Sewing for Women – Page 17

An Extraordinary Girl for me!

Raspberry Creek’s newest line is HERE!!! I was so excited to get my hands on actual yardage and I’ve been dying to make my own version of this tee.

A free afternoon and VOILA!

I used the new Club stripes and dots and this mustard from the shop- all in cotton/lycra.

I added a bands to the sleeves and bottom to bring in some more mustard.

I also had to bring the back shoulder piece down in the front a couple more inches than called for. The neckline was too wide for my preferences but otherwise it was a great sew. I did a size small graded to a medium in the waist.

It’s just the perfect pattern to showcase and mix your favorite prints. You can pick up the pattern here and pick up the gorgeous fabric at Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

Sew Straight and Gather’s Metro Pullover

Terri at Sew Straight and Gather has got another brilliant pattern for you. I have an addiction to making sweatshirts and consider myself quite the hoodie connoisseur so when I say you need this pattern you better hop right on that!

There are two patterns- one for kids and one for women/men. A pattern for the whole family is always going to get a lot of use in my house.

Each pattern comes with a hooded version or a cowl neck. I made a couple of each just because I couldn’t stop. Seriously, I want to see you make just one…

This cutie got the first one off the sewing machine. I just adore his little face peeking out of that hood. I love the unique hood and the fit of this sweatshirt.

I used Raspberry Creek Fabrics french terry in solid charcoal and oatmeal. The combo is neutral and the charcoal stripe hood lining just ties is all together.

Payton’s was next and sewed up in a flash. She picked out this anti-pill fleece from Joann’s and it worked just lovely for this pattern.

She got the cross-over cowl version. It’s nice and big which makes it so cozy and cute!

The girls and ladies version have this darling pleat detail in the back. It gives it a little more flow and adds just that little something extra.

There is a curved hem or a banded bottom option. Payton got the curved hem. I loved her version so much I headed to the fabric store the next day so that I could make one in my size!

I wasn’t signed up to test Sophie’s size but just loved this pattern so much I knew she needed her own too! She got a cowl with a banded bottom out of Joann’s fleece.

My first version was a beautiful eggplant french terry (from Raspberry Creek) hoodie version.

I’ve had this lightweight mustard/cream stripe in my stash and it was absolutely perfect with this eggplant. I used it to line both the hood and the pocket.

I love the slim fit of this sweatshirt- not too baggy, not too tight!

I whipped up my cowl microfleece version in about a half hour after making the others. Seriously, the cutest, quickest sew ever. It is so cozy and I dreaded taking it off!

I think we’ve found a new favorite pattern. The big boys are feeling left out so we might need to whip up a few more real soon!

Terri’s patterns are so clearly written and I love her clean, crisp layout. She offers lots of tips and her tutorials make sewing a breeze even if you’re just a beginner to sewing.

Terri has graciously offered both patterns for $4 each or $8 (CAD, so us Americans will save even more!) for the bundle for a limited time. Are you doing last minute Christmas sewing? Or finished up and need a little selfish sew? I’d waste no time and grab this pattern TODAY! Pick up the kids version here or the ladies/mens here but really you should just get them both– you won’t regret it!

Pattern for Pirates Knitfix Hoodie

I’ve been hoarding this floral for months and I’m so, so thrilled I finally cut into it.

I first cut this out and used the scraps to make this sweatshirt for Payton so you probably recognize the fun print.

I wanted an extra cozy sweatshirt so I pulled out my Patterns for Pirates Raglan and Add-ons. I went all in with a cross-over funnel hood, kangaroo pocket, and thumbhole cuffs.

It was the perfect combination for the coziest sweatshirt ev-ah!!

The floral is a Girl Charlee knitfix french terry and the hood lining is Purple Seamstress stripes. The cuffs and bottom band are oatmeal french terry from Raspberry Creek.

I have a feeling this will get a lot of wear this winter. Especially for the holidays- this is my kinda Christmas sweater!

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 Sybil Skirt

I wear a skirt usually every Sunday. So a new skirt pattern that is actually 7, yes 7, patterns in one is just what I need!

Tami at Love Notions has done it again. I had the chance to test this skirt and with each new version the testers sewed up I knew this was going to be a FABULOUS pattern.

