Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Week with Pattern Parcel

Short Story:
Enter to win five (5) fat quarters from the new Cotton & Steel line "Tokyo Train Ride" by Sarah Watts:

1. Signing up for our newsletter to know when our Perfect Pattern Parcel sales are, and/or
2. Bonus entry, vote for Perfect Pattern Parcel as "Indie Pattern Company" by clicking here. Leave us a comment on this post with telling us you voted.

Winner will be picked on Monday, December 15 and notified by email. Prize will ship at the end of January when the fabric line is released. Open to international entries.


Full Story:
We're a husband and wife team that started Perfect Pattern Parcel last year in order to promote independent pattern designers and raise money to support classrooms in need through Donors Choose. We curate concise collections of digital patterns made by indie designers called Parcels.

We put these Parcels for sale on our website for two weeks only and we let you choose how much to pay for the Parcels. We also encourage you to donate a portion of your sale price to students and teachers in need. Pattern Parcel pays for all the PayPal fees and advertising associated with the Parcel sales so the designers don't have to, then we donate the remainder of our profits to Donors Choose as well.

To enter to win a pack of five (5) fat quarters from the not-yet-released Cotton & Steel line "Tokyo Train Ride" designed by Sarah Watts, please use the form below to sign up for our Pattern Parcel emails. We only send out emails to let everyone know a sale is on so that you never miss the opportunity to choose your own price for a gorgeous collection of digital indie sewing patterns.

For a bonus entry, please go here to vote for Perfect Pattern Parcel for "Indie Pattern Company" of the year on Madelynne's blog. We'd be so excited if you did and it would help us get the word out to sewists that are missing out on our Parcel sales. Once you vote, please leave a message on this post here telling us that you voted (and please make sure to leave your email address as well. We need it to let you know when you WIN!)

We're super excited for what 2015 has in store and hope you are too.

Jill + Danny

Sign up to enter to win, and never miss another Parcel sale!

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Handbag Hardware and Interfacing

Something about handbag hardware seems intimidating to sewists. Which is silly. Sure, they're metal, and heavy, and much more solid than fabric and thread, but including the hardware on your bag makes it look so much more professional and polished. Plus, using hardware is not as scary as you think.


Below is a list of hardware used for all the bag patterns in Pattern Parcel #7. I usually buy hardware in bulk from shops on Etsy (here, here, and here) and buy last minute single pieces from Joann's. Veronica at SewVery has a great post on upcycling bag hardware, too!

Betty Bowler:
(4) 1" rectangle loops (optional)

Midtown Messenger Bag:
(1) 14” metal non separating zipper
(2) 1.5" wide rectangular metal rings
(1) 1.5" wide metal slider buckle
(2) 1” wide metal tuck catches

Butterfly Sling Purse:
(1) "Almost Square" shaped turn lock (1-1/2" x 1"), or
(1) Heart shaped turn lock (1-3/16" x 1-1/8")
(2) Flat rectangular rings - 1" (25 mm) wide
(1) Flat rectangular adjustable slider - 1" (25 mm) wide
(2) Slim magnetic snaps - 9/16" (14 mm)
Full hardware kit here.

Evelyn Handbag:
(4) Bag feet
(1) 18mm (6/8”) Magnetic snap closure
(5) oval (or rectangle) rings 30mm (1 ¼”) across (inside measurement) and no more than 20mm (13/16”) deep (inside measurement)
(16) 6mm (¼”) rivets (optional)

Barcelona Bag and Wallet:
(1) 3/8" snap for wallet

Daphne Bag:
(1) 1-1/2" Slider and rectangular ring

And then there are interfacings. Interfacings give handbags their structure. They hold you up when you're feeling down. Shopping for interfacings can be overwhelming to a novice bag maker. The different names and numbers can leave your head spinning, but have no fear! Alicia of Swoon Bag Patterns has a helpful blog post about the different types of interfacings, and what to use them for. Pellon also has this downloadable PDF guide on the Top Ten Handbag Interfacings. It's a handy tool to take shopping with you.

