SewSophieLynn

MadeIt Strip Tee Challenge

We are so excited to be part of the MadeIt Patterns Stripe Tee Challenge this week. The premise is so fun. We got to sew up the Strip Tee Adult and teen pattern and put our own little twist on them. We will be competing against 7 other mother/daughter teams to see who made it best. The girls had to sew their tops on their own but the mom’s were able to guide and help them along the way. Super cool, right?!

It was such a great excuse to get my girly behind the machines and to spend a fun afternoon together. My daughter is still a beginner sewist but loves the chance to create. She took a sewing class two summers ago that taught her the basics. I wanted her to learn the correct principles and I knew having someone else teach her would give her a foundation that would serve her well into the future. She made bags, pillows, and pajama pants that summer. Since then she’s made a hoodie, leggings, and a few other things. We struggle to find the time to sew together so this challenge was a great push to get us together in the sewing room.

We started with a trip to our favorite shop, Raspberry Creek Fabrics. She fell in love with this pretty burgundy windowpane sweater knit and I knew it’d be a great choice for her. I love the vibrant color and immediately thought of the faux leather in my stash as an accent for the strip in back. She loved the idea! This fabric is also fairly stable and easy to sew which I wanted for her (I steered her clear of all the lovely rayon spandex for this first one!).

For my version, I kept going back to this ‘boring’ medium grey french terry. I wanted to add sleeves to mine and the weight and drape of this blend is so good! I wear grey too much I know but I think you can never have enough of it. It’s a great basic that provides the perfect backdrop to add accessories or in this case a little bling!

I love that these tops are all business in the front. Just your classic tee and sweatshirt, right?

But there’s a little party in the back! The leather adds such an edge and those sequins are brilliant.

The sequins are a remnant from one of my favorite Project Run and Play looks for my daughter and it was super sentimental using them for this piece. We shot that weeks look in this same location too, bringing us full circle.

I added long sleeves to my top to be able to wear it as we head into our cold season. I measured the sleeve opening, my wrist, and my arm length. I used those measurement to make an angled rectangle. It’s very basic and probably not the ‘correct’ way but I’m very happy with how it turned out.

It’s such a cozy top and I love the little extra pop that back strip brings.

For my daughters look, she sewed up the smallest teen size although her chest is still a couple of inches shy of the charts (teeny girl!). At eleven she has a 26″ chest and is 60″ tall putting her in an XXS chest and S height so we went with an XXS and then added 2 inches to the length.

She did all of the work and sewing on this herself and I’m super proud of how it turned out. I gave her a little plaid matching lesson on the side seams but apparently forgot to check the back, oops! Design element?! She’s such a pro at topstitching though. Like so good I should hire her out to do all mine, lol! I showed her how to use soft and stretch hem tape for the hems and that sure helped make that step a breeze.

This top is just five pieces (four pattern pieces) which makes it a great beginner project. It took my daughter about two hours from print to hemming (mine was done in under an hour if you’re more experienced). I love that it’s such a blank canvas that she can now use to customize tees to her liking. I think she’ll be able to sew them on her own from now on and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with. We may need to add a sleeve piece to her pattern so she can wear them all winter long too. She’s requested a long sleeve black tee or turtleneck to layer with this one so she can get more wear out of it as our days get chillier. Don’t you just love that happy face?!

Make sure you head over to Instagram to see all the competitors this week. You can vote for our look by simply liking our post (easy peasy). Follow the hashtag #stripteeteamchallenge to see all the other looks this week. I have a feeling we’ll be in great company! So many amazing seamstresses and their daughter are participating!

Make sure to head over to Madeit Patterns to pick up your Strip Tee patterns for 20% off this week! I’m sure you’ll love them as much as we do!

Rose Garden Fabrics Tour for Riley Blake Designs

I’m sharing another gorgeous fabric collection today from Riley Blake Designs, Rose Garden by Gerri Robinson. The subtle pinks, greys, taupes, and creams of this line are just beautiful!

I immediately envisioned a sweet spring brother/sister look the minute I saw this fabric. The Rose Garden Main in cream really shines on big sis and the Rose Garden Paisley pink is the perfect compliment.

My little guy really loves to wear a tie each week to church and usually reaches for one of his floral ties. This paisley and floral print is an upgrade to his collection. I used the free Totally Terrific Tie tutorial from Hem Me In. It was a fun, quick sew and I know I’ll turn to it often.

