SewSophieLynn

Sew Straight and Gather’s Avenue Collection

The newest collection of patterns is now available from Sew Straight and Gather! The Avenue Collection features a dress/top, flare pants, and a duster cardigan.

I was lucky enough to test the Duster and the Dress patterns and I couldn’t love them more!

Terri’s patterns are always impeccably drafted and feature the best tutorials out there. Her designs are always on trend but classic at the same time. I’ve really cut back on testing patterns lately but couldn’t resist these. I knew I’d have a great experience as Terri takes her time and listens to her testers. She works so hard to put out the best patterns around. I always feel so comfortable and confident in recommending a Sew Straight and Gather pattern.

For my look, I used the calf length Duster with pockets and facing. I love that there are multiple length options and you can choose to do a band, hem, or facing. I used Soft Coral Ponte from Cali Fabrics and love how flowy it looks but how easy it was to sew up!

I did the knee length dress version with split hem in the back. This gorgeous fabric is part of Raspberry Creek Fabric’s newest CLUB fabrics line (it will be available for retail soon!). I used the cotton/lycra version and it was just the right weight for this dress.

My little girl just loves this dress! She says she feels so grown up in it but I love that it’s not too mature looking on her too.

Make sure to grab the collection while it’s on sale- the whole collection is just $15 (CAD) or you can pick up the individual patterns for $5 for the next two days! Any US peeps that’s a smokin’ deal! I can’t wait to see all the stylish girlies in these!

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Fiesta Fun Fabric Tour

Guys, I got an email from THE Dana. The one that I started following when these girls were just babies. The one that lit the fire in me to get my sewing machine out after years of neglect. The same Dana that introduced me to pdf patterns and KID Shorts. Is it weird that I already felt like we were buddies? I don’t think I could have jumped on board this tour any faster. Throw in gorgeous fabric celebrating one of my favorite places in the world and I was all over this one!

I got my girls on board and let them pick what fabrics they wanted and boy was that a tough decisions. The colors are so vibrant and the patterns are unique and so happy.

My oldest settled on the Zocalo Lemon and Mexican Dress Morning prints. I picked the later in canvas to use as a bottom-weight. It was my first go with Art Gallery canvas and I will definitely be using it again. It was the perfect weight for these shorts and I’d love a cute bag out of it too!

My sassy girl made up her mind in no time. She saw the vibrant Desert Flor Summer and knew she just NEEDED a dress out of it. I love, love how bright and fun this pattern is.

When picking patterns to really highlight this fabric I wanted something different and a little bit out of the safe silhouettes I usually gravitate to. Shwin Designs newest collection came out just in time! The Oh Darling Top and Dress is ready to party. For my oldest’s outfit I went with the Pensacola Beach Petal Top from Seaside Notions paired with the Emilya’s Skinny Pants from Simple Life Pattern Co.

Tell me this fabric and pattern combo weren’t meant for each other. This print actually called to me in the middle of the night and told me it needed to be a shoulder flounce dress. And these yellow pom poms in my stash had been dreaming of the day when they would grace this little girls’ arms. I couldn’t let them down…

I love the that this dress has the fun flounce but also covers her shoulders. It makes it church appropriate which is THE place to wear a fun fiesta dress.

I altered the pattern just a bit. I added an extra inch to the width of the ruffle making it even more dramatic. I then added elastic at the waist to bring it in. Simple modifications that really make this dress extra delightful.

This growing girl needed new shorts and the Emilya’s were perfect. She likes bermuda length which is fortunate because that’s what her school dress code suggests too 😉 The pattern comes with a cargo pocket option and shorts cuff but we kept it simple with just the addition of piping in the side seam.

Now that top is so cool, right? The scoop back is darling and the layered, curved skirt pieces really make it stand out. You know big sister needed poms too, can’t let lil’ sis have all the fun.

That square neckline makes me happy! So do those sweet, innocent eyes.

The girls were feeling so playful in these outfits. They just crack me up!

I am so glad I got to join in on the Fiesta Fun. This southern California girl-at-heart is always ready for a fiesta. Now I’m craving a frozen limeade on a sunny beach- maybe it’s not the fiesta I’m wanting but a ‘siesta’ that this mama needs 😉

Thanks so much for letting me in on the party Dana!

