SewSophieLynn

Suit Up For Summer Day Three

Welcome to Day 3!! Please tell me you’ve been so inspired and are reading this while prepping to sew your very own swimsuit! I’m really hoping that we can calm your fears and give you the confidence to tackle your family’s swimwear needs.

Today I faced one of my big fears- the dreaded sewing for a teenage boy! I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Before I was brave enough to sew for big brother I got to sew for a much easier critic! This little man was dying for a swimsuit out of this cool shark boardshort fabric from Raspberry Creek Fabrics (one of our lovely tour sponsors!).

I used the Swim and Surf Shorts from Gracious Threads. I hesitate to promote this pattern in my boy post since it’s drafted for girls in sizes 6 and up but I think these fit his little body well. I absolutely love the construction and the bias goes on so smoothly. I used store bought but there are directions to make your own. I switched up the waistband to just be one wide casing after Brittney’s advice. I also used swim mesh for the underwear liner inside- I might switch it up to regular swim fabric in the future just for more comfort.

You know I like to involve my kids in as much of the sewing as I can and with this suit I gave him a handful of drawstring choices. He shocked me with this choice but was very adamant on the coral cord (a trimmed up shoelace!) because it glows in the dark. I tried to tell him that at five-years-old he won’t be doing very much night swimming but he was very insistent! I love it!

So little brother’s suit was a breeze- cut and done in about an hour. This guys was a different story! I used Jalie Boys/Mens Board Shorts pattern and am really proud and happy with the results. He is too which is such a relief! I love that I was able to easily modify these to his taste. We cut about 4 inches from the hem (he’s almost 6′) and brought in the inner leg about an inch so the legs weren’t so wide. He really likes the more retro fit and I think it suits him well!

I have such a love/hate relationship with Jalie patterns. I love, love that they come with so many size options in one pattern. I could use this same pattern on the 5-year-old and my XL husband- you really can’t get that anywhere else. I love how well they go together, the end product is always amazing and the finishings are fantastic! That being said they are usually not my standard quick afternoon projects. I know I need to concentrate and take my time to achieve a great looking garment. The instructions are pretty basic (you can preview them before you purchase a pattern to make sure it’s something you want to tackle). This is where my love/hate comes in. I love the conciseness. I tend to read the instructions one or two times through before I start a project and then just go for it, referring back to the directions only occasionally. With Jalie, you can print the directions on just a couple pages and have them right next to you as you sew. With this pattern though, I could have used a little more hand holding. I learned a lot and these were constructed different than I have done anything in the past. Not bad obviously, just different.

Lucky for me, my sister came over and manned her coverstitch machine and I did the sewing and serging. I don’t know what I would have done without her help and the coverstitch. Almost all the seams are topstitched which can be done with a double needle on your regular machine too but that would mean a TON of switching back and forth between a double and single needle, or if you’re really precise, faking the look by running two single stitches side by side. Even with the two of us, this project took a good few hours. Granted we were sewing with a lot of little helpers running around too 😉

This awesome fabric is also from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. You can find the coordinating navy also. I can’t wait to share with you all our fun CLUB line suits tomorrow!

Looking for more boys swim patterns? Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop, Titchy Threads, Life Sew Savory, and Made By Jack’s Mum all offer them!

Have you entered the link up yet? I’m loving what I’m seeing so far! You won’t want to miss out on your chance at the fun giveaways! (Giveaways are now closed)

Now go check out all the other amazing bloggers joining in the swim party:

Hosted by Sew Sophie Lynn & Paisley Roots

Monday: Pear Berry Lane / Inspinration / It’s Liesel / Sewing For Four

Tuesday: Harper Lu / Call Ajaire / Stylin Stacy / Skirt Fixation

Wednesday: Sewing By Ti / Sewing With Sarah / Sew & Tell / Me Made

Thursday: Made By Melli / Life Sew Savory / That’s What She Crafted / Auschick

Friday: Rebel & Malice / EYMM / Stitching & Making / Lilliepawillie

Suit Up For Summer Day Two

Are you ready for day two of the Suit Up For Summer tour? Wasn’t yesterday just awesome?! Today won’t disappoint either- you’ve got one swim newbie, a talented children’s pattern designer and tester call, a swimsuit sewing veteran, and a super cute women’s suit pattern tester call! Make sure to head over to Paisley Roots for another adorable suit and some fabric shopping tips!

