Monthy Finale - September!

This has been a whirlwind busy month around here! No single specific reason, but lots and lots going on! How about you all? Summer go out with a bang for you?

Being in the mountains of East TN, this is one of the most beautiful times of year! Time to slow things down a little. Start planning for the cooler, holiday months ahead. And, this is what we have to look forward to in just a few weeks...

Yes. We are so spoiled! I love fall! Especially here! The mountains truly burst with color!

Now, as for our September project and the monthly finale, here's what I have to share...

Baby Girl Layette

 Baby Boy Layette

I'll be delivering these along with some extra baby items and toys to our local crisis pregnancy center. They are always so grateful for donations and we are delighted to support their work!

If you have a baby to sew for anytime soon, you'll have to make sure and check back through all the great links this month! Loads of free patterns/tutorials for adorable baby items!

I've had a special request for an item in need that will be the monthly project for October. Gathering details and free pattern links and I'll make the project announcement Monday, so I hope you'll stop by to take a peek!

Oh yea, and if you didn't see my post on facebook yesterday, Create H.O.P.E. Designs has officially launched their first collection of patterns to support China Little Flower. Make sure to pop over and check them out! The patterns are all wonderful and ONLY $5 each! All the proceeds go to China Little Flower to support their hospice care home for orphans. PLUS...they are kicking off the launch with a pretty amazing giveaway you'll want to enter too! ;)

Happy Fall Ya'll!!!

Pattern Review - Butterfly Kisses Olivia Skirt

This week I've had the privilege of sewing for my girls. They are some of my favorite people to sew for! As always, they must have input regarding fabric and pattern selection. "Sister A" chose the darling Olivia Skirt by Jina Barney of Butterfly Kisses Patterns. 

I bought this pattern quite a while ago, but this was my first time using it. It certainly won't be my last though!!! I ran into a question when I first started, and wanted to make sure I understood clearly before moving ahead, so I emailed Jina. Yep, she's one of those great designers that puts an email address right on her patterns for this very reason. And, she responded promptly to my questions to help me get on my way with my project. My daughter and I couldn't have been more pleased with the end results either! The twirl appeal of this skirt is irresistible!

The skirt came together beautifully! Jina's approach teaches some sewing techniques that were new to me even having sewn similar style products before. Techniques that made the sewing assembly easier, more enjoyable and the finished product even more attractive. These are techniques I will apply to other sewing projects in the future and I am thankful to have learned them through this pattern.

And since a skirt this cute totally deserved a matching top...

"Sister A" helped choose her favorite prints on the fabric we were using and we created a one-of-a-kind applique. Then, I hand-stitched the words "bon voyage", including tiny buttons for the o's. The round button even has little stitch marks around it that match the applique stitching, too cute!!! I also added her initial to the luggage tag and a tiny heart button to the suitcase. Yes, I think I may be in love with this outfit! It matches my sweet girl's personality and style perfectly!

Now to get something made equally fitting for her sisters! So until then...

Bon Voyage!

Pattern: Olivia Skirt by Butterfly Kisses Patterns

Fabric: Bon Voyage Collection from Timeless Treasures

Be A Voice WINNERS!!!

What an exciting giveaway this has been!!!

 Thank you to all that have taken the time to enter and show your support of the outreach efforts of Be A Voice. And, Thank YOU, Be A Voice, for what you are doing to help others and for allowing us the privilege of being a part through this awesome giveaway!

The 9 Winners randomly selected are...

•   Lindsay Conner ... 2
• Pat V. ... 24
• wanda f ... 35
• Robin Quick ... 5
• ani hearts japan ... 16
• Briana Richardson ... 14
• More Kids 4 Me ... 9
• baglady ... 25
• R Carter ... 51

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Each of you will be receiving one of the following pieces from the Be A Voice collection...

 Watch your email (or spam!) as I'll be sending each of you a message shortly to get your addresses for shipping. Winners have 48 hours to respond or alternate winners will be selected.

Thank you again Be A Voice!
We hope your outreach continues to grow and touch lives across the globe!

Other Layette Possibilities w/ Links!

Of course there are lots of other tiny gifts that are a perfect addition to any layette. Here are a few you can consider with links to free tutorials/patterns.

Bib from sewpony

 Diaper Clutch from A Lemon Squeezy Home

Burpcloth from Diary of a Quilter

Pacifier Pocket from Make It-Love it

No-Scratch Mittens from Obsessively Stitching

Receiving Blanket from Sew Much Ado

and another from Piece N Quilt

All kinds of sewing fun to be had for babies!

Thanks to all the bloggers that take time to share their tutorials free, we enjoy them!

Booties for my layette sets

While we didn't get to go to the actual Walk For Life this weekend due to half our bunch being sick, I did get some snuggly lil' booties made to go with each of my layette sets.

I used the free New Conceptions pattern and some pastel rainbow microfleece from my stash. If you've never used microfleece, also known as microchamois, it is so creamy soft! Perfect for baby! The pattern is very easy to follow, and while the tiny pieces do take a little extra time and patience to assemble, the finished product is so cute you won't mind!

 See!? Aren't these tiny things sooooo cute!?!?!

Great thing is they look like they will really stay on too! It was always so hard to find socks that would stay on my babies when they were small.

These certainly add a sweet touch to the layette sets and would make a darling gift by themselves as well!
Personally, I think I'd like a pair in my size! :)

**Reminder** - Be A Voice Giveaway! 9 WINNERS!

I couldn't be more excited to introduce this new outreach to you!

