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Make A “Statement” Tote

The Statement Tote Pattern

I have just launched my latest bag pattern! The Statement Tote!!! While I always knew that I would need to add a tote to my pattern collection I was determined it would not be your ordinary tote. I wanted something fun and bold. Something that made a statement. And it does just that in size, shape and in its innovative peekaboo panel where you can interchange inserts that are customized. Yes you can add a funny saying with vinyl, embroidery, stencils and fabric paint, or a quilt square. The possibilities are endless. Imagine adding your logo or a sign for an important cause. I think since I got my sassy sayings out my next one will be a Bible quote.

Yes the size of the bag is large, on purpose. The size is actually modeled after the large Dior tote bag that is very popular right now. The bag is great for everyday carry but is perfect for shopping, a weekend trip bag, a beach bag.
I am hosting a Sew Along for the Statement Tote in my Lovely For Life Facebook Group. You can join the group here. It will be through live videos in that group. The first Session is January 25th at 7:30 PM CST. So grab your pattern, materials and sign up to join us.

More info on the Statement Bag:
Sometimes a big grab and go bag is all you need. Perfect for running errands, shopping, and a roomy carry-on bag. The twist built into this one comes from the idea that sometimes you want to personalize your bag temporarily. The peek a boo window can be used for interchangeable insert customized by embroidery, a favorite quote from a T-shirt that you rather not wear, kids artwork, or any number of things. When you get tired of it you can easily switch it out.
Finished Bag Approximately: 17 inches wide, 14 inches deep and 17 inches tall

You can purchase the pattern for 20% until January 24th with the code: LOVELY.

Purchase The Statement Tote

Here is a quick funny video of me explaining more about the Statement Tote.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Hello 2022!!! Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!

Wow 2021 was a strange year. I feel like everyone was happy about small things because there was a lot of negatively in the public realm… politics, social issues and the list goes on. We can all spend a ton of time on those topics but this little slice of the world is just for fun things. Where we come to get away from the stress of the world. Where we talk about sewing and other crafts.

So while we all heal from 2020 and 2021 lets ramp up the fun. This year you will see a few new patterns coming shortly. A couple in the next couple weeks!! So get ready!

I did want to share with you a fun drafting project I did. When in Greece in the fall of 2019 I bought a elegant yet comfortable shirt. Wow 2019 seams like a world away. The shirt was drape and fluid and just felt nice to wear. Well I have worn it like crazy but unfortunately I have some stains on the shirt. No clue where they came from and its not like I am able to pop back over to Greece to find another.? I wish! So I decided to draft it from the one I had.

I have to say this was a total success!!! And I plan on making more. It is a tunic with fitted dolman sleeves and a slightly shorter front hem. I think it would look good on any body shape and a lot of sizes. The original shirt states one size fits all. Now I know that is not true but I would say it would fit a large range.

To draft the pattern I folded it long ways and traced around the neck, shoulders, arms, and body. I neatened up my lines and then drafted a sleeve. And done!! I made one test out of some lovely sweater knit from Sincerely Riley. She has the best Sweater Knit! I have a lot more I need to get making.

I am thinking about making this into a pdf pattern and adding it to my Etsy shop. What do you think? Would you want it? If so comment at the bottom of this blog post.

I think for some added New Year Celebration we also need a sale!!! How abou 10% off. Just use the code LOVELY HERE

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Big Comfort! Big Impact Using A Cricut Maker 3 In Your Sewing

I will admit I am not a big paper or vinyl crafter. I have lofty ideas I will be one when I see great ideas and then they stay an idea! Lol

Oh well I still get good use out of my Cricut machine by using it in various ways in my sewing. I first used it for this costume I made for a clients Halloween costume. You will find it on the leg wrap and the medallion on the skirt.

I also have also used the Cricut Maker for bag making. You can check out two of my free bag patterns in my Freebie Library that can be cut with an Cricut or electronic cutting machine. I just release the SImon Bucket Bag Pattern and you can find that for free in my library as well. Here is the blog post about it.

