SewSophieLynn

Pattern Anthology Gwen

I’ve got another great Pattern Anthology post for you today.

The minute I saw the Gwen Pattern I knew I had to sew it up.

The pattern comes with a million options to customize and really make it your own. But..

I went as boring as you could go. No frills, no touches of contrast, no button placket, just a simple basic top.

And I love it!!! One of my go-to t-shirt patterns is See Kate Sew’s Neptune Tee. I usually make it plain and simple but it’s got a great shape and I love the way it fits my body.

For my first Gwen I wanted to see how it would fit and I knew an easy tee would fit perfectly in my wardrobe. I used a gorgeous pink houndstooth ponte that I picked up in LA.

I love that I can dress it up with a simple skirt or throw it on with a pair of jeans.

I’m excited to add some bells and whistles to my next one. I’m also thrilled to use the bonus pencil skirt pattern that it comes with. Options, options, options… Kate is speaking my language!

This is your last week to pick up the Pattern Anthology Unbiased Collection for $29.95. Hurry, you don’t want to miss this amazing offer!

Love Notions Laundry Day Tee

I love me a quick and easy sew. A t-shirt you can whip up faster than you can do a load of laundry? I’m all over that!

When Tami at Love Notions (affiliate link) came up with this breezy, easy tee I was so excited to sew one up.

I’d love to live in leggings but I need LONG shirts to be able to cover my rear. I’m not one for the leggings as regular pants thing. A tunic or long sweater is a MUST! This tee is perfect!

This tee has seriously been missing in my life. There are two different lengths- regular and tunic, and three sleeve lengths- short, 3/4, and long. This is the 3/4 sleeve length that I added bands to.

Are you ready for the best part? She’s offering this for FREE! You heard that right, FREE, just join her Facebook Group for the code. Then head over to her shop to pick up the pattern. You might get distracted while you’re there and end up with a few more cute patterns in your cart 😉

Pattern Anthology Diamond Dress

You know those chic women that can throw on a dress everyday and just look so put together? The mom’s at Target looking like they stepped out of a magazine in their cute knit dress? Well, that is not me. Between years of nursing and chasing toddlers, dresses were just not on my radar. Until now…

Pattern Anthology has released their newest set of patterns and they are fabulous. I sewed up the Diamond Dress by Shwin Designs. I used a ponte from Joann’s and it worked perfectly.

The diamond detail in the center is such a fun, flattering detail. It’s great for colorblocking or just changing the fabric direction like I did.

The pattern comes with cap and long sleeve lengths. I used the long sleeve piece and cut it at the lengthen/shorten line to create my favorite 3/4 sleeves. I also used the tip to bring in the waist by sewing clear elastic to the waist seam allowance. I love the silhouette it creates!

I can’t wait to wear this dressed up to church. Or you may just see me in it with sneakers on my next Target run…

Putting Joggers to the Test

Continue reading “Putting Joggers to the Test” →

My Raglan Love Affair

Edited: The Hey June Lane Raglan has been updated as of February 25th, 2015. You can see my review of the new version here. Patterns for Pirates also has a new slim fit raglan option.

I think I could wear a raglan everyday. If you know me, you might think that I actually do. I have long sleeve, short sleeve, three-quarter sleeves, sweatshirts, hoodies, and even a sweater knit version. They are so fun to mix and match fabric and to add fun details like kangaroo pockets or floral bias trim neck binding. I’m a stay-at-home mom so my ‘work’ outfits are usually all about comfort. Because of that, I mainly sew casual clothes for myself and save the fancy stuff for my girls (less fabric, time, and let’s face it- they’re WAY cuter to sew for).

I rarely sew a pattern over and over. I love to try new designs and pdf designers do a fine job of keeping me busy with the latest and greatest patterns. I only have a handful of patterns I pull out time after time. The Lane Raglan by Hey June Handmade and the Pattern for Pirates Raglan are two of those patterns.

