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Category: Love Notions
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.
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!
For the blog tour, I opted to make something that is just my fit and style these days. I live in the upper Upper Midwest (like almost to Canada, yo). I sewed up View A with the optional yoke. I added 3″ to length both to account for the usual 2″ I add for my 5’10” height and also because I like my tops to run a little long to accommodate all the chasing and bending I do all day as a “go-everywhere-but-home” homeschool mom.
I wanted to add a bit of subtle detail to my Sloane, so I decided to add some embroidery to the yoke. Originally I wanted to do a full Mexican-inspired embroidered back yoke but ran into some challenges midway through the project. I ultimately decided to just add some light embroidery using only a backstitch to the shoulder yoke. I’m really glad I opted to do this instead of my original design because whether I wear my hair up or down, my hard work can be seen. I actually used a good old fashioned tea towel transfer for my design.
I styled my Sloane with my favorite Mossimo high-rise skinny jeans from Target and my Merrell Moto Boots. I used fabric from my first order from Stylish Fabric. This is a Denim French terry with very nice drape for my main and some scrap cotton lycra in my stash for the yoke. I chose cotton lycra for the yoke (it’s not recommended for the body of the Sloane) because I wanted it to have some stability for embroidery. I interfaced the shoulder section of my yoke, did my embroidery, and then lined my yoke by cutting another yoke piece to cover up the back side of my embroidery.
I hope this project and other projects on the Sloane Blog Tour inspire you to join us in making 1 Sloane or a dozen! Make sure you check out all the other makers!
Monday: Sew Shelly Sew, The Wholesome Mama, Ruby Rue Creations
Tuesday: Third Shift Creations, Sew Like a Sloth, Four Seasons and a Roadtrip
Wednesday: Seamly Behaviour, My Heart Will Sew On, Ma Moose
Thursday: SewSophieLynn, Very Blissful Blog, Kainara stitches, Sprouting JubeJube
Friday: Sew and Tell Project, Sewing curves, Princesse et
After a grand silence here on the blog by little old me, I have an exciting new pattern to share with our dear readers!
Tami from Love Notions Sewing Patterns has updated and extended the size range on her popular Ladies’ Sloane Sweater Pattern AND also released a brand new girls’ Sloane Sweater! You can buy both of them in a bundle right here!
Why do I love Love Notions Sewing Patterns? Size range of 2T-16 for girls, line drawings to showcase the different options/views, and excellent fit advice! I also love the no-trim pages and layered printing to take me from computer to sewing machine quickly!
Why do I love the Love Notions Sloane Sweater? My Middle Miss, Queen of Dresses and Leggings, has worn her Sloane Sweater 4 times since I made it last week. It’s the first thing she pulls out of the clean laundry. She has since asked if we can buy more french terry and if I can make her “a hundred more.”
I guess I can see her point.
The slimmer fit View A is fitted, but still cozy in this deep merlot heathered french terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I used Bari J’s Garden Rocket print from the Bachelorette Fusions by Art Gallery Fabrics. I always have beautiful scraps of Art Gallery leftover that I can’t bear to part with you!
Even with taking the time to include details like the contrast yoke and of course blending sizes for my slim daughters, the Sloane Sweater is a quick sew. After making a muslin to check armscyes and length for my tall daughters, I was able to make this beautiful version in under an hour.
The subtle curved hem looks great with skinny jeans and will definitely become a wardrobe staple in our house. I can’t wait to make many more Sloane sweaters – including one for me!
What is your favorite option on the new Sloane Sweater?
I found as I was pushing back my summer clothes to the rear of the closet, that my fall-appropriate RTW wardrobe is just not enough for me.
Enter the Origami Tunic and Cardigan by Love Notions! I was looking for something that had a relaxed fit without being bulky that would also work well with my new French terry obsession. I’m mainly a cotton Lycra girl, and while CL is on the list of fabrics for the Origami, switching up your fabric choices can really vary your look.
I am in between a M/L on the Love Notions size chart depending on measurements. I ended up making a large so I can layer this over a thin tee this winter and also wear it with jeans without the hem clinging to the fly front (a pet peeve of mine). I used this beautiful double brushed French terry from the Peek-a-Boo Fabric Shop. It is also available in olive and charcoal. I loved this so much I ordered some more to make girls’ Origamis for my daughters!
I love the loose cowl neck that makes the Origami tunic extra cozy. Even though I am 5’10” I did not need to add any extra length to the sleeves and since I wanted this to pair well both with leggings and with jeans for our upcoming trip to the U.K. I did not add any additional length to the tunic. I do appreciate that there was a shorten/lengthen line for easy adjustments though.
I’ve already ordered a few more cuts of French terry to try the handkerchief hem view of the Origami. Which view is your favorite?
I (Alisha) chose to make the Hip Hop tank with sleeves. Fall is rapidly approaching in North Dakota, and I knew I wouldn’t get as much wear out of a sleeveless shirt. While digging through my fabric stash, I found this coral colored lace I had been hoarding from Hobby Lobby. I decided to layer it over a gray cotton lycra. I made a couple modifications to my shirt. First I lengthened it by 2 inches. I’m about 4″ taller than the height Tami drafts for and I find that adding a bit of length just makes everything fit better. I also prefer my shirts on the longer side. I also widened the neckband to add a bit more of the gray around the neck.
