August 2017 – SewSophieLynn

If you’re anything like me you’re always on the hunt for products that make will make your sewing experience better. When Coats approached me about trying out their newest product, Eloflex Thread, I was totally intrigued. I jumped at the opportunity and I can’t wait to share this revolutionary thread with you guys! Read to the end for two chances to win your own stash of this amazing product.

Eloflex Thread is designed to be used when sewing stretch fabrics. It has just the right amount of stretch making it super easy to sew those pesky knits and stretch wovens with ease. I honestly struggled a bit with how I would actually use this thread. I am constantly sewing knits for my kids and myself but do 90% of it on my serger. This new thread is meant to be used in your regular sewing machine which is a huge plus for those that don’t have a serger/overlock machine. Now, for those of us that are attached at the hip with our sergers how does this new thread help?

Well, I’ve had my thread for almost a month now and I’m constantly reaching for it! I’m so glad I had the time to really work it into my sewing routine so I can give you an honest, real life review. I’ve used it on dozens of garments and had the chance to see how it wears and stretches in many different applications. As I sewed my kids back to school requests it came in handy for topstitching knit pockets onto tees and finishing knit neckbands. The fact that it stretches means you can use your standard lengthened straight stitch for beautiful topstitching that retains the garments stretch! Game changer right there! I’ve almost always skipped the topstitching around necklines because I wasn’t a huge fan of the zig-zag finish my regular machine does. With this thread in both the bobbin and top, my stitch length lengthened just a touch, my neckbands have never looked better. This cute pair of undies was done by serging the elastic on then topstitching it down with Eloflex and a zig-zag stitch. So easy and I know it’ll last wash after wash.

I don’t have a Coverstitch machine and this thread is making it less and less a priority for me. I played around with my double needle and this thread and think I have the perfect combination to keep me happy for a long time. I have a Brother sewing machine and I use Eloflex in my bobbin with a stretch double needle and regular thread up top. I did try using all Eloflex and with my machine it was actually too much stretch, resulting in a bit more tunneling than normal. Even on this drapey poly rayon, my hems look great!

When thinking about what project I wanted to make to really highlight this thread I knew this gorgeous quilted knit would be perfect. Because of the quilting I wanted to use single stitch topstitching throughout the garment and this thread was just what I needed. With this thread in the top and bobbin I was able to use my regular straight stitch to hem the sleeves and bottom, sew the pleats, and topstitch the pockets and neckband for such a nice finish.

It has honestly changed my sewing habits. I will continue to use this thread for all my finishing needs on my stretch garments. I’m so wishing I had had this for all the swimsuits I sewed this summer and can’t wait to use it for next years. I know I will keep coming up with different uses for it too- workout gear, undergarments, socks/tights, Halloween costumes… I think the list will grow and grow!

Have I converted you yet? Are you ready to win your own pack to get you started? Just follow me on Instagram and leave a comment for me here once you have to be entered to win this fun rainbow pack of 10 colors that will get you hooked just like me. I’ll close comments and draw a winner next Thursday, September 7th. *Giveaway is now closed and winner has been notified. If you weren’t the lucky one head on over to your local Joann’s or Hobby Lobby to try it for yourself!!

Head to the Coats blog and enter here to win the grand prize too- it’s easy, I promise!

This thread was provided to me by Coats & Clark. The opinions stated here are my own.

Fabric in this post from Raspberry Creek Fabric (except yellow plaid that was gifted to me by my cute sister 😉

Patterns used: Men’s Metro Tee from Liesl and Co., Mama Ava Tee from Made for Mermaids, Unders (free pattern) from Winter Wear Designs, and Joy Dress from Made for Mermaids

This little miss celebrated a big birthday this year. She turned 8 years old and in our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it’s the time when many children choose to get baptized. It’s a special day and that special day called for just the right dress to commemorate the occasion.

We scoured the internet together looking at countless dresses for inspiration. I was expecting her to fall for a full, twirly skirt or something with tulle, lace, or lots of ruffles. I was so pleasantly surprised when she declared this JCrew number was her perfect dress:

This is totally something I’d want to wear. I love the simplicity, the neckline beadwork, pockets, and the classic look. What I didn’t love was the $200 price tag and the fact that it was sleeveless. This is when I’m so grateful that I sew!

I knew the Larkspur Dress from Hey June had just the silhouette we wanted. It was the perfect pattern for this look and a quick sew to boot!

I used a Casa Collection Satin from Joann’s (really wishing we had more formal fabric options close by). It worked great but is a bit too sheer for my liking. In hindsight I should have just lined the whole dress instead of using the pattern facings but she wears a slip and it’s fine. I rarely sew fancy dresses and fabrics and learn something each time! I’ve got to get better because I really can’t wait until I can sew my girls formal dance dresses!

I did the simple version of this pattern, short sleeves and left off the collar. I did an invisible zipper instead of the exposed zipper in the instructions. I love that this pattern can make a cute casual dress and then really shine in this formal fabric too! I really gravitate toward simple shapes and lines and this shift dress just speaks my language.

I searched high and low for the right ‘bling’ for the neckline. I finally found these in the scrapbook section at Hobby Lobby. This dress will only be worn occasionally and will be hand washed so I’m crossing my fingers they hold up. I really love the variety of shapes and the dimension they bring to the look. This girly loves her accessories and is giddy that this dress comes with a built-in necklace.

For her bow I enlarged the free bow pattern from Duchess and Hare. I used a matching button from her sister’s baptism dress and love the sentimentality of it. I think the bow is so sweet and makes the outfit more youthful.

This is a picture of her with her blessing dress from when she was a baby. My mom made her blessing dress and I just love how well these coordinate. So simple but stunning in my book!

We had so much fun on this photo shoot. It’s been awhile since we went on location and it couldn’t have been more perfect. We hit golden hour on a quiet weeknight, no crowds and one happy, willing model. She loves her dress and felt like a princess and it showed. I’m so used to taking product pics that it was a joy to be able to really showcase my little miss. I loved capturing all her expressions and personality!

I showed her some pictures on Pinterest and she’d stop me and say, “Ok, mom- I need the scriptures for this shot.” Or “I think I this spot is a perfect background.” I had a few passersby stop me to comment on how cute she was. One lady even told me that my little model was making my job too easy! She really was so much fun to shoot and didn’t want to stop!

The above pic is enhanced with a little action called Book Glow from Pretty Actions. I usually stay away from overly editing pics but since these pics are really just for personal use I had a little fun with them!

I’m so grateful for this spunky, smart, sweet little girl. She’s so fun and I can’t believe I get to be her mom! This shoot and the whole weekend was such a great reminder of why I sew. I was able to create the dress of her dreams; one that made her shine and added to the joy she felt on her special day. It’s not about the clothes but how they make them feel when wearing them. Here’s to many more dresses and fabulous days ahead…

Month: August 2017

Elofex Thread Blog Tour

Baptism Dress from Hey June Larkspur

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