The Train To Crazy

School Clothes {pants & tank}

I recently bought a copy of Sewing Clothes Kids Love. When I opened the book I was overwhelmed by great color and design. I'm pretty sure the title is spot on as well.

These are my first projects.

The Dortje pants & the Brooklyn tank. 

Clearly the pants are long. I washed them and they shrunk up just enough that now they fit perfectly.

I followed the instructions pretty closely and the fit works well. I did eliminate the side seem allowances on the pants to accommodate my thin girl. The only thing I would do differently next time is make the tank longer. I added the ruffle on it because it was short. As a size 110-116 I assumed it would fit my 106 cm little girl. Guess not. The tank is great, just needs a bit of length. I'll definitely be making more. I really love the pants. They are a bit labor intensive when you add so many details but I think it is worth it in the end.

The book really encourages you to embellish and use ruffles, gathers, ribbons and appliques. These pants don't look much like any of the examples in the book, which is part of the beauty of the book. So many possibilities in each garment. 

I give the book two thumbs up. I especially love that the patterns go up to a size 11/12 and includes some unisex patterns. So, if you love sewing kid's clothes, grab yourself a copy of Sewing Clothes Kids Love.

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Book Recommendation: Priceless [& a Giveaway]

I am sure I've mentioned it before, but I tend to start books and never finish them. I'm a good starter. Every now and then I'll finish a book within a reasonable time (a month). Very rarely do I read a book in all my spare time and finish it within a day or two. Well, guess what I did this week.

I received Priceless: A Novel on the Edge of the World 
in the mail last week from the author and had it finished within 2 days. It's good!! 

What I loved most about the book is that while it is not a true story, it is dripping with reality. This story is set in Moscow and the sex trade industry is the backdrop. From the first chapter until the end you won't want to put it down. It is an eye opening account of a very real reality for 27 million people in our world. Are you passionate about people and helping those who suffer? Then this is a book for you. Even if you are just up for a great story, this is for you.  

This is the second novel by Tom Davis. The first novel, Scared: A Novel on the Edge of the World , is equally as riveting. Both novels clearly show Tom's passion for the orphans and the victims in our world. It is no surprise that he is the founder and director of Children's Hope Chest (an organization worth your time to check out). Tom's blog is also worth subscribing to.

Want to read the first chapter for free to see if you like it? Visit SheIsPriceless.com for a behind the scenes video and a free download of the first chapter!  

And now for the giveaway portion! I'm giving away a copy of Priceless (courtesy of Tom Davis) to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment! The contest will be open until Tuesday, June 22nd at 8 p.m. EST. 

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. 

Fine Print: I received my copy of Priceless for free from the author in exchange for a "honest, frank review." So there you have it.