SewSophieLynn

Laundry Day Dress (and tutorial)

I have the pleasure of testing for Tami at Love Notions. She was one of those designers I kinda liked before I started testing for her but my adoration has grown as I’ve followed her through the testing process multiple times.

She is a super woman- sewing right alongside the testers, perfecting her patterns until they are absolutely amazing. She put in that same time and effort to her free pattern, the Laundry Day Tee. (For my full review on that tee you can go here.)

Since I made my first version I’d been really wanting to hack it into a cute knee-length swing dress. I picked up this gorgeous floral spandex jersey from Joann’s and it sat and waited for me…

The stars aligned (sick kids and a lazy day) and this dress was born.

I shared it in the Love Notions Facebook Group and there were requests for a tutorial. So here goes…

Disclaimer- This is my first tutorial. I do not claim that this is the only way to do this or that I am doing anything new and exciting. It is a simple hack and I am sharing the way that worked for me. I tried to make it as simplistic as possible since I think this pattern is a perfect beginner project. If you have attempted this and would like to share what worked for you, please do! (Also, we received our first snowfall today so the lighting is indoor and fabulous 😉

I grabbed my main pattern piece, tracing paper, a ruler, a pen, scissors, and a glue stick or tape.

Next, glue (or tape) your pattern piece to your tracing paper. This helps to keep it in place from the get go.

I lengthened my pattern from the tunic length line by 8 inches. I got this measurement by measuring from my shoulder seam to where I wanted the dress to end on my leg. I then measured my pattern piece and added the appropriate length plus seam allowance. (I am 5’7″ as a reference.)

I started by lengthening the center fold line first. I lined my ruler up the length to the fold line and measured down 8 inches and drew a line.

To lengthen the flared side, I lined my ruler up the length of the dress and marked 8 inches from the bottom. Draw a line.

You should have two lines like this. Now the tricky part is connecting them. I just did the best I could at recreating the curve of the original piece.

I am adding in a suggestion here that I didn’t do on my first dress. I will add an extra 1/2 inch to the front of my dress to take into account my bust. I noticed on my dress that the front hem was a tad shorter because of the extra, uh-um, fullness in front. If you are more well endowed than me you may want to play with how much extra length is needed in front.

I used a dotted line to make my front markings.

Ready to cut!

Your final piece should look something like this.

The construction of the dress is exactly like you would do the shirt or tunic. Such a quick, easy hack for such a fun, versatile pattern.

I can’t wait to make a closetful. How perfect would these be come Spring too, with sandals and sunshine? Can you tell I’m already dreaming of warmer, sunny days?!!

I hope this helps and feel free to message me with any questions. Make sure you share your dresses in the FB group or on Instagram and hashtag #laundrydaytee.

I am a new affiliate for Love Notions. I decided to join the program since I love the patterns so much that I can’t help spreading the word. You can check out her patterns here and make sure to check back on Friday for the release of her newest skirt pattern. You won’t want to miss it!

Another Day, Another Lane

I struggle with my relationship with fabric. I love fun, colorful prints but tend to gravitate towards solids or simple stripes in my everyday wardrobe. I picked up this gorgeous floral sweatshirt fabric one night from Diana. It paired perfectly with the cobalt blue french terry I had left over from this sweatshirt. The colors are so pretty but I worried the print would be overwhelming on me. So it sat there…

I considered another Bimaa for my girls- they usually get all the fun prints that I don’t think I can wear. Then I found a simple sweatshirt on Pinterest that used a solid as the main body and even had contrast cuffs and hood. Perfect compromise!

I used the Lane Raglan from Hey June (yet again). This was my first time using the thumb hole cuffs and I love them! I sized up a size since the floral has very little stretch. I also added the kangaroo pocket from the Halifax Hoodie. The result- another one of those sweatshirts that I never want to take off!

A new crop of Bimaas

This girl loves her Bimaa Sweaters. Two years ago I made her a handful of sweaters and dresses from the Bimaa Sweater Pattern. Last year, she got a couple new ones that she adored (she even wore an old one for school pics this year).

So it was about time she got a couple new ones for this year.

The first version I made with a thicker sweater knit I picked up in LA. I lengthened it about 8 inches and made the band 9 inches wide (folded in half it’s about 4 inches). Easy modification for a super cute sweater dress.

