A blog of Sewing Sweetness. Pattern Reviews, Tutorials, and More.
Have you been following the recent videos and posts about The Great Upcycling Challenge? To kick off this challenge I’m partnering with Candice Ayala, SewingPortfolios.com, and some of my friends to share some tips and tricks we utilize when we upcycle. Michael Miller Fabrics …
I’m beginning to tackle sewing through my prizes from the awesome package I received from Project Run and Play. Part of my package was a bundle of 8 patterns from Violette Field Threads. How amazing is that?! It was like Christmas! Thanks to Violette Field …
A week or so ago popped a little sneak of this girl in a new dress on Instagram and I can finally share all the details of this new pattern with everyone. This is the Callie’s Strappy Back Top, Dress, and Maxi from Simple Life Pattern Company. The back is super fun and I haven’t really come across another pattern that features a similar design, so it was totally work the time to stitch this up.
In the testing process, the testers found that it is EXTREMELY important for you to measure your model before sewing this dress. The fitted bodice of this design really does require an exact fit. If you don’t fall on the exact measurements of the size chart (especially for the chest measurement) you MUST use the instructions to blend sizes. It really isn’t too difficult to do this, but it is important.
This pattern includes top, dress, and maxi lengths as well as several hemline options in sizes 2T-12. When I first saw this pattern I felt like this dress had similar lines as the Bella Dress, but the back features are definitely worth the pattern in this case. The fun back is definitely a show stopper.
My girls are loving the Callie Dress already. I’ll probably find myself sewing up a maxi version soon. It seems that they are really into maxi’s at the moment. To be completely honest, I don’t like sewing maxi dresses because they take soooo much fabric. I could make two dresses out of the same amount of fabric it takes to make a maxi. Am I the only one that feels this way? Maybe I’m alone.
Holiday Season is upon us!! Last year I created the girls Christmas dresses in some fun poinsettia quilters cotton. The dresses were pretty, but also fairly simple and casual. This year I was asked to join in on a special occasion holiday tour with …
I’ve been sitting on this make for quite some time and now I’m able to share it. I will be part of a group a few makers sharing some Jennuine Design pattern makes. This Certified Jennuine Design makers will each feature a pattern once a …
I’ve been dying to order some woven labels since I first started blogging almost two years ago. I don’t really sell a product as I am mostly a blogger, but I still feel like I have a brand and wanted to be able to put it out there. You never know, one day it could turn into something more, right?
About a month ago, WovenLabelHK asked if I would be interested in reviewing their product. I thought it was a perfect opportunity to dive into the adventure of branding my creations. The labels I’m reviewing were provided to me at no cost, but all opinions are my own. 🙂
The first thing I did was select the type of label I wanted. There are a lot of options for woven labels, but I really wanted a tag I could place on the outside of my garments so it is visible to everyone. Vanessa was great with helping me select the label I needed for my purpose. We went with the woven flat label.
Next, we decided on a size for my label, they are 4cm x 4cm, and I sent my logo file off to be created. You can select the size you would like to order on the site. In less than two weeks I had my labels in hand. In researching the site to provide you with complete information I found that the average production time for labels is between 2-3 weeks, but it really depends on the product you are ordering. I also found that proofs are only provided upon request and you should entered that request in the note box during check out. If I was ordering any product I would request this just because it’s the responsible thing to do, plus all sales are final.
When my labels arrived they came came with several inserts in the package that provided sew-on directions, iron-on directions, and information on label types. I thought this was a pretty handy resource, so I kept it for when I decide to order more.
How do I feel about the quality? I have to say I was very pleased. The labels matched my logo perfectly. The green tree color was exact to my logo. The next time I order I may plan to have a little more room between the edge of my logo and the edge of my label. There was little room for error when stitching. I found that using a smaller stitch actually allowed for more precise corner turning as well. That’s your free tip of the day right there.
What about price? I compared pricing with some woven label shops on Etsy. The price of $79 for 100 labels seems to be on the middle to higher price range. As you order a higher quantity, the price per unit decreases. There are ways you can earn discounts towards orders too! Leaving reviews and referring friends can get you discounts or credit. (More on referring friends at the end.)
I made a special dress for the first label to go on. I’m sentimental like that. 🙂 I sewed up this Charlie Dress from Violette Field Threads in Enchanted from the Fibs and Fables line by Anna Maria Horner for FreeSpirit fabrics. I had been hoarding this lovely fabric for something special. This was it. When the dress was complete it was time to add the label. I am really OCD on things be aligned, so I thought I would use a little square of fabric fuse under my label and press it so that it would stay in place while I was sewing. I zapped it for an EXTENDED time with a hot steamy iron (with a pressing cloth between) attempting to fuse the label on. I would not recommend doing this. I noticed the label shrunk up a bit (like a ribbon does when it gets hot). I don’t think this is a reflection of the product as I was probably not handling it in its intended manor, but I still wanted to share for full disclosure. I didn’t have any issue with normal pressing of my garments with labels attached to them. As of now, my labels have washed well with garments and remained color fast. I do find I have a desire to “Label All the Things” and will soon run out of my stash if I do not re-order soon. My girls also think the labels on their pieces make them feel even fancier. I have no idea why, except I feel like they do too. Ha!