Make sure you see my last post to enter the giveaways. (GIVEAWAYS ARE CLOSED)

You can check out the other great ladies on the tour here:

Hosted by Sew Sophie Lynn & Paisley Roots

Monday: Pear Berry Lane / Inspinration / It’s Liesel / Sewing For Four

Tuesday: Harper Lu / Call Ajaire / Stylin Stacy / Skirt Fixation

Wednesday: Sewing By Ti / Sewing With Sarah / Sew & Tell / Me Made

Thursday: Made By Melli / Life Sew Savory / That’s What She Crafted / Auschick

Friday: Rebel & Malice / EYMM / Stitching & Making / Lilliepawillie

I’m talking ladies swimsuits today and I’m going to be completely honest with you all- I really have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to women’s swimsuits. My past adventures in sewing swimwear for myself have been fairly easy. I’ve only ever made rash guard tops by adding a lining, cups and an elastic shelf bra to the Lane Raglan. A raglan is about as beginner friendly as it gets- add a couple more steps and voila! Instant swim top!

Nothing mind blowing but I usually live in these on our beach vacations and long days at the pool. For this years suits I wanted to change it up but kept going back to the same look and coverage these suits offered. I decided to use a couple of Patterns for Pirates to achieve this look. Judy at P4P has generously offered a discount code for our readers during the tour. Use code ‘swimtour’ to receive $2 off any swim pattern in the shop!

I used the Hello Sailor Swim Bottoms for nice bum coverage! I hate worrying that I’m flashing innocent people! I followed the tip to add power mesh to just the front belly area and love the ‘spanx’ effect. I did a straight size medium and can’t wait to make more of these. The pattern comes with a handful of fun options so I’ll be changing it up a bit too.

I used the Layer Me Up top pattern for this hack. I’ll tell you what I did and what I’d do differently next go round. With swim I don’t feel like you can really muslin a pattern so I just go for it and hope it works out! I cut a front lining piece and cropped the tee to my natural waistline in a straight medium also (my normal size). I added cups to the lining (I ended up doubling them up for a little more umph!) and did an extra wide band at the bottom, hoping to avoid the elastic of the shelf bra. Well, it wasn’t love so back to the drawing board.

Off went the band and I ruched the sides of the bottom piece with a small piece of elastic for a little detail and added my standard 3/4″ elastic under the bra cups. I really wanted the top to meet the bottoms and think this is the best I could get. I think I’d use the LMU in the future but I will just do it the full length I need and add the cups and elastic shelf bra like I did in my raglan rash guards.

One tip I did learn with the elastic under the cups is to have it not quite meet the side seams. I usually try to catch it in the seams for extra strength but since this was added after the seams were done I just secured the elastic to the lining only. The benefit is that it doesn’t pull at the side seam- I’ll share a top later this week that has this issue.

I really like the coverage of this suit and know I’ll be comfortable wrangling my kiddos at the pool in it. I picked up the fabric for my top and also my bra cups (4/$1!) in the LA Fabric District. I love that place!

I’m really tempted to try my hand at sewing an actual swim top! Our sponsors have some great choices! The Siren Swim Top from Patterns for Pirates is so cute! Closet Case Patterns offers two super chic swim options- the Sophie Swimsuit and the Bombshell (I actually have one that’s been cut and waiting to be sewn for far too long!). 5 out of 4 Patterns has a bunch of fun, sporty options and Rad Patterns has two swimsuits with the most options I’ve ever seen! Jalie has a ton of patterns to choose from and you can get one for you and your mini me all in one sweet deal. Laela Jeyne has two versatile, cute patterns- a fun skirted one piece and a vintage inspired bikini set. Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop has swimwear for the whole family!

I came across a few more designers that offer women’s swimwear that I’d love to try too! Wardrobe By Me, Dandelions and Dungarees, Lily Sage and Co, and Seamstress Erin all offer unique swimsuit pdf’s.

Do you have a favorite women’s pattern I should try? My Pinterest Board is full of suits I’m dying to recreate!

A special thanks to all our sponsors:

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Suit Up For Summer Day One

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I’m absolutely giddy to be starting an amazing blog tour today! Karly at Paisley Roots and I are excited to be hosting the Suit Up for Summer Blog Tour, featuring twenty other bloggers and two HUGE giveaways. We hope to get you ready for summer and warm weather with swimwear for the whole family. We’ll bring you tons of inspiration and tips and lots of fun along the way.

