Riley Blake Woven Gingham

ginghamtextGingham is one of those classic prints I just can’t get enough of.  I love it in classic colors like navy, red, and black but it also signals spring to me in bright bold hues too.  I was excited to get to play with Riley Blake Designs line of woven ginghammainWith so many cute colors and sizes to choose from, I had a tough choice when it came to picking fabrics.  I imagined button-ups, sundresses, casual skirts, and fun summer totes.  I picked fabric with plans for my first Hey June Cheyenne Top but once it arrived my head went spinning again into all the possibilities!  Did I want to share it with my kids?  Did I want tops or bottoms pieces?  What about home decor pieces?  Pillows, table runners, a cute valance for my sewing room?  I tell you, gingham is just WAY too versatile!gingham7.1For my first project I settled on a simple woven tee.  I think this will be amazing to have in my wardrobe as we move into spring.  It looks incredible layered under a cardigan and pairs so great with jeans or dressed up with a skirt.gingham10.1I used the Hey June Key Largo Top in the basic view B.  It’s got classic tee shaping, fitted through the shoulders and relaxed through the waist and hips.  gingham9.1I busted out the white jeans for these pics for the first time in forever and can’t wait until it’s warm enough to wear this outfit in real life.  It just screams warm weather chic!gingham4.1For my next project I just had to make my second Justine Skirt from Ready to Sew.  I sewed one up in a Raspberry Creek rayon challis and couldn’t stop at just one.  The simple lines and understated style make this pattern a wardrobe staple.  The best part?  It’s FREE!gingham3.1Second best part?  Giant pockets!!! Hello! Those babies hold my cell phone, chapstick, and keys with room to spare.  So so good!gingham2.1I paired it with my standard v-neck tee and sandals for a casual take.  I wore it to church after these pics with a sleek fitted tee, cardigan, and statement jewelry for a more polished look.  I’m seriously giddy with all the outfit possibilities with this piece.  I love navy with so many coordinating colors- mint, coral, red, fuchsia, mustard, kelly green, you name it!  I’ll apologize in advance to all my real life friends for how much you’ll be seeing this skirt come summer.gingham8.1gingham1.1

gingham6.1These fabrics were so nice to work with.  Using a woven gingham means no fading, no printing off grain, and lining up the print was easy peasy!  It’s a great weight too, not too sheer or light but still has a bit of drape to it.  It come in 1/4″ and 1/2″ wide prints to fit all your needs.  I’ve already got a huge list going of all the gingham projects for spring and summer!  How much gingham is too much gingham, you know, asking for a friend ;)?

 

Coffee and Thread Roho Blouse

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The Roho Blouse from Coffee and Thread is here!  It’s one of those highly anticipated releases that I know is going to be a huge hit in the sewing community!

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The Roho Blouse is a raglan sleeve blouse with billowy sleeves that looks great in drapey woven fabrics.  It comes in sizes 2-20 and looks great on all body types.  There are multiple sleeve options and two hem styles as well.  With no closures to fuss with it sews up quickly and is a great beginner to intermediate pattern.  The neckline is finished with a facing for a nice clean look.

I sewed up a size 4 with long sleeves and elastic casings in the cuffs and front hem.  I love the slightly gathered front hem look- so unique and flattering.

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I sewed mine up in a rayon crepe I picked up at Hobby Lobby.  It was a cold and snowy day and this fabric was the perfect pick me up.  I was able to sew mine up in a quiet morning alone and then headed to lunch with my husband where he kindly obliged me with photos.  I love when I can cut, sew, and photograph a project all within a few hours.  Those are definitely my kind of projects!

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I’m feeling like I need a little tropical vacation stat!  Bring on the palm trees and sunshine please!

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You can grab your copy on sale through Monday, February 18th so hurry on over!  Make sure to check out all the tester versions here for some beautiful inspiration.

Basically Jalie Blog Tour

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I can rarely pass up a blog tour opportunity.  I love the chance it gives me to try new patterns, play with pretty fabrics, and the deadline is always a big motivator to get me in my sewing room.  I was especially thrilled to join in the Basically Jalie Blog Tour hosted by The Petite Sewist  and Auschick Sews.  Jalie is known for their impeccable drafting, huge size range, and classic designs.  Speaking your love language too?!

