Hi, guys! I’ve been a bad, bad blogger. I’ve been crazy busy and feeling really overwhelmed by the thought of sitting down to post. But things are returning to normal and I’m excited to get back to more regular posting! Here are some quick bullet points to catch you up on what’s been going on chez Ginger:
- Lauren (and Karen!!) came to town! If you haven’t already, check out the great recaps by less lazy/frazzled bloggers on their blogs: Wanett, Lauren, Devra, Charlotte, Karen, Carolyn, Peter (I’m sure I’m forgetting a few since this was, oh, WEEKS AGO)
- I met the coolest cat of all time, Indiana Jones (he’s even friends with Susan Khalje, WHAT?!):
There’s an “M” on his forehead (“m” for “mine, all mine”!). I will definitely be abducting him in the near future. Sorry, Devra!
- I did some top-secret pattern testing (another reason for silence on the blog)! You guys. You’re going to love this pattern. I’m just sayin’. GET EXCITED.
- I broke down and ordered a walking foot last week. I’m suuuuuuuper excited to make a plaid Archer shirt, and if that minimizes the cursing, sweating, and crying that I’ll probably be doing as I try to match plaids, that’s gotta be a good thing, right? Anxiously waiting for its arrival as we speak!
- On that note, I’m way stoked for the Archer shirt sewalong! My new office job gives me normal-ish hours, so I *should* actually have the time in the evenings to keep up with this sewalong [sobs of joy]!
- And today my mug is over on True Bias as part of her new series, Tried and True! You guys know Kelli, right? If not, hop over there RIGHT NOW. GO. What are you waiting for?!
But now, let’s get down to our real business– a big, fat, sloppy pattern geek-out! I didn’t even know this was coming, but I just happened to mosey over to Deer & Doe’s blog today and what did I see but NEW SPRING AND SUMMER PATTERNS!!!
Datura
Oh my gah, how cute is this?! The Datura blouse, a swingy (but not TOO swingy) woven top with neckline cutouts and buttons in the back (but NOT at the top of the back so my hair won’t get caught on the buttons… GENIUS). And the sample is made in a gorgeous mint green– I can’t even deal with this. Folks. There’s a Peter Pan collar option. I’m in danger of raving.
Reglisse
Look at this! The Reglisse dress, a summery little dress that I’m DYING to get my grubby mitts on! I usually hate elastic waists (c’mon, I’m not a toddler, people!), but I love the neckline, sleeves, and easy fit so much that I just want this pattern so badly! I wanna swan around in a little sailor dress all summer long!
Chardon
Finally, the Chardon skirt! I rarely wear skirts (it’s just too complicated to put together an outfit, as opposed to just pulling a dress over my head), so I’m not as tempted by this one, but I’m sure that this is making many other hearts go pitter-patter all across the blogosphere. Plus there’s a cute ribbon bow at the back! Sheesh, Eléonore, don’t you know I’m trying not to buy more patterns?! Give a girl a break!
Man. These are all just too amazing. I have serious Paris envy, people (look it up, it’s a psychological disorder)! Why am I all sweaty?
What about you guys? What’s going on with you? These patterns (or any other new ones) got you all hot ‘n’ bothered? Do tell!
Ginger Makes... 
Glad to see you back 🙂 And I LOVE that tank. And the dress! I hear you on the elastic waist front, but that is just too cute to ignore!!!
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Aren’t they too cute? I’m hiding my wallet from myself right now!
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EEK! I love those patterns, especially that blouse!
So glad you’ll have more time to sew with your new job 🙂 I’m going to try to get on the archer sew-along train this week, too!
Excited about your walking foot, too! It’s gonna be a good Spring, yes ma’am!
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Aren’t they soooo cute? What fabric did you choose for the Archer top?
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I was looking for chambray at my local fabric store but couldn’t find any, so I went home with some light blue, lightweight denim. Not brave enough for plaid just yet 😉
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Ooh, well that sounds like a nice, versatile choice! Looking forward to seeing it!
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I’m into that blouse!!!!
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Ooh, it would look so cute on you!
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I love these patterns, I just saw them today and I WANT THEM ALL and I’m not supposed to buy new patterns so someone needs to GIVE ME THEM. That is all.
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I cannot deal with them. Look, indie designers, I get it, you’re all so cool and hip and talented but DUDES, I can’t afford all your awesomeness! Be more frumpy and dumb!
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Oh, those are just adorable! I can totally see you in that top, I reckon it would look super on you 🙂
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I loooooove them! They’re so cool!
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Oooh I’m excited to see what pattern you have been testing. Congrats on the new job!
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Thanks, girl! I’ll be sad to not be out in the field, but I’m looking forward to being home in the evenings. 🙂
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I’m probably getting the woven top. Love the cutout neckline, too.