Pellon has graciously offered to give away a collection containing the four basics you'll need for bag making: 1 pkg Shape Flex SF101, 1 pkg Fusible Fleece 987F, 1 pkg Peltex Ultra Firm Stabilizer 70, and 1 pkg Craft-Fuse 808!


To enter to win, simply leave a comment below (click the black talk bubble) and tell us what is your favorite indie pattern to sew. For an extra entry pin the contest image above to Pinterest or share this contest link with your stitchy friends online, then leave us a second comment saying you did so.

Don't forget, Parcel #7 ends this Friday at midnight EST, so don't miss out on the chance to choose your own price for this collection of digital handbag patterns from indie designers. It's our goal to raise $20,000 for the charity, Donors Choose, and we're so close! With you're help, we can meet our goal.

Parcel #7 is here: Handbags Galore!

Pattern Parcel #7 is here and we're super psyched to tell you is is all about handbags! Messengers, satchels, hobos, shoulder bags, vintage bags...Parcel #7 has something for everyone. Never sewn a bag before? Now is your change to try your hand at a new skill. Plus, handbags never make your butt look big and never need a FBA. Trying to keep the budget tight as we head into the holidays? Perfect! You can make a new bag for all the ladies in your life. (Heck, even some for the men.)

Parcel #7 includes:

Barcelona Bag and Wallet by Pat Bravo
Butterfly Sling Purse by Emmaline Patterns
Evelyn Hangbag by ChrisW Designs
Midtown Messenger Bag by Betz White
Betty Bowler by Swoon Sewing Patterns


Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #7 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That's just over $5 a pattern. The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the brand new Daphne Bag pattern from Clover & Violet. The Daphne is a slouchy satchel that can be worn cross body or as a shoulder bag. The zip top keeps your gear secure and the internal pockets keep your accessories where you need them. This is a brand new, never been seen before pattern and is an exclusive opportunity for Parcel #7 customers!



Need some inspiration? Follow the Inspiration Tour!
Parcel #4 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, November 7 Stitched || Sew Exhausted

Saturday, November 8 Made by Sara ||Oliver's Fancy || Strawberry Patch Ramblings

Sunday, November 9 from a box || Mia's Creations || MOMENTS

Monday, November 10 owen's olivia || While she was sleeping

Tuesday, November 11 Nutta || Radiant Home Studio || La Pantigana

Wednesday, November 12 Sew Fishsticks || Stacy Sews || Stitching Insane || GnomeAngel

Thursday, November 13 Needle and Ted || Patchouli Moon Studio || Sprouting JubeJube || The Crazy Tailor

Friday, November 14 Casa Crafty || A Jennuine Life || 'So, Zo... What do you know?'

Saturday, November 15 Stitches by Laura || Rebekah Sews || Serger Pepper

Sunday, November 16 Blogs Like A Mother || Vicky Myers creations || Blossom Heart Quilts

Monday, November 17 Shanni Loves || So Sew Easy || GYCT Designs || Tiger In A Tornado

Tuesday, November 18 The Nosy Pepper || Keep Calm and Carrion || There & Back || Sewing Sober

Wednesday, November 19 Sew Like My Mom || Knot Sew Normal || Stacy Sews || sewVery

Thursday, November 20 Mimi's Mom || Our Family Four || shades of BOLD || Modern Handcraft

Friday, November 21 Shawnta Sews || Lulu & Celeste || Amanda Rose || Robin's Fabric Nest || House of Pinheiro


It's our goal to raise over $20,000 for the charity Donors Choose. All Pattern Parcel profits after expenses goes to our cause, as well as part of each Parcel sale.

