Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Canada Cups Wrap-Up


Its time to wrap up this tour and make our way home! 

There's still time to take advantage of the discount codes offered by our sponsors. Keep reading and find out who our lucky winners are! 

Now a few words from Marsha of Seam of my Pants



canadacups2016sponsors
Generous Sponsor of Canada Cups 2016



Welcome back! You and I both know that you're here to find out if you, or someone you know, won a prize. Go on, admit it! … But don't be in too much of a hurry to leave. There's more. We wanted everyone to win so we've got some discounts for you, from some of our best kept Canadian secrets. Plus, I'm having a mini-giveaway of 1/2 metre of black stretch lace from my personal stash. Read past the winners' names to find out more.

This post contains affiliate links

Giveaway Winners

Are you one of the lucky 10?
  1. Lavender and Lace bra-making class from Braphoria: Reece Montgomery (Canada)
  2. Two $25 CAD store credit certificates (for you and a friend) from Bra-makers Supply: Denise Marie (USA)
  3. Exclusive pre-release Latte bra kit from The Emerald Studio: Jodi Barrington (Canada)
  4. Complete bra kit including findings, underwires, and lace from Uplift Custom Bras: Angela Smith (Canada)
  5. The Sophie Swimsuit online class, incl. PDF pattern from Closet Case Files: Yiling (USA)
  6. $50 CAD store credit from Blackbird Fabrics: Chelle (USA) [Not again! This woman has a horseshoe hidden somewhere!]
  7. $25 CAD gift card from Ann’s Fabric Shop & a PDF pattern from Jalie: Jeannie (USA)
  8. $50 CAD gift card from Central Sewing Machines: Patricia (Canada)
  9. Complete bra kit from Custom Bras: Kelly Boggs (Canada)
  10. The 10th prize is a bundle of 3 classes from Craftsy, worth more than $200 USD. Their Giveaway is still open until tonight, 11:59 PM MST. This lucky skunk of a winner will be notified directly by Craftsy. (I'm so jelly!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

Discounts From Our Sponsors

—>Get the Craftsy class I reviewed at 50% off. That's Panties, Construction & Fit  with Beverly Expires: Sept. 30
—> Visit Jalie for 20% off when you buy 3 or more PDF Patterns. Code: JALIE3PDF
—> Stop by Custom Bras for 10% off any item in stock. Code: Tour2016
—> Pop over to With Love Lingerie and score big with 50% off any order over $40. Code: Bloghop2016. Expires: Dec. 15, 2016
—> Drop in at Farthingales for 15% off your order. Code: Cancups
—> Pass by Miss Maika Fabrics to get 15% off some yummy fabric. Code: LINGERIE16. Expires: Sept. 30

 

Mini-Giveaway

Black Lace
Half metre of black stretch lace a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did You Miss Any of Our Posts from the Tour?

Here again are all the posts from our magical trip with the Fairy Bra Mother and our impish friends:

Coming Up:
  • Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It's always fun!
  • See you next year for another round of ...
craftsy-canada-cups-banner

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Upton by Blaverry

Shaking my head, wondering why I haven't made Upton by Blaverry before now. I know you'll be wondering the same once you get a closer look at this sweet knit dress. 




This little knit dress has so much style it can be worn with Valentino inspired shoes.

The real surprise is at the back with that pleat in a contrasting fabric.




The fabrics are both Art Gallery Fabrics, the main is Artisan Aged Allure Washed and the contrast is Forest Floor.


This pattern by Blaverry is available in sizes 2T to 16 years and as with very blaverry pattern you get layered printing so you print only the sizes you want or need. All charts included are in metric and imperial measurements. Instructions included step-by-step tech drawings...And so much more, you can look up the details for yourself here.



Will I make it again...Yes! infact I have another one cut out and ready to go for Amelia. This little dress is so comfortable and easy to wear, even pairing it with sneakers would be adorable.



Go check out some more inspiration for sewing up the Upton dress:




Until next time, xx.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Canada Cups, Giveaways!

WHOOHOOOOO!!!!! I hope you're as excited as I am!


