Sewing for Women – Page 13

Love Notions Terra Tunic

If you could only take one top pattern with you to a deserted island then I have the pattern for you- the Terra Tunic (affl. link) from Love Notions! It has so many options that it’s really all you’ll ever need!

I did just two of the neckline options but there are 6, yes 6!, different choices. I did the scoop neck and v-neck hood options but there are also v-neck, boat neck, funnel, and asymmetrical collar. There are also four different sleeve lengths making this a true all seasons pattern.

I love that fabric choice plays such a role in this pattern. You can use almost any fabric weight for different looks. I used fabric from So Sew English for these two tops. The hoodie is a brushed sweater knit and the tee is a double brushed poly. Two completely different looks from the same pattern!

I love the elbow patch option too! Such a fun detail on the long sleeve versions.

This will become my go-to tee pattern. I love how fitted it is up top and then gently skims the waist. It’s exactly what I look for in a top! (I’m just realizing I should have edited out my goose bumps! This is what outdoor pics in 20 degrees will do to ya’!)

And those side vents are another detail that just takes this pattern to the next level.

I’ve had this sweater knit from Cali Fabrics in my stash for far too long. I knew I wanted to make a cropped sweater with it but couldn’t find the right pattern. The Terra was perfect for it!

I eeked this out of one yard and just made it work. I did 3/4 sleeves and the scoop neckline. I omitted the side vents and folded my pattern piece at the hip line (I love all the reference lines given in the pattern! It makes these little adjustments so easy!). I did a simple one inch hem and had my sweater done in no time!

I’ve been under the weather this past week and missing my sewing machine. This top was just what I needed to get me back into things. I may head back to bed after this post goes up though- a girl can only do so much! Life is hard when mom is sick- ain’t nobody got time for that!

Have you grabbed your copy yet? I can’t wait to see what version you sew up first!

Sew What Do I Wear Valentines Edition

Valentine’s is fast approaching and this mama needed something new to wear. The Made for Mermaids/Patterns for Pirates ‘Sew What Do I Wear? Valentine’s Edition’ was just the push I needed to hit my sewing machine. You know me- it needs to be stylish AND comfortable for me to wear it, even for a night out. Enter…bum, bum, bum… a ROMPER!! Holy smokes, people! Where has this gloriousness been all my life?!

I used the Megan Dress and Romper pattern from Made for Mermaids. I’d actually been eyeing this pattern since it came out but figured I was a little too old and matronly to pull it off. But all those cute testers in the pattern pics just kept taunting me- every single one of them looks gorgeous and you know they are beyond comfortable. I decided to just take the leap and I am so glad I did.

I knew I wanted a pretty flowy floral and this rayon spandex from Raspberry Creek Fabric was absolutely perfect for Valentine’s! It has the perfect drape and sewed up so beautifully. It’s lightweight enough that I think I can wear this through the summer too! And a little secret- it was about 20 degrees when we took these pics so I layered some fleece lined leggings underneath and it’s so loose you can’t even tell. Here, here to an all seasons outfit!!

I only made a couple of changes to make it suit my preferences. I did an elbow length sleeve (of course) and did a 3-inch binding band around the bodice as suggested in the pattern to offer a little more coverage. I’ve got no cleavage to show off so a little cami underneath kept me nice and modest 😉

Funny story- I told my husband I had to make a romper this weekend and he said, “Oh nice. For Payton?” I was like, “No, for me. What do you think?” No response… Probably a good call because I could tell exactly what he was thinking and it wasn’t a good thing, haha! I came up a bit later in it and he actually said, “Wow! That looks really nice!” In husband talk that’s a HUGE compliment! He never notices my makes and after 16 years doesn’t really care about my appearance (huge blessing since I wear tees and joggers 90% of the time!). I’m calling this outfit a win in the “How to impress the Hubby” category.

Another secret- It totally feels like I’m wearing my pj’s, maybe even better! It’s so comfortable that I really could wear it everyday. I’m thinking that throwing a long cardi over it will be perfect for dressing it down a bit. Oh, or a denim jacket! Can I get away with wearing my Chucks with it? We’ll see… I feel like this has opened up a whole new world for me! Now I know why my girls are so obsessed with rompers!

Ready to get your mind blown with even more date night inspiration?!! I sure am!