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It’s such a fun detail! Can’t wait to see your version!
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Yay, I’m glad you’re back!
About the walking foot: you know how you think ‘oh, if I just get this one gadget, my ‘x’ skills will be SO MUCH BETTER’, but when you actually get the gadget, you find out that no, you still suck? (could be just me…) Well, a walking foot is like the first half, but instead of realizing you still suck, you actually are SO MUCH BETTER. It’s a game-changer, for sure.
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Haha, no, I’m totally with you! I’m like, oh, wait, just give me a bias tape maker and I’ll apply bias tape perfectly. Except that no bias tape make can make me stitch straighter or press better. Sigh. Here’s hoping that the walking foot will ACTUALLY help! I hate when I’ve got everything perfectly aligned, but when I get to the bottom of the seam, it’s all akimbo!
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RE: Indiana Jones… a certain Brandy & Monica song comes to mind. I will fight you for him!! Haha!!
I just saw the Deer & Doe pattern this morning and I’m 50% excited (I love all three of them, which like… never happens. Usually there’s an LT-dud in there, but not this time) and 50% bummed (because I *just* ordered from her last week… grrrr, should’ve waited a few days to save on shipping, oh well!). I can’t wait to see more of these patterns as people start sewing them!
Also, congrats on the walking foot addition! Girl, it is going to change your life…. or at least your plaid-matching 😉
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I’m starting to think that maybe Indy is playing us… but that couldn’t be, could it? It was love, I swear it!!!!!
Dang– too bad you just ordered! Which patterns did you buy? D&D seriously kills me… the patterns are so cute!
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I actually love the elastic waist on the Reglisse! It’s going to be so awesome come summer time when I just want to throw something on over my head. Definitely some amazing patterns 🙂
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Right? They’re just so fun! These would all look super cute on you!
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Oooooh. I live under a rock so I hadn’t even heard of Deer and Doe but oh mama, I love Reglisse! I don’t do shorter than knee but obviously that’s an easy change. And I don’t normally like elastic either but I do have one vintage dress with an elastic waist and a belt, so you kind of get the ease of the elastic but no one needs to know. lol I am totally digging that neckline! I think I need that in my summer life.
And everyone and their brother talks about walking feet, I think may have to break down and get one myself (finally).
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Oooh, that’s a good call– slap a belt over the elastic and you’ll look polished and all growed up!
I keep hearing SO MUCH about how awesome it is to use a walking foot… sure hoping it’s as cool as advertised!
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I’m totally geeking out over these ADORABLE patterns, too!
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Right? They’re so fun!
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Oh my, that dress really is screaming at me. Even with the elastic waist. But I have so much other stuff to make first!
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Oh my gosh, I’m with you! I have a horrifying to-make list! On the plus side, I can still kinda justify pattern purchases if I can think of stash fabrics that I’ll use for them… hmmm…
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Hi sweetie. Looking forward to your pattern testing reveal – intriguing! I drooled over those patterns this morning. I can see you in that blouse and I want the Reglisse dress.
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Ooh, I could totally see you in that dress! It’s so basic and easy to wear, but has such cute details! Could it be the perfect summer dress?
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Ahh, those patterns are so cute! The skirt looks like a simple pleated skirt, but there’s no separate waistband; interesting style lines! the top with cut out triangles is superrr cute. and i want that dress (x
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I’ve never really seen a pleated skirt constructed like that– I’m excited to figure out exactly how it’s done! You would look adorable in any/all of these!
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i am also in love with the new deer and doe collection! before i could blink, i had already ordered the datura and the chardon. i also secretly love that she is in france and me in sweden, wich means i should get those patterns before the laurel i ordered last week! (and that she has reasonable shipping prices, even to outside of europe. don’t get me started on colette patterns shipping rates)
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Heeheehee, I’m glad that the shipping is quick and easy for you! Meanwhile I’ll be checking the mailbox every night like a kid before Christmas! I do buy PDFs of the Colette patterns because I don’t actually mind putting them together (it gives me an excuse to spend an evening watching TV, haha) and it saves me a few bucks. 🙂
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Oh goodness, that top is pretty perfect! And the dress too. Bah, now I need to add even more patterns to my wish list!
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It’s a never-ending wish list! Kinda like my to-make list… it just keeps going and going and going!
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I feel so good about being a cheapskate nerd and waiting for a weak Euro and Deer and Doe’s new pattern release.
You’re so spot-on about the elastic waist. And yet! I am totally willing to risk looking like a six year old.
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Oh my gah, I love the idea of you feverishly reading the Wall Street Journal to figure out when the euro is weak… to buy French sewing patterns. You’re my heroine!
I look like a little kid most of the time, so I do what I can to not DRESS like one. But this is too cute– I don’t know if I can resist for much longer!
