Thursday, May 29, 2014

A quick "hello!" {yes, I'm still here.... kinda}

Wow.  9 days since my last post?  Yikesa!

In all honesty.... I've been in a creative funk.  I think of projects I'd like to work on - and then when I happen to have a few free seconds {because that's about all I'm getting these days} the inspiration just isn't there!

Busy life, good healthy changes going on, active and growing kiddos, bits of sunny weather - - - so much to do, so little time!

I told my husband the other night I need to either take a BREAK (like for real.... intentional.... where I don't still feel like I should be doing some sewing / creating) - - - - or I need to chain myself to my sewing machine and "sew through it"!

Neither of those options are very practical..... so I think I'll go with option 3: attempt to get a bit more sleep (lately we have been averaging about 5.5 hours a night!), work through paid custom orders (not many... but a few are still hanging out there!), and then grab some FUN fabric and just SEW.

How do you get yourself through a slump / funk?  Whether it's in your creative life, work, fitness goals, personal goals.... I know we all go through them - and there's no miracle cure for them..... but help a mama out! :)

One thing I AM doing {that I think will help} - I'm running my first 5k in just over a week!  I have always HATED running.  No joke.  But tomorrow (or Saturday) I will complete the last run of my couch-to-5k training program - having run for 9 straight weeks at least three times a week.... and the following weekend I have friends and family ready to run a fun color run to celebrate!  I know it will be an awesome accomplishment - and the fact that I'm *this close* to completing this goal (and then making more!) is very energizing!

I haven't done TONS of sewing lately - though I somehow seem to be accumulating more fabric (oops!?) - but I have worked on a few projects....

Sneak peek of an item I made for a pattern tester {pattern releases in June - I'll share more then!}  Yes... I was brave and cut into some Art Gallery for this one!!!

This cutie pie was "helping" me with my photo shoot

*Just about* finished with some fun baseball jerseys for my friend's twins.  I made them onesies about 3 years ago - - - crazy how much our kiddos have grown!



Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Superhero Gift Set finish


I'm so excited about the gift set I finished up this weekend!


Look at all those fun items!  So bright and.... awesome!  I had shared a sneak peek at this project almost two weeks ago for WIP Wednesday - - - my how time flies when the sun comes out!

This gift set includes: A quilted security / mini blanket, two minky-backed bibs, two burp cloths, and a tie onesie

Two burp cloths - practical but oh-so-fun.


Bibs backed in suuuuuper soft minky

A quilted security blanket - about 18" square - perfect for the car or for snuggling without dragging on the floor {my 1.5 year old sleeps with his every night!}



And of course - a tie onesie!

My customer is giving this set as a gift to a friend expecting the arrival of a lil' superhero.  What an awesome gift!  Practical, fun, and perfect for their superhero-loving family.

I packaged this set up and put it in the mail yesterday - I hope they love how it turned out as much as I do!

I also got this pretty stack o' fabric in the mail for the SMS Giveaway Day winner - Karen.  I'm thinking I need to sew something using these fabrics / colors ASAP!  Happy sewing, Karen!

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Winner!


I had so much fun reading through all of YOUR awesome & creative color combinations!  I definitely added some to my "someday" list - - - and added a few colors to my "must bump ump my stash of _____" list.

I did my best to reply to all of the comments I could (and was sad to see a decent amount of no-reply bloggers!) - but I definitely missed some on Friday thanks to a busy day with the kiddos.  Some of you pointed me toward GREAT new fabric and pattern obsessions! :)

I know I found a BUNCH of new blogs I really enjoy thanks to Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day - and I bet you did too {and yes, I'm hoping mine is one of them!}


I visited random.org and it determined comment number 45 (of 393 - wow!) was the winner.  That would be Karen K. who said "I am about to make a yellow & blue quilt. Yellow is so warm and sunny! Can't wait to start! Thanks."

