Sassy CIRCA Scrappy Sack!

 Have you seen this fun Fishsticks Designs pattern? 

This was my first time sewing the Scrappy Sack and my first time cutting into my beloved Circa fabric from Sis Boom, and I'm so glad to have paired these two! There are also some Sis Boom prints included from other collections, one of the things I absolutely LOVE about Jennifer Paganelli's fabrics is how beautifully they cross-coordinate! 

This special bag is for my oldest daughter and not only does she love it, it is perfectly her style! From the messenger style strap to the gorgeous girly fabrics, this one is just right for her!

  In addition to the multiple pockets on the outside of the bag, there is also a divided inner pocket perfect to hold pens, a mirror, lip gloss or other small, hard to find items. No having to dig around!

I did all of the stitching in a bold pink thread and was so pleased with the added touch it created.   

Find the Scrappy Sack pattern in the Fishsticks Designs shop HERE!

Today is the last day of Market and we'll be homeward bound tomorrow. Can hardly wait to see my crew!!!! :) Hope you are all having a great start to your week!

Just a few days left to wrap up our October Project and we'll be kicking of a new project and our LAST specific sewing project of the year on Friday!!! You don't want to miss it....it's a very special one! 

Pattern Review - Pajama Party PJs from Fishsticks Designs

This is the first time I've made the Pajama Party PJs, but I can guarantee it won't be the last! 

As a matter of fact, seeing as how there are 2 of this pattern that covers sizes from 12 months -14 years I'm thinking this might just be the perfect pattern for some gorgeous Christmas jammies for my crew this year!

All of the little details make this an unmistakably attractive sewing project. I loved the crisp, tailored finish! The cuffs on the arms and legs along with the pocket option allow for the perfect use of complimentary accent fabrics. 

 

I chose to use plastic KAM snaps for the closure on this pair, but the instructions provided will walk you through using metal snaps or sewing buttons and button holes. 

As with all Fishsticks Designs patterns, the instructions are very thorough, providing step-by-step photos for the entire process. A beginner seamstress willing to take his/her time and ready and follow would have no trouble at all sewing this sweet set! And I'm sure would be proud of and inspired by their finish. 

Find the Pajama Party PJs in the Fishsticks Designs shop HERE.

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Beginner

Size Range: 12M - 14Y

Special Techniques: Sewing Elastic Casing for waistband, adding snaps or buttons, adding sleeves.

Pattern Format: PDF or Paper

Materials Used: The playful cotton fabrics I've used are from the Little Surfer Boy collection by Jamie Wood for Clothworks. 

Personal Notes: Stunning finish with this pattern! Excellent, easy-to-follow instructions. Possibly to become my favorite PJ pattern!

A FALLish Katie J. Jumper

 This isn't my first time sewing this adorable dress pattern, but I did try out a new version! This time, in addition to making a reversible garment, I also added the Double-Layered option. This option gives a band finish on one side and offers a lovely layered look on the reverse. 

 My Lil' Miss can hardly wait for me to get home from Texas just so she can wear her "Bunny Dress"! :) She's been asking daily since I finished it if today was the day she would get to wear it. :) She has loved wearing her other Katie J. Jumper, so I know she will love this one as well. 

The fabrics I've used for this fall version are organic cottons designed by Penguin & Fish for Clothworks. They are absolutely silky soft! The prints are so precious and include all your favorite woodland creatures like raccoons, hedgehogs, foxes and owls. Oh...and of course, bunnies! ;)

See my other Katie J. Jumper HERE!

Find the Katie J. Jumper in the Fishsticks Designs pattern shop HERE!

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Confident Beginner/Intermediate

Size Range: 6M - 5T

Special Techniques: For this version, sewing with elastic, making elastic casing, sewing a reversible garment. Gathering.

Pattern Format: PDF or Paper

Materials Used: The adorable fabrics I've used are from the Critter Patch collection by Alyssa Thomas of Penguin & Fish for Clothworks. 

