Read a Book: The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly {Book Review}

I forgot to post my book review for April! And barely missed May! So I was going to do a double one in May, but decided against it and glad I did since it's June! I didn't read too much in April, and fought through this book in May. As a result I'm going to use this as a "practice" to test out my scoring categories. Plus reading this book took me forever!

I'm reviewing The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly

I'm trying my best not to give spoilers here and be as vague as I can be. there is some slight foreshadowing in the beginning (is that what it is when it is past tense, but not revealed until the end?), but after the half way point it starts to become more frequent. You read just to figure out what her 'secret' is.  Hint: don't read the reviews on goodreads, people give it away!

Story Line/ Content
-The story bounces back and forth between present and past, which the author does fairly well. At least it doesn't cause to too much confusion. For my overtired momma brain, it was a bit much.
-I would have to reread the book to search for any foreshadowing, but there was nothing that stood out to me.
The beginning of the story dragged on. It wasn't until you meet the father who was originally presumed deceased, though wasn't, where the story picks up. Then the thrill and suspense kicks in!

Character development/
Honestly. I was not captivated by the characters. It felt like "Anniversary Party" meets "Daria" with a cross of "The Dreamers" thrown in, but not at all in a good way. The characters seem annoyingly flaccid in their interactions in the beginning. Biba is the only one who feels like her energy isn't dull or drowning like the rest of the characters. I see the attempt to juxtapose Karen's rich school mates with the delinquency from privation of Rex and Biba. I am annoyed by the characters and their interactions together. But without the conflicts between Guy and Rex, and Karen's search (almost feels like a search for herself), there would not have been much interest for this story.
I found myself mad with the characters once events started to unfold, even though I didn't feel drawn to them in the beginning, I grew to care for them as I read further. I found I loved the characters you were meant to love and in the end, sighed a relief with Karen!

readability/ writing style
It is easy enough to read. The story line moving so slowly with tense changes within each chapter and often times jumping back and forth multiple times within the chapter is almost too much. I feel I need to sit and re-read straight through. I would often jump back into the book after taking care of the kids and forget if I was in the present or the past. It was rather annoying, but it might have been because I was tired with too many interruptions to keep up with the book. Of course, it's not really the books fault!

Aside from it being hard to read in the beginning it was easier from the middle to the end. I was finally able to delve into it and immerse myself in her world.

The book itself reads like a modern day noir fiction. Well, it is a modern day noir. I loved it about this book!

Conversation worthy
For me? No. I honestly don't have much to tell you in reference to this book. Aside from the fact that I felt excited that I am able to label it as modern day noir fiction. It would be hard to talk about the book with people who have not read it! Too much mystery involved and not wanting to give it away!

If you read it, I'm sure we could spend some time discussing it! I am sure there are things I am missing. Honestly. If you were Karen's situation, would you do as she had done? Me, I probably would... Probably not... I don't know! Honestly, you have to read the book!

Invokes personal thought/ reflection

It does remind me of the want to rebel, to throw cares to the wind and who cares what happens. The alluring carefree days of young adulthood and the thrill of doing and behaving in a way that is just this side of bad. I don't know a single person who did not experience such a phase, short lived or not. This book takes a seemingly innocent rebellious behavior and throws in what happens when it's pushed over the edge too far. What happens when innocence Something about that late 90's and bringing back My So Called Life and the feelings that time era evokes.

Overall
I was excited about it being like a modern day noir ( I know I have said this multiple times but it's the most exciting part of the book for me, recognizing and feeling that it is as such!)
The story itself is pretty decent, though I think the delivery (to me) felt choppy. It's not a book to read intermittently. It needs to be read without so much interruption. That's hard to do with 3 kids demanding attention constantly!
For me, I wanted to give this book 2/5 stars originally. 1 for the story line (noir) and 1 for personal thought (emphasis on the story line). Other than that, it was hard for me to enjoy this book. Well, up until at least the last 40%. I would have given up reading it if it weren't for this 'rubric'.
I am giving it 5 stars as as it does deserve way better than I am giving it. The book deserves more focus and attention than I can give it. And to be honest I would want to pick it up again later when I have the time I can devote to this story and take it in all at once instead of small confusing piece by small piece.
But, it was a really good read and I am glad and excited to have pushed through!once you got to the last 25% (poor kids were ignored), I had a hard time putting it down. And then I had to hold them tight afterward!
What starts off as slow and sludgy does not end as such!

