Bethlehemian Rhapsody

A fun way to remember the Reason for the season!

Make Your Own Christmas Card with MMS

Our Christmas Card ~ Christmas Traditions kit

I made that!!!  2 months ago, I would have told you I am not creative or patient enough to scrapbook.  My Memories Suite has proven me wrong! 

Diva Kit

I won the program in a giveaway and have made about 8 pages so far.  MMS hosts a "Speed Scrap" every Sunday evening on Facebook and I've been trying to participate each week.  It's a great opportunity to build pages and learn new techniques. 

MMS offers many free page elements and mini-kits in their shop and on Facebook, as well as special offers from their designers.  Printing a photo book will cost approx. $1/page, so it's also much cheaper than traditional scrapbookings.  It's really a great value for a fun, easy to use program. MMS recently released version 3 and have been posting tutorials on the new features on their blog.  Remember to use code: STMMMS87580 to receive $10 off the software and get a $10 store credit!



To make a Christmas card, I started with a blank, landscape page in MMS.  After designing the page, export it as a .jpeg file to your computer.  Upload the .jpeg to a photo site, like Snapfish & Shutterfly and use it there on a blank card or postcard. Snapfish has a sale using code CYBER50 to get 50% off (expires 12/3/11).  I like that I was able to design the postcard exactly how I wanted it and not have to settle for designs I didn't really love.  I'd love to see how you are using MMS in ways other than for digital scrap pages!

SMS Giveaway Day is Coming!

Giveaway Day is coming!  Twice a year, Sew, Mama, Sew Blog hosts Giveaway Day, a day (or 4) when hundreds of bloggers offer crafty giveaways to Sew, Mama, Sew readers.  Head here for the details on how to participate.  It's great exposure for your blog or shop and fun to find new blogs.  I hope you can participate this year, too!  See you on Dec. 12th!

A New Jacket & Pattern Review ~ Lily Bird Studio

I'm in love with this little coat!  I've made several jackets for my Nugget but this one has more details than the others I've sewn.  The jacket is from Lily Bird Studio and called the Mona Coat.  It has a faux- double button front, storm flaps on front & back, big collar, a full lining and wrist cuff straps. The Mona Coat comes in sizes 12 mo-8 yrs. 

I love all the details Cecilia has added to this coat!  From the gathered sleeves to shoulder patches to double-stitching the outer seams, this coat is boutique-cute.  I made mine with stretch denim outer fabric and quilting cottons for the storm flaps and lining.  This would be darling in corduroy as well or just quilting cottons for a spring jacket.  You have endless options playing with fabrics for all the many pieces of this coat. 

I was surprised how easily this coat came together.  Cecilia did an excellent job explaining the construction proces step-by-step.  As she says, "it's not hard, just a long process."  I would highly recommend this pattern but plan on it being a several-day project.  I sewed 1-2 hours a night for several days to get this one finished.  This was my first collar with a stand!

My Nugget was not wanting to model this day...such a sad face!

Photo from Lily Bird Studio

Upcycled Shirt to Purse FREE Tutorial

Bugglebee Handmade

I've got bags on the brain!  I love a good upcycling project and a cute, handmade shoulder bag...this project combines both!  I found it over at Bugglebee blog.  She has many other great free tutorials there, so please hop on over & say hello!

I need to make two diaper bags for my nieces expecting in the next 7 weeks.  They both liked this Tohuku Tote from I Am Momma Hear Me Roar.  I plan to add extra pockets inside and may enlarge the pattern for a bigger Mommy Bag.  It looks like a quick, easy project!

Photo from I Am Momma Hear Me Roar

Dropped Waist Knit Dress FREE Pattern & Tutorial

My girls would love this cute, comfy knit dress!  Head over to Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom for the tutorial and free 5t pattern.

Pattern Review ~ Playtime Girl by Ellie Inspired

This was my first time sewing a pattern by Ellie Inspired.  I've purchased a few, but haven't actually sewn one until getting to test the new Playtime Girl pattern.  Playtime Girl is a comfy knit dress with single or double layer sleeves and optional bottom ruffle.  It comes in sizes 4-12 and is a quick, 2-hour project. 

While the construction process was a bit different than I'm used to, the results were beautiful.  I wouldn't recommend this as your first knit pattern but if you've sewn a few knit projects this should be no problem.  Laura's illustrations are very helpful and the sizing was perfect. 

Head over to the Ellie Inspired blog this week for Christmas Week with giveaways, recipes and holiday ideas each day this week.  She's also featuring a new pattern release & sale daily this week.  Check it out!

Featured Designer ~ Jocole & Crossover Tunic Review

Have you seen a Jocole PDF pattern? .  I think I'm in PDF pattern heaven!!!  There are many PDF pattern-makers that I stand behind but Jodi Jean would be the captain of my dream team.  I was very impressed with the helpful tips for working with knits, digitized pattern pieces, excellent instructions & photos.  Jocole PDF patterns also include a Quick Guide for sewing, providing step by step instructions without the photos.  This is very handy for more experienced seamstresses or those who don't want to print the entire PDF file. 

I recently tested Jodi Jean's newest pattern, the Crossover Tunic for my almost 9 year-old.  She loves it!  This top took about an hour from start to finish.  It is very versatile, including sizes  12mo-14 and options for hip, tunic, and dress lengths.  This pattern is made using stretch knit, so it is so comfortable your girl will be wanting to wear one everyday!  I've already asked Jodi Jean for a mommy-version. 

Along with PDF patterns, Jocole also offers custom women's clothing and modest undershirts perfect for layering.  If we weren't struggling to pay two mortgages, I would order one of everything!  My favorite piece is the Graceful Cowl Neck Dress with Obi wrap belt.

Photos from Jocole

Find Jocole patterns and place custom orders on Etsy and the Jocole website.  Keep up with the new patterns and specials by following the Jocole blog and Facebook fan page.  Tell her Angie sent you!

Abby & her new Aussie pup, Milly

Updated Tutorial Pages

Have you visited my Tutorial Pages yet?  I have them separated by category and provide picture links to each of my featured tutes.  I've recently added a few to the Bags & Purses page, including this beautiful one from Mommy by Day, Crafter by Night.

I'll be sewing up some diaper bags and totes before Christmas.  I'm also hoping to sew this convertible tote/shoulder bag from Studio Cherie for myself!

What will you be sewing for Christmas?

Little Pants LOVE and a sale at Lily Bird Studio

Cecilia at Lily Bird Studio has done it again...introducing the Ben & Mia Pants pattern!  These pants come in sizes 12mo-6yrs and feature front pockets with piping, belt loops and optional back pockets. 

These wide-leg, easy-fit pants are a staple in my kids wardrobe.  I really love the piping and belt loop details in this pattern.  As always, Cecilia's photos and instructions are very good, making this pattern suitable for beginners & beyond.

To celebrate the new pattern, Cecilia has offered a 20% off code: 'MAMALUSCO'.  Enter this code into the coupon code section at checkout to get your 20% discount.  She has so many darling patterns for both boys & girls.  Find Lily Bird Studio on Etsy, the website, blog (giveaway there!) and Facebook.  Thank you, Cecilia!