Stitched is now Hello Holli!

Hey Friends! My blog is growing up- I finally bought my own domain! I'm now blogging over at helloholli.com. It's still the same stuff, all the old posts are there and some new ones too. Head on over, why don't ya?! And hey, if you're looking for a specific post and can't find it, send me a message and I'll see if I can help. Contact info is in my about page. Thanks!

On rough times and gratitude

You know those weeks where things are just rough? That's this week. Actually, it's been a rough season. Maybe rough isn't the right word- it's been a busy season, and now it's a crazy week. I've got a sick kid (respiratory virus, producing 103* fever, thanks for asking) and a kid teething (8 teeth in 2 weeks, and half are molars), a moving date looming in T-2 weeks, Christmas gifts to make (because I'm crazy- straight up nuts) and I'm getting sick, too. Oh, and the meds they gave my kid make her hyperactive and make it hard for her to sleep- just what a sick parent needs :)

Burning Betty

Meet Betty. She's refined, but volatile. Rub her the wrong way and you'll regret it. Despite all this, she lit a fire under me, and friends, I'm swooning! (note to self: learn better puns)

As you may recall, it's Pattern Parcel time and this one is all bags. I mentioned in my last post that I had a Betty Bowler from Swoon Sewing Patterns in progress- here she is, done just in the knick of time! This parcel sale ends today, so I'm just barely sneaking in to the PPP Inspiration tour. (psst- if you have any inclination to sew any of the patterns in this parcel ever, just go ahead and buy the parcel. It is so worth it- and you'll probably end up sewing something you didn't expect!)

Flower Child Barcelona Wallet- Parcel #7

Is it just me, or does it feel like we just did this... it's Pattern Parcel time again!! The last one ended just a week ago, but I'm not complaining- I LOVE seeing what everyone makes with these patterns, and I love sewing things up for the Parcel blog tour. This is the last parcel of the year so I'm soaking it up while it lasts.

Parcel #7 is all handbags. Feast your eyes. 

I'm living in Hudsons.

I'm just barely sneaking in another make for Parcel #6  (here's the first) before the tour ends and this parcel is gone forever! (don't know what I'm talking about? Check out their site to learn more about how awesome Perfect Pattern Parcel is)

I've been dying to make some Hudson pants since before I even got the pattern but I've been supa supa busy sewing many other things. In the past couple of months I've sewn 2 wedding dresses, 2 Halloween costumes, 20 drawstring bags, and two makes for separate Pattern Parcel blog tours. That's all I can think of, but for some reason I feel like there was something else... Oh and I had a photography retreat, a trip to Utah (2 weeks!), my sister came to visit, and I'm training for a marathon. Way too many good things to even deserve, but it meant those Hudson pants went on the back burner.

Anyhow, I've been wanting some Hudson pants because I basically live in yoga pants these days and mine are all stretched out from maternity/postpartum wear. And yes my baby is 18 months old already. I know. Buy some clothes that fit already, right?

Handmade Halloween: Anna and Olaf

I kinda wish I was sewing something more inventive or funky this Halloween. I mean, if you've got to sew something that likely will only be worn a few times, it might as well be a show stopper, right? But Halloween costumes aren't about me, and Charly is Frozen obsessed like every other 2-6 year old girl right now. An Anna costume was in order, which WILL get tons of wear. IT WILL SO HELP ME!! Olaf of course had to happen next, since Caroline is always whatever character Charly deems her to be.

For the Anna costume I used Simplicity S0733 and made very little changes. I used a charcoal tweed for the bodice just to make it a little more special, and I used cotton everywhere else.

Aztec Floral Zsálya Top- Pattern Parcel #6

Another Pattern Parcel is here!! This bundle of PDF patterns from indie designers, available for two weeks, is all women's patterns and all fabulous! As always, you can choose your price when you purchase, and all profits are donated to the charity Donors Choose, which provides supplies for classrooms in need.

The patterns included in Parcel #6 are:
Bronte Top by Jennifer Lauren
Hudson Pant by True Bias
Julia Cardigan by Mouse House Creations
Syrah Skirt by Lauren Dahl/Selvage Designs
Zsálya Top and Dress by Kate and Rose

aaaand a bonus pattern, if you choose a price of $32 or greater, the Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll!
It's a star lineup of patterns, folks! Some I've been pining after for a while, some are completely new to me, but I can see myself wearing every one of them.



I chose to sew the Zsálya top first. This is a risky move for me, I have to admit. I have a pretty petite/narrow frame, so while I love the look of loose and drapey tops they rarely look good on me. My shoulders are narrow and generally can't balance out a voluminous top. I decided to sew it anyway and hope for the best because I love that crossover front detail so much. It reminds me of a grown up Fawn Lily pattern, which I've been eyeing for my girls.

Totally works, right?! I love to layer in fall, especially since our weather is pretty temperate. I can start the day with a cardigan over the top and take it off when things warm up in the afternoon.