SPRING SALE! SAVE 15% OFF!

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IT'S TIME FOR OUR SPRING SALE!

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Save 15% OFF our ENTIRE shop with the code "SPRINGSALE" from now until Tuesday, April 7th, 2015, midnight, PST.*

Sale valid in our website, Ravelry and Etsy shops.

SHOP /// ETSY /// RAVELRY

Happy making and creating and thanks for all of your support!

*Sale excludes ebooks and print books.

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FREE PATTERN || BUCKET BASKET TOTE PATTERN!

The FREE Bucket Basket Tote Sewing Pattern is here!!! 

I'm addicted to totes, baskets, project bags & more! Pretty much if I can put my latest knitting project in it and bring it around with me I'm addicted to it. I can never have enough. One of my favorite things to store my wip's in and misc yarn is my Basket.

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Bucket Basket Tote - Free Pattern!

$0.00

Add to cart

I was lucky enough to pick up my basket from Tolt Yarn & Wool Shop last spring and I adore it. I've been on the hunt since then for the same style but in a shopping tote size. Well I finally got tired of looking around to buy with no success that I decided to design a tote that's inspired by the shape of the African Shopper Tote.

I just knew when I spotted the new fabric lineWanderer by the oh so amazing April Rhodes forArt Gallery Fabrics, that it was the PERFECT fabric for my new Bucket Basket Tote! I loved the tribal vibe and the color palette! So I'm more than thrilled to be a part of April's fabric tour for Wanderer today! All the prints I used were from the Air palette. I used Serape-Dream, Sacred Seeds Brittle, Temple of Asiaq, Crochetting Clouds, Gust of Leaves Silver and Sacred Seeds Mojave.

So pick out your fave Wanderer prints to feature and get sewing your very own Bucket Basket Tote! It's easy, fun to make and such a cute tote! It fits infinite amounts of goodies and features a pocket inside. There's not too many bells on whistles on this tote as I wanted to keep the shape of the Bucket Basket the star of the bag. I also wanted to let you have some fun with customizing it as you go!

I'm dreaming of versions of this quilted, with piecing in the mid portion, embroidery etc. I was dying to make my straps out of leather but I just couldn't get my hands on leather straps in time for the pattern release. I hope to do one in the future though. I'd like to do the bag in some faux leather mixed in with a fun print! See....so many options! You know how I love that and I hope you all do too!

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Get your copy of the FREE Bucket Basket Tote Pattern! You can choose to either download the pattern from our pattern shop at VeryShannon.com or by quick download HERE.

*Remember to always print straight from Adobe Reader - not from your browser, Google Docs or if on a Mac in preview mode.

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>>> Download from our Very Shannon Shop

*Please note you will be asked for payment information. This is just part of the cart process. It does not store your payment information and nor will you be charged. The pattern is free.

>>> Instant Download HERE

*Remember to always print straight from Adobe Reader - not from your browser, Google Docs or if on a Mac in preview mode.

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I hope you enjoy our Bucket Basket Tote pattern! Be sure to share your projects on social media with #BBTOTE so I can see all your lovely bags!! Happy sewing!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN SOME WANDERER?

If you would like to win a HUGE giveaway of WANDERER pop over to April's Instagram feed and follow her (@aprilrhodes) and regram any of the Wanderer Tour photos with #wanderertourgiveaway and she'll choose a winner on March 1st of 20 half yard cuts! That equals 10yds of fabric peeps!!

DON'T MISS THE REST OF THE TOUR!

Sunday Feb. 15 – Nicole Morgenthau finchsewingstudio.com Monday

Feb. 16 - Holly Hughes -hollygetsquilty.com

Tuesday Feb. 17 - Shannon Cook -veryshannon.com

Wednesday Feb. 18 - Becca Bryan -  bryanhousequilts.com

Thursday Feb. 19 - Rochelle New -luckylucille.com

Friday Feb. 20 - Kate -http://seekatesew.com

Saturday Feb. 21 - Amber -oneshabbychick.typepad.com

Sunday Feb. 22 - Caroline Hulse -sewcaroline.com

Monday Feb. 23 - John Adams -quiltdad.com

Tuesday Feb. 24 - Maureen Cracknell -maureencracknellhandmade

Wednesday Feb. 25 - Delia - deliacreates.com

Thursday Feb. 26 - Kelly -cutcutsew.com

Friday Feb. 27 - Christopher Thompson-thetattooedquilter.com

SALE || SWEETHEART DRESS UPDATE & VALENTINE'S SALE!

Valentine's day is coming up and it's time for our annual Valentine's Sweetheart Dress Sale! 

I've spent time over the last few months to update my Sweetheart Dress Pattern to match our current branding and aesthetic. Since it came out a few years ago it definitely didn't match any of our current pattern styling etc. so it's gotten a much needed face lift.

The pattern itself and instructions have remained the same. All that's been updated is the styling, layout and the inclusion of both inches and centimeters for measurements in the pattern. So don't worry if you have the old version. All is still fine. There is no errata. If you would prefer to have the newer version please email me at askveryshannon@gmail.com with proof of purchase (sometimes I can find your sale based on email address and where you purchased from) and I will happily email you the latest version.

It's also Kids Clothes Week from Feb. 2nd - 8th! So I figured what better to dress to be sewing for this time of year than one with an adorable heart back cut out! So in honor of our update and KCW we're having a sale!

