Hail to the Quinns!

Hi There,

I am just so happy to announce that Made for Mermaids patterns has just released their Quinn pattern in girls and women's version, isn't that amazing? Mommy and Me looks anyone? I hardly ever sew for myself so I was quick to jump in and made miss Julia and I matching looks using Michael Miller Fabrics Bed of Roses Collection, I can honestly say I love how they turned out!

The girl's pattern includes top, tunic and dress versions, I made 3!  First, a wonderful ruffled A-line tunic; Second, a top that matched the Mama version of mine and Third, a maxi dress using Art Gallery Fabrics' Pat Bravo Essentials, all the looks are just so special!

The A-line tunic version has a shorter bodice and it includes the options of elastic casing or shirring in the back, tie in straps and single or double ruffles ( I used my ruffler foot for the ruffles yay!) For this look I used Michael Miller Fabrics Tweet la Vie, a beautiful collection of soft colors full of femininity.

The top version has a shorter bodice as well and a gathered skirt that could easily be embelished with lace or rick rack trims, as you can see I chose a beautiful lace from my local Hobby Lobby and Michael Miller fabrics' Bed of Roses Collection.

For my third version I tried a maxi dress with pockets (yes, I have a little hoarder who goes around collecting things). This version has a longer bodice and two more rows of elastic casing or shirring in the back, adorable right?

I hope you get a chance to try this pattern, did I mention it is beginner friendly?

This pattern is available HERE

Until next time,

Paola

Easy School's Out Backpack

Hello there!

Are you feeling like summer is upon us? I have the feeling it will be here before I know it so I  started  getting ready for it, planning some of our little adventures to the zoo, museums and of course, the pool. With my kids getting older and bigger day by day, I assume they should be able to carry their own things, so I made them drawstring backpacks, a super easy project. I will share with you how I put it together.  The fabulous fabric is very appropriately called "School's Out" by Michael Miller Fabrics.

You will need:
1/2 yard of fabric
Twill tape or cording
Eyelet plier kit and eyelets
Interfacing
Basic sewing supplies and sewing machine.

Step 1
Cut 2 pieces of fabric 14" wide by 18" long. Cut an interfacing square, roughly 3" x 3" and cut in two, diagonally, forming two triangles. Iron each triangle to the bottom of one of the fabric pieces.
Step 2
Use your serger or a zig zag stitch to sew around all edges of each fabric piece.
Step 3
Pin the two fabric pieces, right sides together, leaving 2" at the top on each side, so you will start sewing 2" from the top and around the bag, stopping 2" before the top on the other side. Use a 3/8" seam allowance. Iron seams open and turn right side out.

Step 4

Starting at the top,  sew towards the bottom, catching the seam under. Stop 1/4" after the opening, lift your presser foot an turn, lower your presser foot and sew across, stop and turn sewing towards the top, catching the serged seam under.

Step 5
Turn Inside out and iron the top down 1". Sew along the bottom with a 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat on other side. Turn right side out and press, making sure bottom corners are neat. Your bag is almost ready!

Step 6

Use your ruler and chalk or disappearing ink marker to make a diagonal line along the bottom corner. Sew along the marked line. Repeat on other side. 

You can now use your pliers and make two holes, centering them inside the triangles created at the bottom corners.

Step 7

Cut your twill tape or cord to desired length. I cut 2 pieces 60" long for my little ones, but could make them longer as they grow. Use a bodkin to thread the tape through one of the openings at the top until it reaches the opposite side, then use the opening on that side to return to the original side. Repeat, staring on the opposite side. Tie the ends on a knot through the eyelets and you are done!

I am beyond excited at not having to carry everything anymore! Now these sweet kiddos can carry their own stuff everywhere. Hope you enjoy this quick project.

Love, 

Paola

* Fabric Courtesy of Michael Miller Fabrics