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loving the Chardon skirt! and the kitty in the mood bag… i visited mood when i went to NYC in December and was so overwhelmed (and had limited time) i only bought the Mood tshirt…. oh the shame!
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Oh no! You’ll have to go back! 😉
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Congrats on your new job and your new walking foot! I’ll bet you’ll love it!
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Thanks, Morgan!
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Hoorah for a new job that allows for precious sewing time! I couldn’t resist temptation this morning, and bought the top, skirt and 3/4 sleeve top (Arielle?). The patterns are just too cute! Well, it is payday… But there goes my sewing budget for the month! Intruiged by the pattern you tested … I hope it is dumb and ugly, because I can’t buy any more patterns – when will I sew them all?
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Thanks, girl! I’m SO excited! These will all be so cute on you– can’t wait to see them! I STILL need to make the Moss Mini! Your second version reminded me that I so desperately need one in my life!
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You are one busy lady, it all sounds great! Datura blouse is super cute! So is the kitty!
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The cat had SUCH an amazing personality, too– he’s friendly, chill, and just a generally cool dude! I’m kind of in love!
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I LOVE these patterns! I’ll definitely be buying the blouse soon. I’m waiting for the Belladone dress to get back in stock so I can order them at once. Can’t wait to see the pattern that you tested!! If only I could buy time along with all of these new patterns so I can actually make them….
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I’m so with you– if I could just have more time! Oh, wait, I’ll have a little more time from the new job… just less money! Oh well, you win some, you lose some! Haha!
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They are adorable! Lovec the dress (I was thinking belt loops over the elastic waist too) and the skirt. I didn’t love the top but it is growing on me- that ne kline with thecutouts! Gah! My sewing queue!
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I’m with you! My sewing queue is a complete disaster! But it’s just SO fun!
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Oh man you are definitely right, that Chardon skirt is making my heart go pitter patter REALLY badly.
I’m excited to see your secret pattern-testing project! And to have you back to blogging a bit in general! It’s always so nice to get your lovely updates in my inbox.
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You are too sweet! I miss hanging out with you guys (virtually) when I’m too busy!
The Chardon skirt would look so sweet on you! As would the pattern I tested… mwahahahahahaha!
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Love the patterns – LOVE the top.
I’ve got a walking foot… never used it. It came with my machine. It’s the only foot I haven’t tried. Pathetic yes?
Off to Lobdon soon! I’ve got a quick Paris trip in there too and a long weekend in Madrid. YES!!
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Gosh, you are SO busy! Have a wonderful trip!!!!!
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It’s going to be a blast. Guaranteed!
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Take lots of pictures!!!
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I’ll try to break the camera!
I’m still planning on NY in Oct 2014!
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Yeah, girl! I can’t wait!!!!!
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Hahaha you are so funny! I am SUPER EXCITED for whatever super-secret-squirrel pattern you are discussing, and please do a review on your walking foot! I’ve heard rumours about how amazing they are and wondering if I should invest. Oh, and HOORAY for normal work hours! x
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Oooh ooh I’ll definitely give you guys the scoop on the walking foot! I’m a little intimidated– they seem complicated and strange!
Thanks for the congrats– I’m SO excited to have more time to sew. Although I’ll have to start cooking again… you’ll have to share some good recipes with me because I’m totally out of practice!
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Haha deal! Any excuse for me to cook some food 😉 I’m sure you’re going to own that walking foot!
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I love it love it love it. Every single one of them. I may or may not have ordered the skirt and dress within 5 minutes of receiving her email this morning…….!
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I don’t blame you– they’re just so adorable!
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New office job? Awesome! I bet you are loving a regular work schedule. I am soooooo tempted to get two of the Deer & Doe patterns. So. Tempted. But I:m going t be a boring good girl for now because with another move in the horizon I really don’t need them. Or do I? Oh, and you’re gonna love that walking foot. I never take mine off my machine anymore.
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Oh, you are a good girl! Are you headed back to Toronto soon?
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Ooooh Reglisse dress looks purttyy:)
It’s good to be busy, better than being bored 😉
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I agree! I’m basically never bored– I fill up every spare minute in my schedule so I’m always busy with one thing or another. 🙂
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I adore the new Deer & Doe patterns…I must have the top and dress asap! Good to have you back by the way and I’ll be interested to see if the secret pattern you’re testing is the one I think it is ;o)
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Aren’t they so cute? The dress is especially you! I can really imagine you rocking it!
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You are such an enabler (in a good way). I may or may not have just clicked “buy” on all the new patterns except the skirt…and a few older ones too. Oops!
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Teeheeehee, that’s my superpower! It’s a bird… it’s a plan… it’s Enabling Girl!
