Swap goodies . . .

I joined a couple swaps lately, and this is my trial run of this pattern for my partner in the Goody Bag Swap.  The fabrics are Seedpod in Stream from Terrain, Essex White, and Kona Nightfall ~ the ever so helpful ladies from Sew Fresh Fabrics matched them up for me.  The pattern is the 241 Tote by Noodlehead.  I'm not quite happy with the snap placement I did on this one, so I think I'll redo this bag for my partner and I've got plans to make at least two more of these totes for gifts.

And here's the goodies I received in the Scrappy Swap . . . a pincushion, a needle book (this is one of those things that I didn't know I needed, but is SO nice to have now), and an assortment of fun scraps.  The scrappy roll-up shopping bag that I sent to my partner is blogged about here.

Linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday, Manic Monday, Fresh Sewing Day, and Fabric Tuesday.

Featured Etsy Seller . . . The Adopt Shoppe

The Adopt Shoppe is filled with unique and beautiful pieces of jewelry, prints, and tiles.  Many of them have an inspirational quote, a message of adoption, and many can be customized.

Kate is the shop owner, and she has found the calling to be an adoptive parent.  And every penny of profit from this shop goes towards adoption costs.

Please take the time to look through The Adopt Shoppe, you'll be impressed by the prices and selection.  And maybe you'll find something for yourself or for a gift for someone else.

A Fall dress . . .

I had another pattern to test for Sew Sweet Patterns, and this Fall fabric that was waiting to be sewn into something.  My daughter wore it with some leggings to school today, and she loves how comfortable it is.

 

And on my cutting table . . . the beginnings of some Christmas gift sewing, and a seriously cute pattern to review.

Linking up to WIP Wednesday and Show & Tell.

On my list . . .

I've been stalking my mailbox, and hoping these fabrics arrive soon . . . I can't wait to start on these projects!

Terrain + some solids + 241 Tote Pattern

Across the Pond + New Wave pattern

Win $500 by framing your pictures with My Kinder® Moments!

The Kinder® Canada Facebook page has launched a new application called My Kinder® Moments.  They are giving away monthly prizes, and this month is going to be a $500 cash card towards your Fall wardrobe!  All you have to do it is frame some of your favourite memories, and you'll automatically get entered to win.  So head on over, and have fun creating!

Disclosure: I’m part of the KINDER® Mom program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Animal Party quilt - FINISHED!

I'm so excited to have this one off my WIP pile and on my little guys bed.  It was my first attempt at wonky blocks, and for the quilting I did wavy lines.  After washing & drying, it measures 52" x 80".

The fabric is Animal Party by Amy Schimler, the binding is Kona orange, and the backing is a beautiful soft minky called Balloon Party by Robert Kaufman.

I made a matching valance for his window that you can see in the corner of this picture (it's just fabric wrapped around styrofoam and then nailed to the wall).

Linking up to Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Finish It Up Friday, and Sew & Tell Friday.

Lila Tueller's new fabric line, and a CONTEST . . .

Lila Tueller is a very talented fabric designer, pattern maker extraordinaire, and her sweet and generous personality comes out loud and clear in her blog posts.  One of her original patterns is the Peasant Blouse, and recently the pattern cover was re-done with her new fabric line, Fiona's Fancy.

I want to show you a bit more of the Fiona's Fancy line ~ these gorgeous prints are available in three colorways, and there are also 12 laminated prints included in the collection.

And in addition to that, there is a panel available in laminate or cotton that can be made into two cosmetic cases and a sunglasses pouch.  I really want to get my hands on one of these panels, and it's hard to resist at this price.  Makes for some beautiful and inexpensive gifts too!

And I mentioned a Contest, right?  Just head over to Lila Tueller's blog, scroll through some of her blog posts and drop your jaw at all her amazing creations with this new fabric line, and then answer her contest question, "what no one ever told you . . ."  in this post to be entered to win some Fiona's Fancy for yourself!  You need to enter on her blog for your answer to qualify for the contest. Good luck!

Scrappy Swap item and a quilt pattern question . . .

I signed up for a Scrappy Swap and needed to make a 'scrap-inspired' goody for my partner.  Do you think this fold-up shopping bag is scrappy enough?  Now I just need to pick out a bunch of scraps to go with it and mail it out . . .

And a little while ago, I won a bundle of 10 fat quarters of Across the Pond from Cloud 9 Fabrics.  I want to turn them into a quick lap quilt, and I'm looking for pattern recommendations.  I think I'd like to add in a solid, but don't want to buy more prints.  Any suggestions for something that uses 10 fat quarters?

Linking up to WIP Wednesday and Show & Tell.

Huggies® Baby and You Blog tour ~ Giveaway for $50 off your next grocery bill!

And the winner is . . . 

Now how often does the last person that enters win?!  Congratulations Sue!  And thanks to everyone for entering.  I've been reading everyone's suggestions and even used a couple for dinner already!

Huggies® has teamed up with Baby and You and several bloggers to promote their new Slip On diapers.  I just bought my first pack of these last month; they worked out to half-price because of an in-store coupon and a Huggies® coupon.  My little guy loves being able to pull them up himself, and it's making changing him a lot easier.  And really, does he look like a boy that sits still for long?

