Showing posts with label by me. Show all posts

Refashion Month at House of Estrela



Hi! Today I am over House of Estrela as a guest blogger for her Refashion Month series - 2015 edition!

I am sharing a simple alteration I made on this blouse I had only used once. It was too tight on the armscyes so I took the sleeves off and applied bias facing to make it a sleeveless top (after some adjustments on the armscye curve).

The Dear Prudence dress




You wouldn't tell by these photos that this sweet, adorable, totally heart melting threenager just spent her day... whining, and crying, and screaming... For no reason.  Really. I can't take anymore of it... Today. Tomorrow will be another day. And hopefully a little less whining, a little less loud crying and she will learn other ways of expressing and dealing with her frustrations. (Keep dreaming, right? :) ) 

She is usually in such a good mood. Always happy, always smiling, always singing. But lately although she is still in her usual self she is becoming a whiner... I am really hoping this is just a phase... I guess she could be missing pre-school, her sweet teacher and her friends? And all the daily routine? School is closed and won't be open until mid September so... Young lady, I really hope you get a grip and just learn to relax and enjoy your 84 days of Summer holidays... Because this mom here needs to relax and enjoy her Summer time with the three of you 24/7. :) 

One thing she is enjoying tremendously these days is all the sewing I am doing for her. Every single thing I make makes her eyes sparkle and gets her in a good mood for hours. :) So, you know to whom I will be doing all.the.sewing this Summer! :) 

The Henry dress



Hi everyone! Today I am sharing a dress pattern that I was lucky to test. It is the Henry dress, a pattern by Brooklyn Pattern Company.  

When Erin posted a testing call I immediately signed in! You all know how much I love to test sewing patterns but actually I am responding to testing calls less and less these days. Nonetheless, I made an exception for this one. :) 

There has been a (huge) boom of indie PDF patterns since last year (it's all Lauren's fault :) ) and there are days where I can easily spot half a dozen testing calls for new patterns. If only the days would have 72 hours... Yes 72, because 48 wouldn't still be enough... :) 

Anyway, there was a time (that started on February 2014) when I would apply to any and every testing call and I would be genuinely thrilled to work in all of them. I do love to test patterns! But nowadays other projects (sewing and blogging related) have knocked on my door and I need time for them. 

The thing is, there is only a set amount of daily time that I allow myself to sew and blog because my three little monkeys need their mom and this household has to be vacuumed every.single.day ( I honestly believe that dust and bread crumbs and little scraps of paper are born from the floor in a spontaneous way at an outstanding rate ...), and dishes need to be done daily too (I can't turn my back on a messy kitchen...), and laundry must be taken care of... You know the freaking drill. 

Virtual Baby Shower for Jenya of While She Was Sleeping



Today I am joining a group of lovely sewing bloggers around the world on a virtual baby shower for Jenya - from While She Was Sleeping blog - who is expecting her second child!

Jenya and I live on opposite sides of the planet. Me in Europe and her in Australia. We share a lot of the same tastes. I could easily make and wear everything she makes! 
We have never met in person but we have become good friends. Sewing has this funny thing you know? It connects people from all over the world in true bonds of friendship and camaraderie. It's amazing! I feel so blessed for being a part of this community!

The Blue Ridge Dress




Endorphins. Any of a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system that act as neurotransmissors and have a number of physiological functions. They activate a specific kind of body's receptors, causing an analgesic effect, reducing the sensation of pain or stress and inducing feelings of excitement and satisfaction. I think the word "endorphin" here could be fairly replaced by the word "fabric". Don't you think?

Fabric makes me have an endorphin rush. There is just something about those colors, color combos, prints, textures... all the different weights and softness... and the draping, the flow-iness of it all when it moves... and the way the light goes through some fabrics and makes it glow... The world stops and I feel like I'm watching some sort of poetry... 


I love using all kinds of apparel fabric. Baby wale corduroy, wool, tweed, linen, chiffon, charmeuse, crepe de chine, georgette, silk, shantung, twill, silk twill, satin, dupioni, taffeta, suiting, voile, cotton lawn, gauze, double gauze, broadcloth, shirting, flannel, poplin, sateen, denim, chambray, tencel, velveteen, jersey knit, French terry, iterlock, ponte di roma...

The Valencia Tunic



Hi! Today I am showing you the Valencia tunic, a pattern by Mouse House Creations for Willow and Co. as part of their SS2015 tour! When I was contacted to join this tour I was leaning towards the Aberdeen jacket - another pattern from this collection - but my Spring/Summer wardrobe is in a great need of tops/tunics/blouses so that is all I am sewing for myself these days. :) 

I am trying to build a capsule wardrobe for this season but the truth is I started too late, so in a couple of days I will be starting to plan my Fall/Winter capsule wardrobe. Do you plan in advanced? Or do you just sew as you go? 

