in the works...

So, I'm finally getting another pattern put together! This is the first sample I've finished so I've still got a bit of work to do. It's a largish hobo style bag with an outer zippered pocket, magnetic snap closure, and an inner single welt pocket. It has a spacious bottom and opens wide so it's easy to find your stuff. For this particular bag, I used Glimma Stripe in Jade and Essex Linen Blend in Steel with a fun yellow zip for contrast.

giveaway: fabric labels by ananemone (closed)

I've got a great giveaway for you today! Sara, from Ananemone; contacted me recently and asked if I'd like to try out some of her fabric labels. She also generously offered up a set of labels to give to one of my readers. Ananemone offers custom fabric labels, including color logo labels, fabric care and content labels, and personalized name tages for clothing, using a variety of organic cottons. I chose to use a custom text logo and received both iron on labels and sewn on labels to try out. The labels are really well made, are washable, and don't fray. I like that they are made with organic materials and non-toxic inks which is especially important when sewing labels into children's clothing. The iron on labels come in handy if you're like me and forget to sew labels in at the right time! 

I think these labels are a great option for sewists of all types and help make the things you sew a little more special. Head over to Ananemone, take a look around, and leave a comment below letting me know what you'd choose!

Giveaway Info: CLOSED! Winner is comment #97 Cathy!!

• winner receives one sheet of labels of their choice
• one entry per person, please
• please include an email address in your comment below unless it is linked to your profile
• giveaway is open to all readers
• giveaway ends Sunday, May 19th, 2013 at 10 pm CST
• winner will be chosen randomly 

Thanks and good luck!

weekend update....

We have a winner! Comment number 16 - Palak - won my Giveaway Day loot. Congrats! I'll be emailing you shortly. Thanks so much to everyone for stopping by and commenting. It was fun to read through your favorite tv shows and movies. Lots of fellow New Girl fans out there!

For those that didn't win and need a consolation prize or need to do some last minute Mother's Day gift sewing, make sure to check out Michelle Pattern's $5 Friday sale! {affiliate link} $5 bucks will get you a bundle of 8 pdf sewing patterns which are soon to be retired. Patterns included: bracelet bag, cross-body bag, laptop sleeve, pocket clutch, messenger bag, fold-over clutch, zip clutches, and inset zip clutch/pouch. Sale {affiliate link} is good through the weekend so hurry and snag the deal before it's over!

I'm headed to Ikea today...it's been ages since I've been and Mother's Day is as good of an excuse as any to go! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and Mother's Day!

sew mama sew giveaway day!

It's that time again...Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day! I'm giving away two bags I made using some of my favorite fabrics from my stash to one lucky winner - a fold over zipper clutch with suede corners and brass zipper + an envelope style wallet with metal snaps and a secret pocket. Giveaway details at the bottom of the post. Make sure to head over to Sew Mama Sew to check out all the other giveaways!

BAG DETAILS/
zipper clutch 
pattern | lbg studio
fabric | anna maria horner - coordinates in saffron

envelope wallet
pattern | secret pocket envelope clutches - michelle patterns {affiliate link}
fabric | heather ross - roses on grey

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: CLOSED!!

To enter, simply leave a comment below sharing your favorite movie or tv show! Good luck!

• one entry per person
• I can only ship to US addresses
• please include an email address in your comment if not linked to your profile
• giveaway ends on May 10th, 2013 at 5 pm PST
• winner will be drawn randomly via random.org

kid's clothes week...

Sooooo...I didn't quite sew up the storm for Kid's Clothing Week that I had envisioned because life got in the way as it tends to do. But I did finish up at least one outfit - a pretty cute one, at that. All's well that ends well, right? I've really enjoyed checking out all the amazing clothes people whipped up last week - so much inspiration!  I had originally planned to make Straight Grain's Bubble Dress along with Rae's Geranium Dress but my lack of yardage required a change in plans. I ended up making a Geranium top along with some adorable bubble pocket shorts using Elegance and Elephant's awesome pattern.

The kiddo loved the top so much she cried when I tried to take it off so I'd say that was a success. I'm excited that the shorts fit since store bought shorts can be hit or miss...usually if they fit in the waist then they're too short in length. I'm definitely going to have to make more of these shorts soon - they're just too cute!

TOP/ 

fabric: Joel Dewberry - Notting Hill - Primrose in Magenta

pattern: Geranium top - Made by Rae

SHORTS/

fabric: Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in Black

pattern: Bubble Pocket Shorts by Elegance and Elephants

giveaway: embroidery kit | ruby in the dust

I'm excited to share a fun giveaway and discount code with you today! One of my awesome sponsors, Ruby in the Dust, sent me this cool embroidery kit to try out. I've never done any embroidery save for adding eyes, etc to a fabric doll or two. So, this was all new to me. Luckily, the kit included everything I needed to complete the project including a detailed instruction booklet. Despite my fears that I'd make a huge mess of it, I ended up with something I'm proud to hang up and display.

The kit arrived (my first time receiving mail from New Zealand!) in modern, professional packaging which is perfect for gift giving. The contents are organized in resealable bags which makes the kit easy to store or take along with you. I am a sucker for great packaging and was really impressed with what I received. 

The instruction booklets included with each kit contain diagrams on how to create various stitches which I found very helpful. I'm a visual learner and found the diagrams to be easy to follow. You can choose to vary some of the stitches or add sparkly beads - make it as simple or as complex as you want!

I absolutely love how my embroidery hoop art turned out. I think it would be a nice addition to any room but I am going to hang this up in the kiddo's room. It's bright and cheery - which she loves - and it's lightweight enough that I don't have to worry about hanging it up over her bed. 

For a chance to win your choice of any of the kits pictured below:
CLOSED! Winner is #33 - Marci Girl

• Visit Ruby in the Dust and leave a comment below sharing your favorite item from the shop. 
• For an additional entry, follow the Ruby in the Dust blog and leave a separate comment letting me know.
• Giveaway is open worldwide.
• PLEASE, pretty please, make sure you include an email address if it is not linked to you account.
• Giveaway ends Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 10 pm cst.

Discount Code: enter LBGMAY at checkout for 10% off any embroidery kit - expires May 12, 2013

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