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Category: Kids
Summer is finally here!
With school ending, I had some non-dedicated sewing time and decided it was high time to whip up a fun, summery outfit for my middle daughter (who is now a SECOND GRADER!) What says summer more than a cute halter top in a fun print? This is the Be Trendy Halter Top by Ellie and Mac, and I have a copy to give to a lucky reader! The skirt is SLPco’s free Gracie’s Pocket Skirt, and all three of the fabrics came from JoAnn Fabrics.
You have probably heard me mention this before on the blog: Katarina Roccella’s Skopelos line was the line that drew me to the fabulous Art Gallery Fabrics. I think every AGF fan has a particular collection that spoke to them….. and then made them obsessed.
But this post is about beautiful In Blue fabrics. I’m linking up with several other talented bloggers to showcase this beautiful blue-themed collection in a blog tour hosted by Cassy from Pear Berry Lane.
Celebrating the release and blog tour of the Fighter Tee is very special for me. For one reason, it is a pattern designed and written by my friend Kelly of Handmade Boy and drafted by the generous Tami from Love Notions Patterns. For another reason, I have always had great respect for Kelly and the welcoming voice she is in the sewing blog community. Kelly usually has my YES before she even asks. Kelly has asked me to participate in something important – and my yes is resounding.
Love Notions Bluezette is a pattern that I’ve been wanting to try and I’m so excited that I had an excuse to use it! With five skirt options, two bodice choices, and three sleeve lengths, there are so many ways you can put one together. In fact, I ended up making two, and they are going to get so much use this summer.
The dress is designed for knits, but any of the gathered skirt options will work with lighter, drapey fabric choices, and I knew right away that I wanted to use the amazing Art Gallery Rayon in Swifting Flora Boho I’d been hoarding (it’s so soft, and was a dream to sew).
Today I have something fun to share with you – a new pattern from Gracious Threads for BOYS! The Cache Cargo Shorts are the perfect staple for every little (and big!) boy’s wardrobe since there is such a wide size range – all the way from 2-12. Be sure to check out the giveaway details at the end of the post – we have a copy of this new pattern to give away to one lucky Sew and Tell Project reader!
The Suit Up for Summer Blog Tour is the perfect way to kick off the unofficial start of summer! A big thanks goes to Tami at Sew Sophie Lynn and Karly at Paisley Roots for organizing all of this! Be sure to head over to one of their blogs to enter a giveaway and link up your own swimsuit projects – there are two fantastic prize packages to win!
It’s no secret that I LOVE sewing swimwear, so I decided to make two very different styles to suit the different kinds of water fun that we’ll hopefully be enjoying this summer! I’ve had my eye on this Marilyn Vintage Swimsuit pattern from Peekaboo Pattern Shop ever since it released earlier this year. Such a fun classic style! I opted to make the ruched tankini version with cross back straps. The bottoms have a wide, comfy banded waist. My little girl’s chest measurement was smaller than a 6, but otherwise she needs a 6, so it was a simple matter to tighten the chest elastic so that it wasn’t sagging open in the back like so many swimsuits that she has tried on from the stores. This is one reason I love sewing – custom fitted swimsuits are SO much more comfortable!
6/2018 Update: Patricia is the SLPco Pattern of the Month! You can grab it here for only $8!
I am so excited to share Simple Life Pattern Company’s newest pattern: Patricia’s Boho High Low Top and Dress. Like all Simple Life Patterns, Patricia is LOADED with options. Layered printing, several sleeve and tank options, dress and top options, dramatic or moderate skirt option. Patricia can be made in knit or woven and looks amazing in lightweight flowy wovens such as voile, rayon, and thin jersey knits. Fun Fact: The Patricia is named after talented fabric designer and Art Gallery Fabrics owner, Pat Bravo.
I have been so excited to write a blog post about these two patterns and I finally can!
When I went to Quilt Market last fall, I had the pleasure of meeting Lindsey from Sew to Grow Patterns. Lindsay is a talented pattern designer and sewing instructor living in Australia. I love following her Instagram to see where she will go next.
When Art Gallery Fabrics asked me to sew up some women’s rayon looks for their Fusions lookbook, I contacted Lindsay since I immediately thought of her beautiful Bondi Top as suitable for flowy fabrics like Art Gallery’s newest substrate rayon. I used the Millefiori print designed by Pat Bravo Designs. I think this is actually the first WOVEN top I’ve made for myself on my sewing journey and it’s love!
Welcome to the Sew and Tell Project! I have had so much fun being part of the Knock It Off Tour and I’m excited to share my most recent project with you today! As fun as it is to let my creativity shine in the clothing that I create for myself and my children, sometimes it is great to straight-up borrow some inspiration from higher end brands. It isn’t a secret that I have a weakness for European inspired children’s clothing yet it’s something that I rarely purchase. Hanna Andersson and Mini Boden are two of my favorites, but it is hard to justify spending over $40 on a simple play skirt for a little girl. At times like this, I’m so glad I can sew! Just look at this darling skirt from Mini Boden! It comes in fun colors and also a classic chambray. SO perfect for pairing with a simple top and sandals for summer or fun tights for cooler days.
I have a teenager.
Weird, right? This itty bitty girl is now nearly 14 and in the 8th grade:
This was a flower girl dress that I made her. Back then, she liked party dresses with fluffy skirts, and ruffles, and bows, and really anything Mommy made her. Things sure have changed! She still likes the things that I make her, but the focus has changed. I think now it’s more about my taking the time and thought to make her something, while still wanting to look like her friends. The hardest sewing lesson I’ve had to learn is to listen to her and use fabrics and patterns that she likes. We still have our disagreements, but giving up the ruffles and florals when I sew for her has gone a long way. Now, if we could only find the perfect compromise to hemlines and NOT having everything fit like dance wear…