Spring Is a Coming...

 radishes in a cold frame

spinach in a cold frame

 

garlic coming up

 can't wait for strawberries again

bees are out and about

rhubarb

Number 9 Trousers

I bought some really nice denim about a month ago with the intention of sewing pants for my boys.  They literally go through a pair of store bought jeans in 2 weeks.  I'm not kidding.  They just wear out at the knees.  I've taken to feeling the knees on every pair of jeans I see in stores just to try and find ones that are nice and thick and I've yet to have found that magic pair.  I actually am suspicious that jean companies are making them thinner on the knees ;)

Anyway my point being that maybe if I made pants for the boys they will last longer.  These will be the test.

 

 
The pattern I used is the Number 9 Trousers by ShwinDesigns.  I've made several of their patterns (like the Lucy Top) and while I love their designs I usually have a bit of a hard time following their instructions. Not that they aren't clear but simply because my sewing style and way of thinking through a project is different.  The only part I really had trouble with on these trousers was the back pockets. I ended up only putting one in on side which actually looks pretty cute.

This was the first time I've used darts for a better fit on clothes and I love them.  They make everything fit better and look more professional.

This guy was totally thrilled with his new pants and had a great time being a little goofy for the camera.

 

 

Here's my breakdown of the project to see if in the long run it's worth it to sew them their pants or not.

Material costs: approximately $6.00

Pattern cost: $9.00

Time spent: 3 hours

First run, probably not worth it.  However the next time I make the same pattern it should take me a lot less time to sew as well as not costing me anything for the pattern again.  So the more times I make the pants the cheaper they get as long as I'm not spending more on the fabric.

New Dresses

Despite the fun we had ice fishing I'm still itching for Spring so I got some Spring and Summer dresses stitched up and listed in my Kids Shop.

 

 

I had a really hard time cutting into some of these fabrics but that's what it's for right?

What have you been sewing lately?  Are you desperate for full blown Spring?

He's Six!

 

Someone turned 6 last week.  SIX.  It kind of blows my mind but what parent hasn't been shocked by how fast their kid grows up?

He is currently into all things Star Wars, or more specifically Lego Star Wars as that's all we'll let him watch for now.  He also go incredibly spoiled at his Birthday Party so for his gift from us I just sewed him some fun but practical items.  A pillow case and jammies! 

R2D2 is a definite favorite so I placed him on the front and center of the pj's.  The fabric print was really too big for kid jammies but I did what I could.

I kind of love the fabric I used for the pillow case.  It's really nice cotton and the print is perfect.  I can't wait until he's old enough to watch the real Star Wars.

I'm getting kind of lazy when it comes to Birthday cakes.  It's cupcakes now, with homemade toppers.  Simple and cheap.

This is possible the only quiet moment of the whole party....

Ice Fishing

 

We went Ice Fishing as a family for the first time last weekend.  It was a gorgeous, sunny, warm day and the only downside to the entire trip was that we didn't catch anything.  To be honest, no one really minded as it was still a ton of fun and it was great to be out on such a gorgeous day.

It kind of blows my mind how many things Lachlan has already done at 2 months old.  He's been to Saskatchewan, been to the archery range several times, been ice fishing... lucky kid!

Kaed loved every bit of the day.  He was a little bummed we didn't catch anything but that just made him more determined to get out again before the ice is too thin.  I'm guessing we have a week or two left.

 

The coolest part is how the holes in the ice glow when it's dark.  We didn't see much of anything in the water but it was still neat to see.

I spent most of the day watching and snuggling my little man but next year I hope to have a hook in the water too.

 

Travis farmer rigged up some fishing rods the night before we went out.  They were pretty neat, just shaped pieces of wood that would be easy for the kids to "reel" up if they caught anything. The best part is they cost next to nothing to make and take up almost no room to store.  Double score.

The Sciroco Dress

I finished up the Scirocco dress by Figgy's Patterns today.  It's such a pretty dress and by far the most detailed I've sewn yet.  I made it for my daughter's Dedication this coming Sunday.  The bodice is a tiny bit too big on her unfortunately but she will have to wear a cardigan with it until the weather warms up so I'm not too worried.

The dress had lots of steps and took quite a while to sew but the instructions were really clear and I learned a couple of new techniques so I'm happy.  I think it would definitely be tough for a beginner but still possible. 

I had a hard time getting her to stand still for this one, but goofy works too :)

 

 

I swear she'll be all grown up before I know it...

This pattern is in the huge Sew Fabulous e-Pattern Bundle as well as two other Figgy's patterns!  You can get yours here.  The bundle includes 18 patterns for only $24.95

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Sale!!

