Mood Board of the Month: Cold Snap

Polyvore // ColourLovers

// Patterns //

I kind of want to make all five patterns I'm featuring today! The Lola Tunic by Victory Patterns is one of my favorites (I think I've made it four times) and even though it's usually casual, it would work for the office given the right fabric choice and perhaps omitting the pockets. Pair it with the Ooh La Leggings from Papercut since Lola is pretty short. Top it all with the Grace Transeasonal Coat from Style Arc. When it's time for a weekend full of apple orchards and hot chocolate, try the trendy Bristol Button Up from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop. And I kind of want a whole closet of Simple Skinny Jeans from Sew Liberated (faux front pockets, faux fly, knit waistband?? sold!).

// Fabric //

For your extra-special Lola, make the best tunic ever using this lambswool interlock from Nature's Fabrics. You'll get your pop of color in your leggings with this red ponte from Style Maker Fabrics. And this wool twill gabardine from Mood will keep that drizzly rain away. Rock this plaid flannel for your Bristol, from the Plaiditudes Collection at Jo-Ann's. And check out this affordable stretch denim from Lura's Fabric Shop.

This post is not sponsored by any pattern designer or fabric seller. I wish. I just have too much time on my hands and love planning wardrobes! I am an affiliate of Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop but have not used an affiliate link here. Check out my Mood Board of the Month Pinterest board for all the links to my inspiration.

Mood Board of the Month: Crisp

I'm not sure if it's here to stay, but cooler fall temps have definitely moved in to my neck of the woods. That means super soft wool pants for the kids, and layers for me. This month's mood board gives you versatility for those crisp 70 degree mornings and warm 85 degree afternoons.

Polyvore // ColourLovers

// Patterns //

This month, try one of Named Patterns' new designs, the Olivia Jersey Wrap Dress. A wrap dress works for almost any occasion, so wear this one to work and stay warm in cropped sleeves. For your casual weekend trip to the apple orchard, make up the Sanibel Dress (or romper!) from Hey June. One view comes with full-length sleeves complete with placket, or roll up those puppies when you're hot. Need another layer? Try my TNT leggings pattern, McCall's 6173.

Bonus! This month I'm including two bag patterns! Finish off your work look with the Valencia clutch, from Seamwork Magazine. Small backpacks are trendy right now, and you can join in with the London Backpack from LBG Studio.

// Fabric //

To me, slinky knits will always scream "wrap dress!" and it even works with some prints, like this ikat rayon spandex knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. The Sanibel would be crazy cozy in a cotton flannel, from Robert Kaufman via Fabric.com. Leggings don't have to be boring, and if you make them up in a metallic gold mesh from Mood they won't be! Finally, both bags can be made from some snazzy faux leather, from Hancock Fabrics.


This post is not sponsored by any pattern designer or fabric seller. I wish. I just have too much time on my hands and love planning wardrobes! Check out my Mood Board of the Month Pinterest board for all the links to my inspiration. 

Mood Board of the Month: Almost Fall

August for me this year means early morning runs to drop my oldest girl at preschool, and a big family wedding at the end of the month. This month's mood board shows how to dress for these final hot summer days, with cool autumn nights.

Polyvore // ColourLovers

// Patterns //

Just in case you have a fun summer wedding, try this twirly McCall's skirt (6994) paired with an interesting top like Megan Nielsen's Crescent Blouse. Take the day look to night (or to the office) by throwing on a Morris Blazer, from Grainline Studio. For running errands you'll want to keep it simple, so wear an easy knit dress like the Hooded Cowl Neck Dress from Burda. Just pull up the hood if your hot day turns into a breezy evening.

// Fabric //

Why not use a one-of-a-kind floral printed ponte, from Mood, for your skirt? Keep the top simple but beautiful with a lux Egyptian cotton in a pretty teal, from Emma One Sock. Your Morris Blazer will be extra versatile made in an Italian pinstripe wool suiting from Michael Levine Fabrics. And you'll never want to take off your cowl neck dress if it's made from deliciously soft bamboo French terry, from The Fabric Fairy.


This post is not sponsored by any pattern designer or fabric seller. I wish. I just have too much time on my hands and love planning wardrobes! Check out my Mood Board of the Month Pinterest board for all the links to my inspiration. 