Dress Pattern N.15 - Canadian Pattern Tour




Summer vacation started last Friday, so all I can think about is Summer sewing! I am not sure how much I will be able to actually sew in the next ninety nine days. Yep, kids around here have those many days of Summer vacation. I think it is pretty cool actually! Kids need free time to play, imagine, create, to develop all those skills that come from playing freely with no tight schedule, aka long hours of boredom. :)

Of course the other side of the coin is the increased amount for grey hair on my head. Being at home for 24/7 for 99 days with three kids under 7  is... oh well, you know what it is... Amazing! Fun! Happy times! :) 

Today I am part of the Canadian Pattern Tour hosted by Ula from Lulu & Celeste blog. On this tour many sewing bloggers are showcasing PDF patterns from several Canadian indie PDF pattern designers, and I got to sew up a pattern by E+M! 

The Ishi Dress




Hi everyone! This week will be very busy blogging wise I hope you won't get bothered of seeing my makings. :) I am starting off this week with a dress that has become my favorite - it's the Ishi dress, a pattern by Straight Grain

Straight Grain is a bloand indie pdf patterns brand run by An, a Belgian mom of two girls. An makes the most beautiful things in her own style and color combo, go check her blog and you will see what I mean.

Oh, and yes, this girl just had a major hair cut. About 15+ inches of a long ginger curly hair is being donated to a Cancer Treatment Center. It wasn't my intention to cut it this much - I was thinking a chin-shoulder length - but the hairdresser grabbed the scissors and cut it in the back like that before I could say a thing... I was speechless!... Glad I could save it somehow, because I suggested her that she would at least leave it a bit longer at the front, and I really like it that way.

The Nina Culottes



Hi! Have you jumped to the newest big fashion trend yet? I did! 
As a child I had culottes and I loved them! I was able to run and jump and, well, do all the monkey business that kids do while looking like a girl. :) I still love culottes so I was happy when I saw their return two seasons ago. Most people I know don't seem to be very fond of this style but I love that they look like skirts, making us look really feminine, but yet are super comfortable and practical for moms with busy little kids. I can actually run with these and chase my little monkeys! 

On my daily life I will be wearing these culottes with ballerina shoes, not with high wheels, these were just for the photoshoot of course. :) As much as I love wearing high wheels (I really do) I don't use them as much as I used to before I had kids. Although I manage running in these pretty well and walk on them while carrying a child on my lap I am not getting any younger these days and I don't want to risk damaging an ankle... (Speaking of ankles let's talk about these right now, shall we? Yes, I have puffy ankles. No, there is nothing I can do about them. I am accepting them and showing them to the world as ugly as they are. I hope they don't hurt your eyes. :) Now, we can go on with the post.)

The Balmy Breezes tunic


I love sewing. I love trying new techniques and methods. I always jump at the chance of trying something new. I always accept a new fun challenge. 
This time was no different. When Maegan from Mae & K blog asked a few bloggers to join a fun sewing series on free patterns - Free Friday Pattern - I looked at all the patterns being showcased on every week this year and I immediately signed up for the Balmy Breezes Tunic.

The Balmy Breezes Tunic is a free pattern by Call Ajaire (for Sew Mama Sew) available only in size 3, that comes along with a tutorial on how to make Lattice smockingIf you follow my blog you may remember that a few posts ago I mentioned that there are two sewing techniques I have never tried: smocking and heirloom. Now there is one left: heirloom. Or... maybe not.

The first title I wrote for this post was: Lettuce smocking aka a failed attempt to make a Lattice smock. :) 

And I am sorry (not sorry) if I am already spoiling this post by revealing how this whole story ends. But I needed to spill it out. Phew! That felt great. 

A Roaring 20's Inspired Dress




Hi! Today I am sharing two things of the many I have made in these last couple of weeks. My sewing  machine is amazing because I am giving her (yes, it's a she) no rest and she is up to the challenge! It is a pretty simple sewing machine, non computerized, only about 20 different stitches (including stretch ones), it is actually a bit ugly (it looks like a cold machine, not a pretty and friendly toy). It is the love of my life. (Did I just say that?!) After my true Love (aka sweet husband) and my three spunky kids, of course. (Ahem.)

(End of love letter to my sewing machine. :) )

Have you hear about the Mystery Challenge? It is sewing/crafting challenge where a group of people swap themes and have to create something with the theme they get from their partner. Doesn't it sound like so much fun? 

I have already joined last round when I was given the theme "Under the big top" and you can see what I have made here. This time around I was given the theme "The Roaring 20's". Actually it was "John Dillinger and the Roaring 20's" and although I first thought about making a full shirt + pants + vest + bow tie + hat for my son, when I saw a tester call for the Dress Pattern No. 19 (pattern of E+M Patterns) I immediately felt that it was it. It has a slight 20's feel to it with that elasticized waistband and squared skirt, and those bodice tucks and ties. Luckily I was chosen to test it! (Thank you Allison!)

