You know your birthday is just around the corner when you can see it on the 10 day forecast (which, btw, let’s not have rain on my birthday. Please?). I’ll be 28 this Tuesday, but age has not stopped me from treating my birthday like a fucking holiday. It IS a holiday! Let’s celebrate by looking at pretty things!!
Sooo at this point, I think you’d have to be living under a large rock to have not yet seen Megan Nielsen’s Breakwater Collection, but just in case you haven’t… GO LOOK. Everything is amazing, the pictures are glorious, and I NEED THOSE CULOTTES.
I would use this gorgeous Thakoon cotton to make them up, because yes.
I know… I’m, like, light-years behind everyone when it comes to the Archer Button-Up. I have totally been eyeballing everyone’s versions and I think I’m ready to try my hand at it too!
Perhaps in a lovely double-faced blue plaid cotton?
Or, ooh, how about this preppy green striped shirting? Sorry, my inner Nard-Dog is showing.
I would love to ease myself into bra-making with this Bambi Soft bra pattern from Ohhh Lulu. This would make the perfect lounging bra, and the size would be easy to customize (since I can never find anything my size in stores).
I think it would look lovely in this Marc Jacobs embroidered silk. The fabric is a bit expensive, but thankfully bras don’t take much yardage, so you can splurge a little :B
… or maybe whip a few up in this gorgeous Thakoon Crepe de Chine (ohhh Thakoon, why can’t I quit u). Because what is the point of making a bra if you’re not having fun with the fabric, amirite.
I just love the new Deer and Doe patterns. I have the Bleuet (and have I made it up yet? Nope… still waiting for fabric inspiration to strike), but I’m pretty sure I also need the Belladone. I have a beautiful striped silk shantung that would look PERFECT with that back cut-out.
Speaking of patterns I already have… I’m gearing up to make a few pairs of these Ooh La La Leggings from Papercut Patterns and while I initially settled on some lovely basic solids, I’m thinking I need crazy prints now! I’ve started running (very very VERY slowly, I might add!) and I love dressing like an idiot when I exercise :B
Like this giant floral jersey…
… or maybe this crazy geometric jersey?? Ok, the latter is probably too thin for leggings-as-pants…. but, actually, we all know I’m not ashamed to show my ass. Whatever.
This purple floral cotton is EXACTLY what I need to make up this pattern… aka my 2013 Sewulution!
I love this green ombre cotton. I don’t know what I would do with it; probably just carry it around everywhere with me and sleep with it under my pillow đŸ˜‰
More of these labels, please! I also love these, but I think they need the real word on ’em đŸ™‚
Hm, looking back at this post, it seems like all I care about this year is fabric and patterns. Oh, and a gravity feed iron, but that is gonna have to wait until my Rowenta completely dies đŸ˜‰
What are you lusting after right now? Any other May babies out there? Bonus if we are birthday twinz!
EDIT Juli has generously given us a discount code for her shop, we can all celebrate đŸ™‚ Use the code LLADYBIRDBIRTHDAY for 15% off everything in the Sweet Little Chickadee Shop – patterns, embroidery kits, or those amazing labels. Yay! Thanks, Juli đŸ˜€
LLADYBIRD 
These will be nice presents!! I am May baby too.
I need those culottes too! I have a pair I bought and love! They are great for my hips, which never fit into conventional sizing! I want at least one pair for every day of the week! Happy Birthday! I’m hoping for no rain for you đŸ™‚
I’ve been eyeing those culottes for a couple days now! I’m on board with any comfy shorts that look fancier than they are. I’ve been tempted by the Papercut leggings, too, but it’s such an expensive pattern (well, all of them are) that it’s slightly off-putting. Hopefully soon! (That or La Sylphide, even more expensive but, so…pretty…and all that pattern utility! A shirt! A skirt! A dress! It’s all I could want)
I’m not wishing you a happy birthday until your birthday, you must wait! My mom’s a may bb, though, hers is coming up…uh…tomorrow, YIKES.
