am excited for Katy! I am excited to see her reach and surpass her potential! I love her independence. I love her sense of self-accomplishment. I love that she is feeding her mind and becoming a beautiful soul. Year Six is just beginning and I can't wait to see what the future holds!
Happy, Happy Sixth Birthday, Katy!! We love you more than words can describe!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Sew Yourself Some Love Blog Tour- Featuring Patterns for Pirates Boundless Dress and Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan
Recently, I've been having fun sewing for ME!!
I've sewn closet-fuls of cloths for Lil' Miss- literally!! Dresses, pants, leggings, skirts, tops, pajamas, jackets and Oh.So.Many.DRESSES!!!! I love sewing for Katy and I will continue to do so as long as she'll allow me. However, sewing for myself seems like the next likely step in my sewing journey.
I've been testing some new women's patterns and participating in some fun blog tours. One of those fun blog tours is the Pattern Revolution "Sew Yourself Some Love" Blog Tour. Meant to promote the beauty within all of us, Pattern Revolution dedicates the whole month of February to encouraging sewists everywhere to, "...take a little bit of time (to) sew something for yourself- even just one thing!" It also reminds sewists to, "...take care of yourself so that you can better care for all the others in your life."
So.... here goes... I'm sewing myself some love, this February...!!
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I've sewn several Patterns for Pirates PDF sewing patterns. However, just as Lil' Miss loves her dresses, so do I! Dresses make for easy dressing- throw one on and you are instantly put-together. I wear a dress at least once a week. So, it only seemed natural to "Sew myself some love" with a dress pattern- the Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress, to be exact!
The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress is written for knit fabrics. The dress is fitted in the bodice and sleeves. The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress PDF sewing pattern includes the following features:
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress is sized for XXS-Plus3X (A nice, large size range).
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress includes three sleeve options- short, 3/4 or long.
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress includes four skirt lengths- mini, dress, tea and maxi length.
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress PDF sewing pattern includes pattern pieces for the bodice, sleeves, optional in-seam pocket and cutting measurements for the skirt (less to print!).
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress can be empire waist, or at-waist. (Ready-to-wear dresses that hit at the waist tend to hit me funny and not be so flattering. By sewing my own Boundless dress, I am able to control where the waist hits and make the most flattering silhouette for me :)
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress PDF sewing pattern includes a sizing chart, fabric requirement chart, cutting chart, finished length chart.
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress includes step-by-step instructions with photographs for each step.
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress features no-trim pattern pieces. This pattern does NOT include layered pattern pieces- can I make this post my personal request to make the Boundless dress pattern pieces layered? Pretty please with a cherry on top?! ;-) (The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress came out before the designer started doing layered pattern pieces).
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress is sized for XXS-Plus3X (A nice, large size range).
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress includes three sleeve options- short, 3/4 or long.
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress includes four skirt lengths- mini, dress, tea and maxi length.
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress PDF sewing pattern includes pattern pieces for the bodice, sleeves, optional in-seam pocket and cutting measurements for the skirt (less to print!).
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress can be empire waist, or at-waist. (Ready-to-wear dresses that hit at the waist tend to hit me funny and not be so flattering. By sewing my own Boundless dress, I am able to control where the waist hits and make the most flattering silhouette for me :)
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress PDF sewing pattern includes a sizing chart, fabric requirement chart, cutting chart, finished length chart.
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress includes step-by-step instructions with photographs for each step.
-The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress features no-trim pattern pieces. This pattern does NOT include layered pattern pieces- can I make this post my personal request to make the Boundless dress pattern pieces layered? Pretty please with a cherry on top?! ;-) (The Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress came out before the designer started doing layered pattern pieces).
After reviewing the sizing chart, I sewed up an empire waist, 3/4 sleeve, dress-length, size medium Boundless dress with modifications. The cozy french terry was purchased locally at Hobby Lobby (on clearance-yay!).
My Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress modifications were as follows:
-I took length off of the skirt so that the dress would fit my petite frame. I wanted the dress to hit right at the knees.
-I also took about 1" off of the bodice. In hindsight, I probably should have taken another 1/2" off in order to get a more empire fit.
