Sewing for Girls – Page 19

Project Run and Play:Signature Style

Sweet Simplicity- that’s what I’d call my style in a nutshell. I sew for my kids, my girls especially, things that I would wear myself. My wardrobe needs to be three things: comfortable (THE most important element), classic, and functional. My kids need these same things for sure!

For Signature Style week I had a sister look planned again but being voted off last week changed things a bit. It was such a blast being in the competition but with the pressure off I enjoyed a quiet weekend with my family. You get to see the piece that was finished prior to Friday. There are multiple things in varying stages of completion that will eventually hit the blog but I am loving my newfound freedom 😉

For this dress I used the Adelyn from Simple Life Pattern Company. That bow back is my absolutely favorite! I made one for her here and I’ve been dying to make another. In brushed poly from Pretty Posh Prints it’s pretty much the best thing EVER! I’m insanely jealous!

For this dress I changed the sleeve up a bit by taking out the gathers. I really wanted as simple a bodice as I could get.

We went for a little drama with a full, floor length maxi skirt addition.

Of course, every good dress has pockets!

I had a blazer for her cut and ready but decided not to rush it. I recently won the book Patternless Sewing Mod Style by Patty Young. It came at the perfect time! This sweet little twill and french terry wrap is so classic and simple. It sewed up in no time and is the perfect compliment to her little outfit.

Another element of my signature style is- accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! I like simple wardrobe pieces but LOVE to jazz them up with just the right accent pieces. This girl has taken a cue from her mom. On our back to school shopping trip all she was interested in was the jewelry, purses, and hats- just what you need to head back to school! She has earned the nickname ‘Purse and Boots’ for her high fashion style.

Stop back later this week for a little PR&P recap and behind the scenes look. Make sure you head on over and vote for your favorite look this week too! I love those ladies and can’t wait to see who the lucky winner is. They all deserve it that’s for sure!

Project Run and Play- Week Three:On Safari

Wow! I can’t believe I’m here on week three! This competition has been so fun and I’m so lucky to be doing it with such amazing, fun ladies. They’ve been knocking it out of the park and keeping me on my toes.

This weeks theme is Halloween Costumes. I have a confession- I HATE sewing costumes! So much work for something that gets worn once or twice. I’m far too practical for that. In the past my handmade costumes have been quick, easy projects. This competition pushed me to spend a lot more time on their looks BUT I also stayed true to myself and made pieces that can be worn long after the last piece of Halloween candy has been eaten.

Their costumes this year are a little tribute to their Grandma and Grandpa who are serving a humanitarian mission in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Some of us were lucky enough to get to visit them and a highlight of our trip was an amazing three-day safari. We thought it would be a special homage to them to plan our Halloween costumes around an African theme. (Little brother will also be wearing his favorite RTW lion costume-roar!)

Sophie’s outfit is one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever done. I used the Cafe Romper from Sew Straight and Gather. This girl loves rompers but can never find one that fits her tall, skinny body. I added two inches to both the bodice and pants to get the perfect fit for her. We skipped the hidden button placket in order to showcase these brushed gold buttons. I added cargo pockets to the bodice and also to the pants. She loves ALL the pockets!

A faux button sleeve tab and leather pocket tab are little details that really elevate this outfit. I used a faux suede from Joann’s for this romper. I love the look and she loves how soft and comfortable it is.

For those chilly Halloween nights she can throw on her cozy quilted knit bomber jacket, made using the Ollie Bomber Jacket from Sew A Little Seam. The quilted knit is from Hobby Lobby. It’s such a great jacket- chic and so on trend. She will get lots and lots of wear out of this piece.

This girl is ready to hit the savanna!

Payton is comfy and cute in her leopard costume. I went simple and easy and made pieces that will mix and match into her wardrobe when Halloween is over. I used this fabric from CaliFabrics and it was perfect! My original plan was to make a one-piece skinsuit with a built-in tail. Then the practical side of me kicked in 😉 This is much easier to wear and going to the bathroom will actually be doable, haha!

