Accents by MeMe Mae: Knitted Headbands

My super sweet friend, Justina, is the owner and crafter of Accents by MeMe Mae.  You may remember I reviewed her turbans and elastic headbands and hair ties.

Today I am highlighting her new cable knitted headbands/ear warmers. She makes everything herself with tender loving care and I think it shows in her flawless products.

She has a variety of colors available.  The headband fits very comfortably over the ears and keeps them so toasty warm!

GreenstyleCreations Laurel

This weekend I finally sewed up the GreenstyleCreations Laurel tunic/dress.  I bought the pattern back in May as part of a bundle.  It's a knit cowl neck tunic or dress with sleeve length options.

E Beth Designs Palazzo Women's Pants

E-Beth Designs is apart of the new #sewfabsale women's winter bundle.  She just introduced the new Women's Palazzo pants!

What is this SewFabSale, you ask?  Well, it is 10 brand new women's winter patterns all for $29.95!  I'll let you do the math there, it's pretty simple and AFFORDABLE!
The kicker? The patterns are only available in the the bundle. You cannot buy the patterns individually right now.

 

Brownie Goose Lennon Blouse and Dress

Today I have the new Brownie Goose Lennon Dress.
I must confess, this is my first Brownie Goose pattern to sew!

Origins Make Up Reviews

I turn 30 next year.  I'm not worried about the number, but I don't like what age, babies, and so many sleepless nights are doing to my face-particularly my eyes.  Daddy Ali Cat has been notified that next July he will be purchasing filler injections for around my eyes. I also recommended that he start an HSA for my cosmetic procedures. 

I'm a huge proponent of any cosmetic enhancement.  I don't see it different than working out and eating healthy.  It makes me feel better about myself.  Vanity? Yes, it's my favorite sin.

Paisley Roots' All Spice Take 2

Back in September, I had the privilege of pattern testing for Paisley Roots' newest pattern, the All Spice.  For Ali's dress, I did the pin tuck pleats and the button up front. At the same time, I cut out a dress for Madeline but without the pin tucks and a zipper front.  Those pieces have been sitting on my cutting table for....over two months. I had some time yesterday, so I sewed it up!

It was 14F this morning.  Outside pictures were out of the question and I was rushed to get the girls off to school so I could blog about the dress before I started work.  Priorities!

Inside pictures are hard as it is, plus Madeleine wasn't being super cooperative....

















Went for a fun hem stitch

Vanity...

She loves the zipper!

Swoon Dallas Duffel Bag

Toss out that old dirty sock smelling gym bag and get yourself a Swoon Dallas Duffel.

Dakota Tablet Clutch by Swoon Patterns

Fabulous Swoon released another FREE pattern! This time, a quick and purposeful tablet clutch. Introducing Dakota, just in time for holiday travels or gifts.

Winter Pajamas

Baby, it's gettin' cold outside!

The nights have been chilly in these here parts. And the daytime weather seems to have taken a turn today as well.  I can't stand the thought of my babies being cold.  So in anticipation, I have begun making the girls' winter pajamas.

Swoon Amber Sewalong Day 4: Finish

Welcome back!  Last day!  You're almost done and today is super easy!

With the lining wrong side out and exterior right side out.  Put the exterior INTO the lining.

Swoon Charlotte City Tote

*The following post contains affiliate links.  I receive a portion of the sale when purchased through my link*

Oh my.  My last post was last month's Swoon Bonnie bucket bag.  

No point in dwelling.  

Introducing Swoon Charlotte!  She's a sleek city tote.

Swoon Amber Sewalong Day 3: Construct Interior

Day 3!  We will sew the interior.

Interior zipper pocket.

SMALL tote:

Fold one interior panel in half, width wise (hot dog style) to find the top middle.  Finger press to create a crease.  Along the middle crease on the WRONG SIDE, measure down 3" from the top.  Draw a 7" line (3.5" on either side of the middle crease).  Draw a second 7" line 1/2" below the first line.  Draw lines on either end, creating a rectangle (red lines).

Swoon Amber Sewalong Day 2: Construct Exterior

Day 2: Today we will be constructing the entire exterior.

Take the 4 zipper tabs.  Fold one short edge under 1/2" and press well.  Repeat with the three other zipper tabs.  If you have directional fabric, remember to fold 2 tabs one the left side and 2 tabs on the right side.
Picture shows the WRONG side of the tabs.

Swoon Amber Sewalong Day 1: Print, Cut, Interface

*This blog post contains affiliate links.  By purchasing an item through my affiliate link, I receive a portion of the sale amount.*

Welcome to the Swoon Amber sewalong!

