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.

Video Tutorial: How to Insert a side panel zipper into a bag

Zippers can be soooo tricky.  They like to move around when you sew, even if you pin.

Below is a video link tutorial on how to install a side panel zipper into a bag, or 

anywhere you want to instal a zipper.

The bag I am demonstrating with is Swoon India-small size (affiliate link).

Also, ignore my ignorance of shapes.  Anytime I say a shape name, I am referring to the rectangle.

My mind was distracted by not screwing up the video. I can't seem to get anything perfect.

How to install a size panel zipper Video

Swoon Dorothy Sewalong Day 4: Finish!

Last day! All that is left is putting everything together.

Take the zipper top and the exterior bottom panel.

Pin short sides together-move the lining top panel out of the way.

Diedel*Bug Handmade Tiny Explorer Backpack

The moment we have ALL been waiting for!  Diedel*Bug Handmade has released the 

Tiny Explorer Backpack.

Waste no time; go get the pattern NOW!

Size: toddler to preschooler to 6 or 8 years old

 Pockets: two exterior side pockets, 2 exterior front pockets, 1 interior zipper pocket

Materials

• 1 yard quilting weight or home decor for exterior
• 1 yard quilting weight for lining
• 2.5 yards Shape-flex SF 101 fusible interfacing
• 1/2 yard fusible fleece
• 44" of 1" wide webbing
• 6 yards piping (2 pre-made packages)
• Two 1" strap adjustors
• 10" of 1/4" wide elastic
• One 18" all purpose zipper
• One 7" all purpose zipper
• Coordinating thread

Difficulty: 2 out of 5

Cuteness: 12 out of 10

Tutorial: clear directions and pictures with each step

BEST part of this pattern: Cookie Dough can start carrying her own stuff!

Swoon Dorothy Sewalong day 3: Handles and Main Zipper

As promised, to day is easy and fast. 

We will sew the handles on the exterior main panel and construct the main zipper.

Handles

Take an exterior main panel and one handle piece.

Position the handle ends 2" from the side and 

the bottom of the handle end 2.25" from the top.

Pin in place.

Make sure your handle isn't twisted.

PRP Favorite Vacation: Bavaria

This week's Project Run and Play theme is Spring Break. 

The goal is to create an outfit inspired by your favorite vacation spot.

Oh my!  This was an easy decision.  Bavaria, of course!

We lived in Italy for 2.5 years and made more trips to Munich/Bavaria than any other place.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from our travels. 

They make me happy and bring back so many great memories.

Swoon Dorothy Sewalong Day 2: Prep Work

Day 2 ladies!

We will work on all the prep stuff which includes the handles, exterior zipper, making the pockets and basting the piping.

Do NOT be scared of the piping.  I'm not sure why it seems intimidating.
It is the easiest way to add serious pizazz to your work.

 Grab your interfaced handles.  Ignore that my interfacing is short.  sigh. It's not worth explaining.