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Category: coat

Octave

I recently had the pleasure of testing a new pattern for Love Notions, the Octave Coat. This coat is so versatile! It can be dressed up or down so easily with fabric choice, offers a shawl or hooded collar, includes generous pockets in a clever design, and the choice of a belt or button closure. The option of a lined or unlined coat also gives all kinds of options for looks and added warmth.

I made a shawl collar coat with a button closure in a thick, cozy fleece from JoAnn Fabrics. Instead of trying to make a buttonhole through those thick layers, I sewed a snap under the button. Continue Reading

Love Notions Navigator

I haven’t sewn many pattern tests this year, but it’s hard for me to pass up a Love Notions pattern test…especially when it’s something so darn practical AND cute!

The Navigator Pullover is an on trend, half-zip pullover with a front kangaroo pocket, and options for a collar or hood in sizes 2T through 16. It’s designed for stable knits, and perfect for boys and girls. I chose a cotton lycra French Terry with 4 way stretch from Raspberry Creek Fabrics, but many of the testers used less stretchy ponte or fleece with great results.

As always, Love Notion’s finishing is spot on, making it easy for your projects to look professional. The tutorial includes links to videos for the tricky parts. Look at how nicely that collar and zipper line up!

Stay tuned, I’ve heard rumors that this will be coming soon in adult sizes! I can hardly wait! But…one more photo of the boy because he is so stinkin’ cute!

 

PAB Pattern Favorites for the Fourth of July Sale!

From patterns to fabric to digital designs, all of us at the Sew and Tell Project have enjoyed shopping and sewing with Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop!

We put together this special post today with some of our favorite patterns in case you decide to stock up during the Fourth of July Sale!

To take advantage of the sale visit Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop and place your order! All sewing patterns are buy 4, get 1 free! No code necessary!

Need inspiration to fill your cart? Check out what the Sew and Tell Project team has made and loved!

Mariposa Dress and Top. Sewn by Alisha.
Swan Lake Leotard. Sewn by Eleri. (Make sure you also check out our tips and tricks for sewing with swim which features the Sun n Fun Leotard!) This one was made with swim supplies from the Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop! 3. Rocky Mountain Raglan. Sewn by Genie and Eleri. Let’s not forget the MEN in our lives. Stock up on affordable knit solids and the Rocky Mountain Raglan pattern and whip up a pile for your favorite guy!

4.  Bahama Mama Swim Wear PAB has a nice range of mama-friendly swimwear to keep you sporty and cool all summer long! See what Alisha and Eleri made below!

5. Sun Kissed Dolman and Little Miss Sunshine. Sewn by Eleri.

6. Bridgeport Jacket. Alisha made the black one using board short fabric from the shop!

7. The Lullaby Line Cardigan bodysuit. Check out Genie’s adorable cover model!

 

8. The Felicity Dress.

9. Marilyn Swimsuit. Made by Emily10. Dream Land Nightgown made by Emily. Keep it cool on hot summer nights in a breezy nightgown! 11. Lullaby Gown. Perfect for all the babies in your life! Made by Alisha. Check out the entire Lullaby Line for every baby’s need! 

12.

Pocketful of Posies. Continue Reading

Gracious Threads Softshell Jacket

I’m really excited to be blogging about the new Softshell Jacket from Gracious Threads today! If you’ve been following Sew and Tell Project for awhile, you might remember that Jessica was the winner of Season 12 of Project Run and Play!  I can’t believe it’s been almost exactly one year since we competed in this awesome sewing competition.

We’ve stayed connected to the other contestants throughout this past year. When Jess needed testers for her new Softshell Jacket though, I noticed that I had some free time in my sewing calendar so I hurried to sign up because the sewing community is cool like that. Bonus: This jacket is exactly what the kids needed for our upcoming trip to the U.K.

 

I ordered my softshell fabric from Frollein-S. Softshell has a thin layer of fleece fused to a water-resistant layer of fabric. My softshell also has a slight stretch to it. While my daughter measured closer to a size 4, since she was between sizes, and I wanted growing room, I sewed a straight size 5 for her. She will be able to layer this over a sweater and I can uncuff the sleeves as she grows this winter.

I opted to sew the simple version (View B) of the jacket. I just did a complete reorganization of my sewing room and now my piping and zippers are all stored neatly. I have so many notions I wanted to only use from my stash. This separating zip was from a bundle given to me by my mother a few years ago that she picked up at a tag sale. This was also the first time I shortened a separating zipper. One reason I still test patterns occasionally is that it challenges me to try new things and expand my sewing skills.

I have sewn about a half dozen outerwear/jacket patterns for myself and my crew. View B is by far the simplest construction of any jacket pattern I’ve tried and I think the fit is fabulous. If sewing outerwear has been a challenge for you, I recommend you start with this pattern!

Speaking of challenging and testing me, my usually super cooperative 3 year old was NOT super cooperative for pictures. We even went out twice to get some! I do however have a softshell jacket cut out for my middle daughter now that more softshell fabric has arrived! I can’t wait to share more views with a more cooperative model and with enough zippers to make the beautiful View A!

Make sure you grab your softshell jacket pattern now while it is on sale for $6.75 through August 25th!