Happy Easter from SewSophieLynn

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. A chance to be with family and the food doesn’t get any better- I stopped counting how much chocolate I’ve sneaked from my kids baskets 😉 It also signals the start of handmade warm weather clothes and I just love the chance to sew a new dress or two for my girls. This year my oldest even wanted a tie to match his sisters! So yes, we were ‘that’ family today- all matchy matchy and I was one happy mama.

You can see more pics of my girls here, my middle boys bowtie here, and for my oldest’s tie I turned to this free pattern from Purl Soho. My youngest is in full Old Navy goodness 😉

I’m so grateful for this time of year and the chance it gives us to truly reflect on the life and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Check out this video to be inspired by the real reason behind the season.

Love you guys!

Chalk and Notch Farrah Blouse and Dress

The Farrah Blouse and Dress released earlier this week and it’s taken all my willpower waiting for my turn to share! I’m sure your Instagram feed has been flooded with all the gorgeous tester versions- if it hasn’t then hop over and check out the #farrahpattern to have your mind blown! The testers really made some stunning versions!

The Farrah pattern features two ruffle options, a lined yoke, high low split hem and dress and top versions. In sizes 0-18, it’s so flattering on any figure. I did a straight size 6- my waist is typically a size or 2 larger than my chest but with this loose pattern I didn’t feel the need to do any grading.

I made my version out of a lightweight swiss dot I’ve had in my stash forever. It was a great fabric choice- perfect for spring. I love this pattern in super drapey fabric too- some of my favorite versions were done in voile, rayon challis, or those silky fabrics that you can’t pass up at Joann’s.

My husband played photographer for this shoot and nailed it. We had this quick window between dropping off kids and picking them up at all their after school activities. The wind was blowing, the sun was setting, and this brand new school was the only semi-decent backdrop between point A and B. We had fun as I tried my darndest to keep my little chin from chattering in the cold. Not the ideal conditions but you work with whatcha got!

I feel like I just told you all my little secrets- like when someone says, “I love your shirt!” and you feel the need to tell them you got it for 5 bucks from Wal-Mart. The behind the scenes of a bloggers life is really not all that glamorous 😉

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Let’s just pretend we’re on some fancy city street and I’m not thinking about all the mom duties waiting for me after as soon as we finished these pics!

I simple adore the details of this pattern! That mitered corner on the hem is pretty snazzy.

The wind and those ruffles were not friends. It was cracking me up!

K- promise me you’ll check out all the other amazing tester versions. They are so, so cute you won’t be able to help it when the pattern ends up in your cart. Trust me, you’ll thank me afterwards!

You can see round one of the testers blog posts here on the Chalk and Notch blog.

Coffee and Thread Tour

I’ve been following along on the amazing Coffee and Thread Patterns Tour and it has blown me away! The huge amount of inspiration has been overwhelming- dozens of amazing bloggers and Instagrammers sharing their takes on all things Coffee + Thread.

Head on over and do a little shopping and save 20% with the code ‘coffeeandthreadtour’. Stay tuned to the end of my post for a huge giveaway too!

For my stop on the tour, I had the hardest time picking what I wanted to sew. I’ve had the Eleena Dress pattern for-ev-ah and that was my original plan. That classic silhouette is one of my favorites. As I was preparing though the new Polina Dress hit the shop and it just begged to be made. Those ruffles and a twirly circle skirt are everything! And in true SewSophieLynn fashion, I just had to make two dresses, no way could I leave a sister out of this gloriousness. The Ania Tunic is another classic pattern that lent itself to a little hacking for little sis.

I’ve been spending a lot of time at Raspberry Creek Fabric (Diana is a gracious sponsor of the tour) and I just had to have these two fabrics for my looks. Diana has a ton of fun gingham in the shop and I’d actually been stalking the return of this floral from Cotton and Steel. Together they make an unexpected pairing for Easter.

This floral from Cotton and Steel was perfect for the bohemian vibe I was going for. It’s soft and sweet and looks so cute on this girly.