Amy Kindman of Peek A Book Patterns: Designer Interview

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
“I want to say taking a bath, alone, with the kids in bed, with a book and a bowl of ice cream. Did I mention alone? But....while I would like that most days, I think my kids and husband are what bring me lasting happiness. ”

What is your greatest fear?
“Spiders. No, wait - screaming, throwing up children at 2:00 am on Christmas. Then spiders. ”

What is your favorite color?
“Pink ”

What trait do you most deplore in yourself?
“I'm a bad boss. Mind you, I have no employees besides myself. But sometimes employer Amy makes employee Amy work too much:)”


My favorite photo of myself: This pic. is missing my youngest (we really need to get some family photos!) but it will have to do.

What trait do you most deplore in others?
“Rudeness. Just because you're on the internet and can't be seen doesn't mean you shouldn't be polite to everyone.”

What is your greatest extravagance?
“Designer fabric :) Serious weakness for fun knits!"

What is your favorite journey?
“Like, metaphorically? The journey of life's been pretty good so far!”

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
“Patience. While it may not be "overrated," patience and I have never got along very well."

On what occasion do you lie?
“When reading my kids books at night, sometimes I skip pages, and pretend like I read the whole book. They'll never know.”

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
“Never thought much about that - probably shouldn't start now.”

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“"Don't do that!" ... "Pick up your toys!" ... "Anne, eat your food!""

What is your greatest regret?
“Regret? Long term regrets don't come to mind but we did make a fancy dinner in the Crock Pot last week and forgot to plug it in!”

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
“Easy Question - my Family!”

What talent would you most like to have?
“Cooking!"

My favorite thing I made myself: The Okey Dokey Overalls are my favorite thing I've made. It's something I never would've dreamed of sewing a few years ago and I'm so happy with how they came out!

What is your current state of mind?
“Craziness! 3 Kids + 1 Pattern Designer = Craziness”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
“3 Arms - I could get more done that way. Maybe 4 arms.”

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
“Myself - I don't want someone else's life. ”

Where would you like to live?
“Somewhere with more trees!”

What is your favorite occupation?
“Mother”

What is the quality you most like in a man?
“Dependability- I like to know I can always rely on my husband to be there for me ”

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
“Confidence - women can do great things.”

What do you most value in your friends?
“Someone who really understands me. Many people relate to me as a young mom of kids but not many people even get what my job is”

My most treasured possessions: My fabric stash.

Who are your favorite artists?
“Pinterest. Well I guess that's not one artist but so many people are creating great art everyday. Many of today's best artists are disguised as moms!”

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
“Harry Potter."

Who are your heroes in real life?
“My Mother!"

What are your favorite motto?
"Just do it."

How would you like to die?
"Um .... of old age, but not too old :)"

During each Parcel sale we ask the designers to answer the Proust Questionnaire for us and to share some images of their favorite things. You can read past interviews Right Here.

Looking for the Parcel #5 Inspiration? Head on over Right Here.
Still haven't purchased Parcel #5? You can Get It Here until Friday, October 3rd.

Bonnie Ferguson of Fishsticks Designs: Designer Interview

What is your favorite color?
“Red”

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
“Well, I could really stand to lose about 15 pounds, but that would probably require eating far less chocolate.”

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“um .... (Really, I did a radio interview a few months ago, and I'm pretty sure that I said "um" at least 3,182 times in 30 minutes.)"


My favorite photo of myself: I love this picture of me! (I'm the one all the way to your right. Clockwise around from me are my oldest daughter, my youngest daughter, my oldest son and my oldest daughter's best friend.) It's a ridiculously washed-out and grainy Instagram/iPhone selfie that my oldest daughter snapped when we were in the car a few months ago, but it was a happy day because all of my kids were in town, and we were on our way to watch my teenage son's performance in Les Mis. I think the joy of that day reflects in my face!

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
“Jesus”

What talent would you most like to have?
“I would love to be able to play the guitar or piano!"