Make sure you read to the end of this post for all the blog tour goodies- giveaways, sew-a-longs, and soooo many incredible bloggers joining the party!

I’ve had my eye on the Mimosa Scoopneck tee (3890) since it’s release.  It’s full of options- multiple sleeve styles and lengths including plain short sleeves, tie short sleeves, flutter shoulder ruffles, and long sleeves.  My favorite part of each sewing project is sitting down with my kids and picking fabrics and pattern options.  I love to see what they gravitate to and it makes it so much more likely they’ll get lots of wear when they’re part of the design process.

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My spunky Payton went for florals and ruffles.  She’s still super girly and usually picks all the extras- ties, ruffles, ribbons, you name it.  For this top, I dug deep into my Raspberry Creek Fabrics stash for a print I’ve been saving FOREVER.  It’s one of my absolute favorites (I love anything on grey!) and I’d been keen to use it for myself.  One of my goals this year is to CUT THE FABRIC, you know those ones too pretty to actually use…  I’ve decided it’s soooo much better to see it on my kiddos or in my own closet than just sitting on my shelves.  Remember, there’s always more fabric!

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My oldest seriously kills me with her fashion taste.  She tends to be more classic and dresses like a cute college kid and not your average 5th grader.  It was no surprise she picked one of my new favorite fabrics, this dreamy modal jersey stripe from Cali Fabrics.  It’s so incredible soft and those stripes are just perfection!

My girls measured into the same size for their chests which made it super easy.  For Payton, I added an inch to the size L (8) bodice and sleeves and Sophie got 2 inches added to the bodice.  There’s a lenghten/shorten line which made it easy peasy!  Sewing these up was very straightforward and the instructions are so clear.  I love that you can download the pattern instructions before purchasing the pattern.  If it looks too complicated or time consuming you can skip it but I’ve always found it just the opposite!  Looking over the tutorial beforehand gives me the confidence to tackle a new project.

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My little guy lives in raglans and I’ve been hearing the greatest things about the Nico Raglan (3669).  I’m thinking a boys raglan comparison post needs to happen soon.  I have four raglan patterns that I rotate through but I think we may have found the winner.  Just look at that neckline alone!

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The slim fit just fits this kid so well!  I did a size J (6) with a little length added.  He’s generally in a size 7 height and measured into a size 5 chest, 6 waist, and 4 hip in this pattern.  Is he my kid or what?!  I’ve found that Jalie patterns tend to run on the slim side which works really well for my kids but might be something to consider.  My older boys like things a little looser and I usually size up a couple of sizes for them.

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His shirt is all cotton jersey from Raspberry Creek.  He would have only teal in his closet if it were up to him and I’m happy to oblige.  I used this triangle print (retiring this week!) for the sleeves and it’s been one of my favorite boy fabrics to date.  I struggle finding just the right prints for him.  He’s too big for most of the boy fabrics I find in the stores but RCF keeps him pretty well taken care of.

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Ready for the good stuff?

GIVEAWAY!

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Are there some Jalie patterns you’ve been itching to get? Now’s your chance to WIN YOUR JALIE WISHLIST! Head over to Jalie’s website, create an account, add your favorite patterns to your wishlist, and complete the rafflecopter form below (patterns must be added by February 12, 2019 11:59pm EST to be eligible). Incomplete entries will be eligible for fabric prizes only.

For extra entries, join our Jalie sewalong! Make a Jalie “basic” between January 28 and February 12 and share it on Instagram with hashtag #basicallyjalie and/or in the Basically Jalie Album in the Sewing with Jalie Facebook group.

