Thursday, August 18, 2016

Glamour Swirl Blog Tour




 Thanks so much for joining me on the first day of OFFICIAL day of my blog and the last day of the Glamour Swirl Blog Tour!

I had the very distinct pleasure of being on the testing team for this specific pattern and what fun it was. This test was a quick test and the pattern maker Lauren Ann Wernli is amazing. If you have never had the chance to meet or work with Lauren Ann then you truly are missing out. The reason that she got into creating pdf patterns is:






"The decision to create patterns in PDF Printable format came about because I wanted to learn new skills. Also, as I work from home I never see the finished product of my work, as the garments are made and shipped off directly from the factory. Sew by Pattern Pieces has been born and with the help of modern technology and Facebook, I am hoping to see a lot more of the finished garments from the patterns that I create, made by happy home sewers around the world."







Some of the reasons to really like the Glamour Swirl Skirt pattern come from Lauren Ann's clear and concise instructions both in the group for testing and the pattern. Often in testing, there can be a rush with several iterations of a pattern circulating at the same time as changes are made. Lauren Ann had a very clear method to ensuring that people were not creating old versions with new ones outstanding.

For the pattern itself, the instructions are clear and thorough making it very easy to follow along for a novice sewist. One of the main things I adore about this pattern is how few pages you actually need to print. Its so refreshing to not need to print 65 pages to have an adult pattern. This pattern specifically is drafted for easy changes to length and grading if necessary. This pattern is a super quick sew taking roughly 30 minutes when using a sewing machine and less if you are using a serger.


Now for my favorite part about this pattern- the actual features.  This pattern features both a mum and me option for those that like to have matching skirts. But it also just has a ton of options. It includes 3 lengths, plus pockets (if you want them) and an option to add a lovely tie to the waist if you want it. For the mum and me with my daughter and I, I chose to use pockets for her (none for me) with the tie waist for both of us. I also chose the cocktail length for me. My daughter loves the beautiful Kimmy Snabric rainbow I used and since sewing this up, shes chooses it regularly to wear for outings.

The finished product is exactly what is promised with a beautiful circle skirt with a nice arc to create a beautiful, glamourous swirl dress. This is a fantastic pattern and Lauren Ann has a group, Sew by Pattern Pieces Sewing Circle, to help you if you need support or just advice for whatever combo of Glamour Swirl skirt. Come on over to the glamourous side and create something beautiful for you or your favorite girl. I wish I could get better photos for you but as you can see from the photos below, trying on a new skirt is hard work;)

Links for the pattern and fabrics below- I cant wait to see your creations- happy crafting.


********Also make sure to check out the group for a chance to win an awesome prize!






-L


Thursday, August 11, 2016

SEW BY PATTERNS BLOG TOUR!!!!!

As I make the transition from having just a Facebook and IG account, I wanted to share with you this awesome blog tour that is the official launch of this blog. A Vermont Mom was super fortunate to have the honor to be include in the testing of the Glamour Swirl Skirt, in conjunction with that Lauren Ann Wernli is offering an amazing giveaway. Take a look at all these awesome sponsors!
 Who doesn't love free stuff, I  love wining things and once the rafflecopter link is launched, I will update it here on this page and over at A Vermont Mom.
Take a look at the tour dates- we are on the very last day BBBUUUUUUTTTTT prizes are being offered every few days- run over to Sew By Pattern Pieces Sewing Circle and get in on the fun while you can.

Oh also, there is a contest running there for $45 prize to KnitPop that you have time to get an entry in for!

Happy Crafting

-L

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Daiesu Jigsaw Mustard Wrap Review

Daiesu Jigsaw Mustard size 6

Grams per Meter Squared (your measurement): 260

Wrapper: 6ft tall, size 18/xl top
Wrappee: 23 mos old, 20 lbs 30 inches tall (wears sixe 12mos clothing.

I was really excited to get the Daiesu wrap in and have the opportunity to use this for the week that is alloted for testing for a couple of reasons.

1st I love the pattern the jacquard weave with interlocking puzzle pieces is visually stunning.

2nd because I had heard really great things about the wrapping qualities from the brand.

And 3rd because the company's personal ethics speak to me.

Daiesu is a Malaysian company that sources 100% organic cotton and has their wraps woven in India.

When the wrap arrived, I was super excited to pull it out of the canvas tote it arrived in. I was far down on the tester list, so by the time the wrap got to me it was obviously well loved but still no less stunning than the pictures I had seen of it. It was cushy and blankety and my daughter immediately ran off with it to hee bed.

With 260gsm, the wrap itself felt like it was going to be too thick for me, as I tend to prefer thinner wraps with good bounce. The feeling in hand was almost that of a cuddly flannel that I expected would stick and perhaps not glide the best. Boy was I wrong, for all its cushy, marshmallowy goodness these was a nice amount of bounce and glide that made strand by strand tightening so wonderful.

I also worried about the blankety feeling making the wrap too warm. Since I live in Vermont, I found it to be the perfect wrap for the season. I suspect with my heavy "sweat"er, I would still prefer my linen blend but it's hard for me to believe the brief encounter with Jigsaw that it wouldn't be breathable. There is honestly nothing bad that I can say about this wrap at all, aside from I wish it was a 7 so I could do fancier finishes.

I loved this wrap and was very sad to see it leave because in the end, I fell hard for Daiesu and look forward to the company growing and adding to their line because I am a true convert.
Image of VM with Baby O on her back so you can see the gold and white puzzle pieces on the wrap.

Image of a sick Baby O with red cheeks and runny nose on her mommas back in the same wrap. You can barely see Laurie, this carry is a ruck tas.

Image of a sick and crying Baby O in a Poppins hip carry. Laurie wears an expression of exhaustion
This was originally posted on Facebook since then I have purchased a Daiesu Jigsaw in Teal because I just had to have one of my own! Original post on fb is linked here---->Original FB post on Daiesu Jigsaw Mustard Wrap

21 Day Fix

I love a challenge, who doesn't- right?

So I decided its time to do something about the post baby weight. I'm not happy with what my body looks like and as a mom, I know I don't always set the healthiest example for my kids. I want to change that so I spent some money and ordered the 21 Day Fix. It should be here soon and then I will get started. I'm not sure if I am bold enough to post my before and after pics but I am certainly willing to try a few rounds to see if it being more active and emphasizing smaller portions is the key. It touts up to a possible 15lb weight loss during the first round (of course subject to following the program and eating the way Beachbody tells you to) so we shall see....

Blog launch

Stay tuned for the launching of A Vermont Mom here over the next few days. Until the official launch I will be transferring some of my favorite posts over from A Vermont Mom's Facebook page. Thanks for all the love and support over there but it is time for us to expand to the actual blogosphere. We love you all-

A Vermont Mom and family!

Image of Elmo standing next to Papa Vermont with Baby O on his back, Elsa and the Hulk with Baby Bear flexing his muscles in front of the Hulk, next to Jack Jack and Big A.