isew – My Sweet Sunshine Studio Blog

Few of My Favorite Things Holiday Blog Tour and Giveaway

Hello Beautiful,

First off I want to thank Amy for allowing me to represent Brownie-Goose in the Few of My Favorite Things Holiday Blog Tour. Brownie-Goose along with 6 other Pattern designers have teamed up to Share a few favorite patterns along with Giveaways and some discounts.

So I want to start this off with a little story… Something that will make you laugh, I hope!

When I was deciding on what fabric to chose for the blog tour, Amy shared with me her next pattern, Lennon, which is a vintage styled dress or Top. At first I was at a loss as to what fabric to choose. I looked on Etsy and several of my favorite fabric shops but nothing was just right. One morning I was searching thru my fabric closet for another project when I found this large Red and White Gingham fabric my Mother had passed down to me. Perfect, I don’t have to buy anything and it is vintage! I could not be more happy, or SO I thought! Well, about a week ago I was walking through Walmart to grab a zipper to finish up my Lennon. I had both kids with me which means constant trips to the bathroom. I had to walk down the fabric aisle to get to the restroom and THERE IT WAS! The SAME Red Gingham FABRIC! It suddenly all came back. It didn’t come from my mom, I had purchased this fabric 5 yrs ago (is that still count as vintage? just kidding) for my daughter’s birthday party. WORST memory ever! My immediate thought was, I can’t tell these ladies that I use Walmart fabric , I will never work again in this town. Should I take it to my grave or should I tell? Well… Hi. My name is Alexis and I used Walmart Fabric. There I said it! Please don’t stop talking to me :0 . Ok, Ok, it is all said and done and now we can move on…

Since the Fabric is thin I backed it with Heavier Solid white fabric by RJR Fabrics. I serged the Red Gingham and White Solid together before I stitched it up!

The Lennon Pattern is a dress or a top. The dress features a zipper closure- don’t freak out by the zipper, Amy does an amazing job teaching you how to install an invisible zipper. The Top features a button closure. You can make the Lennon in several different substrates like wovens or knit. Per the directions Pleats hold better with heavier weight fabric.

The Best Part is that Amy is Hosting a Cyber Monday Sale. Everything in the shop is 30% off-No code needed!!! Don’t Walk, Run to Brownie-Goose to snag your Lennon Pattern and every pattern your BG heart wants!!

I LOVE the Vintage style and those PLEATS!

OK! Here is the Really BEST part…

You can also sign up for a chance to WIN the Lennon Pattern by Brownie-Goose

CLICK:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

You don’t want to miss out of all the Giveaways and Discounts
Follow along with us all week (I will update each day with a link- so follow my blog to stay updated)

Alexis Wright/ Brownie-Goose
Jessica Stewart/Izzy and Ivy – http://snickerdoodlestew.com/girls-in-white-dresses/
Elizabeth Daugherty Whitehurst/LilyGiggle: http://lilygiggle.com/favorite-things-holiday-blog-tour/
Kara Orr/Jocole: http://jocole.blogspot.com/2014/12/merry-and-bright.html
Tameka Murrell/Ellie Inspired: http://www.ellieinspired.com/blog/2014/12/05/a-few-of-my-favorite-things/
Sarah Hancock Unthank/Greenstyle
Raedene Samuel Averitt/Little Lizard King: http://littlelizardking.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-few-of-our-favorite-things-blog-tour.html

Out takes…

Someone was begging to be in the pictures 😉

Madeit Holiday Blog Tour-Florence

Hello Beautiful,

Thank you Needle and Ted and Madeit Patterns for asking me to participate in their Florence Holiday Blog Tour. I have to admit I was not as familiar with all of Madeit’s patterns other then their boys button down top pattern, The Weller. So before I agreed I had to checkout their website where I was blown away with all of her available patterns. We were asked to center our outfits around The Florence Blouse so with that I also choose The Bjork Skirt .

When I was deciding what to do with The Florence Top and Bjork Skirt I wanted to push myself and use fabric I don’t typically use. My daughter has a current obsession with overalls lately so I knew I would be keeping the suspenders from the Bjork Pattern . I also wanted to make an outfit that would be trendy, unique and a little grown up for a now 10 yr old (ugh, stop growing already!)

I made a size 8 in both the skirt and top and it fit perfect! The sizing chart was spot on and easy to follow, so I just chose my size and ran with it from there. Both pattern instructions were easy to follow with great written and visual instructions.

How I modified The Florence:

1. I made it short sleeve since most of our California Christmases are 80 degrees. I used a 1.5″ bias facing made with the same velvet I used on the shirt. I used a 1/4″ seam allowance and folded the facing in and top stitched.

2. I lengthened the collar for a total of 44″ (the width of the velvet I purchased)

TOP – I love the velvet in my dreams but sewing it was a different story. It took some patience since it slippery. Don’t forget the pins!!