We are so grateful to our generous sponsors who have teamed up to provide the following prizes (please stop by their shops and show them some love!):

Grand Prize (Worldwide)
Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $100 CAD in patterns!
Discovery Trekking Outfitters – One (1) x 50 USD gift card
D&H Fabrics co. – One (1) x $50 USD gift card

Sewalong Prize (Continental USA only)
Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $25 CAD in patterns!
The Sewciety – One (1) Subscription box (value: $48 USD)
Simply By Ti – One (1) x $20 USD gift card

Sewalong Prize (Worldwide, excluding Continental USA)
Win Your Jalie Wishlist – Up to $25 CAD in patterns!
PatternReview.com – One (1) x $30 USD gift card
Discovery Trekking Outfitters – One (1) x 50 USD gift card

(Note: gift cards exclude shipping unless otherwise stated on sponsor website)

Hand Drawn Arrow - singleEnter the Sweepstakes Here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Blogger Lineup

Be sure to visit these talented sewing bloggers during the tour:

Wednesday, Feb 6 – The Petite Sewist | auschick sews | Replicate then Deviate | Deepika Blogs

Thursday, Feb 7 – Sew What Yvette | Sew Cucio | Shalini’s Sewing Space | Curtiepie | A Jennuine Life

Friday, Feb 8 – SeamsLikeStyle | It’s Liesel | SewSophieLynn | Danvillegirl Sewing Diary | Skirt Fixation

Monday, Feb 11 – The Crafting Fiend | Sprouting JubeJube | its sew colorful | Diskordia’s Curvy Sewing

Tuesday, Feb 12 – All Things Katy! | BigFlyNotions | needle and the belle | Zoopolis

 

Raspberry Creek Fabrics Easter and St. Patrick’s Day Lines

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I always love the chance to sew up the newest CLUB lines from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.  My kids LOVE the comfy soft CLUB fabrics and get excited to come up with ideas for all the new prints.

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There are so many cute prints to choose from in the latest Easter and St. Patrick’s Day collections.  We got to work with three different fabrics and had fun coming up with coordinates and creating unique looks that suit their personalities.

First up was a Samson Sweater from Love Notions for Charlie.  He loves a good graphic tee and thought this ‘Lucky’ vinyl was the coolest!  I used St. Patrick’s Argyle in French Terry paired with Light Heather Grey French Terry and Black Cotton Jersey also from RCF.  I’ve been loving all the slightly cropped boxy sweatshirts in the shops lately and the Samson was perfect for recreating that look.  I sized up one for a looser fit (this is an 8 and his chest is a 6 but he’s generally a 7 or 8 for height).

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Next up is a raglan with a twist.  We absolutely love raglans at our house and I instantly fell in love with the new Aurora Raglan from Sofiona Designs.  Sherri of Sofiona Designs is a fellow Project Run and Play alum and I’ve always been a big fan of her style, classic but with a modern edge.  The Aurora Raglan has a couple of fun features but I knew we just had to do the ribbon shoulder ties with this fabric.  It’s such a youthful touch but done in a soft, solid fabric the ties can also look sweet and sophisticated.

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For this top we used the Rainbow cotton jersey paired with royal blue cotton jersey.  I picked up the rainbow ribbon from Hobby Lobby.  It’s such a bright, happy combination that just suits my little miss sunshine!

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I couldn’t let any scraps of that rainbow go to waste so big sis got a tween friendly hoodie.

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I used my favorite Light Heather Grey french terry and went to town with the vinyl and ribbon trim.  We both LOVE ribbon trim on sleeves or pants and this rainbow ribbon is such a cheerful addition to an otherwise plain top.  I used our trusty Constance Sweater from Sew A Little Seam.  It’s so full of options.  For this version I did the regular sleeve with hood and cropped it a couple of inches.  I left off the bottom band and let the hem roll a bit then tacked the side seams to keep that rolled hem in place.

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It needed a little something on the front so I cut strips of vinyl and applied a lucky clover on top.  An easy addition that makes this such a cheerful top that is so on trend too!

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I did one more quick sew for this guy.  Another raglan, surprise surprise.  He picked out all the elements- coordinating fabric (he loves this teal!), neckband, and sleeve length.  I’m surprised he’s on a 3/4 sleeve kick but I think it’s perfect for transitioning into spring.  We used the Ringer Raglan from Thread Faction because I love the slim fit.  In the Easter Stripes this top makes a great addition to his everyday wardrobe.

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The best part of working with Raspberry Creek is the wonderful community behind it.  We had a blast getting together with a few of the other strike off sewists for an epic photo shoot!  Just look at all those cute kids!  It was the best kind of chaos and I left feeling so inspired and in awe of all that talent in one room.

