Dive into Dolmans Week One-P4P Pumpkin Spice

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I’ve got big things coming your way! Today is the first day on our Dive into Dolmans Blog Tour!  I’m thrilled to join along with some amazing bloggers to help you sort through the dozens of dolman pdf’s out there.

Each week, the four main bloggers- Sewing By Ti, Made by Melli, Creative Counselor, and myself, will sew up and review one of the many dolman patterns out there on the market.  We have some fantastic guest bloggers that will be joining in the fun too.  The greatest part is that you will get to see these patterns on real women with all kinds of different body types.  Are you an hourglass?  Katie from Creative Counselor is your gal.  Ti is representing all the inverted triangles out there.  All you apples can look to cute Mellisa and I’m here to help out all the rectangles.

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My first review is of the ever popular Pumpkin Spice Dolman (or PSD for short) from Patterns for Pirates.  The PSD is a loose fitting top with fitted sleeves and multiple hem options.  The pattern features no trim pages and the layers option that makes assembly a breeze.

Sizes XXS-3X
Printable pattern pages/copy shop version 19/no
Skill Level Beginner
Measurements for Rectangle Pieces Yes
Line Drawings Yes
Size made Small
Options chosen Long Sleeve, banded hem
Fabric Requirement for your size 1 5/8 yards
Measurement Chart Bust, Waist, Hips
Cutting Instructions No
Pattern Printing Layout No
Cutting Layout No
Suggested Fabrics knit with at least 20% stretch, drapier knits recommended
Layer Printing Option Yes
Neck Line Options No but neckband options
Sleeve Options Short, 3/4, long
Hem Options Straight, curved, small banded and tall banded hem
Color Blocking No
Seam Allowance 1/2″
Hem Allowance 1/2″
Separate add-on pack No
Fit Loose
Easy to read instructions Yes
Drawing or photograph instructions Photos

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I’ve made my share of dolmans before but never a pattern with ‘batwings’.  I really like the fit of this top.  I’m very small up top and the extra fullness there is great. I really like the looseness over my belly area.  I like that I can pull the band down to wear with leggings or push it up to add a little fullness there too.  There are two bottom band options- a short waistband (7″ tall) and a tall waistband (ranges between 15″-20″ depending on size).  My band is 12″ only because I was short on fabric for the tall waistband.

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The seam where the long sleeve attaches to the body hits just above my elbow.  This pattern has optional short sleeves with bands and 3/4 sleeves also. Elbow patches are a fun little pattern detail you can add too.

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I chose to do the t-shirt neckband option but there is a turned facing choice too.

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My fabric for this top came from a Girl Charlee knitfix.  It’s super drapey and worked perfect for this pattern.  I think the more flowy the better when it comes to this tee.

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It came together so quickly- you know how I love my naptime sews.  I think that’s true of most dolmans and why they are such a favorite among sewers- we all love our almost instant gratification.

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Make sure to check out the other stops on the tour today-

Sewing By Ti is sewing up the Sew Much Ado Seafarer top.  This pattern was one of my very first pdf’s and first ever knit sew.  It’s perfect for beginners and so cute too!

Creative Counselor whipped up The Tee by Cake Patterns.  The best part is it’s FREE!

Made By Melli made the newest dolman by P4P, the Sweet Tee.  It’s super popular right now so I need to check it out too!

Guest blogger: Rebel and Malice is joining us to review the Jalie Dolman.

I can’t wait to see what they’ve sewn up too!  Stay tuned each Thursday for more dolman love and reviews!

Love Notions Tessa Dress

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Yikes! Me in a dress…AGAIN!! That’s what happens when your favorite designers both come out with AMAZING dress patterns.

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The (affl. link) Tessa Dress by Love Notions is such a fantastic pattern!

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It’s your classic sheath dress with tons of options.

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It features a contrast yoke that makes mixing and matching fabric so fun.

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Multiple sleeve lengths means you can use this pattern all year round.

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My teal version is made out of teal ponte from Cali Fabrics.

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I did the elbow sleeve, bateau neckline, and added a bit of length to the knee length version to accommodate my height (I’m 5’7″).

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I love the simplicity of this version and how versatile it will be to wear.  It was perfect for Easter Sunday!