For her look, I modified the Ania Tunic a few ways. First and most obvious is that I made it dress length by adding about 10 inches to the tunic length for a size 7- she’s almost a 9 for height so that’s a couple inches more than average. I switched out the button in the back for a tie since my girls are forever getting their hair caught in back buttons. With the help of Olga I took a little height off the sleeve cap to make the sleeve less puffy at top- I was thinking puffy sleeves AND a sleeve ruffle would be too much. Finally, I added a ruffle at the sleeve hem for the ultimate boho look.

She’s my accessories gal and as soon as she’d picked out her baubles I knew this dress was made for her! She’s all about the glam but is still just 7 so comfort usually trumps all. This dress suits her to a T!

This Polina is LOVE! This one is a lot less girly so the gingham is a perfect pick. Those ruffles down the bodice add just the right amount of playfulness. For this one I did it just as the pattern says, only switching out the buttons for KAM snaps in the back (to avoid the hair tangles). She’s a size 7 also with a 10 height which was an easy alteration with the circle skirt.

Her ruffles are lined with little sister’s floral so the are matching but not totally twinning. I don’t think I could get away with making them full-on identical outfits but they sure do love to coordinate.

The best part about this dress- THE TWIRL!

I’m so excited to have their Easter dresses done- they have some cute knit ones too that I’ll be sharing later this week that they’ll wear for all the easter egg huntin’ fun. For this shoot we headed to our favorite little shopping place, Gardner Village. It was also the location of our Easter shoot last year too- you can’t beat the gorgeous flowers and fun buildings as backdrops!

In typical Utah spring fashion, we took these pictures and as we walked to the car the heavens opened! The rain turned to snow and we woke up to a winter wonderland the next day! So as the snow melts outside I’ll cling to these pics and the hope of more beautiful spring days ahead.

Make sure to check out all the other stops on the tour- but be careful, there are so many cute things that you’ll just have to copy for your own little one!

April 3
Enjoyful Makes || Idle Sunshine || ZowieZo Handmade || Angie Burgett

April 4
Handmade Frenzy || Replicate Then Deviate || Fairies, Bubbles & Co || Coral + Co

April 5
Made By Sara || Naeh-Connection || The Bag of Unexpected || Circle Meets Line

April 6
Skirt Fixation || Sewing Like Mad || Hello Holli || Buzzmills ||

April 7
Little Cumquat || Thread Bear Garments || Pearl Berry Lane || Plus 2 is 5 || Sew Chibi

April 10
Stahlarbeit || Knee Socks and Goldilocks || Bonnie and Lottie || Sew Sophielynn

April 11
Mouse House Creations || While She was Sleeping || Mix it Make it || By Dagbjort

April 12
Gaafmachine || Beletoile || LBG Studio || My Cozy Co || As It Seams

April 13
Moineau & Petit Pois || Just Add Fabric || Sweeter Than Cupcakes || Frances Suzanne || Sew Liberated

April 14
Stitched Together || S is for Sewing || Boevenbende || Lafolie Sewing Booth || Sew Pony ||With Love By Eva

You better take a minute and enter the giveaway too for your chance to win a TON of fabric from Imagine Gnats, Raspberry Creek Fabrics, The Fabric Fairy, AND Hawthorne Threads, not to mention a couple of women’s patterns from the lovely Nah-Connection. How cool is that?!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love Notions Olympia

One of my favorite things about pattern testing are the wonderful seamstresses I’ve met- from the designers to the other testers. My most recent pattern test was the Olympia Dress (affl. link) from Love Notions. I was thrilled when I realized a few of my local sewing friends were also testing the dress!

Tiahna from Ammon Lane, Anna from Kainara Stitches, and Rachel from Little Fish all live super close to me so a photo shoot was definitely in order! It was so fun to see them and I loved the chance to see their dresses in real life. Like all of Love Notions patterns, the Olympia dress is so flattering on all our different body types. There are so many options- multiple sleeve and dress lengths plus a zipper front nursing modification! It’s a great fit for any lifestyle!