I used the Georgia Dress pattern from Violette Fields Threads for this classic dress. The simple silhouette and ruffle neck and sleeves just let this fabric shine. It’s such a beautiful pattern that I’m anxious to sew up again too!

These prints are just so, so pretty! I’m thinking I can be WAY ahead of the game and call these their Easter looks, right?! They’re too precious not to.

Abbie from Riley Blake Designs

I feel so incredibly lucky to have gotten my hands on the newest line from Sue Daley for Riley Blake Designs, Abbie. The soft colors, dusty blue, coral, pinks and greys, are so pretty together and made it so hard to choose which fabrics to work with.

I immediately knew I needed the Text print for my book loving daughter. I went with the Cream background for a sophisticated, classic look. My younger daughter looks darling in blues and pinks and I really had a hard time deciding what to pick for her. The main print in this collection features a darling girl and her pup and was really tempting- it’s so darn cute! I just couldn’t get this pretty large floral out of my head though and knew it’d pair so perfectly with the smaller scale Garden print. They’re such a great combo!

I knew I wanted to do a simple style dress to really highlight this fabric. I turned to one of my favorite patterns, the Hey June Larkspur. It’s a simple shift dress that always looks so chic and classic. I added sleeve ruffles to the elbow sleeve for a little sass. Paired with tights and booties this is a look I’d love to wear myself!

Of course, I did an exposed metal zipper to give it a little edge. Statement sleeves and exposed zippers just might be my ‘thing’ right now.

This picture suddenly had me flash forwarding five years and seeing her sweet sixteen and headed off to her first dance. Can we please slow things down?!! She did bring me back to reality by sitting in church the next day trying to read the script on this print and giggling like the little girl that she is. I’ll take all those moments I can get!

Little sis got a Violette Fields Threads Pixie Dress, one of my favorite dress patterns to use for quilting cottons. The bodice is also a great place to use those cute trims you’ve been hoarding (this lace is from Hobby Lobby, my go-to for trims).

The evening of this photo shoot was one of the first real fall days we’d had and temperatures were hovering around 40 degrees. These kiddos were such troopers! I love this shot because she nailed the pose but I see the clenched teeth “Mom, can we please be done already?!” frozen look on her face. True pro right there!

Make sure you check out ALL the cute prints and colorways with this darling line. I think this line would make the cutest nursery or little girl bedding and decor, spring dresses, and gorgeous quilts.

Thanks for stopping by my little stop on the Abbie Blog tour. Thanks to Riley Blake Designs and Sue Daley for the chance to share this darling fabric will you all!

Raspberry Creek Fabrics Christmas Line 2018

Am I the only one that’s missing the lazy days of summer? It seems to me like once school starts it’s full speed ahead! Halloween comes quickly, then Thanksgiving, and BAM! It’s Christmas! I’m grateful to have a little headstart on my holiday sewing thanks to Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

The new CLUB Christmas prints hit the shop last week and are on sale for $1 off per yard through tomorrow, Friday October 19th. These 12 prints are available on our favorite 95/5 cotton lycra jersey and french terry knits. My kids are spoiled and having grown up in CLUB knits they reach for their CLUB makes over and over again.

I loved playing with these gorgeous blue and grey french terry prints. My sister and I sewed up coordinating looks for these cute cousins. Little Edie got a Skiff Tee from Jennuine Designs (a great pattern for scraps and color blocking!). My Charlie is sporting a Constance Sweater from Sew A Little Seam and his best smolder and big sis is also wearing a Constance.

How cool is it to be able to use the same pattern for two different looks for both a boy and a girl?! I sure love this pattern!

For this girl look I used this Snowflake French Terry. I did the puff sleeve, hood, and kangaroo pocket all at her request. It’s so fun to sit down with this pattern and let them choose exactly the look they want. She’d been dying to recreate her favorite rtw hoodie and this one totally fit the bill.

I added a little premade vinyl I picked up at Michael’s for the perfect little bling!

How bout this plaid?! It’s pretty cute, right?! I paired it with the light grey jersey for bands and it’s love!

I love that this print is great for the holidays but will also work well into spring too. I love it layered over a chambray button-up and just might have to copy this look for myself.

