Pattern Review: Love Me Knot Shorts by GYCT

There's an adorable new pattern on the market - the Love Me Knot Shorts by Chelsea of Get Your Crap Together (GYCT).

My first "Love Me Knots" - fabric is a premium quilting cotton from Joann's - "Colorbok Fabric Mono Tiny Blossom Gray & White" - it has a little bit of light blue in the background - LOVE!

I had the opportunity to be a tester for this pattern and after a couple rounds of testing and neglecting my custom orders (whoopsie!) I think the final pattern could be a great addition to any spring / summer wardrobe.

The nitty gritty:
Sizes: 6 months through girls 12
Options: pockets or none - place them wherever you want!
Fun details: adorable keyhole at the hem of the shorts, darts at the top of the shorts back (makes for a better, more bubbly fit!)
Style: flat front, elastic back, bubbly / gathered hem

I tested the 18 month size and really had a great time.  These shorts sew up pretty quick (the most time consuming parts for me were the pockets and the trim - but the pockets construction has improved from our first take at them.... and I definitely got MUCH better at the bias trim after completing one pair - the second pair went together MUCH more quickly!)

I love the little keyhole - it's such a sweet design element and sets it apart from other shorts patterns I have (and I have a BUNCH!)

I did my bias trim two different ways for the two pairs I sewed up - the first pair (the gray ones) I attached the bias trim as the pattern was written - hem first, keyhole second.

The second pair, I wanted to try out a "hmmm - I wonder" idea a few of us testers had - and did the keyhole first, then the hem (I used the cutting instructions in the pattern, and then just added a bit to the length to allow for the ties).

The verdict?!  Both are cute! :)

With the flat front and elastic back I think these look adorable over a onesie or with a tucked-in shirt.  If you're worried about that front waistband wrinkling, Alyssa from Keep Calm and Carrion had a brilliant suggestion - add a little bit of iron-on interfacing to that front piece of the waistband.  Should help it keep the shape through wash after wash!

Because of the detail at the hem and the keyhole, these will also be cute with a more flowy / looser fitting shirt.  Perfect!

Oh - and the pockets!  Honestly my first pair I mistakenly thought they went on the back (hehehehe.... oops!) - Chelsea has since clarified that they are designed to go on the front - but guess what?!  They work great on the back, too!  And one of the other testers did them centered on the side seams - making a "cargo" pocket look.  So many options! :)

Thanks again to Chelsea for inviting me to be a tester.  I learned a bunch - and it's fun to be a part of the creative process / "behind the scenes".

Want to buy the Love Me Knots pattern?  It is available from the GYCT Etsy shop here - or on Craftsy  - if you purchase through the Etsy shop you can get 30% off using the code "LOVEME" (I think this code is good through Saturday, April 12th!)

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Linking up with We Did It!  Wednesday

How-to: Share your dropbox photos

I recently started using Dropbox when my old laptop was on the fritz and I really needed to backup my photos / PDF patterns (there are lots.... of both).  I thought that would be all I'd use them for - but now I'm wondering "What did I do before Dropbox?!"

.... Yes, I'm sure that all five of you who are reading this are thinking "Seriously?!  She JUST started using Dropbox?!"

I know, I know..... I've never been trendy / cool / the first to try something.  So why change now?!

But... it's great.  I use it constantly.  I pull up my PDF patterns, I back up my photos... and even better?!  I can share photos without having to send 18kazillion emails with just as many attachments - simple dimple, one link or one email and the person can see all the photos - and download them if they want.  And I can add to the folder I already shared with them if I add more!

I can also allow others to add to the folder - which has been great when working with photographers / friends who are taking photos and trying to send them to ME! (a separate how-to for that is coming soon!)

So.... a really quick how-to for sharing photos from Dropbox - because there were a few people in a pattern tester group I'm in that were having a hard time figuring it out! :)

Step 1 - open the folder that has the photos you want to share.  Here you see I'm sharing the "LoveMeKnotsTester" photos - you can see all the pictures there in the list.

Now click on that little "link" icon....

This will pull up a window - as seen in the next photo.

You now have a few options!

Option 1: type the email address(es) you want to share the folder with.  You can even include a message in that bigger box.  Then click send!

Options 2 and 3: click on the Facebook or Twitter icons to share using those methods

But maybe you just want the web address....?

Option 4: click on "Get Link" and the link (web address) to your folder will be copied to your clipboard.  Then you can paste (ctrl+v) the link anywhere you want (an email, blog post, Facebook post, message.... the possibilities are endless!)

A little tip: You'll notice the link is also visible in your browser bar - it's the same link!  So you can also copy and paste from there!

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Simple de-dimple, no!?

Happy sharing!

Note: this is a how-to for sharing the photos so that others can see them and download them.  If you are wanting to create a collaborative folder (where the person / people you share it with can add to / remove photos from the folder) the process is a little different.  I'll get some photos made up for that and write up another post for that process! :)

Let me know if you have any questions - or if this was helpful - I love to hear from you!