Personal Notes: Still LOVE this pattern! All of the different features make is a fresh and unique garment each time you sew!  

GO FISH! - New "Quick-Sew" pattern collection from Fishsticks Designs!

While I'm hangin' with my Fishsticks Designs friends at Market, thought I'd share some of the sewing I did in prep. Today, I'm starting with some of the NEW Go Fish! patterns I helped test for their debut at Market. This is not only a new series for Fishsticks Designs, but it's also a whole new product. The Go Fish patterns are quick sewing, instant gratification kind of projects. They can be purchased as PDF -OR- very soon, in print as tri-fold sewing cards! Each one I've made went together in a snap and still produced that same high-quality finish you've come to know and expect from sewing with Fishsticks Designs. 

This is my version of The On-the-Go Travel Pillow. 

 The pillows have an envelope style back making for easy washing, a handle for carrying and a pocket front for storing all those goodies that need to go alone with you or your kiddo. 

The Fun-to-Go Kids Tote is probably my favorite of the whole collection!

  This sturdy tote has room enough for all those trinkets the little ones like to tote with them wherever they go, plus can be a great grab and go tote for your older kids, teens or even yourself! It's a great finished size of approximately 13" x 12" and the zip front pocket is perfect for keys or snacks or any other number of items you like to keep nearby. 

The Go Bake Something Apron is a quick and keep yourself clean project to make for the chef in your life! It offers a tie waist for easy, adjustable fit and plenty of pocket room.

Check out ALL the Go Fish patterns at Fishsticks Designs here. 

Happy Sewing!

To Market! To Market!

YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEE-HAW!!!!!!
I'm so excited! :)

I'm heading to Houston, Texas QUILT MARKET later this week with my friends Bonnie and Leigh from Fishsticks Designs!!!

I have had the privilege to get to know Bonnie through our blogging and sewing together and am so very thankful to call her my friend! She's such a beautiful and creative person who loves her family in a contagious way! We actually had the chance to meet up with our kiddos earlier this year for a fun museum and lunch day, and it was like we had known one another all our lives. Kindred Spirits for sure! While Leigh and I "know" each other in the on-line world, this will be the first time for us to meet in person. Can't wait!!! I know we are going to have a GREAT time together working on the set up and presentation of the FABULOUS Fishsticks Designs booth and all of Bonnie's awesome patterns, including the NEW "Go Fish" collection.....you've seen those right??? :)

 

If you are going to Market, please stop by and see us! We are at Booth #2057, conveniently located near one of the restrooms! :) I'm looking forward to meeting many more online friends and sponsors IN PERSON while there too! Maybe I should warn you though....one thing you should know about me....

 :) It's that "Mama" part of me that's true to my core!

OH! And I'll be sharing some of the sewing I've been doing in preparation of our trip while I'm away, but if you'd like to keep up with our day to day happenings, be sure and follow along on my facebook page here. 

Friends, fabric and patterns as far as the eye can see....it's sure to be a BLAST! :)

The Runaround Pants by Fishsticks Designs - Jersey Love Blog Tour & Giveaway!

 

Today is my stop on the fun & comfy Jersey Love Blog Tour!

I'm so excited to share the fabulous new Fishsticks Designs Runaround Pants pattern I had the privilege to sew, using the scrumptious new knits from Riley Blake Designs!

I chose to make the Runaround Pants for my 6 year old son. He's always asking for pants/shorts with "no buttons or zips", and that's getting increasingly harder to find the older he gets. These not only perfectly fit the order, but they are stylish too!

Now, I think I should share up front that I'm not especially experienced sewing with knits. As a matter of fact, I tend to avoid it most often. I know....I need to GET OVER IT, especially considering that I have this really great friend that creates all kinds of wonderful sewing patterns using knits! 

