Easter Blessings

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March Finale....a tad early

Like I hope many of you will be, I will be soaking up this very special holiday weekend with my family, so I wanted to wrap up this month's project just a tad early. 

I have enjoyed sewing all the kitchen goodies this month and can not wait to have them delivered to The Love Kitchen! As far as I know, they have no idea at all that we have been sewing for them, so I hope it is a surprise that delights and encourages them!

You can see all the lovely donations for this month in our group album here. 

THANK YOU to all that participated and supported this month's project!

I hope you were blessed as you looked for ways to "Serve those that Serve".

Now, I am already about to BUST at the seams to share April's project, so be sure and meet me back here Monday for all the details!!!!!!! OoooooooEeeeeeeeee.....it's gonna be good! :)

Pattern Review - Girls Fleece Coat by Bumbleberries Boutique

If your weather is like ours these days, it's looking like a chilly Easter weekend. This little coat is the perfect addition to any little girl's ensemble! It's cozy and ruffly...what more can a girl ask for?

This is the newly released Girls Fleece Coat pattern from Bumbleberries Boutique.

This is an absolutely adorable coat! A unique and girly style with options for ruffle collar, ruffle sleeves and rosette accents. The pattern also includes a matching Ear Warmer. (not seen here)

I had never tried to gather fleece, and my machine struggled with it a bit, so my collar doesn't have as many gathers as intended. I folded under the extra in front as you can see in the photograph. I had this perfectly matching ruffle ribbon trim that I used in place of the fleece ruffles on the sleeves, and my machine cooperated much better with this. :) I also added the same trim along the front.

It's a full length coat, so you know your little one will be warm for those crisp spring days. The top-stitching provides such a nice looking and professional finish. Everyone that sees it compliments. This is definitely an intermediate level sewing pattern. Experience with sewing garments, as well as sewing with fleece recommended.

Conclusion....She loves this coat!

She wears it around the house and even took a nap with it on the other day! No joke! :)

Pretty. Girly. Comfortable to wear. 

SUMMARY
Sewing Experience Level: Intermediate
Size Range: Toddler Girls 1-4
Special Techniques: Sewing with fleece, gathering, sewing gathered fleece, sewing sleeves, lining,
Pattern Format: PDF
Materials Used: Anti-Pill Fleece, Cotton print for lining, Ruffle Ribbon Trim
Personal Notes: Gorgeous coat, great fit!

Sewing Essential - Bias Tape Maker

 Do you have one of these? I'm a relatively new user. I've always just made bias trim the old fashioned way...but NOT anymore!!! Nope...I love this thing! It's a definite Sewing Essential for sure! And it's available in a variety of sizes as well.

I was skeptical about how well it would work, and it exceeds all expectations. The Bias Tape Maker is super easy to use and makes beautiful bias tape QUICKLY!

Here's how....

First, fold the end of your fabric strip into a point. Insert into the back of your bias tape maker. With a pointed object, carefully pull the strip through the tool using the slot on the top to access it. 

Once through, make sure your strip is entering the back of your bias tape maker evenly. You'll want to check this occasionally as you work too. As you pull on the loop pictured on the left below, your folded tape will begin to come out of the front of your tool. Iron the folds as they do.

 Before you know it, you'll have yards and yards of beautiful trim ready to use. 

You can go ahead and iron the folded strips in half again to make your finished tape if you choose. 

This is the method I used to make the ties for the fat quarter aprons I've made for this month's project. 

Making bias trim just got fun!

The Bias Tape Maker.....an easy to use, practically efficient sewing essential.

For other handy gadgets I like to keep on hand in my sewing space, see the Sewing Essentials page at the top of the blog. 

Pattern Review - Ruffle Sun Hat by Whimsy Couture

I've got the perfect little Spring & Summer hat pattern to share with you today!

It's the new Ruffle Sun Hat by Whimsy Couture. 

 This is a super quick and easy sew!

I think it would be a perfect beginner project that would allow for practice threading elastic too.

I made the one for my Lil' Miss in Easter fabrics, with a removable bow on the solid side, so she can wear it even after the holiday. The instructions for making the big bow are included with the pattern too!

And, it's reversible!

She loves wearing it, so I'm going to have to take a few minutes and make her a summery one too. 

My 11 year old has even requested one....and she looks just as sweet as her little sis wearing it!

CUTE! CUTE! CUTE!

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Beginner

Size Range: Newborn - Adult

Special Techniques: Elastic casing, threading elastic.