Use the coupon code "bemine15" to save 15% off the purchase of your Sweetheart Dress PDF sewing pattern! Yay! Coupon code valid until February 15th, midnight, PST. You can purchase the Sweetheart Dress in my shop HERE or on Etsy HERE.

Thank you to all of you for all your support of this pattern. It means so much. I love seeing all of your Sweetheart Dresses so make sure to tag them with hashtag #sweetheartdress on social media so I can see your handmade lovelies!

I hope you enjoy the new updates! Happy sewing!

GIVEAWAY || BIRCH FABRICS SERENGETI FABRIC GIVEAWAY!

Who's in the mood to win some new fabric? 

Birch Fabrics has a colorful fun new line out called Serengeti in poplin and knit! Designed by Jay-Cyn Designs this collection of prints featuring animals, geometrics & more is so lively! I adore the color palette and can easily see this line of poplin and knits working into so many projects! Can't you just see those elephant or giraffe prints in a cute pair of pj's or leggings for the wee ones? Heck I'd want a pair too!

All Birch Fabrics are 100% Organic Cotton too! I've been a long time fan of Birch Fabrics and can vouch for the excellent quality of their fabrics. They never disappoint with their designs and fabric quality! Ranging from poplin, knits, voile's, double gauzes, & more there is something for every project you're dreaming up at Birch Fabrics. For inspiration don't miss their blog HERE. There are lots of free projects, patterns, giveaways and more to be found.

Would you like to win some Serengeti? Birch Fabrics is giving away the following to 2 lucky winners:

Winner #1 - 3 yards of their choice of Serengeti Knit!!!

Winner #2 - 2 yards of their choice of Serengeti Poplin!!!

Enter below for your chance to win some of this gorgeous fabric!! In the meantime you can find all things Birch Fabrics here:

WEBSITE // BLOG // FACEBOOK // INSTAGRAM // TWITTER // PINTEREST

QUILTING || DOE DREAMING

I've been doe dreaming....

Doe by Carolyn Friedlander for @robertkaufman @cfriedlander /// VeryShannon.com

I'm completely and utterly in love with the insanely talented Carolyn Friedlander's newest fabric collection "Doe" (read more on her blog here) for Robert Kaufman. As soon as I saw sneak peeks of this line I knew I had to have it! Very rarely do I ever splurge and order FQ's of an entire line of fabric. But this was a special treat for me. It wasn't easy to get either. This line sold out fast!

I've been spending the last few days sitting here just staring at all of it. I'm so inspired by the organic simplicity of the patterns and how they just speak to my brain...lol. I tend to lean towards graphic, geometric and architectural based designs. They are always my faves. And Doe is right in my happy place. A gorgeous palette featuring creams, whites, blacks, blue tones, a hit of orange and golds. Can we say perfection? Like I said....I love it. I need it all over my house.

First up is going to be a new quilt.

It's been wayyyy too long since I made a quilt. I've got a free quilt pattern in the works (for the girls beds) that's been on the go since last year that I hope to get done this year (yes, they take me forever...lol) but the quilt from Doe twill be for the hubs and I. I cannot wait!

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What pattern am I going to use?

Follow Shannon Cook || VeryShannon.com's board MAKE | quilting & patchwork on Pinterest.

I'm still pondering this. I know the vibe I'm going for but at the same time I haven't found "the one" online yet. I may end up making one up for this one too. But we'll see. I love supporting other designers and using their patterns too so I'll be on the hunt for "the" one. I also need to get backing still. I wanted to see the whole line in person before I chose a print from the line for the backing. Plus I wanted to snag some of the wide width yardage for that. You can follow my "MAKE // QUILTING & PATCHWORK" pinterest board below to see what I'm crushing on.

If I wasn't dying to make a quilt I would be whipping up Carolyn's Nest Egg Tote Pattern. I still might do it when I'm done. I love the shape of this!

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I can't wait to dive into this line and get making. Anyone else "doe" dreaming? What print is your fave? Any quilt patterns you're loving right now that Doe would work great for?

SEWING || MODERN QUILTED COASTER SEWING TUTORIAL

One of my favorite go-to handmade gifts are coasters. Everyone loves a pretty coaster. 

I think they can brighten up a table or a room and bring a smile to your face when reaching for your drink. And when you think how many times a day we use a coaster and pick up and put down a drink that equates to a lot of smiles. The more people smile, the more the world is a happier place. Smiling is healthy and feels good. Just like sewing.

The best thing about making handmade coasters is the freedom. It’s a no pressure, no stress kind of project that is great for using scraps and bits of your favorite leftovers from your stash! You can’t go wrong with that! You can practice new techniques or perfect old ones, try out a new stitch on your machine, or go bold/simple playing with solids!

Been scared to start quilting but dying to try? This is a great way to jump in and get your toes wet! Whichever way you choose to make them it’s up to you! So whip up the coaster tutorials below as is or use them as a jumping off point to add your own flair and personality! Just remember to smile and have fun with them!

QUILTED COASTERS TUTORIAL

MATERIALS
Fabric for coasters cut to 4.5" x 4.5" or charm pack squares
- Coaster #1 & #2 requires 2 pieces at 4.5" x 4.5"
- Coaster #3 requires 1 piece at 4.5" x 4.5" and 2 pieces at 2.75" x 4.5"
- Coaster #4 requires 2 pieces at 2.5" x 4.5" and 4 pieces at 1.5" x 5"
4 pieces of batting cut into 4.5" x 4.5"
Co-ordinating thread
Rotary cutter & mat and/or scissors
Pins
Removable fabric marker
Iron

Helpful tip: You can measure out your squares as you cut or you can also cut out a cardboard template that is 4.5" x 4.5" to use when cutting out the fabric for your coasters.