Today is the day to enter the giveaways.  Entry starts Sunday at noon, and closes Tuesday at noon.  Winners will be announced Tuesday afternoon, there will be some consolation prizes as well if you don't win, so be sure to check back either way.

Now on to the prizes, our Sponsors have been very generous!!!!   

You can win,
  • Online classes from Braphoria, Crafsty and Closet Case Files
  • Gift certificates to Bra Makers Supply, Blackbirds Fabrics, Ann's Fabrics, and Central Sewing
  • Bra kits from Emerald Studios, Uplift Custom Bra's, and Custom Bra's. 
  • PDF pattern from Jalie
 Now even if you're convinced you will NEVER make a bra go enter, because any of these prizes would make an awesome gift, but you should totally keep it and make one, trust me it's awesome!!!!

Have you missed any posts???  Here's a link to my Panties, Construction and Fit
and my interview with Émilie of Jalie Patterns, and also the undies I made using Jalie 2568
The rest are all linked below, go and check up while you're waiting to see if you win!!!! 

So how do you enter?? Simple just click on my boobs!!


http://wp.me/p6SK9W-ll





__________________________________________



Giveaways

Click the image below now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
craftsy_final_circle_logo
 
Stay with us through to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
  • complete kits to make your own bra,
  • bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
  • fabric, and more ...

Tour Schedule Itinerary

Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes


 // Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
Sunday, September 11
Monday, September 12

Tuesday, September 13

Wednesday, September 14

Thursday, September 15
Friday, September 16
Saturday, September 17
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It's giveaway day today!
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today's your last chance.
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
After September 20
  • Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It's always fun!
  • Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30

 


Saturday, September 17, 2016

Canada Cups or Bottoms Up!



This is my last post for the Cross You Heart Relay. Now that you've seen all the bras and corsets its time to get the matching pantie!  You'll also find my Booty Buddy, Michelle and her take on the "Panties, Construction and Fit" class right here!



*Disclaimer: Just so you know, I was given the class for free for the purpose of the tour, but all opinions are my own! I'm also an affiliate, meaning that if you should click on one of the links that take you to Craftsy (like on my sidebar or in this blog post) and make a purchase through that link, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Craftsy equips you wit the tangilble skills, quality materials, access to inspiring and like-minded crafters, and most importantly, the confidence to add your own creative twist to all that you create. Craftsy is committed to helping you express your unique passion, talent, and creativity.


I watched the classes, "Panties Construction and Fit*"with Beverly, our Fairy Bra Mother,  I've done the math and drafted a pattern. I've made panties...and plenty of them!

This class took me from taking my own measurements properly, to drafting my basic master pattern in only the first 2 lessons.



Beverly really knows her stuff when talking about fabrics and notions, and mentions common mistakes some will make when drafting so that we don't make the same mistakes. In other lessons she explains how to modify to get different cuts and styles. 

I was easily able to alter my pattern so that the side seams would be more like front side seams. I find it makes for a very sexy and high-end look. 


After this class I feel very confident about the bra making classes that I recently purchased (all due to seeing everyone's project on this tour).  Just about everything I've learned as far as techniques and skills will be useful for those classes too.

So now that this Craftsy class finally got me out of my maternity undies (very true story, and thank you so much!) I'm so pleased that they are extending a savings out to you on this class. You can save 50% on "Panties, Construction and Fit" class by using my affiliate link (Click!


Giveaways

Click the image below now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
craftsy_final_circle_logo
  Stay with us through to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
  • complete kits to make your own bra,
  • bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
  • fabric, and more ...
Thank you to all our sponosors for such amazing prizes! 



Tour Schedule Itinerary

Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes

Canada Cups Logo Draft // Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //





Sunday, September 11
Monday, September 12

Tuesday, September 13

Wednesday, September 14

Thursday, September 15
Friday, September 16
Saturday, September 17
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It's giveaway day today!
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today's your last chance.
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
After September 20
  • Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It's always fun!
  • Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30

 

Friday, September 16, 2016

Canada Cups, Cross Your Heart Relay - Jalie 2568

I bet you all want to see what I made using Jalie 2568. Well I can tell you I now have a full drawer of band new undies! I played around with the different styles available in the pattern, and also the different sizes...One thing for sure, smaller sizes are waaaayyyy cuter than the bigger sizes!


