Melanie Bag, Needing Pattern Tester

The Melanie Bag!!

New pattern needing a tester.  I had a very good friend of mine ask if I would be interested in making this pattern, and of course I said YES.  This is such a fun and go everywhere bag.  I have been using mine since the day I finished it.  The straps are long so it can lay up over one shoulder and lay on the other hip.  I love that when I am running after my kids, my purse isn't falling off my shoulder (It's GREAT!)

This bag has a button and loop closure.

 There's plenty of pockets inside lining both sides of the bag.  Take everything with you, and still be able to find it all!  Pockets for cell phones, pens, keys, lip stick, and more.

When it came to time for me to name the bag, I just had to name it after my good friend.  So thanks again Melanie for the idea, and for letting me use your name!

I am needing 1 more person to test this pattern for me.  If you would like to test this please leave me a comment below.  If you would like an extra point in the drawing, please leave a comment on facebook or twitter and leave me the link to see it (I would appreciate your help in telling people about my shop).

Good Pattern for you beginners out there.  Very few pattern pieces, and steps.

Here's the deal.  You get the pattern for free.  I only ask that you are able to sew the bag within a week of me emailing it to you, and give me any comments or suggestions you may have.

Contest will end at midnight, on Thursday, June 16th.

Jack and Jill Winner

What a crazy last couple weeks!!  I got a virus on my computer, the second in the past month.  I have a wonderful neighbor who is kinda an expert when it comes to these things.  So, he fixed it, he brought it back.  We worked on the computer for one day trying to catch up on everything we missed.  Then it got a virus again!!  So frustrating.  It is now fixed.  Life is now somewhat caught back up.

I did have a winner for the Jack and Jill Romper!!  Thank you Jamie for sewing this for me!!

Jamie is a stay at home mommy of a 3 year old and infant twins, and wife to a great guy. She enjoys cooking, sewing, quilting, and knitting for her kiddos and people she loves.  Go check out Jamie's blog find out how to mother a toddler and twins, keep her sanity through crafts and live happily and healthy on a budget.  While pregnant with her twins she got a crazy urge to create things and just wanted to try different types of crafts. She loves crafts that involve some kind of fiber-sewing, knitting, folding fabric flowers.  After the twins were born she decided to stay at home because good child care cost more than she brought in each month. So she created her etsy shop (www.etsy.com/shop/jlchatt) mostly to cover the cost of all the fabric and yarn that she loves to buy.  Jamie has so many things to see on her blog.  Tutorials, sewing projects, recipes, and so much more!  She is an amazing woman, and fun to follow along with as she is definatly staying sane with raising her children.  Also go to her Etsy shop that will be re-opening by mid July!!!  Check it out!!  My computer wouldn't let me add the cute picture that Jamie sent me of her Romper, so here is a cute picture she sent me of the Hailey Wrap pattern!

Jack and Jill Bubble

It is time again for a new pattern tester contest!!!  This is a fun new pattern for boys and for girls.  So the name had to go both ways.  That is why I chose to call it the Jack and Jill Bubble Romper.

The Jack and Jill Bubble can be sewn as a basic bubble romper.  Or a pocket can be added to the front.  And of course for those frilly little girls, we gotta have some ruffles!!  Next week I will tell you about a new friend of mine who suggested this pattern to me, Jenn.  She will be testing the pattern as well, so this time I will only be needing 1 more tester.

Contest for pattern testers will begin right now.  Ending next Wednesday night, May 11th at midnight.  I am needing 1 person that is willing to sew this pattern with in one week of me emailing to them.  I will give the pattern to you for free, in exchange for any comments or critics that you can give.

Toasted Coconut

I want to tell you about my newest sponsor for my blog!  Emily from the Toasted Coconut as such a cute shop, you will love it!   And of course a fun name!  Inspired by her LOVE for coconut.  Let me tell you a little about her and then please make sure to stop by and say hi to her.

Besides keeping busy as a wife and mom to 2 little boys, Emily is inspired by vintage styles and makes beautiful accessories and more.