Amber is a fold-over crossbody bag complete with an adjustable shoulder strap and two hand handles to transform into a full tote.

She has two sizes: small (11" wide) and large (14" wide).

As the sewalong progresses, feel free to ask questions or post progress pictures on the fabulous Swoon Patterns Facebook Group! Or send me an email at alicatcompany (at) gmail (dot) com.

This sewalong will span 4 easy days. Let's get started!

Swoon Bonnie

*This blog post contains affiliate links.  By purchasing a pattern through my link, I receive a portion of the sale.*

Today Swoon Sewing Patterns released Bonnie, a slouchy bucket bag.

If you buy any Swoon pattern, make sure it's Bonnie. Bonnie is the coolest of the cool.

DIY Spooky Halloween Mummy Pillow

Sew Liberated Explosion!

I have never been so excited about a blog post as I am today!
Back in July, I applied to be a pattern tester for Sew Liberated, an Indie paper pattern company.  Shockingly, I received an immediate response stating they would put me on the testers list AND asked if I would be interested in receiving a pattern to review.  Say WHA??? Little ol' me?  Speechless and YES!

Paisley Roots' All Spice-My Little Pony style

Hello and Happy Day!

Who's in the mood for something new? I get excited to see fresh ideas.

Paisley Roots' designer and owner Karly (winner of Project Run and Play Season 8!)
has a great eye for design and style.
She has just release her second pattern, the All Spice.

You can check out her first pattern-the Saffron.  I also made a knit version and have a tutorial for changing up the neckline.

Swoon Cardigan Sewing Tutorial

Irregular Hem Line

Straight Hem Line with Pockets

Download the FREE Swoon Cardigan pattern.  There is also a girl's version.  Then go over to the Swoon Fan Page and give Alicia a high five for making awesome free patterns.

Easy Beginner Blanket Tutorial

Who's tired of those damn no-sew tie blankets?  You and me both.

I find a clean finished blanket is much more professional.

And never mind that you loose 8 inches off the width and length of your fabric with the tied ends.

Solution:

Willow & Co. Senna Tote

I am apart of the Pattern Revolution Willow & Co. pattern round up.

The other team contributors did an amazing job (and stunning photography).

Check out the entire post here on Pattern Revolution.

Willow & Co.'s theme is Wanderlust Glamping and I wanted my Senna to fit right in.

Flowers, snakes, bees, and foxes.  

The only thing missing at this camp out is poison ivy.

Swoon Glenda

 This blog post contains affiliate links.  

I receive a percentage of the sale when purchased through my link. 

The August Swoon pattern is....GLENDA!

Uptown/Downtown Dress by Sew Straight and Gather

Oh have I the funnest dress for you today!



Sew Straight and Gather just released their Uptown/Downtown Dress!
Isn't it absolutely adorable?!
Also, "like" her on Facebook!

I have the greatest pleasure of being on the blog tour for this cute dress.

Golden Rippy-Delilah Top

Today I am happy to be apart of the Golden Rippy's Delilah blog tour!

SisBoom Tobago

Remember my blog post from last Monday-the SisBoom Tortola?

Today, SisBoom releases the girls' version-TOBAGO!

Basically, same deal as the women's.  

Only four pattern pieces: front, back, front facing, and back facing.

Literally takes 30 minutes to cut and sew.

Swoon Dorian Messenger Bag

Introducing the Dorian Messenger Bag by Swoon Sewing Patterns.

Dorian is a gender neutral forerunner.

Dorian can be made with any fabric:

Classic with leather, hip with canvas, laminate for mommas, or fun with printed cotton.

Courier bags are always in style.

Tortola by Sis Boom

 TORTOLA, BABY!

Free ride; who's with me?

I'm ecstatic to introduce the newest Sisboom pattern: Tortola!

Stella Sewalong Day 7: Interior Construction and Finishing

LAST DAY! Hooray! Easiest day.

We are basically repeating everything from yesterday but with the lining.

* If you want to do an interior zipper pocket, then do that now.
Follow the same instructions as in this YouTube video
but make your rectangle 8" x 1/2" and 2.5" from the top of the interior main panel*

Stella Sewalong Day 6: Main zipper and Exterior construction

All the hard parts are done.  We are so close to the end, I can smell the coffee.

Ran out of peppermint patty creamer, by the way.

Take the two top panels and lay them right sides together, matching the correct sides.

One long edge is straight and the other curves out at the ends.

We are working with the straight edge.

