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Category: madebygenie
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!
Here is Genie’s daughter in the cuffed pants and long sleeve options. These are cotton interlock with cotton lycra bands. Genie chose the half zip option as well. The zipper assembly on these pajamas is straightfoward and a video tutorial is linked in the instructions to help with any tricky spots you might find.
I (Alisha) made two versions of the Classic Zip Pajamas during testing. The cuffed shorts and short sleeves are a great option for summer. My son has hardly taken these off since I finished sewing them. I used interlock with cotton lycra bands like Genie did with the half zip option. The shorts were slimmed down slightly after I made this version.
My seven year old has been begging for fleece zip up jammies for months so he was so excited when I made him some. I appreciate that Amy includes the torso length measurement in this size chart for this pattern because I needed to size up for his pajamas. If using fleece, I recommend double checking that measurement since fleece has no vertical stretch. Just like my other son, he’s been wearing these a ton even though it is 90 degrees outside. I’ve decided that’s a battle I’m not willing to fight!
If you have previously purchased Amy’s zip up pajama pattern, you can simply redownload this version from your account. If you don’t have a zip up pj pattern, we recommend the Classic Zip Pajamas. They’re a fairly quick sew with a variety of options that work great year round.
My version is sewn (using double sided, heat sensitive interfacing to hold the layers together, and then top stitching for detail and permanence), but you could easily throw this together with a hot glue gun.
Another great feature is that it’s super inexpensive to make–I spent less than $20 on felt, tulle, interfacing, and the pre-made waistband. I added the rhinestones from craft supplies I had at home because sparkle is necessary for this little girl. I also have a set of Felt Wings cut out to match. I can’t wait to see them together! Don’t worry…I’ll share. 😉
I added an extra layer of tulle. It’s not a full layer, like the first two, just adding pieces here and there to fill in spots or add a pop of color. I used a wide selection of tulle–matte, shiny, sequined, and glittered. I love the effect all the colors and textures make together!
The mask includes sizes 2-10, and the tutu instructions will fit newborn to 12. The tutorial includes instructions to customize to any size, however…even to adult!
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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I have sewn tons of garments. Pants, shirts, dresses, hats, swimsuits, mermaid tails….lots of variety. But I have never attempted a quiet book! When I saw the pattern sneaks of this darling doll house, I was hooked and I knew I had to sew one up for my baby boy. See how cute he is? <3
The preview images I saw were decidedly girly, and I decided right away that Baby Mac needed a Cabin in the Woods because I knew that this pattern had so many options for so much fun! I also decided to upcycle some of my husband’s old clothing as part of this book. The pattern and tutorial include pieces and instructions to make a front door, a bedroom, a living room, a swimming hole, a tent, and/or a campfire. All of them are just darling and include all kinds of fun details. I’ll warn you; while this pattern is certainly not difficult, it is very time consuming. It’s also a great scrap buster! If you cut on the bias, as suggested, you won’t have to worry as much about fraying fabrics. However, I didn’t have large enough pieces of some of the fabrics I wanted to use, so I did a lot of tight zig zag stitching on my pieces.
This cover uses a pair of old corduroy pants for the house, and the roof is made from an old button down shirt. The button that makes up the door knob is from the shirt! While these patterns come with the book, I added a bit of flare here; the bushes were free-handed, and our cabin in the woods NEEDED a Michigan State University spirit flag. 😉 I also added some of the button flowers detailed in the tutorial (they are detachable and reversible, so little hands can practice buttoning), and my hedge opens to show a little surprise.
My next page is a tent. The pattern calls for a button closure at the bottom, but I decided to add a zipper for my guy to play with. I also split the background so I could use starry flannel for the sky. When you unzip the tent…
Kitty is sleeping in his sleeping bag! The pattern includes 3 dolls–kitty, bear, and mouse. I made my kitty with soft grey fleece and upcycled button eyes.
In the next page, baby can play with the fishies jumping between waves, or Kitty can take a swim in the pond. I added a sun just for an extra pop of color.
The back page of the Dolls House Quiet Book was left up to the imagination; you could make a garden of button flowers of different colors and textures. I decided to make a path into the woods. The treetops and path are freehanded, and the tree trunks are based on the piece included to make the camp fire.
I was a little unsure if my guy would like this; he’s at that age where toys are interesting for about 10 minutes before he tosses them aside to climb onto my desk and try to press all of the buttons on my sewing machines while simultaneously throwing all of my wonder clips on the floor and trying to eat my pins. 😉 But…he likes it a lot! One of his favorite activities right now is putting something in something else, and then taking it out again, so he LOVES putting Kitty in his sleeping bag and pond.
Be sure to visit the Rebecca Page PDF Pattern Group on Facebook to see all of the other darling Quiet Books, and be sure to join in the Dolls House Quiet Book Sewalong! The pattern is available at its introductory price of $5 through the end of the sewalong, August 13, 2017. After, it will be priced at $6.50.
5 Duchess and Hare Patterns and a $25 gift certificate to Threads and Stitches Fabric…may the odds be ever in your favor!
The simple, sweet design, easy construction, two inseam lengths, and endless trim options interest me. My daughter likes the not-too-fitted fit and…
POCKETS. Yup. Seven-year-olds need pockets so Mom and Dad get their share of summer excitement when laundry day comes. 😉
This is the longer inseam, and I like this length on my long-legged, knobby kneed girl. The flat front gives them a nice, clean look, while the elastic back keeps them really comfy. This super soft chambray from Hobby Lobby was a great choice; it’s got the look of denim, but is much lighter and smoother. This hot pink ric rak came to me in a box of vintage trims and miscellany from my husband’s grandmother. I love that I’m able to use them for my kids!
The construction on these is a little different than other tulip shorts I’ve made, and I liked how the tulip pieces were separate, rather than continuations of another piece. These cross over in the front rather than the back and I really don’t have a preference there, but it’s nice to have the option.
Today is your last day to catch Tess on the introductory sale price, so don’t hesitate!
ps…they’re also available in women’s sizes…