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My second version is a bit more casual.  I did the contrast yoke and sleeves, bateau neck and short sleeves.

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The dots are Club Fabrics from Raspberry Creek Fabrics and the floral is one I picked up from two different online sources since I loved it so much (unfortunately it is out of stock both places)!  I used it here too.  This pic is a great detail of the back which is two pieces to really shape it and bring it in.

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I love this version and will totally be sporting it just like this on the countless Saturday’s spent at the soccer fields.

As a bonus you can use this pattern with the Sybil Skirt (affl. link) to create countless new looks!  You can read about my love for the Sybil here.

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Tami also released a top version called the Tabitha (you can read about mine soon)!  You can pick up the bundle here or the single patterns here and here (all affl. links) on sale through Sunday!

Lil Luxe Maxi Dress

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This sweet girl is outgrowing all her dresses which is fabulous for little sis and means I get to make new Sunday clothes- sounds like a win-win all around.

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She requested a maxi dress and was drawn to this lovely blue floral linen I’ve had in my stash for awhile.  I knew the Lil Luxe Dress from Lil Luxe Collection would be just what she envisioned.

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I personalized this pattern a couple ways.

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First, I raised the scoop in the back by two inches.  While I love the scoop back, I wanted it a bit more modest to wear to church and it was a super easy modification.

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The sleeves are supposed to be lined but my fabric was a little thicker and I didn’t want to add extra bulk.

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My skirt is just one piece, the width of the fabric.  Not so much a design choice as a lack of fabric thing.

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I absolutely love this dress and she does too.  I’ve got another one planned for little sis and know it will be a go to pattern for dresses and tops in the future.

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A little behind the scenes on this shoot- Snow was forecast for the next day so as soon as she got home from school we did a quick fitting.  I had to take it in a bit and hem it up before rushing her to the park between her after school commitments.

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The lining may or may not be safety pinned down 😉  A girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do!  Tell me you’ve had those moments too, right?!!

The key to all the smiles this shoot was having her bestie along.  Cutest little friends!

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I highly recommend this fun pattern and make sure you check out the ladies version too!

Happy Easter from SewSophieLynn

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Happy Easter from my family to yours.

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Easter is such a special time of year.  Spring is in the air and with that the world is full of hope.  Hope for warmer weather, new life, and a feeling of renewal.

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It also brings a feeling of gratitude. I’m so grateful for this little family of mine and for all my little everyday blessings.

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It was so fun for these cute sisters to get dressed this morning.  You can read more about their dresses here and here.

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I didn’t get to share these sweet sister pics so they’re my Easter gift to you (hopefully the Easter bunny brought you some chocolate too ;)!

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I hope your day is filled with faith, family, and lots of yummy food!  Happy Easter!

Charleston Dress by Hey June

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Have I told you how much I love Hey June Patterns? What?  Only about a million times, right?

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Well, now you have one more reason to love Adrianna even more-

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The Charleston Dress is here and you’re going to just adore it!

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This pattern features two views- one has a full skirt with pockets and the view I did has a slim body hugging skirt both with princess seamed bodice.

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There are a million (or 7) sleeve options too!

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I love that you can get a sleek evening dress or a fun everyday dress out of one pattern.

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Like all Hey June patterns, the tutorial is superb and anyone from a beginner on can tackle it.  The dress has a fun back zipper that can be left off to make this a super quick sew.

Catch the pattern on sale now through Monday and all other Hey June patterns are 20% off with code BlizzardSale!  Run and #buyallthepatterns!

Naples Dress Blog Tour

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Can it get any cuter?

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Why yes, just throw in a matching doll version…DYING!!!

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I’m so excited to be a stop on the Naples Dress Blog Tour.

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This pattern (affl. link) and gorgeous Art Gallery denim are a match made in seamstress heaven!

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I was so excited to get my hands on Art Gallery Fabrics new Denim line.

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The great people at Art Gallery generously sent a couple yards of Solid Smooth Denim in Afternoon Sail for me to sew up for this tour.  It’s got a slight shine and drapes beautifully.  Exactly what this pattern needed!