The first version I made was a box pleated, midi-length out of beautiful ponte I grabbed in LA.

This is me showing how excited I am over the pockets! I just love me some pockets!

It’s such a simple design but it’s so lovely sewn up.

Styling it was so fun! I loved my easy everyday look with a tee and sneakers or a dressed up take with a button-up and textured tights. I also did just a simple sweater and scarf for a normal church service.

After the other tester versions came rolling in I knew I needed to make at least one more.

I did a midi, gored version out of ponte I picked up at Raspberry Creek Fabrics ages ago (she gets ponte in regularly so keep checking back).

I love the detail that the gore brings and the fit is just fantastic.

So these are just two versions. Let’s talk pattern details. This pattern is made for knits. There are seven versions- box pleated, gored, asymmetrical wrap, drop yoke with swing, pencil, and a-line. You can pick knee-length or midi length and don’t forget the inseam pockets! There is a yoga waistband (like mine) or an optional control panel waistband. I have loved every single version I’ve seen. It flatters all body types and comes in sizes XS-XXXL. It really is the only skirt pattern you’ll ever need!

Pick up your copy here!

I am an affiliate for Love Notions and while I will get a small commission off your purchase my opinions are 100% true! I just adore this pattern and you will too!

Laundry Day Dress (and tutorial)

I have the pleasure of testing for Tami at Love Notions. She was one of those designers I kinda liked before I started testing for her but my adoration has grown as I’ve followed her through the testing process multiple times.

She is a super woman- sewing right alongside the testers, perfecting her patterns until they are absolutely amazing. She put in that same time and effort to her free pattern, the Laundry Day Tee. (For my full review on that tee you can go here.)

Since I made my first version I’d been really wanting to hack it into a cute knee-length swing dress. I picked up this gorgeous floral spandex jersey from Joann’s and it sat and waited for me…

The stars aligned (sick kids and a lazy day) and this dress was born.

I shared it in the Love Notions Facebook Group and there were requests for a tutorial. So here goes…

Disclaimer- This is my first tutorial. I do not claim that this is the only way to do this or that I am doing anything new and exciting. It is a simple hack and I am sharing the way that worked for me. I tried to make it as simplistic as possible since I think this pattern is a perfect beginner project. If you have attempted this and would like to share what worked for you, please do! (Also, we received our first snowfall today so the lighting is indoor and fabulous 😉

I grabbed my main pattern piece, tracing paper, a ruler, a pen, scissors, and a glue stick or tape.

Next, glue (or tape) your pattern piece to your tracing paper. This helps to keep it in place from the get go.

I lengthened my pattern from the tunic length line by 8 inches. I got this measurement by measuring from my shoulder seam to where I wanted the dress to end on my leg. I then measured my pattern piece and added the appropriate length plus seam allowance. (I am 5’7″ as a reference.)

I started by lengthening the center fold line first. I lined my ruler up the length to the fold line and measured down 8 inches and drew a line.

To lengthen the flared side, I lined my ruler up the length of the dress and marked 8 inches from the bottom. Draw a line.

You should have two lines like this. Now the tricky part is connecting them. I just did the best I could at recreating the curve of the original piece.

I am adding in a suggestion here that I didn’t do on my first dress. I will add an extra 1/2 inch to the front of my dress to take into account my bust. I noticed on my dress that the front hem was a tad shorter because of the extra, uh-um, fullness in front. If you are more well endowed than me you may want to play with how much extra length is needed in front.

I used a dotted line to make my front markings.

Ready to cut!

Your final piece should look something like this.

The construction of the dress is exactly like you would do the shirt or tunic. Such a quick, easy hack for such a fun, versatile pattern.

I can’t wait to make a closetful. How perfect would these be come Spring too, with sandals and sunshine? Can you tell I’m already dreaming of warmer, sunny days?!!

I hope this helps and feel free to message me with any questions. Make sure you share your dresses in the FB group or on Instagram and hashtag #laundrydaytee.

I am a new affiliate for Love Notions. I decided to join the program since I love the patterns so much that I can’t help spreading the word. You can check out her patterns here and make sure to check back on Friday for the release of her newest skirt pattern. You won’t want to miss it!