Congratulations Karen!  You should have an email in your inbox - I hope you have fun with the charm pack and surprise fabrics!

We have a Sunday / Monday weekend around here - with lots of sewing planned.  Then a short week before the holiday weekend!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

WIP Wednesday - 5/14/14

After some help a few weeks back from a friend, I got 1 of 3 bins of my scraps sorted by color into plastic bins - - - and then realized I definitely needed more (bins... not scraps.....)

So I picked up more bins.... and this weekend I roped another friend (hi Mackenzie!) into helping me organize the other 2 (and a half..... because I had since made more scraps) bins.  We chatted, we laughed, and pretty quickly (relatively speaking, of course!) - they were sorted


Now what do I do with all these pretty scraps?!

{Not pictured: rainbow scraps from Maureen Cracknell's recent de-stash.... yes, I realize I *may* have a "problem"}

My hubby actually came up with one idea - - - and I'm going to give it a try this weekend for an upcoming auction.... but it definitely won't use ALL of these scraps (and I'm bound to make LOTS more).

Maybe once I FINALLY start cutting out my Avatrix Medallion Quilt I'll get on a medallion kick and make a scrappy version of that center block for a pillow?!  Hmmmmm.....

So I'd love to know what your favorite scrap-busting projects are!

Linking up with WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced - can't wait to see what others are working on!

Pattern Review: Almost One Size Truly Scrumptious Pant

First: let me challenge you to say that pattern name 10 times fast!  5 times?  Twice?!?!?!  Ha!

When Chrissy from Muse of the Morning asked for bloggers interested in doing reviews of her patterns I browsed her selection - and was intrigued by these pants.

Here's why (from the pattern listing):
"Children from approximately 6 mos up to 7 years old can wear them! There is ONE pattern piece, which is cut at the appropriate length."

Oh reeeeeallly!?

So here's what I found out when I gave them a go! {please keep in mind I was given this pattern for free in order to participate in this blog tour / review - but my opinions are honest and not influenced by that monetary savings!}

The Pattern
Sizes: "Baby Bloomers" (looks like about a 6-12 month size) through 7
Options: Basic Pants, Basic Bloomers, Patchy Pants, Strippy Pants (strips of fabric..... c'mon!), optional ruffles on the bum
Pattern Pieces: ONE if you're making the basic pants; 2-3 if you're making the patchy / strippy option.  For EVERY size.  Really, truly.  They all have the same width / rise - - - with length cutting lines for each size
Time to sew: I'd say under an hour for the patchy / strippy pants; 30-45 minutes for the basic pants (and that includes taping the pattern together.... and distracting the kiddos with "really cool" toys so you can get back behind the sewing machine)

What I Made
I cut out four pairs of pants - two pars of basic pants, and two pairs of strippy pants.  One of each style in both 2T and 4T.  As for what I sewed..... here's a little glimpse into the life of a work-at-home, handmade business owning mama.....

The truth is - - - my children do not understand deadlines.  Or "mommy NEEDS to work".... or.... "please-do-not-body-slam-your-brother-into-the-floor, I just have ONE more hem to finish up."

So I had the best of intentions when signing up for this tour - I was going to rock it.  I was going to finally make pants {lots of them, obviously!} from the LARGE selection of fabrics I have been storing up for my kiddos.

But life comes up.... and my plan to get this done WAY ahead of time - well, I failed.  Then it was Monday morning, and despite telling my kiddos (and myself) that I had a deadline to meet - - the sun came out and obviously we had to play outside.  So the Wednesday morning deadline was getting closer and closer by the second and I WASN'T SEWING.

But... the moral of this story?!  These pants are FAST to sew up!  Even the strippy ones!  I cut them out Monday afternoon, ironed all the pieces, then didn't get a chance to sew them up until Tuesday morning (after breakfast was consumed and the kiddos seemed to be happily playing for at least a few minutes).  I put the pedal to the carpet and my machines kept up with my "must sew all the things - FAST" pace.