Haha, girl, the Papercut patterns are only a dollar or two more than the Megan Nielsen patterns… change the currency to USD, you’ll see! Plus the shipping is free đŸ™‚ Also, the La Sylphide is so amazing; I’ve been meaning to make another blouse… I have the fabric, just got sidetracked by all the other awesome in my sewing room hahaha
My mom is a May baby too! Her birthday is the 7th, though – exactly 2 weeks before mine đŸ™‚
Happy early birthday! That’s my son’s birthday too (he’ll be 4). Looks like you have a great birthday in store — love those fabrics!
BIRTHDAY TWINS! Happy early birthday to your boy! đŸ˜€
HA! Love those labels!
PLEASE make the culottes! I have to admit, I’m waiting to see how they look on other folks before I commit…
I know what you mean; the pictures in the lookbook are amazing, but really that model is a BABE… nothing would look bad on her, haha! I feel confident that they’ll be pretty cute, though – I’ve made up the Kelly and the Briar (pictures to come!) and neither have disappointed me in the slightest. I just love the idea of a tiny flippy skirt that isn’t actually a skirt. I must have this, ha.
It’s like you read my mind! Happy birthday to you!
I’m a May baby too, but mine was at the beginning of the month. I have stared at that blue plaid many times, but I’ve never been able to actually just buy it already. I think it’s on my “fabric I can’t afford” board, along with pretty much everything else from Mood. đŸ˜‰ I am totally going to get some of those labels though, maybe some of each because they’re that freaking awesome. Guess I know where my birthday money will be going. đŸ˜‰
Aw, happy belated birthday! It’s funny you consider Mood expensive; compared to my local fabric store, the prices are 1/2 to 1/3 of what I pay here. I don’t like polys in my fabric so I try to stay away from Joann’s for the most part đŸ™‚
Thanks! đŸ™‚ It’s partly because the budget is tight right now đŸ˜¦ and partly because I have expensive taste (not often to be confused with GOOD taste). đŸ˜›
Culottes will be really cute on you. BTW, I was excited over the Vogue 8317 pattern you made the yellow skirt from and showed my daughter who is your age the pics and she loved the skirt and wanted one right away. BUT, now I’m finding how hard it is to find the discontinued pattern. She needs the EE size so if you or anyone else knows where I can get that, PLEASE let me know.
While I can’t help you find that specific Vogue pattern (I can never find OOP patterns, I’m a doofus when it comes to that search, ha)… have you seen the Hummingbird by Cake patterns? It’s very similar – the peplum might be a little taller, but I think you could probably adjust the ratios on it to look more like the Vogue.
Ooh, I’m with you on the bra-thing. I’ve found a couple of patterns but have not been able to pull the trigger. Perhaps a lladybird sew-along is in order??
If my first try came out good enough, then yes, I could probably be convinced to do a sew-along đŸ™‚
A bambie bra sew-along? Yes, please! I just saw Maddie’s version, and I have to make one! Also, I’m a May baby too đŸ™‚
Ahh! You must make the bambi bra for your birthday. Must! I think you can do it before Tuesday too!
Hahaha normally I could, but not this week… I have a friend coming to visit today, she’ll be here until Monday. Then I have work and my knitting group on Monday evening. So not unless I stayed up very late sewing on Monday! đŸ™‚ But maybe I could make it for my vacation the next week….
My birthday is tomorrah!! And yes, the only things I am lusting after are fabric and patterns (Deer and Doe, a;alksdf;klasd;lkj)…and more time to sew! I’m not even supposed to be at work today, as I scheduled a long birthday weekend but well…yeah. Shizz happens and I gotta finish this project. I’m heading to Alaska tonite to spend time with my family, and you can bet I’ll be suckering my mom or aunt into a trip to the (local!) fabric store. MOAR FABRIC!11!!1!