My favorite thing to make with CLUB jersey is pajamas. They are the ultimate in comfort- soft, breathable, and they hold up so well to multiple washings each week. They’re the first pj’s my kids reach for and the perfect use of all those fun prints they love. These Christmas pj’s will be an instant favorite for sure (she may or may not be going on wearing these two days in a row ;))

I love to use tried and true patterns to create pajamas. I used our beloved Camden Raglan from Hey June Handmade paired with our favorite Love Notions Leggins for an easy, quick outfit. This darling Christmas Dot paired with the basic green stripe and red jersey made such a cute combo.

I’m so excited that Raspberry Creek is adding new base options to their CLUB line. These three prints are available on double brushed polyester and poly rayon spandex french terry.

The double brushed polyester Deer Buffalo Plaid was perfect for these girls. My oldest daughter has a severe obsession with all things buffalo plaid and immediately requested this print as soon as she saw it. She was thrilled to match her little cousin.

My daughter is also sporting Love Notions Leggins. They fit her perfect and worked great for this fabric. The negative ease in this pattern isn’t as much as other patterns I’ve tried meaning that this fabric doesn’t get stretched super thin across her hips. The drape of this base is also perfect for flowy dresses like the Groove Dress from MadeIt Patterns.

The hi-low option of this dress is just too cute! And your girls will just love the twirl factor!

Lastly, I got to sew up this gorgeous floral print in double brushed poly. It’s so pretty and was perfect for a Li’l LDT Dress for Sophie. I love this colorway on her! We did the bishop sleeve, cowl neck options of this pattern and think it’s the perfect seasonal transition look.

Isn’t that subtle lace background divine?!

Are you already sewing for Christmas? Are you one of those crazy ladies that frantically sews EVERYONE matching pj’s (yep, I’ve been there!)? Make sure you grab your fabrics on sale through Friday. Excited to see all your holiday makes!

A Mini Capsule for Tweens

As we were preparing for the cooler weather we found a few holes in this girls closet. She loves to wear tunics and leggings and needed more to work into her wardrobe. We loved this mustard dot (surprise, surprise) french terry from Knitpop and built a mini capsule around it.

While back to school shopping she fell in love with these GapKids leggings. We know that rtw leggings rarely fit so we set to find fabric to recreate them. This wildflower print (also from Knitpop) was perfect!

She got two more leggings out of fabric from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. This tropical floral print made a cute pair of capris.

I used two tried and true patterns for these looks. The Sloane Sweater from Love Notions is so full of options that she can have a closet full and no one will know they’re all the same pattern! This is the simple classic tunic version but we love the yoke version too. Our go-to leggings pattern is the FREE Love Notions Leggins’. With a yoga waistband these sew up in a flash!

We love these classic, everyday looks and know they’re going to get worn all fall and winter!

My Favorite Fall Color

As soon as the stores start putting out their fall decor and clothes my mind heads right to the same thing every year- bring on all the mustard colored things! I love fall colors in general- plum, navy, olive, burgundy, ALL the jewel tones really. Something about those warm colors makes me want to cozy up with a good book and watch the leaves change outside my window.

My three latest makes for myself have all been in full muted yellow glory. It’s so fun to have a little break in pattern testing and blog tours to sew up a few things for ME.

This pretty mustard knit jumped in my cart during a button run to Joann’s. Don’t you hate when that happens?! I seriously couldn’t leave this fabric in the store and sewed it up the second I had a free afternoon.

The Toaster Sweater is a cold weather favorite of mine. I love the tall neck option of version #1. It’s not tight and constricting like other turtlenecks but is so cozy and warm! This fabric was just perfect for it.

This pattern sews up sooooo fast too! You know that’s my jam- something quick but with great finishes. I love the topstitching details.

I sewed up a medium which is what I had printed and ready. I fit into the small size chart now and might just have to size down for my next version. I love the chunky feel of this one though. I modified this a bit and added an inch to the length to make it hit mid hip.

While wearing this top I had one of those experiences that every seamstress lives for. While browsing in Madewell, wearing this sweater, a couple of ladies stopped me and asked if my top was from the shop. I blushed and let them know it was not from there. They pushed a bit more and asked where it was from. I hesitated as I told them that I had made it and laughed as their jaws hit the floor! They couldn’t believe it! I left the shop empty handed but renewed with a love of creating beautiful handmade garments that could indeed hold their own with the expensive trendy items from the mall.