COASTER #1 & #2

You will need the following pieces to make two coasters:
2 fronts - piece A, 2 backs - piece B, 1 batting - piece C

DIRECTIONS

Coaster #1 and #2 are made the same:

Press all fabrics before cutting.

STEP ONE /// ASSEMBLING YOUR COASTERS

With your front (piece A) and back (piece B) right sides facing each other, lay down your batting on top. You will have a stack that is back, front and then batting. Pin your coaster along the edges. *See diagram above.

Sew along all 4 edges of your coaster with a 1/4" seam allowance making sure to leave a 2-3" opening to turn your coaster right side through.

STEP TWO /// QUILTING & FINISHING YOUR COASTERS

Trim your corners close to the sewing line but not too close to cut through your stitching. Turn coaster right side out. Make sure your corners are all nicely out and pointed. Press your coaster.

Get ready to quilt! Yay! This is where you can get creative with your coasters! Feel free to simply sew a line around the entire coaster close to the edge or make 3! Do shapes, a pattern or a design!

COASTER #1 QUILTING
I chose to play up on the triangles of the fabric of Coaster #1. I first stitched around the border of the coaster 3 times (close to each other). I then stitched a triangle shape on the center of the coaster and then repeated this triangle inside and outside of it with my sewing machine. If you are nervous about winging the triangle, simply draw all your triangles with a removable fabric marker and stitch over your design. *See diagram above.

COASTER #2 QUILTING
On Coaster #2 I played up the chevron zig-zag repeat the pattern makes on my fabric. I first stitched a simple border around the coaster. I then followed the line of the pattern in the center of the coaster. next I stitched a line on either side of this line. I then repeated this pattern moving over 3/4" from where the last one was stitched. Repeat this design until your coaster is full. If you don't have fabric with a chevron design, simply draw one on your coaster with a removable fabric marker and sew over it - easy and fun! *See diagram above.

Press your coasters once again.

Helpful Tip: Once you master the coasters above have some fun with scraps and shapes! You can piece together your front and backs or use different quilt block techniques too! The tutorials for Coaster #3 and #4 are a fun introduction into piecing your fabric!

COASTER #3


You will need the following pieces of fabric:
2 pieces for front - piece A & B, 1 piece for the back - piece C, 1 piece batting - piece D

DIRECTIONS

Press all fabrics before cutting.

STEP ONE /// ASSEMBLING YOUR COASTERS

With pieces A and B right sides facing each other sew with a 1/4" seam allowance along one edge. Trim your seam allowance and press your seam towards the darker fabric.

Place piece C and your A/B right sides facing each other and sew with a 1/4" seam allowance. Trim your seam allowance and press your seam towards the darker fabric.

You can choose to topstitch along your seams here or leave unsewn.

With your front and back right side facing each other, lay down your batting on top. You will have a stack that is back, front and then batting. Pin your coaster along the edges. *See diagram above.

Sew along all 4 edges of your coaster with a 1/4" seam allowance making sure to leave a 2-3" opening to turn your coaster right side through.

STEP TWO /// QUILTING AND FINISHING YOUR COASTERS

Trim your corners close to the sewing line but not too close to cut through your stitching. Turn coaster right side out. Make sure your corners are all nicely out and pointed. Press your coaster.

Quilt in desired pattern. I chose to do 1 simple border around the coaster close to the edge. I then did 2 lines down the center of where my front 2 pieces were sewn together. I also did a pairing of 2 lines close to the side edges of the coaster stitching border you already sewed. Simple horizontal pairings of lines to play up with the piecing are lots of fun! *See diagram above.

Press your coaster once again.

COASTER #4

You will need the following pieces of fabric:
3 pieces for front - piece A, B & C, 3 pieces for back - piece D, E & F, 1 piece batting - piece G

DIRECTIONS

Press all fabrics before cutting.

STEP ONE /// ASSEMBLING YOUR COASTERS

With piece A and B right sides facing each other, sew with a 1/4" seam allowance along one edge. Next sew piece C to piece B. Trim your seam allowances and press your seams towards the darker fabric.

Repeat the steps above, this time using pieces D, E & F. Again, trim your seam allowance and press your seams towards the darker fabric.

With your front and backs right sides facing each other, lay down your batting on top. You will have a stack that is back, front and then batting. Pin your coaster along the edges. *See diagram above.

Sew along all 4 edges of your coaster with a 1/4" seam allowance making sure to leave a 2-3" opening to turn your coaster right side through.

STEP TWO /// QUILTING AND FINISHING YOUR COASTERS

Trim your corners close to the sewing line but not too close to cut through your stitching. Turn coaster right side out. Make sure your corners are all nicely out and pointed. Press your coaster.

Quilt in desired pattern. I quilted mine to play up on the 3 pieces we stitched together and replicated a grid pattern. I did a simple border around the whole square and then topstitched close to my 2 seam lines for the front and back on both sides of the center piece of the coaster. I then did 3 sets comprised of 3 stitch lines (close together) going horizontally down the coaster as well to form a grid like design. Press your coaster again. *See diagram above.

Helpful Tip: Once you are done all your coasters, bundle them up all pretty and give them as a lovely gift or treat yourself! These coasters make a great starter project to ease into quilting and practice your sewing skills!