Her top is a slimmed down Flashback Skinny Tee modified to have a mock-neck and thumb-hole cuffs.

Her leggings are our favorite pattern- the Love Notions free Leggins’. They fit my girls like a glove!

Her tail is a simple belt that can easily be taken on and off.

To keep her warm on Halloween night I did a self drafted scarf-neck cardigan using sleeves from the Hatteras Hoodie from Hey June. I used a cheap blanket from Wal-Mart that is both comfy and warm. I added pockets to keep her treasures too!

We had such a blast shooting these looks. We headed to our little slice of savanna and it was just amazing!

We’ve had such a blast sharing our creations with you during this competition. It’s really been a dream come true and I’ve had so much fun working with my kids on these looks. I hope to stick around for next week so we can show you our ‘Signature Looks’. Take a quick minute to head over and vote over at Project Run and Play. Thanks for stopping by!

Save

Back to School with Heartland Fabrics

This post is sponsored by Art Gallery Fabrics.

This post contains massive amounts of my favorite things: beautiful fabric, cute kiddos, and great friends! I’m elated to be joining in on Heartland Fabrics Blog Tour put together by the fabulous Karly from Paisley Roots.

I love all things Art Gallery and this line is absolutely to die for! The patterns and colors are just right up my alley. Soft pinks and blues, vibrant mustard and greys… all the choicest colors in one line!

They are perfect for year round wear but especially fun for back to school!

For our back to school looks I used patterns from Shwin Designs. I used the Stella Tunic for my daughters top. I’m crushing hard on that high-low peplum! It’s such a beautifully classic top with just the right amount of flair. My little man is sporting a Maxwell Top. I adore all the details on this shirt that make it so cool!

His top is made using Trekant Rows Breeze. I love the modern geometric print! Big brother asked if I could make him the same exact shirt, he loves the fabric so much. This is a quilting cotton and is so soft and lovely. If you’ve never worked with Art Gallery cottons I suggest you get on that! They are my favorite for my kids clothes.

Wait! OK- maybe not my favorite. I forgot how AMAZING this voile is! It’s incredibly soft and luxurious and I want to sew with it forever! I’ll be making my own top out of this as soon as possible. Do you think people will notice if our whole family is sporting this fabric daily? This is the Blomma Garden Pastiche print just so you can get your own stat!

Pair it with knit in Unn Cross Pine and it’s an outfit she couldn’t wait to wear to school!

We had so much fun joining our friends Paisley Roots, Made by Melli, and Sew A Straight Line for a super fun photo shoot. The kids had so much fun together after they warmed up a bit.

My Charlie sure thought Sabra’s Jonas was the coolest kid on the planet.

He helped him start an acorn collection (mom’s favorite) and they bonded over their love of football- especially the Denver Broncos.

These two together were the funniest! So sweet, shy and awkward but so darn cute!

And these boys have all the heart eyes from me!

I loved watching the kids interact with each other and seeing how all the fabrics coordinated so well. It will really take all my willpower not to hoard every single print!

I’ll leave you with a little dab from the four-year-old 😉 Make sure to check out the other amazing bloggers sharing their gorgeous makes this week!

Aug 19 – Paisley Roots / Coffee & Thread

Aug 20 – Made For Mermaids / Sweeter Than Cupcakes

Aug 21 – Made By Melli / Hello Holli

Aug 22 – Little Lizard King / Sew Sophie Lynn

Aug 23 – Sew A Straight Line / Needle & Ted

Blaverry Upton

The Blaverry Upton has been on my wish list for awhile now. That darling split back and contrast yoke just have my heart. I was more than happy to jump on board the Upton Blog Tour celebrating it’s recent revamp.

My little one can’t get enough cozy dresses in her wardrobe and this one is absolutely adorable!

I used a cozy french terry combined with a super soft Robert Kaufman flannel- all from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. She would wear a dress everyday so this combination will be perfect once cooler temps stick around.