For more details on my dress head over to the Cali Fabrics Blog. I used a gorgeous ponte from Cali Fabrics for my dress and I can’t get over how much I love it!

Pick up your copy of the Olympia today!

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Greenery- Pantone Color of the Year

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*This post originated on the Cali Fabrics Blog. I’m excited to share it here as part of Project Run and Play’s Greenery Theme for week 2 of Season 13.

I always love to see what Pantone comes up with each year as the hot and trending colors. This year’s color of the year is Greenery- a vibrant shade of green, somewhere between lime and olive. I’m a huge fan of all things green and was excited to incorporate this color in our wardrobes. My daughter was the lucky winner of the first piece in this gorgeous color.

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I used this beautiful Avocado Shantung Satin for this project. It’s a great weight and I love the slub texture. I don’t sew with silk-like fabrics very often and this was much easier to work with than my past experiences. I was super grateful to have my serger to finish the edges as they frayed slightly the moment I cut into it but because of the thicker weight my regular machine handled it with ease too!

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This dress is a showstopper! I’ve been wanting to sew up a Starlight City Dress from Lil Luxe Collection for what seems like forever! You know those patterns that you fall in love with each time you see one and vow to make one as soon as possible. Well, this is that pattern for me. There’s even a women’s size that looks incredible on everyone too!

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I love the high classic neckline in the front and the ‘party’ in the back. For my version, I used the width of the fabric for each skirt piece to add fullness- this girl loves a big, twirly skirt. Throw in pockets and she’s one happy girl!

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When sewing for your kids do you take your time or find shortcuts when you can? My kids grow so fast and my sewing time is pretty precious so I take the easy way most of the time. This pattern is a quick sew as is so it was perfect for me. In this fabric I’d usually hand sew the hems and do a clean finish bodice but I knew those details would go unnoticed by this sweet girl.

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I’d say she loves it! What are your thoughts on this vibrant color? Are you adding it into your wardrobe? In small doses or one amazing piece?

It’s All About That Place- PRP Season 13

Project Run and Play Season 13 has begun and I’m so excited to be rooting along from the sidelines this season. It’s so fun to see so many familiar faces competing this season but I sure don’t miss the pressure from last season! I’ll happily sew-along just for fun!

The theme this week is “It’s All About That Place”- a destination inspired outfit. Well, my favorite destination is easy- Mexico! While I dream of exploring the world, right now a true vacation involves sandy beaches, sunshine, and no alarm clocks or schedules to keep up. We took the kids last year and it was seriously the best week ever!

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a few yards of Patty Young’s newest line for Riley Blake- Primavera. It’s all so bright and cheery and perfect for spring. It has just the right beachy vibe and was just what I needed for these looks.

I used Primavera Plaid Teal and Primavera Tile Teal for these two looks, along with trim and scraps from my stash (I love shopping my ever growing scrap bins!).

My oldest got a Modkid Dakota. This simple top will fit right in with her spring wardrobe. I loved how beautifully it came together and the options to get creative with fabric and trim on this bodice make it so fun. I think it would be so pretty in a rayon challis or voile too! I did a size 7 with a 10 length according to the size chart and it fits just right! This girl just keeps getting longer and longer!

K- time for a little honesty, as I was sewing this dress I was so worried there was too much going on. But the moment my girly tried it on it I swear it was magic. This dress is HER- like 100% Payton. Girly and fun and bright and whimsical and twirly and comfy and cute! This will definitely be a favorite.

I used the Luna Dress from Violette Fields Threads and slightly modified it. I’ve had that gorgeous floral ribbon in my stash for years and loved it with the plaid. I lengthened the bodice to fit the ribbon band and love the extra detail it gives. I kept my ribbon tie extra long just for that extra pop of fuchsia.

I also added a few seashell buttons to go with our theme just for fun.

I’m really so excited because the hubby and I are headed to Mexico SOON! We’ve had a crazy couple months and I can’t wait to sit on the beach and do absolutely NOTHIN’! I’m sure going to miss these cute girlies though! Seriously…

Gotta love them!