I love knit fabrics.......everyone in my family loves wearing knit clothing.....but the stretch always throws me off and my machine often like to "eat" them. This pattern was so easy to follow and such fun to make, and this fabric so nice to work with, that they have seriously helped me to loose some of my apprehensions and even start looking for more ways to sew knits! YAY!!!!! :)

I absolutely LOVE the layers of these pants! They are easy to add since most edges remain raw, and the thickness of the multiple layers actually made them easier to sew for me.

 Pockets! Pockets! Pockets! 

My Lil' Guy immediately counted and began to fill all the pockets!

**MOM NOTE** Be sure to check ALL pockets before washing! ;)

 And the comfy, stretch waistband is right up his ally!

(Such a kissy tummy!)

If you are looking for a no-fuss, easy to wear and fun to sew pattern, you're going to love this one! Especially since it offers such unique ways to create a stylish and wearable garment for boys. 

Find the Runaround Pants pattern here.

Be sure to check out all the other incredible blogs on the tour! They are each sharing their own Jersey Love creations, and there might just be a few chances to win some of the awesome new Fishsticks Designs patterns! ;)

Be sure to join us for every stop on the Jersey Love Blog Tour!

Tuesday, 8/13: Call Ajaire & Rock the Stitch

Wednesday, 8/14: imagine gnats & Busy, Beautiful and On a Budget

Thursday, 8/15: Shaffer Sisters & Blue Susan Makes

Friday, 8/16: Rooibos Mom & Mama Says Sew

Tuesday, 8/20: Designs by Sessa & Hopeful Threads

Wednesday, 8/21: Making More with Less & Sew Can She

Thursday, 8/22: Crafty Hour & Winter Wonderings ... Wanderings & Whatnot

Friday, 8/23: Little Kids Grow & Max California

Oh! And if you'd like to WIN a copy of the Runaround Pants pattern, here's your chance! Just follow the Rafflecopter prompts below. Open to all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pattern Review - The Buttons & Buckles Shortalls by Fishsticks Designs

 This adorable FAMILY project finish is for the youngest of our bunch. He's outgrowing all of his summer clothes already and it just got here! These were made using the Buttons & Buckles Overalls & Shortalls pattern by Fishsticks Designs. I started out with the intent of making just one of these little shortalls, but then the elephant print fabric arrived the day I was cutting and well.....I thought it was just perfect for this pattern!  So, our lucky Lil' Man has 2 super cute new outfits....with room to grow. :)

 The pattern goes together easily following the step-by-step instructions and photos included. Provides a clean and professional finish as well. I listed it as an "Intermediate" level pattern because the facing for the chest/shoulder area and the inseam snaps do require a little extra patience and garment assembly experience to get just right. 

I love the look of the little pockets and the opportunity to use coordinating fabrics. This sweet elephant and red swirl fabrics are part of the Bungle Jungle collection....a current favorite of mine! 

Being that the pattern is designed for little ones 4 and under, I LOVE that it includes a snap inseam. This of course makes for easier diaper changes....a MUST! I used plastic snaps for both the inseam and the shoulder straps. The pattern additionally offers instructions for button/button holes or buckle strap closures and snap tape for the inseam, so you can choose your preference and customize your sewing project. 

. 

Find the pattern in the Fishsticks Designs pattern shop here. 

SUMMARY

Sewing Experience Level: Intermediate

Size Range: Newborn - 4T

Special Techniques: Adding facing, snaps/snap tape, buttons/button holes, buckles.

Pattern Format: Paper or PDF

Materials Used: Cotton woven prints (Hellicopter print is from the Scoot collection and the elephant print from Bungle Jungle), plastic snaps for closure (KAM snaps from Assunta Store)

Personal Notes: Absolutely adorable outfit! This pattern offers lots of variations and is practically wearable for little ones. This is an "all seasons" pattern too with the shorts/overalls options, and can be worn with or without a shirt. 

Fishsticks Designs PDF Pattern GIVEAWAY!

How about a PDF pattern bundle giveaway perfect for FAMILY project sewing???