-Also, because I was using fabric from my stash, I did not have enough to fully line the bodice. Instead, I used bias tape to finish the neckline (flipped to the inside so that it's not visible from the outside).
-Fabric choice matters (as it does in any pattern). In this case, the french terry fabric that I used was not super stretchy. Therefore, that affected the fit slightly.
The Boundless dress neckline is a bit lower than I typically wear (front and back bodice pieces are the same). So, next time I sew up a Boundless, I'll probably raise it a bit. However, paired with a scarf and a cozy cardi and I'm ready to go!
I had sew much fun sewing myself some love with the Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress!
I had sew much fun sewing myself some love with the Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress!
Can I get a "What-what!" for those beautiful, matched stripes?!!
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The Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan, "...is a dolman sleeved, loose-fitting front open cardigan.". The Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan PDF sewing pattern includes the following features:
-The Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan is sized for girl's 2- women size 22. That means that with just one pattern, I can make myself AND my daughter matching Cocoon Cardigans!
-The Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan is written in both French and English. (the designer behind Jalie is French Canadian. This makes the tutorial a bit cumbersome and a little confusing to follow, but it sure hits a wide market!).
-The Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan PDF sewing pattern includes a sizing chart, a pattern layout diagram and fabric requirement chart.
-The Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan PDF sewing pattern includes numbered step-by-step instructions with English on the left and French on the right. Shaded diagrams accompany the instructions.
-The Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan is sized for girl's 2- women size 22. That means that with just one pattern, I can make myself AND my daughter matching Cocoon Cardigans!
-The Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan is written in both French and English. (the designer behind Jalie is French Canadian. This makes the tutorial a bit cumbersome and a little confusing to follow, but it sure hits a wide market!).
-The Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan PDF sewing pattern includes a sizing chart, a pattern layout diagram and fabric requirement chart.
-The Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan PDF sewing pattern includes numbered step-by-step instructions with English on the left and French on the right. Shaded diagrams accompany the instructions.
After reviewing the sizing chart, I chose to sew up a size 8 Cocoon Cardigan. The gray sweater knit was purchased locally off the clearance table at Hobby Lobby (for less than $3/yard- score!).
While I sewed The Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan as instructed, I felt like it was REALLY long for my 5'-0" height. There is a shorten/lengthen line included in the pattern and I'll be sure to use that with my next Cocoon Cardigan that I sew up (and there WILL be a next time!). Also, while the Cocoon Cardigan is meant to be over-sized, I felt like the size 8 was a little too over-sized. Next time, I think I'll size down a bit, on top of shortening.
I had sew much fun sewing myself some love with the Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan!
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Sew Yourself Some Love
So- or should I say, "sew"?- do you feel inspired...? I hope that you do! Join us through the whole blog tour and don't miss a day!!! Now, go ahead and SEW YOURSELF SOME LOVE!!!!
Feb 1 Sew Thrifty
Feb 2 Feather's Flights
Feb 3 The Wholesome Mama
Feb 4 Sprouting Jube Jube
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
Feb 16 Sew Starly
Feb 17 All Things Katy
Feb 18 Friends Stitched Together
Feb 19 Sew Happily Ever After
Sew Like My Mom
***Disclosure: While I received both the Patterns for Pirates Boundless dress and Jalie Patterns Cocoon Cardigan for free (from the designers), the opinions expressed here are my own.***
I want to say a special thanks to the brains behind Pattern Revolution for putting together the "Sew Yourself Some Love" blog tour. Thank you for coordinating patterns, posts, designers and bloggers. Most of all, thank you for inspiring, encouraging and creating! I truly enjoyed taking the time to sew myself some clothing that I will proudly wear! Thank you!
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Sentence of the Day- Down South
One of Katy's sight words this week is the word, "state." As I was quizzing her on the word, she was struggling,
So, in an effort to assist her, I gave her this hint, "North Carolina is (a)...."
Without missing a beat, Katy immediately exclaimed, "The South!"
Hahaha- I'll give you partial credit on that one, Lil' Miss!
So, in an effort to assist her, I gave her this hint, "North Carolina is (a)...."
Without missing a beat, Katy immediately exclaimed, "The South!"
Hahaha- I'll give you partial credit on that one, Lil' Miss!
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Savings...
