What an adventure moving can be, but I am happy to say that we’re finally here!

We’ve been in the house just over a week and so far I’ve managed to completely unpack the kitchen (why does it take the longest?) and all the bedrooms. The sewing room? Well, it looks like this. I’ll take it, though because I can finally put everything away – I had to keep some things in storage while we were selling the house to reduce clutter.

Easton and I have also ventured out a few times (because sometimes you have to take a break from unpacking), but none of them have included a fabric store… although from what I’ve Googled, most seem to be geared toward quilting or is a Joann’s (if you live in Columbus and have suggests, please let me know, though!). And now, back to unpacking….

Ugh, moving is hard. I’ve had good intentions of finishing up last minute projects, blogging, etc. but I will finally admit it, I can’t keep up. What’s going on this week? For starters, this:

Taylor is officially packed up and ready for her move (she is relocating to a different city than us)! Whew, one portion of one move down. Also on the agenda this week…. a new roof. Just days after our home inspection (because everything was going too smoothly), we had a pretty big hail storm that totaled our roof and guttering so we finally have a break in our weather and they are rushing to put it on (cross your fingers for a couple of dry days here).

Lastly…. our move…. next week. That’s right, the day has FINALLY come that we are making the big move to Ohio. The movers come next week, the new owners close on this house and the next day we turn around and close on our home in Columbus (unfortunately, our stuff doesn’t arrive for a few days after that). Whew! With that said, I’m taking a couple of weeks off from blogging since I won’t have anything to show until we’re at least moved in…. so, see you in a few weeks and stay tuned for some new sewing room photos!

One of the Jalie patterns that I was most excited to sew (but didn’t get to test) was the Nicole. This is a shift style top\tunic\dress with 3 different neck options (hem, banded, and funnel) and 2 sleeve styles (short and long). During testing, I had seen so many fabulous versions that I knew once it was released that this would be something I had to make first…. and here it is!

I had originally hoped to make this in a funnel neck, but my material was way too floppy to support this style so I wound up going back and adding a banded version, instead. I am also still needing to hem this – I waited until it was finished to see how much length I needed to take off (around 2 1/2″). As for the fit, well, it’s spot on – I can’t wait to finish this up and wear it! I also have just enough of this material to eek out a top too. I think this is going to be a great look for summer!

Once upon a time, Easton was my go-to blog photographer – he took the best shots. Now that he’s a tween… well, you get what you get (especially when it comes to pattern testing). With that said, I should probably apologize for the “action shots” of my next (new) Jalie pattern to review, the Nikita.

So, let me start off by saying that this is one of my favorite patterns of the new collection. I don’t wear a lot of dresses, but I can totally see myself making several Nikitas this summer (unless it never warms up then I’ll be making several of these with coordinating Charlottes.

The pattern comes in two variations a tank and dress with a closed back or keyhole options. I LOVE this keyhole – it totally adds a bit of spice to the pattern. Not to mention the fact that I adore how the back wraps around the front ever so slightly – it totally changes up the look of this shift style (and it’s pretty slimming too).

I’m pretty sure that these round placemats and these round water-resistant law cushions use similar techniques (the cushions come with a handy carrying case too).

This mermaid tail bag is perfect for stashing necessities for a day at the beach or use just because it’s so darn cute.

With the weather turning warmer, chances are you’ll be spending lots more time outside. This infant\toddler swing is a great way to keep little ones busy.

Like it or not, fanny packs are back (admittedly, we still use them for theme parks). What makes them better? Using your favorite fabrics and this tutorial.

This laminated drawstring bag is perfect for storing makeup, small toys, or anything else you can think of!

Need a quick teacher gift? Whip up a mug rug! This one comes with a printable tag too.

Reducing your paper napkin consumption? Whip up these everyday napkins in just 9 minutes!

Stay on trend and make yourself an easy to sew boho top.

This case is perfect for stashing crochet hooks (or anything else).

These yoga shorts are perfect for working out, wearing under skirts, or just lounging around.

Protect your tablet while you’re on the go with this great carrier pattern.

This mini basket is designed to hold plants!

I started wearing quite a few cardigans during the fall last year – I found that they were a great layering piece, especially when the temperature was fluctuating a lot during the day. So when I had the opportunity to test the Charlotte, I jumped at the chance.

I adore this pattern – especially the cropped version. For my first version, I used a pretty floral sweater knit that I had been hoarding in my stash for quite awhile. When I made this I had planned on wearing it with a coordinating (pink) dress for Easter, but then the weather decided it was done being winterish (for just that weekend, we had second\third winter shortly after) and was too warm to wear in the end. I do plan on sewing another version up with a lighter weight fabric to wear this spring once we move (I am anticipating that I might be a bit chilled there for awhile).

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.