Make sure you make it to the end of this post for all the sponsor and prize details along with the awesome line-up for the week.

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Today I’m starting it off by talking about sewing for the little girls in your life. My very first swimsuits I sewed were for my young girls. They were far from perfect but I was so proud of them. For the first time this girly had a swimsuit that fit her tall, lanky frame. She could never fit into ready-to-wear one pieces because they weren’t long enough and two-piece tankinis left inches of belly showing when they were supposed to be full length. I was always bringing in the sides or crossing my fingers her little suit would stay put! I know we’re not alone in this dilemma and I’m hoping to give you other mamas hope. The beauty of sewing for your children is that you can mash sizes making your tall/skinny or short/solid kids feel confident and darling in their swimwear.

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We both fell in love with this suit from Gap this year. I knew there was no way it would fit so we went to work searching for a pattern to recreate our own version. I used the Aloha Burn Blocker Suit from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop (make sure you check out their HUGE swimsuit selection!) with a little modification. I used the bottom portion of the Leotard Etoile from Lil Luxe Collection but you could use any brief or swimsuit pattern for the leg curves. I was able to make a size 7 width with a 10 length to fit her almost perfectly! Make sure you also do the arms the longer length too!

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The options for girls swimwear pdf’s is phenomenal! They really do have so much more available to them than women, boys, and men combined it seems! We have some amazing sponsors on this tour that offer girls swimsuit patterns. Be on the look out this week as some of our bloggers feature looks from these shops:

Jalie is a great option with 17 (!) patterns in their swimsuit category. Their patterns come with adult and children’s sizes in one pattern which makes them great if you plan on using multiple sizes. They don’t feature layers and instructions are minimal but I’d call them great for the adventurous sewist. The finished product is always superb!

Gracious Threads has a tankini and a boardshort pattern. The Eclipse Tankini is designed for beginners and would make a great first swimsuit. That little peplum is darling! I made the boardshorts and love how cute they are and will be showing them to you later this week!

Lil Luxe Collection‘s Peach Beach swimsuit seems to be THE suit of the season. I also love the leotards in the shop and can’t wait to show off our swim version of the Leotard Etoile.

My Childhood Treasures/Treasurie has a huge variety of swim/dance wear. Their blog is full of great tips on sewing swimwear and is an amazing resource for beginners. They also have a free pattern for swim bottoms- a great way to try out swimwear sewing!

5 out of 4 offers a girls version of their popular Agility Tank and Riptide shorties. Perfect for mommy and me looks!

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Titchy Thread’s Azur Swimsuit is one of the hippest suits there is! I love the cut of the legs and the fun options to color block.

Call Ajaire has the Classic Maillot suit pattern that is just that- a classic! She also offers the Classic Maillot Swimskirt pattern for free to dip your toes in swim sewing.

Boo! Designs also offers both swim and leotard patterns. If you ask in the pdf groups for the best swimsuit patterns Boo! Designs will be an obvious fan favorite. Their instructions offer a multitude of tips and their designs are classics that can be changed up to your hearts content!

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You can see some of my past girls swim makes here, here, and here featuring the Cosi Swimsuit and my favorite raglan hacks.

As I’ve scoured the internet I’ve come across so many pattern companies that feature girls swimwear. Here’s a few that I’ve found:

Mountain Ash Designs, Coles Creations, Create Kids Couture, Winter Wear Designs, The Wolf and The Tree, Violette Fields Threads, A Sparkly Baby, Puperita, and Julia Faye Davidson.

Did I miss any favorites? Do you have a go-to pattern you turn to again and again?

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Are you ready for the good stuff? Check out this rad group of ladies we have joining us this week:

Hosted by Sew Sophie Lynn & Paisley Roots

Monday: Pear Berry Lane / Inspinration / It’s Liesel / Sewing For Four

Tuesday: Harper Lu / Call Ajaire / Stylin Stacy / Skirt Fixation

Wednesday: Sewing By Ti / Sewing With Sarah / Sew & Tell / Me Made

Thursday: Made By Melli / Life Sew Savory / That’s What She Crafted / Auschick

Friday: Rebel & Malice / EYMM / Stitching & Making / Lilliepawillie

You can enter our HUGE giveaways two ways. First link up any swimsuits you’ve sewn this year. You have until next Tuesday, May 30th to get your looks in. A winner will be randomly picked so even you swimsuit sewing newbies should join in! I can’t wait to see what you guys create!