I hope you enjoy the coasters!!! There are so many options and fun prints to play with out there! I'd love to see the coasters you make too! Use hashtag #QCoaster on social media so we can see your lovelies!

Happy sewing from my home to yours!!

Looking for more fun projects? You can find all of our other tutorials HERE and patterns HERE.

SEWING & KNITTING || PATTERNS & TUTORIALS OF 2014

I love the start of a new year. I always feel inspired to set new goals and take a look at the past year.

SCHWIMMEN - SEASONLESS || Mini Collection Volume One

Life gets busy and sometimes we miss things on the blogs we read. So here's a quick run down of all the goodies we released in 2014 both FREE & paid and both for sewing & knitting! I hope you enjoy them and feel inspired to make one (or a few)! I couldn't continue to live my dream if it wasn't for all of your endless support so thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart! xoxox

/// FREE PATTERNS & TUTORIALS - SEWING

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/// PATTERNS & TUTORIALS - KNITTING (FREE & PAID)

SCHWIMMEN & LAYLOW - SEASONLESS || MINI COLLECTION VOL. 1

FARBE - Free Pattern

EMERY - Pom Pom Magazine Issue 9 Summer 2014

KEIRNAN - Quince & Co. Scarves 2014

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Are you ready to get making & creating? Yay! I've got some fun new projects planned for this year too! Look for sewing & knitting patterns/tutorials to come your way so stay tuned!

Have you made any of the above? I'd love to see your pics! Let me know in the comments & let's chat!

GIVEAWAY || $75 FAT QUARTER SHOP FABRIC GIVEAWAY!

Who's in the mood to win $75 worth of fabric for Christmas? 

We're all still under the weather at my house so I figured what better way to cheer myself up than to giveaway a $75 Gift Certificate to the amazing Fat Quarter Shop! Wahoo!

Follie by Lotta Jansdotter, Image Credit: Windham Fabrics

Fat Quarter Shop is your go to online fabric shop! They are my favorite place to get charm packs, fat quarter bundles and all my fave prints! Plus have you seen their YouTube channel lately? So many awesome videos to learn and get inspired by as well! If you haven't been to Fat Quarter Shopyet go visit! You're sure to find a few things you'll be adding to your xmas wish list!

Here's a few of the fabrics I'm coveting! 

1// Cotton + Steel 2// Lotta Jansdotter 3// Katarina Roccella 4// Judie Rothermel 5// Primitive Gatherings          6// Katarina Roccella 7// Maureen Cracknell  8// Maureen Cracknell 9// Elizabeth Olwen

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You ready to win some new lovlies to get kick off your sewing for 2015! Simply enter using the Rafflecopter entry below. Good luck and happy sewing! Winner will be announced next week!

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SEWING || LINDEN SWEATSHIRT

Everyone needs their own cozy, warm, snuggly, fave go to sweatshirt. I just made my new fave!

Have you seen the Linden Sweatshirt pattern by Grainline yet? As soon as the talented Jen released it I grabbed a copy. I then set out on a mission to find some seriously cozy sweater knit fabric. Not an easy feat where I live. I managed to luck out and get some at one of our local fabric shops - The Cloth Castle. Bonus - there was a sale! Woot woot! I grabbed this super thick, warm and soft fabric for Linden as well as a thinner one (that I'll show ya later) to whip up another one in. The color of this fabric is so perfectly neutral. It's like that shade of Cascade 220 that you make a gazillion and one things out of. It's grey, but beige too and pretty much goes with everything.

Linden is a sweatshirt that is meant to be lived in. I wear this bad boy around the house, out of the house, in bed - you name it - I've now worn it. In fact I've had this made for a few weeks but haven't been able to photograph it because it's always being worn. Blogger problems right? lol! It's just one of those cuts that is flattering. Aka - skims over the roly bits. I love the raglan cut for this type of sweatshirt and I really like the ease of it. Grainline's patterns are stylish and modern and easy to follow. The instructions are clear and concise and this took me no time at all to sew up. I used my serger for pretty much everything and that speeds things up tons.

My Linden Sweatshirt has come in so handy lately what with snow and tons of rain around here. Due to the horrid weather we've been having lately you get my tree lit photographs. That's what happens when you have absolutely no natural light and you gotta work with what you got :) I really wanted to blog about this sweater so you get another photoshoot of me in my "real life" element. My fave leggings, wooly socks, my go to mug & basket (from Tolt Yarn & Wool of course). I like to keep it real around here every so often. Bloggers are real people and sometimes, life just doesn't go along with our lighting and photography demands. So you work with what ya got.

I'm working with our new christmas tree in our first home for our first christmas in it! It's so cozy around here I find it hard to want to go out most days. I love this place and putting a christmas tree up just puts it over the top for me when it comes to cozy factor. Add in copious amounts of Gilmore Girls, Full House, yummy coffee and I'm all set. If anyone's looking for me you know where to find me....in my Linden, curled up on the couch with my kiddos, with my favorite quilt, my knitting and some fun tv with the fireplace roaring and the xmas tree twinkling in the background. Bliss.

I highly recommend whipping yourself up a Linden Sweatshirt for this holiday season.

I mean what better to wear relaxing, laughing and snuggling with loved ones in over Christmas break? I know I'll be in mine! I hope to make my 2nd one before xmas so I have 2 to wear. Now that I've made one I'd like to try one with a longer length...I'm going for maybe an extra 1-2 inches. If you pop over to the Grainline blog you can see some of the mods Jen's made. There are some great posts on Linden.