Katy spelled the word,"Fish" by sounding it out, all by herself.
Apparently, Lil' Miss is saving... for a pet fish.
Hopefully, once she achieves her goal, she'll be able to keep it alive longer than I could as a child....
Love Notions- For the Love of Dresses and Tunics Blog Tour- Laundry Day Tee, Pemberley Dress, and the Origami Tunic
Love Notions- For the Love of Dresses and Tunics Blog Tour
Hello lovely readers and guests to All Things Katy! Today, it is my pleasure to be one of your last stops on the Love Notions For the Love of Dresses and Tunics Blog Tour. I have not one, not two but THREE pretties to share with you! I sewed up the Laundry Day Tee, Pemberley Dress, and the Origami Tunic.
Plus..... read all about a fun GIVEAWAY at the end of this post...!
Plus..... read all about a fun GIVEAWAY at the end of this post...!
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First up, the Love Notions Laundry Day Tee. This quick, easy sew is a great wardrobe staple and so easy to sew up!
Here is the 411 on the Love Notions Laundry Day Tee PDF sewing pattern:
-The Love Notions Laundry Day Tee is a flattering a-line profile top.
-The Love Notions Laundry Day Tee is sized for XS-XXXL.
-The Love Notions Laundry Day Tee includes 3 sleeve lengths- short, 3/4 and long.
-The Love Notions Laundry Day Tee includes 2 hem lengths- top and tunic.
-The Love Notions Laundry Day Tee includes 2 ways to finish the neck- scoop and V-neck.
-The Love Notions Laundry Day Tee PDF sewing pattern is trimless and layered. That means that you only need to print out the size that you need/want and there are no pages to trim before you assemble your pattern (this is one of my FAVORITE things a PDF sewing pattern can include....!)
-The Love Notions Laundry Day Tee PDF sewing pattern includes a printing chart, layout, fabric requirement chart, and sizing chart.
-The Love Notions Laundry Day Tee PDF sewing pattern includes 6-7 numbered steps(depending on what neckband you choose) with shaded diagrams. Easy, peasy!
-The Love Notions Laundry Day Tee PDF sewing pattern also includes directions to make alterations to fit you best- lengthening, shortening, etc. There is a shorten/lengthen line included in the pattern- I love that in a pattern! (#shortgirlproblems)
I sewed up a size small, 3/4 sleeve, scoop neckline Love Notions Laundry Day Tee as a tunic. I shortened the tunic length by one inch at the shorten line. I used a colorful, floral sweater knit purchased locally at Hancock Fabrics for the body of the tunic and a small amount of red ITY (also purchased at Hancock Fabrics) for the neckline. I really, really wanted to add a cowl to this pattern. However, I just didn't have enough fabric to make it work. The cowl add-on for the Love Notions Laundry Day Tee can be found here.
The Laundry Day Tee sewed up so quickly! By shortening the tunic length by one inch to accommodate my *ahem* short stature, the hemline hit right just right- enough to cover but short enough to wear with some leggings! I love this pattern and I KNOW that I'll be making more in the near future!
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Second, we have the Pemberley Dress. I sewed this dress back at the end of the summer in preparation for my hubby's fancy birthday dinner. Then, right around the time of his birthday, hubs had an accident... and surgery.... and recovery.... So, needless to say, we never got a chance to go out for that fancy birthday dinner. So, maybe I'll get a chance to wear my Love Notions Pemberley Dress for Valentine's Day...?!!
-The Love Notions Pemberley Dress has an elastic casing empire waistband where the gathers can be adjusted, as needed.
-The Love Notions Pemberley Dress PDF sewing pattern includes a print chart, table, sizing chart and fabric requirement chart.
-The Love Notions Pemberley Dress also includes a lengthen/shorten line and directions on how increase/decrease the bust pattern pieces.
-The Love Notions Pemberley Dress PDF sewing pattern includes numbered directions with shaded diagrams to get you through the pattern.
The pictured Pemberley Dress is a size small, dress length, 3/4 sleeve with button tab detail. I did NOT include the shirt-tail hem detail. I purchased the black ITY knit at my local Hancock Fabrics. I purchase the button detail at Hobby Lobby.