To make my overlay, I simply cut the front and back out of both the lace and gray. Then I basted them together along all the sides before assembling my shirt as normal. This is only the second Hip Hop Tank I’ve made but I have several more planned out in my head! It’s a great, quick sew that is a perfect basic addition to my wardrobe.
Next up…Genie’s version!
My daughter who is an avid dancer has been asking for tanks to wear for dance. When I saw a similar tank on Etsy, I found my inspiration for the Hip Hop Tank!
The simple lines of the Hip Hop Tank were perfect for adding this heat transfer vinyl too! For this tank, I used athletic wear fabric I found on clearance at Hobby Lobby for only $4! This version is the tank cut line with the straight hem. It’s a perfect addition to my dancer’s wardrobe! I already have a tulip hem version cut out for myself 🙂 Make sure you check out the other stops on this blog tour and enter the giveaway for a $50 credit to Love Notions!
July 31 Sew Shelly Sew Wholesome Mama Kainara Stitches
August 1 Stitches by Laura MeMade Very Blissful
August 2 Handcrafted by RED Sprouting JubeJube Sewn at Seams
August 2 Sewing Curves Beri Bee Designs Phat Quarters
August 3 Ruby Rue Creations, Sew and Tell Project All Things Katy
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Maybe a bit over the top, but seriously. This pattern is all that AND a bag of chips. I give you the Love Notions Allegro!
The Allegro pattern offers options for shorts with a 5″ or 9″ inseam, a cropped pant, a knee length skirt, or a maxi length skirt. The shorts options can be hemmed or cuffed. The maxi offers two slits up to the knee. All options offer front slash pockets, back patch pockets, and a drawstring waistband.
The pattern is designed for a semi-relaxed fit through the hip and thighs (the cropped pant’s fit tapers down toward the ankles). It should be sewn with medium to light weight woven fabrics. Knits can be used (check out the tester photos!), but you may need to size down.
These shorts were made with a lightweight chambray from Hobby Lobby. It’s so comfy and breezy; such a great summer fabric. This is the 9″ inseam, with cuffs. I did not add the drawstring because the teenager didn’t want it. Yes, I do try to humor her. I want her to actually wear the things I sew her, so I do try to follow her wishes and compromise when necessary.
I’ve mentioned before that I had this fear of sewing pants, and I seriously wish I knew sooner how easy they are. These look so professional, come together quickly, AND look great. I have some fun cotton duck that I want to make her another pair in!
Allegro is on sale now for $8, for a limited time. Get it while it’s hot! 🙂
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).
Rhapsody features a relaxed fit with some shaping at the sides, a curved hem, and a yoke with gathered shoulders and a pleat in the back. It’s meant for drapy, flowy wovens such as chiffon, voile, challis, rayon, charmeuse, or lawn. You could also use a knit, but might want to size down. The pattern is sized from XS to XXXL, and a full bust piece is included. For us well-endowed ladies, this is great news, as we won’t have to make an FBA–full bust adjustment. Woot! There are also EIGHT sleeve styles–tank, cap, short, flutter, 3/4 with cuff or flare, bishop, or long.
As a tester, I make a lot of things. I try to never sign on for pattern tests that myself (or another family member) wouldn’t wear, and I knew I was going to love this one. I actually made multiple versions during testing, which is very rare for me.
For my first shirt, I used a crinkly, sheer chiffon that I’ve hoarded for ages. I love and am so happy to finally have found the perfect garment to make with it! This top uses the bishop sleeve. It is so comfortable, but looks so elegant.
For my second top, I used a charmeuse for the body and a pretty lace for the outer layer of the yoke. This is the cap sleeve feature. This pattern is rated for intermediate sewers, and I’ll tell you why in two simple words…bias tape.
The neckline is finished with self made, 1/2″ double fold bias tape. That means that you take a bias cut strip 1″ wide, starch the heck out of it, and then iron it furiously as you pull it through a bias tape maker. The pattern actually suggests using a 1 1/4″ strip, and that would have made it much easier, I think. All I can say is that it’s worth it because the finish is really pretty. Go slow, and use plenty of spray starch. These are a couple of products that I actually used in making my tops that might help you, too.
I hope you enjoy the Rhapsody as much as I am!
Since my previous Tidals have been made featuring 2 prints, I decided to showcase how the Tidal looks in just one bold print. I think the look really suits my style! And hint: Love Notions is running a Mother’s Day Sale right now: 25% off all single patterns using code: motherslove. This sale is good through Monday so now is a good time to shop!
After I made my dress and a coordinating dress for my daughter, we decided to head downtown for an evening out. Ever since I moved to the Midwest, I have loved driving by this historic building. Even though I am nowhere near Charleston, I thought the shape and color of this architecture suited this collection. We enjoyed finding new photography hideaways to use this summer. When we were done, we went out to dinner and caught a movie! A rare thing for our large family. I felt perfectly put together the entire time in my new dress.
One of my favorite things about the Tidal is that it is an easy sew with great results. I sewed the tank style, dress length version. There are two cut lines for the sleeved version and the tank version to make sure you have a proper fit.
I unfortunately forgot to grab a back view when we went on our shoot (which was coincidentally) around the corner from where I shot the dress I tested! One of my favorite things about the Tidal is that the back seam is pieced. I have discovered having a seam up the back makes a huge difference in how the dress lays on my body.
So if you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to make a Tidal dress in two fabrics or one, I hope my post gives you some inspiration!