Make sure to check out all these lovely ladies:

Jan 30 – The Do It Better Yourself Club/ Wild & Wanderful/ SewSophieLynn/ Vinyasew

Jan 31 – Argyle and Pearls / Ma Moose / Red Stitch Blue Stitch/ All sewn up by Stacey

Feb 1 – All Things Katy! / Sew and Tell Project / Sew A Piece of Joy / The Kisses Co

Feb 2 – It’s Liesel / Sewingly, Michelle / Stitching and Making/ Rebel & Malice

Feb 3 – On Wednesdays We Sew/ The Crunchy Mommy/ Margarita on the Ross/ Four Seasons and a Road Trip

Tallinn Sweater from Hey June

Every time Adrianna at Hey June releases a new pattern I swear there’s a choir of sewing angels singing the Hallelujah chorus and even though I can’t sing a note on key I’m smack dab in the middle of them all. The Tallinn Sweater is no different!

Like many of the other testers, I had given up on wearing a turtleneck years ago. They were always tight, itchy and totally uncomfortable. This sweater has totally redeemed turtlenecks for me!

Diana found this gorgeous, soft sweater knit on our fabric shopping trip and graciously split her spoils with us. It was just meant for this cute pattern.

I absolutely love how quick this sweater comes together. It’s all finished with bands so you can whip one up in no time at all.

There are two neck finishes- the turtleneck and a looser cowl option. I have some chunky sweater knit from LA just begging to be made into a cowl version.

So have you grabbed your copy yet? It comes in sizes XS-2XL and is perfect for all those cold, gloomy winter days. It’s on sale for a limited time so head on over now. I can’t wait to hear you joining in our Hallelujah chorus!

Womens Waterfall Raglan

When I made my girls their Chalk and Notch Waterfall Raglan‘s I was crossing my fingers I would one day get my own. Well, my friends, my dreams have come true! Gabriela from Chalk and Notch released the Women’s Waterfall Raglan this week!

This top is exactly what this momma needs! It’s nice and fitted in the arms and shoulders and then flows out from there- the perfect disguise for that mommy tummy.

It comes in both a tunic and dress option. I have a dress coming your way for the Waterfall Raglan Blog Tour in February. This tunic length hits just where I want it. Mine is unhemmed because that’s how I roll these days.

I love it layered and it’s perfect with my growing cardigan collection.

It comes in sizes 0-18 and features multiple sleeve lengths. I think it will be the perfect flowy top with short sleeves come summer! I did 3/4 sleeves but always tend to push my sleeves up to my elbows. It’s a bad habit when I go to get pictures- sorry folks!

You can pick up your copy on the Chalk and Notch website, UpCraft Club, or Etsy. With so many options, what are you waiting for?!!

Watcha Wearing January

Tibeca at Sewing By Ti is hosting a fun tour filled with tons of inspiration to help you beat those winter blues. Watcha Wearing January is all about your style this month and of course there’s two HUGE giveaways to go along with it. Read on until the end for all the glorious details.

This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through them gives me a small commission that inevitably ends up as more fabric for me 😉

My winter wardrobe is pretty basic. I either wear joggers and a flannel or jeans and a cardigan. Really- every single day you will find me in some combination of that uniform. I’m trying to branch out and throw some leggings in there too every now and then. I’m fancy like that…

For this tour I want to highlight my newest Love Notions makes.

I’ve paired a Laundry Day Tee (free if you join the Facebook Group) with a Love Notions Boyfriend Cardigan. The Boyfriend Cardigan was my very first test for Tami at Love Notions and the start of something amazing! I hadn’t made one since then and I’d been dying to pull out the pattern again. For more pics of my Laundry Day Tee you can hop over here and find my dress hack here.

For this version I used my favorite fabric in the whole entire universe- seriously! It’s charcoal french terry from the lovely Raspberry Creek Fabric. (It’s out of stock currently but she gets new stuff in constantly!) It’s amazingly soft, sews up so easy, comes out of the wash even better each time, never fades or pills- trust me, it’s the best!

I made a few slight mods to this version. I sized up from my usual small to a medium- I wanted it oversized and cozy! I left off the side vents also- mostly because I’m lazy. Finally my ‘shawl’ part of the binding is a tad skinnier at the neck because I was short on fabric.

I added a tiny leather tag to my pocket just to class it up a tad.

Confession- after making this I wore it three full days in a row and at least twice a week since then. It’s just the ultimate in comfort and goes with everything.

My second look features another boyfriend cardigan, paired with a La Bella Donna this time.

The La Bella Donna is one of my favorite top patterns. I used a olive green modal jersey from Cali Fabrics for this version. It’s silky soft and drapey but yet sewed up wonderfully.

I love the shape of this top! Loose in all the right places and so comfortable.

It’s one of those ‘must-have’ patterns in my book. It has a ton of options too which makes it a pattern you’ll use over and over.

