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!

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"

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?

It's easy being green...

...and pink!
For Pony Girl's birthday dress this year, I gave myself a wee challenge. I wanted to make something unique, fun, lovely, and I wanted to make it using almost entirely recycled materials.

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I did not sew the original pattern I started with, the one mentioned in an earlier post. I did use another pattern from the book Sewing Clothes Kids Love,, the Feliz Dress. And what a happy dress it is!

I channeled my inner Scarlett O'Hara and made the dress from the curtains. Not my curtains but, rather a formerly loved curtain from a thrift store that I found for $2. Originally a massed produced piece of decent quality, of cream background with pretty embroidered swirling flowers. I did on more than one occasion refer to the dress as "Frankly Scarlett!" The under-dress was cut from a piece of fabric that was given to me and I think used as a tablecloth or some such usefulness. The trims and ribbon were recycled from grosgrain present wrapping from the past or vintage pieces from my collection. Even the bits of elastic were cast offs from other projects. Only the thread and clothing labels were new but, also part of what I already had in my stash. Oh, and a little vintage doily from my grandmother.

I did not make any modifications to the pattern (shocking I know), I followed it precisely. It made up just a treat, and the design of it accommodates for a little growing. In fact, she will be able to wear this for a couple of years I imagine.

As I was putting it all together, the dress suddenly implored me to add butterflies! Oh yes, butterflies in the garden indeed. So, I took my fabric paint and mixed a color that was tricky as can be, I grabbed a butterfly stamp, a crafty sponge brush, and I proceeded to apply paint to the stamp then stamp to fabric. A wee butterfly landed upon a flower and looked so sweet I added some company, repeating my steps for each one. It was time consuming but, such a joy to do! Then each butterfly needed to be heat set for longevity.

In the end, Pony Girl was absolutely pleased and looked like a dream in her new frock. I found that the challenge I had undertaken of creating a special dress from recycled materials wasn't in fact, all that challenging. Actually, it was a blast! When I thought about the total cost of the dress, including the pattern, all told I had spent under $5.00. Also, I proved to myself once again, that it is indeed easy being green...and pink. Now that is awesome!



I shall return day after next to share more thoughts on green and other colors, talk of the utmost challenge and 'living local'. Until then my friends, go dance in the garden and look for butterflies!