GIVEAWAYS ARE CLOSED AND WINNERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.

Our prize pack for the link up is sure to get you ready to start sewing your own swimsuits. You will receive a $25 gift certificate to Raspberry Creek Fabrics, $25 gift certificate to The Fabric Fairy, $25 gift certificate to Peek-a-Boo Fabric Shop, and $20 gift certificate to Simply by Ti. You will also receive a pdf pattern of your choice from Closet Case Patterns, Jalie, Gracious Threads, Lil Luxe Collection, My Childhood Treasures, 5 ouf ot 4 Patterns, Titchy Threads, Call Ajaire, Rad Patterns, and Boo! Designs!

Second, no sewing involved just enter the Rafflecopter for your shot at the other amazing prize pack!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We’d like to thank all of our generous sponsors for providing patterns used by many of the bloggers during the tour and also the great prizes!

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One Thimble 15 Blog Tour

One Thimble Issue 15 is here! If you’ve been following me for awhile you know I just love when a new issue comes out. I’m always so excited to see what each issue has in store- so many different designers and contributors that always keep things fresh and fun.

I was happy to hop on the tour and sew up two patterns from this latest issue.

I did Thread Faction #116, a comfy unisex v-neck cardigan. It comes in sizes 2-10 and is a super quick sew. I let her pick between buttons, snaps, or a bow closure and she went with the ribbon. I love the little feminine detail it adds and how it made the project even faster!

I also sewed up the Miriam Skirt from OUSM. It comes in sizes 12m-8 years and has a high waist with big pleats. I did a size 7 with 8 length but totally should have added a few more inches- doh! She’s off the size chart height-wise so it’s much shorter than intended. I’m calling it ‘vintage-length’ 😉 The skirt came together so quickly too. I added the exposed zipper- I couldn’t help but use this cute polka dot one I’ve had in my stash forever.

She had a Paris-themed birthday party to go to after this shoot and won ‘Best Parisian Outfit’ at the party. She loved how chic she felt. She had requested a stripe shirt for the party and this was perfect paired with the floral skirt and knee highs.

Totally French school-girl esque, right?!

This issue is chock full of goodness- 10 pdf patterns and 29 sewing articles. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect afternoon- sitting in the backyard with a lemonade and the latest issue?!

You can catch the rest of the tour bloggers here:

5/11/2017

5/12/2017

5/13/2017

5/14/17

Once Upon a Sewing Machine

5/15/17

5/16/17

5/17/2017

Crazy, Craft Haute Mama

Adventures with Bubba and Bug

Lulu and Celeste

Willamette Shirt from Hey June Handmade

Meet the newest member of the Hey June family- the Willamette Shirt.

The Willamette features three different views to keep you looking good all summer! I chose to do view B during testing which features a waist seam that makes mixing prints or playing with directional fabric so fun!

The Willamette is a dolman sleeve top, with a back yoke, and wide collar. I’m a nervous wreck sewing woven tops with collars and plackets but the Willamette is a super easy way to ease into them. The placket is simply a facing and the collar is sandwiched between the main and facing pieces- no fussy collar stand to deal with.

This lazy sewist really does plan on a couple more for summer. They are fairly quick sews with beautiful insides to boot- does it get any better.

I absolutely love how loose and breezy this top is. I like that it’s a step up from my normal tee and jeans too!

This is my face after washing my shirt and having it come out crisp and lovely- no ironing means I really will wear this top at least once a week! I lucked out that this LA fabric district find just happens to be almost wrinkle free- score!

Make sure you check out the other views- there’s a simple version without the waist seam and a cute cropped version that looks so cute too! Head on over and grab your copy today!

Raspberry Creek’s Newest Club Line

Raspberry Creek Fabrics newest CLUB line is here and now available for retail purchase. It was so fun to sew up these gorgeous fabrics with a few of my favorite sewing buddies. Of course we had to get our cuties together to show you all the goodness!

L-R: Kainara Stitches, Ammon Lane and Little Fish.

My girls loved posing with cute Inara from Kainara Stitches. Her mom Anna always picks the cutest fabric combos and I can’t get enough of this lil redhead. These pretty watercolor florals are so soft and sweet. Inara’s is perfectly paired with the mint dots.