Je suis convaincue, que vous êtes curieuses de voir ce que j'ai fait avec le patron Jalie 2568. Je peux maintenant dire que j'ai un tiroir tout plein de nouvelles bobettes! J'ai profité de cette occasion d'essayer différent tissus et types d'élastiques. Je peux aussi confirmer que les bobettes en petite taille sont pas mal plus cute! 

    

I worked with different fabrics and elastic just to see what the results would be. the first pair with the orange trim is almost a mesh type fabric with a good amount of stretch in both directions, and the orange is fold over elastic (FOE). The fabric is very light weight but easy enough to sew because it isn't silky. 

I used a picot elastic and a three step zigzig to stitch on the elastic to avoid having the stitches pop. The fabric is a cotton lycra blend. No elastic needed at the legs with the boycut, I just finshed off the hem using my twin needle.  

Donc pour commencer, la première paire, j'ai fait avec un tissu genre mesh bien extensible des deux sens,  et la finissions est faite avec un élastique plié double orange. C’était assez facile à coudre parce-que le tissu n'est pas soyeux. 

Ensuite j'ai essayé la finition avec un élastique picot, j'ai pris le point zigzag a trois étapes pour éviter que mon fil casse. Pour la jambe j'ai simplement pris mon aiguille double. Ce n'est pas nécessaire de mettre un élastique pour la coupe garçonne.        


Now get ready for the cutest thing EVER! I was able to make a pair for the JubeJube in my left overs! All this using the same pattern because this pattern contains 27 sizes! The fit is perfect on her too. I get discouraged by the undies in the girls' clothing department, the fabric is so flimsy and the elastics come apart after two washes. I love that this cut of undies gives children that full coverage. 


Maintenant vous comprenez ce que je voulais dire...pas mal cute la paire que j'ai fait pour JubeJube à partir de mes reste. Et bien sure un seule patron a acheter parce-que les 27 grandeurs sont incluent. J'ai tellement horreur des petites culottes qu'on retrouve dans le départements des filles, le tissu et tellement mince et les élastique ne tiennent plus après deux lavages. Je peux aussi confirmer que cette coupe donne vraiment une belle couverture où nécessaire ;) 





OK, one last pair...The Brazilian cut. These are so quick to make especially if you already have the lace band available to you. 

Dernière paire, la coupe Brésilienne. Super facile a faire si vous avez les bandes de dentelle. 



Literally two seams to sew (I used my serger) and then stitching in the lining...and done! 

C'est vraiment simplement deux coutures (j'ai utiliser ma surjeteuse) et ensuite de pique la doublure, et c'est fini!  



Tomorrow you get to see what I made after having view Beverly's Construction and Fit panties class available on Craftsy...and guess what, I have an awesome deal for you...using my affiliate link you can get the class for half off (for a limited time). 

Demain je vous montre ce que j'ai fait apres avoir pris le cours "Construction and Fit panties class" de Beverly. ET en plus vous pouvez profiter d'un rabais de 50%sur ce cours avec mon lien affilié (pour une durée limité) 


* I got the pattern for free in exchange for the review, but all opinions are my own!


Giveaways

Click the image below now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice):
craftsy_final_circle_logo


 Stay with us through to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
  • complete kits to make your own bra,
  • bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
  • fabric, and more ...

Tour Schedule Itinerary

Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes

Canada Cups Logo Draft // Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
Sunday, September 11
Monday, September 12

Tuesday, September 13

Wednesday, September 14

Thursday, September 15
Friday, September 16
Saturday, September 17
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It's giveaway day today!
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today's your last chance.
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
After September 20
  • Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It's always fun!
  • Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30






 

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Canada Cups - Interview with Émilie of Jalie

Today, as part of the Cross Your Heart Relay, I have Emilie of Jalie in the hot seat! If you haven't heard of Jalie and their specialty patterns where have you been. 