I also want to tell you about FREE cooking classes for parents & babies taking place in our local Loblaw Superstores.  A President's Choice chef will be showing two different recipes ~ Quinoa Pancakes for parents, and Sweet and White Potato Mash for little ones.  This will be a child-encouraged environment and lots of fun!  You'll also receive Huggies® coupons and a pair of cute little tiger ears for your little one.  Check out the schedule here to see if there's one being offered in your area.

Now, on to the giveaway!  You can win a $50 gift card for Loblaws stores just by leaving a comment on this post telling me your favourite dish that you like to create!
Please leave an email address in your comment so I can reach you if you win.
Open to Canadian residents only.  Winner will be selected by random.org on Oct 31st.

Disclosure – I am participating in the HUGGIES^® Baby and You program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Kimberly- Clark Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

New school outfit . . .

I've had these fabrics in my stash for awhile, and had a dress pattern that needed testing for Sew Sweet Patterns.  There was just enough of the dark purple fabric to squeeze out a pair of footless tights (which were so simple to whip up, I think I may need to make a bunch more for my girls this winter).

And a happy little girl has one more school outfit :)

Linking up to Sew Modern Monday.

Riley Blake Home Decor entry . . .

The Riley Blake Facebook page is hosting a home decor contest.  My entry is some wall decor for my daughter's room ~ wall pockets, a bulletin board, an appliqued wall art, and some hooks.  The fabric is all from their Feeling Groovy line.  My daughter loves it all and is getting lots of use out of it :)

Linking up to Sew & Tell Friday, Finish it up Friday and Confessions of a Fabric Addict.

And the Contemporary Cloth winners are . . .

Congrats ladies! I'll email you for your contact info.

THANK-YOU to everyone else for entering; there's always more giveaways in the works :)

And a BIG THANK-YOU to my sponsor, Contemporary Cloth.  

Take a look through their shop, and put together a purchase for yourself ~ you will not be disappointed with their selection and customer service!

Last chance to enter giveaway from Contemporary Cloth!

I'll be posting the winners tomorrow, so get your entries in if you'd like to enter!

Pattern Review: Oliver+S Sleepover Pajamas

Pattern description (taken from pattern):
Get out your new pajamas for the sleepover! The pattern for this boys' or girls' pajama top, which was inspired by vintage baseball jersey styling, features contrast trim at the outside edge and on the pockets. The cuff at the sleeves can be let down as the child grows. The elastic-waist pull-on pants have no side seam for extra sleeping comfort and include contrast bias trim at the hem that can also be let down as the child grows. Make the alternate view with ruffles for a sweet girls' version.  Available in two sizes: 6months-4 and 5-12.

Sewing difficulty:
ADVANCED BEGINNER: Suitable for someone who has sewn from a pattern before or has taken a few classes and completed several projects.

Fabric recommendations:
Flannel or any lightweight woven fabrics like quilting cotton, broadcloth, lawn, shirting, poplin, voile, and linen.  I chose a Riley Blake flannel (which I got for a steal at StitchSteals.com) and a coordinating solid brown flannel.

Overall design and fit:
They fit perfect; and I love that the cuffs on the sleeves and pants can be let down when he outgrows them - this will make them last for a couple of years.

Written instructions:
Are easy to follow, just pay attention to the right side/wrong side when putting pieces together.  Everything made perfect sense, and is in 'beginner' language.

Tips + Modifications:
None.  In my opinion, this pattern is flawless.   The only thing I did a little different, is used up some of my cute star snaps (how could I not, they go perfect with this All Star print) instead of buttons.  And because my little guy has long torso/short little legs, I turned the full cuff up on the pants to shorten them a little extra, but it will make them last that much longer.

Time spent:
It took me one morning to go over all the directions and cutout the pieces, and two nap times to sew it all together.  So in less than two days the pajamas were complete and being worn by my little guy.

Conclusion:
I love this pattern.  Seriously, can you get any cuter than this?!  I have definitely found the Oliver+S love ~ modern patterns with easy-to-follow instructions and professional results.  I've already got the Princess flannel ready for the next pair for my daughter :)

Oliver+s toddler backpack . . .

I've been wanting to make my little guy his first backpack (since he's big enough to carry his own stuff around now, and toting around my flowered diaper bag just isn't that cute).  This pattern is from the book Little Things to Sew by Liesl Gibson.  I found this pattern very easy to follow, and I think the results are super-cute.  And my little man is happy to have a backpack that is just his size (and isn't a hand-me-down with princesses on it :)

I followed the basic directions for the backpack, but didn't customize it into the penguin (obviously).  I also enlarged the outer front pocket and added elastic to the top edge, and pleated the bottom edge ~ I wanted it to fit a sippy cup, because we still take one with us wherever we go and I don't like worrying about cups leaking on his stuff.

If you want to see a bunch more of these cute little backpacks, check out the link up at a little gray. 

Messenger bag 'outtakes'

Here's some pictures of my daughter posing with the new laminated messenger bag I made her for back-to-school . . . gotta love pictures that show off personality :)