Books read in April:

In the Shadow of Banyan by Vaddey Ratner

The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian

Books read in May:
The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman
The Martian by Andy Weir
Sherlock Holmes Theater (3 Plays audiobook)

Check out my other books reviews here

Join me on GoodReads here, I'm always on the lookout of a new book!

Read a Book: After You by Jojo Moyes {Book Review}

This month has found me with my kindle during those late night baby feedings. As a result I have finished 6 books and started number 7! The only hard thing is putting the book down to care for the kids during the day. I get to engrossed in the story and NEED to find out what happens. Or in the case for this book, to involved in the characters and not finishing will drive me nuts.

The Story

Nothing like it's predecessor, Me Before You, which I absolutely loved. Instead this story follows our main character through the road of healing after the suicide of her charge from the first book. 

One can expect a person's world to fall apart after someone they love commits suicide. But to Louisa Clark, her fall apart is a deep depression. Almost to the extent of the reader developing an irritation in her actions, agitation toward her relationships she develops with others (how she handles those relationships), and a lack of pity and empathy for her situation. Majority of the book I was angry with the character, and in turn upset with the author. It was not at all what I had expected after the ending in Paris from the first book.

The introduction of Lily seemed to come way out from left field, as an attempt to keep the story going. Her selfish, argumentative, combative personality is tiresome. This character's mother only exacerbates the reader's frustration with Lily. 

I had a difficult time connecting with these characters, and in turn had a hard time feeling for the events which took place in the story. The only character I remotely enjoyed was Sam the paramedic, who was living his life; working, taking care of his nephew, and maintaining a 'farm', even after the death of his sister. To me he was real; he was relate-able. He makes sense to me. Despite what happens you keep living, keep doing what you need to do day-to-day. 

Besides my frustrations with the characters and it's affect on my appreciation of the events in the story, I fairly enjoyed it (once I got passed those things). Yes, your main character (Lou) is depressed. Is there any other way for her to behave? No. Her actions fit how the author set up her mentality. Lily is basically an abandoned teenager. Do I expect any better of her other than to combat adults? Not really. I knew 3rd-4th graders who acted in much the same way. It follows reality and I imagine the psychology of someone in a similar position. 

In the end...

The problem is resolved. Our main character overcomes her depression. Teenage Lily finds herself loved (her indiscretion taken care of - hilarious), and everyone moves on. Overall the ending made it satisfactory.

Throughout the book, it had some insightful moments in dealing with loss, healing and parenting.

My Rating

Over all, I rate this a 3/5 stars. But mostly because I got to a point where I needed to finish to see if/how things got resolved. Would I recommend it? no. If you've started reading it, go on ahead and finish. But honestly I don't think to much is missed if you don't read the book.

It did make me realize I need to develop some kind of rubric for scoring books. To teacher-ish of me? Probably, but I feel I need to keep things... hmmm... streamlined... accurate... consistent. Yes, consistency is needed. I'm thinking 5 categories for the 'out of' 5 star rating available on GoodReads. I'm an aesthetic reader, so I will miss things in the writing itself unless I have a hard time following the writing structure. I don't see words and letters. I am transported right into the story. It's great when I'm reading, bad when the kids are trying to get my attention!

So far this is what I am thinking:

     Story Line / Content

     Character development / ?

     readability / writing itself

     Conversation worthy

     Invokes personal thought/reflection

I wanted to go with aspects that are directly related to the book itself and also how it affects myself as a reader. Since not all books are the same, I think it might make it a little more fair? Probably not really, hmm...

