Sewing Pattern Giveaway!!

Sewing Patterns and New Look!

Ok, here I go again!! I love change! I like my polka dot background but it is time for change. This was actually a premade template that has served me well this year. And recently I redesigned the covers of all my patterns to get more of a uniform look but over the past several months I just was not happy with them. They are ok but it does not really represent me and my personality. So..... the other night I was ready to design another cover and here it is! I really love it! It totally feels fresh and fun and happy! What do you think? Eventually I hope to get my blog and website to match. This is all part of my 2009 plans for SewSensible.

Some other new news for SewSensible. I am preparing and creating a way to sell my patterns in stores!! WooooHoooo! I have my ideas written down and have ordered my cd cases and cd's and my next steps are to design my cd case graphic along with the cd graphics for each one. I am also making a wholesale price list so if you are a fabric/quilt store then I may be contacting you in the near future to see if you are interested in selling SewSensible Boutique Sewing Patterns!! I have one prospective buyer and have been asked in the past if I would do this and now is the time for me to pursue this. I am a one woman show (except for the awesome help of my husband and Mom who watch my children when I need them and God who has blessed this endeavor) so I am doing this at a snail's pace but I hope to do it right. Anyway!! 2009 looks exciting for SewSensible!!

Twirl SKORT Skirt Sewing Pattern and Boutique Dress Top Sewing Pattern, Faith Double Layer Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms Sewing Patterns!

SewSensible's FAITH Double Layer Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms Sewing Patterns

SewSensible's Twirl SKORT Skirt Sewing Pattern


SewSensible's Boutique Dress Top Sewing Pattern

SewSensible's Boutique Bottoms Sewing Pattern!

How exciting are these pictures and how cute! This is from an awesome "beginner sewing" Mommy; however, I believe I can't use the "beginner" word anymore with her!! L, your outfits are awesome and so cute and I know you are having so much fun seeing your precious little girl wear your Mommy creations!! Awesome!! Awesome!!

If you are a Mommy who has never sewn but you have a sewing machine still in the box somewhere in your home or you have it out of the box but only used it for pillows or curtains then take the next step and make an outfit for your daughter or niece!! All of my patterns are designed with the beginner in mind. If you have to pick just one to boost your confidence then I suggest SewSensible's Boutique Bottoms sewing pattern as the very first one. I am here for you if you have any questions while sewing. Just email at sewsensible@sewsensible.net.

And if you have an Awesome Mommy, GrandMommy, Aunt creation you would like to "show off" then don't hesitate to send it to me at the email address above!! They ALWAYS bless me!!

New Sewing Patterns!

Here is the fabric I will be using for one of my new skort designs! I have drawn it out and am working on the pantaloons and then I'll start the skirt of the skort (is that confusing! :) Anyway, it is a cute little design. I am also working on the Applique' Apron Skirt instructions. Both of these are simple to sew and will look so cute on your little princess! I also have a dress design I drew on paper that is a simple dainty dress. I need to make a test of it to see if this will be a future pattern. And then of course Christmas is around the corner and last year I told myself I would sew all the gifts in July but July came and went and here we are at the end of October! Where did the time go? So as I am working on these three patterns I will also be squeezing in some sewing time for Christmas!

On a very exciting note: this weekend I was part of our church's Live the Dream Conference. It was awesome but the reason I am saying this on my sewing blog is because one of my friends was talking about quilting to someone there and mentioned me and SewSensible Patterns and this girl said that the store she works for is interested in selling patterns from locals! At the beginning of this year I had been thinking about selling my patterns in stores but the cost to get it printed was a lot because my ebooks are not like commercial patterns. I have way too many details and way too many pages to make it cost effective. So a couple of months ago I started thinking of a different way to sell in stores and it looks like I made a connection at the Live the Dream conference! How exciting!! Today when I got home I sat down and wrote my plans for 2009 in regards to SewSensible. I am excited!

