I had the pleasure and honor of testing the new Cape-tastic pattern from Mummykins and Me by Rebecca Page. This cape can truly be anything you want it to be! In fact, in the testing group over 34 modifications were done! Let your imagination run wild. Frozen cape? Sure! Dinosaur? Why not! Dress cape for church? YES! Red bird or toucan or owl? Of course!

My sweet Lilliana asked me for a Monarch butterfly just as I was trying to figure out what to make for my cape. How perfect! So we sat down and talked about what colors the Monarch had and what design the wings had. She was there helping me design her cape every step of the way. Does your child like to help "design" as well? This pattern has a line drawing page in it! Print it out and let your child color in the feathers or design the cape!

On our trip to the fabric store Lilliana got to touch and decide what fabrics she wanted. This pattern calls for woven for the main part of the cape. Fleece is a great option! But we chose a light kona cotton. It's perfect for our Texas weather. We chose fleece for the orange and felt for the white.

I made some modifications from the pattern. I used some old cardboard and made a template for the wing shape. Cut the lining and the outer fabric by the template. Then used more cardboard for templates for the wing designs. Lilliana and I carefully put the design on the wings and pinned (this was her favorite part!). After sewing on the design it was time for the antennae. I used a piece of hook and loop on the hood, and then sewed a pipe cleaner on the other part of the hook and loop. Then I hot glued large pom poms onto the pipe cleaner.

Her favorite part? Flying of course!!

To celebrate the release, you can the child's Cape-tastic for only $6.50 (full price is $8.50). Or grab it bundled with the adult sizes too for only $8.00!! Sale prices valid until 31st October (yes, you got it, that's Halloween!).

Now go get the pattern and create something wonderful!

http://rebecca-page.com/product/capetastic-bundle/

Straight Stitch Designs View Ridge Top

Kimberly at Straight Stitch Designs is quickly becoming a favorite PDF designer for me! Her creations are classic with feminine designs and flattering lines. I discovered her patterns over a year ago with The Greenwood tank. The tank top was one of my first PDF tests and my very first with Kimberly. I loved her designs so much that I watch for her testing calls and sign up when I've got time! The latest call went out for the View Ridge I jumped at the opportunity-and was giddy when I saw Kimberly's email in my inbox! 

This pattern didn't disappoint. Kimberly described it as fun meets feminine and I think that is right on point. I tested my shirt in a super soft and slippery peach skin fabric, with a lot of drape. So it really falls over your bust line and curves well. I scored this fabric at Walmart for $1.50! I made the version with the ruffle on the bottom. I wasn't sure about a ruffle for me but forged ahead and trusted the design. I couldn't be happier with the outcome. 

Complete with a key hole back and a bias neckline this top really is a great design. It's on sale through May 11 for only $8! It's worth it full price but a steal at only $8. Go get your copy today! http://www.straightstitchdesigns.com/product/view-ridge/

Ruffle Headband Giveaway!

Winner is Jutta R!!

I am trying out a new giveaway option :) And seeing as though I haven't given anything away in a while, here we go! Enter to win below for a chance to win this sweet pink double ruffled headband!

Weekend Tester Slots!

Inspired By Amara is now making Embellished Bobby Pins! There are a number of styles already made and many more available. I have a pair that I need testers for! They are round beads and I am not sure how they'll hold up.

If you are having trouble entering on the blog, use the google doc HERE
Testing slot will be drawn Sunday evening for this pair of bobby pins!

If you'd like the opportunity to test them out and will give feedback, please leave a comment below with the following (leave them in one comment):

1. Mandatory entry: be a facebook fan of Inspired By Amara and tell me who your FB name is and email (or just watch the page to see when the winner is announced!)
2. Tell me what you'd like to see IBA do next! (+1 entry)
3. Follow this blog via GFC (+1 entry).

Happy Father's Day!

I just wanted to give a shout-out to the best husband I could ever ask for and the best father Amara could ever have. He adores her, and she him. It's an incredible relationship they have. Full of giggles and love. I am blessed beyond measure having them both in my life. Here they are enjoying some nose nuzzles just after he got home from his nearly year long Really Long Business Trip the U.S. Government kindly sent him on! Happy Father's Day Mark!

Calling all bloggers!

I would love to sponsor a blog review/giveaway on your blog! Do you have a blog you actively use? Comment below with your name, and email and blog. If you feel uncomfortable leaving that info, watch facebook and I will announce that a reviewer has been picked!

Reviewer will be picked using random.org out of the comments left.

Thanks ;)

~Jennifer

First Blog Giveaway!

Welcome to the Inspired By Amara blog!

Facebook has gone wonky in it's giveaway rules! So rather than loose my facebook page I've started a blog simply to host giveaways and do an occassional review. Not bad, eh?

I'll tell you a little about myself. I am a stay at home mama to Amara. My 16 month old fiesty little girl who is full of opinions about the world around her. I started making bows when I couldn't find any that I liked for my sweet girl. And then I decided to make some for me!

So you'll find hair accessories for little ones, hair accessories for ladies and fun items for boys too!

Now to the good part. How about a giveaway? I will let you pick any item in my In Stock! album or any of the other bows/flowers I have in stock. Have a boy? Pick some in stock fabric and I'll make you a bow tie. Anything up to a $10 value.

The giveaway will close on Sunday June 12, 2011 at 8pm Central Time

How to Enter: Enter HERE

1. Be a fan of Inspired By Amara (mandatory entry)

For extra entries:
1. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect
2. Go to the Inspired By Amara facebook page and tell me your what favorite product is!
3. Refer a friend! You get an extra entry for any new fan you refer to my facebook page. Just have them write on the wall and tell me you sent them!

Thanks and have fun!

Please note that this giveaway is not at all associated with facebook.