What do you think?

What makes a book stand out to you? What makes a book awesome/horrible? What would you add/take away to a scoring rubric for books?

More:
other Books I've read this month:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry by Jon Ronson
Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau
Graduation Day by Joelle Charbonneau
The Third Door by Emily Rhodda

Join me on GoodReads here

Happy Reading!

Read a Book: Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey {An E-Book Review}

Happy Leap Year!
February has been an interesting month and even though our Lil' Munchkin arrived, I was still able to get some reading time in. Hey, those late night feedings are good for something as she sleep nurses. Of course it is hard not to fall asleep while reading, especially when already tired...
I am thankful for the extra day this year to let me finish my third book for the month, and to be able to get this review up!

Here are the books I have read this month!
Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey
The Silver Door by Emily Rodda
Love Does by Bob Goff

This book, I have no idea how I came across it. I don't recall. But I read it as part of the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge for task 16: "read the first book in a series by a person of color" ...

The Story
This was a fascinating murder mystery, set in Ghana, Africa. We follow the detective through his investigation of the murder, while unearthing the truth to his own family tragedy.

I found the character in the book as neither extremely likable nor hated. But it is not because they were not developed well enough. They were developed well, with aspects which make them admirable and not. I did not like, nor appreciate, the main character's addiction to marijuana and his aggressive behavior. But at the same time, his aggression was towards those who mistreated and abused others or broke the law (even though his was hypocritical, with the marijuana addiction).  Yet, these elements of each character made them more real.

I found the language intriguing. The way the characters interacted and spoke to each other was almost formal. I wondered if this was just the others writing style or the way they actually spoke to one another. I'm thinking the later since the author, though living in the states now, was born in Ghana.

My favorite parts was the glossary of terms at the end and the background information of the given in the beginning about the servitude and slavery of women taken by "fetish priests" (Trokosi). A huge part of the book focuses on the controversial of the Trokosi within the nation itself. Ok, maybe not huge, but it took up a big part of it. 

It's a series!

Am I going to pick up the next book in the series? Probably, probably not. I really don't know right now. I liked it, but am not chomping at the bit to read the next one... I do want to learn more about the detective's family and what happens with his son who has a heart problem and the insurance in the country is not great, they cannot afford the surgery he needs.

Extra Thoughts

As a teacher, we were always on the lookout for books and stories which accurately betrayed other cultures. There are so many out there which do not give an accurate representation of countries and their people. When I end up finding one I hope does provide an accurate representation, I want to share it. I hope this book is such.

What do you think?
What books do you think are great/accurate representations of other countries, other cultures, and their peoples?

Read a Book 2016:
Maltese Falcon

Happy Reading!

Read a Book: The Maltese Falcon on Audio {An Audio Book Review}

So, one of my goals for this year is to read 30 books. And after reading some others' reading goals, I thought I might share with you my thoughts on the stories I read. At least once a month sharing one of the books I have read and my thoughts on it (I got the idea to share from HattieLuHandmade)! The hard part was picking which book to share with you! I have enjoyed them all!

The Month of January I read:
Inside the O'briens by Lisa Genova
For the Love by Jen Hatmaker
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hamett

It was hard because I really want to share Inside the O'Briens with you. But I am deciding to go with The Maltese Falcon.

I have not seen the movie with Humphrey Bogart, nor had I read this prior. I bought a copy after I read Mildred Pierce by James M. Cain in college and felt that I needed to read more vintage crime novels. But, I never actually read the book.

The Story
I'm not going to give too much away about the story itself.

I wouldn't mind picking this one up again! It was captivating, the characters were fascinating especially the multi-layered Miss Wonderly. I pictured in my head Sam Spade as rough around the edges. But the time period of the 30s is fascinating, especially when dealing with the PI stories of the time. The story has everything I imagine for a 30's PI story: Deception, Murder, Mystery, Womanizing Romance that only the 30's can portray, conniving women with their just as dubious male counterpart.... No one is innocent or free from scrutiny.