You can grab all your favorite Easter and St. Patty’s Day prints on sale through tomorrow, Tuesday February 5th.  They’ll stick around in the shop through each holiday before they disappear for good!

 

Striped Swallow Designs Starry Night

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As part of the Striped Swallow Designs Promo Team I have the opportunity to sew up a SSD pattern a handful of times a year.  It’s such a great push for me to sew up all those pretty designs I’ve been crushing on.  This round I finally sewed up a Starry Night Sweater for myself.  I’ve made one for my girly and we both absolutely adored it so it’s about time I got one of my own.  I now need one using the little sleeve hack I did on hers too!

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For my version I used a super soft grey hacci sweater knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.  I worried that it’d be too boring but I also know that I pull out ‘boring’ looks more often than the flashy prints I fall in love with.  This simple grey sweater will go with everything and looks great with jeans or even a cute skirt for church.  Versatile pieces are treasures to me!

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The Starry Night is a drop shoulder with a gathered bishop sleeve.  This look is EVERYWHERE right now and I’m so on board that train.  I love a full sleeve with a gathered wrist (that cinched in wrist makes it so practical).  These sleeves are gathered just at the center top making them just the right fullness.

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The pattern includes both hemmed and banded bottom options as well as a top and dress length.  I did the banded bottom and love that the band doesn’t cinch in keeping the relaxed silhouette.  It works so well for my habitual front half-tuck!

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Taking blog photos when it’s 40 degrees is totally a first world problem but I’ve got to give huge props to my cute eleven-year-old photographer for braving the chilly air with me.  I love scrolling through all the pics for the ones where my nose is the least red and my chin doesn’t look like it’s quivering!  This pic is the clenched teeth, trying to look as natural as possible despite freezing our boots off look 😉

Make sure you check out Striped Swallow Designs!  I love their boho-vibe and the patterns are so easy to follow.  If you’re looking for unique, on-trend pieces for you or your little girls, SSD is the place to be!

Sew Fancy Pants Lounge Wear Style

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When my cute sewing buddy Nicole of Merritts Makes shared her fun idea for Sew Fancy Pants month, I knew I wanted to join in the fun.  She’s joined by Katie Kortman, Loni of Havin Sew Much Fun, and Jennifer of A Maker Heart for a month-long party full of inspiration, fitting tips, and tons of great discounts.

My handmade pants consist of mainly joggers- ALL the joggers really.  I’ve tried a half-dozen patterns and sewn them up in everything from classic french terry to flannel.  I do have plans to tackle my first ‘real’ pair of pants this month but I thought it was only fitting that I join in this month with some ‘fancy’ cozy joggers first.

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I turned to my favorite tried and true jogger pattern, the Brassie Joggers from Greenstyle Creations.  I sew up a small, mid-rise, ankle length and am always super happy with the fit.  I do modify the waistband and do a single casing with 2″ elastic to really suck in the gut 😉  I also add a strip of fabric as a binding to the pocket opening instead of flipping and hemming the edge.  Simple modifications that make this pattern one of my favorites ever!

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I used a gorgeous bright floral double brushed polyester from Knitpop.  I fell in love with this botanical print and was originally planning a dress for one of my girls.  I’m super glad I claimed this for myself though.  It’s full of all my favorite colors and already have a ton of tees that look great with it.  It’s got mustard, olive, burgundy, and magenta meaning the pairing options are limitless.

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I have one other pair of DPB Brassies that I wear to death.  They’re perfect for traveling since they aren’t too hot and they’re lightweight and oh so soft.  After wearing mine constantly the last month I knew I needed another pair for an upcoming trip.

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Are you joining in Sew Fancy Pants?  I hope you do!  I’m so inspired by the creative makes out there.  Check out #sewfancypants on Instagram to see everyone’s take on this fun challenge.  If you’re a little more conservative like me you can still join in the fun!  I love the diversity of this great sewing community and so grateful for everyone’s unique style.  So inspiring and just fuels my creative juices! I can’t wait to sew up more!

Issie Top by SewPony

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I’m so excited about this make!  This is one of those moments when the fabric just knew what it was meant to become.  I’d been dying to sew up this vintage-feel combo since this fabric released and was looking for the perfect pattern for it.

