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!
Love Notions Patterns has done it again with the release of the Rhapsody Blouse. This flowy blouse is sure to become a favorite summer staple! The pattern is on sale for $8 through Monday, and you can take advantage of tiered pricing with as few as 2 patterns.
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.
I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since I made my first Love Notions Tidal Dress! Recently, the generous people at Art Gallery Fabrics sent me some of their beautiful new Charleston collection by Amy Sinibaldi to make another Tidal.
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!
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…
This post contains affiliate links which support this site. I preordered the book myself – all opinions are my own.
I had a crazy weekend here – it was the good kind of love-filled family crazy surrounding a special occasion. But that is for another post. However, when these visits end, I am always in need of a little alone time at my machine to decompress from all the hostessing (and then sadness) when our guests leave.
Spring is in the air!
The birds are chirping and the grass is starting to perk up a bit after being beneath a blanket of snow for nearly 5 months. One of our family’s favorite things to do during the warmer months is go on family bike rides. I think there is something so timeless about cycling as a family activity.
K’s Closet Apparel is going to start sharing some of it’s beautiful fabric which is now open for pre-order. I was lucky enough to receive a 1 yard strike-off to work with of the beautiful Blue Bikes print. The preorder for this round of fabrics is open until 4/14. I love so many prints, so be sure to check them all out! I especially have my eye on those turtles and camping themed print!