The part that sticks out to me the most is the first scene between Sam Spade and Kasper Gutman. I found Gutman humorous and actaully kind of reminded me of someone I used to know (no longer associate with) with his round-about, 'I'm better than you', gentlemanly-type talk. But the line that sticks out the most is their toast, "Here's to plain talk and clear understanding". I found that line fascinating. Slightly the antithesis of the character himself, in reference to Gutman, and exactly the opposite of what transpires between the two characters immediately following.

The line got me to thinking about our relationships with those around us. Really, how often do we say things that either beat around the bush to how we really feel? Or it is something that we think the other person wants to hear? But even if we speak truthfully, the other people usually will read into thoughts or assume the worst when it was not the intention. But if we speak plainly, is there only one way but through clear understanding? Can we really get mad at others for feeling the way they feel, especially if they share those said emotions and thoughts?

The Audio
Actually, I am still stuck in this feeling that I still haven't actually 'read' the book as I listened to this one on audio. I've tried listening to books on tape before (books on cd/audiobook same thing right?). I always felt bored listening to the same voice over and over again. But this one was different, nice, in that it had a full cast to portray the characters. It kept me engaged and interested, but I still wonder how much I have missed through not actually looking at the words.

It was fascinating though. I was able to work on cleaning, housework, sewing, crocheting all while listening to this book. I listened straight through earbuds on my phone and loved it! It might have helped that is was an Audie Award winner book! It does make me want to see Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade...

Tell me
Have you read/heard/seen The Maltese Falcon? What were your thoughts?
What have you read/listened to recently? Did you enjoy it?

Do you think listening to an audio book is the same thing as reading?

Until next time...

Reflection: 2015 Resolutions and Goals Revisited

At the beginning of the year I wrote the post Happy New Year: Welcome 2015 (New Year's Resolutions - Goals). I wanted to go back and see how I did, reflect on the year. What better way to decide where to go next year than by looking at the past year; and, of course, so I don't repeat mistakes and unachievable goals. Right?

My 2015 Goals:

1. Selling Handmade/ Handcrafted Items

2. Design and sell foundation paper pieced patterns

3. working towards becoming debt free

4. Buy a bigger car

5. don't skip meals

6. Sleep 8 hours a night

How'd I do?

1. I decided against the clothing aspect. I have no interest in the compliance and all other hoops to jump through in order to sell. I respect and appreciate those that do. It is too much time, money and stress for me. At least I am honest.
Do I still want to make quilts and bags to sell? Yes! Do they have compliance laws? I have no idea, and I guess it would be something to look into. But, with the new baby that probably will not take place this year.

2. I have not listed more than my Arizona Flag on Craftsy. My laptop died. We got a chromebook. Excuses/excuses... I need to work on that one some more. I still have an alphabet that I was working on, but again not something this next year, or at least immediately.

3. Working towards debt free. I have no idea how to share this with you without giving a ton of (too much, not necessary?) info. We got more than halfway there. Then, the credit cards started getting used again and... Well... That went out the window. We got back on about a halfway through the year, then stopped again because of the baby. Budgeting helps. It is necessary. We live paycheck to paycheck at this point. Is it ok? Sure. The end goal will happen. Projected time frame? 2 years. Eek. But hey, it's something. As long as we can keep things under control, stick to the budget and not stray, we can probably finish faster.

4. Buy a bigger car. How can one save up if your paying down debt? You can't. It doesn't work. You can't do both at the same time. End result? We now need a new car, thanks to beautiful baby #3 due in 5 weeks, and not much to use towards it. Oops. But, our little girl is totally worth it. I look forward to holding her, and seeing her daddy and brother and sister with her!