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I’ve had the Issie Top by SewPony for ages!  I’ve even had it printed out for months and months.  It’s one of those patterns that’s so full of options that you get paralyzed deciding just which one to do first.   I’ve always loved the cute side ruffles and once I had this fabric in my hands I knew the time had finally come to sew an Issie.  I love the sweet, classic look of this pattern and paired with this retro-inspired color combo it’s a perfect match.

I did a size 8 with a little length added.  Those ruffles added a few extra steps but because it’s a knit it was still a pretty quick project.  The ruffles are sewn on top of the bodice which I was unsure of at first.  In the end I love it that way- no big bulky seams on the inside to bug my little girly.  Those big wide bands are a cute touch and also mean no hemming- hooray!

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This fabric is too cute, right?!  It’s from Raspberry Creek Fabrics of course!  I used the cotton jersey version and paired it with mint jerseyBri paired these two fabrics and I was instantly in love!

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This fabric is only available until Valentine’s day so make sure you grab it soon!  I love sewing for Valentine’s because we still wear our cute hearts year-round.  Too cute to let sit in a closet!

2018 Year in Review

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I can’t believe we’re nearing the end of another year.  It seems like as my kids get older that time is speeding up.  We reached some major milestones this year in our family as my oldest turned 16 (and got his driver license!), my second oldest started high school,  and my youngest started first grade and is gone at school all day now.   They continue to keep me busy and my happy place is definitely watching them do the things they love.  This picture kills me and I love that my youngest three and I are all wearing handmades.

I love to look back each year on all that I’ve sewn and reflect on the big winners (and losers) that have come off my sewing machines.  One of my goals this year was to be a little more deliberate in my sewing, to avoid testing things that I didn’t see fitting in with our wardrobes, and to pick fabrics that could hold up to our lifestyle.

This year I sewed 130 garments for my kids and 51 for myself and just a handful for gifts.  Those numbers kind of amaze me.  I’ve cut my sewing time way down, sewing just a couple of days a week and trying not to sew at night or on weekends when the family is all home.  I tend to gravitate to quick knit sews so those numbers are a big reflection of that.  I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites from this year and a couple that have already been passed along.

DRESSES

 

I could sew up dresses all day, every day.  They are my favorite thing to make for both me and my girls and I know they’ll get worn.  It’s so nice to look in our closets each Sunday and have so many great choices to pick from.  I’m still not a dress during the week gal so I’ve tried my best to only sew up church appropriate dresses for myself.  Sewing dresses for my girls is so rewarding because I can make them long enough for their long legs!  It’s so great being able to blend sizes, creating dresses that fit like a glove.

Patterns and blog post links clockwise from upper left corner: Waterfall Raglan, Larkspur, Modified Blake Dress, Upton Dress, Fringe Dress, Orchid Midi Dress, Manhattan Dress, and Starlight City Dress

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Between my little man refusing to wear anything besides knit pants and my affinity to joggers, our everyday clothes tend to focus on comfort.  Luckily I think our comfy clothes don’t sacrifice style.  This winter I’ve made my little man a handful of joggers in my hunt to find the perfect pattern for his long legs and tiny waist.  I’m still searching and it’s a challenge I’m happy to continue on as they whip up in no time.

My most used pattern this year was the free Love Notions Leggings pattern.  My oldest daughter can sew them up herself and we’ve made a dozen between the two of us this year.  They pick tunic and leggings outfits almost everyday and I’m all for it.

I reach for my joggers almost every day as well.  I love that they are so comfy for working around the house but I can also run to the store and not feel grossly under dressed.  Brassie Joggers from Greenstyle have become my go-to jogger pattern.  I love the slim but not tight fit and I don’t get the weird crotch bunching I’ve experienced with other patterns.

Patterns and Blog posts clockwise from top left corner: Movie Night Pj’s, Panama Tee and Brassie Joggers, Brassie Joggers and Green Tee, Samson Sweater and LN Leggins, Sloane Sweater and Leggins, Lexi and Lou Loungers and #121 Ringer Raglan, and Mini Hudson Joggers

SWEATSHIRTS

Living in Utah we have sweater weather a good 9 months of the year.  Sewing hoodies and sweatshirts just make sense and they get worn to death!  Everyone in the family got one this year, including my first sews for my dad and my husband.  Nothing beats a cozy top on a cold snowy day!