Yay May birthdays!! Happy happy #28, LT!
YAY HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY!! May babies, we are the best haha đŸ™‚ My vacation is next week, and I scheduled a few more days off after I get home so I can have a ~sewing vacation~. Have fun in Alaska, and ys… go get more fabric. Call it a birthday present, duh đŸ™‚
Lovely fabrics! đŸ™‚
I’ve tried to make a couple of bras, but I’m still scared of them…. đŸ˜›
I’m mostly just vexed about the whole sizing/muslin concept… it seems that you can’t get a proper muslin without doing the whole shebang (with the elastic and hooks and everything), but if it doesn’t fit, then you’ve got this bra that doesn’t fit. And I guess you could give it away… but I dunno, it makes my heart hurt to think of spending that that money on something I can’t even wear. I dunno. I’ll probably try it eventually, but I’m not ready just yet!
I think I’m scared of it, because I have a pretty big, uhm, front side, and my bras have to sit perfectly, or I won’t feel comfortable. And it’s just a lot of work for such a small thing.. But I really DO want to learn how to make them! đŸ™‚ Sometime in the future, when I get some more courage, hehe.
Have you looked at the ‘demystifying bra making’ by the lady who does orange lingerie? I bought the ebook, and it has stellar fitting advice.
I’ve heard it mentioned on several blogs, but I haven’t had a chance to look at it. My library doesn’t have a copy, I may have to interlibrary loan that shit.
It’s only $10 on amazon, I’m not sure it’s in print yet, it might only be an ebook.
Happy pre-birthday! There should be a system for handling the pre-birthday runup, like Advent calendars without the Xmas. Preferably with cupcakes.
I am particularly digging your big-print leggings idea, because why be afraid to work the rear view? I presume you’ve seen Oonaballoonas’ acid-trippy geometric-print ones. (I’m sure you have, you do the Mood thing–they are totally awesome, and they totally say to the world “I believe in the greatness of my bum ” with such conviction the world is compelled to agree. Not that Oona doesn’t have a great bum already… okay, getting stalker-y, going to stop now)
I HAVE seen those leggins… both on the ‘nets, and in person. And I’m going to go out on a limb here and say Oona has the best bum out of all the sewing bloggers. There, I said it and I stand by it!
I’m excited to see what you come up with for the Archer pattern. I haven’t been at all interested in it because I need my tops to be fitted or I have no shape. I’m sure you’ll come up with something that makes me re-think this pattern.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday! Have a great day, and nothing wrong with obsessing over fabrics! Perfectly normal!
I would love to see your version of the culottes and the leggings. Somehow I can already see how awesome they’d be! Hey you share a birthday with my sis ~ yay for holiday birthdays! I’m taking an extra day off to hang with her by her pool đŸ™‚
Woohoo happy early birthday to your sis! Jealous of your pool hangs đŸ™‚
That Ohh Lulu bra pattern is cute! Heading over to check it out after this… I have a hard time finding my size in stores too. Am I, errr, brave enough to try sewing a bra??! maybe after I tackle a few pairs of pants/ summer shorts…
Also loving your fabric wishies… good taste! Printed leggings would be awesome.
Happy (early) Birthday!!
I think you hacked my Google search history . . . I’ve been drooling over those culottes, and this morning I was scouring for reviews on the bra. But, I’m like you. I can’t bring myself to do a bra, for fear that there would be a fitting issue . . .
you just sent me on a tear through my mood portfolio…
Happy Birthday! May baby here as well, on the 1st! I won a $200 Mood gift certificate on my birthday, woot woot what a lucky ass I was this year. So I just bought a shit ton of fabric I was lusting after and can’t wait for it to arrive so I can get down to bizness!
DAMN girl! That is an awesome birthday gift! So excited for youuu!
Well, I had to wipe the drool off my face before commenting! Your Bday wishlist is incredible and we share many of the same pattern tastes I think ;o) I actually can’t wait for you to make some crazy print leggings…whoop!