Clear Vinyl Beach and Pool Pouches - a tutorial



Hi! Today I am over Peek-a-Boo's blog with my monthly tutorial. I am sharing a tutorial on how to make clear vinyl pouches for the beach and/or pool, to keep your wet swimsuits inside. It's so handy!

See the full tutorial here!

Happy sewing!

The Jukebox Dress



Hi! I have been quiet around here but super busy with my sewing machine. I can't wait to show you all the things I have been working in! Today I am here as part of the One Thimble Tour showcasing one of the ten patterns included in issue #7 that was just released! 

One Thimble is a digital sewing magazine full with patterns and great articles. I have had the chance to sew something from issue #6 - the Multi-Apron (blogged here) - and issue #5 - the Moku shorts (blogged here), and I really loved making both! 

Women's Bundle Up




Hi! I did some sewing for myself! Yay! :) If you follow this little blog of mine you know that one of my (sewing and personal) resolutions for this year was to sew more for myself. When I first started to sew - 4 years ago - I have sewn a lot for myself. Only a couple of years later I decided to sew for my kids (surprising, right?) and the thing is: I stopped sewing for myself. 

Now they have a whole lot more clothes than they need. (It's a shame, I know!...) And I have an almost empty and dull wardrobe because all over these last years I kept telling myself "I am *not* going to buy this blouse or that coat, because I can make them myself!" when I am at clothing stores. Truth is, I just keep sewing for them and not for me... Can you relate to this? I bet you do... :) 

So, to push myself into some self-care sewing, I am joining every blog tour and pattern testing for women clothes that I can! :) 

Today, I am part of the Women's Bundle Up from Pattern Revolution
I am sharing two patterns I have made from this bundle and I will be sharing a third one later this week. Can you guess what? I have made my first pair of jeans!
I can finally scratch that off my "sewing techniques to learn and sewing challenges to overcome" list. :) I feel like I reached another level of sewing! :) Now I only have to tackle: sewing bras, draping, smocking and heirloom. And after that I have to find another hobby. :) Luckly, I think it will take me a while to learn these techniques, so I will be here for the next... few decades. :) 

A Peplum for Spring


Hey there! Today I am part of the Bow Back Beauty blog hop, a pattern by Little Kiwis Closet.

When I first saw this pattern - when Lydia (the designer, based in New Zealand) called for testers - my first thought was how adorable it was with that bow on the back! Sadly I couldn't test it at the time so I was super happy when she asked a few bloggers to join a blog hop! 

Funny though, I have opted to make a view (one of the several options available) without the bow this time because the weather is still a bit chilly and this girl is needing some new long sleeve sweaters. Can you believe she is outgrowing all of her size 4 clothes and going into size 5? She is (only) 3 3/4 years-old!... 


Dinossaur Hooded Scarf




Hi! How is Kids Clothes Week going on for you? I must say it was a completely disaster for me this time, in terms of finished things but I am managed to sew at least 1h/day (except for these two last days) so go I guess I am fine. :)

Today I am sharing a super cool Dinossaur Hood I made a couple of months ago for a pattern testing, but was actually still a WIP because I hadn't yet placed the snaps. So I placed the snaps and finally got the chance to blog about it. It's great that it fits this KCW's theme - Wild Things - so much! And since the snaps were put this week that's got to count as a KCW make, right? :) 

Time to Travel - Sewing with Boys



Hi everyone! Today I am showing you three super cool patterns from a new ebook - Time to Travel!

This ebook was put together by a group of amazing ladies from Sewing With Boys
They aim to inspire sewing moms to sew more for their boys! I know I am guilty of not sewing much for my little Mr. - we all know that thing about sewing for girls being so lovely, right? :) But on this group you can find lots of inspiration, support, ideas and tips about sewing for boys! 

The Antalya Dress



I am so in love with this dress! It is the new - released yesterday! - Antalya dress pattern by Kid Approved for the Spring/Summer 2015 collection of Willow & Co

Bubble Shorts




Hi! Kids Clothes Week is here! I am super excited! I have so many things already cut and ready to sew, let's see how many I can actually manage to finish this week... I am always just a tad bit ambitious... :) And this week is shorter to me since I am going to be away on an extended weekend, so I may leave for my mini vacations a bit sleep deprived in order to get everything done... :) 

These are the Bubble shorts - pattern by one of my sewing/blogging best friends, Marta from DoGuincho - and I can't tell how many I have made so far in the last year. I haven't blogged about all of them - I sew a lot of things that don't make it to the blog just because I'm lazy :) - but you can see my first ones here and my favorite ones here. :) 

5 DIY Knit Headbands



Hi everyone! Today I am over Peek-a-Boo's blog with my monthly contributor's post. I am sharing quick ways to make five different knit headbands and head wraps! 

It's a perfect (and easy) sewing project to use up all those knit scraps being kept on a huge bin (I know I am not the only one on this, right?).