The Upton now features multiple sleeve lengths and all the features you love in a pdf pattern- layers, multiple measurement charts to get the perfect fit, detailed instructions, and a huge size range (2t-16).

I just love that wrapped neck binding and that yoke is to die for! The pattern calls for all knit but I found this woven worked just lovely! I think knit/woven combos are so fun and open up endless possibilities!

I think it would make a super adorable top too. That back is just so on point!

I am part of the Blaverry Promo team so I received this pattern for free. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- WE LOVE BLAVERRY! I feel like Christie just gets that struggle every mom and daughter has- finding fashionable, cute clothes that you both adore. Blaverry has solved that dilemma at our house!

You can check out the other stops on the tour this week here:

BLAVERRY * Sew Sophie Lynn * Sunflower Seams * Sprouting JubeJube * Crafti Mom *

MCB Créations * Turtle Birdies * Élégantine!

Project Run and Play:Week One Pokemon Ispired

I’m ecstatic to be here sharing my first look for Project Run and Play. It’s truly a dream come true to be competing in Season 12. The other competitors are so talented and I’m excited to join them for this ride.

The theme for week 1 is Pokemon Inspired. Did you all catch Pokemon fever this summer? We got a tiny taste of it but it was quickly forgotten for days at the pool and afternoons with cousins. When the theme was announced I knew I was in trouble! After hitting the internet and talking with my kids we decided to go with the quintessential Pokemon icons- Pikachu and the all important Pokeball.

Pikachu is such a cute little character. That bright yellow was so fun to work with. I used the Blake Pattern from Mingo and Grace for the base of our look. It’s such a classic pattern that I turn to again and again.

I used this fabric from Joann’s. It was pretty thin but the texture and color were just what I was looking for. I lined everything and it worked wonderfully. Joann’s had this amazing zipper that totally changed the direction I was going for on this look. It matched the fabric perfectly and is reminiscent of Pikachu’s little stripes on its back. I couldn’t pass it up!

I added a detachable collar using the free Tiffany Collar from Made For Mermaids. Lace leggings (this fabric was a perfect match!) complete the outfit. Such a bright, fun look that will get worn often!

My little Poke Ball was actually a real challenge for me. I used the Sloane Skinny Jeans pattern from Violette Fields Threads for her super fun tuxedo stripe pants. This is as close to sewing jeans as I’ve gotten and I think I may be ready to tackle the real deal soon…baby steps 😉

I used a white denim and black sequin fabric for the pants. I topstitched my heart out and love the great finish it adds. The top is a take on the Calla Lily Crop Top. This shirt was almost scrapped after my original plan for it was a huge disaster. Let’s just say this gabardine and I got really friendly with the seam ripper. I’m grateful for my ever growing stash of trims because this ball fringe was absolutely meant to be! I love little happy accidents! Bonus points- Black and red are her new school colors so I know this top will get worn again and again!

I modified the top to use a facing since this fabric was so thick to begin with. I added length and straightened out the hi-low a bit. I love the boxiness of this top while still being fitted at the shoulders. My little miss felt like such a rock star in this look!

We headed to downtown Salt Lake for this shoot. It’s just a short fifteen minutes from us and I wish we went more often. These pics were all taken in a one block radius! Man, I love the city!

Thanks for joining me on this adventure! Make sure you head over to Project Run and Play to vote for your favorite look.

True Bias Mini Emerson Shorts

I was thrilled to test the new Mini Emerson Crop Pants and Shorts from True Bias. I’ve always loved Kelli’s patterns and this is another to add to your collection.

I love the classic design and super professional details.

The fit is fantastic and my daughter loved these so much she picked them for the first day of school. My fabric is a remnant of quilting cotton from Hobby Lobby- I love an economical project! They would be so good in chambray or linen too!

The pattern tutorial is so well written and the techniques are spot on. Such a clean finish!

The front pleats are a charming detail.

I even learned a new skill! I did my first bar tack and I love the small detail it adds! It’s those little extras that make this pattern so wonderful!

