First Day of First Grade!

Today is Katy's first day of First Grade! She is excited and ready for a new year! She got to meet her new teacher, Mrs. Gulley, last week at "Meet the Teacher." As it turns out, Mrs. Gulley and Mrs. Mitchell (Katy's Kindy teacher) are besties- yay!

I can't wait to see what this year brings!!

Chalk Drawings

This week is "Daddy Camp" for Lil' Miss. She's savoring these last few moments of summer vacay at home, with Ted and she's loving every moment! After an appointment on Tuesday, we broke out the sidewalk chalk and traced ourselves on the driveway.

Presenting.... the Jones Family... as Olympic-themed Chalk Drawings....!

Katy as a Gymnast (Notice her patriotic leo ;0)

Mommy on the high dive!

Daddy on the still rings!

Artist, hard at work!

One Thimble Issue 12- Orange Daisy Patterns- Brook Blossom Skirt

One Thimble, Issue 12- The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt 

Hang onto your sewing machines, sew sisters... it's One Thimble time! One Thimble, Issue 12 will be releasing soon- Hooray!

"One Thimble is a digital sewing magazine (e-zine) made by sewing enthusiasts for sewing enthusiasts! ...Issued quarterly, each issue of One Thimble includes PDF sewing patterns for projects that you can make and sell, as well as personal sewing stories, general interest and sewing technique articles, and tips for those running a handmade business."

For my stop on the One Thimble, Issue 12, blog tour, I sewed up new-to-me PDF sewing pattern designer, Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt. The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt is based on a half circle and it features a front and back yoke, and a side zipper.

 Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt - ZIPPER

First, let's start by talking about the Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt pattern basics;

-The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt is written for sizes 00-20.

-The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt is an INTERMEDIATE level sewing pattern.

-The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt PDF sewing pattern includes layered, trimless pattern piece. That means that you only print the size you need and there is no extra trimming of pages needed!! One of my FAVORITE features in a sewing pattern!

-The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt has three hem length options- knee, maxi and hi/low.

-The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt is written for lightweight wovens- the pattern recommends, "...using Lightweight wovens with drape such as peachskin, chambray, bamboo rayon, silk and silk-like fabrics, etc..."

-The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt PDF sewing pattern includes a sizing chart, fabric requirements, tips to get the best fit, printing layout, printing guide and glossary.

-The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt PDF sewing pattern features step-by-step, numbered written instructions, accompanied by shaded diagrams.

-The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt PDF sewing pattern includes both metric and imperial measurements.

 Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt- FRONT

I sewed up a size six, view B (knee length), unlined Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt. I used a lightweight chambray from my stash (originally purchased from the now-closed Hancock Fabrics... so sad!). I used an invisible zipper (the pattern does not specify what type of zipper to use). While the pattern is drafted for a 5'-5" tall woman, I did NOT alter the pattern to account for my short stature. Instead, I wanted the skirt to be a little longer so that it would be (work) dress code appropriate.

First off, my favorite part of the Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt is the high quality, professional construction. With the use of french seams, the inside of the skirt is as pretty on the inside as it is on the outside. I really felt like I accomplished something new and polished when I completed the Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt.

I did find some of the shaded diagrams hard to follow and understand. The use of the words "facing" and "yokes" got a little confusing within the tutorial (especially around steps 3 and 4 when the picture of the facing was shown right above the step about the front and back yokes). However, I was able to figure it out in the end. :-)

 Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt- BACK

By consulting the sizing chart, I determined that a size six would be appropriate. The  Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt is, "...designed to sit just below the natural waist..." My size six ended up being much too large and too loose in the waist. HOWEVER, what I should have done (and I advise you to do so, too, before you sew the  Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt) is referred to the FINISHED WAIST MEASUREMENT chart on slide five. According to the FINISHED WAIST MEASUREMENT chart, I should have sewed up a size four (or, even maybe a two). Oh well- next time, next time... and there will definitely be a next time! 

Overall, I was really pleased with the  Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt. I learned a lot throughout the process and I'm really proud of the construction of my skirt. I love the flattering "flow" and shape of the skirt. The pattern pieces were easy to assemble. The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt can be dressed up, or dressed down! The Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt  is an enjoyable, satisfying sew that I'd be proud to wear!

If you would like to see what other patterns are being offered in the current issue of One Thimble, Issue 12, please check out and be inspired by these other talented ladies;

 Orange Daisy Patterns- Women's Brook Blossom Skirt - DETAIL

**Disclosure: "I received a pattern from  Orange Daisy Patterns in exchange for my participation in the One Thimble, Issue 12 blog tour. The opinions expressed here are my own."***

Sponsored Post- Sew Ready for Fall- Stylish Sewing with Stylish Fabrics Blog Tour

Sew Ready for Fall- Stylish Sewing with Stylish Fabrics

While the outside temps currently teeter on the brink of triple digits and the ac is running non-stop, I find myself dreaming of cooler weather, cozy sweaters and pumpkin EVERYTHING?!! It may only be August, but fall is right around the corner....

