Oliver + S Summer Picnic Blouse and Shorts: Modern Yardage Fabric Giveaway

So now that I have finished my last four patterns, I am in back-to-school sewing mode for my girls. We start back in the middle of next week, can you believe it? I wanted to share this little outfit that I made for Matilda who will be in her second year of preschool this year. Make sure you read all the way to the bottom of the post because I have an incredible fabric giveaway for your as well!

I have so many patterns in my stash that I have been just dying to try. I have had this Oliver + S Summer Picnic Shorts and Blouse pattern in my collection for about three years now. And seeing as though the version of this pattern that I have only goes up to size 4T, I figured I better get this sewn (since Matilda is currently wearing size 4).

Matilda's favorite color is blue. So when April (owner) from Modern Yardage asked me if I would like to sew some projects with their fabrics, I knew that 'Poppy Hop' by Cindy Lindgren for Modern Yardage in the Turquoise color-way would be perfect for this little outfit.

You might not have heard of Modern Yardage before, but they are a fantastic fabric manufacturer and to be honest, they are new to me as well. But I would like to tell you some things about them that set them apart from some other manufacturers in the quilting cotton fabric market.

All fabric designs available from Modern Yardage are available in three different scales. Seriously, this blew my mind. To me, one of the MOST important parts of designing a children's outfit with patterned fabric is scale. Many times I'll have pieces I want to put together, but if the scale isn't right for the piece then I just can't put those designs together. So you can choose just the right scale for each part of your garment.

All designs are printed on 100% pre-shrunk cotton (yes, I said PRE-SHRUNK) and for garment sewists, this is an amazing feature. No pre-washing....yay! The fabric is slightly heavier than traditional quilting cotton and has a wonderful feel (or hand). The fabrics are printed with environmentally-friendly, water-based textile pigments and they do not use any harsh acids or chemicals. Again, perfect for garments.

Finally, the fabrics are printed on demand. So when I got the three prints I selected for this garment, they were all printed out on one continuous piece of fabric. The fabric design is 44" wide, but is printed on 58" wide fabric, meaning the extra 14" has maybe a new craft project idea, a message from a designer, a coupon for your next sale........you never know.......it's always a surprise.

Here is little miss thing wearing her new blue outfit. I really should show you all the faces she gave me during this photo shoot........she was working it.

I didn't alter the pattern at all, which is kind of strange for me. But it's such a great design, I didn't want to detract from the look with too many embellishments. And the fabric was pretty busy as well. The only thing I added was some white piping in the seam on the blouse in the front and the back and then the two little white buttons.

I always add a 'The Cottage Mama' label to everything I make for the kids. If you are looking for garment labels, you can read more about mine here.

I thought the fit was absolutely perfect. Matilda is spot on in a size 4 commercial clothing and I don't think these pieces could have fit any better. The only thing I would do differently is that I don't think I will finish the back elastic waistband the same as the pattern calls for next time. I wasn't a big fan of being able to see some of the elastic on the inside of the shorts, but it was a great technique if you wanted to use adjustable waist elastic.

Oliver + S instructions are so easy to understand and follow. They come with black and white illustrations that are very clear. I'd say this pattern would be great for an intermediate or confident beginner.

And here is one more shot of Miss Matilda. Just so you know.......80% of my pictures of her end up with her in this position. Apparently she thinks this is her best pose. Silly girl.

So how about some fabric?

Would you like to win 5 YARDS of fabric of your choice from Modern Yardage?

If so, please enter in the rafflecopter below. Giveaway open until Sunday, August 11 at midnight (CST).

a Rafflecopter giveaway Pin It

Filming Sewing DVDs in Cincinnati and a Little Book Preview

I feel like the last three months, or rather the last year, have been a whirlwind of busy. It might not have seemed like it here on the blog, since I've definitely had to pull back online for work / life balance, but behind the scenes there has been so much going on.

As most of you know I signed with a publisher (F & W Media) last June and wrote my first sewing book. The book is now complete (though it's been out of my hands for quite awhile) and will be sent print any day now. My book, Sew Classic Clothes for Girls: 20 Dresses, Outfits and Accessories from The Cottage Mama (Size 12 month - 10 Years) will be released October 7, 2013. And let me tell you........I cannot wait!

My publisher, F & W Media, owns the Martha Pullen Company which has led to many new and exciting opportunities, one of which was filming two sewing DVD's in Cincinnati last week. The DVDs will be available at the same time as my book releases. Each one will be approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and they will be available as regular stand-alone DVDs or available to watch through Martha Pullen Television (MPTV) or downloaded from the Martha Pullen website.

The first DVD is a companion to my book, Sew Classic Clothes for Girls. In the picture above, you are getting a tiny sneak peek as to what's in the book. All the pieces in the picture are patterns found in the book, but there are many more that aren't shown here.......we need a little element of surprise, right? The book is 95% garments in size 12 month - 10 years and let me tell you that there is not another children's sewing book on the market that contains this many full garment patterns for girls with so many different variations. I really wanted to give you a lot of content and patterns that you could mix and match to create many different, truly one-of-a-kind pieces. I hope you really like it!