Isn’t that stripe so pretty?! I love mint and coral together!

The soft colors on this peach watercolor are so springy! It’s even more gorgeous in person!

How cute are these kiddos of Enjoyful Makes?! Halle is adorable in her mustard/navy plaid. The airplanes are every boys favorite!

We also love the coral/mint plaid. It pairs so well with the coral dots!

This watercolor stripe is a fan favorite. You can’t go wrong with a grey stripe and bold flowers! Seriously pretty!

I love all the different floral/stripe prints and how unique they all are. This bold navy version is too cute on my girly.

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Make sure you head over to Raspberry Creek and check out the whole CLUB line. Diana is busily printing away and adding prints hot off the printer. Yes, that’s right! I forgot to tell you all the best part! RCF is now printing in house featuring fabrics milled right here in the US. This CLUB line is printed on the softest, best quality cotton/lycra and french terry.

Stay tuned for more CLUB fabrics coming soon!

A Tie for the oldest

This guy has all but disappeared from the blog. At not quite fifteen he is almost as tall as his dad and totally too cool for mama made. When he asked for a tie to match his sisters I was all over it!

I used Purl Soho’s FREE Father’s Day Tie pattern for my initiation into tie making. It was a simple to follow tutorial and a fairly quick project. I used some lovely Cotton and Steel Les Fleurs quilting cotton. The option to use quilting cotton for ties makes the possibilities endless! I’m so excited to make more- ikat, florals, stripes…eek!

My woven clothing labels made a perfect keeper loop!

In the future, he’s requested skinnier ties. I will definitely trim the tail end skinnier too. I used my machine to attach the lining pieces but next time I’m hoping to hand sew them per the instructions. Overall though, I’m strangely proud of this make. I’ve for sure made more difficult projects but I loved the new techniques and fresh possibilities this opened for both me and my son. He’s on the high school soccer team and they all wear Sunday best to school the days of home games. His dressy wardrobe needs a little sprucing up with the extra wear! Challenge accepted 😉

This is his, “Mom, you promised no photo shoots if you made me something” look. I just couldn’t help grabbing these early morning shots before he headed to school! He’s not as easily bribed with a piece of chocolate like his siblings 😉

Knock it Off Tour

The Knock-it Off Tour hosted by Sprouting Jube Jube and Lulu and Celeste is for all you do-it-yourselfers. You know who you are. You walk through the mall and all you can think is, “I could make that so easy!” or “Man, that top would be so cute if only it was two inches longer/shorter/had sleeves/a v-neck/hood/ruffle/stripes/butterflies/etc…”. Chances are if you’re a seamstress of any level you will be thinking this on EVERY single shopping trip!

My inspiration comes from a no longer available Anthropology top I came across during the Tallinn testing. I loved the simple ruffle and knew the Tallinn was just the pattern for it!

Try not to spit out your soda at my awesome recreation of the pic. I’m pretty sure this model is a size negative 20 and hasn’t seen a donut in her life. It’s like I’ve found my long lost twin 😉

I was really thinking this would be an easy hack. The Tallinn sweater features the same overlapped front but is a straight angled top piece. The bands are done in two pieces and the neckline features a turtleneck or slouchy cowl.

Now there’s a reason I don’t really do tutorials. #1- I rarely ever hack patterns. I can usually just find a pattern that suits my needs. #2- I definitely don’t have the sewing skill to share with you. I learn from doing and would hate to teach techniques wrong. #3- I don’t have the patience to take all the needed pics to properly show what I’m doing. Now with that out of the way I’ll do my darndest to explain what I did to create this look.

My original mods to the actual pattern pieces were fairly simple. I used two right front pieces and altered them to be wider at the shoulder and curved at the hem. I used my french curve for the curve and added 2.5″ at the shoulder seam. I slashed and spread my sleeve piece to make it a bit looser like the inspiration and made it 3/4 length. I’m sure I could have just sized up that piece to make it easier. I also cut the neckline right in between the turtleneck and cowl necklines and made a neck binding piece 1.75″x 80% of the neckline circumference.

I had to get a little creative sewing it up. The Tallinn has separate hem band pieces for the front and bottom. I struggled wrapping my mind around getting one continuous ruffle sewn on since it’s included in the shoulder seam. I didn’t want the bulk of the ruffle under the other shoulder so my ruffle tapers off underneath and is not included in the right shoulder seam.