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I AM FREAKING OUT OVER THOSE PATTERNS!! Like, I’m buying that tank asap. It is perfect. I would wear it everyday.
You’ve been busy! Congrats on the walking foot and office job. I’m excited to see the secret pattern too.
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Isn’t that tank amazing?? Dude. I’m just realizing how good it would look with your jewelry… I think I’m going to have to break down and buy it!
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Oooh, Dear & Doe is such an awesome pattern maker, I love everything about getting one in the mail: the beautiful packaging, careful instructions, lovely notes of thanks and–of course!–all the anticipation of opening, reading, planning, cutting, sewing!
Early yesterday I ordered the skirt and tank to add to my d&d dress collection. Can’t wait to try them out–already sorting through fabric!!
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Oooh- I love all of them! I have resisted buying any Deer and Doe patterns before I finish some of the ones in my stash, but I think that dress may just have forced me to take out my credit card.
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It really is a great little dress, and so unique! I fully support you buying it. 😉
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I’m not meany to be buying new patterns either but I’ve instantly fallen in love with that blouse!
I’m also slightly desperate to get my hands on the sewaholic robson coat but I’ve already got at least 3 other sewaholic patterns on my want list too, what is tasia doing to me?! I can’t keep up!
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Oooh, the Robson pattern is just too perfect (and less than a week before it was released, I was digging around through the BMV site looking for a trench pattern– great timing, Tasia!). But I’m putting my foot down and holding off on that one until the fall at least because I’ve had the Minoru jacket pattern for a while and haven’t made it up yet.
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Hmmm, I have the Minoru pattern too, along with copious amounts of anxiety about trying it out. Maybe a mini sew-a-long is in order? Seriously, it’s the perfect little coat for temperamental spring weather!
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Let’s work on it together!
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Love those neckline details of the Datura blouse! And the Reglisse dress, it’s just eye candy!
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Gosh, aren’t they too sweet?! I can’t deal with it!
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Oooh new patterns!!! The neckline of the Datura is gorgeous! There are just too many good patterns out right now! I need to put some blinders on and start dealing with the pile I’ve already got sitting in my sewing room! I can’t wait to find out more about ‘Tried and True’ love me some blogger collaborations!
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I know! I can’t keep up with the patterns I have! I wish everyone would just STOP designing cool stuff for a few months so I can work through all my patterns!
Kelli is the coolest– I love her Tried & True idea! I’m excited to see the patterns that other people love!
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Holy smokes those are some cute patterns, especially that Datura blouse! I can see you in all of them. Can’t wait to see what fabrics you use.
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I feel like she’s designed them just for me! 😀
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Oh my gosh I really want ALL of those Deer and Doe patterns, what more could you want for a summer wardrobe?!
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I know, right? A few of each item and you’d be set for the summer! Super capsule wardrobe!
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I caved! I caved! I brought out that wallet and splurged on all three after I promised my family no more excessive sewing related buys! I think I have a problem that I love LOL!
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These patterns are oh so cute! I think the blouse is my favorite!
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Me too! It’s just so dadgum cute!
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That weekend was SO super fun!!! We need another meet-up STAT! I need an Indiana fix. And I’d like to see you guys, too ;o)
Also, I LOVE those new patterns! I think I might break down and add a few D&D to my collection.
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Seriously, I wanna be besties with that cat! But you’re going to have to come to Queens and meet my dogs one day. 🙂
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Very cute dresses!! And, yes I read about your sewing adventure meet-up, looked like a lot of fun! Kitty says to say ‘hello, sir’ to Indiana Jones! He’s quite a cutie pie.
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I bet they would be friends. 🙂
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I love the dress too, trying to resist, do I really need more dress patterns? Dilemma, dilemma
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I know, right? I think I may just buy the top pattern, since I wear woven tanks all summer long, but I don’t really wear dresses to work. But it’s so stinkin’ cute!
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I am in love with the Riglesse Dress, I am ready to buy it asap!
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Missed you.. Ohh I love secret projects … Please tell us soon
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Ok that’s it. I’m ordering that Datura Blouse! It’s just too cute!
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I broke down and ordered it, too! It’s adorable!
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WOW!!! I have been out of action for the last few weeks and have only just crept back to the bloggersphere- this is such a lovely post to come back to! Those patterns are just gorgeous, thanks so much for sharing! I am going to Paris in May so that’s a good enough excuse to buy all three right?! Hehe!
I was totally not keen on elastic waists myself but I put one in my hello Autumn dress just to avoid using darts or seams in the silk and it was so comfy I have grown to like them. I did add a little tie- belt to mine to lessen the elasticated appearance so you could always do that!? x
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Paris in May?! That sounds beyond lovely! You definitely need all three patterns! 😉 I love the idea of a tie belt to cover the elastic waist– that’s a great idea! Thanks, girl!
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