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Browsing Tag: sewing
My daughters and I are SO excited to be sharing new looks today featuring Simple Life Patterns. We are ready to dazzle and shine for our holiday season. If you haven’t started sewing yet (or still need to shop for patterns), SLPco is having it’s last sitewide sale of the year. Sale runs from 11/11-11/25 and EXCLUDES svg cut files.
For my tour makes I decided to showcase that SLPco now offers women’s patterns. I’ve made so many for myself so far (Sapphire is my favorite right now for our cold weather)! My gorgeous 11-year-old daughter is now 5’8″ and measures into the size 00 on the SLPco women’s size chart. I decided to make her a glittery stretch velvet Samantha dress. I wanted something that she could feel comfortable and stylish in for Christmas Mass and relaxing at various relatives’ houses throughout the holidays.
The Luna Loungewear pattern is available in women’s sizes from XS-XXXL and girls sizes from 2t-16 and 8P-16P. There are options for a just-above-the-knee length nighty and a cami that pairs beautifully with the shorts or capri-length bottoms that include optional pockets. Seriously, who doesn’t need pockets in their loungewear? So perfect! The women’s version includes a shelf bra as does the girls version in size 8 and up. Everything can be made out of a cozy knit or the shorts/capris can be made out of a woven fabric.
For this project, I used a quilting cotton from Joann Fabrics for the shorts and a lovely cotton lycra from Peekaboo Fabric Shop for the cami. I need to order more colors of this cotton lycra because I can see many more sets of these pajamas in this little lady’s wardrobe! This set just has so much ‘big girl style’while still being all comfy and cozy. I’m especially appreciative of the option to add a shelf bra starting at a size 8 because I can see this pattern being useful not just for pajamas, but also for layering camis as she grows.
I can not WAIT so sew up another set of the Luna Loungewear… and this time I think they will be for ME! The trimless pattern and ability to print just the layer I need mean this project will come together fast! And so just maybe I’ll also need a Boyfriend Cardigan to go with my shorts and cami set as a comfy little robe for chilly mornings. Want to make some loungewear for yourself or a little girl in your life? The Luna Loungewear pattern will be on sale over at Love Notions through Saturday, July 23rd so hurry on over and grab your copy!
One of the beautiful pictures I pinned, quite some time ago, was of the Brooklyn Pattern Company’s Franklin Dress sewn up by Probably Actually. I LOVED it! So gorgeous in its simplicity and super cute for a little girl. When I found this adorable lightweight corduroy in a woodland print from the Doodles Collection at Joann Fabrics, I knew it would be perfect for this dress.
The pattern was very professionally done, with cleanly drafted images to illustrate each step. It reminded me of directions that come with the traditional paper patterns that I used for many years. The dress came together beautifully, with lovely details like little pleats on the bodice. It features three-quarters length sleeves, pockets hidden in the side seams, and front buttons that are perfect for little girls who want to get dressed without any help. Since I used a fabric slightly heavier than recommended, I lined the dress with a pink lightweight cotton for a fun little pop of color.
I made a size 6 dress for a little lady who was closer to a 4T or a 5 on the size chart depending on the measurement. It is still big on her, which is perfect, because around here we start putting together fall and winter wardrobes really early. However, for now, we are switching back to sewing for summer… still have to get some swimsuits made in hopes of warmer weather!
I was chosen to test the side pocket option with the crossover hood. Both my 8 and 5 year olds love the side pockets! The crossover hood and raglan sleeves and add an exciting twist to a standard hooded sweatshirt. For my older son’s sweater, I used navy cotton/lycra and kelly green interlock. The weight of the interlock added a nice stability to the hood.
So last week, I was finally able to share pictures of my Sun Kissed Tee by Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop in a gorgeous Art Gallery knit. If you scroll through the blog, you can see that I’m a HUGE fan of PAB. I have sewn over 100 garments made with PAB patterns in the last 22 months.
There are a few reasons for that volume of sewing (not that I have to justify sewing excessively to my readers, I imagine).