Measure 1" from each end on the straight side.

(Measure 2" from each end if you are using a 22" zipper)

.

whyisew

Sewing!  It's my love child. Seriously.  Zeus and I had a night together and sewing was the byproduct.

Why do I love it?  Because it is fun.  And challenging.  Do I sew perfectly every time?  NEVER! But I do try and I hope to be perfect one day.

I learn something new every time I turn on my sewing machine. As long as you are advancing, then you are obviously sewing correctly.

Let's go back in time for a moment.

Stella Sewalong Day 5: Piping and Handles

The answer is YES, you need piping on your Stella Weekender.

Don't argue with facts.

Dig in the back of the closet and pull out the big girl panties.

Put them on and let's get piping.

Grab your exterior side pocket pieces.
Pin piping to the top of one of the pocket pieces, matching raw edges.
Using your zipper foot, sew together as close to the cording as possible.

Stella Sewalong Day 4: Cargo pockets

Today is all about the Cargo pockets!

Take the exterior large cargo pocket piece and fold in half matching short sides.

Hand press the seam.

Stella Sewalong Day 3: Exterior pocket

Day 3!

Grab the main panel piece WITHOUT the fleece.

Measure down 3.5" from the top.  Draw a line across the right side of the fabric.

Flip the piece over.  Fuse the zip interfacing strip along the line but on the wrong side of the fabric.

PiePie Designs : Cherry Pie Skirt

Climbing the Willow . Sewing Sober . Two Novembers . Crafty Biggers . Rebel & Malice .   Call Ajaire . Sew Many Adventures, Sew Little Time . Lady and the Gents . Made by Sara . Paisley Roots . Ali Cat & Co . Sew Starly . La Casa Cactus . Conversas de Hermanas . How I Make Stuff . Crafty Hour

That pumpkin pie picture is making me SOOO hungry for pie.

I'm thrilled to be apart of the PiePie Designs Cherry Pie Skirt blog tour.

This is a sweet, simple skirt.  No way will the little girl in your life not like it.
Currently the pattern is priced at $5.00.  But it won't last long, so go nab it!

Cooke Dough just turned two.  She's becoming a sweet, crazy little animal.
Hot pink animal print seemed like the perfect choice.

Stella Sewalong Days1 & 2: Print, Cut, and Stabilize

*This blog post contains affiliate links.  I receive a percentage of the sale when you purchase through my affiliate link.

Welcome all new Swoon sewalongers and welcome back seasoned veterans.

If you would like to see the other Swoon sewalong, sclick here. The Stella sewalong will

be added to this page so you can always come back.

Let's get the party started.

If you haven't purchased the pattern, you may do so HERE.

Materials

• 2 yards exterior fabric (home decor or quilting cotton)
• 1.5 yards lining quilting cotton
• 1.5 yards fusible interfacing (Craftfuse 808 for stiffer bag, Shapeflex 101 for softer bag)
• 1 yard stiff fusible stabilizer (ex pellon Peltex 71F)
• 2 yards fusible fleece (ex pellon Thermolam TP971F)
• Two 1.5" D rings (or strap loops)
• Two 1.5" Swivel snaps
• 24" all purpose zipper (22" works as well)
• 14" all purpose zipper
• 9" zipper for interior zipper pocket (optional)
• Two magnetic snaps
• 2 packages pre-made piping or 5 yards homemade
• Thread and other sewing instruments

24" bag zippers can be purchased from https://www.etsy.com/shop/ZipperShop

D-rings or loops and swivel snaps can be purchased from www.strapworks.com

(I am not affiliated with Zipper Shop or Strapworks.)

PLEASE READ THROUGH ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING!

1.  Print out the pattern. Do NOT select "fit to printable area".

ALWAYS print "actual size".

Accents by MeMe Mae: Turbans & Headbands

These items were sent to me for review.  The opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone.

When I checked the mail and saw a package from Accents by MeMe Mae, I was

literally jumping up and down.  

AMMM (my new abbreviation) makes the most beautiful infinity scarves and turbans (knit headbands), and headbands for women, teens, children, and babies.

This is my personal fav of her scarves.  GORGEOUS, right?

You can find AMMM on Etsy and Facebook.

I encourage you to check out her shop and 'like' her on Facebook.

Like I said, I received 3 turbans:  a simple tuban, cinched turban, and a twisted turban.
PLUS 2 headbands for myself, 2 for Ali Cat, and 2 for Little Cookie Dough.

'Say what?" you ask.  Let me show you.