Then I bribed the kiddos with a picnic lunch outside if they would pleeeeeeeease allow me to take a few pictures.  We got a few.... and I KNOW they love their pants because despite the 80 degree temperature outside I could NOT get them to take them off and swap 'em out for shorts.  So they played in them - enjoyed our picnic in them - and smiled the whole time!

After sewing up the two pairs of strippy pants - and getting them on my boys, I can say that I love that this pant has so many options - all that can be pretty simply incorporated into the base construction / design.  It's great that I can print the pattern ONCE, cut it out at the biggest size, and then fold the pant leg up at the line for the size I'm making!


I did feel like the rise of the pant was a bit long on my 1.5 year old (size 2T), and the legs are definitely a bit wide on him.  Not so much that it's an issue.... just not as "trim" of a look as I'd prefer.  For the basic pants I think I may trim down the legs a little bit!

The pattern pieces printed well - and I loved the use of a variety of symbols at each page overlap.  Between the page numbers and the symbols, you should have NO problem getting this taped together!  The instructions were very clear - and construction was a breeze.  I actually put 1" elastic into my boys' pants because they are pretty skinny and the 3/8" that the pattern calls for often doesn't feel like "enough" (in other items I've sewn) - really just a personal preference thing, but thanks to serging (rather than turning the raw edge under) I had the flexibility to do this and not alter the fit from the pattern as written.

This pattern does not have a cutting chart for the elastic.  For many that probably isn't an issue - but for people like me who are most often sewing for customers / kiddos that they don't have in front of them and ready to measure - this means needing to reference another pattern's cutting chart or a table online.  Not a BIG deal - - - but just something to keep in mind!

All in all - I love how these strippy pants turned out and I'm excited to get the basics sewn up as well.  The boys love them, too!  This was the perfect pattern for that busy but AWESOME OSU Beavers fabric - I definitely wouldn't want a whole pair of pants from it.... but the strippy accent is GREAT!


If you made it through all of that... you should be rewarded, right!? :)

Well you're in luck!

If you click over to the first day of the tour you'll find a giveaway!  Chrissy is giving away TEN patterns of the winners' choice - wow!

Also, she has an active coupon code to celebrate the blog tour!  Head over to the Muse of the Morning Pattern Shop and enjoy 30% off any (or all!?) of her patterns through May 17th using the coupon code BLOGTOUR30.  Wowza!

Thanks again to Chrissy for asking me to participate in this blog tour / review - it was fun!



Monday, May 12, 2014

Giveaway Day!

Who DOESN'T love a giveaway?!

Today is Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day and of course I will join in!

If you're new here - or an established follower - welcome!  My name is Kim and I'm the mama behind Eggo in the Oven - a custom sewing business I started over 3 years ago.  I spend most of my time chasing after my two boys - but I squeeze in business sewing time and occasionally find time to sew "fun" / "just because" stuff, too!  This blog is another way for me to share my passion for sewing.... and fabric!


Up for grabs is this adorable charm pack - "Flirt" by Sandy Gervais for Moda - - - love love love the aquas, shads of coraly red, and greys.  I'll also throw in a a few surprise cuts from my stash that coordinate.



How to enter:
Leave a comment on this post - let me know what YOUR favorite color combo is (aquas / reds / greys is one of my faves)

For a second entry:
Leave another comment if you are a follower - or have become one!  

Follow on Bloglovin

VERY IMPORTANT: Please make sure you are NOT a no-reply blogger - or leave some way for me to contact you.  I'm going to feel bad if I have to draw another name because I can't get in touch with you!  For more info, click HERE

What a way to brighten up a Monday, right?!

Even my kiddos were excited about the giveaway :)


Giveaway closes at 5pm PST this Friday May 16th.  Winner will be chosen at random from the comments - please make sure you leave a way to contact you if you are a no-reply blogger!  Giveaway is open to everyone - USA and International.  Winner will be emailed by 5/18 - and your prize will be mailed by 5/20.