I regularly like to share links on facebook to businesses who are using what they have to make a difference, and Be A Voice is a business doing just that!

Be A Voice was started by a husband and wife team who have a heart for orphans and understand first hand the obstacles of international adoption. (they are in the process of bringing their second child home now!) Since they have already successfully created and been operating a jewelry business, Quantum Jewelry, based on their own jewelry designs, it just made sense that they would design special pieces to sell for the purpose of orphan care/poverty support.

So became...

Since they also understand that one of the most significant obstacles for those considering adoption is often finances, they will be offering fundraising opportunities for adopting families. If you are in the adoption process or considering beginning and are looking for a creative fundraising outlet, you'll want to check this out!

I first learned of them when I purchased this gorgeous Cuff Bracelet during an adoption fundraising auction.

Now...To help get the word out, they'd like to offer a HUGE GIVEAWAY to you all!

These are the first 9 pieces of jewelry that have been designed and are for sale at Be A Voice...

The collection includes bracelets, a necklace & earrings set, a pin/brooch, a bookmark & an ornament, so really, there is something for everyone! You can check out the details of each piece here.

Be A Voice is giving away ALL NINE!!!

Go HERE To Get Entered!

Layette - Baby Booties

Is there anything that says "BABY" quite like Booties?

I don't think so!

They are so tiny and adorable and well, you just want to squeeze 'em they're so cute!

I've gathered a tempting assortment of free patterns and tutorials to make a selection of irresistibly cute lil' foot covers! You can link directly to each designer's blog/website below.

Kimono Baby Shoes from Homespun Threads, wouldn't these pair perfectly with the Kimono Gown! She offers several other bootie patterns free on her blog too. Crazy level of cuteness here!

Heather Bailey offers a PDF for these darling Bitty Booties

New Conceptions offers a PDF for their 3 Seam Baby Footies

You can make these vintage style Felt Baby Shoes with the pattern from Pattern Bee.

And for those who crochet,

Crochet Booties PDF from JoAnn Fabric & Craft Stores

Anyone else getting the baby "itch" here????

Kathy's Lace & Elastic Outlet WINNER!!!

Huge THANKS to Kathy's Lace & Elastic Outlet for offering this 

$30 Surprise Sewing Supplies Giveaway!!!

The lucky winner of this great prize is

Christy ... 9

Who said: I follow you, and I would love some of the baby elastic for head bands! Thanks for the giveaway!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Watch your email (or spam) for a message from me so I can get your information to Kathy so she can ship out your fun prize, so you can get to creating!

Thanks to all of you who entered!

And remember to check out the latest giveaway from Be A Voice!

Be A Voice - Intro & Giveaway!!! 9 WINNERS!!!

I couldn't be more excited to introduce this new outreach to you!

I regularly like to share links on facebook to businesses who are using what they have to make a difference, and Be A Voice is a business doing just that!

Be A Voice was started by a husband and wife team who have a heart for orphans and understand first hand the obstacles of international adoption. (they are in the process of bringing their second child home now!) Since they have already successfully created and been operating a jewelry business, Quantum Jewelry, based on their own jewelry designs, it just made sense that they would design special pieces to sell for the purpose of orphan care/poverty support.

So became...

Since they also understand that one of the most significant obstacles for those considering adoption is often finances, they will be offering fundraising opportunities for adopting families. If you are in the adoption process or considering beginning and are looking for a creative fundraising outlet, you'll want to check this out!

I first learned of them when I purchased this gorgeous Cuff Bracelet during an adoption fundraising auction.

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR ALL THE PARTICIPATION! WINNER POST TO FOLLOW.

Now...To help get the word out, they'd like to offer a HUGE GIVEAWAY to you all!

These are the first 9 pieces of jewelry that have been designed and are for sale at Be A Voice...

The collection includes bracelets, a necklace & earrings set, a pin/brooch, a bookmark & an ornament, so really, there is something for everyone! You can check out the details of each piece here.

Be A Voice is giving away ALL NINE!!!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR ALL THE PARTICIPATION! WINNER POST TO FOLLOW.

That's right, there will be 9 winners! One winner for each piece pictured.

And there are lots of chances for you to get entered!!!

1. LIKE Be A Voice on Facebook
2. FOLLOW the Be A Voice Blog
3. FOLLOW Be A Voice on Twitter
4. SUBSCRIBE to get Be A Voice Email Updates
5. ADD a Be A Voice Button to your blog sidebar

One Entry for Each of these you do!!!

+++PLUS+++

SHARE about this giveaway on your own blog, facebook or twitter and get an ADDITIONAL ENTRY EVERY DAY YOU SHARE between now and September 28th when the giveaway closes! Just come back and leave a comment each day you share with the link to where you shared.

WOW! Isn't that great?!?!?
What they are doing is great and I'm honored to get to be a part of spreading the word!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR ALL THE PARTICIPATION! WINNER POST TO FOLLOW.


Make sure to leave EACH COMMENT SEPARATELY. Free Shipping included for US entrants. International entrants welcome with the understanding that you will be responsible for shipping cost if you win. Winners will be announced here Wednesday, September 28th. PLEASE make sure to leave a way for me to contact you in case you win. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or alternate winners will be selected. ***Please also make sure you are following the entry guidelines otherwise your comment will not be counted and will be removed.***

Thank you Be A Voice! Thank you for caring with your lives, for using what you have to help others and for providing this amazing giveaway to help get the word out!
May your efforts be blessed abundantly!