I can’t wait to make more next summer and hopefully we can get a pair of crops made up before the snow hits 😉

Save

Blaverry Thea

I love everything about fall. It’s like New Year’s to me- A fresh start. A new school year, brand-new resolutions and goals, back to a routine, and I love the cooler temperatures! I also LOVE fall fashion!

The Blaverry Thea is a great all seasons pattern that makes my heart giddy!

Another fall favorite is plaid, plaid, and more plaid. I’m sure you’ll still be seeing a lot of florals and stripes from me but c’mon- admit that plaid and fall go hand and hand.

I picked up this scrumptious quilted knit from Hobby Lobby. It’s seriously so dangerous having one just down the street. The newest fall apparel line has some real winners.

Let’s talk about this pattern. This is the third knit dress I’ve made this girl in two weeks and I love how unique they all are. She loves dresses and done in comfy knit they’re perfect for school days. The thing that really sets this pattern apart from the others is the super fun pleated skirt. Done in this structured knit it’s extra full and so, so darling!

The dress comes with three sleeve options- short, half, and long. I almost always go with a half or elbow sleeve- I just love the look and think it makes it wearable for longer.

It’s easy to blend sizes and that’s huge when sewing for my tall girls. I did a 6 with 8 length and still added a couple inches to make it a bit longer. It’s a super simple alteration and will hopefully help her be able to wear this longer.

One of my favorite details of this pattern is the wrapped neck binding- so professional!

This pattern ticks all the boxes for me- huge size range (2t-16), classic design with great details, multi-seasonal, and it’s a quick sew! Both girls will be getting more Thea’s for sure!

I am part of the Blaverry Promo team and receive the pattern for free. It’s the perfect partnership for me and my girls. We love the Blaverry style and are happy to shout it from the rooftops 😉

Check out more great Thea’s from my friends at:

Kate and Crew * Sprouting JubeJube * Sew Sophie Lynn * MCB Créations * BLAVERRY * Sew Famous * Ruby Rue Creations * Sew Gracefully * Captures by Chris * Élégantine

One Thimble Blog Tour- Calla Lily Crop Top and Oswald Bow Tie

I’m here with another fantastic blog tour. The newest issue of One Thimble is here and it’s full of sewing goodness. I was excited to sew up two of the 10 pdf patterns that come in this issue.

This cute guy got his first real bow tie- the Oswald, Williams, and Pond Bow Tie Set.

And this little miss is loving her new Calla Lily Crop Top.

With back to school on our brains we had a blast styling our photo shoot.

The bow tie set is so fun!! With three style options, it was hard to pick. We went with the pointed corner Oswald. There are five different sizes so all the gentlemen in your life can sport matching ties.

I sewed up a size medium. He loves that it’s not overwhelmingly huge but I might make him the next size up in the future. He was eager to wear it to church and looked so handsome!

I let my kids pick out their fabrics and I love that he picked this simple gingham!

This little one had her heart set on yellow pom poms and while they’re a little crazy for me her sense of style kills me and I was happy to oblige. The classic plaid cotton is from Hobby Lobby.

The Calla Lily is a classic top with a little flair. I love the high low hem and the button/snap placket in the back. It’s fully lined and you can use the lining for a cute contrast placket. School bus yellow KAM snaps make it easy on/off. The options for hem trim are endless- ruffles, lace, whatever your heart desires!

We styled it with a tank underneath so that it will be school dress code worthy.

These two are the family clowns- always laughing and keeping us all on our toes. A photo shoot with the two of them was an experience to say the least.

Classic big brother…

He’s always hamming it up!

Make sure to grab your copy of One Thimble Issue No. 12 !

And check out the other stops on the tour here:

8/12

Call Ajaire

Bunch O Berries

Sew Happily Ever After

8/13

Once Upon a Sewing Machine

8/14

8/15

8/16

8/17

Create Three Point Five

8/18

8/19

Adventures with Bubba and Bug

Made by Sara

Simple Life Pattern Co. Back to School Blog Tour

We’re just a week away from the first day of school and I’m sharing our First Day Looks for the Simple Life Pattern Company’s Back to School Blog Tour.

