GIVEAWAY ~ My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software

I think have a new hobby - digital scrapbooking!  I was warned that this may invade my sewing time (thanks, Caroline!) but decided to try My Memories Suite after winning it on Carolina Fair Designs.  My Memories Suite has also contacted me about reviewing the software and giving away a copy to my readers! 

My first page.
All page elements included with My Memories Suite software

I have never been a scrapbooker.  I usually go to a photo printing site and make photo books using their very basic page layouts.  I was amazed at the beautiful pages one can create using My Memories Suite.  Browse their Gallery for some examples of pages others have made using MMS.  I've also joined a Sunday Speed Scrap with the MMS Facebook page and want to try other fun contests from the MMS Blog.

My Second Page
All page elements shown are included with MMS software or free from MMS site!

The My Memories Suite includes thousands of options for backgrounds and embellishments.  In addition, you can find free digital scrapbooking elements on their website and many more kits and templates for sale at less than $5.  I was very impressed with the selection of kits and easy searching by price and category.  MMS is also compatible with other online scrapbooking elements you may already have or find.  

My third page
Free 'Time to Play' Quick pages

My Memories Suite has endless options for creating beautiful pages.  Start with Quick Pages - ready for you to choose a photo and drop into the frame, choose a basic template and add your paper & embellishments, or start with a blank canvas and design away! 

My fourth page - Sunday Speed Scrap
They give you requirements to help create the page...fun!

If you really want a fanatastic album, MMS allows you to add music, audio & videos to your pages.  Share pages as JPEGs, burn to DVD, Ipod ready images or movies.  MMS also has formats for making cards, calendars, posters & more.   "Go beyond pictures by showing off video of the birthday party, or record a narration to capture the memories that pictures alone cannot. With My Memories Suite you simply don't look at a scrapbook-you experience it! "

Free calendar grids

I love to make photo calendars as Christmas gifts, so I'm excited to try making a calendar using the FREE calendar elements.  I also plan to experiment with the photo editing tools and try making some new blog headers.  My Memories Suite is an excellent way to dip your toes into the digital scrapbooking world!

As a special for all of my readers, this Share the Memories code provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - a $20 value!  Copy & paste code: STMMMS87580 at checkout to purchase My Memories Suite software for $29.97 and receive $10 to spend in the MMS store.  This is an excellent value...why not try it today?

And now for the giveaway! 

 One lucky reader will win a copy of the My Memories Suite Software! 

Here's how to enter:

MANDATORY Entry #1:   

- Visit My Memories and then return here naming your favorite kit.

Optional Entries:

- Like the MMS Facebook page here.

- Follow the MMS Blog here. 

- Follow MMS on Twitter here.

- Follow Mama Lusco Handmade blog.

- Like Mama Lusco Handmade on Facebook.

- Favorite Mama Lusco Handmade on Etsy.

- 5 entries: Purchase from Mama Lusco's Etsy shop during the giveaway.

That's a total of 12 chances per person!  One winner will be chosen randomly on Wed. Oct 5th.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry and a contact email.  Good luck and happy digital scrapping! 

Pattern Review ~ Tie A Bow Around Me Peasant Dress by Fun4Me2

Introducing......... the Tie a Bow Around Me Peasant Dress from Fun4Me2.  I was able to test this pattern for Dee and it is a darling dress loaded with options.  It comes in sizes 6mo - 7 and has a roomy fit to grow with your girl.  This PDF pattern gives directions for making a bubble hem or single layer skirt, apron option, and single or double layer flutter sleeves.  Dee also includes many examples & cutting guides for each of her sample dresses. 

I made a size 7 for my Nugget.  She normally wears a 6/7 so I played it safe and sewed up a size.  The fit on this pattern is generous and my dress was too big for Nugget.  I'm hoping it will fit next spring!
 

To compensate for the extra width around the waist, I wrapped the bow around the front and it is darling!  Wear it either way - bow in the front or back. 

My favorite part of this dress is the double flutter sleeve.  I also love how you could mix up coordinating fabrics and think the apron would look great with a border & added applique.  You can get so many looks from this pattern and it's a great value at $4.50!

Head to Fun4Me2 for your Tie A Bow Around Me peasant dress pattern today.

Pattern Review ~ Oh So Chic Harlow Monroe by Hailey Bugs Closet

I recently tested the Oh So Chic Harlow Monroe dress from Hailey Bugs Closet.  Quite a mouthful, but what a cute, simple dress!  This is a very versatile pattern with sizes 12mo-14/16 girls and it comes with tunic and dress length options for each size.  Wear it year round - alone in the summer or layered over a t-shirt or turtleneck the rest of the year. 