My favorite thing I made myself: I simply adore sewing practical, wearable items for my little ones, and I think these pictures really reflect that! Before a weekend trip to Disney a few weeks ago, I made these outfits for my two youngest boys and my granddaughter, and they LOVED them. We got so many compliments on them while we were hanging out at the Magic Kingdom. I think my kids enjoyed being able to say, "My mommy (or GiGi) made it!" as much as I enjoyed hearing them say it. What's even better, though, is that these are clothes they can wear everyday, and they totally do!

Where would you like to live?
“I love living in Florida, but if I had the chance to move to a small town in North Carolina, I would totally jump at it!”

What is your favorite occupation?
“I love doing what I do now because it allows me to express my creativity, make a living and still get to be home with my children - I can't imagine doing anything else! Before I was a mom, though, I always dreamed of being a radio DJ! (I'd have to work on the "um"s!).”

What do you most value in your friends?
“I so appreciate having friends who accept me for who I am, but are willing to tell me in a loving way when I'm wrong.”

My most treasured possessions: My beautiful children are my most treasured "possession". My two oldest are all grown up now, and it's so hard not having them right here with me! Of course, they're not really my possessions, even if I like to think they are. I am incredibly blessed to be their mom, though!

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
“Kim Possible! I always wanted to be her. She's a cheerleader, and she saves the world. What more could you ask?"

What are your favorite motto?
"Maybe because I'm in my 40s now, one of my favorite quotes is this one from CS Lewis, "You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream." One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 139:5. It's the perfect sewing verse! "You hem me in, behind and before ...""

During each Parcel sale we ask the designers to answer the Proust Questionnaire for us and to share some images of their favorite things. You can read past interviews Right Here.

Looking for the Parcel #5 Inspiration? Head on over Right Here.
Still haven't purchased Parcel #5? You can Get It Here until Friday, October 3rd.

Shelly Figueroa of Figgy's: Designer Interview

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
“heaven.”

What is your greatest fear?
“losing my children”

What is your favorite color?
“orange. not to wear but to look at”

What trait do you most deplore in yourself?
“self talk”

What trait do you most deplore in others?
“judgement ”

What is your greatest extravagance?
“shoes, but wish it could be traveling :)"


My favorite photo of myself: It is not a great photo of myself but it represents me at a very happy time. Laughing is my most favorite thing to do.

What is your favorite journey?
“Italy 1993”

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
“beauty"

On what occasion do you lie?
“when my husband accuses me of eating the last cookie”

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
“pore size”

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“No Way!, totally, trim your threads”

What is your greatest regret?
“not finishing college ”

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
“my family as a whole”

What talent would you most like to have?
“ukelele "

What is your current state of mind?
“overwhelmed”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
“a fast metabolism would be awesome”

My most favorite thing I've ever made comes in 2:

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
“myself, if it means I get to spend another lifetime with my husband and sons, if I can't have the whole package then I choose nothing”

Where would you like to live?
“exactly where I am but with a vacation home someplace warm to escape to during February”

What is your favorite occupation?
“Fabric Buyer ”

What is the quality you most like in a man?
“The ability to just let it go”

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
“Heart”

What do you most value in your friends?
“Laughter”

Who are your favorite artists?
“Franco & Julian”

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
“Harry Hole"

Who are your heroes in real life?
“My parents"

What are your favorite motto?
"Learn from yesterday; live for today; hope for tomorrow."

How would you like to die?
"In my Sleep"

During each Parcel sale we ask the designers to answer the Proust Questionnaire for us and to share some images of their favorite things. You can read past interviews Right Here.

Looking for the Parcel #5 Inspiration? Head on over Right Here.
Still haven't purchased Parcel #5? You can Get It Here until Friday, October 3rd.

Mel Henry of Filles a Maman: Designer Interview

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
“Seeing my daughters growing and have a great life..”

What is your greatest fear?
“Losing my family.”

What is your favorite color?
“White ”


My favorite photo of myself.

What trait do you most deplore in yourself?
“I would like to live the moment.”