5. don't skip meals. I haven't been tracking it. I can't tell you how many I have skipped. I know it's a lot.

6. Sleep 8 hours a night. Yeah, not tracked. but I am usually in bed by 9 and sleep until about 5:30/6... Maybe with 1 or two wake ups in there... That's about 8 hours. I can't function without it. And I usually nap about an hour every day too. Will I keep it up after baby? we'll see...

Reflection and Application:
Somethings that I set out to accomplish were... reasonable... but not extremely realistic for me. But, Live and learn, yes? I have a list of things that I need to replace which wont happen until after the debt is paid, but at least I have learned that lesson and a lot focuses around the budget/debt aspect of goals.

I'm in the process of writing my goals for next year and trying to keep in mind keeping them SMART. I learned that in college for planning IEP Goals. You would think I would have kept that in mind for myself too. But, the more you do it the better you get at it. But, so many people reference that in yearly, monthly, daily goal setting.

I am thinking planning is a big one for next year. A way to document and track how I am doing towards goals. I need to figure out a way to measure them...

Let me hear from you!
Did you make goals last year? Did you meet them? How do you monitor your progress throughout the year?

2015: Year in Review {Round Up}

I have not posted in over a month? Things have been crazy with the holidays! Parties, my little guy turning 5, Thanksgiving and Christmas! And soon, the New Year will be here! But, I wanted to share with you your favorite posts with the top views, my favorite posts and say a huge Thank You for reading!

Your Top 10 Favorites

1. Diamond Y Blog Hop: English Paper Piecing

2. May Mystery Challenge: History Theme

3. Building a Capsule Wardrobe: Moving on to the Kids {Boys Printable Wardrobe Planner}

4. Building My Capsule Wardrobe: What I've Learned

5. Tiger Tail Tutorial

6. Mystery Challenge: Black and White

7. Girls Capsule Wardrobe Planner

8. Ethel Tote

9. A Good Pair of Jeans Aren't Sewn in a Day

10 a.Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop Berry Bunch Round Up

10 b. Boys Can Wear Pink

Oh, these were some of my favorite projects! I loved sewing/making/doing each and every single one of them! It has been such a fun year, even though I don't feel I have posted much this year due to the pregnancy.

Here are my top 5 favorites from the past year. They are in no particular order. :)

My Top 5 Favorites

Tea Party Dress

Halloween: Spiderman Themed Costumes

Over in the Forest Jelly Roll Quilt

Clothes for a Baby Shower

Thumbs Up Tee

This last one, more of a reflection on my part had no pageviews at all. It was my first time doing a blog tour on my own. It was fun. I was excited about it, but al around it didn't get much views. I ended up competing with a big time blogger running a similar type tour at the same time (which I had no idea about until after), and I had just gotten back from vacation. I had scheduled the posts ahead of time, but it made promoting the tour a little crazier than I had anticipated. 

Least Views

A Week to Beat the Heat: Round Up

The blog tour was so much fun! The ideas were awesome and I learned a lot about actually doing a blog tour on my own. I have more ideas for blog tours too and really would love to try doing some more. We shall see where this new year takes us!

Thank You!

Thank you for the memories and thank you for reading.

S is for Sewing {Sewing With Boys: E-Book Review}

Welcome to my stop on the Sewing With Boys: S is for Sewing, Blog Tour!

I love sewing for my boy. Half the stuff I make is for him. He loves it and will choose a handmade item over store bought any day; the other day he chose a handmade shirt over a store bought ninja turtle shirt!!! Husband and I were totally surprised, and I must say I was super stoked!

And, the Sewing With Boys team has done it again with another ah-may-zing EBook! (didn't see their first one, check out my tour post here) You can pick up your copy of the e-book here discounted 15% off for a short time!

Articles:
My little guy doesn't start school until next fall summer (since we start in the middle of July) and I am not sending him to preschool mostly due to cost. So instead I have decided to homeschool him in preschool, but these articles are totally applicable even now. I can't wait to apply them to when he starts kindergarten next year.