As soon as Emily started creating her one-of-a-kind pieces, everyone came up to her wanting their own. 

This bracelet is my absolute favorite!!  I have already warned my husband that I want it for my birthday that is just around the corner.  Emily, he better be emailing you soon!!

When you check out Emily's blog, be sure to look up the Ring Holder Tutorial, it is fabulous!!

Go check out the Toasted Coconut shop, then go to her blog and become a follower, then find Emily on facebook!!

Will? Identity Theft? What To Do?

I have a fantastic product review that I want to tell you about!!  Mike and I have had this Pre-Paid Legal membership for at least 6 years, and it has paid off so much for us.  I am so happy about the piece of mind it continues to give me!! Here are a couple recent stories for you of how much it has helped me.

Back in November I had just taken my son on a bowling trip with his school.  When we drove to pick up my other kids afterwards, we were pulled over for speeding.  It was one of those moments you don't even realize you were speeding, and you got caught!  It all happened so fast as I turned the corner, and must have sped up too fast.  Well I got caught, and I was so ticked off about it.  This all happened in a school zone.  I don't know if it is the same for all of you out there, but here, we get a triple fine for it being a school zone.  Complete bummer!!!  I didn't have to money to pay $180.00 for a stupid ticket.  And I didn't want the extra points on my ticket.  So I have been super lucky to be a Pre-Paid Legal Member.  So I called my Law Firm and asked for advice and help.  They were WONDERFUL!!  They had me plead not guilty, and then I didn't have to do anything else.  An attorney went to court for me (I was home with my kiddos!), and he asked for the judge to go easy on me or what ever it is they say.  I ended up only having to pay the cost of a regular speeding ticket of $60.00 and I didn't have any points to mess up my record.  AMAZING!  I was so thrilled to have this all go so well.

About a month, maybe 2 months ago, I had a legal question about one of my sewing patterns.  I was unsure what to do, so what did I do?!  I called my providing Law Firm again!  They sat on the phone with me through a couple phone calls, took some emails from me, and answered every question I had.  I honestly don't know how much this would have cost if I were to have called any other attorney out there?  But for my piece of mind this was FABULOUS!  I am at ease and LOVE it!

To top off my wonderful mood with all of the membership that I have, I also got a will for free in the cost of my membership!!  How nice is that.   I don't have to worry about the state or someone taking my kids from my family if both Mike and I die.  How comforting.

I felt like I should tell you all about this.  Some of you may have heard of it before, and some of you probably have no idea what I am talking about.  But I would really encourage you all to look into it for yourselves.  I honestly am loving my piece of mind.  We have used our membership so many times, I would bore you with all of them.

This membership also helps cover us in Identity Theft.  I had my purse stolen 4 years ago, and panicked.  Luckily I have this protection to help me make sure no one has ever taken my identity!!  How WONDERFUL!!!

I could keep going on about how helpful this has been for me, but I would hope that you would look into it for yourselves.  If anything, for the WILL.  Go to this link and check this out for yourselves!!  My husband is who you would contact if you have any questions!  He is also looking for people to work with who are willing to work hard!

http://www.greatworkplan.com/mikephillipp/

Dragons2Daisies

I am excited to tell you about the other winner to test the Hailey Wrap for me.  Here is a picture of Dragons2Daisies Hailey Wrap.

This is such a fun way for me to get to know such creative people.  Sarah with Dragons2daisies is so talented!!  Thanks to a late night of sewing, or should a say an early morning, Sarah was very dedicated to get this sewn.  Thank you Sarah!

She currently makes children's clothing up to size 8, super hero capes, diaper clutches and re-usable lunch bags.  She does all this as she is a WAHM, who is inspired by her children.  Sarah is absolutely amazing.  You really need to check out her shop to see how much she has done and can do.  And you have heard me say it before and I am saying it again, her talent shows through her pictures.  I was just amazed when I looked through all Dragons2daisies pictures on facebook.  So don't forget to fan her!!  Here are a few pictures that I loved of her work!!

Kydan Rae Kustoms, Thank you, and SALE!

A wonderful Pattern Tester again!!  I feel so lucky!!  Thank you Heather with Kydan Rae Kustoms.

