September 12, 2016
Canada Cups — Day 1 Itinerary & Craftsy Giveaway
Happy Monday!
It’s the first full day of our tour. On behalf of our flight crew, I bring you today’s itinerary.
If you missed the take off, you can still catch up on the introductions by our Pilot, Fairy Bra Mother. Then meet us at the first stopover.
See you there!
P.S. Be sure to enter the awesome giveaway by our sponsor Craftsy.
Tour Itinerary
Meet us at today’s stops on the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes
Monday, September 12
- Valérie, of Élégantine! gets us airborne with some lingerie of her very own, même en français
- Her Bosom Buddy Michelle S. from Little Heart Threads, balances with more sweet lingerie
- Lisa from Glitter in my Coffee brings us an Uplifting post
- Rachel of The Wild Stitch manages a little tête-à-tête with Emerald Erin
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Giveaways
Click Here to Enter
Click the image above now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
Stay with us to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
- complete kits to make your own bra,
- bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
- fabric, and more …
♥
Tags: blog tour, bras, Canada, Corset, craftsy, intimates, lace, lingerie, panties, unmentionables
Sew Organized for the Busy Girl – A Review
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I received this eBook in exchange for an honest review. Some links in this post are my affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions expressed here are my own.
The Book
For my review, I chose Sew Organized for the Busy Girl, by Heidi Staples. I work full time outside of the home, I have little kids (and I’m also now officially a soccer mom), I sew, and I blog, among other things, so “busy” is a way of life for me. Anytime I can find ways to cut down on chaos and fit more into my day, I’m all over it, so when I saw this book, I just knew it was for me. The book has tips to get and stay organized, and plenty of projects to sew for when you’ve managed to fit in some sewing time.
Chevron Table Set, photo from ctpub.com
Format
My review copy is an eBook, but this book is available in the traditional book format as well. I like the clutter-free aspect of eBooks: I flip through pages of eBooks in my sewing room, and have access to all of them without taking up any more space than my tablet. I also keep my sewing patterns on my tablet. This book doesn’t have any patterns to print so I don’t need a hard copy of anything.
The layout of the book makes so much sense to me: it starts with finding out why we sew and what our different motivations may be, then moves on to how to create an organized space, and then how to carve out time for sewing. Once we learn about that, we move to the projects of the book. There are even some basic sewing tips at the end, since the projects offer a wide variety, it’s quite likely that you could learn a thing or two from the variety of techniques used throughout.
Baby Love Set, photo from ctpub.com
Author
Heidi Staples is a sewing blogger and can be found on her blog Fabric Mutt. I like that she talks about her real life in the book, and it helped me relate to what she was saying. We’re both busy moms just trying to squeeze in a little extra time for creating. Along with tips and projects from Heidi, there are questions answered by other “sew-lebrities” throughout the book, which I found fun and inspiring.
Project
There are tutorials for 23 projects in the book, and the variety of projects is great. There are pillows, bags, quilts and other home decor and useful projects. Most of the projects are fairly simple and come together quickly, and I enjoyed that there are many techniques used for them all. Some of the projects are more involved and I’d love to try one of the quilts (one day). As my first project from the book, I chose the Double-Zip Clutch. It’s a really versatile finished project and only took a couple hours.
There are so many things you can do with this design: the book suggests using it as a stationery keeper, a diaper clutch, a beauty kit, and several other bright ideas.
It’s really adaptable too! I used mesh for the inner pockets instead of fabric, and used one of Emmaline Bags’ Half Moon Magnetic Edge Clasps on the flap. This may be my new go to for quick teacher gifts!
Recommendation
Overall, this is an enjoyable book to flip through, and pick up tips throughout. I found the tips to get organized weren’t revolutionary but they did serve as good reminders to me for habits that I should be forming. I have noticed that I’ve been more productive with my sewing since reading this book. One thing I particularly enjoyed from the tips was a focus on blogging as well. I didn’t realize the book would talk about blogging so it was a pleasant surprise. One theme I picked up on all through the book was that it’s ok if we’re not superwomen, and sometimes that permission to not do it all is so relieving.