Patterns and Blog Posts clockwise from top left corner: Pixie Tee, Metro Pullover, Hudson Hoodie, Toaster Sweater from Sew House 7, Jolly Roger Raglan, Sloane Sweater, Brunswick Pullover, Constance Sweater, North Star Pullover

SWIMSUITS

Swimsuits just might be the most rewarding things to sew.  We all hate trying them on in stores and they rarely ever fit me and my girls.  We’ve got long torsos and modest tastes which makes it super difficult to find suits in ready-to-wear.  This summer I didn’t sew nearly as many as in 2017 but I did manage to sew a few new favorites.

Patterns and Blog Posts: Mama Camila, Calypso, School’s Out Shorts and Jolly Roger RaglanCamila Suit and Catalina Swimsuit, and Linden Shorts

MISSES

You’ll notice most of these misses are for me with the exception of the tie for my cute boy.  Sewing for my kids is so rewarding because there are rarely ever fit issues and I know what types of fabrics they’ll wear.  The tie was more of a pattern issue and was a sad waste of fabric.  I’m super grateful for the cute pictures I got of my handsome kid and that all makes up for the lost time and fabric.

Now on to my misses.  This year was a bit of an awakening for me.  After a long winter of not taking care of myself, I’d slowly gained more weight than I did my last pregnancy.  I felt tired all the time and hated sewing for myself as I had to size up all my favorite patterns.  Taking pictures and seeing the unhappiness show through to the pictures was too much.  In May I finally decided to do something about it and started a simple fitness and counting calories routine.  I feel a hundred times better, my anxiety is easier to handle, and I look forward to sewing for me again.

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These misses all came early in the year.  My Phoenix Blouse sat in my closet unworn until I passed it on to my sister.  I love the pattern and would like to give it another go in a different fabric.  This crepe was super drapey and so difficult to work with that by the time I was finished sewing it I was so angry at it!  I added the Amalfi sleeves and realized that I’m not a huge fan of them.

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The Sonata Dress testing was the wake-up call for me.  I was at my heaviest and this dress just felt so unflattering.  I planned to wear it as a cover-up this summer but didn’t really have the opportunity.  It will come with me on our beach vacation coming up and I’m hopeful it will get worn a bit this coming summer as well.

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The Driftwood Top was simply a matter of poor fabric choice for this pattern.  I love the feel of this fabric but it was far too structured for this boho-feel blouse.  This one never got worn but I do hope to make another version in something lightweight this spring.

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I had high hopes for this eyelet Harmony Top.  I’ve been searching for a great woven tee pattern and the Harmony is pretty close.  I altered the neckline to be more crewneck since I don’t really like scoop necks.  The biggest issue with this particular top is that I made it too big to begin with.  I sewed up a medium but I’m happily back to my Love Notions small.   Since the eyelet is lacking drape, it’s very easy to see that it’s just too large.

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The Joy Jacket is my saddest miss this year.  I absolutely adore this pattern and hope I will have the time to make another one this year.  I felt so accomplished after I finished this one and I marvel at the beauty of it. BUT, my fabric choice makes it so unpractical.  I’ve yet to wear it for fear of getting it dirty.  C’mon, if it’s cold enough for a jacket there’s a pretty good chance it might get dirty.  The fabric is a tad sheer and with the seams being unfinished (it’s lined so you wouldn’t normally see them) I’m scared that a spin in the washer will leave me with shredded edges that will show through.  It looks beautiful hanging in my closet and I will never get rid of it for pure sentimentality but it was a big lesson learned for me.

I had so much fun looking back on this year and reflecting on all that I was able to accomplish.  As I look forward to the new year I’m not sure if I’ll make any goals or join any challenges.  I’m hoping to continue my journey to find what works for my wardrobe and what’s worth my time and effort to sew.  I realize that I don’t have to sew everything and I’m ok with not wearing handmades all the time.  I want to continue to sew for my kids since they are the ones that really struggle finding ready-to-wear clothing that fits.  I’m so excited for a new year full of possibilities!