My second make is a modified Chalk and Notch Waterfall Raglan. I grabbed this pretty windowpane plaid double brushed poly from Raspberry Creek Fabrics and knew it needed to be a pretty dress. I left off the bottom ruffle and added 6 inches at the lengthen/shorten line.

This is another one of those quick makes that looks amazing sewn up. I think I need a few more of these in my wardrobe. I sewed up a couple of these during testing and then set the pattern aside and kept meaning to get back to it. I can’t tell you how many of those patterns I have. I’m so glad to have sewn it up again!

What’s on your fall sewing list? Are you a mustard lover or do you steer clear of it? I’m so excited to see all the fall hues start filling my social media feeds!

Fall Mini Hudson Joggers

This little guy is always asking for me to sew him up new clothes. He loves wearing mama-made but I think he’s really in it for the photo shoot bribes! I’ll take it though because there’s nothing I love more than looking at that smiling face!

He has a severe hatred of ‘hard pants’ aka jeans. To satisfy both of us, I’ll happily sew up some slim fitting joggers. They’re a quick sew and I love how they look on him!

I have several jogger patterns I like and for these I used the Mini Hudson Pants from True Bias. I love the fit of these and it was a great twist of fate that I already had a size 7 traced and ready to go. He’s growing like a weed and I can’t keep up with those long legs so none of my patterns from the spring would work for him.

I did modify the waistband for multiple reasons. One, I’m lazy! Two, actual drawstrings always come out in the wash. And three, again, I’m lazy, lol! The pattern calls for wider elastic than I had on hand and then you create a casing for a drawstring. I simplified the heck out of it by doing one big casing and attaching a faux drawstring to the front. These joggers were done from cut to finish in less than an hour.

I used this cotton modal french terry from Knitpop for these. I had originally ordered this luscious stuff for myself but when it arrived the color was a bit more brown than I wanted. I knew it’d be perfect for my boys though. It’s seriously some of the softest stuff I’ve worked with and I’m slightly jealous of these beauties.

Another easy peasy project in the books! I think my family might just hold the world record for most joggers in one household. If not, I think I better keep it up because that’s a title I’d proudly take!

Orchid Midi Dress from Chalk and Notch

The Orchid Midi Dress from Chalk and Notch patterns is here! Gabriela’s patterns are always much anticipated and there’s good reason. The Orchid Dress is no exception. I’m excited to be able to give a copy to one of my readers too!

The Orchid Dress is a woven faux wrap dress and features two different views. I sewed up the long sleeve version as we are quickly moving into fall here. The pattern comes in sizes 0-18 and I sewed up a size 6 without any modifications for reference.

I used a lovely mustard floral bubble crepe from Knitpop and am absolutely in love with how it turned out. This fabric is ever so slightly sheer but the drape and weight were too perfect. Wearing a slip easily solved the opacity problem and that color just gets me every time (be prepared for LOTS of mustard around these parts).

There is an optional step in the pattern to add a snap to the bodice to keep it closed. I chose to hand tack my bodice shut and I love that I could pick just how high I wanted it to be. I prefer more coverage and it was so easy to achieve with a quick little tack. After our initial photo shoot I was also able to easily hand sew my slit closed about 4″. This picture is just as the pattern calls for but it was a bit too high for me. As a pattern tester, I usually try to make my version as the designer intended and make my own alterations afterwards. In the future it will be an easy modification to make the slit hit at my knee as I prefer.

I have so many favorite parts about this pattern! One of them is that bodice gathering. I love it in the back and at the shoulders- such a great detail.

I’ve always steered clear of any kind of puff sleeve, thinking that they just accentuate my already broad shoulders. This pattern has totally converted me! I love the full sleeve and the slight gather at the top of the sleeve just adds to the dress’s femininity.

And you can’t forget about the pockets! I can’t live without them and these are the perfect size- big enough for your cell phone, a chapstick, and whatever you need handy.

I’ve already worn this dress multiple times so I feel like a real testimonial is in order. This dress just makes me feel pretty and like my best self. I think that Gabriela’s patterns have a way of bringing out the best in the wearer and this dress truly exemplifies that. I loved watching the testers dresses roll in and to see how lovely they looked on everyone. I can’t wait to wear this dress any chance I get (if you happen to see me at church in this every Sunday pretend you don’t notice, mmkay?!). The last piece that I sewed that made me feel this fantastic was my Cotton + Steel Fringe Dress that I’ve lovingly nicknamed my “pick-me-up” dress because I feel like I can conquer the world in it!

