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Goodbye May...

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Ahhh, May, it's nearly over. Oscar turned one, I turned 30-something and had my first mothers day and Me Made May happened.

I feel a wee bit disappointed that I didn't participate as much in the documentation of Me Made May as I would have liked. I knew it would be hard with a little person, but I found that what I really lacked was the motivation to actually take photos. It was a case of "Oscar is napping - should I take outfit photos or stare into space for an hour?" - I chose staring more times than I care to admit.

I had articles I wanted to write and outfits I wanted to share, but I still wore me made everyday and sewed quite a bit (new snuggly patterns are a-comin'... as well as a summery one or two) and while my knitting languished in a pile beside the part of the couch Oscar can't access (yet) I did think about doing it. And did dream of all the outfits I'd wear with it when it was finished. So, that must count for something...

I think sometimes you have to give yourself a break and realise that it's okay to not do everything you planned to do. It's a little like when you fall into the sewing-just-to-blog rut, it moves on from becoming a fun challenge to just becoming something you feel like you have to do, that is actually no fun at all.

I did so very much enjoy seeing what everyone else was making and wearing though, and of course we had some fabulous prizes throughout thanks to The Fabric Godmother, Miss Maude and Indie Stitches. And then there's Zoe, and well, there wouldn't be a Me Made May without her!

I do so love this little community of ours, and all of the friends I've made (and have yet to make) even though we live on the other side of the world from each other and have never met in real life.

You guys are awesome.


In other news, did you know that Indie Pattern Month starts tomorrow? And that right now, you can buy The Hunter Tank in an awesome bundle along with the Sophie Cardigan, Liana Jeans, Olivia Dress, Zeena Dress and Norah Nightgown?

The bundle is only on sale for another week, ending on the 8th June, so if you fancy some chill out sewing patterns, this could very well be the bundle for you :)

xx
J
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Me Made May Week 3 & One more competition...

Sunday, May 22, 2016
Brrrrrrr, it's cold. It's freezing! Winter is here


This week marks the final Me Made May competition and Caitlan at Indie Stitches is giving the winner their choice of any of her PDF Patterns!

Caitlan stocks a beautiful selection of patterns as well as a carefully curated range of fabrics (which are currently 30% off - it's where I got the flannel for my latest Afternoon Shift - photos to come). I also have some of this beautiful stuff to make a Hunter Tank (whenever summer comes back...) and have my eye on this and this that would work beautifully for a summery pattern idea I currently have.

To enter, just leave a comment telling us which of Caitlan's patterns you'd be after if you won.

Wearing - unblogged Afternoon Shift


Wearing - Anemery Dress

I've not been great about getting photos again this week, like I mentioned above though, I did finish another Afternoon Shift in the snuggliest flannel I've ever worn. I wore it the same afternoon I finished it, and then again the next day, and right now I'm writing this in the comfort of my handmade PJ's, but will more than likely pop it on again today, it feels like snow might be on the way....

I also wore my Anemery dress on Saturday (complete with long sleeve layers) for Oscar's birthday party. He turned one on Thursday and I just have no words to express how fast this year has gone and how much has changed.

I've been a bit slack with my knitting goal this month, it's just been too warm to want to knit. But with winter firmly in our neighbourhood, blowing a gail outside (but with a toasty roaring fire inside), it's definitely feeling like a knitting kind of day.

xx
J
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Me Made May - Giveaway Number 3

Sunday, May 15, 2016
Gosh, week three already huh? This week Zoe and I have teamed up for the third competition of the month - if you win, you'll be getting an awesome prize pack of 4 patterns!

Zoe will be giving you both her Dolores Batwing Top and Dress pattern as well as the Anya Shoulder Bag, and I'll be giving you 2 patterns of your choice from my little range.

To enter, simply head on over to Zoe's blog and tell us what the next sewing technique is that you'd like to master.  Remember to leave an email address so we can contact you :)

I'm really looking forward to reading about what skills you're looking to learn, I think I smell a tutorial or two coming your way...

xx
J
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Me Made May - Week 2

Saturday, May 14, 2016
Hello Everyone!

Well, I have a grand total of one me made outfit to share with you this week - oops!


Wearing: An unblogged Afternoon Shift

I wore that Afternoon Shift for three days in a row (with different stockings) so, it's not like there would have been much point in documenting it right...?

I have been keeping up with my challenge, but documenting it has become more of a challenge than I thought it would be. Oscar has gone down to one sleep a day (great for leaving the house and being social, not so great for productivity on my end) and the days are so short.

Dunedin has been glorious though, it always is this time of year, you'd never know it was nearly winter. It's been better than our non-existant summer in fact - long may it continue.

Don't forget to enter the Miss Maude giveaway too, it ends tomorrow!

xx
J
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Me Made May Week One and A Competition

Sunday, May 8, 2016
Happy Mothers Day!

How have you gone with your Me Made pledges this week?

