Introducing the Riviera Raglan by New Horizons Patterns

If you’ve been following me here at the Sew and Tell Project, you might have noticed that raglans are my favorite style of shirt. What’s not to love about sleeves that are sewn as a straight line? I don’t mind a traditional set in sleeve, but raglans are a quick and easy sew for me. When I saw the testing call for the Riviera Raglan from New Horizons Designs pop up in my Facebook news feed, I signed up right away. I have my measurements (plus the measurements of my kids) stored in my phone so they’re always handy! I’m so glad Terra chose me for this awesome pattern. Let me tell you why you need the Riviera Raglan in your life Continue Reading

Meet the Summer Caye Pants and Shorts by Love Notions!

Hi guys! This is a bit of a different post for me. This is my first post as a member of the Love Notions Promo team which means that I do receive a small payment for testing and shooting this pattern test. This was also my first time testing for Love Notions. Awesome Emily tested the Vanguard Kit that was released a short while ago.

Today I want to talk about the Summer Caye Pants, Capris, and Shorts released today (4/29) and on sale for $6. I asked to test the girls’ 4″ hem shorts in a size 3T. I often request to test for my big girls as they are more in need of clothing than the baby. Continue Reading

Ready for Sunshine with the Sofilantjes Solis Dress and Tunic!

Hey guys!

Have you ever taken a risk on a pattern and been thrilled with the results? We love Sofilantjes patterns in our house, but when I saw the tester previews of the new Solis Dress and Tunic I was a bit worried that this would be a style I wouldn’t be able to make work for my slender girls.

The Solis is an ontrend racerback sundress with two skirt options (pleated tunic or dress length and a circle skirt). It has a lovely and unique racerback style. However, when I go shopping for my daughters and see these styles I immediately know that we will have peekaboo gaping, saggy necklines, and a skirt that is too short. Continue Reading

The Journey Tank and Dress – Swimsuit Edition!

Are you still pumped for our Swimsuit Sewing Challenge 2016? I still am! I have yet another suit to share with you today.

This is my version of the 5 out of 4 Patterns Journey Tank and Dress worn as a tankini top!

I have been sewing a lot lately (probably too much) but I couldn’t pass up testing this adorable dress and tank by 5 out of 4. The 5 out of 4 Patterns started popping up in my sewing newsfeed frequently last summer as being awesome for nursing mothers and maternity. However, I knew I was winding down with the nursing stage of my life for now and I am not currently expecting. Continue Reading

The Molly and The Sophie by SLPco

Hey guys!

I have something new to share today! I took a short break from sewing to celebrate my daughter’s First Communion and it feels so good to be back in my sewing room – and even shooting outside on a night like yesterday’s!

Today, I’m going to share the newest releases from the Simple Life Pattern Company,  Molly and Sophie.

As soon as the Molly and Sophie bundle released, I purchased it, and I made a muslin. I have some gorgeous Art Gallery denim that I want to use, but before I cut into it, I wanted to be sure on how I would blend sizes for my oldest. She has a very tall and slender build and I really like to pay attention to getting the best fit possible especially with woven designs. Continue Reading

The Picknick Dress by The Eli Monster Release!

Today I’m super excited to introduce you to a new dress from The Eli Monster – the Picknick Dress!  The Picknick Dress is a perfect summer pattern for all kinds of woven fabrics and can be dressed up or down. Cute little ruffles at the arms and neck, a row of buttons from neck to hem, and a full, twirly skirt – what’s not to love?

It is comfortable and allows for freedom of movement for active little girls.  In addition, there are pockets hidden away in the side seams – perfect for collecting flower petals or carrying other small treasures.  The back of the dress is simple and ideal for little girls who are bothered by the bulk of buttons or other closures on the back. Continue Reading

What He Wore Sunday: First Holy Communion

Today was such a special day for my oldest. Today along with many of his classmates, he celebrated his First Holy Communion. Our parish celebrates First Communion during the normal weekend masses, so some of his classmates celebrated last weekend as well. If you’ve been following our blog, you already know that I made his tie from my wedding dress shawl. I documented that process here.

It was a beautiful mass with 19 First Communicants. My oldest helped carry up the gifts, and it was wonderful to see the joy and reverence on his face as he participated in this wonderful gift. Continue Reading

Welcome Spring, Welcome Flutterby!

Hey guys!

Eleri and I have a treat of a top and dress pattern to share with you today. The Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop is releasing the Flutterby Top and Dress pattern and it is on sale for $6.75 today (4/14). The pattern features a raglan style top or dress with flutter sleeves in sizes 3 mo to 12.

You probably know by now that Eleri loves all the knit dresses from the Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop. Usually, Eleri sews her child’s ready-to-wear size with some added length. Because of the deep armscye and raglan ruffle neck, it is imperative to pay close attention to the size chart on this sew. Eleri usually sews a 10 for her Big Miss, but sized down to an 8 for this test and got perfect results. Continue Reading

The Everything Bag by Seaside Notions

Eleri  here today and I’m participating in Seaside Notion’s Web Wednesday! Today I’m going to talk about the awesome Everything Bag.

I learn about most of the independent designers I try either from other friends who sew, or through sewing groups on Facebook. I have been actively trying to branch out and try some new-to-me designers. The Pensacola Beach Petal Top caught my eye because I have recently acquired several beautiful 1/2 yard-1 yard cuts of woven prints from a local friend destashing. However, as my girls are getting bigger, I needed a top pattern to showcase these prints and the Pensacola had interesting details that I know will look fabulous on my girls, big and small, as we head into summer. Continue Reading

What She Wore Sunday – Solemn Communion Edition

I am a Roman Catholic mother. The sacraments are where I experience some of my deepest moments as a mother. I have stood at the baptismal font with all of my children and have had them baptized into our Catholic faith as newborns. I have waited nervously outside of the confessional while my two oldest children complete the Sacrament of Penance for the first time and celebrated with a gift of candy since God’s mercy is so sweet! Continue Reading