Introducing the Olivia Reverse Knot Dress from Pink Poodle Bows

Alisha from Pink Poodle Bows just released a new pattern, the Olivia Reverse Knot Dress in sizes 6mo-12.  This pattern makes it easy for beginners to sew this criss-cross bodice dress.  Long straps and two buttonholes in the back let you tie a big bow in the back.  Add a contrast band, ribbons, or lace to dress it up.  I added a vintage lace trim at the top of my short contrast band and a ribbon hem. I also like the stiffness the ribbon adds to the skirt bottom, giving it a little extra fullness.  Find out how over at Oliver & S free Lazy Days skirt tutorial. 

Photo from Pink Poodle Bows

The only other adjustment I made was to enclose the side & skirt seams inside the bodice lining. Alisha makes this tutorial easy for beginners, so if you want hidden seams you need to know how or find an online tutorial.

The Lil Diva Pants are also now available in big girls sizes, 6-10.  They are an easy, wide-leg pant with cute contrast bottom hem.  My girl loves them and they only take 1 hr to sew!

Thanks, Alisha, for allowing me to test these patterns.  Find more Pink Poodle Bows on Etsy, Facebook, Blog & Big Cartel. 

New Tote Bags

I recently made the Maddie Handbag, a FREE pattern from Homespun Threads.  It was the perfect mid-sized bag!   The Homespun Thread blog is a fantastic resource for free tutorials, including dozens for baby items, bags & crafts.  Aimee's online Bible Studies are really good, too. 

My Maddie Bag  is made of denim and Amy Butler Lotus quilting cotton as the liner & accent fabric.  It took me just as long to cut & interface my fabrics as it did to sew the thing!  I made mine 1.5" taller (13"w x 13"t) and thought it would be a great bag for ladies who like to pack along a Kindle, book or big organizer. I also added pockets across the full width on one side of the lining.  It was hard to give this one away, but it was a Christmas present for my mom.  I'll definitely be making more of these as gifts & possibly for my shop.   

I've marked down some of my tote bags & purses in the shop!  Mention you're a blog reader and I'll refund an additional 10% of the item price for your purchases- including jewelry!  

Winner!

Congratulations, Shana, the Weekend Crafter!  She is the winner of my Pink Poodle Bows pattern giveaway.  Remember to check out Pink Poodle Bows shop for easy boutique looks.  She also has a big-girl version of the Diva Pants in testing now.  I think my big girl will love them!

Introducing ~ Sew Can She!

I'm excited to introduce you to Sew Can She, a new website & newsletter devoted to sharing FREE sewing tutorials.  Sew Can She was started by Caroline of Carolina Fair Designs as a way to share sewing tutorials with family, friends and now all of us! 

Ear Warmer tutorial from Delia Creates via Sew Can She

Each day (except Sunday), Sew Can She shares a sewing tutorial.  You never know what will be coming next!  So far, most of them have been on my To-Do or Have-Done lists, so Caroline has great taste ;)  The easiest way to find the tutorial is to sign up for the Sew Can She newsletter on the website's Home page.  They are also posted on the Sew Can She website for a limited time here.  If you like sites like Craft Gossip, check out Sew Can She for more daily free sewing tutorials. 

 On a totally random note - I made a new button & banner for my Etsy shop!  Etsy had a good list of tutorials about making your own buttons/banners in their seller resources.  It's fun to have a fresh look!
 Remember, my Pink Poodle Bows pattern giveaway ends tomorow evening, Jan. 6th!  Head to this post to enter.