This cardigan also is a medium with the side vents skipped. I was also short on fabric for this one and had to get a little creative with my band. I simply made my own band 6″x the width of fabric, folded it in half, sewed the short ends then attached it to the cardigan. I did a three inch hem to get the band to fit. I really like how this turned out and will use this method in the future too.

This one is currently sans pockets since I can’t make up my mind. I’d love a little bigger, taller pocket but couldn’t get it quite right. I’m not giving up though- after wearing this all day I realized that pockets are a must!

I love that this pattern is two separate back pieces. The extra shaping really brings in the waist line and keeps it from looking sloppy.

This fabric was a gift but I believe it’s from Joann’s. It’s a lovely navy on the inside and is such a great medium weight.

K- ready for the good stuff! You can check out the other bloggers this week here:

Sunday, January 8th: Sewing By Ti, Embrace Everyday, Doodle Number 5

Monday, January 9th: Sewing By Ti, Tenille’s Thread

Tuesday, January 10th: Robynne and the Bobbin, Harper+Lu

Wednesday, January 11th: 5 out of 4 Patterns, Sewingly Michelle

Thursday, January 12th: Crafty Like A Rox, SewSophieLynn

Friday, January 13th: Creative Counselor, Sewing By Ti

Saturday, January 14th: Wild & Wanderful

Now for the giveaways! There are TWO big prize packs this tour. For more details and to enter to win all the loot head over to Ti’s blog. There’s a Rafflecopter giveaway and also a linky party to join in.

Prize pack one includes patterns and fabric from these amazing sponsors:

Prize pack two includes fabric and patterns from all of these great sponsors:

You don’t want to miss it! I’ll be bringing you one more post on this tour featuring children’s looks. You can check the hashtag #watchawearinjanuary for more inspiration too!

Made for Mermaids Joy and Mama Joy

Made for Mermaids newest pattern in their Dreamy Collection is here. The Joy and Mama Joy are classic knit dresses that will be perfect for every occasion.

The Joy features a fitted bodice and a full pleated skirt with multiple skirt and sleeve lengths.

It mashes perfectly with the other dresses is the Dreamy Collection. I mashed the Noelle top with the pleated peplum of the Joy and love this top!

It looks fantastic in a variety of knits. I used stretch velvet for my maxi version and also for the Noelle mash. The floral is a fun scuba knit that really showcases the pleats.

We’re really struggling with pictures lately as it’s been so gloomy and it gets dark so early these days. I’m afraid blog pics for the next few months are going to be less than stellar- already looking forward to spring and sunny days!

We headed to the mountains for this shoot and my oldest took the pics. It was fun but freeeeezing! The snow falling is a little help from Photoshop but we missed the real snowfall by just a few minutes. My girls have gotten to be such troopers with their crazy mom. Since November, I’ve been paying them for shoots under the condition that they use the money for Christmas presents. They’ve been more eager and it’s been fun to see them spend their earnings on their siblings and other family. I’m hoping that after Christmas they’ll go back to being happy with a chocolate or other special treat- wish me luck!

I could see this being my go-to dress for this one. It fits perfectly, has pockets, and she will die if I make her a maxi version. This dress and that fabric really just make me so happy! It was one of those projects that when I finished I was totally tempted to check her out of school just to see it on her… tell me I’m not the only one that gets that excited.

I knew this blue velvet was meant for this little lady. She’s worn this top to school and it just suits her so well. I love that hi-low peplum and that collar is so timeless.

I want to love my dress, I really do. It’s about as comfy as it gets but it really doesn’t flatter me. It’s not the dress design so much as my indulging in a little too much holiday cheer and not enough hitting the gym. It’s also the fabric choice for sure. Velvet shows every little bump and works well in a looser silhouette for me.

It’s a little better styled with a scarf or a belt.

I also made a peplum top in ponte but will definitely size up next time. This top was my first version in my normal size and the maxi is one size above what I normally wear in M4M.

I will for sure make more though. I think Liverpool would be a great fabric choice or even a thicker ponte with a bit more stretch. I placed a big order for fabric all with this pattern in mind!

You can pick up your patterns individually here and here or grab the bundle since you know you’ll want to be matchy-matchy!

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Sew What Do I Wear? Holiday Edition

The sweet ladies at Made for Mermaids and Patterns for Pirates are hosting a super fun tour- Sew What Do I Wear? It’s full of amazing inspiration for all of your holiday festivities!

I’ve been dying to make me a maxi dress ever since I made my girly this version. Every single time she wears it I get a twinge of jealousy. We all sit and pet her soft double brushed poly dress and I knew I needed my own BAD!