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This shade of blue matches her eyes perfectly! I now have a new favorite picture of my cutie!

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Denim and cream trim are such a classic combo.

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For this version of the dress, I did butterfly sleeves and an aline dress.

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I used left over fabric from this dress for the tie.  I love the bit of contrast it adds.

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Simple and sweet and perfect for her Easter dress.

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She loves how comfy it is!  Nice and flowy but so hippie chic at the same time.

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Of course she wanted a matching dress for her mini-me doll.

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The doll dress is such a quick, fun sew.  I think it was cut and finished in half an hour.

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My kind of project- quick and made her so, so happy!

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This pic cracks me up- They have the same toothy smile!!

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I had so much fun sewing up this dress.  You can check out big sisters version and more pattern details here.  I think this pattern will be a favorite around our house for a long time.

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I’ll leave you with her ‘smolder’.

Make sure you enter the giveaway for a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of Essentials II from Art Gallery Fabrics and your choice of 3 patterns from (affl. link) Jennuine Designs.  Use code NAPLESTOUR for 25% off all patterns (except bundles) in her shop too!  I have mad love for her Dressage Leggings (here and here).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out all the other stops on the tour also. So inspiring!

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3/21: A Jennuine Life * My Sweet Sunshine * Chelise Patterson
3/22: Rock the Stitch * Taylor Made Creates * Élégantine!
3/23: Handcrafted by RED * Lily Shine * Pattern Revolution * Sew Sophie Lynn
3/24: Sew Shelly Sew * 2 Little Hooligans * Handmade Boy
3/25: Filles à Maman * While She Was Sleeping * That’s-Sew-Kari * Czarina’s Project

An Easter Blaverry Vivie

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It’s almost Easter which means new Spring dresses are popping up everywhere.

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The Vivie by Blaverry was perfect for this girl.

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Sewn in gorgeous floral it just screams spring time to me.

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Christie at Blaverry is so good at pushing me out of my comfort zone.  This was my first collar and button placket and… I came, I saw, and I conquered it!!!

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This dress pairs perfectly with the Decklyn Jacket by Blaverry making this outfit one I am truly proud of.

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So many sewing fears tackled in one glorious pairing.

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Blaverry patterns are very concise and well written.  There is no hand holding for those looking for it but that makes for a short, simple tutorial that isn’t overwhelming.

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This pattern features front and back darts that make it easy to get a custom fit on your little model.

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Inseam pockets are always a plus too!

It’s such a sweet, classic pattern that I’m looking forward to making again and again.

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Now let’s talk about that ah-mazing fabric!! It’s Art Gallery’s Forest Floor line that I picked up from Raspberry Creek Fabrics (this is currently sold out but linked to another great print from the same line).

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It’s buttery soft and sewed up just beautifully.  It’s the perfect weight for this pattern and I felt totally spoiled working with it.

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I feel like my job as a mom who sews is to make my children feel comfortable and beautiful in the clothes I make for them.  To see the joy this dress brought to my cute girly is totally the reason I sew.

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I love the sophistication of the dress but this picture reminds me that she’s still my sweet little girl.

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Make sure to check out Blaverry and the Blaverry Facebook Group for lots of great inspiration.  Keep an eye out for more amazing Vivie’s in the group.  You can see my other Blaverry projects here and here.  Check out Pear Berry Lane’s darling gingham version too!

EYMM Freestyle Harem Tour

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I’ve got a thing for blog tours- I can’t pass one up!  An excuse to sew and a fun group of seamstresses is enough to make me giddy!

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I’m happy to be a stop on the Freestyle Harem Blog Tour by EYMM.  I’ve got a great coupon code for you at the end of the post so keep on reading friends…

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We’re prepping for Spring here and sewed up a capri version of the Freestyle Harem Pants.

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I used a lightweight knit from my stash and it was perfect for these pants.

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These pants are made for moving and grovin’!

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Or standing on your head… (Man, I wish I could still do that!)

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They’re stylin’ for a day out with friends…

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And perfect for running and playing at home too!  Comfy and cute is what we do around here.

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I like them because they are cool enough for my tween but modest and cute enough for my tastes too!  Seems like a hard balance to find these days.