Mood Board of the Month: Heat Wave

Summer is here and with a vengeance! In Indiana, we're experiencing record rainstorms and flooding. In between the raindrops we're suffering from suffocating humidity. This month, let's keep the sewing simple and the outfits breathable.

Polyvore // ColourLovers

We've got a new color palette this month! Steer away from heavy neutrals like black and go with brown instead. 

// Patterns //

Is there a better summer staple than a tank top and shorts? Try the free Sorbetto top by Colette Patterns, which can be sewn in no time. Pair it with the popular Grainline Maritime Shorts. For work, the new Harwood shirt dress from Sewaholic will be appropriate for work, but sleeveless so you don't melt in the car. Toss a kimono on top (McCall's 7200) to combat that icy AC.

// Fabrics //

The Sorbetto works best with lightweight wovens, like this voile with triangles from Organic Cotton Plus. Elevate the look with shorts in a cotton twill, from Mood. Keep cool in your shirt dress made from Cotton & Steel rayon poplin, with navy diamonds. Your kimono will work with many outfits if it's made from a versatile solid brown rayon from Hart's Fabrics.



This post is not sponsored by any pattern designer or fabric seller. I wish. I just have too much time on my hands and love planning wardrobes! Check out my Mood Board of the Month Pinterest board for all the links to my inspiration. 

How to Make a Moodboard Part 2: Assembling the Images

Last week I posted part 1 of this tutorial, collecting your images. Today we're wrapping up with part 2, assembling the images into the actual moodboard.

Let's go back to our good friend PicMonkey.

This site has an option to start an image from scratch, allowing you to choose your own dimensions. When I made my first moodboard, I played around with this and ended up simply cropping my final image down. I recommend starting with a large image and going from there.

To add images to your blank canvas, you will need to click on the butterfly on the right (Overlays) and then choose Your Own.

A dialog box will pop up and allow you to choose one of your saved images to insert on the canvas.

You can move and resize the image however you'd like. The background of the canvas and the background of the image are both white, so we have no issues with colors not matching.

To add text, click on the Tt symbol on the right (Text). Click on one of the multiple font options and then on Add Text. Click in the box and type your text. You can size and color the text as needed.

Since I'm making moodboards every month, I actually saved a template image to speed up the process. 

Each month I start with this template, and add images from there. When it's done I save the new image and keep the template for next month.

And in case you missed it in the comments last week, there is a great app called Moodboard that you can use for this same sort of process. I've only used Moodboard Lite, which is free, but works great for boards that aren't too complicated.

There you have it, my process for creating moodboards! I hope this was helpful for all of you who asked. I'd love to see any of your boards if you use this tutorial! Feel free to link below.

How to Make a Mood Board Part 1: Collect Your Images

I've had a lot of fun putting together my Mood Board of the Month posts, and after many requests I've prepared a tutorial on how I create my graphics. No fancy photo editing software here, the programs I use are free and available to anyone with a computer! I've broken this tutorial up in two posts. Today I will show how to collect individual images for the moodboard. Next week, I'll go over assembling them into one large image.

Even if you don't have a blog, creating mood boards can be useful for wardrobe planning, pattern organizing, and inspiration. My monthly boards combine four elements: Inspiration, Color Palette, Sewing Patterns, and Fabrics.

June MOTM

I use Pinterest to save my ideas, since I need both the images and their source links to be easily accessible. My Inspiration outfits are created using the Polyvore app for iPad (free). I decide on the look or silhouette I want for that month, and the app easily lets me search for real-world clothing options.

When I'm done creating the "set" I can save it on the app, which uploads it to my profile on the web. Then I can pin the set to my Mood Board of the Month Pinterest board.

My Color Palette is created using the website ColourLovers (free). I won't go into too much detail about that site in particular, but once I've created the palette I can also pin the image.

Next, I browse sewing patterns that fit with my silhouettes and also pin those images to the board.

Lastly, I visit my favorite fabric sites and search for fabrics that will work with the patterns and my chosen color palette. This part is trickier than you'd think. I often visit multiple sites to find something that will work, which is probably why so many of us have a hard time matching fabric to pattern! As before, once I find what I want, I pin the image.