With my husband’s Holiday Party quickly approaching I knew this would be the perfect excuse to get sewing. He recently became the big boss man and I feel like my party attire should be stepped up a notch. I love that this dress is casual but still has a bit of wow factor. It also helps that I feel like I’m wearing my pj’s so I’ll be nice and comfortable even if I’m sweating on the inside trying to remember names and put on my best party face.

I mashed two patterns together for this easy hack. I used the Mama Ava from Made for Mermaids with the Boundless Dress from Patterns for Pirates.

I wanted it to hit at my natural waist so I measured from my shoulder to where I wanted it to hit then added 2 inches for seam allowance and to have it blouse a little. I then measured from my waist to the floor (I love my maxi’s to hit the ground) and cut my skirt that long by the width of the fabric. I constructed the dress per the Boundless tutorial, using 3/4″ elastic in the waist since it was gathering so much fabric there. I basted the top and the skirt together first, stretching the top to match the skirt then followed the tutorial for adding the elastic. Of course I had to add the Boundless pockets too!

I need to fill my closet with these! I couldn’t bring myself to take it off after we did these pics and wore it all day- cleaning house, driving carpool…all those mom duties that suddenly felt a bit more glamorous in a maxi. This fabric is a dream and I could seriously live in it forever!

I had the hubby grab pics at lunch one day. Tell me you all give your guy this look too! I was cracking up at my “you know what you’re doing, right?” expression. He did a great job with the pics and I sure loved sneaking off with him for a bit!

Make sure to check out the other great looks on the tour. We’re talking smokin’ hot party outfits, darling family pic looks, and holiday gathering wear.

Nov 14 – Wild & Wanderful/ What Does She Do All Day?/ My Creative Room

Nov 15 – Sew A Piece of Joy / Red Stitch Blue Stitch/ Sewn Of A Stitch

Nov 16 – MaMoose / Rebel & Malice / On Wednesdays We Sew

Nov 17 – It’s Liesel / Stitching and Making / The Kisses Co

Nov 18 – SewSophieLynn/ I’m Just Like Mommy/ Lady and the Gents / The Crunchy Mommy

Plaid and Boots Tour Thanksgiving Style

I always love trying new to me designers, especially when I keep seeing fantastic makes pop up in my social media feeds from all my favorite sewing friends- all made with Laela Jeyne Patterns. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Plaid and Boots tour and sharing my Thanksgiving Style. You can pick up any of these patterns for 20% off during the tour with code P&BTOUR20. Stay tuned to the end of the post for a great giveaway from some of the best sponsors around.

Our Thanksgiving day is usually pretty low-key. We will head to the grandparents house in the afternoon but we usually spend the morning at home. I used the Sydney Raglan and the Comfy Cozy Pajamas to make the perfect outfit for lounging at home.

Art Gallery Fabrics was a generous sponsor of the tour. These pj pants in Treadle Tradition, part of the Observer line, feel so luxurious. Paired with the softest panel from Moon Man Printing this set is seriously as comfy as it gets!

Confession- I’m that mom that makes her kids sit and watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade. I love it, my kids hate it! It just kicks off the Christmas season to me. I usually pull out the Christmas decorations while we watch and the house starts to feel so festive.

One more of this amazing panel. This was my first time working with a panel and I couldn’t pass this up. This graphic is so spot on. Any seamstress knows that there is something so calming and soothing when you sit down with your machine. For my raglan, I used the neckline from the Emily tee and did the slimfit, relaxed version.

After a lazy morning, we’ll all get ready for a fun family meal. The Emily Tee is packed with options but sometimes a simple tee is all you need. In Art Gallery knit, Triangle Tokens Ink, it’s super soft and will make the transition from my pj’s much less painful!

With a few accessories and of course some cute boots, I’ll be ready for an afternoon of family, food, and making great memories.

This tour is packed with some of the cutest bloggers on the planet. I’m excited to follow along and usher in the holiday season in style!

Tour Schedule

Monday

Kaleidothought – idle sunshine – Allie J.

Tuesday

Sew Pinspired – SewSophieLynn – The Wholesome Mama

Wednesday

Nini and Ash – Sew and Tell Project – Sweet Red Poppy

Thursday

Pear Berry Lane – Paisley Roots – Threadbear Garments – Lace and Pine Designs

Friday

Olive Ashby – Sunflower Seams – Elegantine

No tour is complete without an amazing giveaway!