I’ve been quiet on the blog recently but not this week. THREE patterns that I have been testing over the last few weeks are all releasing today! Have you checked out Alisha’s post on The Sotnos top we tested together? I sure am glad that I got my daughter’s First Communion dress done early so I could kick back and do some fun and less stressful projects!
Next up on the blog today is the fabulous new women’s Sun Kissed Dolman tee from The Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.
I love everything about this pattern. I tested the women’s size large standard hem version. The only modification I made was my usual addition of an extra 2″ of length at the waist since the pattern is drafted for the standard 5’5″ and I am 5’10.”
One of the things I love the most about this pattern, is I feel it is flattering from all angles. I have four children and a large bust line. I like my clothes to be fitted but not clingy. I like my necklines to be stylish, but not too revealing. I love the cap/dolman sleeves that hit at just the right spot, so I can be cool but covered.
I want to be able to live in my clothes. I want to wear clothing that makes me feel beautiful but that I don’t constantly feel the urge to suck my tummy in a bit more, pull down my shirt, or pull up the neckline. I know I will live in these this summer as we play at the park, hike, and camp. I have even made one in french terry to use as a swim cover-up!
This shirt is perfect for me, and I cannot wait to share the different colors and one exciting mash-up I made over the next few weeks as life allows!
Here are my top reasons for declaring this pattern a perennial winner:
I was chosen to test a size 6. Even though this big guy is just starting to outgrow many of his size 6 clothes, his measurements matched up perfectly with a size 6 on the pattern chart. The finished result was a perfect fit and an outfit that he loves.
The cargo jogger style pants are designed to be made out of bottom weight woven fabrics or medium to heavy weight knits. The waistband is extra comfy with wide elastic encased in a soft knit. For this particular pair, I used a twill from Joann Fabrics and a matching interlock for the waistband. One of my favorite aspects of these pants is all of the little details – ample pockets, a faux fly, pleats at the knee to allow for free range of movement, and lots of top stitching.
The shirt pattern from the Vanguard Kit comes with multiple colorblocking options, can be long sleeve or short sleeve, and has three neckline styles – crew neck, v-neck and a lined or unlined hood. There also is also an optional pocket. This shirt is designed to be made from stable medium-weight fabrics so I used coordinating interlock fabrics for this shirt.
After testing, the knee pleats were moved up a couple of inches, but regardless, the fit is fantastic. Perfect for the active little (or not so little) boys in your life!
Why do YOU need the Vanguard Kit in your pattern collection?
1. It is on sale from now until Sunday, March 6th for only $7.00
2. It comes in sizes 2t – 14.
3. The pattern has nested layers so it is simple to only print the sizes you need.
4. The shirt comes with multiple variations.
5. The shirt is a great way to showcase or even use up small pieces of custom knits.
6. The pattern is rated for confident beginners and delivers very satisfying results.
7. And finally…. because sewing for boys is fun too!
(This post contains affiliate links. I received a copy of the pattern for testing purposes. All reviews and opinions are my own)
I’m squeezing in right under the wire with this blog post as the link up ends tonight. If I had planned my month better, I would have been outside taking pictures on Saturday when it was 70 above. Instead I headed out today when it was 20. BRRR! If I look like I’m shivering in this first set of pictures, that’s why.
I learned how to sew when I was just a little girl from my grandma. Through the years, I’ve still loved it, but I never made the time to sew. In the past year, I’ve made some wonderful new friends who have pushed me to rediscover my love of sewing. I love the feeling of wearing something I made or seeing my boys pull a shirt or pants I made them out of their closet to wear.
I am in love with Patterns for Pirates. I have loved every single one of their patterns that I’ve sewn from kids to adults. They recently released the Slim Fit Raglan, and it is a new staple in my closet. The fit is spot on, and I love the different hem options and sleeve lengths it comes with. I used Raspberry Creek Fabrics Club line for this shirt, and it is unbelievably soft. I grab it first as soon as it comes out of the laundry! I used the 3/4 sleeves with a band and cut the shirt on the hemmed line but still added the band. I have a bit of a long torso, and this length is my favorite!