Once all the images are saved on Pinterest, I need to save an actual image file to my computer. The majority of websites will allow you to right-click on your mouse and choose Save As. Choose a file and save the image there.

Occasionally I run into sites where I can't save the image directly.

In this situation, I use a tricky cheater method. With the image up on my screen, I push the Print Screen button on my keyboard. This essentially creates a copy of your whole screen on your computer's imaginary clipboard. To "paste" this copy, open the program Paint. Then push Control+V to paste the image into Paint. 

A word about Paint: it's not perfect. It's not Photoshop. But it's also free. If you can get past its quirks, it works just fine for certain purposes.

After pasting the image into Paint, click and drag to make a box around the portion you want (you can see the box around the swatch in the above image). You only get one shot at this before Paint gets all weird, so do it right! After selecting, click Crop.

Then you can save the image with all your others. Be sure you choose PNG when saving. A PNG file retains a transparent background, which isn't 100% necessary but usually looks nicer.

All the steps I've covered so far will leave you with a nice set of rectangular images. But what if you want different shapes? For example, all my fabric swatches are saved as circles.

Time to introduce you to your new best friend: PicMonkey.

PicMonkey is a free photo editing website. There is, of course, a paid version with upgrades, but thus far I've found the free version to suffice. There is no sign up/login/account with the free version, there is no saving work anywhere other than on your own computer.

To create the circular images, open one of your JPGs in PicMonkey. Then click on the picture frame icon on the left (circled in red, below).

The frame menu brings up different options for...frames :) You want the top one, Shape Cutouts.

It defaults to circle. You can then move the circle around and crop as needed. Click Save to save the image on to your computer, as a PNG. You need a transparent background for the circular images.

You should now have JPGs or PNGs of all the images that will go into your collage. Questions? Ask in the comments below! Check back next week to see how to assemble all these images into one big happy moodboard!

Mood Board of the Month: Melting Point

By now it should be nice and toasty outside, assuming you live in the northern hemisphere. Enjoy these warm ideas for fun summer sewing!

Polyvore // ColourLovers

// Patterns //

These days you can throw a rock and hit three people wearing a jumpsuit. Vogue 9116 carries that vintage 70's vibe, but you could also cut it short for an updated look. You might want a more classic look for the office, but still want to stay cool in the heat. Colette Patterns' Myrtle dress can be made in a knit or woven, giving you lots of options but plenty of work-appropriate coverage.

// Fabrics //

Sticking with our spring color scheme of purple and navy, try this navy cotton jersey, from Organic Cotton Plus, for your jumpsuit. A dark, solid color is a safe bet for a bold style like a jumpsuit. You can definitely get away with a fun pattern on the dress, like this floral knit from Emma One Sock.


This post is not sponsored by any pattern designer or fabric seller. I wish. I just have too much time on my hands and love planning wardrobes! Check out my Mood Board of the Month Pinterest board for all the links to my inspiration. And to those of you who have asked for a tutorial on making these mood boards, I hear ya! Hopefully I'll have one ready for you this month. It's easier than you think!

Mood Board of the Month: Unpredictable

April is another month of transition, and you need to be prepared for lots of different temperatures. This month, I'm inspired by fewer layers, shorter hems and sleeves, and lightweight fabrics.

Polyvore // ColourLovers

// Patterns //

Love 'em or hate 'em, long culottes are all over the place this season. For great results, try the Liesl+Co. Girl Friday Culottes pattern. Balance the volume on bottom with a boxy top like McCall's 6927. If the weather cools down, throw on a chic boucle jacket using the Named Patterns Lourdes Cropped Jacket. When you're ready to head out for the weekend, keep it simple with a long-sleeved maxi dress. This Burda pattern is one of my most-pinned images this year!

// Fabric //

Sticking with our spring color palette, try some drapey navy linen-look (50% rayon) from Jo-Ann Fabrics for your culottes. Add a fun purple print with this bird voile, from Hawthorne Threads. Your boucle jacket will be extra versatile in a neutral wool from Mood. You'll look AND feel amazing in your maxi dress made from bamboo rayon jersey (SO. SOFT.) from Fabric.com.