If you want to get this free bag pattern check out the Library at the top of the page, “Lovely’s Sewing Freebies”

If you have seen my embroidered skirt you know that I love a bold look! It makes a bold statement and it is just fun. So here is another one using my Cricut Maker 3. If you have not heard the Cricut Maker 3 can cut without a mat using their Smart Matierial and one is a Smart Iron on Vinyl. You can cut in long lengths, up to 12 Feet!!! Yup 12 feet!!!! If you want to learn more click on the picture of the Maker 3 below.

So of course large wall vinyl is probably what most people think of but I went straight to what clothing item I could make. I wanted something elegant with very little detail that gave me large blank canvas. I noticed this cute Caftan pattern from Simplicity. Did I just say a cute Caftan? Lol yup…. I am sure at some point my generation said we would never wear these and here we are. I think it is perfect for lounging around the house and they can still be very cute and presentable. Throw on some oversized earrings and a large bag and you can go run some errands while looking chic.

So let’s talk about some things to keep in mind. One would be the limitations on the width, so you should think of something narrow or you could also do something that would cut separately that you can place all over the item but would still cut quickly. I wanted something to make an impact and this snake on a vine was it but here is where you can let your imagination run wild. I have a few more ideas in mind. So let’s think outside centering a design on a shirt. What are you going to make an incorporate large iron on vinyl onto?

I have a full review of Simplicity 8911 here on my patternreview.com profile but the short answer is that I love it and it is super easy to make.

If you have not done so already be sure to join my Facebook group for my bag patterns! I have some pattern launches coming soon and you don’t want to miss out.

Lovely For Life Patterns Facebook Group

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

In Time For Christmas Gifts! Free PDF Purse Pattern-With SVG and Cricut DS File

Have you started sewing for Christmas yet? It’s right around the corner!

This sweet little bag will be a great gift for the stylish ladies and the fun teens on your list! This bag has so many options for customizing. The top and bottom and even the pleathers of handbag ring options.

I found some cute ones on Amazon I will post some links to a few and one of my testers used an adorable cat shaped ring. Your imagination is your limit as long as it is sized appropriate for the bag!!

This bag pattern also can be cut three ways!! I have included the tradition pdf pattern that you can print and cut on your home computer and tape together, an SVG file you can upload to any electronic cutting machine and a Cricut Design Space Project link that will open it directly in Design Space!!!

You can watch this quick video to help on putting it together but it is so easy and quick that you can make one for everyone on their list!

I have partnered with The Fabric Snob and used quilting cottons from their shop! They have a wide array!!! This was the Bosage Collection- Lush Rainforest and Shifting Fonds. You can grab a Snob Surprise Bag for some quilting cotton! Show your makes using hashtag #snobsurprise to be entered to win 500 in snob cash!https://www.thefabricsnob.com/products/snob-surprise-bags… Use code: Leah10 for 10% off your quilting cottons!

Also check back on my blog post about making clothing with Quilting Cotton and my tip sheet in my Freebie Library. You can find that post here.

See below on how to get my Lovely’s Freebies Library password so you can get this pattern and previous freebies and freebies to come! If you are on your cell phone the way to see it is to click on the title of this post and then it will be at the bottom of the blog post.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

As a quick thank you for reading this post and supporting me please enjoy 20% off on my sewing patterns in my shop with the code Simon20. SHOP

SEWN Magazine Feature

I work hard at most everything I do but sometimes great things just happen and I don’t know how I am so blessed. Earlier this year I was reached out to by SEWN Magazine! If you haven’t seen them then check them out. They have a modern take on a sewing magazine and every issue is packed with great sewing information and features talented makers showing of their skills. So when I was asked to make something for them I jumped at it. The prompt was a shirt dress! I love dresses so this was great. I often use shirt dresses as dusters as you can see here in my Southwestern girl post about my southwestern style duster. However shirt dresses can also be glammed up so I decided to show both sides. The first version was this large floral print quilting cotton sure to wow as a casual day piece and the second was this sext black stretch chiffon that I didn’t even put bottoms on and cinched in with a belt I made and added sexy gladiator sandals. This is the version that is perfect for date night.

I have made plenty of dusters so I wanted to use pattern I had not used before. I decided quickly on Designer Stitch’s Sedona. Funny thing is the last time I was in a magazine it was in a Designer Stitch pattern. You can check that out here! I used to test her patterns and they are great so I had high hopes and they did not disappoint. Excellent drafting and instructions. She does the placket different than I have ever seen it done but when you take your time it comes out so nice and is easier than the other ways I have done it. You can find her patterns here and her Facebook group is here.