The book companion DVD is where I walk you through step-by-step through many of the techniques shown in the book. The techniques are illustrated really beautifully within the book, but if you are a visual learner, you are going to love being able to see these techniques done right before your eyes. It's kind of like having a private, one-on-one sewing lesson! I take you through gathering, how to make your own bias binding, how to apply bias binding, how to make your own custom piping, how to insert piping into seams, lined garment construction techniques and the list goes on and on. Let's just say I didn't have a hard time talking for well over an hour.

The second DVD is all about pairing pattern fabrics and trims.......my favorite! Also, I show you how to transform my Charlotte Apron Dress pattern into this darling embellished knot dress. I walk you through constructing the entire garment as well as how to apply and make your own trims, how to use bias binding and so much more.

I thought you might like to see what the set looks like from a little farther back where you can see the cameras. There were three different cameras filming and moving at all different angles.

Here you can see how the three cameras are filming different angles. Kathy McMakin from Martha Pullen Company watched these screens as I filmed to make sure all the details of the instructions were caught on film. If something was missed during filming, the crew would go back and film it again without me saying anything to have the proper footage for editing. I don't know what I would have done with Kathy (and her side-kick Charlotte), they truly made this such a lovely, stress-free experience.

Here is a trim board where I talked about the different types of trims and how to use them.

Here is a super-cheesy picture of me with the lovely Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold Sewing and Embroidery Machine that I got to use during the show. This machine is such a dream. And I adore the folks over at Baby Lock......such a great company!

I had a truly wonderful time filming. I use to be a musical theatre major (singing, acting and dancing) and actually attended school at the College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, so it was strange to head back to the same city to be in front of the camera again. I finished my degree in Chicago as a finance major, but theatre, acting and stage will always have a big part of my heart.

I can't say I wasn't nervous to film these DVDs.......I was nervous, for sure. I wondered if I would choke under pressure or would stumble over my words? I tend to be a worrier and can get myself so worked up over things that are out of my control. So I tried to take a very relaxed approach. I had an outline for each one of my DVDs, but didn't have a script or use the teleprompter that was provided. I simply pictured myself in the classroom teaching a sewing class and told the camera everything I wanted the students to learn. It felt natural and organic and not at all rehearsed or forced........let's just hope it comes across that way on screen. I haven't seen any of the footage yet, so fingers crossed!

Martha Pullen herself flew in to film with Joan Hinds (author 'All Dolled Up' and many other doll clothing books) who was filming right after me and Kari Mecca (Sewing with Whimsy) flew in the day before I left too. It was a special time to get to visit with all these women who share the same passion and love for sewing as I do. To even be considered as part of their circle was just such an honor. I found myself at dinner the night before I left taking a moment to take it all in and be truly present in the moment. I thought, wow, I want to remember this night and experience forever.

Pin It

Scalloped Envelope Clutch ~ Free Pattern and Tutorial

This was a project I shared a while back over at Riley Blake Designs and in case you missed it, I'm bringing it home.

When I came across this printed cross-stitch fabric, I just new it would be perfect for some type of bag. It's from the 'Hipster' cotton line and I'm absolutely in love with these prints. Envelope clutches seem to be all the rage right now and I have a thing for scalloped edges, so put them together and what do you get? A Scalloped Envelope Clutch Tutorial. Let's get started.......

Scalloped Envelope Clutch Tutorial

by Lindsay Wilkes from The Cottage Mama

Fabric Line: 'Hipster' cottons by Riley Blake Designs

Supplies:

1 yard exterior fabric

1 yard lining fabric

**if you have a non-directional print you can get away with only a half yard of each print and cut the pattern on the horizontal.

1/2 yard fusible interfacing

1 button
Free pattern piece found HERE

Instructions:

ALL SEAM ALLOWANCES 1/2", UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

Step 1: Assemble your pattern. This pattern is very easy. All you need is 8.5" x 11" sheets of paper. Print out your scallop piece from the free pattern included above in the supplies list and cut it out. Then place two 8.5" x 11" sheets with the longs sides flush next to each other and tape them together, then place the straight edge of the scallop piece flush up against one of the sheets of paper and tape them together. Now you have your Scallop Envelope Clutch pattern. You may need to angle cut the paper attaching to the scallop piece depending on how your printer prints out the pattern piece.

Step 2: Apply fusible interfacing to the back of the two fabrics you are using. Do so according to manufacturers instructions. You can use any interfacing you would like, but just remember that the thicker the interfacing, the sturdier this will be as a clutch.

Also, if you would like to use this as a case for a kindle or other electronic device, you could apply fusible fleece to the backsides of the fabric as well. 

     

Step 3: Cut out your pattern pieces. You need one in the exterior fabric and one in the lining. Fold up the bottom of the clutch so that it comes up to the bottom of the scallops with the right sides together.

Step 4: Sew along both straight sides. Do this for the lining and exterior pieces. Clip the corners at an angle to remove bulk.

Step 5: Turn the interior lining piece right side out and press.

