Christmas Baking Day

Life has been busy and it's awhile since I've had a chance to post, hopefully over holiday time I can update you all on some of all the exciting adventures and events of the past few months.

This past week Christmas holidays started here and on Thursday I had just the best day catching up with friends and baking. Olivia is an amazing young lady I met this year when she hosted a fundraiser for Red Kite (Cancer support charity). At only 16, this young lady has already achieved so much and I love her passion for serving and helping others. Along with her sister Sophia, they are members of our local Hills Youth Army, volunteering to help at local events through our local council. When they asked if I would like to come over, spend the day baking the answer was a resounding yes.

Of course, what Christmas baking day would be complete without Christmas aprons? So last weekend, I whipped up a set of aprons for the girls, their mum Julia and myself. 

Thursday was such fun, the aprons a huge hit and we achieved a lot. 

Two batches of cupcakes, some choc chip cookies, two trays of my chocolate fudge and some Oreo Balls later (oh and the additions of some antler ears) and we had finished.

After a quick stop and rest for lunch, we finished our preparations and they plated up the goodies onto some trays.

Olivia had wanted to do the baking to say thank you to our local Police, they are amazing group of men and women who she wanted to bless and I was happy to play a small part in the day.

Here is Olivia handing over one of the trays to one of our local Inspectors. Such a simple idea, maybe it's something you might consider?

Until Next Time,

Robyn

Pattern Release - Hang About Toiletry Bag

 

Two Pretty Poppets has done it again - another new design, this time the Hang About Toiletry Bag.

 

Lisa has designed the bag in two sizes, with several handy pockets and storage spots. 

As well as the option to hang the bag on the door, hook or a bathroom rail.

 I made a male version in the smaller size and the ladies version in the larger size. Both sizes are included in the pattern. It is so good to have another pattern suitable for a male gift.

As always, a Two Pretty Poppets pattern comes complete with step by step detailed instructions and clear photographs of each step of the construction process.

I chose to line mine with PUL fabric, but you could use laminated cotton. You could also use laminated cotton or PUL for the exterior fabric as well.

 

For the pocket inside the flap, I used mesh, but you have the choice of using clear plastic. 

Just a hint - I picked up a mesh laundry bag from the local reject/junk shop for only $2.00 and will be able to get multiple pockets from just one bag.

Why not head over to  

Two Pretty Poppets website, check out this new pattern and all the other great designs from Lisa.

Until next time,

Robyn

Sewing For Moi

I have really enjoyed getting back into sewing for myself over the past few months.

 Having initially discovered the world of PDF patterns through the amazing Leesa when I signed up for Craft Boxes nearly a year ago, the boxes led me to discover various facebook pattern groups and I now find myself gathering up a growing pile of patterns and fabrics.

We're supposedly into Spring here in Australia and despite some very wet, chilly days, I've been inspired to make some bright and pretties ready to wear over the coming months.

Out September CraftBox included some gorgeous floral fabric and a pattern for the Make It Perfect A+ Skirt.


 I decided to line this one and am so happy with the result. I plan to wear this outfit later this week as I attend a High Tea to mark the start of Mental Health Month.

 When I saw this cute, colourful house door fabric recently on the Tesutti site, I knew it would work in the same pattern.

I decided to straighten the side seams on this one as it suited the fabric and print better.

I received so many comments when I wore this outfit to church yesterday.
 
So many colour options to pair with this skirt!

The skirt is a quick sew, I made both skirts and one pair of the leggings in one day!

I have also become slightly addicted to leggings, such a quick, easy sew. The pattern that best suits me is another one from the wonderful Kymmy of  EYMM, the Active Wear leggings. Cut out, sew to finish is well under one hour per pair!

Both the leggings here are in spandex fabric from BooDesigns, an Australian company.

Today's post is simply about me sharing my creations, is not part of a blog tour or pattern promotion, I just enjoy sharing the pattern and fabric sites I have discovered and enjoy using in the hope others will be encouraged to have a go at sewing for themselves or discover new designers. I also appreciate both these designers have a wide size range in their patterns.