**And just as a funny bonus if you follow me on Instagram you may have seen the other week a pretty funny predicament. I was meeting up with the girls for some knitting at a nearby Starbucks (and we swear we never discussed it beforehand) Jane and I showed up in literally the same outfit! Only difference was her sweatshirt is bought and mine was handmade (the Linden). Ummm...can we say great minds think alike? No wonder we're best friends...lol. We both have our Tolt Bags on, white cowls, same exact jeans, our blundstones...etc...I'm still laughing. Heck the staff at Starbucks was even making fun of us!

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PATTERN: Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline

FABRIC: Sweatshirt Knit from local fabric shop (Cloth Castle)

SIZE MADE: Large graded out to XL in hips.

MODIFICATIONS: None.

OUTFIT: Leggings (Stride Leggings from Aritzia), Socks (Joe Fresh), Tank (Old Navy), Mug (Tolt Yarn & Wool).

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Have you made a Linden Sweatshirt yet? What fabric/color would you make yours in? Are you a homebody during the holidays too?

SEWING || MONTHLY SPARKS FABRIC SUBSCRIPTION!

Calling all fabric lovers! Do you love fat quarters as much as I do? Would you love to have a fabulously curated bundle of 12 FQ's delivered to you monthly? Don't miss the new Monthly Spark subscription from Fabric Spark!

I'm so excited! Fabric Spark is one of my new fave online sewing shops (& they are Canadian too!) and Daryl (the owner) is going to be offering this super fun monthly fabric subscription starting in January and I'm one of the bloggers putting together some of the awesome bundles of FQ's you will receive! Here's a bit more about Monthly Sparks....

 "Fabric Spark and our favourite bloggers are getting together to curate and deliver a bundle of 12 fat quarters of beautiful designer fabric. For sewists who love fabric and appreciate a little inspiration, this is a great monthly injection of creativity.

Imagine a unique collection arriving every month ready to launch a new project, or to fill out your stash and give you new ideas and flexibility."

How it works. When you order the subscription, in order to verify your credit card, you will be charged 50 cents. Then, each month starting January 1, 2015, you'll be charged $42.00 on the first of the month for the subscription, plus applicable shipping and taxes. That month's awesome bundle will be shipped out to you within three days of the start of the month. You can cancel at any time, up to two days prior to the following month.  What a creative way to start the new year! The subscription will run for twelve months, ending with the December 2015 bundle.

Who? These talented sewists from Canada and the US have all agreed to choose fabric for Monthly Sparks. They are quilters, sewists, designers, and big talents. Visit their blogs to see the beautiful work they do.  There are a limited number of Monthly Sparks so please don't hesitate to book your subscription.

MAUREEN CRACKNELL HANDMADE

VERY SHANNON (that's me!)

FRESH LEMONS

BLUE ELEPHANT STITCHES

MODERN SEWCIETY & THE TATTOOED QUILTER

THREAD RIDING HOOD

I think this is such a fun and inspiring way to get new fabrics! I hope you all like it too! Fabric Spark offers some lovely fabrics and I can't wait to start choosing my bundles!

Don't miss out on our Reversible Box Tote Kits! While you're over at Fabric Spark don't miss our super fun Reversible Box Tote Kits! I chose the lovely Cotton + Steel prints to make up this handy tote from our Reversible Box Tote sewing pattern!! I'm almost done mine and it's so cute!

Don't forget if you've made a Reversible Box Tote to tag your project with #RBtote so we can see your lovely totes on social media!!

You can find all the info you need to join the Monthly Sparks from Fabric Spark HERE.

Happy fabric shopping!!! Which fabrics would you like to see included in the Monthly Spark Bundles? Coffee's on and I'd love to hear from you :)

MOMENTS || BRING ON THE COLD WEATHER!

It's been freeeeeeeeezing cold over here and I'm happy to say that I've been bundled up in handknits and the yarn is.....EVERYWHERE. 

Best part of the fall/winter season. I think I have multiple knitting projects in progress in every room of the house right now...lol. I've been sewing and knitting and knitting and sewing. It's been fun but definitely busy. I've been binge watching Gilmore Girls, which I'm sure a ton of you have too. It's so fun to know that when I'm watching I know lots of you are too. I have a special place in my heart for this show and I'm so excited it's finally on Netflix here in Canada.

See that mug there - that's my fave mug evah from one of my yarn shops evah - Tolt Yarn and Wool

What's all the knitting & sewing I've been doing? I've got a new sweater pattern (shown above), shawl (swatch in the pic at the top), and a few more lovelies in the works coming your way for the knitters. For the sewing I've been working on getting the new Grainline Pattern - The Linden Sweatshirt sewn up as well as the new True Bias pattern - The Sutton Blouse. I'm on a mission to sew some more clothes for my wardrobe and fell in love with both of these patterns. I think they will make great staples for the fall/winter.

We've also been enjoying our new home and I've been loving decorating it too! I hope to share pics soon! You can easily stay up to date behind the scenes on what I've been up to and making by following VeryShannon on instagram HERE.

I've also got some giveaway winners to announce!  Two winners to be exact!

GIVEAWAY #1 // FANCY TIGER SAILOR TOP PATTERN

The winner is Commenter #13 - Swedish Scrapper!