BOTTOM – The Quilted Faux Leather was so easy to sew. I used a Leather Needle and a longer stitch length. There are other tricks like tape under your foot to help it glide easier.

Not only is this a fun Blog Tour to show off the amazing Florence Pattern but it is also a Competition! What!?? That’s right you heard me, a competition and YOU can join in too!!! You could win a free pattern by joining in the fun! If you would like to jump in: 1st buy the pattern with the 20% off discount , 2nd sew it up with a Christmas theme and then post a picture to Madeit Facebook Page by end of January 2015. You can also vote for your favorite Blogger’s Twist on the Florence Top HERE

Now until November 23rd you can get 20% off The Florence Pattern and every pattern in the Madeit Shop. Code: Tour20

Click on the Link below for the code for 20% off !!

Faux Leather : Joann’s

Red Velvet: Joann’s

Suspender Clips: I Love Big Buttons on Etsy

Thank you again for letting me join in on the fun Blog Tour !!!

Alexis/ My Sweet Sunshine

This is what really happens when you take pictures of kids…

VOTE for Me!

Hello Beautiful!

Quick Hello and to show off my dress I entered into the Violette Field Threads’ Contest!

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE if you could vote for me by “liking” or a comment of this post on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/130943530314652/photos/pcb.711255528950113/711253742283625/?type=1&theater

Thank you so much!!!

Also a thank you to Renee and Robert for letting me steal some time on you photoshoot 🙂

-Alexis

Lilygiggle Blog Tour Day 3- Sassafras Skirt and Giveway (giveaway closed)

Hello Beautiful,

Welcome to LilyGiggle’s Blog tour day 3. If you haven’t heard already, Beth, the owner of Lily Giggle, reopened her shop about 2 weeks ago. I’m here today to show you the Sassafras Skirt and also give you a glimpse of a brand new Flutter Sleeve pattern that will be coming out soon. Sorry, its not out yet ladies, but soon… Testing will be starting in a couple of weeks and it will be released soon after that. Hold on ladies, its coming…

I’ve always been a big fan of LilyGiggle’s work. The 1st pattern I picked from her was the Rings of Ruffle’s (ROR) Skirt. Over the years I’ve made plenty of ROR skirts and pants for both my daughter and to sell in my Etsy shop. Beth has always been such a wonderful person and designer and so easy to communicate with. Here are some details about the pattern I did for the blog tour.

Skirt Nitty Gritty:
*Ruffle Skirt
*Elastic waste band
*Sizes 2 – 12
*Above the knee fit
*Made with Knit-Can also be made using recycled t-shirts
*Has a finished measuring chart
*Tips on sewing with knits

This skirt has a similar look to the Rings of Ruffles pattern, however, Beth has created a simplified ruffle skirt without losing all the pizzaz. My absolute favorite part of this pattern is how simple Beth has made it place your ruffles using the included pattern pieces and your trusty pattern marker. You get the big impact ruffle look in a snap without the headache from working that ruffle foot for hours. The Asymmetrical top skirt helps keep all this ruffles contained -hehehehe 🙂 🙂

When I was putting this outfit together I started by using my favorite knit from April Rhodes Arizona collection by Art Gallery. The Flutter Sleeve Top fabric is from Wanderlust, which is quickly becoming my go to knit shop.

This pattern works so well with the Flutter Sleeve Top. It is now my go to pattern! LOVE!!! It provides such a big impact with the double ruffled sleeve for such an easy quick sew. Sew time was only an hour.

The skirt can easily be used for all seasons. A summer/spring look with cute sandals or wear it in the fall paired with boots. The Flutter Shirt will also be offered in a long sleeve version. Yay!!

Day 1 Blog Tour-http://www.chasingmermaidsshop.com/2014/08/29/zinnia-lilygiggle/

Day 2 Blog Tour- http://snickerdoodlestew.com/lily-giggle-blog-tour-jujube-dress/

(Sorry for the picture overload-I love pics)

LilyGiggle is offering an amazing giveaway of the Sassafras Skirt pattern, to one lucky person, so click on the raffle link below to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alley Cat Pattern Mash Up-Dress Version

Hello Beautiful!

I wanted to do a quick Blog post about my Mash up of the Alley Cat Romper Pattern by Lil Luxe Collection. On the Lil Luxe Collection Blog today Jessica shows you how to turn the Romper into a dress, YAY!!! So be sure to check it out 🙂

I did my Mash Up during testing and I paired the Alley Cat Romper Pattern with Shwin Designs Sunshine Dress .

Here are some pictures… (well maybe more then just some pictures)

Bodice Fabric is From Wanderlust Fabrics and the Skirt is made with Cotton and Steel Basic Fabric, XOXO Plummy

Have a great sewing day!!!

My Sweet Sunshine

Alley Cat Romper by Lil Luxe Collection (and Giveaway)

Hello Beautiful.