My girls picked out the Taylor Shift Dress and the Adelyn’s Scoop Back Dress for their looks. They suit these two to a tee!

This girl loves things classic and sophisticated. The Taylor dress was just perfect. We did a modified 3/4 sleeve to get us right into fall. It was a super quick sew and made to showcase those amazing fabrics you love.

The cut-out in the back adds interest but is small enough to be dress code approved!

This dress is one of my favorite things on this girly! That bow and the twirly circle skirt are absolutely perfect for her. I love that bow so, so much!!!

She really couldn’t stop twirling!

I love a knit bodice for comfort and the woven skirt offers the perfect chance to use all those fabulous fabrics you’ve been eyeing. I did an elbow sleeve here- so versatile and perfect for every season. I used the modest scoop back option too.

Hawthorne Threads very generously sponsored this post. It was my first time ordering from them and it was a fantastic experience. I let this girl get on the site and pick her favorites. She had quite the list! Have you seen the hundreds and hundreds of designs they offer in their in-house lines? Ah-Mazing!!! I was thrilled that she had picked Bloomerie in Ink because it was one of my favorites too. It’s part of their new Nectar line and I’m just crazy for the colors.

I quickly set to work picking coordinates for little sis and Meaghan at Hawthorne was so helpful getting me the perfect navy knit to match big sister (I went with Buffalo Plaid in Honey to feed my current plaid obsession and Art Gallery Solid Knit in Deep Dark Ocean). Customer service means a lot to me and I was super impressed with how quickly my emails were answered and how fast my fabric showed up on my doorstep. The cotton is printed in house and is super soft. It’s a bit thicker than normal quilting cotton and I’m already dreaming of the home decorating possibilities with it too!

These two are set to start 2nd and 3rd grade at a new school this year. We’re all a little nervous but I think it will be a great year. I’m so happy they have each other. We went and wandered around the new school for these pictures. It was fun to explore the new playground.

I’m so thrilled to be part of this tour and joining some incredible bloggers to showcase some great Simple Life Patterns.

August 14th – Simple Life Pattern Company Kick-Off

August 15th – Adventures with Bubba and Bug – Sew E-Notional

August 16th – SewSophieLynn – Handcrafted by RED

August 17th – Phat Quarters – Pear Berry Lane

August 18th – SewJourners – Sweet Red Poppy

August 19th – Sew and Tell Project – Paisley Roots

August 20th – Simple Life Pattern Company Tour Wrap-Up

And of course we’ve got unbelievable prizes up for grabs:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An InLinkz Link-up

Save

Boxwood Joggers from Sew Like My Mom

The Boxwood Joggers from Sew Like My Mom are here!

As soon as I saw Melissa’s cute versions I knew I had to get in on the testing. I showed them to my 12-year-old and he was sold! I can’t pass up a chance to sew for him since he’s so super picky.

These joggers passed the ‘cool enough for 7th grade’ test 😉

I mean those pockets are so, so cool!

Both pairs are made with french terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. This pair is a heathered mint (currently unavailable). The black pair is a solid black. The cute pocket fabric is a remnant my sister gave me of Art Gallery’s Boardwalk Delight Ice Cream Shop Knit. It was absolutely perfect for these pockets and cuffs!

These are a skinny fit pant and they fit a little looser on my skinnier than normal kiddos. This guy says they’re just right!

We added a faux drawstring on both pairs just for fun. These pants are a super quick sew- print, cut and sewn in less than an hour. They include shorts, capris, and full length options with a looser boy cut for the older guys. In sizes 12 months-16, you can use this pattern for all the kids in the neighborhood (because you know once they see your kids, they’ll all be begging for them!).

You can pick up the full size range here or the 12 months- 8 here or the big kids 6-16 here. I can’t wait to see all the kids on the block sporting their matching joggers 😉

For more Boxwood inspiration check out: