Sewing for Women – Page 18

Love Notions Laundry Day Tee

I love me a quick and easy sew. A t-shirt you can whip up faster than you can do a load of laundry? I’m all over that!

When Tami at Love Notions (affiliate link) came up with this breezy, easy tee I was so excited to sew one up.

I’d love to live in leggings but I need LONG shirts to be able to cover my rear. I’m not one for the leggings as regular pants thing. A tunic or long sweater is a MUST! This tee is perfect!

This tee has seriously been missing in my life. There are two different lengths- regular and tunic, and three sleeve lengths- short, 3/4, and long. This is the 3/4 sleeve length that I added bands to.

Are you ready for the best part? She’s offering this for FREE! You heard that right, FREE, just join her Facebook Group for the code. Then head over to her shop to pick up the pattern. You might get distracted while you’re there and end up with a few more cute patterns in your cart 😉

Pattern Anthology Diamond Dress

You know those chic women that can throw on a dress everyday and just look so put together? The mom’s at Target looking like they stepped out of a magazine in their cute knit dress? Well, that is not me. Between years of nursing and chasing toddlers, dresses were just not on my radar. Until now…

Pattern Anthology has released their newest set of patterns and they are fabulous. I sewed up the Diamond Dress by Shwin Designs. I used a ponte from Joann’s and it worked perfectly.

The diamond detail in the center is such a fun, flattering detail. It’s great for colorblocking or just changing the fabric direction like I did.

The pattern comes with cap and long sleeve lengths. I used the long sleeve piece and cut it at the lengthen/shorten line to create my favorite 3/4 sleeves. I also used the tip to bring in the waist by sewing clear elastic to the waist seam allowance. I love the silhouette it creates!

I can’t wait to wear this dressed up to church. Or you may just see me in it with sneakers on my next Target run…

Putting Joggers to the Test

Continue reading “Putting Joggers to the Test” →

My Raglan Love Affair

Edited: The Hey June Lane Raglan has been updated as of February 25th, 2015. You can see my review of the new version here. Patterns for Pirates also has a new slim fit raglan option.

I think I could wear a raglan everyday. If you know me, you might think that I actually do. I have long sleeve, short sleeve, three-quarter sleeves, sweatshirts, hoodies, and even a sweater knit version. They are so fun to mix and match fabric and to add fun details like kangaroo pockets or floral bias trim neck binding. I’m a stay-at-home mom so my ‘work’ outfits are usually all about comfort. Because of that, I mainly sew casual clothes for myself and save the fancy stuff for my girls (less fabric, time, and let’s face it- they’re WAY cuter to sew for).

I rarely sew a pattern over and over. I love to try new designs and pdf designers do a fine job of keeping me busy with the latest and greatest patterns. I only have a handful of patterns I pull out time after time. The Lane Raglan by Hey June Handmade and the Pattern for Pirates Raglan are two of those patterns.

My raglan love affair began with this Lane Raglan from Hey June Handmade. Adrianna posted a similar version somewhere and I just had to copy it. I had this yummy mustard stripe french terry from LA and this gorgeous Liberty bias trim I picked up when I was in London. This is a size medium and I rolled the hems and tacked them up on both the sleeves and the bottom hem. This fabric has very little stretch and the medium is a nice roomy fit.

This lightweight jersey version with stretch lace sleeves was next. Again a size medium with bands this time. While I love this one, the lace is heavy and pulled the neck way too wide for me. With a little help from the ever amazing Diana, the neckline is better and she converted me to using a much shorter neckband than what the pattern calls for. Duh, it’s been a game changer keeping my under-things in check.

Now enter Patterns for Pirates Raglan Bundle Pack. Holy cow, do I love this pattern! That button-up cowl with those big ‘ol wood buttons is pretty fantastic. The options with this pattern are endless. This is a non-stretch sweatshirt fleece in a size small. It’s a little snug and I think I’d go up a size next time I use fabric this stiff.

Then I had to make a sweater-knit version with the ruched cowl and thumbhole cuffs. Doesn’t get much comfier than that and it’s so much more chic than a standard hoodie.

Not that I don’t love me a good hoodie. This version was actually made by my swap buddy, Jessie, for a monthly sewing swap I do. It’s pretty awesome and I sure lucked out that month. Not only did she send me this amazing version but she also tucked in two fun short sleeve versions as well.

Speaking of short sleeve versions, the one on the left is a cotton lycra blend with no bands and the side seams contoured in. That super cute vinyl is from Sew Fancy iron-on vinyl on Facebook. The one on the right is a jersey knit with a banded bottom and the sleeves brought in a bit. All of my P4P versions are a size small. The pattern is very roomy and relaxed and I’ve never felt the need to go up or down a size except when using sweatshirt fleece.

One of my newest favs is my Raspberry Creek Club Fabrics Lane. If you’re anything like me, your Instagram and FB feeds are full of floral sleeved raglans right now. You better believe I’m whipping up my own as fast as I can.

Now for a couple side-by-sides. The Lane Raglan has a slimmer fit, hugging your curves more and creating them where you need them. The new improved Lane now has a hood and thumb hole option which totally elevate the pattern. And you can add the cute pocket out of your favorite fabric scrap, too! The P4P is loose and grazes those curves you might want to hide and offers more options than the Lane. The P4P with add-on pack offers multiple sleeve and hem lengths, elbow patches, a hood, cross-over funnel hood, funnel collar, button up funnel collar, ruched funnel collar, cowl neck, kangaroo pocket and thumb hole cuffs- phew!

The Lane hoodie is on the left and the P4P on the right. Don’t mind my angry gangster face, that’s totally how you’re supposed to act with your hood up right?!

These are french terry versions. I know they can’t all be my favorite but these are way up there. The french terry is from Raspberry Creek Fabrics as is that amazing quilted knit (I had just enough left over from this dress). The P4P is on the left (size small) and the Lane is on the right (size medium).

Now these are cotton jersey versions of both in size smalls (I made the P4P version on the right for my own swap partner). It’s easy to see the more relaxed feel of the P4P one on the right. The angle of the sleeves are very different and each will flatter different body types. I’ve got a smaller chest and I don’t mind the shaping of the P4P but my friend Emily swears by the angle of the Lane to flatter her curves better.

The P4P is on the top and the Lane is on the bottom. The sleeve angle of the Lane slims her so much, don’tcha think? I’m amazed at how different these look on her. She’s kinda famous for her Lane obsession but when it looks that good on you I’d make a closet full too! Thanks for letting me share these, Em!

And finally to prove just how versatile these patterns are…

My most worn raglan this summer- a Lane rashguard. I followed this tutorial from Dandelion Drift (she used the Hey June Union St. tee for hers, another great pattern) and added a padded shelf bra. I used the small pattern size and brought in the sides to be snug and prevent it from creeping up while swimming.

So, if you read this post hoping I’d tell you to get one or the other, sorry! I love both patterns and think you NEED both of them in your life pronto! They both have different looks and options and will flatter your body in different ways. A cozy P4P cowl neck for the cooler weather ahead would be perfect. A sexy lace sleeved Lane for date night might wow your hubby and convince him to let you buy ALL the fabric to make a million more.

So, do you have a favorite? A new one I should give a try?

I need to mention that I am in no way affiliated with either Patterns for Pirates or Hey June Handmade. I think both designers just get women and you can’t go wrong with any of their patterns. Pick up these patterns here and here and feel free to look around a bit.

Love Notions Boyfriend Cardigan

Can you feel that crispness in the air? We’re getting our first taste of fall and I’m loving it! I love to throw on a cozy sweater or sweatshirt and dust off my favorite boots. Fall brings a renewal in our house… we’re back on a schedule, we’ve got new activities and projects, and there’s a new hope as the school year really gets going. It’s my favorite time of year by far!

As the days get shorter and nights start cooling off the Love Notions Boyfriend Cardigan will be perfect. I got to test this pattern in the Ladies and Girls versions. It was so fun to sew up and then get to take pictures with my Payton. I really hate to be in front of the camera but she sure made it fun.

The pattern features a either a shawl collar or a hooded version. We went with a classic shawl collar but I can’t wait to sew up a cozy hoodie too.

I love the pockets and think everything should have them.

Payton asked if she could wear this exact outfit the first day it was cool enough. She loved the pockets, too!

Hop on over to Love Notions to pick up your copies. Use code ‘sewallthecardigans’ for 20% off through the end of the week.

This post contains affiliate links.

Shwin Designs Lucille Tops- For Boys too!

Are you a fan of Shwin and Shwin? I love her simple, hip style and some of my favorite patterns are Shwin Designs. My latest projects were a pair of Lucille tops for Sophie and Charlie. It’s such a cute way to use contrasting fabrics and they were fun, quick sews (my favorite kind!).

I love this floral fabric from Girl Charlee and I’m excited I have enough left for me too. It paired perfectly with Raspberry Creek’s coral solid. I added wide bands at the wrist and waist to throw in some more of the floral.

Don’tcha love that smolder! For Charlie’s I used another Girl Charlee fabric I’ve had stashed for him. I love the grey motorcycles and I let him choose what color he wanted with them. Of course he chose blue- everything is blue these days because that is his very favorite color. I was happy because I love him in blue- it brings out those baby blue eyes!

Well, you guys will be seeing plenty of Shwin Designs coming out of our house. I’ve always been a big fan and some of my most loved patterns are Shwin’s.

Her Daytripper Top is one of my go-to patterns for myself.

And I find myself sewing up her kids patterns again and again. This cozy french terry Eleanor Dress is so scrumptious and this Maggie Mae Tunic was so perfect for St. Patty’s Day.

I was lucky to test her Jane Dress that was part of her Garden Girl Collection. It’s such a simple sweet dress that little Payton wears over and over.

When Shauna posted a call for Shwin Ambassadors-seamstresses who would be willing to sew up her patterns and share their creations in exchange for access to her collection; well, let’s just say I jumped at the chance. I felt like I had won the lottery when I was actually chosen! So each month, I’ll post here and on my Instagram one of her designs. I feel like I’d be sewing one of her patterns at least once a month anyways so I definitely got the good end of the deal!

I’ll leave you with a peek at my Glass Onion and Stella leggings combo. Another gorgeous look courtesy of Shwin 😉

The Ladies Uptown/Downtown Dress

I’ve already professed my adoration for Terri of Sew Straight and Gather. Her patterns are the bomb and I am thrilled that she is now working on ladies patterns! I had the chance to test for her again on her latest project, The Ladies Uptown/Downtown Dress.

This pattern is another winner- lots of sleeve options, knee and maxi lengths, and tank and sleeveless choices too. There is also a cowl neck that I adore! My girls have a few bimaa sweaters that I love and now I get to join in on the cowl fun.

I have to admit I was worried how this dress would skim my i-had-five-kids-belly. The cut was way more flattering than I expected and I loved seeing how it flattered all body types on the other testers. It really looks amazing on every shape and size- magic pattern, I swear.

I fell in love with this gorgeous jersey knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. The drape and flow was perfect for this dress. Another great fabric/pattern combination!

Category: Sewing for Women