The Love Notions Pemberley Dress is a great, figure-flattering pattern. I love that it cinches in the right places and skims over all the wrong places. ;-). Sewing this up in ITY makes it feel fancy. However, I also have to note that this dress is super comfy to wear. The only thing uncomfortable about this outfit are the spike-high heels I'll end up wearing with them....! (once again, #shortgirlproblems ;-).
Now, onto my third and final Love Notions pattern for the "For the Love of Dresses and Tunics" blog tour- the Origami Tunic! (Last pattern for the tour, but definitely not my last Love Notions pattern- I'll be sewing up plenty more of those!). This is the pattern that I am supposed to be highlighting. From the smile on my face, you can tell that I LOVED Love Notions Origami Tunic!!
Love Notions Origami Tunic- Handkerchief Hemline
-The Love Notions Origami Tunic also includes pattern pieces and instruction to create a fun cardigan.
-The Love Notions Origami Tunic PDF sewing pattern includes a printing chart, layout, fabric requirement chart, sizing chart and cutting chart (for non pattern pieces).
-The Love Notions Origami Tunic also includes a shorten/lengthen line and directions on how to get the best fit.
-The Love Notions Origami Tunic PDF sewing pattern includes numbered directions with photographs for each step.
I sewed up a size small, tunic length, handkerchief hem, cowl neck, 3/4 sleeve Love Notions Origami Tunic. I did not shorten the length of the bodice as I wanted a longer tunic. In retrospect, I kind of wish I had lengthened the pattern pieces to create a dress out of this pattern (next time!)! The red ITY knit fabric was purchased awhile ago from Hancock Fabric.
Love Notions Origami Tunic- Cowl
I've never worn- let alone sewn- anything with a handkerchief hemline. I wasn't sure how it would look on me. I was very pleased with the results- very flattering, flowy and fun!! I really enjoyed sewing up the Origami Tunic. It's a little different than my normal wardrobe but it's always fun to try something new- especially if I can sew it!! I can't wait to try this pattern as a cardigan. I wear a cardi in the workplace almost daily, so this would be great for being fashionable while also being office-appropriate. ;-)
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So, in conclusion, you really can't go wrong with a Love Notions PDF sewing pattern. From daytime to an evening out... so many possibilities with all of the Love Notions patterns! I've already worn the Laundry Day Tee and Origami Tunic to work with dress slacks and boots. Swap the slack out for leggings and I'm ready for some weekend/evening fun! Of course, my fancy Pemberley Dress is perfect for the wardrobe essential "Little black dress.". They are simple to create, easy to follow and very figure-friendly. Each pattern has the potential to be all your own- just pick the fabric and trims and make it personal!
Whether you wear that Love Notions Dress or Tunic on a hot Valentine's date, or tame it down to wear to the office, or around the house, you will look and feel great!! Have fun!
Thank you so much for stopping by! If you'd like to be inspired by some other great Love Notions patterns, please feel free to visit any (and all!) of the following talented sewists and bloggers of the Love Notions "For the Love of Dresses and Tunics" Blog tour!
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Now, for the fun giveaway....!!! Did you feel inspired by some of the Love Notions creations that you saw, above? Well, now is your chance to enter to win your choice of 5 Love Notions patterns AND a $50 gift card to Girl Charlee Fabrics...! Woohooo!! Happy sewing!!
***Disclosure: "While I received these patterns for free, from Love Notions. The opinions expressed here are my own."***
****This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small percentage of the sale.****
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Monday, February 8, 2016
100 Days of School- 100 Days Smarter!
"It's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's SUPER-100-DAYS-SMARTER Katy!!!"
Katy's Super cape- with her name on it 100 times!
It's hard to believe, but our Lil' Miss has been in Kindergarten for 100 whole days!
She is growing and learning and becoming more an more independent each day! She's learning to add and subtract. She is consistently reading at a C/D reading level. She's making new friends and she's more and more becoming the her own person! We have been so, so, SO blessed with her teacher, Mrs. Mitchell. Mrs. Mitchell has been kind and caring and loving (pretty much whatever you would envision a perfect Kindergarten teacher to be ;-).
We are so proud of Katy's achievements both academically and socially!!
When I am 100 years old.... "I will have a bunny. I will marry Connor. We will have a boy."
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