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The pattern features a couple of flat front waistband options…

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With multiple rows of elastic in the back.  There are also shorts and pants versions and a variety of cuff choices too.  You know how I love me some options!

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They’re the perfect spring pants!  Can you feel the sunshine already?!

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Thanks for dropping by our neck of the woods.  Make sure to check out the other bloggers coming your way the rest of the week.  And stop by EYMM and look around a bit!  This was my first official EYMM make but it definitely won’t be the last!

Make sure to check out the rest of the Freestyle Harems Blog Tour during the next week. (Note: The links below won’t be live until their scheduled date.)

March 9 – Joelle at EYMM

March 10 – Patricia from Sew Far North

March 11 – Tami from Sew Sophie Lynn

March12 – Kelly from Analog Bytes

March 13 – Lore from Blessed x Five

March 14 – Larissa from Connected by a Thread

March 15 – Aimee from Capture, Craft, and Cook

During the blog tour, you can get the Freestyle Harem Pants on sale! Use code FREESTYLE to save 25% on the women’s or youth sizing or on the bundle, expires at 11:59pm PST on 3/15/2016.

Exciting News from Hey June Handmade

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I’m so excited the day is finally here to share yet another great Hey June Handmade pattern.  The Camden Tee is the tween/teen version of my favorite pattern, the Lane Raglan.

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All that snow in the background means I’ve been waiting a LONG time to share this exciting news!

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This will be the first pattern in Adrianna’s new teen line, Hey Juniors- YES!!!

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My girls are quickly outgrowing many designers patterns and I think there is such a need out there to fill the gap between little girls and women’s patterns.  I’m so happy one of my favorite designers is up for the challenge!

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The fit of this tee is so great on my tall, skinny little miss.  This is a size 8, long sleeve version in Raspberry Creek‘s first Club line.

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All my versions so far have been basic tees but there is a hoodie option as well as thumb hole cuffs and kangaroo pocket.  Sleeve stripes add to the sporty vibe too.

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A pocket pattern piece is included too but I’m so lazy that I can’t pass up the pre-made iron-on ones from Jo-Ann’s or Hobby Lobby.  In silver sequins it was just perfect to bring out the silver sparkles in the sleeves. (Btw- these pockets have washed up beautifully!)

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This pattern is perfect for all those iron-on decals out there too!

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Make sure you pick up your copy here on sale for $6.50 through Sunday.  And keep an eye out for more good things coming from Hey June!

Love Notions Vanguard Set

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Two boy posts in a row- hallelujah!!!  Boys clothes are kinda boring and they tend to get overlooked for all the cute girly things I’d rather be sewing.  Until now…

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I showed you an amazing hoodie yesterday on my big kid.  Today my littlest guy gets to show off the Vanguard Set by Love Notions (affl. links).  It’s on sale now through Sunday, March 6th.

It’s a versatile top and pants set that any boy will love.   It comes in sizes 2t-14 to fit all the little boys in your life.

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The details on these pants are so extraordinary!  Big cargo pockets are perfect for storing all kinds of little boy treasures (like rocks and wood chips, of course).

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Side slash pockets, knee darts, and a faux fly all add to the details that take these pants to the next level.

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Elastic ankle cuffs and a knit waistband make these as comfy as they are cool!

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The tee has so, so many fun color blocking options.

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I went for a simple short sleeve version but there is a color blocked long sleeve option too!

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I did the crewneck version but a v-neck and hood option are included.

I love that you can use this pattern all year long!  I’m excited to make a long-sleeve hooded version come fall.

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This set is just the ultimate in little boy fashion.

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For the tee I used my favorite cotton lycra solids from Raspberry Creek Fabrics and Purple Seamstress.

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This amazing fabric for the pants is duck cloth from Hobby Lobby.  I originally bought it to make pillows but I love it as ‘Explorer Pants’!

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My sweet little guy wasn’t feeling so great when we did this shoot.  He was so excited to get outside but this shot is so sweet and sad at the same time.  When your littles are sick their eyes say it all!

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The fresh air was great for him and he still couldn’t help but be my cute, goofy little buddy!

Make sure you pick up the pattern here!  Another Love Notions pattern that will be in constant rotation at our house!