Love Notions Prisma Dress

Love Notions newest pattern, the Prisma Dress*, is here! (*affiliate link)

This pattern is jam packed with options! This version features the peter pan collar, pleated skirt, and elbow sleeves. There is also a swing skirt or straight a-line option. You can do short, elbow, or long sleeves, and a scoop or boat neckline. Plus- there are two darling pockets to choose from. Love Notions patterns always have such a great size range too- this one is 2T-16Y!

I had to sit this test out but Tami, the designer behind Love Notions, sent this gorgeous version for my sweet Sophie to model. It was absolutely perfect for her! She loves simple and sweet and Tami nailed it with this dress.

I love that this pattern is tween friendly. It’s easy to customize to your own tastes and preferences which makes it perfect for picky girlies! This solid rayon spandex is so classic but I’m loving the florals and stripe versions that filled the testing group too.

Just look at those gorgeous pleats!

Sophie loved this dress so much she wore it to school the next day- which is saying a lot because she never chooses to wear a dress to school! I can’t wait to make her a couple more for spring- little sis is begging for her own too!

Make sure to pick up your copy on sale for $7!

Twig and Tale Upcycle Tour

I’m here for another tour today. This time I’m sharing an upcycle project featuring the Traveller Cape from Twig and Tale. This was a sentimental make that I can’t wait to share with you!

Make sure to head over to the Twig and Tale Blog for links to all the other great bloggers sewing along, a giveaway and a fun link-up!

Ready to get a little personal? I’m extremely sentimental- I save weird stuff, I cry at sappy commercials, and love a good chic flick. My home is filled with treasures from our travels and tons of knick knacks and furniture from my grandparents and other loved ones. This here is my handsome paternal grandfather Allen. He was just about as good as they come, a shining example to all his posterity.

When he passed away, my husband inherited his car and this wool blanket was tucked away in the trunk. It was tattered and worn but I couldn’t get rid of it and it sat waiting for this project for almost 9 years.

This tour was just the push I needed and this cape pattern couldn’t be more perfect for it. I love, love that this pattern is called the Traveller Cape for my dear grandparents instilled a huge desire in me to explore the world. They traveled to exotic lands and I couldn’t wait to hear about their latest adventures. I loved their pictures riding camels, petting tigers, or in front of an amazing landmark. Growing up my family moved all over the country and my sweet grandparents would make the trip to visit us multiple times a year, no matter what coast or city we lived in at the time.

I had to have my girly reading for this shoot because it was my grandma Lola that encouraged my love of reading. She was such an avid reader and would save her favorite books and pass them on to me when she would come visit. I loved her murder mysteries and historical fiction she would share. I may have been the only teenager I knew who loved a good Mary Higgins Clark book! I’m so excited that this girl of mine shares the same enthusiasm and can usually be found with her nose in a book.

I’m a firm believer that those who pass on are still in our lives, watching over those they love. I feel them all around me through the good times and through the times of trial. Their family was their life and I hope we’ve done them proud. I feel lucky to have such amazing examples to strive to be like.

Thanks for indulging my sentimental heart. We all have those special people that shape our lives and I’m so thankful for mine. Who is that for you? Was it a special grandparent? Aunt? Uncle? Maybe even an extraordinary teacher?

Ready for a little project deets? This was such a fun sew! Like I mentioned, this blanket was a bit tattered and torn. It measured 50″x 50″ and I barely got this cape out of it. I’m not too experienced with upcycling but I knew I just had to go for it and not worry too much about matching the plaid. I was just happy that I could get all the pieces cut!

I lined the cape in a soft slub sweater knit. The blanket is thick and a bit itchy so this lining makes all the difference. I used a deep mustard color hoping that my little guy might wear it one day too!

I used a fun faux leather toggle as a closure- again hoping that it makes it a bit more unisex. This is the 8-teen size in the classic length. I love that she can wear this for years to come!

We had the most fun on this photoshoot. It was one of those super stormy days that cleared up just in time for golden hour. We love this little equestrian trail just a few minutes from our house- it proved the perfect backdrop for this outfit. I love these little one on one moments I get to steal with my kids.

Thanks for joining me and make sure you head over to Twig and Tale for all the other good stuff!

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