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I am not affiliated with Dropbox.... at all.  I just use it! :)

ALYOF April Goal

Phew - I've been in a funk for nearly a week - but it's time to get to work... and April is going to be a VERY busy month (we have plans all but one weekend in April..... and that weekend will probably involved the hubby working Saturday... so it will be a one-day weekend!)

Time to make my April goal for A Lovely Year of Finishes!

I'm sad that the official Season 5 of Project Quilting is over - but Kim from Persimon Dreams was quick to get the first off-season challenge posted - yippee!

This month's challenge involves this "calendar of colors"

We are to find the numbers that represent our birthday - and make something that features those two colors (we can add in other colors.... but it must be obvious the two colors our original inspiration came from)

It must be completed by April 27th and linked up over at Persimon Dreams - perfect!

My birthday is June 8th - 6/8 - so my colors are:

A medium / dark purple and gray!

I can definitely work with these :)

As I said.... April is going to be crazy busy - with custom orders, travel to visit family, events with people from Hubby's work, a blog hop, pattern testers and reviews..... phew!

Guess I'd better get sewing!

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Linking up with ALYOF at SewBittersweet Designs - can't wait to see what everyone else is working on this month!

I've lost it

.... my motivation, that is.

I'm 99% sure I'm not the only one that feels like their creativity / productivity / motivation goes in waves.

It's crazy - one week I'll be knocking out custom orders left and right, dreaming up new ideas and fabric combinations, blogging like crazy, making great meals for my family, checking off every single workout we had planned.

And other weeks / days...... I look back at the end of the day and say "what in the world did I DO today?!"

Yesterday I wrote some things on our family calendar in a variety pretty / fun colors of Sharpie pens.  I know I did that because I have proof.

I know I did not clean - because I have proof (my house is a disaster).

I know I did not sew - because the same projects are sitting on my cutting table / ironing board.

I did, however, spend a little time playing with my boys and a bit of time (okay.... obviously more than "a bit") recharging / "vegging out".

I always hope these dips in productivity / motivation will be short-lived.... but the truth is, they have to run their course.  And most of the time I find they are not accidental / completely random.

We do a ton.  All of us.  And sometimes we need to allow ourselves the minutes / hours / days / weeks?!  (I hope not?!) to re-charge.  To ignore many of our responsibilities.  To just be.

So.... that's where I find myself right now.  But at least today I got some laundry put away (before 9am!) :)

I also put on this shirt... a cheesy freebie shirt we got in the mail for participating in a wellness program through our insurance.  But I like what it says.

Pattern Tester: Evelyn Dress and Tunic

Recently I had the honor of being selected as a tester for Peek-a-Boo pattern shop.  I love the creative process, and was excited to get my feet wet in the tester department!

I tested the Evelyn Dress and Tunic (Click here to view more details) - a pattern Amy has had out for quite some time - but she was making some revisions AND extending the size range!  Yippee!!!

The details:
Size: 3 month through girls 12
Length options: tunic or dress
Front accent options: flat or ruffled / gathered
Hem finish options: bias tape or traditional hem

This was a pretty quick sew - I forgot to time myself (and my sewing time tends to be broken up thanks to the two munchkins who like to "help").  But I'd say around an hour.

I was asked to test the size 5 in tunic length - and I chose to do the ruffled / gathered accent and bias tape hem.

The pattern was pretty clear throughout - lots of photos.  During the testing process I had a few questions about which way to press things, etc. - and suggestions for seam finishing and top-stitching reminders and I'm excited to share that those things have been made even more clear in the final pattern - YAY!

I LOVE the back detail.  The little keyhole and ties are just too adorable!

This is such a simple, yet fun and funky, little pattern.  My little model wore her tunic with a pair of jeggings and boots and it looked adorable - but it will also be great for spring / summer with shorts!

Depending on your fabric / finish / style choices, this one could be made to have a very retro look - or a super sweet, simple top.  A few of the testers even added embellishements like lace to it - so much fun.

The fit is GREAT.  My little model wears a size 4/5 in ready-to-wear clothes and her mom says she's at that tough stage where lots of things fit funky.  This tunic was a perfect fit.  It has enough room to be able to play / move around - but the shoulders fit perfectly, the length was spot-on, and the fact it has the keyhole / ties in the back make it an easy-on and off piece of clothing.

I can't wait to sew up some more of these adorable tunics / dresses - and you shouldn't either!  Right now, this pattern is on sale for $6.95 to celebrate its re-launch! Get it here!  Yippee!

I'd love to see the Evelyns you sew up! :)

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Disclosure:  In exchange for being a tester (and sewing / providing feedback directly to the designer), I was given the pattern to test for free.  I was not compensated in any other way.  The opinions above are mine alone - and are not influenced by the fact I got the pattern for free (I'd LOVE it even if I had paid for it!) :)  This post contains a few affiliate links.  Buying from Peek-a-boo patterns using these links helps make a little money for me - to allow me to continue to pursue my creative adventure.  Thank you!!!