Personally, I have no idea where this past week has gone. I've been trying to keep up with daily photos, but it's not going as smoothly as planned. Trying to work around a little person is certainly proving to have it's challenges and while I have worn handmade everyday (and do most days), documenting it has been so much harder than I thought it would be. But let's talk about fun sewing things now shall we?


Today is the start of the second competition of the month! Miss Maude is New Zealand's premier online retailer of indie sewing patterns, gorgeous fabrics and beautiful haberdashery.

Emma has picked out an amazing selection of tid bits for you to win - everything you see in the photo above (as well as a few other goodies!). Trims measure between 1-2m and the prize is worth over $120! Wow!!

All you have to do to enter is head over to her shop and leave a comment on this post telling us what your favourite haberdashery item is that she stocks.

I, naturally, went straight to the buttons and found these and these! And then I found the most beautiful wrist pin cushion I have ever laid eyes on (insert heart eyes emoji!).

So, er, good luck choosing! Competition ends this time next week.


Day 2 - A Honey-Coloured vintage rayon Felicity Skirt (unblogged)


Day 3 - My red rayon Afternoon Shift


Day 4 - My pink linen Afternoon Shift

I hope you guys are doing a bit better than I am with your documenting, and if not, well, no one's coming to arrest us. I'm off to look at that pin cushion again...

xx
J
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Introducing The Hunter Tank, A New Summer Sewing Pattern

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Hello everyone!

Today, I'd like to introduce you to my brand new pattern, The Hunter Tank. It's just in time for summer up there and just in time for winter down here :)

The bias cut Hunter Tank is designed to sit at your natural waist, skimming your curves with the lightest touch, giving you definition where it's needed, while keeping you cool and comfortable.

Wear it to the beach for a casual look, pair it with a circle skirt for a vintage vibe or wear it with jeans for a modern look — The Hunter Tank is your ultimate summer top, ready to go when you are.














The Hunter Tank has been a work in progress since late last year - I really found my summer wardrobe lacking in separates that were versatile, lightweight and flattering. I couldn't put my finger on quite what exactly that was and so I kept looking through my wardrobe, just in case something I hadn't seen last time had magically appeared. Or, you know, Narnia.

Narnia didn't appear to be lurking in my wardrobe, but the idea for Hunter popped into my head one day while trying to find a nice flattering and comfortable cover up for a sundress I wanted to wear (maternity bras are not the most beautiful things ever designed). Perfect, a pattern that you can make to wear on it's own, or as a cover up for when you need a little extra, er, coverage.

So, I'm really excited to share Hunter with you, and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have.  


FEATURES:

  • choice of wide or narrow shoulders
  • an optional pocket
  • detail stitching
  • a lovely wee rolled hem (with easy instructions on how to do it without a rolled hem foot)
  • bias bound neckline and armscye finishes (pattern pieces included!).
You can make Hunter in a huge range of fabrics, from quilting cottons for a crisper look, to lawns and linens for everyday to crepe de chine, georgette and silks for a stunning evening cover up over strappy dresses and playsuits.

Quick and easy, with beautiful detail and clean drafting for a gorgeous fit, Hunter is a modern nod to classic vintage attire.

The Hunter Tank Pattern - Available Here!

I'll be posting a few Hunter Tank tutorials during June, including how you can get a rolled hem without a rolled hem foot (it's easier and neater than you might think!!). 

I'm so proud of this pattern, it's my first brand new pattern back since having Oscar and I think it's such a sweet little top (er, I might be biased there...), so the question is, what do you think?!?

xx
J
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ps) The chambray Hunter Tank is worn with a Felicity Dress Skirt.

Me Made Made, and a competition!

Sunday, May 1, 2016



Wearing - an unblogged Wool Felicity Skirt

Happy Me Made May 2016 everyone!! It has officially started and I completely neglected to even write down what my challenge was going to be, er, oops...

'I, Jen of www.jenniferlaurenvintage.com and @jenniferlaurenvintage, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '16. I endeavour to wear at least one me made garment for everyday during the month of May, document my daily outfits on instagram and do a weekly round up on my blog. I also endeavour to finally finish my Belfast Cardigan and start a second knitting project for the duration of May 2016'

Phew, done! And above, is my very first outfit for the month, wearing an unblogged Felicity Dress Skirt.

Zoe also has the first official Me Made May competition up and running on her blog right now!

The Fabric Godmother are giving away an amazing prize -  a one month subscription to the Dream Wardrobe project kit! To enter, head on over to the Fabric Godmother website, check out their indie pattern selection and let her know, via Zoe's blog, who else you would love to see her stock. So easy and such a fabulous prize. 

I'm so looking forward to seeing what everyone is doing during May, I can't wait to see how your challenges pan out. My knitting goal for April was rather unsuccessful, maybe having it a part of my challenge will finally get me to the finish line on that one...

xx
J
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