If you are interested in investing in labels, WovenLabelHK actually has a sample pack you can order if you would like to touch and feel the product before you buy it. There is a Sample Pack you can order for $1 with free shipping. I think that is a great offer. It gives you the security of knowing you would get what you want. This pack includes a variety of woven labels, size tags, patches, and hanging tags too. Along with the ability to order a Sample Pack, there is also a Portfolio Page on the site so that you can see a collection of the products and brands that WovenLabelsHK has worked with. It is definitely worth taking a peek at.
To wrap up this review, I would say that I would purchase these labels. I have not personally ordered from other companies at this time, so I can not give a side by side comparison for you. I will say that I will happily use this product. If you are interested in ordering your own labels from WovenLabelHK, let me know. They also have a refer a friend program and if I refer you, you can get a 10% discount code. Shoot me an email at pearberrylane@gmail.com. 🙂 Woot Woot! Plus, I will get a refer a friend perk too. Let’s help each other other.
I’ve been needing a good excuse to get some tutorials up on my blog, so when Simple Simon and Co. asked if I would be interested in joining in on a post for Skirting the Issue, I knew it would be a great opportunity! If …
I’ve been loving all the circle skirt dresses I’ve been seeing recently, so I decided I would take a few Laela Jeyne Patterns and write a tutorial for how to Mash them into a dress. I’ve used the Emmy T-Shirt and Rosie Circle Skirt …
Summer is in full swing at my house and I’m struggling to stay above water with all the exciting things going on so far. One bit of exciting news in my sewing world is the Summer Collection release from Laela Jeyne Patterns. I’ve been following the testing process and just love how everything has come together. I’m so pumped to be co-hosting this tour along with Marisa (Designer for Laela Jeyne Patterns). I’m telling you, there are some great creations ahead this week. Also, each day has a rafflecopter, so be sure to click over to the blog and enter for a chance at some of the new collection.
For my Summer Collection Tour post I decided to make the Vivi Swimsuit. It was a great choice for us, as my little people have been living in swimwear nearly everyday. If they aren’t in the sprinkler, it’s water balloons. If the balloons have popped, its a dip in the lake. There is no keeping my girls dry. I made two suits earlier this swim season, but one suit each isn’t enough. I made a mistake and grabbed a few cheapie suits from Wal-mart just to have some extras in rotation. It was totally not worth it. The fit on them is so poor. I’m surprised they stay on their bodies, and really they kinda don’t. I’ve seen a lot more crack lately than is called for. Anyway, let’s talk about a good fitting swimsuit for little ladies. Vivi is a faux cross over suit. It has options for side cut outs, neckline ruffle, and two different back cut lines. I love the look of this suit with the neckline ruffle, but I purchased this swim fabric and have been dying to use it. Let’s be honest… it doesn’t scream, “Add a ruffle please.” This print carries the suit all on its own. No extras needed.
The coverage on this suit is quite good. We had no breaks for adjustments while snapping these photos and I call that a win! #wedgiefreeisthewaytobe This suit is going to be a staple in our summer wear selection simply for this one point.
The most difficult part about the construction of this suit is the faux cross over. That said, I’m very proud of the stitching at the neckline. Sometimes we can rock our skills and sometimes we fail ourselves. For this suit, I think I was rocking the skills. If you don’t have a twin needle, get one.
So, what are you thinking about swimwear? Do you sew it or are you needing some help crossing over? I’ll tell you that it really can be quite quick. If you don’t have a little lady to sew for, you can actually make a suit with this same style just for you! The Violet Swimsuit is the Women’s version of the Vivi. I fun surprise with Violet is that you get a bonus pattern when you purchase it. The Isla Kimono is a great pattern for making a cover-up to go with your swimwear. I would totally have made a suit for myself, except I’m a teacher and just got a new job. I’m just feeling like I didn’t need to be posting myself online in swimwear as I’m in the transition phase and don’t want to be fired before I start.
I hope you have enjoyed my sassy girl in her new suit. For more fun photos of this make, don’t forget to follow me over on Instagram. Sometimes I sneak stuff on IG that never hits the blog. Also, be sure to click over to the Laela Jeyne Patterns post each day because there is a different rafflecopter for each day of the tour! Don’t miss out!
Monday
Anna’s Heirloom Boutique – Swimming in a Sea of Estrogen – Olive Ashby
Tuesday
Mahlica Designs – Pear Berry Lane – Sewing with Sarah
Wednesday
Sewn at Seams – Nini and Ash – The Crafting Fiend – Sew a Piece of Joy
Thursday
I am Mami de Sofiona – Sew and Tell Project – My Heart Will Sew On
Friday
Hello Summer! I’m kicking off summer with a functional and real post. My good bloggy friends Karly Nelson of Paisley Roots and Tami Peterson of Sew Sophie Lynn are hosting a swimwear tour and I thought I would use it as a great excuse to …