GIVEAWAY #2 // FAT QUARTER SHOP $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE

The winner is Commenter #113 - Tabitha!

Congratulations ladies! I'll be in touch soon in regards to your prizes!!! Thanks to all who entered!

What are you all busy making? Anyone else watching Gilmore Girls? I'd love to hear what you've been working on! Let's chat!

SEWING || HAWTHORNE THREADS CALIOPE BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY

Sweetheart Dress by VeryShannon using Calliope by Hawthorne Threads

Have you guys heard the news about the new fabric lines from Hawthorne Threads? I'm beyond thrilled to have been asked to join in on the launch blog tour for one of their new lines - Calliope! Isn't it gorgeous! 

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We couldn't resist making a Sweetheart Dress when we saw the prints in Calliope! Hearts + feathers = yes please! I was more than happy to sew up our pattern with the print Feathered Hearts in Bluebell (shown on the skirt) along with the equally adorable print "Jubilee in White" for the bodice. And well you can't see it here we used "Poetic Plumes in White" for the bodice lining and it's gosh darn pretty too!

My little girl is wearing a size 3T bodice with a size 4 skirt. Only modification I made to our Sweetheart Dress Pattern was to use the full width of the yardage for the skirt for extra twirl factor! She loooooves that! She's really into ballet and dance and I think this is her favorite dress we've made her yet! She wouldn't take it off. You can read more about the Sweetheart Dress Pattern and purchase it from our shop HERE.

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My girls absolutely loved the colors and patterns in this line and so did I! I think the colors would work well for any season and match along seamlessly with other tones and neutrals. I can see these being used many times in our home for both clothing, accessories and in decor. The Calliope Panelscould easily be worked into pillows, wall hangings and more! You can really let your imagination go wild with Calliope! It works for so many things!

Plus if you keep reading below you can enter to win some too!

If you check out the Hawthorne Threads blog post for Calliope you can see all the amazing projects they have sewn up using it! I loved how many different ways they incorporated the prints! So inspiring!

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You can see some of the lovely prints from Calliope below and pre-order/see them all from Hawthorne Threads HERE.

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You ready to enter to win some Calliope? Yay!

// THE PRIZE

- one lucky winner will receive a Fat Quarter Bundle of Calliope! Thank you Hawthorne Threads!

// HOW TO ENTER

- simply leave me a comment below letting me know what you would make with Calliope!

// THE RULES

- you must leave a valid email address in your comment or you will be disqualified. Giveaway open until November 16th, midnight, PST.

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And don't miss the rest of the stops on the Calliope Blog Tour for more inspiration & chances to win! Thanks for having me Hawthorne Threads!

Monday, November 10th - Welcome to the Mouse House

Tuesday, November 11th - Violette Field Threads

Wednesday, November 12th - Very Shannon

Thursday, November 13th - C'est la Vie

Friday, November 14th - Hawthorne Threads

GIVEAWAY || FAT QUARTER SHOP FABRIC GIVEAWAY!

 Who's in the mood to win some new fabric?

The Fat Quarter Shop is giving away a $50 Gift Certificate to Very Shannon readers!! I've picked 9 prints that I've been drooling over but there are so many more! It was hard to narrow it down, virtual shopping is always so fun! I've been crushing still on black/white prints and of course, since I've been watching the newest season of Downton Abbey I couldn't resist their new prints of knit stitches! Love it!

// PRINTS SHOWN ABOVE

1. Pink Cheeks XOXO by Cotton + Steel 2. Bake by Julia Rothman 3. Rose Cable Knit from Downton Abbey 4. Gramercy Commute by Leah Duncan 5. Mustang Denim I Heart Bees by Melody Miller 6. Black Cat Netorious by Cotton + Steel 7. Gray Knit from Downton Abbey 8. Gramercy Fog Central Park by Leah Duncan 9. Geometric Bliss Black Fractal Garland by Jeni Baker

THE PRIZE
- One lucky winner will receive a $50 Gift Certificate from Fat Quarter Shop!!! 

HOW TO ENTER
- Simply leave me a comment letting me know what you would use your $50 GC from Fat Quarter Shop for.

THE RULES
- You must leave a valid email address or you will be disqualified. Giveaway open until Mon, Nov. 10th, 2014, midnight, PST.

Check out Fat Quarter Shop's "What's New" and "Coming Soon" pages for more lovely prints to get inspired by! I know I'm anxiously awaiting Carolyn Friedlander's new line Doe. I want it all..lol.

Happy fabric shopping!

You can find all things Fat Quarter Shop here:

WEBSITE  |  BLOG  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  PINTEREST  |  YOUTUBE

SEWING || FANCY TIGER CRAFTS SAILOR TOP & GIVEAWAY

Awwww...shucks you guys, I'm so excited to be part of the Sailor Top Pattern Tour for Fancy Tiger Crafts today!

You know that excitement you get when someone emails you and you do a little squeal of excitement? Well for years I've been a fan of the shop Fancy Tiger Crafts. I'm dying to find a reason to go to Denver, CO so I can visit the shop for real. I read the blog, drool over their projects/patterns and dream of walking with my own 2 feet into their seriously amazing shop. The kind of shop that I just want to sink into and never leave. I mean how can you go wrong with a place filled with all your favorite things that is "rainbowized" (not kidding - it is!)! I love it! Jaime and Amber have curated a feast for the soul, heart and eyes. And now they have an online shop too! Watch out Santa...momma wants it all for xmas...lol.

