Sewing for Girls – Page 25

Angelic Li’l LDT

This little girl had her winter dance recital the day we took these pics. She wore an angel costume for her recital and I spent the day thinking how appropriate that was.

For this version of the Li’l LDT I used a cream sparkle ponte from Joann’s. I had originally gotten it for a cardigan but it was really meant to be this dress- I heard it calling to me 😉

As I sewed this up in the wee hours of the morning, I was nervous it would either be fabulous or look like a fancy nightgown. With every project I cut out it’s so nerve-wracking hoping it turns out like the vision in my head.

This one was exactly as I’d hoped. Once she got it on and styled I fell even more in love with it.

I did the cowl neck, bishop sleeves and high low dress version. The front of the high low has been lowered a bit in the final version.

The cowl and bishop sleeves together just make such a classic, sweet combination.

This pattern will be such a go-to pattern in our house. The girls love all their versions and I love how quick and easy they are to whip up. It’s so fun to think of all the possibilities and how it will work for every season.

Have you picked up your copy yet? Head over here and use code ‘forthegirls’ to get 20% off until 12/19.

That scrunchy nose smile gets me every time!

Love Notion Li’l Laundry Day Tee

This post contains affiliate links. I became a Love Notions affiliate AFTER falling in love with her patterns and style.

The sewing world has gone crazy for the Ladies Laundry Day Tee by Love Notions. Tami at Love Notions has done it again with the Li’l LDT for girls.

The options with this pattern are absolutely incredible. It comes in sizes 2t-16. There are three different lengths- shirt, tunic and dress and high low options too! Five, yes five, sleeve options; tank, cap, elbow, long, and bishop sleeves. Finally there are a million, ok, maybe not quite a million neck finishes; neckband, asymmetrical collar, cowl, gnome hood, and rounded hood! How’s that for choices?!!!

I used all fabrics from my stash and had to try out every kind of knit I owned. And guess what? They all worked just lovely!

My first tester version was a dress length with long sleeves and a gnome hood. The fit of the shoulders changed a bit in the final version but you can see it was a good pattern to begin with.

Payton thinks the gnome hood is so fun! This is a soft ponte and flows beautifully. It’s got great twirl factor which is important if you’re six.

I cut into this gorgeous double-knit I picked up in Africa for Sophie’s long sleeve cowl version.

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I barely squeezed it out of a metre of fabric but it was just too perfect for this dress and my girl. She loves the color and it just fits her style to a tee.

Next up is an asymmetrical collar tunic version.

I used a Girl Charlee knit for the main and my trusty RCF coral for the collar. It’s just adorable and I foresee many of this version come spring/summer.

You know I just HAD to do a french terry version. I’ve been wanting to try one for me but knew my girls would look WAY cuter in it. I did a regular hood and used Raspberry Creek Fabrics french terry.

The drape of this particular french terry is just perfection! I scrounged up the last of this floral french terry I got in LA to line the hood and add bands to the sleeves. I wish I was wearing this myself right now!

I’ll do a separate post tomorrow on my final and favorite version. I did a ‘fancy’ one using sparkle ponte that I just want her to wear everyday!

So, is your mind blown? Seriously, the options are endless. I had so many versions swimming in my head I couldn’t sleep and just had to sew them up. Creativity can totally ruin a good nights sleep 😉

Pick up your copy here and use code ‘forthegirls’ to save 20% through 12/19.

Sisters are the BEST!

Growing up I was nine years older than my one and only sister. I sure loved to mother and treat her like my own little baby but it wasn’t until we’d grown that she became one of my best friends. I love that my girls are only 21 months apart and share that special bond already.

They couldn’t be more different personality wise but I think that helps them get along even better.

If you can’t tell, Sophie is more serious and reserved and Payton has some serious spunk!

Sophie is 8 going on 16 and Payton is happily 6 and still into dolls, playing pretend, and anything sweet and girly.