The first time I purchased a Jalie sewing pattern, ironically enough, it was for a constructions and fit class to make my own underwear...it was back in 2000 maybe. As it turned out, I purchased eveything need to take the class, pattern, fabrics and elastics, but never was able to take the class. 


This is the pattern the teacher had required us buy, I actually still have I do think I do need to use it more often. 



I love that their patterns keep on evolving. I also have the most current pattern for underwear. I have to add that it was given to me for the purpose of reviewing it (all opions on the pattern are my own) but you'll be able to see more of that on Thursday as part of the Cross Your Heart Relay tour.  




The Interview:



Who have you trained? Who have you taught? (sometimes the pupil becomes more famous than the teacher)
"Jeanne taught sewing classes in the family home basement for a few year. She taught hundreds of people how to sew and also trained Jalie instructors who would teach in fabric stores or from their homes."
Who are you wanting to reach? Who is your target market for patterns, for classes, for selling?
"We try to focus on things other companies won't tackle or try to find or revisit classics to make them easy to make and in size for kids and adults. This means we mainly create patterns for knits: staple garments like t-shirts and underwear, activewear and specialized sportswear (gymnastics, figure skating)."
 What got you started in this business?
"Students taking Jeanne's classes suggested she markets the patterns she would bring to class. The first patterns were printed on a copy machine that was in her bedroom at the time" 
What are your future goals?
"We want to reach more and more people and grow while keeping the team small and flexible."
What do you absolutely love about the business?
"When people share photos, comments. We sometimes receive very touching testimonies from people who got back to sewing because of us, people who got out of a depression by sewing, moms who saved tons of money making their kids' leotards / dress and this allowed them to continue practicing the sport, our patterns used for special olympic athletes (figure skating / gymnastics) who could not find anything off the rack in regular stores..."

Here's a look at Jalie 3421 as sewn by Mel of Filles a Maman...check out more images and full blog post here!


What do you despise?
"People who copy designs and claim it as their own. It happened in the past and it is so stressful to deal with that and see those companies still in business today, promoting new designs that they produce in record time. We can't help but suspect them from copying every single design from another pattern company or RTW garment... That and when parcels get lost"
What lack do you  see?
"That is not an easy one to answer since "what the market lacks" is typically what we go for"
What was it like when you started?
"People would sew everyday clothes for their families to dress them on a budget. We were they only ones offering patterns for knits. I could recognize Jalie garments at school because so many kids back then wore clothes their mom or grand-mother made. It's nice to see that those moms are now retired and took their machine out of the closet and started sewing again for their grandkids."
What trends have you seen?
"Browsing through an old catalog is so funny. Again, some of our first patterns would actually blend in with current trends (with new photos on the covers thought :)). The trend that I remember most vividly was neon colours. I remember 1990. I was dressed in Jalie neon everything from head to toe. Jogging suit, winter jacket, ski pants, hat, mittens... "

I just had to find some loud neon fashion! 


What is the difference between RTW and custom made?
"The first thing that comes to my mind is fit. With RTW you have to be lucky and find brands that work for your body type and keep your fingers crossed that the company will be consistent. If your body does not correspond to the commercial standards, you have to alter or settle for ill-fitting cloths. With custom made, using a pattern won't guarantee it will be perfect on the first try (although we work really hard to make that happen) but at least you have everything you need to tweak and make a final version that will be flattering, that will make you feel beautiful and most of all, proud of your creation."
What is the difference between the ever-growing number of patterns out there?
"Just like RTW companies, style varies, each designer has its signature, instruction style, body type they design for. Also, quality may vary too from one company to another. Some test on mannequins, others on real people."
Where do you see your business going?
"I would like for the company to be more mobile. We currently do everything from our office. It would be great to design in a little villa during the Quebec winter, have people running the warehouse while we are in the sun, designing and testing, wouldn't it?"
Where did it come from?
"It came from a family home in Levis (south shore of Quebec City), where it is still located. The inspiration for the company is basically the life of a young mom living on a shoestring budget who had to use knits to dress her little girl because it was the cheapest fabric available at that time."
Where else are there businesses doing what that do? 
"There is only a handful of printed pattern companies in Canada. There are more companies popping up all over the world, which is good because it means that more people are sewing." 
Where can we buy your patterns/classes?