The projects are for the most part fairly simple and quick. They would all make great gifts. I think the variety of projects is what makes this book a double winner. I love that there are hand-sewing projects, half-square triangles, zippers, and quilting for people to try out. I often hear someone saying they’re good at one type of sewing, but not at another, and I think this book offers those opportunities to branch out of our comfort zones.
Choose from book or eBook and pick up your copy today, just click here! I hope you enjoyed this review. Check back tomorrow for another sewing book to be reviewed.
p.s. I used the Lavish fabric collection by Katarina Roccella from Sitka Fabrics.
September 11, 2016
Canada Cups Launch & Craftsy Giveaway
It’s on! Oh yes, 13 of us took flight this morning to bounce our way back and forth across Canada in our skivvies. Right off the runway, we have a post from our very own Fairy Bra Mother, without whom none of us would be inclined to expose ourselves this way. But fairies exist and we’re off to a land far, far away…
Start with Beverly’s introductions here. And I’ll see you back in the seams of my pants in a couple of days.
Also, be sure to enter the awesome giveaway by our sponsor Crack… Craftsy. (I gotta learn to spell it right!)
Giveaways
Click Here to Enter
Click the image above now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
Stay with us to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
- complete kits to make your own bra,
- bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
- fabric, and more …
Tour Schedule Itinerary
Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes
// Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
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Sunday, September 11
- Beverly, our Fairy Bra Mother, launches with her airy fairy introduction
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Monday, September 12
- Valérie, la Élégantine, gets us airborne with some lingerie of her own, même en français
&
Her Bosom Buddy Michelle S. from Little Heart Threads, balances with more sweet lingerie - Lisa who drinks Glitter in my Coffee brings us an Uplifting post
- Rachel of The Wild Stitch manages a little tête-à-tête with Emerald Erin
♥
Tuesday, September 13
- Lisa fits right in as a new Pin Up Girl
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Her Bosom Buddy, Shelaine, also makes her first bra - Rachelle gets up close and personal with Carrie from With Love Lingerie
- Valérie returns with a whole new Bosom Buddy to tell us about Miss Maika Fabrics (This girl gets around!)
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Wednesday, September 14
- Rachelle gets to the bottom of things with her review of a Craftsy class
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Her surrogate Bosom Buddy Michelle N. from Michelle’s Creations dishes on the same Craftsy class - Jessica from Gracious Threads gets the skinny on our Fairy Bra Mother
- Deb of Sprouting Jubejube chats with Emilie from Jalie
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Thursday, September 15
- Karin gets chaotic (twice!) with corsets at Mrs. Weaver’s Finest Unmentionables
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Her BB Marsha flies by the seams of her pants into the corsetry web - Shelaine is up to something and we have no idea what
- Michelle gets Mrs. Weaver to talk about her Finest Unmentionables
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Friday, September 16
- Wild Stitch Rachel tries her hands at designing her own assets
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So does her Cross Country BB Jess from the west - Valérie est du rétour avec une entrevue de Blackbird
- Michelle N. takes us to a secret spot in the centre of things
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Saturday, September 17
- Michelle S. returns to talk to Wendy about her bespoke bras. Be what??
- Marsha gets a taste of what’s behind Farthingales’ corsets
- Meanwhile BBs Deb and Michelle N. go bottoms up in panties
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Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It’s giveaway day today!
- Marsha from Seam of my Pants guest posts on Farthingales for the wrap-up post
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Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today’s your last chance.
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Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
Life of a Fairy Bra Mother, Little Heart Threads, Glitter in my Coffee, Michelle’s Creations, Mrs. Weaver’s Finest Unmentionables, Braphoria, Gracious Threads, Élégantine!, Shelaine’s Designs, That’s so Venice, Sprouting Jubejube, Flying by the Seam of my Pants, The Wild Stitch, Farthingales Corset Blog
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After September 20
- Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It’s always fun!
- Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30
♥
Tags: blog tour, bras, Canada, Corset, craftsy, intimates, lace, lingerie, panties, unmentionables
September 10, 2016
C&T Publishing Book Reviews
I’ve always had a passion for books. Once I started sewing, it was only natural that I love sewing books. C&T Publishing offers a host of sewing, quilting, and craft books. They also carry some fun and wonderful gifts, like temporary tattoos and and “quilty” pencils. Many of the books from C&T are offered in both book and eBook formats.