New Horizons Manhattan Dress

 

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Sewing dresses for my girls is my happy place.  They’re so rewarding and they get worn so much.  They love picking out their clothes each Sunday for church knowing they have a closet full of pretty dresses to choose from.  When I saw the simple, sophisticated silhouette of the Manhattan Dress and Peplum from New Horizons I knew I had to sew it up!

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I knew this stunning Burnout Velvet from Sly Fox Fabrics was destined to be this dress.  I won this gorgeous fabric in our Yankee Swap game at the Love Notions Retreat (I just HAD to have it!).  It’s sat in my stash since just waiting for the perfect project.  I have such a hard time cutting into those fabrics that are just a bit unique and special.  I’m pretty sure this fabric said a huge thank you to me for cutting into it and is loving it’s final destiny!  This color on my little miss, c’mon!

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This pattern features a pretty boatneck, circle skirt, a full or v-back, multiple sleeve options, and a top or dress length.  I did the elbow sleeves and full back for this version.  I went solely off the size charts and did a 7 chest with a 10 length and the fit is spectacular.

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The twirl factor in the glowing velvet is killing me!

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I lined the bodice and skirt in double brushed polyester and she says it’s so comfortable and didn’t want to take it off.

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This was my first version during testing.  I used a liverpool I’d gotten at a local clearance fabric shop and I love the classic feel.  I get such a kick out of quick projects and the simplicity of this pattern makes it sew up in no time.  Quick, cute, and unique= you’ll be seeing many more of these!

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You can grab your copy on sale for just $7 through Friday December 21st . AND there’s a women’s version for you too!

 

 

Raspberry Creek Fabrics Valentine Line

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Raspberry Creek Fabrics introduced their Valentine Line last week and I loved sewing some of it up!  We were lucky enough to meet up with Anna and her darling kiddos for a quick photo shoot to really highlight this collection.  I feel so lucky to have such great sewing friends so close and Anna is so incredibly talented!

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This argyle print is such a classic and was instantly a favorite.  It’s great for the holidays but will also work well year round.  It’s printed on the CLUB grey base which is my absolute fav, especially for boys.

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I sewed up a Greenpoint Cardigan from Hey June Handmade.  I can’t believe this was my first time using this pattern.  It sewed up quickly and looks so cute on.  I left off the snaps and buttons for now but I’m still debating whether or not to add them.  We’ve struggled with snaps in the past so I’m leaning towards some sleek black buttons…

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I’ve been dying to sew up the new Modkid Brooklyn.  I love Modkid’s Tween line (Sophie is still just under the size chart chest/hip wise but is a 14 height!).  I think this pattern is similar to the True Bias Niko pattern and since I like to try out new styles on my little mini me first she got to be my guinea pig.  The mock neck, slim fitting silhouette is so cute on her!

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I thought the modern lines of this print were just too perfect for this look!  Windowpane prints are having such a moment and the addition of hearts just make this fabric so sweet.

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This little girl is all about purple right now.  She loved the pretty watercolor stripe and I knew pairing it with the CLUB lilac dots would be a win.

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I used the Jolly Roger Raglan from Patterns for Pirates with the funnel neck add-on.  I extended the funnel neck height and cropped the bottom hem a couple of inches as well.  It’s a cozy closet staple that will get worn often.

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I had to get in on the fun!  I love the simplicity of these tiny hearts on grey.  It’s cute without being too young.  It’s a print I can wear year-round and will pull out this sweatshirt often.  I used my latest go-to pattern, the Pixie Tee from Chalk and Notch.  I cropped the hem about two inches since I plan on wearing this as a layering piece and I love a bit of shirttail sticking out.

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I also sewed up a New Horizons Manhattan Dress in the XO double brushed polyester.  I love what a quick sew this pattern is and that boat neck is super cute!  The drape of the double brushed poly is dreamy as a circle skirt and she loves how soft this dress is.

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You can grab these prints on sale through Wednesday, December 19th for $1 off per yard.  They’re available on CLUB cotton jersey and french terry with the bottom two prints on double brushed polyester.  They’ll stay available in the shop through Valentine’s Day.