My two favorites are Handmade Back to School Wardrobe and Back 2 School Photo Tips and Tricks

Building your kids wardrobe is almost a daunting task when left without a plan. But the article gives great representation, pattern options, and combinations that can fit into any boy's style. And since my little guy is outgrowing his current wardrobe, I am going to be (hopefully) planning to replace items in bigger sizes!

Back to school pictures have always left me... well... daunted. Maybe it's because the kiddos aren't going to school (yet) or maybe it's because my mom never really took pictures (well, at least once we moved to AZ from CA). But I have seen some co-workers pictures, online bloggers pictures and I always wondered how they planned and arranged the photo shoots. The tips and tricks in the e-book have definitely helped instill ideas and prep needed to take some awesome photos for back to school!

Pattern:
The E-book has 4 main patterns. I sewed up the Quadrilateral T for my little man. the pocket is awesome for little nick-knacks or small toys that he decides to bring with him (and there is always at least one).

I realized with the pictures I sewed the pockets on the wrong side. I will have to fix that tonight after he changes. He wont take it off today!

Extras:
Like their last e-book. This one has lots of extras and patterns.

I sewed up the pencil pouch using leftover fabric from the first quilt I made for little man.

The knee patches are the perfect thing for this little guy as he finally wore out the knee in a pair of pants! It's the first time he has ever done this, but he is a boy after all! :)

obviously, that is not my best sewing but I was unable to push a needle through that by hand and I could barely get the leg onto my sewing machine. I wasn't ready to pick out the inseam threads but I think that might need to be the way to go to get a patch on that hole in his knee. Plus, the child wanted no design on it. Weird kid. LOL, but he is happy his knee wont show or get scratched if he falls again...

And, if you haven't freezer paper stenciled anything yet, there is an awesome tutorial which gave me an idea for little man's birthday... in about 5 months!

But for now... We were outside enjoying the after the rain...

Don't forget to check out these other awesome ladies and their reviews/creations from the e-book! Lots more to see and share!

July 13th
Pattern Revolution
Sewing Mama Raeanna
Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts

July 14th
From-a-Box
Lulu & Celeste

July 15th
Huisje Boompje Boefjes
The Berry Bunch (your here!)
FABulous Home Sewn
House of Estrela

July 16th
Mae & K
Oh Sew Boy!
Wild & Wanderful

July 17th
create3.5
Call Ajare
The Wholesome Mama
Rebel & Malice
Handcrafted by RED

Blog: Sewing With Boys
Etsy: Sewing With Boys and SWB S is for Sewing Ebook

The Diamond-y EPP Blog Hop: English Paper Piecing: All Points Patchwork by Diane Gilleland

I signed up to review a new book coming out and creating an English Paper Piece project. The book is All Points Patchwork by Diane Gilleland of Crafty Pod. Check out the book's website here! My project, a color order 6 point star turned into a case for our chromebook (which, now at this point, is just a 6 point star).

The Book:

I seriously love it. All Points Patchwork by Diane Gilleland is informative, but not overly so. It is great for those who have not ever done English Paper Piecing before, but also those that have. From great tips to creating your own projects to troubleshooting issues with stitches and suggestions for each shape, it is a great book for all levels. As she states in the book, she doesn't want a collection of patterns because she wants it to be a resource for the reader to use and to create their own projects. There are images of projects made though so you can see so many different ways to use paper piecing.

As I have only made a couple applique pieces using hexagons I was totally excited to read the book (so helpful) and make something using a different shape.

While making my project, I seriously referenced this book constantly! Loved it!

The Project:

I decided to make a 6 point star in color order and turn it into a sleeve/case for our chromebook. so far I was able to complete the star, but I cannot wait to turn it into a sleeve for the chromebook! I love how it looks and have been admiring it all day today (literally, I cannot believe that I made this)!