They had so much fun doing this shoot- our first real one with props and everything. I know my indoor photos need a lot of work but it’s sure fun experimenting and learning along the way. It’s a family affair as my husband helps jimmy-rig the backdrop up and is teaching me the ins and outs of the camera. I really love being able to capture the kids personalities and share my latest creations.

My little super models are getting used to all the pics and for the right price ($1 a shoot as they save for Christmas) I think we all have fun in the process!

Those smiles!!!

I’m pretty sure Sophie is doing her best “Blue Steel” look here!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Mad for Plaid Cocoon Dress

Dress number two for little sister has been in my head since I made these dresses. I snatched up this super rad plaid corduroy last Christmas and it sat waiting- destined to become a cool retro Heidi and Finn Cocoon Dress.

The shape of this dress gets me every time! It’s just so dang cute!

I used a size 6 graded out to an 8 length and I love where it hits.

And you’ve got to have pockets! These are done out of houndstooth for a bit of contrast.

This dress just screams Cindy Brady to me but we added some moto boots to make it a bit more modern.

Don’t tell anyone but as much as I love my non-traditional dresses this one is my favorite by far. When I made my last batch I vowed to make only Cocoon Dresses from here on out. It is such a quick, satisfying sew that I really would make them ALL DAY LONG! Such a darling dress in a quick amount of time. I dare you to make just one!

I’ve got one more dress post for you tomorrow. These cute sisters had a blast doing this shoot and I can’t wait to show you! Are you sewing Christmas dresses? Are you all about the pouf and pizazz or do you do simple and sweet? Red and green or do you mix it up? I’m loving seeing everyone’s dresses around the blog world!

A Christmas Jane Dress

After many tears over this dress not fitting, I promised to make it up to my Payton. I let her pick the fabric from my stash and she picked this super soft flannel shirting from my stash. I knew it needed to be a simple sweet a-line dress and the Jane Dress from Shwin Designs would be perfect.

I had made a sweet summery version with a collar during testing of this pattern and decided to leave off the collar and add a detachable one this time.

I used Made for Mermaids FREE Tiffany Collar in black lace and I love the look and the fact that she can wear it with other things.

I added pom pom trim to all the hems for a little pizazz. I just adore this cute, classic little dress.

It just reminds me of how sweet and innocent my little girls are and how quickly they are growing up.

And since big sis got two Christmas dresses you know this one needed another one too. Stay tuned tomorrow for my take on a classic Christmas dress.

A Tale of Three Christmas Dresses

Sophie has a beautiful new Christmas dress that she loves- not this one, but this one. She was so excited to wear our matching dresses and Payton needed one to join us. I love non-traditional colors that can be worn throughout the year and this floral from my stash fit the bill.

It would be only fitting to use another Mingo and Grace pattern- The Charlie Dress. Bonus- I already had the pattern traced and ready to go (in a size 6 with 8 length) but had never made it.

It came together quickly in a naptime and I couldn’t wait for Payton to try it on when she got home. As she twirled around it was obvious to me that it was way too long and very sloppy on her. I could seam rip a perfectly gathered and serged seam or give it to big sis and sew a new dress. All you seamstresses know that was a no brainer.

So big sister got dress number two that fits her perfectly. Which means little sis needed two dresses too… I’ll take any excuse to sew up more easy dresses. I’ll be posting those later this week and also sharing some of my favorite sister pics ever!

Are you sewing up Christmas dresses this year? I love the quick, simple dresses that can be worn for more than a season. This Charlie dress is just that. It will be darling come spring with sandals too and she can wear it now with a tee underneath or a sweater on top. Just about the perfect dress in my book!

Club Fabric Line 2 Preview

Raspberry Creek Fabrics has a new Club fabrics line coming!!! Are you as excited as I am?!!

I was lucky enough to get my hands on some strikeoffs and got sewing right away!

Payton got an Extraordinary Girl tee from Filles a Maman out of the new Club floral mixed with Riley Blake dots and solid coral (all from Raspberry Creek).