I’ve called on some sewing friends to each review one book and share their review here with you. You’ll find reviews from Crystal of The Cloth Albatross, Bree of My Crafty Crap, Natalie of Hungry Hippie, Andrea of Stitcharmony, and myself.
We have some great variety in store for you and I hope you’ll find a new favourite! Starting Monday September 12, check in each day to find out about a different book.
September 2, 2016
September Sales
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This week take 10% off all batting, interfacings and notions with the code batting10! Lots of great necessities here including many different interfacings, foams, batting, rotary cutters and blades, elastics, pins, wonder clips, bias tapes, piping, zippers, needles, buttons, and webbing!
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It’s back! The Mystery Fat Quarter weekend is here at Fabric Spark! Until October 2, all online orders over a yard will receive a mystery fat quarter.
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Until Monday, October 3
25% off Halloween (use code HALLOWEEN) |
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Pampering Pouch Bag
Hi everyone! Summer’s almost done, kids are heading back to school, and now maybe you’ll have a chance for a little bit of “me time” so this new free pattern will be perfect for you. I had a chance to test this latest pattern from Sewing Patterns by Mrs H.
I found this pouch to be really quick and easy. The most time consuming part is sewing the elastic spots for your nail polishes or essential oils.
The pattern suggests using the Internal Wire Frames – Style C, available at Emmaline Bags (North America) and Bobbin Girl (UK). I used the frames for the first time and I was impressed that they withstood inserting into the channel, which had a few really tight spots. The frames also help the bag hold its shape when opened. Because the zipper extends past the frame channels, the bag opens nice a wide.
Don’t let the style and shape fool you: this is a big bag! It measures about 14″ wide and about 9″ tall. There’s a ton of room in there, and I actually like it as a chic evening clutch. One of the testers added full straps and turned it into a beautiful purse. You can really customize it so many ways to make it your own.
Did you spot my new labels? I got them custom made at Brickbubble. I highly recommend this small business, for excellent quality and service. I also used zipper ends from Emmaline Bags instead of making the zipper tabs (instructions in pattern for making zipper tabs).
This pattern has an overlay that is a perfect way to try out vinyl. I used the brown vinyl from Paccana and think the rich mottling of browns is a nice contrast to the peacock blue print I used from Hawthorne Threads.
August 22, 2016
Back to School Round-up
I’m probably the odd one out here, but as a kid, I really looked forward to going back to school in the fall. Now as a parent, I notice my kids aren’t as excited as I was, but I still try to make the start of the school year a big deal. I find getting them involved in the process really helps: deciding what I’m making, picking the pattern, and picking the fabric. Are you adding some handmade love to your kids’ school routine this year? In most of Canada, we have almost 2 weeks left before they go back. I’ve gathered up some great projects that I think would work well for the school year.
Backpacks
The staple of back-to-school bags!
Not-So-Tiny Explorer Backpack
Here’s the Not-So-Tiny Explorer Backpack I made my son last year. You can read all the details in this post, but the gist is that I bought the Diedelbug Tiny Explorer PDF and followed the tutorial to expand the bag, making it the perfect size for most primary kids. These aren’t quick or cheap to make, but they last. My son is happy to be using this one again this year.
Cumberland Backpack
My other son has asked me to make him a backpack and after looking through many patterns, he’s set on the Sew Sweetness Cumberland Backpack. It comes in 2 sizes, so I’ll make him the small. I love the shape!
Photo from Sew Sweetness
Blue Calla Convertible Backpack
This one would be great for a teenager who wouldn’t need to carry too much. It fits my iPad plus some extras. I remember as a teenager, a large backpack cramped my style a bit, so I only brought my big backpack if I knew I had a ton to carry. Otherwise, I would have loved one like this, with just enough room for the essentials. The Calla Convertible Backpack from Blue Calla can also be worn as a purse, just move the straps to the front and carry on your shoulder! Don’t forget to use the exclusive discount for Happy Okapi readers OKAPI10 to save 10% on any Blue Calla pattern.