Until next time,
Robyn

Pattern Test - Stand Up and Tote Notice

Love opening a new pattern by Lisa from Two Pretty Poppets! Apart from well written, clearly photographed step by step instructions, I know I will end up in love with a new bag and the Stand Up and Tote Notice (loving the play on words......) is no different.

This Tote comes in 3 sizes and I chose the large and let me tell you it is L A R G E ! ! ! But oh what a great size to take shopping for fabric or other sewing delights.

It will also be ideal for those summer trips to the beach or pool, as you can see from my photo, I have two large beach towels rolled up (only folded in half to give you an idea of size) with room to spare for cossies, sunscreen, drinks, snacks, sunhat, novel or other goodies to take to the beach.

For this test, I also tried Annie's Soft and Stable for the first time and really enjoyed sewing with it, it gives the bag great shape and helps it stand up well, even empty. I did find it best to use my walking foot when using this product but would have done that anyway for interfacing.

This large tote measures:

Width at base - 12" (30cm)
Depth 7" (18cm)
Height to handles 18" (46cm)

The other sizes are:

Small:
Width at base - 8" (20cm), Depth 5" (13cm), Height to handles 12" (30cm)
Medium:
Width at base - 10" (25cm), Depth 6" (15cm), Height to handles 15" (38cm)

As well as the cleverly designed outer pockets, there are two internal pockets divided in half to store keys and phones etc. 

Check out the Two Pretty Poppets website or facebook page to see some of the other Stand Up and Tote Notice bags that have been made.

I plan to make some more of these in the smaller sizes but am working on another pattern test that you will just love when Lisa releases it soon. 

If you want this great pattern, here is the link to the Two Pretty Poppets website shop. It's also available via Craftsy, or Etsy. The pattern is in the same format whichever shop you chose to purchase it from.

Don't forget to pop back real soon to check out the coming pattern.

Until next time,

Robyn

Lexi Lou Bag - A Vision To Remember Blog Tour

 I love the opportunities a good blog tour gives to discover new patterns and designers as well as meet other bloggers! I was recently able to try out the Lexi Lou Rag Bag designed by Bobbi from A Vision to Remember.

This bag is different to others I've made as following the 'rag' effect (i/e/ seams to outside, soft, fluffy finish) it was a quicker sew. 

As soon as I saw the pattern, I knew this one would be ideal to use up some of the bright fabrics I have stored in the collection.

Here is the bag finished prior to clipping the exposed seams, washing and popping into the dryer to encourage the 'fluffed' finish to happen.

 The bag includes a zippered closure across the top giving added security when out and about.

 Inside the bag there is one large internal pocket with a smaller pocket attached to the front of it allowing for phone storage as well.

 

 Here is a close up of inside the bag.

 I chose to make mine with out any stiff interfacing (option given in the pattern to include or not) as I felt the bag lent itself to a softer, floppier look.

 

The bag is surprisingly spacious and the strap length means it sits well over the shoulder.

Why not pop on over to the other blogs on the tour and check out their bags as well.

Join seven seamstresses as we sew up the New Lexi-Lou bag from A Vision to Remember. There will be one or two bloggers each day, be sure to visit them all as no two bags are the same!

*NOTE* The links below won’t show the tour posts until their day of the tour, but you are encouraged to click through and check their blogs out.

8/24-

8/25-

8/26-

8/27- &

8/28- &

Be sure to leave a comment each day to be entered to win a free pattern. Each blogger will be choosing one comment from their blog to receive a free pattern from A Vision to remember.

Also, the Lexi-Lou Pattern has been discounted 25% this week! Get yours now on Craftsy or Etsy!

Until next time,

Robyn

EYMM Anniversary Blog Tour

Welcome to Sewing The Seasons, thanks for popping by to visit during the EYMM  (Everything Your Mama Made & More) 2nd Anniversary Blog Tour.

Join EYMM and 24 fellow bloggers as we celebrate the first 24 months of our pattern shop with a huge sale and giveaway!  We will be featuring 8 different patterns for women and girls, as well as having a Manic Monday sale and a huge site-wide sale.  There is also a great giveaway at the bottom of this post. Don't wait because you don't see sales like this often from EYMM and it will be over before you know it!

*NOTE* The links below won't show the tour posts until 11am PST on their day of the tour, BUT you are welcome to click through and check their blogs out at any time.

