Lesson Learned.

You may have noticed that all my images are missing. Well, here's the story.

I joined Google+. I didn't read or research anything about it and was always viewing it from my phone. I decided to figure out how to use it. The first thing I did was delete every photo album it created for me. I didn't know all those albums were private and they contained every photo that had ever been on my blog. Oh, close to 800.

Here's the message I received when deleting the albums.

Turns out that deleting those private albums deleted every photo from my blog. No warning. No message telling me that this will also delete the photos from past blog posts. No way of retrieving those photos.

I'm sad. But I'm definitely not going to spend time finding pictures and putting them back on each post. I would much rather spend time sewing! I enjoy blogging but I enjoy sewing so much more.

I have all the original photos saved on my computer and an external hard drive so I'm happy about that!

So now I'm trying to figure out what to do. I'm looking at this as a fresh start. When I started this blog, it was all about food and cooking. Then it transitioned into sewing. I kept the Modern Foodie URL but quickly thought of a name that encompassed more. Modern Handmade. I'm not in love with that name and I'm not sure it is really me. I guess I'm starting from scratch. I think. Maybe. To be honest, I'm not sure. But I do know that until I figure it out, I'll be sewing!

There are definitely worse things that could happen in life so I'm trying not to dwell on this and just move forward! 

Lua Sleep Sack Pattern Tour

Hello! I am so excited to be a part of this pattern tour and to be able to share this adorable project. An from StraightGrain put out a call for pattern testers a few months ago and I fell in love with the design of the sleep sack. Henri is still at the age where I put him in one for bedtime and now I had the chance to make him one that is completely adorable!

I sewed the basic version but there is also an option to add piping, which looks adorable. There is an outer fabric, batting and lining. A side zipper and buttons. Now, you may be concerned about a baby and buttons but An gives very specific instructions for how to sew the button on and it is definitely the most secure button I have ever sewn!

The instructions are so very detailed and easy to follow. This came together quickly and it looks awesome! I just love these adorable little whales. And its nice and cozy for H. The sizing is great, he will be able to wear this for awhile... or until he figures out how to cover himself with the blanket!

The only problem that I ran into was that my fabric shrunk. A lot. I ended up cutting the back piece upside down because that was the only way I could get the pattern to fit. No big deal for me, but if you have fabric similar to mine make sure to measure your yardage AFTER you wash it!

Thanks so much for having me, An! This pattern is on sale now! Visit An's blog for more details.

Aster Cardigan: Willow and Co. Patterns

I told you that I had a lot to share with you! This is the last of the patterns that I tested for Willow and Co. Patterns. And I made three (3) different versions in 3 days. I just couldn't help myself. It is just too cute!

The Aster Cardigan was designed by Vanessa from LBG Studio. Vanessa sews amazing clothes for her daughter, Syd, and also takes stunning pictures. And this cardigan is the perfect addition to the Wanderlust collection.

For my first cardigan, I used an unidentifiable knit with very little stretch and it found me so much with the iron and one. So I had to pin this like crazy. So it ended up taking me way longer than it should have. Next time, I won't be using this mystery fabric again! But how cute its it? Its a little snug on her (because of the small amount of stretch) but is slowly stretching out. I made the faux piping collar and used a herringbone knit fabric that I just love. 

And the cardigan pairs perfectly with the Clover shorts, doesn't it?

The second cardigan I made is a little different. I went up a size (size 6) and I repurposed a thrifted sweater so instead of sewing the sleeve bands or hemming the bottom, I used the existing and saved myself lots of time! Isn't this yellow perfect for spring?

Number three. I made this as a gift for a friend. And I had a hard time parting with it because it is adorable.

Since this was my third time sewing it, in such a short amount of time, it came together in an hour and I only had to glance at the tutorial for clarification on one step. That's how well put together this pattern is.

I love this pattern. And definitely want one in my size!

Again, the Wanderlust collection by Willow and Co. Patterns goes on sale April 22nd! 

Clover Shorts and Persimmon Tunic: Willow and Co. Patterns

I'm sure you have been seeing all the amazing outfits that the testers have been sewing, from the upcoming Willow and Co. Patterns Wanderlust Collection. I was so excited to test these patterns. All the designers are so sweet and creative. And how adorable are all the patterns? The collection includes boys, girls and unisex patterns.

Lately Miette only wants to wear skirts or dresses. But sometimes a pair of shorts are necessary. 

The clover shorts are designed by Hayley from Welcome to the Mouse House and Mouse House Creations. There are so many ways to customize these. With a sash, ruffled waistband, more button tabs, using different fabrics as contrast trim, the list goes on and on. I kept these simple since most of her tops have a pattern and I wanted to be able to wear these with more than one shirt.  

I picked up this Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in Red by Robert Kaufman at my local discount fabric store for $2/yard. Amazing! And they are perfect for these shorts. I sewed size 5 and they are a little big and I know she will grow into them very quickly.

I wasn't sure if I would have time to test the Persimmon Dress/Tunic (also designed by Mouse House Creations) but I am sure glad I was able to fit it in. I decided to make the basic tunic version to go with the clover shorts. There is a dress option as well as a ruffled tunic/dress which looks adorable! Again, the design lends itself to creative pattern mixing or you can keep it simple.

The front and back of the tunic feature pleats, and center panel. There is an optional pocket but let's be honest, pockets aren't really optional in our house. They are always filled with something or another! And the straps are made from homemade bias tape.

Doesn't this tunic just scream summer? And on the day we took these pictures it was about 80 degrees so it was just perfect.

In case you haven't noticed, I love using vintage fabric. And this top is all vintage. The pink is a linen that I picked up at an estate sale. The small roses and strawberry print are both from my grandmother. She was an amazing designer and seamstress so I love being able to incorporate a little bit of her history into what I sew.

The entire collection will be on sale April 22. And I can't wait to sew more of these amazing patterns! Visit Willow and Co. Patterns for more information. Oh, and tomorrow I will share the Aster Cardigan!