Pattern Format: PDF

Materials Used: Cotton solids & prints for the hat and bow. X-Large Ric Rac for the accent trim on the solid side. The monogram pin serves as the removable attachment for the bow.
Personal Notes: Fast, fun sew, adorable finish!

Pinterest - RAVE Recipe Reviews!!!

I love using Pinterest as a way to easily store and organize recipes I'm interested in. It's got to be hands-down the easiest way to find it when I want it! 

Here's a few we've recently tried that our family loved....

A long time favorite of ours that we just recently had again, Sweet & Sour Meatballs from Him & Hers. You can also find the recipe for one of our favorite sides to go with this, Cornbread Salad, here. 

I'm tellin' ya.....YUM!

We always, always seem to have leftover mashed potatoes and I was tired of seeing those thrown out and started looking for ways to use them up. This one is super yummy and a crowd pleaser here! Bacon Cheddar Potato Cakes from allrecipes.com....I'm sure they are great with the added bacon, but no one has seemed to miss it!

pic from Pinterest

OH MY YUM!!!! This may be the most delicious new recipe I've tried in as long as I can remember! It may also be the only way I ever eat Brussel Sprouts again....yes....loved it that much! 

Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Bacon & Garlic from Morsels and Musings.

pic from recipe link 

Looking for a simple & satisfying dessert? Try the Peanut Butter Bars from Happy Hour Projects. Mmmmmmm! They are thick and cake-like and not overly sweet. PERFECT with a tall glass of ice cold milk!

And what's in the crock-pot for this morning.....

pic from Pinterest

Some appley oatmeal goodness from the fabulousfoodblog.com. I'll have to report back after we've eaten! :) Smells delightful though!!!!!

HUNGRY????

Do you have a favorite recipe we should try? Please, share in the comments!

Check out all the tempting recipes on my list to try, on my "In The Kitchen" pin board here. 

Visit me at Sew Can She!!!

I'm so excited to be sharing my Crazy Love Curtains tutorial at Sew Can She today!

Stop by and say hello ok!?! :)

Petite Kids Boutique GIVEAWAY!!!

We are so thankful for our consistent and longtime sponsors! Their regular support allows Hopeful Threads to reach so much farther than we could on our own. They understand that what we are doing is important and want to be a part of the impact we make....and I am so grateful for that!

Today, I have a giveaway for you from one of these fabulous businesses, Petite Kids Boutique!

Petite Kids patterns are high-quality PDF patterns that include a variety of photos of the step-by-step instructions and finished garment. The patterns are perfect for beginner seamstresses as well as those with more experience. Her designs are unique and wearable and always a hit with my kids!

With the warm months ahead, this is the next one on my list to sew...

I LOVE that the shorts are sewn-in so my Lil' Miss can be prissy and playful all at the same time.
Very important when you are nearly 3! ;)

Another couple of my favorites for Spring & Summer...

She offers a great selection and bundle discounts as well!
Visit the Petite Kids shop here.

Now....

You have the chance to WIN a Pattern Bundle made up of your 4 favorite Petite Kids PDF patterns!!!

The giveaway is open to all eligible! Simply follow the Rafflecopter prompts below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
Winner will be announced/emailed 3/27/13 and given 48 hours to respond and claim their prize or an alternate will be selected.

Thank you Petite Kids Boutique, for providing such lovely patterns for us to sew with, for your consistent support of Hopeful Threads and for this super giveaway!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL! 

Bibs in ALL Sizes...did you get the FREE pattern?

Just wanted to make sure that you all saw that Bonnie over at Fishsticks Designs modified the pattern from last month's project to include infant and toddler sizes as a gift to all of us for sewing so many beautiful bibs! :) You can get it on her blog here. Thanks Bonnie!

The pattern now includes sizes Infant, Toddler, Big Kid & Adult, covering all possible needs.

I was thrilled to see this! 

My Lil' Man needed some new bibs and he really doesn't like that scratchy velcro on most of the store bought bibs....soooooo.....this weekend I used this fabulous pattern in the Infant size to whip him up a soft & squishy stack of new bibs. They were quick to make and turned out absolutely adorable I think!

 I layered mine with a print flannel, a hidden layer of Killington Flannel (my absolute FAVORITE flannel!) and each was backed with a soft blue fleece. In addition to making them even more soft and squishy, the fleece also acts as a leak-resistant barrier which is GREAT for my lil' spitter! ;) 

I really like that the snap is on the side too. This makes it easier to put on and also keeps him from having anything hard to potentially lay on and be uncomfortable.

I think I've found my GO-TO bib pattern for all ages and occasions!

Thanks again Bonnie!