When they wrote to me asking to join in on the blog tour for their new sewing pattern - the Sailor Top, I was so excited. I honestly have been a lurker of theirs and was just so darn thrilled they even knew who the heck I was! Icing on the cake is that the pattern is seriously adorable. Such a fun, quick and addicting sew, I've got another one ready to cut out asap!

Now, it just so happens I've been looking for a top just like this for months. Really. No joke. One that covered all my rolly bits but didn't make me look 9mths preggers. One I could wear with leggings and jeans. I wanted a quick sew and not something that required serious amounts of fabric or brain power. Enter the Sailor Top. That yoke - I love it. Serious. I'm a dork for finishing inside of garments and this top made me so darn happy. The neck and sleeves have facing. Yes, I love facing. I get sick of bias tape sometimes. I admit it drives me bonkers and I've never gotten along with it. Facing - now me and facing are great friends. Pretty inside = pretty outside. The thick hem on the bottom of the top balances out the sleeve and yoke just perfectly.

This was again - my wearable muslin. I've gotten into a bad habit of doing this folks. I keep starting with a muslin but then loving it so much I photograph it and never get the other one done in time. Bad Shannon. Anyhoo, this one was made from a print I have had in my stash for about 2 + years from the back dusty dank corner of Fabricland that was comprised of an end of bolt that was 2yds and 1yd cut apart. I still bought it. And it's sat in my stash for eons and for some reason it just screamed Sailor Top to me.


In hindsight it is a bit thick for the kind of drape I would normally like but with the weather outside I'm darn happy to have a bit more warmth to it. I've had it on 2 days in a row now with leggings, my new babies (aka my Blundstones), a cute grey lace tank and a cardi. It's my new staple. Which is why I need to make about 3 more. I need one in rayon, one in voile and I'm dying to try one in a knit too! See.....it's addicting! I made my whole Sailor top on my serger (Babylock Imagine) except for the finishing details. Made it a super fast project! One afternoon including pattern taping and cutting!

And the Sailor Top is also good for beginners looking to jump into their first top! The pattern is very clearly written, labelled and the diagrams are super easy to follow. You'll learn some new techniques, finishing and the fit is great! Only change I have to tweak on my next one is taking my yoke in just a tad due to my sloped shoulders. I have a tad bit of sag in the center front neck. I think 1/4" on each side of the yoke would do it. I love how the gathers are across the entire neckline too! It's carried throughout the whole raglan! And yes - I said raglan. Oh my knitter heart just loves me a raglan. So flattering and comfy to wear. And I love how it goes with so many pants and styles. This can easily be taken from super casual to work wear in a second!

Please forgive my messy hair and hat in these pics. It has been raining for what seems like weeks here and I have already forgotten the sunshine from last weekend. Thus the hat. My hair does not respond well to rain. Nope. Goes bonkers. So most of the time if the weather is misty or raining I wear hats. I love me a good hat. So now that it's colder out I've gotten the Keaton out of my stash to wear again. So you're getting the "real me" in these shots. Not a lot of makeup, no fancy hair do, in between kid school pickups and lunch making, and in the other corner of this shot is all the parts and tools that we're using to keep on decorating the house etc. I literally swept it to one side so as not to scare you. And don't worry. I'm not keeping my walls brown and beige with these grey curtains. The drapes are new, the paint colors are going :) I'm just preemptively decorating :) When you live far away from an Ikea and you get a chance to shop there you take it and stock up. Which is exactly what I did last week.

All in all I give the Sailor Top pattern two enthusiastic thumbs up! Wish I could wear one into Fancy Tiger Crafts right now to show it off! Someday right?

PATTERN: Sailor Top by Fancy Tiger Crafts
FABRIC: From stash
SIZE MADE: XL Bust graded out to XXL in hips
MODIFICATIONS: None
OUTFIT: Jeans (American Eagle), Hat (KEATON by me), Boots (Bludstones)

Would you like to make a Sailor Top? Read below on how you can win a copy!

/// THE PRIZE
One lucky winner will receive a copy of the Sailor Top by Fancy Tiger Crafts. Yay!

/// HOW TO ENTER
Simply leave me a comment with what fabric you would make your Sailor Top in.

/// RULES
Giveaway is open until Wednesday, November 5th, midnight, PST.

But wait - that's not all!!!!!!

Creativebug, a website full of DIY video classes, is giving Very Shannon readers a free two week membership! With your membership, you can take the Sailor Top class and learn how to make the Sailor Top right along with Jamie and Amber from Fancy Tiger! For more info & to find out how, click here!

For more Sailor Top inspiration and more chances to win a copy of the pattern, check out the rest of the Sailor Top blog tour:

Monday, October 27th | A Verb for Keeping Warm
Tuesday, October 28th | Miss Make
Wednesday, October 29th | Workroom/Make Something
Thursday, October 30th | Sewbon

Friday, October 31st | Very Shannon

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of the Sailor Top in exchange for this post but all opinions in it are my own. This post also contains affiliate links.

SEWING || PERFECT PATTERN PARCEL #6: FABRIC ROUNDUP

Have you all seen the latest Perfect Pattern Parcel? Number six to be exact and filled with some pretty awesome ladies patterns!

There are dresses, tops, pants, skirts...the list goes one! Some of my favorite indie pattern designers are in Perfect Pattern Parcel #6! I loved the versatility of all the patterns together and how if you made all of them you would end up with one fabulous handmade wardrobe!