This is a picture of the Haily Wrap that Heather tested, cute fabric, huh!  And model!

Heather is proud to be a wife and stay at home mom of 2 wonderful children.  She has been sewing for 13 years and loving it.  being a seamstress myself, I love to see quality from others.  Heather definitely has some wonderful things in her shop.  And it shows how much she pays attention to detail, from just looking at the seams, the fact that she pressed her items, and Wonderful pictures.

With some of the cutest models, you need to head over to her shop on Etsy!

And fan her on facebook!!

Here are some pictures from Kydan Rae Kustoms

CUTE HUH!!

And if you didn't notice, we decided on a name.  Thank you to all of you for your thoughts!  Thank you
dragons2daisies for the idea.  We chose to call it a wrap, and then I had to name it after my beautiful niece.  So that is why we call it the Hailey Wrap.
For the next week the pattern will sale for $4.50 instead of $6.50.  So grab it quick while it is on sale.  Thanks again to all of you who were willing to test it as well, I will have more patterns coming so please check back.

Contest Winners, Skirts, Websites to See, and a SALE

I had my husband draw names for me today for the Cape pattern!!  I will blog about the winners of the pattern testing soon!  I sent emails to the winners, and hope to hear from them soon.  As far as the name, FANTASTIC IDEAS!!  I can't decide, so I will keep you posted on which one I go with.  I will have to get the girls together to choose between the ideas.  I can't do it alone, I love them all!

Now I want to tell you about my newest pattern!  I had the chance to make this pattern inspired by and for Frances with Designing Twining.  It was so much fun to work with her.  We have alot in common with each other, and had a blast working together.  I love to brainstorm with people!!  Frances has a fantastic website, go check it out.  She has been sewing for over 10 years, has fantastic cutomer service skills(I should know!), and she LOVES what she does.  Frances teaches sewing lessons, and sewing custom clothing for everyone in the family.  She is there for you!

Below are some pictures from Designing Twining website.  There are so many more things to see, go to her site and check them out!

Last but not least!  For the next week only, this skirt will be on sale to help welcome it out!  Instead of paying the regular price of $6.50 for my patterns, you will pay only $4.50!  This is only for one week, I will take the sale off Monday the 28th in the morning.  Go to my shop and get it now!

Thank you to everyone who was willing to sew the Cape pattern.  This was the Best turnout for one of my pattern contests.  I was so excited about that, THANK YOU!  My husband thinks that I should have more people test the next pattern.

CLOSED Cape? Needing a New Name and PATTERN TESTERS

PATTERN TESTERS!!  This is one pattern that has been on my mind for a long time now, but had to be put on the back burner because of other things.  My daughter has worn it only this one time, and didn't want to even take it off.  She thinks it is fantastic.
Coat has a ruffle collar with 2 button closure.  Slits in the side for arms to come out or stay inside.  Fully lined with batting in the middle to stay warm.

This Coat, Cape, Cloak, I am not sure what to call it yet, needs a name and pattern testers.  Anyone, whether you sew on not, please come up with a cuter way to say cape!!  I am looking for name ideas so give me what you got!

And of course I want testers!!  I will have 2 winners again!!!  You get the pattern for free, and it is sent to your email address. I just need the pattern completed within 1 week of you receiving it, and all the critics you are willing to give. I will end the contest at midnight in one week, on Sunday, February  20th.  Leave me a way to get a hold of you in your comments, and I will let you know if you are one of the winners.

Mama Lusco Handmade

I want to tell you about Angie with Mama Lusco Handmade!  Angie was one of the wonderful ladies who tested the Pleated Purse for me.  It was amazing to me the feedback that I received from her.  She is definately talented and knows what she is doing.  Amazing.
Angie is a Believer, Daughter, Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Registered Nurse, Seamstress, Crafter, Housekeeper, Cook, Baker, Gardener, Reader, Keeper of the chickens, Usually sane Stay-at-home mom.
Here are a couple of things from her etsy shop, please drop in a give you some love.  She has some really cute and fun earings in her shop right now.  Angie also has a shop on Artfire, if you would prefer to shop that way.  Stay updated through the Mama Lusco Handmade Blog, where giveaways are hosted and Angie loves to test patterns!