Cali to VA Move

We left California on May 9th and arrived in Virginia June 6th.  

Recap of our month on the road.

No smoking, but they sure as hell will tempt you.

Big Bear

San Diego, CA to Alexandria, VA

Ali and I stepped off the plane in San Diego a short 2 years ago.  I was 34 weeks pregnant with Cookie.  Karl picked up us from the Airport and took us for fish tacos at South Beach Bar and Grille.  They are the BEST fish tacos ever! 

I have fallen in love with this area.  Perfect weather, beautiful beaches, tasty food, and nice people.

Alas, we have sold our house and moving on.  Today we pack the car and start our 3 week journey across the entire US to Alexandria, Va.

Sew-a-bration of Womanhood

This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase a pattern through those links I earn a percentage of the sale. 

Sew-a-bration of Womanhood is all about the bonding of women and sewing for ourselves.

Boy o' boy do I like sewing for myself.  I am the definition of a selfish seamstress.

A few weeks ago, I had to attend a Silver and Gold Cocktail party.  I had nothing silver or gold in my closet.  That needed to be rectified.  I  chose Mouse House Creations Caroline Party Dress.

Or rather PAR-TAY dress.

Cat Birthday Party!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The girls birthdays are about 2 months apart.  For the past 2 years, we've done a combined party for them.  It works well since they are young.

2014 theme:  Kitty Cats!

Fashion Revolution

On 24th April 2013, 1133 people were killed and over 2500 were injured when the Rana Plaza factory complex collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

In many countries around the world, men, women, and children are making your clothes in inhumane working conditions with very little pay.

Fashion Revolution wants the world to step up and consider 'who is making your clothes?"

Lets fight together to bring changes to the fashion industry.

The article "Why do we need a Fashion Revolution" provides more details of the horrific event 

in Bangladesh last year and how the world and fashion industry responded.

What can you do?

Tomorrow, April 24th, wear your clothes inside out to bring attention to how clothing is made.

You can wear something you made or that you purchased from a store.

Then take a picture, post to Instagram #insideout
or Twitter @fash_rev

Swoon Sewing Patterns Blanche Barrel Bag

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Swoon Sewing Patterns has released the April Pattern:  Blanche Barrel Bag!

Blanche comes in two sizes:

Small: 10.5" wide

Large: 14" wide

Difficulty: 3 out of 4

Willow & Co. Persimmon Dress by Mouse House Creation

The Willow & Co. Collective will be releasing their pattern collection on April 22nd!

In the meantime, check out one more pattern I had the great pleasure of sewing before the release.

The Persimmon Dress by Mouse House Creations.

This fresh and clean design is a summer staple for all girls.

The pin tuck pleats provide a soft touch on the bodice.

*The back has the same appearance as the front*

Fawn Lily Dress by Rock the Stitch for Willow & Co.

You won't believe the adorableness I have for you today!

I'm sure you have hear of Willow & Co.  It is a pattern collective of several

pattern designers. The Spring/Summer 14 Wunderlust collection is released.

The beautiful Rebecca of Rock the Stitch asked me to pattern test 

the Fawn Lilly Dress/Tunic pattern.
Rebecca is an amazing seamstress.  I am ecstatic to be selected for this opportunity.

The Fawn Lily is all about options.  Let's break it down.

Lengths: Tunic, above the knee, below the knee
Bodice:  Button yoke or cross over
Skirt:  Ruffle, pleat or a-line
Pockets: inseam or patch
Difficulty: Beginner Intermediate

PRP: Signature Week: Extreme Twirl

A lot of thought went into this week.  Signature style.  For me, that's classic, party dress, and fancy.

Well, that's NOT the girls' styles.

Then it hit me.  I shouldn't make MY signature style.  I need to make THEIR signature styles.

They both like "tutus" and t-shirts. Madeleine is sweet and stylish. 

Ali is loud and rambunctious. 

They each received a circle skirt for optimum twirling but in fabrics they picked out.

Ali choose a wild rainbow animal print denim fabric and Madeleine picked a pretty cherry cotton.

Willow & Co Clover Shorts by Mouse House Creations

Introducing the Clover Shorts by Mouse House Creations for Willow & Co!

I have been unbelievably lucky to have the chance to pattern test for not one but THREE

Willow & Co. patterns.
You don't have to wait much longer all the Willow & Co patterns release April 22nd!

Let me tell you how HIGHLY impressed I am with all the patterns.

All of the patterns have perfect fits and great instructions and photographs for each step.

I promise you will not be disappointed with the patterns.  Scouts honor.