Euro Swimshorts for my baby

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As we prepared to leave on a week vacation to paradise, I did what any normal mom would do and whipped up much needed new swimsuits for the family.

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I’ll have a couple more posts this week to share some warm weather sewing but first up is the little guy.

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I love those first glimpses of little knees and bellies after months of bundling up.  My boys usually wear rash guards in the sun so these cute belly pics in the early morning kinda make me giggle.

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As I was cutting suits for the girls I was using Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop’s Santa Monica Sweetheart Tankini.  It has the cutest little boyshorts that I knew with a bit of tweaking would be perfect for my boy.

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I added a touch to the back rise and fully lined them.  I finished them with wide bands on the legs to add a little length.  I think these were a half hour project but looked so hip and cute out on the beach.

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Nothing groundbreaking but so darling on his tiny body.

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Love that lil’ toosh!

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And he grabbed them day after day… a win in my book.

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Editing these pics in the middle of a snowstorm sure makes me want to go back!  Who’s with me?!!!

Club Aztec Greenstyle Hudson Hoodie

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You don’t see much of this kid on here because 1- he’s too cool for mom-made’s usually and 2- he’s super picky about his clothes, period.

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He received this hoodie for Christmas and immediately wanted me to replicate it because he loved it so much.  I gladly accepted his challenge!

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Good thing I knew where to get some awesome Aztec french terry!

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I picked up some solid charcoal french terry to go along with it- all from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

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I used Greenstyle’s Hudson Hooded T-shirt in size XS.  Another reason I never sew for this kid is because he’s right in between boys and men’s sizes which makes it difficult to find patterns that fit.  This pattern has a great size range (chest measurements from 34″-53″)!

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I lined the hood in Aztec and added a drawstring and casing but otherwise followed the pattern.  The fit is great but we’ll change a few things next time for his preferences (picky, picky kid!).

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I’m loving the final coloring of the Aztec.  The red is actually a deep burgundy and the colors are so vibrant.

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And yes, he is wearing shorts in below freezing weather.  Are all boys like that?!!  I promise you he has a closet full of pants and you don’t need to send them our way 😉

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Lucy’s for two

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You know I’m on a major plaid kick.  These plaid Lucy tops from Shwin Designs are pure perfection!

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My lil Payton got hers before Christmas and I could hardly wait to make my own!

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I used plaid flannel from Joann’s for my outer and lined it with a cozy cream microfleece.  We took these shots in freezing temps and we’ve done some award worthy acting to hide our shivering 😉

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The top features a crossover front with buttons at the shoulders.  It’s fully lined so you can make it reversible!

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I added a fun little leather detail to the hem of mine that gives it a little more ready-to-wear vibe.

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Payton’s is made out of Joann’s flannel and a light chambray from LA.  I added the extra buttons to hers to make hers reversible (I didn’t add the extra buttons to mine because I don’t forsee me wearing the fleece on the outside).

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The fit on her is spot on and so, so cute!

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I made us both size 6’s.  I’m sad it only goes to 6 in girls.  I’ll be adding length and tweaking the pattern so I can make many more of these for my girls in the future!

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The ladies version features bust darts that add to the flattering fit.  I added two inches to my length (per pattern instructions) since I am 5’7″.

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The Ladies pattern offers the suggestion of wearing it open or even adding a button at the waist to wear the collar down while bringing in the waist.

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I love this fall/winter version but I’m also excited to make a flowy light version for spring too.

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You can pick up the girls Lucy here and the Ladies version here.

I am a Brand Ambassador for Shwin and have been provided the patterns for free but my thoughts and opinions are purely my own.  I have a true love of all things Shwin!

 

 

 

Mermaid Tails for Christmas

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Mermaid tails are everywhere these days and I was so excited for my girls to open their’s up on Christmas morning.  These are definitely the most used Christmas gift at our house.  They’ve slept in them every night and are usually curled up in them watching a show or reading a book any chance they get.

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I used the Anna Banana Mermaid Tail pattern.  I purchased it on Black Friday and wouldn’t you know a free version from another designer came out just days later!