Step 6: At this point the exterior piece is still wrong side out. Take the lining piece and tuck it down inside the exterior piece. This will make it so that the right sides are together.

Step 7: You'll need to leave a little part open across the front of the clutch so go ahead and mark this with your fabric marking pen so you won't forget.

Step 8: Sew the exterior and the lining together all the way around the scallops. Start where the side seams end and go all the way up, around and back down to the other side seam.

Step 9: Clip around the scallops. Use pinking shears or scissors and clip the seam allowance down and cut each dip in the scallop. You need to cut almost to the stitching at the dips of the scallops, otherwise they will not turn out nicely. If they aren't laying flat when you turn your clutch right side out, that is probably the problem.

Step 10: Sew across the front of the clutch, making sure to leave that one section open that we already marked. Your stitches across the front should meet up with the stitches you did for the scallops. Clip out the extra fabric in the corner so that it turns out nicely. Cut down to the stitches, but making sure not to go through them. Make sure to move the back of the clutch out of the way so you don't catch it in your seam.

Step 11: Turn the clutch right side out by pulling the fabric through the opening. Tuck the lining down into the exterior, making sure to neatly tuck in the corners.

Step 12: Press out the scallops. Sometimes you really have to 'work out' the scallops with your iron to make them look nice. Try rolling the seams out with your fingers......that always works well for me. And press, press, press!

Step 13: Press under the little section you left open so that it is in line with the center front of the clutch.

Step 14: Run a row of topstitching across the front of the clutch to close the opening. You could also topstitch around the scallops as well, but make sure you go slowly because if those stitch lines don't look good, they will definitely show on the front side of the clutch.

Step 15: Make a buttonhole on the center scallop based on the size of your button and according to your machines instructions. Open the buttonhole.

Step 16: Close the top scallop piece and mark for your button placement. Hand or machine sew your button in place.

 

And now look......you have a completed Scalloped Envelope Clutch!

Feel free to adjust the measurements. Wouldn't this make an adorable case for your ipad using fusible fleece for padding? So many options!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

Pin It

Daphne Wrap Dress and Top Pattern from The Cottage Mama: Now Available!

And here it is........the final pattern in The Cottage Mama summer collection of sewing patterns. The Daphne Wrap Dress and Top (size 6 month - size 10) is now available in PDF and will be available in paper around the end of June!

Daphne Wrap Dress and Top

SIZE 6 MONTH - SIZE 10

DESCRIPTION:

The Daphne Wrap Dress and Top is the perfect casual wardrobe essential for your little one. It is a semi-fitted, A-line, wrap dress that is fully lined, wraps around back and is secured with two buttons in back and two buttons in the front. View A can be made as a dress or top and has a pieced front with a curved yoke and an adorable ruffle or piping added into the seam. Optional piping trims the entire dress for amazing attention to detail. View B, the Daphne pocket dress, has a solid dress front with a sweet kangaroo style pocket. And View C, is the solid dress variation, which can easily be made reversible with the addition of more buttons or snaps on the lining. View C can also be cut as a top for perfect pairing with pants or capris.

All design variations are fully lined with contrasting fabric for total comfort for your little one. This is great pattern for confident beginner sewers and offers many ways to get creative with your design!

Here is my sweet Savannah Rose wearing the new Daphne Dress (View A) that I made for her. This piece is perfect for spring and summer and will transition beautifully into fall and winter by layering it with long sleeves and tights or leggings.

The Daphne Wrap Dress and Top Pattern has so many different possibilities. You can make it as a dress or top. You can do a solid front, or a pieced front with ruffle or piping or do a solid front with a kangaroo pocket. The pattern also includes tips and tricks on how to use piping throughout the entire garment. Piping is entirely optional, but it's a sweet little way to add some interest and detail!

This pattern is a really quick sew. I think you will be surprised how quickly it comes together!

Here is my little Matilda sporting her new summer play outfit. You can pair the Daphne Wrap Dress and Top with the new Skip and Play Pants and Capris Pattern (Size 6 month - size 10) from The Cottage Mama. This version was made using piping around the top of the garment and an additional loopy trim around the hem. The capris are made from woven cotton and seersucker.

The front yoke on View A of the Daphne Wrap Dress and Top offers a great spot for embellishment. Here is a version from Katie Romagosa (Leave You In Stitches) where she added a machine embroidered monogram. You can also see how adorable this dress is layered with long sleeves!

The Daphne pattern also has a kangaroo style pocket (View B).  This is another fun variation that gives the dress an entirely different look! The two above are from Katie Romagosa (Leave You In Stitches) and Ellen Balzer (Ellzabelle).

This little cutie is wearing the Daphne Wrap Top with the Skip and Play Pants and Capris. This outfit was designed by Tanya Coffey (Sidewalk Chalk Designs).

And finally, I'll leave you with this little cutie from Crystal from Stitched by Crystal. This sweetie just melts my heart. She is absolutely precious in her Daphne Wrap Dress!

If you would like to purchase your own copy of the Daphne Wrap Dress and Top Pattern (Size 6 month - size 10), you can find it HERE.

Pin It