The Orchid Pattern is meant to pair and mix beautifully with the Parasol Jumpsuit from Ensemble Patterns as well. You can grab these patterns at a discount in a bundle and individually for a limited time! Do yourself a favor and sew yourself up a pretty new outfit. You’ll feel like a rockstar, promise!

Want to win your own copy of the Orchid Midi Dress? Simply comment on this blog post with your favorite thing you’ve sewn that makes you feel like a sewing goddess. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Winner will picked Monday October 8th.

Love Notions Girls Classic Tee

*This post contains affiliate links*

The Love Notions Classic Tee quickly became my favorite pattern of the summer. I’m so excited to have the same cute relaxed fitting tee for my girls now!

The Classic Tee for girls is full of options and will be a great staple year-round. It comes in sizes 2t- 16, such a huge size range that makes this momma happy. It’s a cute relaxed fit that looks great with jeans and will layer great come cool weather too! There are two neckline choices, round or v-neck, and multiple sleeve options; short, 3/4, and long. There’s even more fun sleeve options available on the Love Notions Blog.

This version is done in a lightweight sweater knit. She is a 7 width with a 10 height- she’s growing taller way faster than she’s filling out and keeping me on my toes when I sew for her. I’m constantly measuring my kids and they seem to just keep shooting up! I added length to the bodice but will need to remember to lengthen the sleeves a bit more too. These are the long length but look more 3/4 length on her long arms.

Big sister got a short sleeve version with the flounce option available on the blog . I used an ITY for this version and I love the drape of those sleeves in it.

I’m so excited for plaid season! This will be darling for the holidays and will look great dressed up for parties too.

We snuck in these pictures in between an afternoon of activities and this little miss thought it’d be hilarious to prank her mom. We did all of her individual pictures only for me to see she’d hidden a plastic spider in her hair! She thought she was so sneaky! She is my goofball and definitely makes me giggle every day.

Make sure to grab your copy for a steal at only $5! This classic pattern will be a great addition to your pattern stash.

Jubilee Fabric Tour with Riley Blake Designs

It’s my stop on the Riley Blake Jubilee Blog Tour today! This fabric collection is absolutely darling and I’m excited to be sharing it will you guys.

I always let my girls help pick fabric for their makes but they struggled this time because they seriously wanted them all. You know my oldest will always pick red if given the choice and she was crushing on the main prints in this line bad. I was surprised when she settled on the navy colorway but secretly thrilled to be adding a little different color to her wardrobe. My younger daughter looks darling in blues and loved the dainty print of this ditzy floral. Together they coordinate but aren’t too matchy for these sisters.

If I could pick my favorite color combinations of the moment these would be it. I love navy, yellow, seafoam, and pink together. They are perfect colors for fall but also work really well for this weird warm transition season we’re in too.

The floral prints work so well with this season too. The hint of summer brights and warm fall colors make these fabrics something I think they’ll wear year-round.

Let’s talk about these dresses. My oldest daughter is quickly sizing out of many of our favorite patterns. I’m grateful for companies like Violette Fields Threads and Hey June Handmade who are now branching into tween pattern size lines. This is the Zoey Dress from Violette Fields Threads. My daughter still isn’t quite in a 10 width but she’s at least a 12 or 14 height so I struggle choosing between the tween and child patterns. In this case, the extra ease in the bodice works with this style and the tween sizing looks great on her.

I love the boho-feel of this pattern and think it’s perfect for this print. The cute puff sleeve, elastic cuff and bias bound neckline are pretty features that add to the free spirit look of this dress.

Little sister got a Sutton Dress from Made for Mermaids. I wanted something that had a similar vibe as her sister’s and the Sutton was a great choice. I wanted this print to really shine but knew it needed a little trim and buttons to make it pop.

I absolutely adore those sleeves! Such a sweet touch. I did modify this pattern to use a gathered rectangle skirt (the width of the fabric) instead of the gathered circle skirt the pattern calls for. This was not really a style choice as it was a lack of fabric choice (that’s what I get for changing my plan for this fabric at the last minute!).