I used fabrics from my stash and used some tips in the book for using my finished star piece in this project. In the book she talks about fabric choice as well, and I have to say... I wish I had more solid colors in my stash, because this star would be even more stunning!

And one more. I almost just want to make a pillow, or a trivet, or something else besides a chromebook sleeve with this. But, I had bought these little 4x6 photo containers for scrabooking kind of like this one here (only half the size) and it holds small EPP projects to go just perfectly!

Check out these other lovely ladies as they post their diamond projects!

Also, there is a giveaway that Clover has jumped in to do too!

international entries allowed

Giveaway ends Midnight on Sunday, June 14th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Sewing

A Good Pair of Pants Aren't Sewn in a Day: Women's Bundle Up {BlogTour with Winter Wear Designs and GreenStyle Creations}

I love jeans. They are comfy. And, when they fit right, they make a girl look good.

The hard thing is? A good fitting pair of jeans are so hard to find! For the past year, I have been wanting to make my own pants but scared out of my mind! The Bundle Up Women's tour was the perfect opportunity to check this one of the list, and I sewed up a super cute tank to go with my new jeans! (don't worry, they both fit in my new capsule wardrobe)

There was so many awesome patterns, it was hard to pick. But having been wanting to sew up a pair of jeans, the choice was clear. Check out these awesome patterns in the Bundle Up Women!

I signed up to sew GreenStyle Creations Jillian Tank and Winter Wear Designs Real Deal Jeans.

Isn't this such a cute combo? Love the jeans, so comfortable! The top is so lightweight, cool, and flowing. Perfect for summer! The under tank is perfect to pair with other tops, or on it's own. Love the whole combo!

Winter Wear Designs Real Deal Jeans:

Modifications: I adjusted the rise in the back to account for my tiny hiney. sadly, most of my girth is in the front. But, I haven't been in single digit sizes since I first met my husband a little over 8 years ago and this was a size 8! I am super duper excited about that!

Embelishments: I added some free motion quilting to the pockets. Love how it looks and adds that perfect extra touch!

The Pattern: Honestly, I was terrified to sew up a pair of jeans. Why did I wait so long? So I could sew up this pair! The directions are simple and easy to follow. The pattern pieces themselves weren't difficult either. The pattern has cutting lines for shorts, capris or pants! I almost went with the shorts option, but I rarely even wear my capris. I just love pants.

One thing that I think scared me was the time. You have got to make a muslin first to get a great fitting pair of jeans! Make sure you are at your best physically too. Trust me, when you are bloated is not a great time to make a muslin! I may, or may not, know this from experience. ;) But in the end, with the time invested, you get an awesome pair of jeans!

GreenStyle Creations Jillian Tank:

I added nothing and changed nothing to this pattern. Isn't it awesome!

The Pattern: super simple. easy to follow directions. It is also a quick sew! The outertank works great for woven or knit fabric! It comes with a bandeau option, or even a sports bra! This is really like 4 patterns in 1!

The back is cool. And I am so proud of these pants!!

Check out some of these other amazing bloggers and their creations!

Mimi's Mom - Baby Fish Designs - The Wholesome Mama - Gloria June - Sew Happily Ever After - Manning the Machine - Sew Like My Mom - Sproutign Jube Jube - Keep Calm and Carrion - Friends Stitched Together - Thread Riding Hood - Gingerbear Hibbadorary - Pensebrox - Sew Starly - If Only They Would Nap - Handmade Boy - All Things Katy - Bunch-o-Berries - Bee Quilted BeautiesSew Thrifty - Made by Sara - Feathers Flights - Mabey She Made It - Mae and K - Sugar Plum Cuties - Rebel and Malice - House of Estrela - Phat Quarter Blog - Sofilanjes

Have you already gotten your patterns? Sew some up and share your creations on instagram using #bundleupwomen and if you haven't gotten your bundle yet, head over! The Bundle Up sale ends May 8th!

Happy Sewing!