This post is not sponsored by any pattern designer or fabric seller. I wish. I just have too much time on my hands and love planning wardrobes! Check out my Mood Board of the Month Pinterest board for all the links to my inspiration.

Mood Board of the Month: In Like a Lamb

There may be 7 inches of snow outside my door, but that doesn't stop me from thinking SPRING! It's March, time to start getting inspired for warmer weather and sunshine! I've got a new spring color palette based on marsala, the color of the year.

Polyvore // ColourLovers

// Patterns //

This month I've got a mix of transitional clothing. For lounging around the house you can't beat these stretch pants (Vogue 8859) with a cozy Renfrew cowl neck t-shirt. Need to run out for ice cream? (Oh wait, am I the only one who does that when it's cold?) Try the brand new Josephine cocoon coat from Style Arc. When you're in need for something dressier, brave the temps with a dress like Butterick 6169, and top it with the coordinating moto jacket from the same pattern.

// Fabric //

Stretch pants are perfect for ponte, and this grey fabric from Emma One Sock will work perfectly. Coordinate it with the color of the year, marsala, making your Renfrew shine with an ottoman knit, also from EOS. Take your cocoon coat to the next level and color block it with navy and grey wool melton from Fabric.com. For your easy pull-on dress, go bold with a floral print rayon challis from Hart's Fabric. Keep warm with the moto jacket made from navy twill, from Mood.


This post is not sponsored by any pattern designer or fabric seller. I wish. I just have too much time on my hands and love planning wardrobes! Check out my Mood Board of the Month Pinterest board for all the links to my inspiration.

Mood Board of the Month: Let It Snow

Looking for a little inspiration during this cold weather season? I've got a great group of patterns and fabrics for you today! We're sticking with the same color palette as last month, with some new silhouettes. Bundle up and stay warm in your me-mades while the snow is coming down.

Polyvore // COLOURlovers

// Patterns //

There have been some very cute Hollyburn skirts floating around the web lately! Pair it with a Simplicity blouse you can tuck in, throw on a Butterick cardigan and some Alice Tights and you'll be the best dressed lady at the office. On the weekend, relax in the comfy Wyome boyfriend jeans and a McCall's sweatshirt. Add a faux leather biker jacket from BurdaStyle for instant cool.

// Fabric //

The Hollyburn skirt looks beautiful in teal wool crepe from A Fashionable Stitch, especially when paired with an ikat print faille from StyleMaker Fabrics. Use this nylon netting from Hart's Fabrics for the Alice Tights, and a cozy cotton spandex knit from Girl Charlee for the cardigan. When you head out on the weekend, of course you need denim for your Wyome jeans, like this non-stretch denim from Mood. Up the ante on a regular sweatshirt with this cotton fleece that contains lurex, from Gorgeous Fabrics. Sew a classic brown leather jacket with this faux leather from Girl Charlee.

This post is not sponsored by any pattern designer or fabric seller. I wish. I just have too much time on my hands and love planning wardrobes! Check out my Mood Board of the Month Pinterest board for all the links to my inspiration. 

Mood board of the Month: Baby It's Cold Outside!

Feeling a little ho hum about your sewing lately? Having trouble making outfits from your individual pieces? I'm here to help! Welcome to my new monthly series: Mood board of the Month! Each month I'll be rounding up a few silhouettes for you, selecting a color palette, and matching up sewing patterns and fabrics. Not feeling particularly inspired by your current queue? Don't worry, I've got a capsule collection just ready to go!

Polyvore // COLOURlovers

To create these looks, check out the Closet Case Files Ginger Jeans. Pair them with the Perri Pullover from CaliFayeCollection and the Scarves and Cowl pattern from Make It Perfect. But of course you need fabric, right? How about this teal sweater knit for the pullover, and the cowl in this unique grey double knit, both from Hart's Fabrics? For the Ginger Jeans, try this Marc Jacobs stretch denim from Mood. The wintery jumpsuit (McCall's 7099) would be perfect in black wool jersey, also from Mood.

This post is not sponsored by any pattern designer or fabric seller. I wish. I just have too much time on my hands and love planning wardrobes! Check out my Mood Board of the Month Pinterest board for all the links to my inspiration.