As I start to think about fall, I also start to think about transitioning my wardrobe. For me, that means layers and textures all while still being dress code appropriate (I must adhere to a strict dress code at work). 

The Patterns for Pirates Pirate Pencil skirt is a fun (and FREE, if you join their FB Group) pattern that is the perfect addition to my career wear. With minimal fabric and only three seams, it's a naturally quick sew. I won't bore you with too many of the pattern details because you can easily check it out AND sew it for yourself. Just know that's it's a simple, quick and fun sew that has a great, flattering fit! :-) 

For a point of reference, I sewed up a size XS, above the knee, high rise Patterns for Pirates Pirate Pencil skirt for this post. The Patterns for Pirates Pirate Pencil skirt is drafted for a 5'-5" tall woman. So, I did shorten the skirt by 2" in order to account for my height (I am 5'-0"... at least that's what my driver's license says... ;-).

I was fortunate enough to receive this Black Ponte Roma Shattered Pattern Fabric from Stylish Fabrics to sew up my Patterns for Pirates Pirate Pencil skirt. It's got a nice, thick hand with enough stretch to fit but still feel sturdy. It shimmers just a bit and the pattern definitely dresses up my average black/neutral wardrobe. THANK YOU, Stylish Fabrics! I know that I'll be perusing the vast selection available at Stylish Fabrics again!

Okay, are you ready to see the different ways I dressed up my Stylish Fabrics Patterns for Pirates Pirate Pencil skirt? Here goes....!

Simple:

Office appropriate- just add pearls!

 Patterns for Pirates Pirate Pencil skirt- Back

Layered:

Add a sweater and a scarf and your outfit is complete!

Sporty/Casual:

Dressing things down with a fun tee (Thanks, Out Loud by TSP!!), favorite denim jacket and my trusty pink Converse Chuck Taylors. ;-)

Soo.... are you ready for fall, yet? I know that I am! Go ahead and check out the wide variety of fabrics offered from Stylish Fabrics. Also, feel free to find more fall-inspired fashion from the other bloggers participating in the "Sew Ready for Fall" Blog tour.

August 1st
Sewing By Ti and Rebel and Malice
August 2nd
Gray all Day
August 3rd
Wild and Wanderful and The Sara Project
August 4th
Doodle Number 5 and Sweet Red Poppy
August 5th
Paisley Roots and Dos Natural Sistas and My Crafty Little Self

August 8th
Made By Melli and Sew Far North
August 9th
Sew Sophie Lynn and Creative Counselor
August 10th
Frivolous at Last and EYMM
August 11th
Lulu and Celeste and Sprouting Jubejube
August 12th
Adventures with Bubba and Bug and All Things Katy and Sewing by Ti

Would you like to connect with Stylish Fabrics via Social Media?

https://twitter.com/stylishfabric

https://www.facebook.com/StylishFabric/
https://www.instagram.com/stylishfabric/
https://www.pinterest.com/stylishfabric

Also, don't forget to enter this fun giveaway!! Happy Sewing!

**Disclosure: "I received a free fabric from Stylish Fabrics in exchange for my participation in the "Sew Ready for Fall" blog tour. 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.****

All Roads Lead to Hershey... A Mini Tinkey Family Reunion

The Tinkey/Jones/Coyle Clan

July 31, 2016

This past weekend, my side of the family all got together for a mini family reunion in Spring Run, PA (we're talking RURAL PA!). One of my father's first churches, Upper Path Valley Presbyterian Church, was celebrating their 250th year anniversary and Dad was invited back to guest preach. 

Soo.... Mom and Dad came up from FL, Josh and family came over from Philly, Hope and Family came over from Pittsburgh and we came up from NC... #miracle! The last time we were all together in the same place was when we celebrated Thanksgiving in NC (and little Maggie Pie wasn't even born, yet!). It was extra special to be able to spend some time together!

Thanksgiving 2014

The day after Dad preached, most of the family spent the day at Hershey Park. Rides, Chocolate, Family and Fun... doesn't get much better than that...!!

Katy measured right in between a Reese's and a Hershey Bar. So, we had to take a picture with both.... ;-)

 

Katy and cousin Kayla had fun living it up on the rides! They even got to go on the Super Dooper Looper! #wildgirls #nofear

Kisses and Katy! XOXOXO