Embroidery Design Christmas Tree and Sewing Patterns

I know!!!!! Christmas already! I love Christmas! With all the trees down around our neighborhoods there are a lot of piles burning and it smells so good! It reminds me when I was young and we would sit around the fire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows..... YUM! Anyway, here is my newest Embroidery Design: SewSensible's Christmas Tree Filled. This is a festive and fun Christmas Tree! Add holiday life to any outfit for this coming Christmas. Change the colors of the wrapped presents to match any outfit or décor! Or enhance an apron or tote for yourself or as a gift! Would also look great on tea towels and custom napkins for the holiday gathering! It is available for purchase at My Etsy shop or SWAK Embroidery! Also coming soon is SewSensible's Christmas Wreath Filled!

FAITH Double Layer Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms Sewing Patterns!

Here are two awesome Mommy creations using SewSensible's FAITH Double Layer Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms sewing patterns (the white floral outfit used Boutique Bottoms). What is also awesome about these Mommies is that they are both Moms through adoption!! Here is what one of the Mommies said, "I have found my calling! God Bless you, Aimee'! L"

And here is what the other Mommy said, "My daughter wore it to her preschool today and I had many ooohhhs and ahhhhhs over it. I am a beginner and I do mean beginner and I thought it turned out great! Thank you so much for what you do!! I am also an adoptive mom. Many blessings to you! K"

Thank you both, L and K!! Love love the outfits and thanks for sharing that you too are Moms who know the blessings of adoption! Your children are adorable! We had our quarterly Adoption Support Group fellowship yesterday and it is always a blessing to gather together and celebrate the way our families came to be! Thanks again for the pictures and the super kind words!

McCain or Obama?

You know I just can't stand back and not post about this election. It is all over the place and there is just no getting around it. However, the great blessing in America is that we can vote and we do have that right in this country. Of course everybody reading this has an opinion and I am no different. Over and over again I hear people say that voting based on pro life or pro choice is not how to vote. Well, that is exactly how I vote. It matters to me. My husband and I have 8 children by adoption and birth. The courageous woman who birthed our first son had several abortions before him but chose to follow through with his birth and choose adoption which I am extremely blessed for her doing that. When I hear someone on tv say don't vote based on pro life or pro choice it makes me want to cringe. These women need our support, they need to know that life begins at conception, they need to know the beauty of adoption, or they may need love and support to hear that as tough as it will be to raise a child as a single parent that it still will be less painful as choosing abortion and the years of agonizing pain of that decision. And I know it is a controversial subject and my views are not shared by all but we as Americans have that right. I know the economy is bad and that President Bush is not the most loved person right now but you know that will not even persuade me to vote the other way. I plan to vote the bible and I plan to vote prolife because it matters to me whether or not a tv personality thinks it shouldn't matter. And about the economy, God is my source.

And I really can't understand why I am hearing so many women don't like Sarah Palin?? Everybody I talk to loves her. I am excited to see her as John McCain's running mate! And about Joe the Plumber. My cousin wrote a post about this scenario that I found so interesting. You can read it here. And then there is VoteSmart website where you can get the facts on all candidates.

Again, I know this is controversial and I know some of you get online and read craft blogs to get away from the stress the world has but I just cannot stand back and not say anything. I am very passionate about being prolife.

FAITH Double Layer Dress Top Sewing Patterns and Where to buy fabric!

TWO PARTS TO THIS POST:

Part I: Awesome Mommy creations

Part II: Where to buy fabric?

This will be a kind of long post. The first half of this post is two new Mommy creations! The second half will be answering a question about fabric choices! Above is two awesome Mommy creations using SewSensible's FAITH Double Layer Dress Top sewing pattern! Here is what this Mommy said, "I love how this turned out and the pattern was so easy to use!!!" Thanks, A, for the beautiful pictures! The oufits are awesome and your little princess is too too cute in them and I love your fabric choices!!

Here is another awesome Mommy creation using SewSensible's FAITH Double Layer Dress Top sewing pattern. And this is what this Mommy said, "Hi there, my name is C. I am in Sydney Australia. I bought your pattern a little while ago and I finally plucked up the courage to give it a try. Having never been taught to sew, I thought I'd make a real mess of it. I surprised myself. I'm really proud of myself, I can't believe I really made this! My baby girl T is almost 10 months old. Here are some photos of T modeling my creation. As you can see I made the front pink and the back blue, she loves lots of colour. I hope you like it. T is our first baby and I love being a SAHM now. I was a lawyer before and I thank God for our blessing because every day is a joy! Now I am going to keep on sewing, I love it! Thank you for giving me the confidence to try this new hobby."