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Lunch Bags
Don’t forget to eat! Lunch Bags are one of my favourite things to make; probably because they’re something practically everyone can use, and they’re fairly quick to make. I make mine insulated and I find the insulation works really well to keep foods cool all day long.
Emmaline Luxie-Lunch Bag
I made this fun, framed lunch bag with fabrics designed by Jackie McFee. The pattern allows for several different prints and I thought these fun flowers, chevrons and dots were perfect. You can find the pattern, and required frames from Emmaline Bags. It’s a really great size and allows for a full lunch with all your reusable containers.
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Sew Sweetness Peas and Corn Lunch Bag
This is actually a set of PDF patterns. I made the rounded zip top one last year, and it’s such a cute shape that my son has requested one this year. Head over to the Sew Sweetness site to see the other bags in the set.
Happy Okapi LunchBag Tutorial
My very first tutorial was for a lunch bag and I actually just retired the one made in this tutorial, to make room for another of the same design, but with a new print. These ones are so quick to make and have lots of room for containers, water bottle and ice pack.
Pencil Pouches
These are so quick to make; it probably takes longer to decide on a pattern and print!
Noodlehead Pencil Pouch
This pattern is in Handmade Style by Anna Graham of Noodlehead. I made this one in another fabric collection from Jackie McFee, this time is classic black and white with a pop of yellow from the zipper. If you’re pressed for time but want to get a quick sew in, this is a great project. The binding makes it so fast and best of all: no hand sewing!
Sew Sweetness Filigree Double Zip Pouch
I made this large Sew Sweetness Filigree Double Zip Pouch, which works as a cosmetics pouch, but there’s no reason it couldn’t be used for pencils and other supplies. The pattern offers 3 sizes, so you could make one of each!
Sew Sweetness Annex Double-Zip Pouch
Sew Sweetness also offers this boxy version of a double zippered pouch, which looks to be perfect for school supplies.
Photo from Sew Sweetness
Laptop and Tablet Bags
Back to school doesn’t always mean loaded up with text books. So many students heading back to campus leave the books and bring the tech!
Swoon Dorian Messenger
This Messenger bag pattern is so versatile and I’ve seen many in masculine prints, making it perfect for boys and men.
Photo from Swoon Sewing Patterns
Shades Laptop Bag from Windy City Bags
This laptop bag from Sara Lawson’s book Windy City Bags is on my must-try list. I think the unique design makes it so functional, yet stylish. I also like that it’s easily unisex.
Photo from Sew Sweetness
Sew Sweetness Lilium Laptop Bag
The Lilium Laptop Bag looks like a fancier take on the traditional messenger bag, and made with enough padding to protect your device.
Photo from Sew Sweetness
Tablet Shoulder Bag – On the Go Bags
I made this Tablet Shoulder Bag from the On-The-Go Bags book; this pattern is from Sara Lawson. I like that it looks like a purse, but it actually carries your tablet! There’s a padded pocket inside to protect your device, plus plenty of room for a notebook and pencil case. I used yet another Jackie McFee collection of fabrics for this bag. I think the mint and grey colour combo is both trendy and sophisticated, plus the geometric prints remind me of DNA, taking me right back to my college days.
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Extras
Here are a few projects that didn’t fit into the other categories but they’re great to have and worthy of a share.
North Pond Notebook Cover
I made this North Pond Notebook Cover from Radiant Home Studios (and you can read more about it here) as a cover for my bird journal, and I love the idea of covering a notebook for each class.
Creative Maker Supply Case
I’ve made several of these Sew Sweetness Creative Maker Supply Cases, and they really are great to have. You can customize the case so easily too! Any art student would be thrilled to have their supplies so nicely laid out and available. The pattern comes in 3 sizes: the small is perfect for a child’s crayons and small colouring book (pictured below right). If you like the idea of the Creative Maker Supply Case, but think you need more storage, check out it’s fully-loaded big brother version, the Ultimate Art Organizer.
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Swoon Dallas Vintage Duffel
You may have seen me post about this bag recently. I made the medium duffel for my son, and I think it would work for a gym bag for an athletic teen, with plenty of room for some books and lunch. Check this post for all the details.
Well, after compiling this round-up, I’ve concluded that Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness must love back-to-school as much as I do. How about you? Are you doing any special sewing for this time of year?