Kindness

There are people in this world that when you meet you feel like you've known them forever! That happened to us this year. Here I am with my 5 little loves walking out of awanas. I usually stay a bit late because I volunteer in Cubbies and wait til all the kiddos have been picked up. Another mom/volunteer offers to help and I decline. "Oh I'm good" I said. Well bless her, she just helps anyway. She grabs her kids and says help her. Of course most of my kids know her kids because they are teenagers who work with them during awanas. So then it became a weekly thing. We both have 5 kids so it's perfect, one teen to one wee little Bryant kiddo. Then we get to talking. We all know how extremely shy I am and how truly hard this was for me. (I saw you roll your eyes lol). This is where the man I feel like I've known you forever comes in. For the majority we stay after and chat and the kids hang out together. It really is a pleasant time for all of us. Last night Moriah had a TNT movie night and my friends teens had Awana game practice. So we knew we would see each other. Moriah and one of her kiddos hit it off immediately. They are adorable together and each brought the other one a gift they had made. So as the kids go to their respective places, we were like what should we do. My friend informs me that her sweet daughter who had worked the last two weeks had given her money so we could go get a treat and hang out. Now to me that is true kindness. Most teenagers would think how they would spend every last penny on themselves. This really touched my heart and meant a lot to me. Clearly she saw money as a way to bless other people. She saw that our fellowship was important and invested in it. I love to see how God blesses others through the next generation. The next generation really has some amazing people in it. I'm pretty sure I know them all!!! We are so blessed by the teenagers from this family and others in our lives. I'm pretty sure I could write a book about the amazing teens we have.

Swwappin about me!!!!

I love Swoon Patterns - those are the purses and bags that I make. I have done the swaps from the beginning and love it!!!! This time we were to create a Cate (pattern name) that would be about us. Here is what mine looked like and my story!
Here is my Cate. The purple leaves represent my husband and I. When we got married I asked him what his favorite color on me was so that my bridesmaids could wear that color. Purple it was. Purple is my favorite color. My husband loves morning glories and this print reminded him of them. The blinged out keychain is all me. The more bling the better. The inside represents my kids. I have 5 kids and the blue represents life and a breath of fresh air that my kids bring to my life. The vintage lace flower hair clip/brooch represents my love for retro and vintage as well as my businesses as an accessory creator and wholesale supplier. The crown represents my faith. I'm a Christian and the crown represents being a daughter of the King. I hope Sharon Bratton loves Cate as much as I do.

What's really unique about this swap is that each purse has a story!!! In past swaps you tried to make a bag you thought your swap partner would like. This time we made one that represented us. It was a fun and unique swap. 

Don't tell my dimpled Betty but this pattern is my favorite to sew! Its simple but elegant!!! There are minimal pieces and the zipper is easy to sew into her. I love Cate!!! Below is the link to buy the pattern.
http://swoonpatterns.com/shop/cate-shoulder-bag/

A Pattern for ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really haven't done any garment sewing for myself so I applied to test a pattern for me. Wouldn't you know I got PICKED!!!!!!!!!!!! This time I tested a Sunset Infinity Scarf Cardigan by Rabbit Rabbit Creations. I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is an item worth making for yourself. In a store it would be so expensive, but to make it with a coupon at Joanns was a lot cheaper than buying one in the store. Also, Ive never seen one of these in a store so it is completely unique!

Here is the link for the pattern to purchase it and make one for yourself :)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/183647546/sunset-infinity-scarf-cardigan-pattern

Crazy

Last week was so crazy for me. Amongst my normal day to day I had 2 pattern reviews due, a purse to make for a swap, curtains to fix for a friend, a scarf for a gift and a cake to make. Here are some pictures...

Lizzie Fran's new Laura checklet

Little Kiwis Closet soon to be released Bella Bolero.

So yes it was busy!!! This week I have 1 pattern test due... Keep your eyes peeled for that post!!!

Pattern Test for GYCT

As a mom of boys it's really hard to find nice clothes, stuff that does not have licensed characters on it etc. I had the blessing of pattern testing an item for Christian. The item is called the Sewside Tunic and Dress. It was so fast to sew. It's a really easy pattern. I love that there wasn't a million pieces. The directions were very easy to follow.  The designer is very sweet and helpful. Christian was so excited that I made him a shirt!!! If you scroll to the bottom if her release blog post you will see his handsome face!!! Here is the link to her release blog and a few of the pictures of Christian.
http://www.gyctdesigns.com/?m=1

Swoon Pattern Review Coraline

I have been making purses and bags from a designer that I love. Her patterns are fantastic and make the cutest bags. One pattern I love is called the Coraline. It makes 3 different purses. Small clutch, large clutch and wristlet. The pattern is easy to follow. The sizes are great!!! You really can't go wrong. If you are looking to make your first purse, I highly recommend this pattern. Start with the wristlet. If you are looking to make some gifts, you can't go wrong with this one!!! I know people on my list will be getting a wristlet this year!! Pictured are a wristlet and 2 large clutches. 

Here is a link to purchase the pattern. 

http://swoonpatterns.com/shop/coraline-clutch/