GIVEAWAY - Summer Day Top by Made Everyday

I already told you everyone needed a Summer Day Top by Made Everyday here and here. Now you have a chance to win a copy of the pattern!!

The Summer Day Top pattern already has a slew of variations, but I'm adding one more with a gathered sleeve.

Before we get to the sleeve, I wanted to also give a bit of inspiration for fall or at least transitional styling if it happens to actually get cool in the fall where you live. This olive rayon challis from Raspberry Creek Fabrics does the trick! Really it is all about fabric choice and pairing with jeans and booties. I just didn't want you to leave you thinking the Summer Day Top was only for summer.

A dropped shoulder is the perfect spot for a gathered sleeve, and the method is quite simple. 

I moved the sleeve pattern piece 4" from the edge of the fold and cut. The result is an additional 8" that is gathered into the sleeve. I concentrated the gathering toward the top (shoulder) of the sleeve, so there wouldn't be extra bunching toward the underarm.

About that giveaway, head over the Instagram and enter to win!

Blank Slate Sora Sweater and Skye Joggers - Giveaway

When I moved to Austin, I knew I was moving to an area with a high concentration of creatives. I just didn't know how I would get to know them. I've had the opportunity to work on the Blank Slate Sewing Team this year, and after a few emails with Melissa, the designer, we discovered that we live very close to one another. Melissa asked if I would be interested in modeling her next two releases. How could I say no to that!?!? After a lunch of delicious hamburgers and truffle fries (usual model fair, right?) with Melissa and her assistant Susan, we hit the streets to photograph in front of a few painted walls. I experienced a bit of what I put my girls through with having to change clothes in the car and strike a pose. 

Melissa sewed up the Sora Sweater in the pullover style and cardigan style as well as the Skye Joggers for me. Thankfully, I now have the patterns to sew more!! Read through to the end for a chance to win one of these patterns for yourself.

I had to lead with the pullover Sora sweater first, because I love the style!! The shawl collar lays nicely in such a flattering style. I've worn this layered as well as on its own. The hemline is designed to hit at the hip, and the side gussets add additional shaping. I'm learning that this works really well for my rectangular figure. Melissa has a great post up for sewing with the sweater knits she used here, and I'm told she will be posting a video tutorial for attaching the collar as soon as today. 

The Sora Sweater pattern also features a cardigan style. Again the side gussets add shaping, and the dropped shoulder is a comfortable, casual style. 

Speaking of comfortable and casual, take a look at the Skye Joggers. Melissa sewed these up in sweatshirt fleece, and they couldn't be more cozy. As she puts it, the slim fit is the perfect balance of comfortable but not sloppy. The pattern includes a calf length as well. I think a ponte calf length version is on my sewing list.

I never thought I would share a good ole butt shot on my blog, but in the interest of giving the full idea of the fit, I sacrificed. There's that hamburger and fries!!

Now is your chance to win a copy of one of these patterns! Melissa has graciously given me a copy to give to one of you. Record your entry in the rafflecopter. The giveaway will remain open through 3/14, 12:00 a.m. CST. Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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which I will in turn use for fabric to share more inspiration with you.**

Wee Rascals Giveaway

I’m so excited to be teaming up with Wee Rascals to launch their first girl’s raglan tee! Lucky for us, they are starting the girl’s line with the Abraham Lincoln print. Avery became a real fan after memorizing Mr. Lincoln, President by Alice Leedy Mason last fall for school. I love the premise behind the Wee Rascals business, “Wee Rascals was born out of a desire to see real life heroes have meaning in our kids' lives and wardrobes. Wanting something different from the mass marketing of cartoon characters, we recognized a need to present faces of real people for all kids to admire. We set out to rediscover who a SUPER hero really was and we ended up finding several along the way.”



Avery asked to sleep in her shirt the first time she put it on. These are super soft and a great lightweight knit for spring and summer.



The neon pink gives the tees the perfect girly / modern vibe.





As for the pants I sewed to complete the look, they are the Daphne pattern by Violette Fields Threads. The fabric is an oldie but a goodie from the Hope Chest line by Josephine Kimberling. For those of you who sew, any one of the Wee Rascals tees is a great addition to handmade skirts, pants, or shorts.



The pop of the neon pink Kam snaps at the leg cuffs really ties is all together.



To add a little history to this post, I took the photos at College Hill Presbyterian church around the corner from our house. General Grant and General Sherman were known to have used the church and its grounds during the Civil War.



Now, to the really good stuff. The lovely ladies behind Wee Rascals have generously offered to give away a tee of your choice to celebrate their girl’s launch. Enter to win below! The winner will be announced on April 23, 2014. Also, if you sign up with your email address on the Wee Rascals website, you will receive a free shipping code for your first purchase.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Note: I received the tshirts for free from Wee Rascals. All opinions provided are my own. I will only recommend products that I would use personally and are good for my readers.