Hello Monday - It's a Giveaway!

Hello!

Recently I was the lucky winner of a giveaway from StudioTANTRUM. I received the most beautiful gift, full of StudioTANTRUM and Farbenmix patterns, some lovely fabric and other goodies! How lucky am I? 

If you have been a long time reader, you may already know my love of these patterns for kids. Such unique and inspired creations. As Nancy Langdon, designer of StudioTANTRUM says: "You are the designer: Our patterns are the roadmap. You determine the journey."

Here are just a few of their patterns I have made up over the years for Pony Girl.

You can see more examples in the Sewing Clothes kids Love and Farbenmix Flickr groups.

In my box of happy from Nancy, Jen and StudioTANTRUM, I happen to receive a few duplicate patterns that I already had in my collection. So, that means I'm giving away 3 patterns to a lucky reader! Hooray!

These patterns are made in the European tradition, which means that the patterns come on large good quality paper, then you trace the pattern pieces and add seam allowance to the traced pieces. If you have never used this type of pattern before, do not be intimidated. If I can do it, anyone can! Pattern sizes range from 86/92 - 146/152 or US 2 - 12. So, if you have a special little girl in your life that you sew for, or if you know someone who would really like these patterns, they can be yours! Plus, I will be adding a few special extras in the package for fun!

How to win:
1. Simply leave a comment on this post with a way for me to get in touch with you. (Many comments I receive are "no-reply" which means I can't reach you through your comment, make sure I know how to get a hold of you)

2. Add a link to this post to your Twitter, and tag me @lola_nova and @studioTANTRUM for an extra chance to win!

3. Link to the giveaway on Facebook for another chance to win!

4. Be sure to let me know if you have Tweeted, Facebooked etc. So I know to give you those extra chances!

5. Giveaway winner will be announced next Monday, March 10th!

Happy Monday all!

My Travelling Companion

On my European travels last year I had a constant companion, yes another other than The Lumberjack. A companion that made me happy and was a true help along the way. A companion of the handmade kind, my CarryAll bag. I made it just before my trip and it occurred to me I never shared it with you.

When I was all done with the making and I looked upon my sweet new rather roomy CarryAll bag, it made me smile from ear to ear. It was all sorts of colorful with sunny details put on and a fine fit over my shoulder.

I used a vintage Japanese tablecloth for the main out side that had been a gift from my mother, it has a nice nubby texture and lovely design. For the rest I rummaged around in my scrap heap.

It has a handy pocket on the back side that kept all of my important papers safe and sound.

It did a bang up job through London and Paris, often put upon by heavy loads, abused by the Underground and escalators, kicked under cafe tables and mistreated in various ways. Though it may have got a little grubby along the way, it never failed me and still made me smile. I received many compliments and a few comments of "Well now, that's an um... interesting bag."

I used fusible fleece for the lining, then quilted it with lines of stitching to give it a bit of structure. And of course extra handy pockets for the inside.

Oh guess what?! You could make one too if you fancy. I used a downloadable pattern by Farbenmix which you can purchase HERE
There are two size variations and all sorts of room for modification and embellishment. I have always been happy with their patterns.

My CarryAll bag was the perfect travelling companion indeed!

and it only took me a year to make

Last week whilst I was dabbling in the studio, I went a-looking for something amongst the piles of fabric which got me to wondering, 'Where has that maid gone, she should really tidy up this joint!' Oops, I'm pretty sure we don't have a maid, we just have me. I gave myself a good talking to, in which I used the phrase, "Shape up or ship out!" then I had a proper sulk for I didn't need to be quite so hard on myself. After all that was done, I still hadn't found the item I was searching for but I did find this! A jacket I had started a year ago for Pony Girl, I'd nearly forgotten all about it and felt terrible for neglecting such a shiny bit of possibility. Would it still fit? Would I recall the seam allowance I had used?

Well, I forged ahead and put all the last bits together...

and it fits!

With some room to grow even!

and I even managed a wee stuffed bunny to go along.

Avalon Jacket and Insa skirt from the Book "Sewing Clothes Kids Love"

Sundry

First, I have to thank all of you lovelies for the sweet comments and all the encouragement you left for me on my last post. I feel so immensely grateful to have such wonderful readers with such kind hearts. You make me feel as though I could do anything!