Abby is wearing the 10/12 tunic tester version but the finished pattern for tunics was going to be shortened a few inches.  She says it's very comfy to wear and likes the big neck tie and contrast band at the bottom.  It's a quick and easy sew like a pillowcase dress in a more modern style.

I've seen Christmas fabric versions and how about this Halloween version?  Pretty cute!

Find more from Hailey Bugs Closet on Etsy and Facebook.  Stacey has two other PDF dress patterns in her shop along with affordable ready-made girls clothing.  I have one more pattern to review and a BIG GIVEAWAY coming soon!

Congratulations, Winners!

The winners of the Lily Bird Studio giveaway have been randomly chosen....

Congratulations to Jacqueline and Jen@thecraftingfiend and a big thank you to Cecilia!

I've been up to my elbows in tomatos, cucumbers & green beans this weekend.  I made 24 jars of spaghetti sauce, 4 quarts of green beans and 14 quarts of bread & butter pickles yesterday.  We still have lots of tomatos coming, so I'll be making more spaghetti sauce and tomato soup.  I've already canned 30+ pints of salsa, too.  I'll be happy to have my canning done so I can get back to sewing! 

CLOSED ~Giveaway ~ Lily Bird Studio

Hello, Readers!  I have a fun giveaway for you this week! 

My friend, Cecilia, from Lily Bird Studio is hosting a giveaway for 2 of my readers!

Lily Bird Studio offers PDF clothing patterns for boys & girls in sizes 0-10 years.  She provides computer-drawn pattern pieces and step-by-step instructions with pictures so even beginners can create beautiful clothing.  Don't be intimidated by the buttonholes, zippers or lined bodices - Cecilia makes them easy by showing you how! 

Cecilia has offered to give 2 readers one pattern of their choice from the Lily Bird Studio shop. 

Leave seperate comments for each entry step you take.

Mandatory first entry:  Visit Lily Bird Studio and name which pattern you would like to win.

Extra Entries:  -  Follow Cecilia's blog, So Tei-Tei.

                        -  Like Lily Bird Studio on Facebook.

                        -  Follow Lily Bird Studio on Twitter.

                        -  Follow Mama Lusco Handmade blog.

                        -  Make a purchase from Mama Lusco's shop and comment that you did.

Winners will be chosen randomly on Sat. Sept. 17th.  Good luck and thank you, Cecilia!

Emma's Dress Pattern Review

I tested another beautiful dress for my big girl, Emma's Dress from Lily Bird Studio.

Abby loves the paper-bag styled waist and removable sash.  The sizing on the bodice was perfect and she didn't want to take this dress off!  Emma's Dress is sized for 2-10 years.  Abby normally wears a 9/10 and the 10 years was a great fit.  The final pattern was lengthened to the dress hits at the knee, not a mini like my pictures.  She just wears little shorts underneath so she can still play on the monkey bars :) 

First button holes with my NEW vintage Pfaff!

New pattern is 5" longer in size 10 to be knee length.

As always, Cecilia's instructions and photos in this PDF pattern are excellent, so even beginners can sew with confidence.  Be watching for a GIVEAWAY from Lily Bird Studios coming soon!

See more photos of Emma's Dress over at Hopeful Threads.

I have two more dresses to test this week, so come back soon to enter the GIVEAWAY and see some more cute dresses!

Super Sale on Cadie's Dress!

Carolina Fair Designs is offering a super-special on her Cadie's Dress.  This is a cute, wrap dress in sizes 2T- 7/8.  Find it in her online shop here and use this tutorial from her blog to add ruffles up the back. 

Here's how you can get the pdf pattern for Cadie's Wrap Around Dress for just $1!  Just Caroline's website www.carolinafairdesigns.com and after you put Cadie's Wrap Around Dress & Top in your cart you can use coupon code 'cadieforadollar' to get the price reduced to $1. This coupon code will only work until Saturday, September 10, 2011, so don't wait! If you want to buy it in the etsy shop instead, put the coupon code in the notes to seller section so I can refund you $4.95 (etsy won't let me make the right kind of coupon code for this).

Thanks, Caroline, for the awesome special and April, for the cute tutorial!

County Fair 2011

Where did summer go? While I miss the carefree days at home with the whole family, I'm a little relieved to have Andy back to work and the older kids in school.  I love a predictable routine! 

The County Fair marks the last week of summer vacation here.  We've made a tradition of taking a day to enjoy the food, rides & exhibits at Fair.  Abby entered her drawstring bag and won Best of Show and a blue ribbon.  She was so proud!  Just like that, I'm considering sending her to a cosmetology school.

Mama won High Point Award, 6 blue ribbons and 2 red ribbons. We won almost enough money to pay for all of the junk food we ate!