That's what I've got from Fishsticks Designs to offer 2 lucky folks today!

The 2 lucky winners of this giveaway will get to pick their 3 favorite Fishsticks Designs PDF patterns! Fishsticks Designs patterns are not only professionally written and drafted, but they are all the most comfortable and wearable clothing designs you can find! And for the WHOLE family! :)

See some of my Fishsticks Designs creations here...

....here....

....and here.

Now....on to the GIVEAWAY!

To enter, simply follow the Rafflecopter prompts below. Open to all eligible.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners will be announced here and emailed and asked to respond within 48 hours to claim their prize.

Good luck to all!
And a warm THANKS to Fishsticks Designs for your generosity and super cute sewing patterns!!

FAMILY Guest Post - Bonnie from Fishsticks Designs

I'm delighted to have Bonnie from Fishsticks Designs here to share a very special FAMILY post today!

 Hi, Everyone! I am so excited to get to visit Hopeful Threads today. I have gotten to know a lot of you already through the projects that I’ve worked on with Kristy, and I am in awe of your generosity. I wish I could invite you all over for dinner and fellowship . . . and lots of sewing, of course! Wouldn’t that be fun?
Did you know that I actually got to meet Kristy in person last month? My family and I took a little trip up north to visit my mother-in-law in West Virginia, and I snuck away with three of my children for a day. We met Kristy and her little ones for a museum visit and lunch, and we all had so much fun!
 
 I love that Kristy plans one month each year to encourage us to create specifically for our own families. I sew for my family almost every day, but, because I design sewing patterns for a living, I find that I easily fall into the rut of only sewing for business purposes instead of taking the time to focus on things that my family could really use or would really love. It’s good to regularly step away from outside responsibilities and remember that making memories with and for our families is far more important.
When I first started sewing for loved ones many years ago, I sewed really basic, simple quilts. I did so with the thought that I was creating something that would be enjoyed by the receiver, as well as something that would outlive me, something that my great-great-grandchildren would cherish because it was made with love by my hands. I was often frustrated, though, by mistakes that I made or little imperfections that made the perfectionist in me twitch a little.
 I have fond memories of the things my Granny sewed for my sister and me growing up. We had gorgeous handmade dresses and beautiful quilts, piles and piles of quilts. My Granny went to be with our Lord about 16 years ago now. Sadly, in my not-so-responsible younger days, I let most of those irreplaceable quilts slip out of my hands. (I have tears in my eyes now just thinking of how much I wish I’d realized then what it would mean to me now to have those back.) I do have this one yellow quilt that my Granny made for me, though.
 
 I don’t even remember when I received it – it feels like I’ve had it forever. I’m sure that I’ve looked at it hundreds of times and always thought it was perfectly constructed. It’s funny, though that as I was curled up under it one day, I happened to look down at a part of the back that was flipped over towards me, and I was surprised to see a little pucker in the quilting.
 
 In that little moment I was overwhelmed with the realization that this quilt was lovingly created by a real person. It wasn’t a product of a factory or an assembly line, but the work of the hands of someone who loved me and poured that love into this simple yellow quilt. We’re all beautiful and imperfect and life is beautiful and imperfect, and in that little imperfection, I found a lesson in letting go of the need for absolute perfection, for the sake of future generations.
 Don’t get me wrong. If you’re sewing to sell or sewing for competition or sewing for a living in any way, you simply must strive for flawless work, and, of course, I think we should all be working on improving our skills each time we sit down at the sewing machine. You don’t want to spend time sewing something that falls apart before it has time to even be passed down. I’m always going to correct any mistakes I make when sewing clothing simply because I want the recipient to want to wear it. It’s different, though when I’m working on a quilt or a stuffed animal, for example, for a loved one. I try to not be quite so quick to grab that seam ripper. I think those simple little imperfections give life and character to my work. It’s like leaving a story behind for future generations.

Thanks Bonnie, for sharing a glimpse into your home and family with us!