The print floral fabric is from one of my favorite fabric stores The Fabric Snob but it was a pre order a while ago so it is no longer available. Sorry but do check out their fabric because they have a lot of great stuff. I used their fabric for my floral suit I made earlier this year. You can see that here.

Next I want to highlight my wonderful photographer that I work with on a lot of my photo shoots including the SEWN Magazine shoot. You can find her on Instagram here and here. I will add a gallery of some other shoots she has helped me with. Check her out if you are looking for a photographer in the Fort Worth Texas area.

Simplicity 8526
Vogue 1716
Green style Creations Super G Tights and The POWER Bra
Rebecca’s Bag by Lovely For Life
Simplicity 8300

If you want more info and a full review on the Designer Stitch Sedona Pattern you can find my Sewing Pattern Review here.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Clear Stadium Bag with Free Pattern and SVG

So COVID is coming to an end! Well, at least that is what I am hoping for. I think we all are hoping the world gets back to normal soon. That means concerts and sporting events. Some of the sports venues now require only clear bags so I thought in preparation I would make a cute clear stadium bag pattern for you. No, you don’t have to just use it for stadium events. The free clear stadium bag pattern will be perfect for so many events this summer. It is so fun!

Don’t let how cute this bag is fool you. It is so easy to make and I have made a video to walk you through the process. You can check out the video on how to make the bag here.

You can readily find the PVC plastic and other materials I used and I will link some that I used.

Another reason I love working with PVC vinyl is to use vinyl cut on my cutting machine to add monograms or other personalization.I have also provided you some details on what materials I used. Enter your email below to get access to this and all my other free files.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Floral Explosion: Vogue 1716

If you have been into fashion in the last few years you may have seen a gorgeous Instagram influencer, Victoria Fox. Check her out here. She showcases some stunning outfits. Very classy looks that I can’t get enough of. Before I knew who she was a saw this picture on Pinterest and knew I wanted to make something like this. I later found two other looks of hers that were very similar.

I love the traditional suit in such a bold feminine print. So I decided to make my version. I wanted mine a little more subtle but still have a big impact. When I saw this large floral Mega Garden After Nightfall from the Fabric Snob on a black field I knew it was what I wanted.

I mean I am a sucker for large florals! Can you tell? Here is a slideshow of some of my floral creations!

Now I just needed the perfect suit pattern. I wanted something traditional with not too many seams or embellishments. I also wanted a fitted pant and a jacket that would look similar to my inspiration with a belt. After reviewing line drawing after line drawing of suit patterns Vogue 1716 was it. It had the silhouette I was looking for and no embellishments.

Oddly I can’t say I was all that enthusiastic about this suit when I saw the cover picture on the pattern.

I liked the sparkle but just was not sure about the fit. Unfortunately, sometimes the pictures deceive you. One of the reasons I do blog posts on patterns is so others that are thinking about making a pattern can see it in another way to see if they may want to make it. I also review them on PatternReview.com so check out my profile over there. Pattern Review Profile

Overall this pattern was so nice and easy to make. My last suit was not as successful so you are always shy to jump back on the horse after a project does not go as great as you hoped. I am glad I jumped back on with this one.

There were no big hiccups and it went together quickly. If you are looking for your first suit pattern, this may be it. I am planning to make more suits with this pattern. The pants are a quick make and feature a side zip which I love. Side zips keep your tummy area smoother. These pants fit just perfectly. The only change I made was my normal lengthening for my 6′ height.

Here are some details from my Pattern Review on www.patternreview.com

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, double breasted blazer with matching tie belt, two-piece sleeve with working vent, welt pockets with flap. Fitted, contoured, waist cropped pants have invisible side zipper.

Pattern Sizing:Semi-fitted it fits true to size
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Very easy quick sew for a blazer.

Fabric Used: Cotton

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Only lengthened the pants and the sleeves.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes and I plan to!

Conclusion: I really love this pattern! If you need a suit with this shape, make it!

Let me know in the comments what you think of the suit!! Also add your email in the subscribe box below to be alerted when I drop new blog posts.

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

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