Our love Story

13 years ago to the day I met my husband. We were both 16. My family had just moved us all into a new house in a new town while I was away at EFY camp, and on the day I returned I answered the door to 3 kids coming to meet the new neighbors. I know for a fact that Corey did not expect ME to answer the door.

Summer Vacation is officially Here!

This was the last week of school and because we had 4 kids going at 3 different times and days, I'm going to break this down by Day. 

Monday: Gavin had regular school, Aevarie only had Mayday practice and this was Zoe and Paisley's last day of preschool. I WISH WISH WISH I knew they had a little program going on, but I didn't and it didn't really matter cause Zoe refused to be a part of it and sat on my lap the whole time. They did have a fun time though and got to go to McDonalds. 

Tuesday: Gavin had regular school and Aevarie only had Mayday practice again. 

Wednesday: Mayday Performance. 

I get to post a cool awesome picture like Crys, where you have to play "Where's Waldo" to find my kids. I made bright green arrows to make it easier. 

Peek-a-boo Patterns Paradise Bay Tankini

I was so excited to be able to test the Paradise Bay Tankini by Peek-a-boo Pattern shop. I seriously LOVE Amy's patterns. This was the first swimsuit I have ever made and truth be told, I was pretty intimidated about it. The swimsuit really was a breeze to put together though and now I can't wait to get more swim fabric to make all of my kids bathing suits!

A Day for Making Dolls

A glimpse into our week

This week I have been taking a break from sewing. I'm still pattern testing and working on my own pattern plus trying to figure out how to flip EVERY pattern that's going to be in Frances Suzanne's new sewing Series "Flip this pattern". Sure, it's going all year round, but my brain isn't really taking that into consideration. Wait, did I just say I'm taking a break from sewing? I take that back. I'm not neck-deep into sewing this week. Here's what's been going on. 

Over the weekend Gavin got to go on a "Daddy and son" campout and go fishing with some of their best friends. Sadly they didn't catch any fish, well, not any LIVE fish, but I was so excited for them to go and have fun. 

Ginger Dimples, Aurelia Tunic, Skirt and Sash Pattern

I've been on a sewing board for a while now and have made some really fun and crazy talented blogging buddies. Crystal from Ginger Dimples just released her first pattern, the  Aurelia Tunic Skirt and Sash Pattern. The first 100 people to purchase will get it for $4 and I really think this is a "need" pattern. First, it's very versatile. You get 3 pieces out of it that can be used to make a lot different looks. It's also very well written. Third, it looks darling with every combo I've seen so far! You can check out all of the other testers pictures on her blog. 

Here's our little photo shoot:

Tulip and Edelweiss Lulu Pettiskirt

When I first saw the call for pattern testers for this skirt, I jumped and started writing the sizes I could test. Then I paused right before hitting enter. I LOVE pettiskirts and my girls adore them too, but they are a huge undertaking! Was I up to it?? This would be my 7th pattern test in 10 days and I still had 2 more to complete before.....I wishy-washed for a couple more seconds then decided it was a definite "need", especially since Aevarie had outgrown her last pettiskirt, and clicked "enter" without another hesitation. 

I am so glad I decided to make it and was chosen as well! 

Designs by Moo

Heidi & Finn Sporty Maxi Dress

Here is the Heidi & Finns Sporty Maxi Dress. We had a lot of fun with this one and made a few of them. I still need to buy the bigger size so I can make one for Aevarie as well. 

Popolok Designs Nelia Dress

I've been doing a ton of pattern tests lately, so I'm sorry that I am now just catching up with posts and that they will all be about pattern tests! I did entertain the idea of mashing them all together, but honestly, these patterns are amazing and deserve their own little spotlight!

 I had the opportunity to pattern test for Popolok Designs again. I was so thrilled to be selected! I just love her patterns. She always gives so many different variants and options that you are really getting multiple dress patterns all in one. Her new one, the Nelia, is no different. It gives you 3 different sleeve options, 3 different neck options and 3 different lengths. 

Tikatuly Usha Twirl Dress

I had the honor of pattern testing for Tikatuly Designs and their new pattern the Tikatuly Usha Dress. What first drew me to this dress was the bodice. I love the folded look. I also love any pattern that gives me the opportunity to mix and match patterns and colors! The best part? This pattern comes from sizes 3 months to 14 years! I'm still so stoked that we'll be able to make these for Aevarie for quite some time.

Storing My Patterns

When I first started wanting to sew clothes, I did what most normal people do and I went out and bought some patterns. My problem? I could not make heads or tails out of them. Sure, they explained things in a well written paragraph. I'm more of a "hands-on learner" though, so unless it had pictures, it was all gibberish to me. It also didn't help that when I would sew the thing up and get it to look roughly how it was supposed to, the garment always turned out 20 sizes too big. I bagged using patterns and would just wing it. Sometimes an item would take me forever to figure out, but it would at least turn out and fit my child. 

For years it went like this. Now, my BIG sewing dream is to be able to make nice jeans for me. My legs are ridiculously long and finding jeans to fit them......yeah. Sorry short girls, you can complain all you want about having to hem your jeans. I would gladly trade you any day! I could not for the life of me figure out a pattern and how to put them together though. Then one day I happened upon Peek-a-boo Patterns Shop, Skinny Jeans Pattern and after a little debating with myself, decided to take the chance and buy it. 

OH MY GOODNESS! Step by step instructions! Being able to print out and use more durable paper! And the finished product actually FIT my child! YES! That was all it took and I was on my way down the PDF patterns road, never to turn back again. I have to admit, I went a little crazy and bought almost 80 patterns with-in a month. WOW. 

I really needed a storage system and one that my kids couldn't easily destroy or mix the pattern pieces up. I chose to buy binders and plastic sleeves.

(Don't you just love my childrens artwork on the fronts of some??)