When Lark Crafts asked me if I'd be interested in being part of
the blog tour for Tina Given's new book, I was jumping with excitement! Not only do mom and I love to sew adorable clothes for our kids (and grandkids in Mom's case!), but I know that many of our readers are also sewing for little people and would love a sneak peak into Tina's new book.
Tina Givens, as many of you know, is a talented fabric designer and artist. Her energetic and free-spirited prints are perfect for kids clothes, but they still have that modern edge that make them appealing to adults as well. The projects in her book all feature her fabrics and they definitely inspire me to sew.
Let's get down to the nitty gritty. I know you want the details!
*Patterns
There are 30 projects in all, divided into projects for infants and projects for older kids. There is a good mix of clothing, decor, and fun kids items (sleeping bag, backpack, jewelry etc). There are three clothing items (excluding hats and infant booties) that are geared for the boys, one in an infant size and two in the older kids sizes.
One thing that you'll find with these patterns is that they are truly different, but in a really fun, unique way. Tina Givens style is definitely non-traditional with little twists and surprises to make you smile, and her patterns will have much appeal to the free-spirited and whimsical ones among us.
*Sizing
The clothing patterns are sized in a general S/M/L format for both the infant and kids patterns. The infant sizes range from 3 mo. to 18 mo. and the kids sizes range from a 2T to a size 7 and are purposely sized generously to allow for freedom of movement and growing room.
*Directions and Illustrations
The direction and illustrations are not fussy or perfectionistic, yet they seemed to be really forthright and clear. In the two projects I sewed up for this review, I didn't have a single snag with the directions. Tina believes that charm lies in handmade imperfection and one of the goals should be to create something that is unique, special, and uncomplicated. As a recovering perfectionist myself, I really like that.
For this review I made up the Brookies (bloomer pants) and the Bouncy Beret Hat. Below they are pictured on my spunky little Jaidyn Marie.
Both patterns went together easily came out so adorable. Marie loves the beret had and actually wore it for more then a couple of minutes! The fabric I used is a soft, mini wale corduroy.
It's difficult to see in the picture above, but the bloomer pants have little side ruffle pleats on them. They remind me of an alligator's back, hehe! I love these on her. They cut is slightly oversized and the style a little bit funky, but it's perfect for her personality!
Note the yellow binding the used on the inside of the legs. It's just for fun!
Now for the fun part! The giveaway! Leave a comment, let us know what you think of
the book, or just say hello! We'll draw a name next Monday the 11th, exactly one week from now.
Check out it! One winner will receive Tina's new book, 4 yards of fabric, 2 boxes of stationery, and 2 extra sewing patterns...
I want to be sure and give a big thank you to Tina Givens and Lark Crafts for sponsoring such a generous giveaway and for letting us be involved in the fun!
xoxo!
Jessica