Good luck!



Wednesday, May 7, 2014

WIP Wednesday 5/7

My customers have been picking out some FUN fabrics / themes lately {check out this Alice quilt I finished up over the weekend for a customer}!  

This week I'm working on a gift set that includes a mini quilt, some burp cloths, bibs, and a onesie.  It has a superhero theme and I just love the bright & fun fabrics I'm getting to work with.

Here's a peek at the mini quilt - a simple, double-sided quilt made from this comic book print on one side.....


..... and these fun superhero words on the other!


I've got it quilted (some straight-line quilting outlining many of the comics) - and I just need to bind it.  Then on to the rest of the gift set!

What a great gift - and I'm having fun working with such awesome prints.



I'm linking up with WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced - excited to see what everyone else is working on!

Sew-a-Bration of Womanhood - a top (and scarf) for ME!


It was with excitement (and a little bit of trepidation) that I recently responded to a call for bloggers to participate in the Sew-A-Bration of Womanhood hosted by two fabulous blogs: the Shaffer Sisters and Call Ajare.  

My body has changed a BUNCH over the years - getting married, having two kiddos, moving our family a few times.... I am no longer the woman I was in college or high school - and my body is no longer the same.  But that is NOT a bad thing - I have to remind myself of this on a regular basis.

Truly embracing our imperfections - in our work, our life, ourselves - is something that I think most women find to be challenging.  But when we do?  The power of that acceptance and the confidence it brings can and will create change!


Recently I challenged myself to make some changes - changes I'm very proud of that are helping to make my outward image reflect what's inside.

So this blog series - centered around celebrating womanhood and bodies of all shapes and sizes - could not have come at a better time.


Inspired by a few friends who do a GREAT job sewing clothes for themselves I decided this was the perfect opportunity to give it a go!

I picked out the Greenstyle Lacy Slope Tank because I loved the versions I saw during their recent blog hop and thought it looked like something that was a) simple enough for me to wear everyday b) simple enough for me to attempt as my first adult clothing item c) had enough style and shape that it would look professional


Here's a bit of honesty:  My body shape..... I'd say it's a "round hourglass" (is that even a shape?  did I just make that up?) - My "girls".... they're big.  Two pregnancies have created some nice curvy hips..... and my belly is my "problem" area - always fluffier than I'd like.

So when I picked my size, I followed the largest measurement - my chest.  After three different shirts... and many photos.... I realized this created a top that was far too big for me.  I ended up taking at least 1" off of each side seam - probably more.  I just kept checking fit and adjusting!  I also decided I wasn't loving the hi-lo look for me (love it on others, though!) - so I got creative and added an accent band to the base of the shirt after cutting it at the highest point (in the front).


The coordinating infinity scarf was a must because I love them and because we live in Washington and still only see the sun every once in a while!  {these photos were snapped quickly between a few BIG rain storms!}

I made it by cutting a piece of knit 8" x WOF.  Then I just used a french seam for the short ends - and wa-lah - cute, lightweight infinity scarf!

All in all - I'm excited to have sewn something for ME - and really do see myself wearing this top on a regular basis.  It's comfy, it's cute, and it IS pretty cool to know that I made it.  BUT..... I have a feeling it will be a while until I attempt more adult clothes sewing!  I'll stick to fun bags / kitchen towels / aprons / quilts for me!


Fabric info: All fabrics purchased at Joann Fabrics - pinky red stripe is from their Doodles line - the other two were from the knit basics / red tag clearance section.

Here's a peek at the "real" me - or the me who is so DONE taking pictures and appreciative of a hilarious husband who is telling me to "work it!"

A big thank you to Shaffer Sisters and Call Ajare for getting me to step outside my comfort zone - and in front of the camera - for this empowering blog series!


Want to see more?  Here are the blogs that will be participating in this sew-a-bration!