Oh my gosh I went a bit crazy last week and ordered 5 Deer & Doe patterns, they are all SO MUCH PRETTY! I had to have them đŸ™‚ Argh, stop showing us such pretty Mood fabrics, I hope they hurry up and do international postage soon (and I hope it’s a reasonable rate) they are seriously missing out on the international loves – do you know they ask you to ring them to enquire about international postage, are they kidding, from New Zealand?! I should just get on a plane and fly over it would probably be cheaper than the phone call đŸ˜‰ Anyway, I also have the Papercut leggings pattern, not sure if I am brave enough to rock that awesome pattern but I definitely want to make them up soon. Have an awesome birthday!
God, I want all those D&D patterns… I’m pacing myself, buying one at a time haha đŸ™‚ And regarding Mood international shipping… I’m thinking they are working on fixing that, so hang in there đŸ™‚
that deer and doe pattern is beautiful— off to lurk them all now . . .
ps. happy early burthdayyyyy
Hooray, May babies — happy birthday! Birthdays should be treated like holidays, I agree. (Btw, I am totally pretending that coupon code is for MY birthday, haha — 29 on the 29th, yay!) I bought the same double face blue plaid awhile ago for a gift-Negroni, but it’s SO NICE and soft that I selfishly decided to keep it for me. You should totally get it for an Archer shirt!
Happy golden birthday!!! And good to know that plaid is great stuff (of course, isn’t everything from Mood great? đŸ™‚ )
I’ll take the deer and doe dress in all three fabric choices. Will provide dress upon completion. Thanks in advance!
*address
May baby here too…and I’ve been so danged busy this month that I haven’t even thought about it. *LOL* Hope you get a few things from your list!
How could you forget?! Let’s CELEBRATE!!
My mom’s birthday is next Thursday, my son’s is Friday, and mine (and my daughter’s) is Sunday. Lots of crazy Geminis in our family. Keeps things interesting.
I tested the Megan Nielsen culottes and they are pretty awesome. They truly look like a skirt. I’m planning a longer version in a nicer fabric. (I used a gross stash polyester *spine shiver*.)
My husband took me to the symphony last week for a birthday present. I *may* have mumbled “I’d rather have fabric” on our way there.
Happy Birthday, lovely lady!
Hehe, I love all your May birthdays! It really is the best month to be born đŸ™‚
Good to know about the culottes! I’m itching to put them in my shopping cart RIGHT NOW but I don’t let myself buy any gifts until after the ~big day~ (since that’s when my mamaw gives me money… no shame here, nope), so I’m basically sitting on my hands right now.
oooooh yea! I’m loving the Nard-dog shirt! I’m gonna miss them!
happy birthday! I hope you get everything you want!
I would love to see the deer and doe pattern made! I have a wedding in September (although in cold Scotland) but I am thinking this could be the dress…. May need better sewing skills though!
Have you seen Sonja’s version? Honestly, that’s what swayed me. It’s SO pretty!
I had not seen it! It looks amazing! Thanks for pointing it out!
I’m lovin those labels – damn perfect if you as me! My son is 5 May and his cousin 17 May, same year – they are what we are calling “double digits plus two” this year.
Hehe, I like that!
May 14. I turned 63. I cant believe it either ! Still around 38 39 in my head !!
5/14 is my brother’s anniversary đŸ™‚ Seriously – May is the best month!
Oh my birthday on Tuesday too!!
BIRTHDAY TWINZZZ!! đŸ˜€
we share a birthday then…happy birthday for tuesday dear heart đŸ™‚
Happy Birthday for Tuesday. Mine’s next month but I am going to try to sidle past it and hope nobody notices! Still, what’s the alternative to having another birthday I always say. You have made me want yet more patterns to add to my growing project list. I was very interested to see the Deer and Doe ones are right here in France – who knew? Well, you of course but you get my drift.