7/27 Connected by a Thread, Pattern Revolution, The Wholesome Mama

7/28 Climbing the Willow, Rebel & Malice, Hibbadoray

7/29 Pretty & Precious Clothing, Sprouting Jube Jube, Call Ajaire

7/30 Once Upon a Sewing Machine, Swoodson Says, Blessed X Five

7/31 Beri Bee Designs, Sewing the Seasons, Sew Outnumbered

8/1 Creative Counselor, Lulu & Celeste, Analog Bytes

8/2 Handcrafted by Red, Boutique Birdie, HattieLu Handmade

8/3 Capture, Craft & Cook, Welcome to Our Crazy World, Create 3.5

  Not only is there an AMAZING blog tour going on but 1 lucky winner that leaves a comment below between now and 8.3.15 (3rd August) will win a FREE EYMM pattern of their choice!!!!  Which one would you pick? Then hop on over to EYMM to check out the awesome SALE, and an even bigger celebration giveaway with over $1000 in prizes.  There will be 40 winners in all.
  
 I have recently discovered the EYMM patterns and love the fact that not only are they well designed with clear directions, but also that they come with such a broad size range from XS - 5X.

For the Anniversary Tour, I made the Women's Four Seasons Cardigan and Duster Coat pattern. It's such a versatile pattern with several sleeve length options as well as the option to include a hood.
Mine is the Cardigan option, long sleeves without a hood.

This is going to be one of those grab and go pieces in my wardrobe, to pull on over a tank or tee. I love how the front drapes as it hangs (it was a windy day taking these photos) and it will be no surprise to those who know me that I used a bright pink for my Cardigan. Love the pop of colour it gives worn with black basics.

This is such a quick sew and being from knit so easy to put together. My fabric is a combed cotton jersey 92% cotton, 8% lycra mix (weight 220gsm) but I can see making a summer, short sleeved version out of a finer knit as well.

Sewing the EYMM patterns has reignited my love and confidence in knit sewing. There are extra steps and links to tips in the patterns for those not as familiar with knit sewing and there are some great patterns to try - not just ladies but for kids as well.

As with all EYMM patterns, the sizing chart is very clear giving added measurements such as across the shoulders for this one. There is also accurate advice on each pattern about what to do if you fall between two sizes and let me say you can trust it!!

When I first chose this pattern, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to make the longer Duster Coat version or the Cardigan. I did actually start out making the Duster Coat as you can see below but happily re cut it out to make the Cardigan which for me will be far more versatile.

I fell exactly between the 1X and 2X sizes and initially cut this out in the 2X size for the Duster Coat for a few reasons - being winter here, figured it would sit well over several layers of clothing plus if truth be told, I have had some not so great sewing experiences recently which will not be shown or shared on the blog. I have purchased some other designer's patterns and made the size according to my measurements on the chart, but have  ended up with something way too small and tight and wanted to err on the side of caution. But trust me, this is not going to be an issue when using one of Kymmy's EYMM patterns! Having recently been part of one of her pattern tests for the gorgeous Capsule Skirt I am well aware of how thorough she is in ensuring the correct sizing for a finished garment. I had cut the Duster Coat out before
being part of the skirt testing process.

The Duster Coat would work really well as a bright winter coat, but I decided I really wanted the Cardigan so unpicked the sleeves and cut the duster down to become the size 1X Cardigan.
Wanted to share this with you as it shows how well sized the EYMM patterns are- trust them! and also how you can resew something to get an even more functional piece that suits your wardrobe.

Why not pop over and check out the other bloggers joining in the tour (links above) - they have reviewed some different EYMM patterns as well.

Oh, and just for an added extra, I have been whipping up more of the Capsule Skirts since the pattern test, this pattern is now my go to skirt pattern and here are my latest skirts, there will be more! Both skirts are made with Lillestoff fabrics (95% cotton, 5% lycra mix). For Australian readers, I sourced all of these knit fabrics from Zebra Fabrics.

Pop on over to EYMM to check out all the great patterns and take advantage of the specials using the code: EYMM (for Aussie readers they're on sale from 27/7 to 3/8)

Until next time,

Robyn