It is super cozy and casual enough that she’ll wear it to school.

In my last post I professed my love for this Robert Kaufman Mammoth Flannel from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I had just enough left for the cowl on this sweatshirt.

The pattern is written for knits and I crossed my fingers she would still be able to get it over her head without any stretch. I didn’t modify the cowl at all using the woven and took a deep breath as she tried it on. She has a tiny head so it was no problem! Good thing because I love, love this top!

The top is made from my favorite charcoal french terry. This sweatshirt is so darling and warm! Perfect combination!

Flannel Front Halifax

As I was sewing up this Hatteras Hoodie earlier this week I had a vision. I’ve been dying to do a plaid flannel front sweatshirt and I knew the Hey June Halifax Hoodie view B would be the perfect pattern to do it.

Raspberry Creek has been carrying Robert Kaufman Mammoth flannel for awhile and I simply love it. (You can see what’s in stock here.) It’s thick and cozy and washes up great. There are tons of prints to choose from and Di is always getting in new stuff.

The minute I saw this flannel in the shop I knew I needed it. Paired with light grey french terry, this is now my new favorite sweatshirt. I wore it all day and didn’t want to take it off. It’s currently in the washer so I can wear it again. Totally obsessed!

I didn’t make any adjustments to the pattern. This is a size small and I feel like there is plenty of ease built in to the pattern so the woven works great for the front piece. I have a small chest though so I don’t have to worry about tightness there- I’d maybe size up if that is an issue for you.

I’m currently trying to figure out how many more of these I can make before people get sick of seeing me in them. I think there are so many options with this pattern and I can’t get enough of it!

Kids Clothes Week Final Day

Dealing with some serious jet-lag in our house has it’s advantages. I’ve had quiet early morning hours to sew away. After a long vacation I couldn’t wait to get back to my machines.

I had a little bit of this gorgeous floral french terry left after making myself some Brassies. Just barely enough to eek out some mini Hudson Pants for my girls.

I had to get creative and do the leg fronts in two pieces but I’ll call it a design element 😉

After making myself view B of the Halifax Hoodie, I’ve been dying to make one up for my girls.

I had a bit of this cute ponte left from this shirt and I think it’s such a fun match to the floral.

I’m just loving this outfit so much! Glad I have a nearly identical one myself!

I’ll leave you with this beaut-

Totally Payt!

Kids Clothes Week- Fall 2015

My favorite time of year in the virtual sewing world is Kids Clothes Week. It’s a week of inspiration and motivation to build my kids wardrobes.

This KCW I’ll be out of the country and so sad to not be sewing along with everyone. Before I left, I couldn’t help myself and whipped up a few things for Charlie.

He asked me the other day to please make him something so he could have a photo shoot. I was flattered until I realized he was in it for the prize I give the kids when they ‘model’ for me. I sewed up a couple of Recess Raglan‘s and two pair of Mini Hudson’s.

I’d been crushing big time on this darling Birch knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. It is so soft and lovely and I’m kinda jealous of this shirt.

I made up a second raglan, this time using this solid white and the Club diamonds. We are loving Where the Wild Things Are and this vinyl from Sew Fancy iron-on vinyl is just darling!

This boy is all about comfy pants so Mini Hudson Pants are so perfect for him. A little more stylish than his running pants but still so cozy, especially out of french terry.

He got one pair out of light grey french terry with charcoal accents and a second all charcoal pair. On the darker pair I added moto-inspired knee patches and I really, really like the look.

He also got a cheater tee made from an Old Navy raglan with another cute vinyl added.

Anyone who has ever attempted to photograph a 3-year-old know just how many pictures were taken to get these that were semi-blog worthy. He’s such a busy guy!

Are you joining in on Kids Clothes Week? I wish I was sewing along with everyone but I’m off enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.

Panda-monium

Halloween is fast approaching and preparations are in full swing around here. Costumes are not my favorite things to sew so when an easy idea comes along we are all over it.

This little miss just adores pandas so it was no question what she would be for Halloween this year. We went the easy route and I whipped up a costume in no time.