Happy birthday, birthday twin! đŸ˜€
tee hee – these days i like to celebrate the {WHOLE} darn month of may đŸ™‚
We are exact birthday twins, off by a year! (I turn 27 this Tuesday). Happy birthday in advance!
I treated myself to some yarn for an awesome new sweater-vest, and some really impractical bicycle-print quilting cotton.
Another birthday twin! Happy early birthday – enjoy 27, it’s a good ‘un đŸ™‚
I love your birthday treats! Now let’s see that quilting cotton… I am interested in all things bicycle printed, ha đŸ™‚
My birthday is May 31st and I told my boyfriend I wanted a mini steam iron (for pressing on the sewing table). He was like “Really? And you’re not going to hit me?” getting all suspicious…tee hee
Happy birthday! So many lovely things to look at…
Happy Happy Birthday!! Looks very similar to what I would put on my birthday wish list đŸ™‚ My Rowenta is dying a slow death right now so I need to check out that iron!
Happy Birthday. I just came from celebrating a birthday dinner for myself! Do you know how many May babies are sewists???? It is completely unreal!! And, i’m loving that Dear and Doe dress. I’ve only recently began hearing of the company and am looking forward to seeing some patterns all sewn up.
Just proof that May babies are the best, I guess! đŸ˜‰ Happy birthday, btw!!
Exactly! And, thanks!
My birthday is on 20 and I will be 28 too. I wish it was on 21 so I could be in the same day with a sewing celebrity đŸ™‚
Happy birthday! You’re awesome!
Hey, then it looks like it’s your birthday today! Happy birthday!! đŸ˜€
Happy birthday! That’s a stellar bday wish list. As far as I’m concerned, we should celebrate our birth month instead of just a day. I hope the day itself is lovely for you, though!
Oooh, yay, happy almost birthday! Man Friend’s birthday is in May, too, (30 next week!), so I should probably buy myself some patterns to celebrate, yes? Pretty sure that’s how it works.
OK, so, the Bambi bra pattern ALMOST tempts me to try a bra. I don’t know why, but even though everyone and their mother seems to be making gorgeous bras lately, it just seems tedious and with such potential for epic disaster. I can easily imagine myself throwing a bra-related tantrum! But if you decide to try it I’m really interested to know how it goes!
Forreal, I totally feel the same way about making bras. I feel like i’m gonna fuck it up sooo bad. Too bad we don’t live closer; we could have bra-making parties and be there for each other’s moral support haha.
and YES, you totally get patterns to celebrate Man Friend’s birthday! Wish him a happy birthday from me while you’re at it đŸ˜€
Happy birthday! Love reading your blog. I started running last summer and am currently training for my first 10k. Just wanted to share a warning I wish I had known when I first started running….avoid cotton! It chafes and keeps that hot sweaty mess in making you feel really hot on those warm summer runs. Good luck!
Ooh, that makes sense! I will keep that in mind. Fortunately, all the jersey I bought this go-round is rayon, so hopefully it won’t be all hot and chafe-y, ew!
I love to read other sewists’ wish lists. So fun! I am in love with Megan Nielsen’s new release, too. And I haven’t bought the Archer yet, because we’re are moving into hot summer months now in Cali, but I’ll be sewing it up come fall, for sure.
Happy Birthday! Make it a week-long celebration. And thank you for posting the discount code for Little Chickadee. I’ve been wanting the Elisalex dress pattern & ordered it along with the Alma blouse–can’t wait to get started on them. I love that Thakoon cotton & the green ombre–maybe for the Alma…
It JUST occurred to me to follow your blog after seeing a post in someone else’s that looked like something you’d make but then would subsequently look way prettier in than the girl that posted it. Don’t tell her I said that! Anyway, happy birthday! -Matrixx from LJ
Those tags are ridiculous! Love it! (Happy Birthday, possibly belated….)