F E A T U R E D bP O S T S
Oh do I have a great surprise for you! One of my fabulous sponsors, Neige, is offering a delightful holiday treat. I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous myself.
To one lucky winner, a $100 gift card will be awarded!
They've just stocked their store with some great spring clothes and ALSO have some other really lovely fall clothes on sale!
Be sure to check out both their girls and babies sections.
Featured to the left is a soft pull-on pant in a 12 gauge cotton knit. Coconut button faux-fly, and soft elastic waist. 2x2 rib trim at leg opening. Combine with rib trim cotton sweater, and cotton ribbed hat for a complete outfit.
I loved this burnt orange sweater coat in a 5 gauge cotton knit with moss stitch trim. Peter pan collar, and inverted pleat detail. Moss stitch hem band and cuffs. Coconut buttons.
Neige was born out of Adrienne Catrina’s unique vision of sophistication and style in children’s wear.
The French word for “snow”, neige was chosen to designate the collection for its connotations of purity, innocence and sophisticated playfulness.
Catrina’s erudite eye and design philosophy were honed during her years as an assistant designer to preeminent ready-to-wear and bridal designer Vera Wang, for whom she worked upon graduation from Parsons School of Design, until 2003, when she moved to Southern California with her husband.
Upon becoming a mother, Catrina was surprised by the void in the children’s wear market for clothing that is both modern and age-appropriate.
“All too often, children’s clothes are ‘decorated’ and overwrought with frills, patches, colors, and patterns. Our clothes are designed with tremendous respect for both children themselves, and to style.”
For children, comfort is the yardstick, and each piece on the collection is conceived with this in mind. What separates Neige, meanwhile, is that each piece is designed with an intense dedication to quality and style.
This unique philosophy and look has garnered Neige an immense following among retailers and editors alike.
Neige has been featured in publications such as Cookie Magazine, Parents Magazine, Child Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, Mom and Baby Magazine, among many others.
Cornel and Adrienne Catrina, the parents of two, believe it is possible to improve the lives of children. This belief is put in to action as the company sponsors, donates, and participates in charitable events for children.
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.
*4) BONUS FOR THIS CONTEST ONLY: You can receive an addition entry by becoming a Neige Fan on Facebook. Just leave me a comment letting me know that you did.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
Read More.......
As you may have noticed I've been posting a lot more outside tutorials lately. I have just found so many wonderful, easy instructions for some of the most simple things- a wreath, a pair of shoes, a hair tye. You name it someone has a tutorial for it. I'm quite serious.This time of year is the perfect time to sift through these thousands of tutorials and choose some to use for holiday gift giving. As you might have noticed I tend to prefer the kind that don't require spending a lot of money. I especially like the kind that use materials you already have....like scraps.I tell my friends...."Spend less money, spend more scraps".
So, in the spirit of gift giving and sewing I want to present a fun opportunity. Capitalize on all those loose odds and ends around your house and possibly win a $50 gift card to JoAnn's Fabric.
If you have a fabulous homemade gift that you created using at least 50% of materials you already own post it to the Grosgrain flickr group by January 1st. The winner will be chosen by me....and probably Brian:) And will be announced on.... ....January 3rd.
Please post a tutorial on your blog and leave your blog link in the comment of your flickr photo (or photos). A full tutorial is best but you don't have to include pictures or many details. At least say a few things so others can know how you made your wonderful work!
I may also be posting the various flickr tutorials that catch my eye, periodically on the site.
Anything from a wallet to a skirt, from a wreath to a pillow. As long as it can be given as a gift and mostly uses items that you already had it qualifies.
I'm literally giddy to see what you will post! Good luck!
{photo via flickr user philistine made}
Read More.......
I wanted to write this in a separate post since a giveaway/tutorial/pattern post seemed like a lot to cram into one write up.
But if you liked the Storybook cape and muff then please feel free to either
1) Link (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.
Read More.......
In case you might have missed my previous post I just wanted to again thank you for voting for me in the Shabby Apple Dare to Design Contest. Last night they announced Grosgrain as the winner! And I could not have done it without all of you behind me.
Speaking of contests I have my own little one in the works. It involves all of you. I hope you approve. Look for it next week!
Now, back to this dress! As I mentioned before I am trying to make a few more adult dresses. Some more girly some more sleek. This one leans toward the sleek.
I made the skirt extra long. It extends past the knees but it also tapers to a point. I would call it more of a pencil than a tulip. I don't think I've ever tried a tulip before. But I'd like to someday. 
I've seen some strange tulip skirts lately. The kind you might see on Project Runway. I don't know if I'd have the courage to make a skirt like that but something inside me wants to try someday. I don't think many people would like it but I think it would be worth the time to see the outcome.
This dress is made out of a mustard colored knit material. I bought it at this amazing fabric store in Amish Country. They had an enormous amount of knit fabrics in all sorts of colors and patterns. I was in heaven.
For some reason JoAnn and other chain fabric stores don't carry a wide selection of knits. And although I'm not a big fan of using knits for dresses I have to say that every once in a while they really are great.
They don't require a zipper and they don't fray. It only took me about an hour and 45 minutes to make this dress, that included the pattern! I sewed it a couple hours before Abi came over to model it!