This is quite possibly my favorite t-shirt I’ve made. The colors are just right up my alley and that floral is just to die for!

I did Dressage Leggings from Jennuine Designs for Sophie. They were perfect for a little color blocking with the new Club aztec and black cotton spandex.

These are the best fitting leggings on my skinny mini and I can’t wait to make her a million more.

You can preorder the new Club Fabrics line in the shop. The best part- It will all come in cotton spandex and french terry! I’ll be sharing more projects in the coming weeks leading up to it’s arrival. I can’t wait for you guys to get your hands on this goodness!

Mother Daughter Blake Dresses

Who wants this ladies version for FREE?!! Click through to the end of the post for more details!

Warning! This post will contain an obscene amount of pictures. I just can’t get enough of THIS DRESS!!!

I love Farrah at Mingo and Grace’s simple and classic patterns. Her clean lines and gorgeous silhouettes are so versatile.

Only problem is my girls had already sized out of her one of her most popular patterns- the Blake dress. Farrah listened to all of us tween moms and has now upgraded the Blake to size 12!! Hooray!

And while she was at it she threw in a ladies version as well. Hello awesome!

The bodice of this dress has darts to really flatter and I love the wide shoulders and high neckline too.

There is an invisible zipper and two different back shapes- full and racerback. We choose the full back for Sophie.

The ladies version has a sleeve option as well.

The skirt features big box pleats and optional inseam pockets. Who doesn’t love a dress with pockets?!

We loved dressing this down with a denim jacket and boots.

But she’s also anxious to wear it for the holidays, all dressed up with glamorous accessories.

You know when you go into the fabric store with one vision in mind and come out with something completely different? That was me and this dress. I originally thought of doing this dress in a printed stretch sateen or twill. I did Sophie’s version first and this Casa Collection Satin from Joann’s caught my eye.

It’s such a vibrant, beautiful shade and suits my Soph so well.

I used a stretch sateen from Joann’s for my version and it’s the perfect balance of fancy and easy wear.

Farrah has generously offered the Ladies version for FREE to her newsletter subscribers on Cyber Monday. Sign up today so you don’t miss it! Check out her shop for more Cyber Monday deals.

Love Notions Samson Sweater

I love a pattern that can be used for all my kids. If you haven’t noticed, I’m kinda obesessed with making sweatshirts too. The Samson Sweater from Love Notions just feeds both of those needs (yes, sewing sweatshirts is a NEED for me).

With a crewneck, hood, and jacket option this pattern will get lots of use around these parts.

Charlie got a crew neck with a flannel front and french terry back and arms. Another combo I can’t get enough of. Both fabrics are from Raspberry Creek Fabric.

He said it was so cozy and didn’t want to take it off. He may or may not be going on day two with it on…

Payton got a hood version out of Girl Charlee knitfix floral french terry and a stripe french terry from Girl Charlee as well. The hood and band is oatmeal french terry from Raspberry Creek that matched perfectly!

I made her a size 8 and Charlie a 4 with the banded bottom. As with most patterns, I will have to lengthen it in the future (that’s what they get for being so darn tall and skinny!).

These two have such a cute relationship. They are usually giggling away together and having a blast. It’s always fun to see the baby of the family grow up and start having real relationships with their siblings. It was fun to capture some of that.

Love Notions is having a great Black Friday sale and you can pick up this pattern (and the dozen others you’ve been eyeing) for 40% off with code thanksgiving15. Here’s my affiliate link if you need anything 😉

Love Notions Pattern Shop

Yet another Hatteras…

I have an addiction… I can’t stop making Hatteras/Halifax hoodies.

I may need an intervention. I can’t help it when it is such a versatile pattern.

This version is view B with a woven plaid front and the very last scraps of my pretty ponte from my Sybil Skirt. I added zippers to the side seams and it’s just fabulous!

I used this tutorial from Sewing in No Man’s Land. It was perfect to achieve just the look I wanted.

Be prepared for a version for me because I can’t stop… won’t stop!

Category: Sewing for Girls