What trait do you most deplore in others?
“Laziness”

What is your greatest extravagance?
“My last visit to the photo shop. $$$. I was unemployed at this time. "

What is your favorite journey?
“The one I am living right now.”

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
“Obedience"

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
“I don't like to talk about it. I'll change the question. What I like the most are my legs :)”

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Awesome! Perfect! I am sincere when I am using them...I just have a serious lack of vocabulary".

What is your greatest regret?
“To not starting this journey earlier.”

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
“My man and my daughters”

What talent would you most like to have?
“I would like to be perfectly bilingual...I have so much thing to say, but often I am stopped because it doesn't turn like I would."

My favorite thing I made myself.

What is your current state of mind?
“Sponge.”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
“I don't like to talk about this, I rather say that I have wonderful legs.”

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
“A bird.”

Where would you like to live?
“I like my town. But, if I had the choice, I would like to be somewhere with a shorter winter, In Quebec, we have snow for about 5 months. That's too much.”

What is your favorite occupation?
“I like my new job. I work in research and development for a food company. I never thought I could be paid for experimenting in the kitchen :)”

What is the quality you most like in a man?
“My man loves me, that is the most important.”

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
“Being unhibited”

What do you most value in your friends?
“Loyalty. Being there in the good and the bad moments.”



Who are your favorite artists?
“Milky chance”

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
“I don't have one"

Who are your heroes in real life?
“My parents."

How would you like to die?
"Quick."

During each Parcel sale we ask the designers to answer the Proust Questionnaire for us and to share some images of their favorite things. You can read past interviews Right Here.

Looking for the Parcel #5 Inspiration? Head on over Right Here.
Still haven't purchased Parcel #5? You can Get It Here until Friday, October 3rd.

Get Inspired! The Parcel #5 Tour

Need a little help getting started with the patterns in Parcel #5? No worries. Follow along on the Parcel #5 Inspiration Tour. Or, super easy, you can follow us on Instagram or Pinterest. We share each of these bloggers posts and ideas as they're scheduled and save them so you can browse them at your leisure.

Parcel #5 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, September 19 Pienkel || Cookin' and Craftin'

Saturday, September 20 Sew Busy Lizzy || The Life Of A Compulsive Crafter

Sunday, September 21 Keep Calm and Carrion || Felt With Love Designs

Monday, September 22 Radiant Home Studio || Sewing Sober

Tuesday, September 23 Sew Fishsticks || La Pantigana || Amanda Rose

Wednesday,September 24 Shawnta Sews || Sprouting JubeJube || Knot Sew Normal

Thursday, September 25 Make It Perfect || Mimi's Mom || Climbing the Willow

Friday, September 26 Needle and Ted || Our Family Four

Saturday, September 27 Froo & Boo

Sunday, September 28 Stitches by Laura || Vicky Myers creations

Monday, September 29 Cookin' and Craftin' || The Crazy Tailor

Tuesday, September 30 mama says sew || FABulous Home Sewn || The Inspired Wren

Wednesday, October 1 lady and the gents || That's-Sew-Kari || Sewing Sober

Thursday,October 2 Gracious Threads || Blogs Like A Mother || SewsNBows

Friday, October 3 sew chibi || Lulu & Celeste || Made by Sara

Pattern Parcel #5: Pre-School to Pre-Teen Girls!

Our little girls. Our daughters. Our nieces. Our granddaughters. For most of us, they are the very reason we started sewing. They melt our hearts and make us tear our hair out all in the same five minutes. Girls. (shrugs) We're magical creatures.

Today we're launching a special Pattern Parcel collection for our girls. The indie patterns in their Parcel were chosen for their versatility. They're modern styles that transcend time. They're Audrey. They're Marilyn. They're Hillary. This Parcel completely covers the size range from 4 years up to a 12 tween. Most of the patterns span even further, as small as newborn and 3 months, up to a 14, 16, 18 girl's tween sizing. We also chose these patterns because they were all styles we'd be proud to have our girls wear. But they're also still styles our girls want to wear. And I'm sure you all know what a fine line that is to walk.

We sew for our girls because we want them to have quality garments made with fine materials. Because store bought clothing for women these days is overpriced and poorly made. It's trash waiting to fall apart and accumulate in our landfills. Not only that, but let's be honest, today's store bought clothes are often styles that rush our little girls into an over sexualized womanhood or cram commercial garbage down their throats.

Let's make our girls clothes that are comfortable. That allow them to be the people they want to be and allow them the movement they need for all their activities. These patterns let our girls climb trees and build forts or get lost in books. They let our girls run and play. They can be athletes, artists, engineers and scientists. And even princesses. ;) Let's make our girls a wardrobe worth wearing.

Introducing, Pattern Parcel #5: Pre-School to Pre-Teen.


Parcel #5 includes:
Lily Knit Blazer by Peek-a-Boo Patterns
Everyday Yoga Pant for Girls by Greenstyle
Asymmetrical Drape Top by EYMM
Playhouse Dress by Fishstick Designs
Mimi Dress and Shirt by Filles a Maman

BONUS PATTERN: Sunki Dress by Figgy’s


Choose your own price to support these independent digital pattern designers and to help us in our work with the charity DonorsChoose.org. Together, we've raised over $11,000 this year for classrooms in need. Thank you!

Shauna Wightman of Shwin Designs: Designer Interview

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
“Family”

What is your favorite color?
“Blue”


My favorite photo of myself:

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
“My Family”

What talent would you most like to have?
“Artist"

Where would you like to live?
“West coast”

My most treasured possessions:

Who are your favorite artists?
“Picasso”

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
“Batman"

Who are your heroes in real life?
“My Dad"

Looking for the Parcel #4 Inspiration? Head on over Right Here.
Still haven't purchased Parcel #4? Today is the LAST DAY! You can Get It Here until September 5th.

Elisa Clark of Charming Doodle: Designer Interview

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
“Everyone dislikes something about their appearance. While expecting our first baby, my husband and I used to laugh about what our baby would look like if he got every one of our characteristics that we dislike most. LOL Sadly, most of my kids got my super rosy cheeks...one of my least favorite features on myself.”


My favorite photo of myself: I don't really have one favorite photo of myself but I have attached one of me with my youngest baby the week he was born. There's nothing like holding a newborn!

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Ha! Since I've become a parent I definitely the word I find myself overusing most is 'no.'”

What is your greatest regret?
“It may not be my 'greatest' regret...but I certainly regret not learning to sew when my kids (especially my girls) were babies. Just think of all the adorable things I could have made!”


My favorite thing I made myself: This is a picture of the first dress I made. It was for my youngest daughter's second birthday. My mom helped me since I didn't have a clue how to use a pattern or even thread the machine and I sewed the entire thing on my grandma's antique Singer.

What talent would you most like to have?
“I wish I had a great talent for remembering names and details. I can remember faces but often the name of someone I have met escapes me and I'd love to be better at that."


My most treasured possessions: I try not to hold onto 'things' too tightly. If I had to choose a most treasured possession right now it would be my house. It's nothing fancy but my husband and I have redone every single inch of the house. I design it. He builds it. We love it. This picture is a peek at the outside of the house still in progress but sums up the changes we've made to the whole thing.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
“In my man specifically...I like tons of his qualities but really love the fact that he's self sufficient. Before we met he already lived on his own, had a house, cooked well, was great at doing laundry and all the house stuff. It's a hugely great quality!!”

Looking for the Parcel #4 Inspiration? Head on over Right Here.
Still haven't purchased Parcel #4? You can Get It Here until September 5th.

Abby Smith of Sew Much Ado: Designer Interview

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
“A healthy and happy family - and a clean house!”

What is your favorite color?
“Aqua and pink!”