"On our website www.jalie.com and from retailers worldwide www.jalie.com/retailers
When did you start?
"The company was founded in 1983 but Jeanne has been sewing since the 60's"
When will you quit (shudder!)? 
"I strongly believe that Jeanne will sew until her very last breath. I will do everything possible to keep it going afterwards, surrounding myself with inspiring people."

 Why don't you use Craftsy?

"We did have a few patterns on Craftsy before but decided to keep PDFs on our website,
 Because it's easier to manage everything all in one place."
Why patterns?
"Because patterns are a tool for people to make amazing things. We don't sell fish, we sell fishing rods :)"


 How did you become globally famous?
  
"We were one of the first (if not the first) pattern company to sell online back in 1999. That caught the attention of some retailers overseas.
A review of our t-shirt pattern 2005 on Pattern Review was also a turning point. The US market opened up and there was more demand (from customers and stores) for our patterns."
PDF Patterns allowed us to sell to countries where postal service is either very expensive or unreliable. The Internet really transformed the sewing world.

How many patterns do you have?

"We currently have 93 paper patterns designs available for purchase. 121 available in PDF (includes current and discontinued styles). Since the 1983, Jeanne has designed over 500 patterns at the very least."
How many do you have planned? How many in the works right now?

"About a dozen patterns are planned for the upcoming collection. That's why it's taking so long :) We try to include a little bit of everything in each collection... This one will cover pretty much all market segments!"
How do you reach your target market?

"Through social media mostly. When a new collection is released we post on our blog about it and we will have newsletter starting with the next collection."
Do you use technology?
"Yes! Patterns are drafted in a pattern-making software (their customer support still does not quite understand why we make our lives so complicated with 27 sizes per pattern!). Pre-press work is obviously done digitally (it was done mostly by hand until the late 90's) and we could hardly exist without our website."
How do you get the word out?
"Just like in the offline sewing world, word-of-mouth goes a long way online. We make announcements / promote to our customers and the word spreads quite rapidly. Also, lots of people find us by searching online, on Pinterest and Google mostly."
How long do you see this trend of making our own bra/panties/lingerie continuing? 
"I think it will last as long as any other DIY trend. I think there will always be suppliers selling beautiful fabrics and notions, passionate designers will keep on designing and sewists will keep the trend alive with their blogs / photos. I think seeing photos of garments completed by other people who have similar skills / body type boost many people's confidence. Reviews and ratings are good, but a there is nothing like a detailed blog post with tons of pictures. We designers are so lucky to have customers who take the time to not only make the garments but also share their experience and knowledge with their readers!"


A huge thank you to Emilie for taking the time to answer all our questions! 

How about a quick giveaway,  thanks  again to our sponsors on this tour! 



Giveaways

Click the image below now for a chance to win a bundle of 3 Craftsy classes (your choice)*:
craftsy_final_circle_logo

 Stay with us through to the end of the tour for a chance to win additional prizes:
  • complete kits to make your own bra,
  • bra- and swimsuit-making classes,
  • fabric, and more ...
*This blog contains affiliate links meaning I make a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase through it at no extra cost to you. All affiliate links have been identified in blog posts. 

Tour Schedule Itinerary

Follow the magical tour to see what we all have under our clothes

Canada Cups Logo Draft // Please note that none of these post links are available before the scheduled date. If you click on one too early, you will get an Error 404: Page not found. You know about those, right? //
Sunday, September 11
Monday, September 12

Tuesday, September 13

Wednesday, September 14

Thursday, September 15
Friday, September 16
Saturday, September 17
Sunday, September 18
Whoohoo! It's giveaway day today!
Monday, September 19
Have you entered the giveaways yet? Today's your last chance.
Tuesday, September 20
Giveaway winners announced on all the blogs:
After September 20
  • Come back to visit all the blogs for followup posts. It's always fun!
  • Craftsy class discounts expire at midnight Sept. 30

 

So see you back here on Friday so you can see what I made using the Jalie pattern!

Until next time, xx.