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Lately my daughter has been wearing a ton of Rompers. The girl is smart, it makes getting dressed in the morning easier for both her and I ! So while I was wasting time one day on Facebook a post popped up in my news feed of this adorable Romper. I first showed my daughter and she immediately begged me to make it. I crossed my fingers and toes and hope to be one of the lucky ladies to test the Alley Cat Romper by Lil Luxe Collection. The Owner of Lil Luxe Collection, Jessica, was so easy and wonderful to work with!! In fact, testing went so well, thanks to an already great pattern, she released her newest pattern a week early!!! She currently has 4 patterns for sale so be sure to check the others out too!

Purchase HERE

Nitty Gritty on the Alley Cat Romper Pattern:

*Sizes-18mnth to 8yr

*Print your own size

*Made with Knit

*Ankle length or push the cuff up for a Capri length (my daughter loved the Capri length)

*Low back to make it easy to get on and off

*1.5hrs- 2hrs sewing time

*Relaxed/Baggy fit in the legs-Similar to Harlem Pants

The first Romper I made was all knit, size 8 in the bodice and 7 in the length. The top is made to be snug but not to worry It is comes off easily because of the lower back.

Purple Floral Fabric by Wanderlust and Gray knit Fabric purchased at the LA fabric district

The second Romper I made was a mix of Fabric mediums, Knit and Peach skin. I modified the legs slightly by shortening the cuff for a capri length. Ladies, this pattern is so easy to modify I love it. Or keep it as the original because either way you will end up with a trendy, professional sewn and adorable romper.

Purchase HERE

Knit Fabric (bodice) is Art Gallery, Arizona Collection. Peach skin (bottoms) is from Girl Charlee

More info on Lil Luxe Collection Blog on Saturday August 23rd on how to change this Romper into a dress!!! Let me tell you it is just as GREAT!!!

Thank you Jessica for letting me test for you!!! 🙂

Oh and did I mention she is having a giveaway!!!???!!!

CLICK on the Rafflecoptor words below…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fall Edition Part 2-Neither the Hummingbird nor the flower wonders how beautiful it is…

Hello Beautiful,

Here is Part 2 of my Fall Release-Hummingbird Dresses

Beautiful Miss A.

I’m super excited to be bringing several new and updated original Ruffle Dresses to my collection. I used the lovely and amazing Ruffle Fabric, LLC . I absolutely love this fabric and love the ladies behind it. They are so sweet and are ready to answer any question you have!! Plus, have you seen their website?! So many colors to chose from. The possibilities are endless.

I chose to make SERVERAL Hummingbird dresses. Not only are the dress results beautiful but they are so easy to modify into my own ‘sweet’ style.

Purchase HERE

Tomato and Blue Bird Hummingbird Dresses

Gotta love the “V” back

Great Dress for twirling!!!

The next dress is made with Men’s suiting Fabric. I love the contrast of Men’s fabric and girly ruffles. I zig zagged the edge of the ruffle to appeared as frayed.

Purchase HERE

These next two dresses are truly near and dear to my heart. I have been a dancer since I was a child. Even today I’ll crank the tunes and have a dance party with my kids. I recently made a custom order for an all black version of my very first pink/black Ruffle dress and immediately thought of Swan Lake. This inspired me to bring back a fresh updated version one of my originals as well as the new variation.

(flashback – my first ruffle dress)

Today’s updated version …

White Swan (pink)

White Swan (pink)
and for the new one… Black Swan

Check out all these styles HERE

Have a great Day and Thank you for reading my Blog 🙂

15% off use code “BLOG15”

First Day Dress/Top by MADE

Hello Beautiful,

I can’t wait to share with you what the AMAZING Dana from MADE has just released! Her new pattern, The First Day Dress/Top. I can’t thank Dana enough for letting me test this NEW pattern. I mean this woman is the Queen of the blogging world and even more importantly, she is very sweet!!!

Nitty Gritty: (this pattern has so much to offer)
*A-Line Dress or Top
*Swing Dress
*Swing Top with Peplum
*Swing Dress/Top with Front Placket
*4 ways to do the lining
*Sizes 2-10
*more details HERE

(wow that was a lot!)

For my Test I choose the A-line Dress with no sleeves. I love the silhouette of this dress, however, the next dress I make will be 1 size larger. My daughter had a growth spurt and did not let me know, HA! One of my favorite parts (I have so many) of the A-Line pattern was I only had to cut ONE pattern piece, yes ladies ONE! Can I get a High Five?!? Another favorite in working with this pattern was it showed me how to fully line the dress. I love it when I can learn something new from a pattern.

Fabric by Josephine Kimberling, Hope Chest by Blend

Check out MADE website for more details on the GREAT pattern

This pattern is so well written and with beautiful pictures that it would be great for an Advanced Beginner Seamstress. Even an advanced seamstress may learn some new tricks like I did.

Purchase HERE

Dana has been so nice to offer TWO giveaways of the pattern. See Rafflecoptor below for more details and how to sign up.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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