Make sure you try your luck because these prizes are worth a little effort! So much goodness to keep you sewing into the new year!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Love Notions Maggie and Margot Peplums

I’ve been testing for Love Notions for about a year now and I’m so excited to help Tami celebrate the release of her 50th pattern!!! The Maggie and Margot Peplums are full of options and will be a great addition to your PDF line-up.

*This post contains affiliate links.

Confession- this test was full of firsts for me. This was my first EVER peplum make, first one I even tried on really. This is also my first time using Liverpool. I’ve got to say that I will definitely be doing both again!

Both the ladies and girls versions come with a basic bodice option or you can do princess seams like in this one. I love being able to mix fabrics with the princess seams. Still using my favorite stripes and florals- this time both come from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. You can find the floral here and the stripes are coming soon here (available for pre-order).

The Ladies comes in sizes XS-XXXL and features short, elbow, 3/4, and long sleeves. There are also three skirt options- swing, gathered, and pleated. I did a size small, plain bodice, elbow sleeve, with a swing skirt.

(Another confession- I hate looking at the camera! It’s so hard to look natural and not look like I’m trying to sell you lingerie! Hence, the sunglasses in most of my pics AND why I sew for my kids way more than myself!)

For Sophie I did a size 8, 3/4 sleeve, swing skirt top. The girls version has all the same options and comes in sizes 2T-16 so I’ll be sewing these up for years to come!

As always Tami’s patterns are trimless and feature layers. They are thoroughly tested and flatter every tester I’ve seen. The tutorials are always full of helpful tips and tricks and the Love Notions Pattern Support Facebook Group is a great resource if you ever get stuck.

Love Notions is celebrating big time in the Facebook group and it’s given me a chance to look back on my favorite Love Notions patterns.

I have ALOT! From the top- I wear my Canyon Cardigan almost daily and Charlie wears his Moto Maxx pants every time they’re clean. The Tidal Top wins for cutest quick sew and the Tabitha Top is my perfect dressy casual top. The Tessa Sheath Dress is the classic dress up or down dress. My Charlie has requested more Vanguard Pants because he loves all the pockets! In my search for the perfect dolman top I keep reaching for the La Bella Top for me and my girls- it’s the perfect slim fit that flatters everyone! The options with the Li’l Laundry Day Tee, Tunic, and Dress make it a pattern I reach for ALL THE TIME! I love patterns that almost all my kids can wear and the Samson Sweater is just that. There are still so many options with the Sybil Illusion Skirt that I need to sew up but this pleated version is one of my favorite makes ever. And finally the pattern that started my Love Notions journey, the Boyfriend Cardigan was my first Love Notions pattern test and I have a couple more planned for this fall. I love that Tami designs for the whole family. Looking back through all my makes was so fun and reminded me I want to make so many of them again!

Make sure to pick up you copies here! I can’t wait to see these start filling up my Facebook feeds! Such a fun pattern!

Denim Joggers featuring CaliFabrics

This post was written for the Cali & Co. blog. Head on over for TONS of sewing inspiration from some super talented ladies!

As a busy mom of five I get my fashion inspiration not from the pages of Vogue magazine but usually from the chic mom running errands or pushing the cart around the grocery store. I live in comfy clothes but still like to look pulled together. I’ve been dying for a pair of denim joggers for what seems like forever!

Hallelujah! The stars aligned and these beauties were born! I love that they look cute but still feel like I’m wearing my pajamas. I used this lovely grey cotton/tencel denim that is a dream to wear. It’s lightweight but still feels like it will hold up to whatever I throw at them- whether it’s a Saturday at the soccer fields or a fun date night with the hubby.

I used the Pattern Emporium Ladies Harem Pants with some slight modifications. I like my joggers loose and these are just what I was after. I took about an inch off the back at the hips through the waist and used a slightly bigger seam allowance to bring them in all over just a touch more. I did an extra wide bottom hem and inserted 1.5″ elastic for a nice big cuff. I then ran a couple rows of stitching on top for detail.

I added grommets to my waistband and did a faux drawstring. All these details make them more like joggers and less like fancy harem pants. I think they are a nice marriage of both styles.

I love how versatile they are to wear! I’ll throw on my favorite tee to get me through the last days of summer. Then I can pair them with my favorite flannel button-up when the weather gets cooler as we head into fall. I can even dress them up for a fancy date night on the town. (Who am I kidding? Date nights are few and far between but at least I’ll be ready for it!)

I had to give you a little booty shot- these look fab, am I right?!

Hop on over to see more fun projects at the Cali Fabrics Blog. I’m so excited to be a part of the Cali & Co. team!

Category: Sewing for Women