See…I look freezing! We sprinted inside right after this picture.
Before Patterns for Pirates released their Slim Fit Raglan, I whipped up this lace overlay raglan. I used their Women’s Raglan pattern, but since I wasn’t a fan of the boxier fit, I modified it. I used the curve of the Henley pattern on the bodice with the sleeves of the raglan. It was an easy mod as all I did was lay the Henley piece on top and line up the underam mark. Then I traced the sides and cut my raglan piece to the new dimension.
I used dark coral cotton lycra from Peek a Boo Pattern Shop and stretch lace I found at Joann Fabrics. I cut the cotton lycra and lace panels separately. To assemble the shirt, I basted the lace onto the front and back panels within the seam allowance. After that, assembly was easy! It adds a dressy look to what originally was a plain cotton lycra shirt.
I’ve really enjoyed getting back to my love of sewing! With quality patterns from Patterns for Pirates and wonderful material from Raspberry Creek and Peek a Boo Pattern Shop, it’s easy to sew clothes that I love to wear. Here’s to another year of sewing ourselves some love!
My teammate Emily and I were both chosen to test the Tea Party Dress and Top. Remember our first joint post when we tested the Very Merry together in October? We are posting jointly today to share our creations with you!
I was selected to test the size 8 top and Emily was chosen to test the size 6 dress for her little girl.
Isn’t that gorgeous? Emily tested the full dress version, featuring piping, flutter sleeves, an elastic waist, and sash.
It features a beautiful button up back view and a nice skirt that is both full and hangs well. I love the yellow print Emily chose. It is perfect for spring!
I literally started sewing within a few hours after being selected. I first made my assigned style and size. I recently purchased several yards of a coordinating collection available at Hobby Lobby to make the girls’ Easter oufits. I knew this dress was exactly what I was looking for and would go well with the fabric I had in my stash. As usual, I made a size 8 lengthened to a size 10 for my tall daughter. I followed the instructions for adding a piping accent and the flutter sleeves. The flutter sleeve pieces are very simple and quick so you won’t regret using them.
One of the things I love about Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop’s patterns is that I can be confident that the size chart is accurate. For this loose, woven top, go by the size chart for the perfect fit. For Middle Miss, this meant making one size smaller than her usual size in RTW knits and adding length.
After initial testing feedback, some ease was taken out of the “skirt” portion for a better fit. The fit is still generous, but look how nice and polished my second top came out? We even tried a new locale to get the perfect shot.
The fabric is Bees & Bits Spring by Millie Fleur Bari J. for Art Gallery. A local friend had finished a gorgeous dress out of it and destashed the remnant to me, and I just barely had enough to make this top, but it was worth all the fussy cutting!
Finally, no pattern test is complete for me without a sister shoot – plus it also brings me closer to finishing Easter outfits for all my girls! Head on over to
The Show and Tell Project Blog Facebook page
I tested two different sizes. My 6 year old is wearing the size 7, and my 8 year old is wearing a 7/8. The sizing for both was spot on for my measurements. My boys happen to love dressing up for Mass on Sundays, and this sweater vest is a great addition to their wardrobes.
I was nervous before testing this pattern because I have never sewn a V-neck before. However, the instructions were clear and concise, and the pictures were great and easily understandable. The V-necks turned out great and professional-looking. I used an argyle sweater fleece and coordinating solid from Hancock Fabrics, and I’ve already purchased more sweater fleece in a different color to make more!
My boys and I spent the afternoon up at our State Capitol taking pictures, and they received many compliments on their vests! My 5 year old loves the vests so much that he keeps stealing my 6 year old’s and wearing it. I guess it’s time to make him one of his own.
Make sure to pick up the Vance’s Sweater Vest over at Create Kids Couture in newborn, boys, and tween sizes! It’s a great staple piece to enhance your son’s wardrobe.