So, I got a little crazy and sewed up the right shoulder then sewed about an inch of the outside left shoulder seam. I then added the sleeves and sewed the side seams. I could then add the ruffle to the outside hem in one continuous piece. (My ruffle is 2″ by 2 times the length of the full hem.) Once the ruffle was on I could then finish the left shoulder seam and attach the neck binding. Not mind blowing sewing but it did stretch me a bit.

I honestly wasn’t in love with this when we first took these pictures. I couldn’t figure out what it was. I found the original top and read some of the same thoughts in the reviews- not flattering was a general consensus. For me, it really highlights my broad shoulders. Not something I usually go for.

That night as I laid in bed I had one of those hallelujah moments. I knew the ruffle needed to come in on the shoulder to cut my shoulder in a bit and it was as simple as pleating the shoulder piece. I really didn’t want to unpick all the ruffle and topstitching to fully alter the whole front piece!

It’s not a huge difference- before altering on the left and after on the right, but I think it helps a ton. I really love the final top and think it’s such a great transition top for spring.

For this top I used a super soft blush french terry from Stylish Fabric. It looks like this shade is out of stock currently (glad others are sharing my current pink obsession) but there are a ton of other beautiful colors to choose from.

I’m so excited to pair this top with jeans or my favorite new Brassie joggers. It’s such a great, comfy mom outfit.

BTW- The Tallinn is a great nursing top and this little hack is a great way to switch it up a bit in case you need a closet full of them.

You can catch all the amazing Knock-offs this week here:

Monday, April 24

Lulu & Celeste – Call Ajaire – Paisley Roots – Adventures with Bubba and Bug

Tuesday, April 25

Sprouting JubeJube – mahlicadesigns – Sew and Tell Project

Wednesday, April 26

Lulu & Celeste – SewSophieLynn – Nini and Ash – Little Heart Threads

Thursday, April 27

Sprouting JubeJube – sewingbyti – Inspinration – House of Estrela – Beri Bee Designs

Friday, April 28

Lulu & Celeste – Duchess & Hare – Creative Counselor – Filles a Maman (FAM)

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Little Kiwi’s Closet Straight Skirt Tour

Little Kiwi’s Closet is a new to me pattern company but apparently I’m late to the party, they are celebrating 5000 members in their Facebook group– hooray!

As a thank you to members, they are offering a code for this darling FREE Straight Skirt! I love to try out new designers and their free patterns are the perfect start. This pattern from LKC did not disappoint.

I paired the skirt with the Flutterby Peasant Dress and Top. I’ve been missing a basic peasant top pattern in my collection and this one is fantastic. There are multiple sleeve, elastic, and ruffle options and it comes in sizes newborn to 12. Peasant tops are such a great starting point for so many looks so I know I’ll turn to this pattern again and again.

She’s been wanting an off the shoulder top and it was a super easy hack to get this look. Ready for it… just use longer elastic in the casing- DONE! It’s such a trendy look and I love that I didn’t have to get a special pattern for it.

This skirt is really so darn cute! I used more Raspberry Creek CLUB fabrics for this whole look. These fabrics should be available again starting this week. I love that you can play around with fabric combos with this pattern. Those pockets just beg for a contrasting fabric!

There are a variety of options with this skirt too. You can do angled or curved pockets, yoga or elastic waistband, above or below knee and banded or hemmed bottom. It comes in sizes 12 months- 14 years. I did a straight size 7. She measures a 7 waist and 10 height, this is the below knee option hitting her right at her knees.

I love that right after we took these pictures she was climbing poles and running around. That’s a sign of a comfortable outfit! Definitely kid approved! And yes, she habitually wears shortie leggings under all her dresses and skirts so she can feel free to play to her hearts content in style!

This sweet, girly outfit has won Little Kiwi’s Closet another fan! Make sure you join the Facebook group to get your copy of the Straight Skirt today!

You can check out more fun looks here:

Idlesunshine

ChristaCoDesign

SewSophieLynn

Tales From A Southern Mom

Phat Quarters

Living in Twinado Alley

Curtiepie

Lilliepawillie

Woohoo by Davina

And head to the Little Kiwis Closet Blog for more pattern details AND an awesome giveaway too!