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I’m glad I purchased this though because the shape of the fin is so cute and the waistband is darling too.

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It comes with an 18″ doll pattern and 8 different sizes from infant adult.

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My girls rarely play with their dolls anymore so it was fun to see them break them out again so they could be matching.

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I made an adult version for another family member and I think it was the gift I was most excited to give this Christmas. It was so cozy I almost stole it for myself!

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These blankets are such a quick, fun sew and I highly recommend them if you are just beginning to sew or are looking for a project to use up all that fleece you couldn’t resist.   My fleece is all from Joann’s and all bought during their sale so these blankets cost about $8 each to make.  I love me a great deal and simple, fast sews!

Club Sloane Sweater

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I have been so excited for the new Club line buffalo check.  I have a serious plaid crush right now and this new print is just perfection!

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I used the french terry version with the Club dots in cotton/lycra to make me a Love Notions Sloane Sweater (affl. link).

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I love the color blocking option with this pattern.  I used a simple coral french terry but I have a solid version with a woven plaid contrast I can’t get out of my head!

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I was inspired by this pin.  What are your thoughts on the boxy sweater/sweatshirt trend?  I honestly can’t decide if I like this silhouette on me.  I love that it’s different from my other sweatshirts and it is beyond comfortable!  I think paired with skinny jeans it’s flattering and cute but hey, I totally want to wear it with my favorite joggers and I’m afraid I’ll look like I stepped out of the retirement home in my sweatsuit.

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This pattern comes with a slimmer view and high-low shirttail hem option also.  It really is a versatile pattern.  There are some amazing sweater knit versions out there.

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This new Club french terry sews like a dream and is so soft!  I can’t wait to pair this buffalo check with a floral for my girls.  And those dots!  Possibly my favorite fabric ever!  It’s buttery and coordinates with EVERYTHING!

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I’m going to leave you with my late night sassy pants pose!  Make sure you pick up the new Club Line from Raspberry Creek Fabrics and the Sloane Sweater for some serious comfy perfection!

 

Angelic Li’l LDT

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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.

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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 😉

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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That scrunchy nose smile gets me every time!

 

 

 

Love Notion Li’l Laundry Day Tee

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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.

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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?!!!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Next up is an asymmetrical collar tunic version.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

A Christmas Jane Dress

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

Pattern for Pirates Knitfix Hoodie

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

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

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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.

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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.

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

Summer Sewing- Why is it so hard?

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With five kids, sewing time is precious.  When they are all home for the summer, it’s even more sparse.  Here are a few of the projects I eeked out this summer.

I had the pleasure of testing for Striped Swallow Designs again this summer.  Her Wildflower kimono is so unique and simple to sew.  I sewed one up for Soph in a cute striped knit and Payton got a cozy french terry version (from Raspberry Creek Fabrics, of course).

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I also had the pleasure of testing for Terri from Sew Straight and Gather.  Her Cousu Collection was kinda groundbreaking for me, pushing me to try new techniques and totally taking me to a new level.  This time I tested her versatile Urban Garden Dress and Tank.  It’s such a cute pattern and her tutorials are THE BEST!  If you haven’t tried one of her patterns you are totally missing out.  Beware though that once  you do, all other patterns will be lacking in comparison.

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This summer my quest for myself was to make the perfect pants and shorts.  I tried a gazillion patterns and I think my quest is still on…

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Jocole’s Wide Leg Pants
True Bias Hudson Pants
True Bias Hudson Pants

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Jocole Skinny Pants
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IMG_8784 Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop Summer Lovin’ Shorts

School starts this week and it’s always a little bittersweet.  I adore having my kids home and the adventures we get to do every day.  For the most part, they get along great and we spend a lot of time laughing and just being together.  BUT… we are together ALL THE TIME.  I feel guilty stealing away for an hour or two to create.  So the sweet part of back to school is that I will have every afternoon to myself (thanks to a cute three year old that still naps)! I’m so excited to be able to sew without the guilt of negletting the kiddos. Oh, the project list… 🙂