What trait do you most deplore in yourself?
“I'm horrible at making decisions. Or am I? ;) Really though, I am.”

What trait do you most deplore in others?
“Rudeness - it's just as easy to be nice as it is to be rude :).”


My favorite photo of myself:

What is your greatest extravagance?
“I love eating out, or perhaps I love having a break from dishes."

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“I'm A Canadian transplant in the US, so my friends here would probably say I say "eh" a lot!"

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
“My husband, two sons, and two daughters.”

What talent would you most like to have?
“I would love to have a beautiful singing voice."


My favorite thing I've made: Oh my goodness, this is a hard one. I think everything I make is a favorite in a different way. But one of my favorites that I've made very recently is a neon orange knit peplum dress for Lola. It's kind of like the mullet of little girl dresses - half party and half business (and I have a pattern coming soon for it!)

What is your current state of mind?
“I try to take things one day at a time and remember how blessed I am!”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
“I would be able to multitask! Seriously, I have a one track mind and it drives me nuts!”

Where would you like to live?
“Somewhere warm and sunny all the time!”

What is your favorite occupation?
“Sewing pattern designer! I'm so lucky to be able to do something that I love.”

What is the quality you most like in a man?
“Humility - it was one of the things that made me fall in love with my husband!”

What do you most value in your friends?
“I love when friends just "get you", and so much is understood without being said.”

My most treasured possessions: My family

Who are your favorite artists?
“John Mayer, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson”

Who are your heroes in real life?
“I have many strong women to look up to, especially my mom and my sisters."

What are your favorite motto?
"A ship at harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are for."

Looking for the Parcel #4 Inspiration? Head on over Right Here.
Still haven't purchased Parcel #4? You can Get It Here until September 5th.

Betz White: Designer Interview

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
“relaxing at the lake with my family”

What is your favorite color?
“green”

What is your favorite journey?
“heading home”

Betz White, designer of the Jet Pack Bag from Parcel #4

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“um, like, y'know"

What is your greatest regret?
“not wearing enough sunscreen”

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
“my kids”

What talent would you most like to have?
“to sing well!"


My favorite photo of myself: Guitar recital dress my mom made me in 1974.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
“my location”

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
“a dolphin”

Where would you like to live?
“Wisconsin or New Hampshire”

My most treasured place.

What is your favorite occupation?
“designer”

What is the quality you most like in a man?
“good sense of humor”

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
“good sense of humor”

What do you most value in your friends?
“authenticity”


Betz's new book! Coming out October 3rd! (click to order)

Looking for the Parcel #4 Inspiration? Head on over Right Here.
Still haven't purchased Parcel #4? You can Get It Here until September 5th.

Melissa Mora of Blank Slate Patterns

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
“A beach in Hawaii with my family”

What is your favorite color?
“I like them all”

What trait do you most deplore in others?
“dishonesty”

What is your greatest extravagance?
“Travel"

What is your favorite journey?
“Any one in a good book”

What is your greatest regret?
“Not enjoying high school in the thick of it - I wish I had realized most of it wasn't such a big deal ”


Melissa Mora of Blank Slate Patterns. Designer of the Zippy Jacket from Parcel #4.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
“My husband”

What talent would you most like to have?
“I would love to be able to play an instrument well. "

What is your current state of mind?
“SI would love to be able to play an instrument well. ”

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
“I'm pretty happy with myself the way I am”

Where would you like to live?
“Hawaii”

What is your favorite occupation?
“Teaching”

What is the quality you most like in a man?
“Sense of humor”

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
“Honesty”

What do you most value in your friends?
“Humor, honesty, loyalty”

Who are your favorite artists?
“Shakespeare, Chagall and Kahlo, hands down”

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
“Currently? Veronica Mars"

Who are your heroes in real life?
“My mom and dad"

What are your favorite motto?
"Though she be but little, she is fierce"

Looking for the Parcel #4 Inspiration? Head on over Right Here.
Still haven't purchased Parcel #4? You can Get It Here until September 5th.