                                                 Angie, thanks for testing the pattern for me!!

Winner Winner!!

Thank you to everyone who was willing to sew the Pleated purse for me!  I did have 2 winner, and I am a little slow announcing them.  Angie with Mama Lusco, and Edna with Country Stitches.  I will be blogging about these fabulous ladies coming soon to tell you about their shops!!

For those of you that are intersted on purchasing this pattern please check my shop next week!!

The Pleated Purse, Pattern Testers

It has been a while since I have had a new pattern.  I thought for sure when school started for my kids I would have all the time in the world for a new pattern.  I was wrong.

I actually made this purse a few months ago, but didn't get the pattern finished until now.  I have loved the ruffle purse pattern I made over the summer and wanted another choice!  So here it is.  This purse has 3 pleats on the front with a panel at the top.  I used an alternating fabric to add the piping look in the middle.  Inside the purse there are pockets on both sides for keys, phones and all that small stuff.

I would love to have any one willing to try this pattern out for me. I have had only one person test my patterns, but I am thinking it would be a better idea if I had 2 people test it.  So I will have 2 winners!!!  You get the pattern for free, and it is sent to your email address. I just need the pattern completed within a week of you receiving it, and all the critics you are willing to give. I will end the contest at midnight in one week, on Friday, January 21st.

So Talented!!

I have been so buys lately, with such random stuff.  Thank you to all you that are faithful and keep checking up on me!  I am working on new patterns that will be fun for the winter and the spring.  I will keep you posted and will be looking for Testers!

It is so fun to be able to catch up with old friends!  Thanks to facebook, we can find so many old friends that we have lost contact with.  Nicole and I went to BYU Idaho together, when it was called Ricks College.  It was fun to find each other on Facebook!

You have to go over and check out her shop, Repent Industries by Nikkisic!!  Nicole's shop has been open for a year.  She is so talented and always loved fashion.  Now she can do something about it, and she is doing fabulous.  Her scarfs are so BEAUTIFUL!!  I LOVE THEM!!

                                            And to top it off, she is a fantastic photographer!!

Check out her shop at - http://www.etsy.com/shop/nikkisic?ref=pr_shop

And her blog - http://www.repentindustriesbynikkisic.blogspot.com/

Jocole has come to my rescue

We all have very busy lives and sometimes don't even know what to do with them!!  I hit a point shortly after this last pattern, and I definitely had put too much on my plate.  So sorry for not posting for a while!  But I have been so excited about this last pattern, the ruffle skirt.  It is definitely a favorite skirt in our house!!  Jodi Jean with Jocole is testing my pattern for me, and it will be out soon!!  YEAH!!
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I gotta tell you about Jodi, I think she is absolutely fabulous.  I met Jodi through our Etsy shops. And I can definitely tell you, she is as genuine as them come.  We really hit it off when we met, we have quite a bit in common.  We graduated from the same college, both young mom's, and have a huge love for sewing.  Jodi also has some WONDERFUL patterns for sale.  So please go check you her shop as well - http://www.etsy.com/shop/jocole.  To top it off, she has such a fun blog that you will probably fall in love with.  So many cute ideas!!
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Jodi, Thanks again for testing my ruffle pattern!!

Pattern Tester for a Ruffle Skirt

I just can't get over ruffles right now, I just have so much fun with them.  Here is a new skirt that I need a pattern tester for.  It is such a fun simple skirt.  It is raised in the back to show a fun layer of ruffles.  I had a hard time deciding whether to make this skirt in these fun colors, or in just some natural whites and creams.  So I think I am going to have to make the natural color one as well.  It was a ton of fun to make, and it is such a hit with the little girls!

I would love to have any one willing to try this pattern out for me. You get the pattern for free, and it is sent to your email address. I just need the pattern completed within a week of you receiving it, and all the critics you are willing to give. I will end the contest at midnight of Sunday, August 1st.