Girls Scarf Neck Cardigan; KCW sewing

So, yeah, I am totally going to do a drive by posting of some of my Kids Clothes Week sewing.

These are made from the Girls Scarf Neck Cardigan pattern from Swoon Patterns (formerly known as Paco Bean Patterns).

Enjoy! :)

Scarf Neck Cardigan

I did it (nervous smile)! I set aside my fear of being in front of the lens and stepped in front of the camera. I guess its kinda hard to participate in Selfish Sewing Week without doing so ;)  And it is all thanks to this fabulous new pattern by Paco Bean: the Scarf Neck Cardigan.

I still have a hard time believing that this is the first clothing pattern by Paco Bean. It is PERFECT! I love every detail from the scarf neck, to the princess seams, to the relaxed fit. I don't think I could improve it if I tried...those who know me know I like to modify and personalize the patterns I sew.

I used this yummy white hemp blend slub knit. It is so soft that it is almost buttery! *Love* <3

I think I need to work on my modeling a bit though! Hehe 0_o

I am not quite sure what that look is on my face but I like how this picture shows the profile of the cardigan. It has a fun asymmetrical bottom hem...which I chose to leave unhemmed. Since it is made with knit it doesn't need to be hemmed; and I really like the rolled edges of unhemmed garments.

I did, however, hem the arms. For more of a cuffed look I folded the bottom of the arm up 1.5" then stitched with a twin needle. Maybe I have short arms, IDK, but it turned out just as I was hoping.

My first attempt at this cardigan was this gray one. I made it a little too big, but I love this knit too much to scrap it. It is hard to see but this is made from a tissue weight jersey blend with a beautiful flower texture. It makes a perfect layering garment!

Aahhh, here I am soaking up the beautiful Autumn sun here in southern Oregon.

For this cardigan I cut the sleeves at the half sleeve mark then added a cuff. The sleeves are pushed up a little here, but adding the cuff makes a perfect 3/4 sleeve length.

I have much enjoyed seeing everyone's Selfish Sewing this week. And I am happy to have made something for myself for a change. I generally only sew for others, but making something for myself was quite rewarding. Thank you for giving me the push I needed to step in front of the camera Rachael, from Imagine Gnats, and Jill, from Made with Moxie! I will try not to be so shy in the future ;)

The Rosie Crossbody Bag

Rosie is the latest and greatest bag pattern from Paco Bean Patterns, and she is so sweet!

Rosie is the perfect everyday bag. This bag has a sleek, clean look that would go well with any attire. It could be made with a nice solid for more versatility, but I wanted to have some fun with this one!

I made mine with a navy houndstooth...a little bit boyish...a little bit edgy. Then I paired it with this beautiful floral...totally girly. It's perfect for me :) I love how the soft floral offsets the graphic print of the houndstooth. And, this pattern has some great features! Let's look at them.

On the back is a zippered pocket. I am excited that I won't have to go digging inside my purse anymore for my cell phone or car keys. They will be right there without even having to open my purse.

And inside there is a simple slip-in pocket on one side.

On the other side is another zippered pocket.

You don't have to make all those pockets, of course. But who doesn't love pockets!? The pattern is well written, with easy to follow drawings, so the all the pockets are really an easy add-on.

This is a crossbody bag with a fully adjustable strap. So, if you prefer, you could adjust the strap all the way down and wear it over one shoulder instead of cross your body.

 See the strap there? Pretty sweet, huh? In case you were wondering, the hardware is from Strapworks.com

This bag pattern really is one of my favorite so far. And the fabrics I used are my newest inspiration...hint, hint. You may be seeing more of these fabrics soon!

Let's take another peek inside the purse.

Yep, another awesome pattern!

You can pick up the Rosie Crossbody Bag pattern here. You're gonna love it!

Eleanor Slouchy Hobo Bag + Giveaway!

My most recent adoration, Paco Bean!! Paco Bean patterns are some of the cutest bag patterns, and at prices you would not believe! I only wish I had found them sooner.

When I saw the picture of the new pattern Paco Bean was testing I was begging to be included. This bag pattern is exactly what I need. It is super roomy and has style to boot! Let me introduce you to the Eleanor Slouchy Hobo!

   

(Pattern cover photo courtesy of Paco Bean)

This bag pattern is easy to put together and the payoff is enormous! I'm IN LOVE with it <3

The bottom of this bag is much like a sling, which, in my opinion, makes it super comfy to carry. It also gives it lots of carrying capacity, which every busy girl needs.

Keilana wanted to show you just how many toys she can fit in this bag. Follow the pictures as the story unfolds ;)

Wow, all these toys were inside and it wasn't even stuffed! This bag is mommyrific!

Inside there is a zippered pocket to keep your smaller items from getting lost :) The tutorial walks you through the whole thing and is very easy to follow. I love how it turns out. It makes me wonder why I don't always do these zippered welt pockets; they are easier than you'd think and so handy to have!

I also added this "HANDmade" tag inside. A perfect finishing touch.

The straps are really easy to attach using O-rings. I found 1.5" inch O-rings at my local JoAnn's Fabrics. If you don't live near a JoAnn's they can be found online too. Strapworks.com is a great resource for strap and belt hardware. They are in Eugene, Oregon so I have to give a shout out to an Oregon business. (I live in Oregon you know.) Their selection is amazing! I think I am going to have to make a big bulk order so I can make this Eleanor bag over and over!

Don't you just love the Eleanor? Well, guess what? You can win a copy of the pattern! But wait, hold on to your seats because I'm about to blow you away!...You can win a copy of all 5 Paco Bean patterns!!! Oh yeah!

Giveaway will be open for 1 week. Contest closes Monday July 8th at midnight PST. Enter in Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck to all!

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