Wow!! Thanks so much for the pictures! And I do love it..... especially all the beautiful colors and your little girl looks so sweet and adorable in your creation!! And thank you so much for the kind words.

Every picture I get and all the emails all of you send makes the time I put into SewSensible so much more than just selling patterns. What an honor it is to be a small part in adding to you and your daughters and/or granddaughters relationships/lives!! What a blessing! May God bless each and every one of you. May He multiply your talent and may your children feel the love you put into each outfit as they wear it!

Part II: FABRIC!! Where to buy it

Applique' Apron Skirts coming soon!!

I just want to add something else to it. I also have three skorts drawn on paper which will be coming at the end of this year!


I love fabric!! And I especially love to shop for it!

Many times I get an email asking where do I buy my fabric or how do I choose the fabric I use. Today I received one of those emails: "Could you do a post on good places to get cute fabric. I live in a big city and still can't seem to find any cute fabric like the people on your blog are always using. I hope to send you some pics of your patterns soon. love your patterns, K"

Thanks, K, for the kind words and the question! I have to say that fabric can "make or break" an outfit. I do not have a fabric store in my area so I do most of my fabric shopping online. Some of my most favorite designing "chicks" are Jennifer Paganelli (SisBoom), Tanya Whelan (Grand Revival), Sandi Henderson (PortabelloPixie), Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, and Anna Maria Horner. I do most of my online shopping at Fat Quarter Shop. The prices are a little higher but for me it is worth the excellent customer service and my order comes quick and packaged with great care. I have ordered from other fabric shops online and I have not found anyone to match the experience I have with Fat Quarter Shop! My second place I purchase is fabric.com.

Now as far as how do I choose the fabrics I use, the designers have already done this for me. Pretty much all the fabric designers above have collections which makes it super easy to choose main and coordinating fabrics. It also is fun!! Now you have my secret!! LOL Also, most of the ones I talked about above have flickr groups where you can post your outfit on their particular fabric collection group. If you post a picture to flickr, please consider having one of your tags as SewSensible. You can choose many tags so this one will not be your only one and of course you don't have to but it is fun for me to go to flickr and see what awesome things you are making! I plan to create a flickr group so that all of you can post to it as well!

I hope this helps your sewing experience. And each of these designing chicks have blogs. I have found that Jennifer Paganelli is super sweet and makes a point to comment on her flickr groups pictures which makes you feel like you actually know her. That is one of her assets in my opinion! And I am sure the other designing chicks are nice too!

If any of you have a favorite place you buy fabric, please comment and tell us about it!

FAITH Double Layer Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms Sewing Pattern!

Ok, here is an exciting post!! Why? ..... because this is from a beginner sewing Mommy and above is her awesome custom creation using SewSensible's FAITH Double Layer Dress Top sewing pattern and Boutique Bottoms sewing pattern!! Here is what this Mommy said, "I have to say that I am THRILLED with the way this outfit turned out, AND I made them both over a few hours...... I can't wait to put the entire set on E in the morning! I tried the top on her, and it was DIVINE..... Now, I get to go make one for A. Your patterns are awesome and SO easy to follow....... L"

L, thank you so so much for the pictures and most of all for the kind words!! Isn't it just awesome to sew an outfit for your child!! You think you are excited to see it now, just wait until your little girl is wearing this outfit! You will find yourself staring at her all day!! LOL

Now for all you Mommies out there who are reading this and are saying I cannot do this..... I believe you are wrong! If you know how to sew a straight stitch and the very very basics of sewing on a sewing machine (like turning it on and threading the needle!!) then I believe you can sew with SewSensible Boutique Sewing Patterns!! The rewards are great!! Come on, give one a try!! I am here for you while you sew if you have any questions. You can email me at sewsensible@sewsensible.net or go to my website http://www.sewsensible.net/ and leave me a comment with your question.

Scoop Neck Dress Top Sewing Pattern!

