Tester: The Romance Raglan by Wild Blumes Patterns

Presenting the Romance Raglan top from Wild Blumes Patterns. This is a beautiful pattern that highlights and showcases the more romantic you. Perfect for date night! Now, I just need to find a babysitter ;)

We tested this pattern to make sure it worked well for smaller sizes and larger ones, and I must say, I think I look fabulous in this top!

Wild Blumes Patterns released this fantastically flattering design that hugs your curves and shows off your bosom. Sexy and eye-catching!

Read More

Another Hatteras Hoodie! Jungle Boy, this time!

Here's Miki in her Hatteras Hoodie (view B) in my custom printed Jungle Boy fabric. We just love this pattern!

The Aztec was a coordinate printed right alongside the panel. The artwork is custom drawn for our group by a very talented artist.

I'm still learning to use my camera in Manual Mode though!

Read More

Tester: The RushCutter Dress! By Em Makes Patterns

This is an amazing dress I tested for Em Makes Patterns. It's due to be released any day now!

EM Makes Patterns is a little known gem in the PDF world. Her patterns are just amazingly drafted.

I used a light synthetic peachskin of sorts that I bought from Walmart long ago. I love the stripes in this version! The different directions gives it so much interest.

I am also impressed that Em gave us so much time, since all the seams are French seams and everything looks nice inside and out. It's an advanced pattern, with lots of curved seams and bias binding and buttons and plackets!

Read More

The Hatteras Hoodie from Hey June!

The Hatteras Hoodie is my latest favorite pattern. Hey June's Adrianna Appl has some serious design skills, and I have to say that sewing up this hoodie made me so happy!

This is a size 2, in a cotton-lycra blend. The main blue fabric with seagulls and crabs is by Wanderlust Designs, and the orange and pink dots is by EuroGirls Boutique.

Read More

Maxaloons without a Bum Circle!

I found photos on my computer that I realised I hadn't blogged about-  the famous Maxaloon Bum Circle pants! Made for our new neighbors' son, these turned out incredible

These were made from custom knit fabrics in a 95/5 Cotton Lycra blend. I just love how cotton lycra fits and feels.

These pants were made for a non cloth diapered baby, so I chose to skip the bum circle and simply cut two fronts. They fit really well like that, too.

These were made in a size one, and will hopefully last him a long, happy time.

Read More

Torn in Too Many Directions!

This is going to be a reflective post, I think. My brain is swimming from a desperate desire to learn, to hone my many skills, but I just don't seem to be getting there. In case you haven't read this blog before, here's a list of my active interests that I'm thirsting to master right now, in decreasing order of thirst. Ha ha.

• Edit my photos to look artistic and professional.
• Take professional looking photos, get it right in camera.
• Actually figure out my camera, inside and out, tech details and all.
• Sew up Miki's Fall Capsule Wardrobe.
• Learn about vectors and inkscape.
• Test at least two patterns a week. 
• Catalog and sort my roomful of fabric.
• Shop. That's always there in the list.
• Finish knitting my sweater for this year
• Get back to watercolors!

Right now, editing my photos is taking top priority. When I see photos I've submitted I just don't like the result, and for the first time ever, it's not because I hate how I look in them. I actually think I look nice, but there's tons of things I need to learn to make my photos look "pro" and artistic.

The rest, I guess, will have to come in time. I'm going to go study some tutorials and leave you with this - a sneak peek of my Capsule Wardrobe Plan for Miki. That's one way to combine my need to paint watercolors and plan/sew a capsule wardrobe!

Read More

Tester: Itch to Stitch's Davina Dress Rocks my World!

Itch to Stitch is an amazing indie designer. Kennis Wong, the genius behind the brand, is always spot in with her style and designs. She is the creator of the awesome Idyllwild top, the Lindy Petal Skirt (free) and tons more wardrobe staple pieces.

The newly released Davina Dress, which is still on sale for $9.60, is such a polished look. Far from the haphazard, bound-neckline dresses that scream china cheapies, this fully-lined bodice teaches a seamstress the value of taking her time. Understitching, a graceful V neckline and a flattering half-circle skirt make for such a stunning dress that you'll want to make a special occasion piece from it, and then you'll convince yourself that a dozen more won't hurt.

I made mine in a size 14, and as you can see, it fit beautifully. It took me just one session of three hours to follow the detailed instructions.  I used some fabulous Lularoe fabric I received in a mystery box, and was so stunned to see the peacock feather look when I finished the skirt. Isn't the Davina dress divine?

Read More