Every blog needs some Jalie!

I got some patterns in the mail today and my first thought was that I should post them on my blog. I thought that was pretty funny because I've only posted once this year (and, as a followup, I should add I did NOT end up sewing any items for the wardrobe contest--accountability, schmaccountability)

Here are my awesome new patterns:

I used to think Jalie patterns were expensive (they certainly aren't as cheap as the $1-$2 you can pay during paper pattern sales) but they're actually priced less expensively than a number of independent lines, and the quality and size range is pretty amazing. I've yet to sew a Jalie pattern up, but I have a swimsuit cut out for myself (Jalie 3134) that I hope to work on this weekend, and I've read many an awesome review on Pattern Review.

Jalie is known for their knit/activewear patterns and they just released this super cute leotard pattern that I want to get if my girl starts gymnastics in the fall. How cool are those stripes that extend down the arms?

photo from Jalie's website

In the meantime I plan to sew up the two patterns on the left in my picture above. I started working out a couple months ago because I figure I ought to get started on losing my baby weight now that my "baby" is 48 months old (the months is supposed to sound better than years...ha!) I've been doing a Jillian Michaels workout video twice a week before work and running a couple miles outside on Saturday and Sunday. I've always worn baggy t-shirts and shorts for working out, but it's too hot to wear anything but a tank top and I think it would actually be more comfortable to run in something fitted. Plus Jillian has been kicking my booty and I need some clothes that won't shift around while I'm busy dying doing my workout.

photos from Jalie's website

The Cora is a pattern for pants or shorts and has some cool color blocking options. The Anne-Marie can be a top or dress. I don't play tennis, so I'm interested in the fitted version of the tank (not shown above). The coolest thing is that the top has a pocket in the back--I run with my iPhone and I'm hoping that will be a great place to tuck it. The shorts/pants also have an optional pocket in the back.

Between work and family, I've been keeping pretty busy, but I'm hoping that I'll stick with blogging again. I hope I see you again soon!

I won!

I have entered a few giveaways on sewing/craft blogs, and I finally won one!  Okay, all I had to do was call first dibs on some patterns and they were mine, but I'm counting it :)

I am the happy owner of 4 new patterns, thanks to my sewing friend Aroura.  Her blog is called "Sew Creative" and she really is.  She's made costumes, including some Renaissance ones, holiday sweaters for her family, and lots of upcycled items.  Two of my favorite projects she's done include the darling pair of Tinkerbell shoes she made using a Goodwill find and the dress she made her daughter out of paper bags.

Here are my prizes:

McCall's 6024

I think I am going to try to make the sleeved view of the dress out of this lightweight cotton.  It's blue with white flowers and I think it will be pretty with the ruffles. 

Vintage pattern Simplicity 6121

I'm very excited about this one because I have some fabric my mom gave me from the 70s.  I'm going to make the top out of the stripe, and the pants out of the solid.  Danielle will be darling in it!


Finally, she also included two other patterns that I can see making a couple of times.  

The first pattern--McCall's 5495--looks like it would be so comfortable for the humid weather in the south.  I just haven't been able to narrow down what fabric I want to try it in first.  The other one is Butterick 5495, and I have several solid color knits I can make it out of.  I'm going to start with the view shown in red, then make the longer sleeves if my first version turns out well. 

Thank you so much for the generous gift Aroura! I've tried to pay it forward by donating two bags of fabric to Newborns in Need. :)