Today is the 1st day of the 1st ever Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale and giveaway, sponsored by The Southern Institute and Fat Quarter Shop!

 

Over the past eight weeks a lot of behind the scenes work has taken place to bring you this amazing bundle of ePatterns from several of the top pattern designers and bloggers in the sewing and blogging world. The result is a bundle of 18 PDF sewing patterns that you don't want to miss.

For one week only, ten pattern designers have come together to bring you 18 of their best PDF patterns, valued together at over $139.00, for the incredible price of $24.95! That's over 80% off of the combined retail value! Plus you can enter to win a dream of a giveaway valued at $390 from some really great shops! For less than $25.00 you will have a library of resources that you can use over and over again. The designers that have joined this sale are experts in their craft. They have been sewing for a very long time and are well known in blogland and elsewhere. Each designer has contributed one or two of their favorite patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please! Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use. If you've never sewn with a PDF pattern before, let me tell you how great it is! After downloading your pattern instructions and your pattern, you will print out the pattern itself, creating pattern tiles, if you will. Simply tape the tiles together to create the full pattern! At that point you can cut out the size that you need and pin the paper pattern directly to your fabric or you can trace the pattern size that you need onto sewing paper or tissue paper and cut it out, saving the paper pattern for later when you need to sew another size. Pdf patterns are so convenient because you can print them out as many times as you need!

Click here to buy the bundle!

Now let me tell you a little bit about the giveaway!

The Sew Fab Giveaway is amazing! One lucky winner will win a bunch of amazing prizes from Craftsy, Fat Quarter Shop, fabricworm, Jennifer's Jewels Custom Labels on Etsy, Green Bee Patterns, author Deborah Moebes, Mee a Bee, Gussy Sews, I'm Feeling Crafty, and Ball and Chain on Etsy. See the end of the post for giveaway details. This giveaway is not to be missed!

I know you're dying to know "What is included in the pattern bundle?"

18 well-loved ePatterns from 10 well-known designers are instantly accessible to you by PDF download upon purchase of the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle. Here are the patterns that you will receive (click on the links below to see more details):

Goodship Dress by One Girl Circus, Mommy & Mia Apron by Sew Much Ado, Ruby Lou Doll by Sew Much Ado, Mini Maxi Dress by Seamingly Smitten, Miss Mod Top by Seamingly Smitten, Love Your Lunch Box by Ginger Cakes, Modern Folksy Bunny by Ginger Cakes, Banyan Pants & Shorts by Figgy's, Banyan Top & Tunic by Figgy's, Go To Shift Dress by Go To Patterns, Go To Gift Bags by Go To Patterns, Sidekick Suitcase by Sew Fearless, Madeline Dress by Me Sew Crazy, Forget Me Knot Dress by Me Sew Crazy, Alex & Anna Summer PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop, Alex & Anna Winter PJs by Peekaboo Pattern Shop, Commuter Cowl by luvinthemommyhood, Scirocco Dress by Figgy's  

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available for one week and will never be available again! You can purchase the bundle from February 4th at 8 a.m. EST through February 11th at 8 a.m. EST and there will be no late sales offered. Due to the nature of the sale there will be no refunds 
offered.

You don't want to miss this unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of 18 PDF sewing patterns from 10 of the best designers out there!

 

And now for The Sew Fab Giveaway!

You are not going to believe the prizes included in this giveaway! Can't buy the bundle? It's okay... purchase is not required to enter. Take a look at what you have the chance to win:

A Sewing Themed Box of Goodies from Pick Your Plum Fabulous Wristlet from Gussy Sews (not necessarily the one pictured) The latest release, Stitch Savvy, by Deborah Moebes Sterling Silver Sewing Machine necklace from Ball and Chain on Etsy $50 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop $50 Gift Certificate to fabricworm A free online class from Craftsy.com The Scoop Tote Pattern from Green Bee Patterns 60 Custom Tags from Jennifer's Jewels Red Riding Hood Little Girl's Satchel from Mee a Bee Handmade Sewing Machine Cover from I'm Feeling Crafty

YES, ONE WINNER WILL WIN ALL OF THOSE GOODIES!!!

There are lots of chances to win and no purchase required to enter the giveaway. Just use the Rafflecopter widget and enter to win this amazing prize package that will inspire you in your sewing as well as keep you stocked with fabric for many projects to come!

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The Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle Sale!

Sew Much Inspiration right at your finger tips...

only $24.95!

Get your bundle now!

Graphic design by Andrea Panell.