What is Perfect Pattern Parcel? It's a wonderful collection of digital sewing patterns that support independent designers and children's education! Bonus part is you get to choose your price!  Perfect Pattern Parcel supports indie designers and gives to charity! All Pattern Parcel profits go to benefit teachers and students through Donors Choose.

Bonus Pattern: Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #6 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That’s only $5 a pattern. The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll. Vintage inspired silhouette is had two flattering necklines and a gorgeous skirt. The Odette Dress pattern goes from a size 4 through a 24!

The patterns included in Perfect Pattern Parcel #6 are:

BRONTE TOP || HUDSON PANT || JULIA CARDIGAN || SYRAH SKIRT || ZSAYLA DRESS & TOP

For my stop on the Perfect Pattern Parcel Inspiration Tour (see the whole tour HERE) I decided it would be fun to do a fabric roundup showing what fabrics I would use for each pattern in the bundle! I know that whenever I write a post showing something I've sewn some of the top questions I get asked are: "where did you get your fabric?" or "what fabric should I use?". And seriously, what's more fun that doing some online "dream" shopping? So I went on the hunt for some pretty fabrics at some of my fave online shops!

So grab a coffee and join me as we enjoy some girl time and go get inspired to sew up some new garments to add to our wardrobes!!!

 /// BRONTE TOP by Jennifer Lauren

1. Black Polka Dots on White Ponte De Roma from Girl Charlee  2. Black Greek Glyphs Ponte De Roma from Girl Charlee  3. Emmy Grace Ripples Knit in Pond by Bari J. from Hawthorne Threads

--->>> BONUS: Click HERE for a helpful post on Jennifer Lauren Vintage for choosing fabric for your Bronte Top! 

/// HUDSON PANT by True Bias 

1. Black White Acid Wash Cotton jegging knit from Wanderlust Fabrics  2. Onyx Fleece Terry Knit from Fabric.com  3. Bark Brown Cotton French Terry knit from Wanderlust Fabrics

--->>> BONUS: Click HERE for a helpful post from True Bias for choosing fabric and notions for your Hudson Pants!

/// JULIA CARDIGAN by Mouse House Creations

1. Gramercy Knit Commute by Limo by Leah Duncan from Harts Fabric  2. Wild Roses on Orchid from Wanderlust Fabrics  3. Arizona Tomahawk Stripe by April Rhodes in Night from Hawthorne Threads

 /// SYRAH SKIRT by Selvage Designs

1. Cherie En Route Gravel by Francis Newcombe from Harts Fabric  2. Black Abstract Shapes on Cream from Girl Charlee  3. Gramercy City Light Day by Leah Duncan from Harts Fabric

/// ZSAYLA TOP AND DRESS by Kate and Rose

1. Indelible Floret Stains in Mulberry by Katarina Roccella from Hawthorne Threads  2. Moonlit Gnome Pants by Rashida Coleman-Hale from Fabricspot  3. Wildwood Midnight Flora by Elizabeth Olwen from Warp and Weft

Isn't this an awesome collection of ladies patterns? I honestly don't know which one I would choose first to sew up! That's always a good sign!

You can find all things Pattern Parcel and purchase the pattern parcel HERE. Remember Perfect Pattern Parcel promotes independent pattern designers and all proceeds go to charity! Happy sewing!

Which one will you sew first? What fabrics would you love to sew up in a pattern from Perfect Pattern Parcel?

SEWING || BABY BOY BIMAA GIFT SET

I love babies and lately a few people I know have been having some gosh darn cute ones and surprise, surprise....I'm way behind on sewing up the baby gifts.

I got a chance to redeem myself for one baby in our family this past weekend. It's a boy so when that happens I get really excited (since I have girls), but after the excitement wears off, I realize I own mostly girl patterns and girl fabric. Luckily the last few Girl Charlee orders I made I stocked up on some adorable gender neutral prints for both myself, my kiddos, and any boy gifts I may need to make.

When I set about looking through my pattern library I realized that no matter what I saw all I wanted to make was the Bimaa from LouBee Clothing. One of my all time faves. I think this one is my 4th?  I adore this sweater. I figured the shawl collar or hooded version are gender neutral but my heart kept longing for the shawl collar. I really like shawl collared sweaters on grown men and knew I would like it just as much on a cute baby boy too. And boy was I right. I love how it turned out!

I really liked the combo of simple and easy everyday leggings paired with something a bit more interesting than a simple tee or pullover for the other garment. And really.....who could go wrong with penguins?  They are a fave around our house and I think I've made 2 other baby gifts with this much hoarded fabric. Every time I go to use it I find myself taking a lot of inner mental cajoling to cut into it. I'm so scared to use it all up because I love it so much and I think it's sold out now. I really want a pair of legging jammies for myself in the penguin print. Don't judge me...lol. But seriously? How cute would that be!?!! I would wear them every night. The hubs loves penguins so...me + penguin jammies = awesomeness in our house.

PATTERN |  Top - Bimaa Sweater from LouBee Clothing / Leggings - Baby Sweatsuit Pattern from Heidi and Finn
FABRIC |  Penguin print from Girl Charlee (I think it's sold out now), Dark Grey from stash.
SIZE MADE |  Top - Size 12mths, Leggings - Size 12/18mths
MODIFICATIONS | None
TAGS | Labels both from InkedPapers.

What's your favorite baby boy sewing go to gift? Do you love the Bimaa too? Would you rock penguin jammies? C'mon...spill the beans....