As I mentioned, my stitching has slowed to an almost standstill. I do have one little bit of making to show. A pair of dungarees for Pony Girl. Made from the Farbenmix pattern, Berit. I love this pattern as they go together quickly and have a bit of interest to the piecing. I kept this pair on the simple side - since the denim I used was of heavy weight and too much embellishing would have made them even heavier.

I tried to get the girl to model them for pictures because they are much more charming that way, instead of laying on the table all flat and kidless. She would have none of it though.

In other stitch related news; I received the sweetest bundle from Denise of A Bun Can Dance. We had a little scrap swap between ourselves and across an ocean. What a wonderful package arrived at my door, with some special vintage pieces to boot! The lovely fabrics have me pondering and wanting to sew.


And now in completely unrelated but noteworthy news...
A little while ago I received an email from Sandy of Sandy and the 1000 Paper Cranes. Sandy is on a mission! To fold 1000 paper cranes, to write affirming, positive words on their wings, and release them into the world for people to find.
This is a pretty great idea so I thought I would spread the word. If you want to read about her project click here. You too can join in by making your own cranes and setting them free. How awesome is that?

Well, that's it for today. Have a swell one!

Vintage Bee

Well, it's our third day of school and I promise to report our adventures soon but, right now I want to talk about a bee. Yes, a wee buzzy bee in my bonnet ever since these lovelies arrived at my door from the equally lovely Kate. It didn't take me too long to decide what to make of them though, the actual making was in bits here and there.

Sometimes sewing keeps me sane, sometimes it is a meditative exorcise and a peaceful sanctuary, where I can quiet my mind to the stresses of the day and focus in a singular manner that brings a bit of joy and satisfaction.

As I was carefully pressing and cutting, I thought about the interesting journey these bits of fabric had been on in their lives. Their most recent being from across the universe (o.k. from another hemisphere) having passed through the hands of another making mama and sent to me. I felt quite a connection while working with the fresh and floral scenery, I felt encouraged and happy whilst sewing my seams...

...and this is what I made.(go ahead, click the pictures, you know you want to)

I used the pattern for the Insa Skirt from the book "Sewing Clothes Kids Love", also available separately from Farbenmix. I added some vintage sheet stash of my own and everything but the thread and label is vintage.

The back...

I absolutely love how it turned out, I really enjoyed the making, and I love that I felt connected to the person who sent me the fabric and the persons responsible for the pattern. What an amazing thing this bloggy world is. Don't you think?

New Moves

Another school dress made to her very specific order. She chose the fabric and ribbon and wanted something "not too fussy". She is smitten and declared it good for showing off her new moves!




I used the pattern "Tini" by Farbenmix. I added a couple of inches to the Tunic version to make the dress. A very easy pattern and always loved by the Pony Girl.

Tomorrow is the First Day of School!!!

Professor Crazy Pants

Finally finished up the first pair of pants for my girl. They are made out of a dark chocolate two-way cord, a corduroy print and a bit of pink stripey cotton I had in my scraps. They are wild. I used the Berit pattern from Farbenmix in German. Of course I added to and changed the original, 'cause I just can't help myself. These patterns really do encourage a lot of creativity and personalization. The pants were very difficult to photograph well - something with the cord and stripes. I had a hard time capturing all the detail.

On a side note; Blogger has been doing bad things to my photos upon upload. They look like a poorly optimized web photo, yuck! This seems to have started happening last month. I wish it would stop, I don't like. I have even tried re-sizing, optimizing and messing about in photoshop but...no luck. Phooey! Fuzzy, crinkly pics no good.

...but back to the pants, I like them pretty well and my girl seems to think they're great. There are some vintage pink velvet ribbons with charms attached to them in one of the side insets that I don't think showed up on these photos. Those are a big hit and will be showing up more in my clothing. I need to enlist the help of my mom for some cool charms (she makes jewelry with vintage beads). Now, on to the next project.

Scrappy Wrap

I made this wrap dress using vintage scraps from my grandmothers stash. Vintage buttons as well. It took longer than I expected with all the top-stitching, applique, ruffling, ric-racing and what not. It seems to be a hit though.
(This dress was based on the "Anna" Pattern from Farbenmix, then modified)