Pattern Correction Option: If you purchased the Scoop Neck Dress Top, please make the following corrections to the Skirt panel/dress panel. I changed the length in each size. I had originally decreased it thinking it was too long but based on some customer feedback I am changing it back. The only thing you will change is the length which is the first number of the dimensions below. This change is only if you want your Scoop Neck Dress Top a little longer.

DIMENSIONS FOR SKIRT PANELS:
Size 6m-9m Cut Two on fold 11 ½” X 11”
Size 1 - 2 Cut Two on fold 12 ½ ” X 11”
Size 3 - 4 Cut Two on fold 14 ½” X 12”
Size 5 - 6 Cut Two on fold 16 ½ ” X 14”

Quilt Giveaway!!

I have to admit that my Mom is more of a quilt lover than I am. I don't know why but I am just not drawn to one particular quilt BUT my friend, Michelle, at CalicoDaisy told me about this quilt giveaway and I have to say I LOVE THIS QUILT!!!!! I think it is the style that draws me to it! I am excited about this giveaway as well as Jennifer's below! Wow, what if I win both!!?? Ok, I am just having fun dreaming!! If you are interested in this giveaway, click the picture above or here to enter and don't forget about Jennifer Paganelli's raffle giveaway of her new Prelude collection!!

Jennifer Paganelli's Prelude Raffle!

Ok, I've already left my comment and I could not hide this from you!! Jennifer Paganelli is having one of her raffles to win 5 Sweet Fat quarters to 5 Sweet Gals. Just go leave a comment here and that will enter you to win the raffle!!!! Raffle ends this Sunday the 19th of October at 5pm!! I know some sewing patterns that I would just love to see with this fabric!! LOL

FAITH Double Layer Dress Top Sewing Pattern and Boutique Bottoms Sewing Pattern!

And here is another awesome Mommy creation (well actually two awesome creations!) using SewSensible's FAITH Double Layer Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms sewing patterns. And again, this Mommy has not been sewing very long either. This was her first outfit!! And look how spectacular the outfits look!! Cute Cute Cute!! Of course that little sweet princess probably makes any outfit look cute! :) Thanks so much, J, for posting this picture! You did an awesome job!!

Scoop Neck Dress Top Sewing Pattern and Boutique Bottoms Sewing Pattern!

Here is an awesome Mommy creation using SewSensible's New Sewing Pattern: Scoop Neck Dress Top and SewSensible's Boutique Bottoms sewing pattern! What is really awesome about this is that this Mommy learned to sew last week!! Great Great job, L!! Thanks for blessing me with this picture!!

Remember, if you want your dress top longer you can always add to the length of the dress panel. I actually changed the dimensions slightly so it would not be so long so if you are making one and it did not come out as long as you wanted then this is the reason so just simply add a couple inches to the lenght which is always the first number in the measurement/dimensions!

New Sewing Patterns!

What's going on in my mind right now? Good question!! :) Grace and Rose, seen above, each wore an applique' apron skirt this morning to church while Zoë (who's attitude was less than compliant with pictures just now) wore an applique' pantaloon. Our church family loved their outfits and what a blessing I received by every comment and smile made.

Of course one pattern can lead to more ideas. Last night I drew out some of those ideas. I do love the skirts but love the idea of having shorts underneath more so three of my designs I drew were different versions of skorts. I am excited about them and that will be my focus for the next month. So get ready to see more skort patterns and their pictures on this blog in the coming month!! Now I get the fun of surfing the internet for some fabric collections!

And if you think Embroidery Applique' is something you will not be able to do then think again! You don't have to have an Embroidery Machine to do this. You Can Make This has a Sewing Machine Applique' section with some Easy Applique' ebooks to get you started! 2009 is looking like a pretty busy year for sewing some custom outfits!! I can't wait!!

FAITH Double Layer Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms Sewing Patterns!

Look how awesome!! This Mommy used SewSensible's FAITH Double Layer Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms sewing patterns! I just love the fabric combination. Such a wonderful outfit! Thanks for submitting the picture on my Etsy!

New Sewing Patterns!