WIP Wednesday 3/26

Before I get to what sewing I'm up to this week.... I definitely have to take a moment to wish my awesome Hubby and biggest supporter a very Happy Birthday!  The kiddos have a BIG list of "must-haves" for around the house / the "celebration" tonight when he gets home from work - so I think I'll be spending most of today baking, decorating, cleaning, and putting together some handmade gifts!

But.....

What am I sewing up this week?!

LOTS!

Custom orders, Etsy shop stock, apparently a "rectangle shaped pillow" for Colby....

But yesterday I stole some time to work on some of the BOM blocks for this month.  This is the latest in the month I have sewn for these quilt-a-longs since the beginning of the year - where did March go?!

Aurifil Designer of the Month {Emily Herrick} March Block

I will be combining the blocks from this quilt-a-long with the Wishes QAL and some football blocks from the "Touchdown" pattern by Cluck Cluck Sew

ViceVersa BOM - traditional block

ViceVersa BOM - inverse block

ViceVersa BOM - March blocks - traditional and inverse

ViceVersa BOM - January through March blocks.  Loving how these are looking together!

And my true WIP - I didn't quite get to my Wishes Quilt Along block for this month (but definitely will before the end of the month!) - it's all cut out and read to sew!

Linking up with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced - I'm link #102 this week - can't wait to see what others are sewing up!

Staggered clips: a row piecing organization techniqe

It's been a while since I have posted a "Sew with me Sunday" tutorial / tip..... but this week as I was sewing up my Project Quilting piece, I developed an organizational strategy that I thought was worth sharing!

This week's quilt design wasn't quite as straightforward as some of my designs in the past - much harder to tell as I was chain piecing squares if I had accidentally rotated one of the squares and was sewing the "top" of the pair - rather than the right side, etc.

So I needed some sort of strategy to keep track of the correct side to sew - and where each row started / stopped.

Confession:  I severely dislike pins.  Straight pins, safety pins, push pins..... you name 'em, I don't like them.

So when I discovered Wonder Clips - I KNEW I needed them ASAP.  While they don't work for EVERY situation you would use pins - they're a pretty great substitute most of the time!

I had all my half square triangles laid out in my final quilt design.
{excuse the cell phone picture - I didn't think to take a picture with my REAL camera}

I started at the left side of the quilt and laid the square from column 2 onto the one from column 1 (right sides together), column 4 on 3, column 6 on 5, and so forth.  Because this quilt has 11 columns, I had one square that wasn't part of a sandwich (yet) - column 11's square - for each row.

Then I got out my Wonder Clips.  I wasn't clipping them together to line up the sides perfectly ready for sewing - I was clipping with the purpose of keeping track of which side of the square to sew, and which pairing (2&1, 4&3, etc.) this was.

Here you can see rows 9 through 12 of my quilt - with the clips staggered for each row.  And a dump truck.

I used sticky notes to write labels for each row - and just clipped them onto the column 1 & 2 pairing.

Here are a few more close-up shots of the pairs...

You can see that column 11 is not paired up - I left it positioned just as it would be for the quilt.

Then I stacked each row - with column 11's square on the bottom (keeping the "right" edge in line with the clips)

A close-up shot of row 12 - see how the clips are staggered?  Another bonus - - - this makes it so that your clips don't stack directly on top of one another!

Then I stacked the piles for each row on top of one another - in numerical order.  This stack is rows 9 through 12.  I found a stack of 4 rows was perfect - I wasn't afraid it was going to topple over.

As I sewed up each pairing, I continued to clip the number to the first bit of each row.  I sewed 4 rows at a time - so this helped me not lose track of where each row started and stopped.

This picture shows rows 5 through 8.  At this point I had sewn together the pairs - columns 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, 7&8, and 9&10.  Then I clipped the column 11 square to the 9&10 pair - ready to sew up during the next round.

After that, I would sew together the 1&2 pairing with 3&4; 5&6 with 7&8, and as mentioned above 9&10 with 11.

I kept clipping that number marker to the first block after every step.

When I got done with each row, I'd have the row label clipped to the column 1 square for each row.  I left these on until I sewed all the rows together - even when I was pressing seams, etc. - so that I didn't lose track of the row number or which side was the "left" side of the row and which was the "right".

(another cell phone picture..... with a few scraps of paper, foam block, and plastic "nail" - can you tell I have little "helpers"?!)

No.... I do not know why I wrote out the numbers "one" and "two" - when I went to write "three" I thought "um..... the number would be sufficient!"

I hope you like this little tutorial.  I'm sure this isn't a novel idea - but it was something I hadn't come across before (though I can't say I've looked) and that worked GREAT for me / this project.  When I shared that final picture in the Challenge Quilts group on Facebook there were at least a few people interested in my labeling technique...... so here it is!

This post Staggered clips: a row quilting piecing technique first appeared on Sew & Tell with Mama Eggo and includes my honest, unsolicited opinion of a product, Wonder Clips for which I was not compensated.