this is a page for
Category: madebygenie
Love Notions has been hinting about this pattern for a while now, and anticipation has been high.
Let me tell you…it lives up to all the hype. Welcome to the pdf pattern world, Whistler Pullover by Love Notions.
Whistler is a loose pullover meant for layering, available in sizes XS through XXXL.
I’ve chosen the hooded version in a fun Dr. Who print (poly spandex blend from JoAnn Fabrics). I’ve been hoarding this fabric for what seems like a really long time, but this seemed the perfect use for it. The black fabric is a rib knit, also from JoAnn’s.
Amy from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop has done it again with this adorable Zipster Romper!
I think my little mister likes it, don’t you?
This romper is designed with a lined hood and cuffed arms and legs. You have lots of options, too–a full or partial zip, a patch or kangaroo pocket, a snap crotch for diaper changes, and an optional gusset (which is AMAZING for my little guy’s fluffy cloth-diapered tooshie!). The Zipster is available in sizes newborn through 4T.
If you are looking for a fresh new pattern for darling knit tunics and dresses for little girls, Simple Life Pattern Company has a treat for you! The new Isla’s Infinity Tunic and Dress is a darling new pattern jam-packed full of options. There are many sleeve options – tank, flutter, short sleeve, elbow length, 3/4 length sleeve, and long sleeves. There are also circular flutter options for the sleeves for some extra flair.
We’re nerds.
There, I said it. We love Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Dr. Who…well, let’s just say we like lots of geeky, convention-worthy things. My husband and I played AD&D well into our 20s, and I even LARP’ed now and then. And…we both played Magic: the Gathering. Husband calls our eldest “Number One.” Our kids are following right in our footsteps, and we watch Star Trek together often. Eldest and husband watched the entire Star Trek: Voyager series, then The Next Generation, and now they’re watching the Original Series. Good times.
Halloween is just around the corner, and I’ve got a Kitty Cat Treat Bag for you today, with a super easy tutorial to make your own!
This bag can be made by a beginner, although it does involve sewing a strap and several curves. Don’t worry, you can do it! You’ll need about half a yard of your base fabric; that will be enough to cut your bag pieces, lining, and strap. You’ll also need some scraps to make the appliques for the front. I’ve made a spooky Halloween cat, but this shape easily lends itself to a Jack-o-Lantern or pumpkin, too! While you can just pin the applique pieces down, I highly recommend using some sort of double stick interfacing or tape to hold the pieces in place while you stitch. In addition, you’ll need pins, a sewing machine, thread (I used a contrasting color), about a half yard of lightweight interfacing, tailor’s chalk or a washaway marking pen, a flexible measureing tape, and two round templates (one with a diameter of 12-ish inches, and the other about 8 inches).
I was excited when I found out that autumn was the theme for the second week of competition in Project Run + Play. It’s my favorite time of year! I was able to mix some of my very favorite elements into a stylish and super fun outfit for my tween daughter. Tweens are so hard to sew for. They’re picky, for one, and have developed their own sense of style. In addition, this age category, somewhere in between a girl’s and a woman’s shape, is so underserved by pattern designers. Patterns don’t fit well and are often either too old or too young in style. I’ve become pretty adept at modifying patterns to fit better, and definitely at choosing patterns that will suit her for both size and sensitivity. Even though I sometimes have to use adult patterns, she’s still my baby, and she still loves the things her mama makes her.
Genie and I are back with another set of fun raglan tees for our kids! Patterns for Pirates is celebrating Raglan Week this week, and as part of the celebration, they are re-releasing an updated Jolly Roger Raglan. But the best part is they designed an add-on pack to go with the raglan! I’ll talk more about the add-on pack in a minute but first….the basic shirt.
Genie and I both tested the updated basic raglan pattern. I love when pattern designers include layers in their patterns, and it makes taping and piecing the pattern quick and easy! Here are some adorable pics of Genie’s little guy wearing a 6 month short sleeve version with a triangle accent. Seriously, could he be cuter?!
I have a confession to make.
I buy fabric to make things for myself, but never make anything. I end up hoarding it, or using it for my kids. Pattern testing for myself has been an awesome way to break me out of my shell. Since I have sewn wovens for many more years than knits, I was super excited when Judy from Patterns for Pirates announced that she had a woven pattern almost ready for testing. As soon as the call went out, I signed on. And you know what?
Hey all! I’m a little late to the party, but I *did* manage to sew some swimsuits for my girls! I’ve actually had these completed for a few months, but the girls weren’t very excited about having photos taken in their swimsuits. They just wanted to get in the water!
For my middle daughter, I used the Coco Cay Colorblock Tankini with some of Peek a Boo Pattern Shop’s amazing swim fabric. The thought of sewing a swimsuit was completely intimidating, but man…it was So. Easy. I used the Ocean Cuties and Mermaid Scales for this cute colorblocked suit with the bikini cut bottom style.
I am very happy to share my first pattern test for Love Notions, the new Canyon Cardigan. This was such a fun group to test for, and I truly adore this pattern. I see many more of these in my future. I LIVE in cardigans in cooler weather, and there are so many style options to choose from!
The cardigan is available in sizes xs through xxxl. This awesome layering piece has options for 3/4 and long sleeves, and a sleeveless vest option. The bottom skirt can be an a-line, a fuller gathered version, or a super fun waterfall version. Be sure to check out the pattern listing, because the creative testers used so many types of fabric, and each one makes the cardigan look just a little different.