Another Day, Another Lane

I struggle with my relationship with fabric. I love fun, colorful prints but tend to gravitate towards solids or simple stripes in my everyday wardrobe. I picked up this gorgeous floral sweatshirt fabric one night from Diana. It paired perfectly with the cobalt blue french terry I had left over from this sweatshirt. The colors are so pretty but I worried the print would be overwhelming on me. So it sat there…

I considered another Bimaa for my girls- they usually get all the fun prints that I don’t think I can wear. Then I found a simple sweatshirt on Pinterest that used a solid as the main body and even had contrast cuffs and hood. Perfect compromise!

I used the Lane Raglan from Hey June (yet again). This was my first time using the thumb hole cuffs and I love them! I sized up a size since the floral has very little stretch. I also added the kangaroo pocket from the Halifax Hoodie. The result- another one of those sweatshirts that I never want to take off!

Flannel Front Halifax

As I was sewing up this Hatteras Hoodie earlier this week I had a vision. I’ve been dying to do a plaid flannel front sweatshirt and I knew the Hey June Halifax Hoodie view B would be the perfect pattern to do it.

Raspberry Creek has been carrying Robert Kaufman Mammoth flannel for awhile and I simply love it. (You can see what’s in stock here.) It’s thick and cozy and washes up great. There are tons of prints to choose from and Di is always getting in new stuff.

The minute I saw this flannel in the shop I knew I needed it. Paired with light grey french terry, this is now my new favorite sweatshirt. I wore it all day and didn’t want to take it off. It’s currently in the washer so I can wear it again. Totally obsessed!

I didn’t make any adjustments to the pattern. This is a size small and I feel like there is plenty of ease built in to the pattern so the woven works great for the front piece. I have a small chest though so I don’t have to worry about tightness there- I’d maybe size up if that is an issue for you.

I’m currently trying to figure out how many more of these I can make before people get sick of seeing me in them. I think there are so many options with this pattern and I can’t get enough of it!

Halifax Hoodie by Hey June Handmade

I’ve got another amazing pattern for you today! And I mean ah-MAZ-ing!!!

The Halifax Hoodie by Hey June Handmade is the ladies version of the Hatteras Hoodie that I was head over heals for here.

I made three version of the kids and I couldn’t help myself and made three versions for me, too!

The first version I made was the cowl neck view D out of yummy mint french terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I used the back side for contrast for the cowl and bands. It is so cozy and this color in real life is bright and so, so fun.

Heaven in a sweatshirt right there.

I had yet to make view B for my kids and I was dying- it’s so cute with those wrap around sides!

I used this black french terry for the main back and sleeves and added a buffalo plaid sweater knit I scored in LA for the front. I just adore the hi-lo hem!

And finally I did a view B out of sweater knit (another LA $1/yd find). I added lace trim to the hem and skipped the band. I love that I could use this pattern and kinda fancy it up.

Such an awesome, versatile pattern that I will be wearing all winter long.

I’ve mentioned before how much I love my sewing besties, Diana and Emily. It was so fun to test this with Em. I took some pics for her then we had to do a few ‘couple’ shots for fun!

Isn’t she gorgeous! We both have mad love for this pattern and Adrianna over at Hey June. Pick up the pattern here or the Hatteras/Halifax bundle here.

Pattern Anthology Gwen

I’ve got another great Pattern Anthology post for you today.

The minute I saw the Gwen Pattern I knew I had to sew it up.

The pattern comes with a million options to customize and really make it your own. But..

I went as boring as you could go. No frills, no touches of contrast, no button placket, just a simple basic top.

And I love it!!! One of my go-to t-shirt patterns is See Kate Sew’s Neptune Tee. I usually make it plain and simple but it’s got a great shape and I love the way it fits my body.

For my first Gwen I wanted to see how it would fit and I knew an easy tee would fit perfectly in my wardrobe. I used a gorgeous pink houndstooth ponte that I picked up in LA.

I love that I can dress it up with a simple skirt or throw it on with a pair of jeans.

I’m excited to add some bells and whistles to my next one. I’m also thrilled to use the bonus pencil skirt pattern that it comes with. Options, options, options… Kate is speaking my language!

This is your last week to pick up the Pattern Anthology Unbiased Collection for $29.95. Hurry, you don’t want to miss this amazing offer!

Category: Sewing for Women