You're going to be blown away when you see this!

That's right! With your help we raised over $5,100 for the charity, Donors Choose. That's huge! It's more than Parcel #1 and #2 combined! The year to date donations to Donors Choose is from Pattern Parcel is over $9,500. Danny and I can't thank you enough. Your generosity has allowed us help so many teachers and students in need.

Each Parcel we try to stick with a theme in funding classroom projects listed on the Donors Choose site. For Parcel #2 we supported science projects. This time around we looked for teachers seeking to excited their students in reading and writing. We can not wait to share with you some of the thank you notes and images the teachers are sending us. Building your pattern library stash has never made you feel so warm and fuzzy inside!

Huge thank you to Darice & Matt of Pauselius for partnering with us to make our gorgeous info graphic again! They're graciously donated their time and talents and we're so grateful to them. If you need a graphic artist for print or web, check out their work. We love their work and think you will too!

Want to show off your Parcel #3 projects? Tag your makes on Kollabora with the supply 'Pattern Parcel #3.' You can also tag us on Instagram and Twitter as @patternparcel or #patternparcel. We love to see what you make!

Terrible at following social media and staying up to date with your blog feed? Sign up here and we'll send you an email reminder so you never miss a Parcel sale.

Thank you again for your support. We couldn't do it without you.

Toni Coward of Make It Perfect: Designer Interview

Toni What is your idea of perfect happiness?
“No life stress! No deadlines, appointments and bills to pay! With lots of time to lie on the beach and each chocolate...”

What is your greatest fear?
“Moths...maybe not my greatest fear but I am really, really afraid of them! Especially that dust on their wings, it freaks me out.”

What is your favorite color?
“Most consistently, green, but I do go through short-lived colour crushes from time to time.”


My favorite photo of myself:

What trait do you most deplore in yourself?
“Impatience.”

What trait do you most deplore in others?
“Belittling.”

What is your favorite journey?
“The one I am on at the moment.”

On what occasion do you lie?
“To keep someone happy - only over unimportant matters.”

What do you dislike most about your appearance?
“Probably my ears - I had them pinned back when I was 8 years old and they are dodgy!”

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Maybe not the most overused, but I do say (and think) this a lot: "I could make that!"”

What is your greatest regret?
“I actually can't think of anything that I have really regretted in life, I have a bit of a "what will be, will be" attitude and try not to dwell on how things could have been and focus my energy on the future instead.”


My Favorite thing I've made: I love this little Liberty top I made for Lil, then it got lost on our last family holiday to New Zealand - so, so sad! They never lose the daggy clothes…

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
“My husband and four small-frys.”

What talent would you most like to have?
“I learned to play the piano when I was a child/teenager, then I stopped and haven't tried to play again since I finished High School. I would love to be able to play the piano like a pro!”

What is your current state of mind?
“Tired and foggy (I have a baby!)”

Where would you like to live?
“Somewhere green and lush, with a little bit of farmland, but not too isolated from the conveniences of shops!.”

What is your favorite occupation?
“I love what I do now! Being a Mum is so fulfilling (and really challenging at times!) and I love that I can mix in Make It Perfect "work" to keep me sane...it doesn't even feel like work most of the time. I think any occupation that doesn't feel like work is a winner!”

What is the quality you most like in a man?
“Protectiveness.”

What do you most value in your friends?
“I love that I can say what I want without them judging me.”


My most treasured possession: gotta be the family!

Who are your favorite artists?
“Of the fabric design variety...Naomi Ito, Erin McMorris, Heather Ross, Lizzy House...actually that was a bad category to choose, I could go on and on!”

Who are your heroes in real life?
“My grandparents.”

What are your favorite motto?
"Kindness begins with me."

How would you like to die?
"Happy."

Looking for the Parcel #3 Inspiration Tour? It's Right Here.
Looking to buy Parcel #3? You can Get It Here until June 13.