I bought the belt at Forever 21. It is included with the dress. I sort of debated keeping it for myself but I really can't wear it now anyway and I think that it totally 'makes' the dress. I love a good big leather belt. It can give a punch to a simple dress like this one.
The sleeves are unique. I've never made sleeves like these before. Although I think they would have looked better if I had used a stiffer material.
They are just 3" by 7" strips of knit material. I thought it had a modern yet feminine look. To make them stand out more I'd add an inch or two to make them 5" wide. I might try using the look again for a later dress.
I sewed a cowl scoop for the neckline. I do have some regrets about the neck. I wanted to make a much fuller cowl. I guess next time I will have add twice as much material. Overall I think it was a more modern dress. But something that you could wear to work or a party.
Thanks to Abi for coming over again and modeling for me. But I have to admit that I need a few new backdrops. We were sort of at a loss as to what to do in the photos.
I'm getting sooooo bored with my standard white, blue, orange and grey. I'd love to get some modern wallpaper and set up a hardwood floor in the basement. Perhaps after the baby is born.
I'm definitely getting one of those lights I mentioned in my A Few of my Favorite Things post. I think shining those lights on my subject is going to do WONDERS for my setup.
Abi said I should post a picture of what it really looks like down there since you never see any of the weird basement in the photos. I thought that would actually be a good idea. So look for that too if you want a good laugh.
I would say this dress would fit a size 5-8.
If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link at the top.
Now, in case you might have missed my survey results post....there are some changes to entering a Grosgrain contest!
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.Create a LinkNOTE: Blogger is fixing an error with the 'Create a Link' Link. This applies to all 'Create a Links' on all pages. You might get an error code: bX-w3yevs.
If you do, check your page to see if it posted anyway. If it hasn't and you want to create a link just do so by posting it to your blog the way you would normally make a post. (ie, the old fashioned way). I will let you know here when this problem is fixed.
Create a Link
Read More.......
I am delighted to announce that, thanks to all of you, I was announced as the Shabby Apple Dare to Design Winner! Which means that if you liked the Lawn Frock you will be able to purchase it this coming spring!
I'm 'officially' a designer:)
I don't know what comes next. But I will try to keep you updated as the process continues.
Before I sign off on this post I want to thank all of you of course, my friend/model Abi, Brian who tolerated my mood swings and Shabby Apple for holding such a fabulous contest and offering such fabulous clothing!
As a thank you I've stayed up late tonight to bring to you another Grosgrain giveaway to be posted in a couple hours. For now, I'm off to dream about dresses.
Thank you!
Read More.......
When I was a little girl my mother used to put bloomers on me.
They really are the cutest addition to any dress!
Little Mave is carrying on that tradition with these adorable cotton candy bloomers!
The winner of this giveaway will receive one soft handmade bloomer from Little Mave in the color of their choice!
These adorable day bloomers are one of a kind. Every pair was handcrafted and designed from a sketch.
Inspired by the old fashioned bloomers/pantaloons, these look so cute dressed up under skirts or for everyday wear.
Made from 100% interlock cotton, the softest she could find. Very soft and comfortable. Each pair comes nicely packaged.
Now, in case you might have missed my survey results post....there are some changes to entering a Grosgrain contest!
Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.
Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries). Find more info under the FAQ page.
Read More.......
I saw these a little over a year ago and fell in love. I tried to create a few for myself which turned out 'okay' but it was something I wouldn't try again as it took a very long time to complete and for a beginning knitter it wasn't exactly an easy task.
How I'd love to win one of these cuties! Leigh-Anne of LA Originals has been gracious enough to offer one of her knitted acrylic hats (from this section of her store) to one lucky Grosgrain reader!!!!
Get baby ready for his or her first Christmas with this adorable "Festive Cupcake" hat. Help baby celebrate in style!!
This little Cupcake Cutie is knit in a soft, white, 100% Acrylic, worsted weight yarn and comes complete with festive Christmas green sprinkles and a cherry on top!! The ruffled, red, icing sits atop the beige cupcake bottom and the "sprinkles" are knit right in, so no worries of them coming loose as a bead can.
Easy to care for, just machine wash and dry at a low temperature setting.
Leigh-Anne has loved to knit and crochet since she was a young girl, and she still finds today that her creative spirit keeps her awake at night plotting her next design or project. She adores color and texture, and combining the two to create unusual and unexpected results.
Much of her inspiration is drawn from her beautiful surroundings and the wonderful sense of fun and enthusiasm that she draws from her children.
LA Originals is where she offers her handcrafted designs for sale, and everything you see has been created with love and care by her in her smoke free but pet friendly home. Many of her pieces are one-of-a-kind but if you see something you particularly like in her SOLD items, just convo her and she will recreate something similar for you, or work with you on your own custom design. All items currently listed are available and ready to ship.
Visit her other etsy shops: LA Originals (for adults)
The Knitter's Nook (her supply and destash store)
If you'd like to win one of these hats just link to this post either using the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.
If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link at the top. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post.
If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
Update!! While creating a link is still the only requirement for entering a giveaway, leaving a comment along with your link makes it much easier to find your entry.
Create a Link
Read More.......
