I had good intentions of keeping up with my Jalie pattern testing reveals, but this weekend got the better of me.

For starters, this happened – Taylor graduated from nursing school! We had a weekend of festivities, starting off with her pinning ceremony followed by commencement the following day. She still needs to take her boards, but you can tell by the smile on her face that she’s happy to be finished.

Fortunately, she already has a job lined up, will be moving to her new apartment, and ready to work (the night shift) very soon!

Easton also had his last day of school last week! We rounded out the school year with field day (I didn’t get any photos this time around because I was helping) and one last awards assembly. I wound up making an autograph shirt for him, but they were so busy that he said there wasn’t really any time to sign it. That’s ok, the T still turned out cute.

We are also heading into the home stretch of moving…. 2 weeks (and two days to go)! I imagine that things will get more chaotic in the mean time, but I still have plans to finish a few projects in between then.

Another great pattern on Jalie’s new release list is the Michelle tanks and dress. This is a breezy little pattern that is designed for lightweight wovens, so it’s easy to wear and best of all… the dress has pockets!

For my test version, I used a springy floral print from Joann’s and had no problems at all sewing this one up. It’s very flattering on and I love the fact that I can wear a “regular” bra with this and my straps never show. I have a bit more of this fabric left over and plan on eventually giving the tank a try once we’re settled from the move.

Today’s the day! Today Jalie patterns release their new collection so I can finally show you some of the projects I’ve been working on! First up, the Alex.

Alex is a 1/2 zip, unisex pullover jacket with welt pockets and an optional elastic waistband. It has a great color blocking option and is very easy to put together – yes, even with welt pockets. I think that putting in a welt pocket seems daunting to some, but I can honestly say that this was one of the best looking pockets I’ve put in (and it wasn’t difficult either)… and in fleece no less (you can see an up close photo of the pocket in this post).

I’m anxious to sew one up for myself this fall in something like a Wind Pro type fabric – with moving to a colder climate, I’m sure that I will get lots of use out of it!

Where did this year go? Easton’s last day of school is this week, so I’ve spent some time making presents for his teachers. Easton’s homeroom teacher’s theme for the year was pineapples- she had the saying, “Be a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, be sweet on the inside.” up on her wall all year. So it only seems fitting that her gift is all pineapple related.

In addition to the pineapple towel that I had made last week, I also found a great SVG on Etsy with the same saying. It was a lot of weeding (especially for the pineapple), but the results look really professional, in my opinion. I added a pineapple soap (I looked all over and finally found some at Target) and a cute little pineapple decoration to round out her basket.

Mother’s Day may be over, but it’s never too late to give someone (or yourself) a spa day gift set that includes a pretty towel wrap. My latest tutorial is up at WeAllSew and it’s so easy you can make several of these in a day! You can even personalize it with pretty embellishments or a monogram.

This also makes a great gift for anyone going off to college next year too. Pair it up with a fun shower cap and you’ve got yourself a complete set!

I’d love to see how you use this tutorial so don’t forget to share your versions with me!

After embroidering the Gilded Pineapple design last week, I decided I really wanted to do it again, this time on a white surface. Wow, does it pop now!

I wound up making two of these towels – I plan on finding some pineapple hand soap and making shirts that read “Teach like a pineapple. Stand tall, wear a crown, and are sweet on the inside” for an end of year gift for Easton’s teachers. You all know how I love a themed gift!

Get ready for lazy days by the pool (or at the beach) and make yourself a fun rope handled tote or this embellished beach backpack (with a cut file you can download and add to your bag).

Looking for a gift mom will love? How about a pretty credit\loyalty card holder?

With summer rapidly approaching, that means it’s time for lots of sleepovers. Send them off for the night with a new Rest Easy Sleeping Bag.

Who said hexies are only for quilts? Transform them into jewelry with this earring tutorial.

Even if you’re not into the Baby Shark craze you’ll still love these adorable shark plush.

Some of the most used household items can be sewn – and they don’t even have to be that complicated! This tortilla warmer is a great example.

Our grocery stores are slowly doing away with plastic bags. Learn how to make your own reusable shopping totes with this tutorial.

These hooded animal blankets are perfect for nap time, or use a towel instead and use them for drying off after a dip in the pool!

Show your favorite chef some love and whip up a set of these heart shaped oven mitts.

Planning a picnic? Secure your wine bottles in a nifty wine tote.

Give mom a gift of relaxation and whip up this DIY heating pad.

Zippered pouches don’t have to be boring. This one is in the shape of a cute little mouse.

I was getting ready to post a photo of my latest project and realized that I can’t… at least not yet. So instead I’ll have to just show you a sneak peek… pretty embroidery on luxurious velvet!

I had so many directions I wanted to go with this project that I wound up fiddling with placement(s) for the better part of a week. In the end, I edited down a lot of what I originally intended because it just wound up being “too much”. When Taylor came over the other day and saw it, she had noted she really liked it (well, hinted she would like to wear it) so I’m glad I settled on the direction I did… approval from a picky clothing person is always a good indicator if my judgement was correct.

I also need to say that I ADORE the Bernina 590. The pinpoint placement has got to be my all time favorite feature of any machine – it really helps make sure that everything is exactly where you want it (which is especially useful when you’re aiming for symmetry). I could have used this feature for a few projects that gave me hooping headaches!

With that said, I’m ready to send this beauty off. Fortunately, I have enough of this fabric left over to do something else – I’m thinking a pair of stretch velvet joggers!

Getting organized never looked so pretty! Learn how to make these Faithwell Storage Bins.

Looking for a show-stopping bag? Check out this fabric and leather bag – it’s great for beginners too!

Rubik’s cubes are seeing a resurgence (E’s school actually has a competitive team for puzzle cubes). If you have a fan in your household, you’ll definitely want to make one of these fun, puzzle cube footstools.

This scrappy coaster set is a great way to use up scraps and definitely screams spring with these colors!

This Baby Heart quilt is made using log cabin blocks!

One of the best parts of the weather turning nice eating outside. Learn how to make a picnic blanket from bandannas with this easy tutorial. Picnics not your thing? Make these Patio Placemats instead and enjoy dinning outdoors from the comfort of your home, instead.

Box bags are definitely a favorite to sew. I love this pouch because it opens up wide so you can easily see what’s inside.

There’s a lot of travel bag patterns out there, but I love the the fact that this one adds a rolling case sleeve so you can easily slide it onto your luggage.

It’s time to ditch the flannel pajamas and hit the hay with something lighter. Learn how to make this easy to sew sleep shirt.

I love quilting, but only with small projects – like this Lady of the Lake Pillow project.

Looking for a quick, no-sew project, that you can wear the same day? This One Shoulder Tied Tee is perfect for summer.

I am fairly certain winter is never leaving, but I am so ready for warmer weather. It was cold and rainy yesterday so to channel that summer feeling I decided to embroider this beautiful Flower Flamingo in Watercolor design. 90 minutes (of stitching time) and 34 color changes later, I had this gorgeous thing come off my machine. I plan on using it as a hand towel in the guest bathroom although I’m secretly hoping no one uses it because I don’t want it getting messed up. I’m not the only one who thinks these things, right?