Growing Up Handmade

When this blog tour was thrown out there I immediately wanted to join. In the back of my head I have this huge fear that one day my kids won’t want me to sew for them. My big boys request things here or there but really don’t wear them a lot. They didn’t grow up with me sewing much for them though. My girls on the other hand have been in handmade since they were toddlers. I think I’d be heartbroken if one day they said to me, “Mom, please can’t we just go to the mall for all my clothes now?!” For now, I love that they come to me with items they want me to sew or pull fabric they want made up. It just makes my creative heart happy!

This little miss is the reason I dusted off my sewing machine after years of neglect. It was so fun to sew for a tiny girl. It didn’t take very much fabric or time and she would happily wear it-mistakes and all. I started with easy paper patterns or simple upcycling projects. I followed all the good sewing blogs and loved when the bloggers started doing patterns too! My little Sophie loved to help pick fabric and was always such a willing model. It was so much fun looking through pictures of her ‘growing up handmade’.

For this tour I wanted to showcase some of my favorite tween friendly makes. Sophie recently requested more joggers and leggings because she now ‘hates’ jeans. I love it when she wants easy to sew pieces!

I made five pieces that can be mixed and matched a bit. We threw in her denim jacket and she now has three or four cute new outfits.

This first piece is by one of my favorite designers- Adrianna from Hey June. I love when designers kids are my kids ages because then they usually continue to design for them as they grow. The Hey Junior Line is the perfect basic patterns. The City Park Tee is a staple in our house so of course I needed to add it to the mix. This is done a size up to wear with leggings in gorgeous cotton/lycra from Raspberry Creek Fabric.

Shwin Designs has always been another favorite in our house. I love the hip, original designs! The Studio Top and Dress can be made in woven or knit which makes it so versatile and perfect for my girls. They have almost outgrown Shwin’s regular patterns but lucky me- Shauna has launched a new B side line for tweens and teens! I sewed up the largest size in this one in a beautiful blush cotton/lycra from Raspberry Creek. This top was her favorite piece and she squealed when she saw it! There will be many more of these in her closet for sure!

For bottoms I wanted a pair of leggings with a twist. The Peony Leggings from Sew Like My Mom were just what I was after. They have a fun side stripe that can be plain or ruched. These were going to be ruched but my sewing machine and double brushed poly were not being friends. Luckily my serger is pals with the fabric and she still got her leggings.

Sew Like My Mom also has a tween line that we adore. The Boxwood Joggers and Fern Cardigan get worn so much here! I need to grab the Apricot Dolman when I get a chance too!

To fulfill her jogger dreams I used the True Bias Mini Hudson Pant pattern. She’s had a dozen or so of these and I know they fit her well. This is a size 8 with 10 length- size 10 is the largest size so I’ll be sad to see her grow out of this pattern. I’m not too worried though because my trusty Brassie Joggers start at an XXS/24″ waist. This fabric is a pretty french terry that I picked up from So Sew English I believe. So Sew English has a TON of pretty floral french terry.

Lastly I did a Pattern for Pirates Butterfly Cardigan. P4P is a great place for tween patterns. Their kids patterns usually go to a 14 and their adult patterns start at XXS, covering every size you need! They carry lots of basics and some really trendy designs too. I love her sister’s company Made For Mermaids for the same reasons. For this cardi I used a super soft french terry from Stylish Fabric, Stylish Fabrics has so many solid french terry colors to choose from- this seafoam is heavenly!

We mixed and matched these pieces for lots of stylish, comfortable looks that will get worn over and over again! Perfect for school and playing soccer in the backyard after school, too.

I tried my hardest to pick patterns that I stand by and truly love- leaving affiliate links out of this post so you know I really support and love these patterns. A few other designers that I feel are especially tween friendly are Love Notions, Sew Straight and Gather, Petite Stitchery, Chalk and Notch and Striped Swallow. What are some of your favorites? Any I should check out? I plan on sewing for this girl forever so I’ll take all the suggestions I can get!

Make sure to check out the other great stops on the tour here:

Monday – April 17th
Handmade Boy | Paisley Roots | Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing & Crafting

Tuesday – April 18th
Beri Bee Designs | Phat Quarters | Sewing By Ti | Sew and Tell Project

Wednesday – April 19th
Courtney Zadik | Rebel & Malice | Vicky Myers Creations

Thursday – April 20th
Pattern Revolution | Skirt Fixation | SewSophieLynn | EYMM

Friday – April 21st
Round Up and Giveway Winners

And enter the giveaway here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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