The leggings are from this post and are perfect to keep her little legs warm while trick-or-treating. The tee is an easy-peasy Recess Raglan from See Kate Sew. I got the tutu on clearance at Target and the fur mitts at Wal-Mart. The headband is simply felt ears hot glued to a headband. I told you it was EASY!

These are my favorite kind of costumes- memorable because it symbolizes an obsession in her life right now and simple, no-stress to put together.

What’s on your sewing table this Halloween?

Shwin Apple Loungewear

I have a great pattern and big discount for you today! Shwin Designs Apple Loungewear is on sale today only!!! Info and coupon code at the end of this post.

After that baptism dress and all that selfish sewing I was so ready to sew some quick, cute comfy clothes for my girls. We did a big closet clean out last week and they are both in need of some new cold weather cozies.

I used Shwin’s Apple Loungewear set to make mix and match sweatshirts and leggings. I love that they can share these sets!

I made a size 8, which is where they measured for this pattern. I usually make a 6 with 8 length in Shwin patterns and I probably would have been fine to do that with this pattern. The tops are made with Raspberry Creek Fabrics French Terry (broken record but I seriously can’t get enough of it).

My girls have all the same measurements but Sophie is 5 inches taller. They can share most everything but I make them longer to fit Sophie’s height. Kinda big and baggy on Payton but I think it works for this style.

I love my Daytrippers and I’m excited to share that love with my girls. The pattern includes pockets but I left them off just to make them even quicker sews. I also almost doubled the bottom band and wrist cuffs on the teal version to really feature the cupcake fabric.

Sophie had just finished finger knitting this scarf and was so excited to throw it on with her outfit. I think it’s the perfect accessory!

Boy, do I love these cute sisters and their new comfy loungewear! ~~Use code ‘APPLE’ to get the pattern for $5, today (10-8-15) only!~~ Code no longer valid. Hop on over here and make sure you look around!

My Sophie’s Baptism Dress

My sweet Sophie turned 8 in September. We belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and eight is a BIG deal!

Sophie will be baptized soon so of course, she needed a beautiful white dress.

I let her pick just about everything about this- she picked the pattern, the fabric, the lace, even the little button on the collar.

I was super nervous to sew this up. The last time I sewed with fancy fabric- aka anything not knit or quilting cotton, was my wedding when I made some basic bridesmaids skirts. (And we just celebrated our 15th anniversary- yikes!)

We picked the Adelaide dress pattern from Violette Fields Threads and she picked a thick satin from the Casa Collection at Joann’s. The lace is also from Joann’s and the chiffon collar fabric and button are Hobby Lobby finds.

I made a size 7 width with two inches added to the 9/10 length- she’s super tall and I wanted this to be a little longer. I used the banded sleeve but ended up cutting the band off because it felt too bulky in this thicker fabric.

She just adores this dress and didn’t want to take it off after taking pictures. Mom’s, that’s why we sew, right? That joy in their eyes and knowing that you helped to make them feel beautiful. I’m so proud of my sweet girl and so excited for her special day.

Halifax Hoodie by Hey June Handmade

I’ve got another amazing pattern for you today! And I mean ah-MAZ-ing!!!

The Halifax Hoodie by Hey June Handmade is the ladies version of the Hatteras Hoodie that I was head over heals for here.

I made three version of the kids and I couldn’t help myself and made three versions for me, too!

The first version I made was the cowl neck view D out of yummy mint french terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I used the back side for contrast for the cowl and bands. It is so cozy and this color in real life is bright and so, so fun.

Heaven in a sweatshirt right there.

I had yet to make view B for my kids and I was dying- it’s so cute with those wrap around sides!

I used this black french terry for the main back and sleeves and added a buffalo plaid sweater knit I scored in LA for the front. I just adore the hi-lo hem!

And finally I did a view B out of sweater knit (another LA $1/yd find). I added lace trim to the hem and skipped the band. I love that I could use this pattern and kinda fancy it up.

Such an awesome, versatile pattern that I will be wearing all winter long.

I’ve mentioned before how much I love my sewing besties, Diana and Emily. It was so fun to test this with Em. I took some pics for her then we had to do a few ‘couple’ shots for fun!

Isn’t she gorgeous! We both have mad love for this pattern and Adrianna over at Hey June. Pick up the pattern here or the Hatteras/Halifax bundle here.

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