Grace modeling an Applique' Apron Skirt with

SewSensible's Grace Doll Embroider Applique' Design

Here are two Applique' Apron Skirts and an Applique' Apron Pantaloon. I will be trying a different dimension with the pantaloon apron.

Applique' Apron Skirt with Grace Doll Embroidery Applique'

Rose modeling the Applique' Apron Skirt.

The back of the Applique' Apron Skirt

another Applique' Apron Pantaloon. I changed the dimensions of the apron from the one above. The Embroidery Design is SewSensible's Applique' Monkey that will be available soon.

And here is what I have been doing this week: Applique' Apron Skirts and Applique' Apron Pantaloons!! They really are just so cute!! I know winter is around the corner but the trend this winter is leggings. I can already picture some cute pink, white, or red leggings with some super cute boots with these skirts and pantaloons!!

Scoop Neck Dress Top Sewing Pattern!

Look at this awesome Mommy creation using SewSensible's Scoop Neck Dress Top sewing pattern! Here is what this Mommy said, "Hi Aimee, here's my first Scoop Neck Dress Top. This is my little Princess modeling it. It went together really quickly and easily and it's so incredibly cute. Thanks Again!" Awww, P, she is a princess!! Thanks so much for the picture. You did a great job!

And you know, in today's economy, you can make cute custom dresses and outfits with that boutique look for less than what it costs at stores today!! And your children or grandchildren will be dressed in one of a kind designs!!

Tween Teen Sewing Patterns!

Ok, I am excited to post these pictures!! This is an awesome Mommy creation using SewSensible's Tween Teen Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms sewing patterns! And what is exciting about the pictures is that this Mommy is a high school friend I was able to reconnect with at our 20 year reunion last year! It had been a long time talking to her and she was like a diamond in the rough! Here is what this Mommy said,

"Hi, Aimee! Here is A's outfit. I finally finished it tonight. It was a lot of fun to make and she says it's full of pizzaz! :) Thank you for converting this to the tween size. I cannot wait for you to convert the scoop neck dress to tween size! Have a blessed week! C"

C, love love the outfit!! I know your winter months are around the corner, so don't forget you can put a long sleeve shirt underneath or a peasant top for a great look as well! And let A where some boots with it and it will give it some more pizzazz!! Thanks so much for sending these pictures!! Love you!

If you have an awesome Mommy or GrandMommy or Aunt creation that you would like to share with me, please send it to sewsensible@sewsensible.net! They always bless me!

Scoop Neck Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms Sewing Patterns!

I am so excited to already have some awesome Mommy creations of SewSensible's Scoop Neck Dress Top! This Mommy made her daughter a "first birthday" outfit using both the Scoop Neck Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms sewing patterns. Here is what this Mommy said,

"Hello Aimee, I just wanted to share with you my newest creation using the Scoop Neck Dress Top and Boutique Bottoms patterns. I made this outfit for my daughter's first birthday. It turned out great! Thanks for all your awesome patterns."

Thanks so much, S!! Beautiful outfit! I just love the apple print coupled with the red polka dot fabric and the rick rack accents make it so dainty!! Happy "1st" Birthday, M!! You look adorable in your birthday outfit!

New Sewing Pattern!

Ok, here is the "twist" I was talking about in my previous post..... Applique' Apron Pantaloons! My next sewing pattern will be two in one: Applique' Apron Skirt and Applique' Apron Pantaloons! The ebook will include the choice of both. However, I will be changing the Apron shape of the pantaloon to a half oval shape. I believe I would rather see that shape on the shorts instead of the square shape. So in the next ebook, you will get to choose to make an applique apron skirt or an applique apron pantaloon with two different shape aprons! Of course, if you prefer not to have an applique' apron then you could just use a coordinating fabric for the apron.

Below I took a quick video to show how the Applique' Apron Pantaloon will look while walking. Of course, Elijah wants my attention so you will hear our conversation with it! :)

New Sewing Pattern!

Well, here is a sneak peak at my next sewing pattern: SewSensible's Applique' Apron Skirt! There, of course, will be a twist to this look. I will reveal that in time. The apron is the perfect canvas for any of your Embroidery Applique'! This design is SewSensible's Owl Applique'. The words "hoot hoot" were added by me and is not part of the design.