My raglan love affair began with this Lane Raglan from Hey June Handmade. Adrianna posted a similar version somewhere and I just had to copy it. I had this yummy mustard stripe french terry from LA and this gorgeous Liberty bias trim I picked up when I was in London. This is a size medium and I rolled the hems and tacked them up on both the sleeves and the bottom hem. This fabric has very little stretch and the medium is a nice roomy fit.

This lightweight jersey version with stretch lace sleeves was next. Again a size medium with bands this time. While I love this one, the lace is heavy and pulled the neck way too wide for me. With a little help from the ever amazing Diana, the neckline is better and she converted me to using a much shorter neckband than what the pattern calls for. Duh, it’s been a game changer keeping my under-things in check.

Now enter Patterns for Pirates Raglan Bundle Pack. Holy cow, do I love this pattern! That button-up cowl with those big ‘ol wood buttons is pretty fantastic. The options with this pattern are endless. This is a non-stretch sweatshirt fleece in a size small. It’s a little snug and I think I’d go up a size next time I use fabric this stiff.

Then I had to make a sweater-knit version with the ruched cowl and thumbhole cuffs. Doesn’t get much comfier than that and it’s so much more chic than a standard hoodie.

Not that I don’t love me a good hoodie. This version was actually made by my swap buddy, Jessie, for a monthly sewing swap I do. It’s pretty awesome and I sure lucked out that month. Not only did she send me this amazing version but she also tucked in two fun short sleeve versions as well.

Speaking of short sleeve versions, the one on the left is a cotton lycra blend with no bands and the side seams contoured in. That super cute vinyl is from Sew Fancy iron-on vinyl on Facebook. The one on the right is a jersey knit with a banded bottom and the sleeves brought in a bit. All of my P4P versions are a size small. The pattern is very roomy and relaxed and I’ve never felt the need to go up or down a size except when using sweatshirt fleece.

One of my newest favs is my Raspberry Creek Club Fabrics Lane. If you’re anything like me, your Instagram and FB feeds are full of floral sleeved raglans right now. You better believe I’m whipping up my own as fast as I can.

Now for a couple side-by-sides. The Lane Raglan has a slimmer fit, hugging your curves more and creating them where you need them. The new improved Lane now has a hood and thumb hole option which totally elevate the pattern. And you can add the cute pocket out of your favorite fabric scrap, too! The P4P is loose and grazes those curves you might want to hide and offers more options than the Lane. The P4P with add-on pack offers multiple sleeve and hem lengths, elbow patches, a hood, cross-over funnel hood, funnel collar, button up funnel collar, ruched funnel collar, cowl neck, kangaroo pocket and thumb hole cuffs- phew!

The Lane hoodie is on the left and the P4P on the right. Don’t mind my angry gangster face, that’s totally how you’re supposed to act with your hood up right?!

These are french terry versions. I know they can’t all be my favorite but these are way up there. The french terry is from Raspberry Creek Fabrics as is that amazing quilted knit (I had just enough left over from this dress). The P4P is on the left (size small) and the Lane is on the right (size medium).

Now these are cotton jersey versions of both in size smalls (I made the P4P version on the right for my own swap partner). It’s easy to see the more relaxed feel of the P4P one on the right. The angle of the sleeves are very different and each will flatter different body types. I’ve got a smaller chest and I don’t mind the shaping of the P4P but my friend Emily swears by the angle of the Lane to flatter her curves better.

The P4P is on the top and the Lane is on the bottom. The sleeve angle of the Lane slims her so much, don’tcha think? I’m amazed at how different these look on her. She’s kinda famous for her Lane obsession but when it looks that good on you I’d make a closet full too! Thanks for letting me share these, Em!

And finally to prove just how versatile these patterns are…

My most worn raglan this summer- a Lane rashguard. I followed this tutorial from Dandelion Drift (she used the Hey June Union St. tee for hers, another great pattern) and added a padded shelf bra. I used the small pattern size and brought in the sides to be snug and prevent it from creeping up while swimming.

So, if you read this post hoping I’d tell you to get one or the other, sorry! I love both patterns and think you NEED both of them in your life pronto! They both have different looks and options and will flatter your body in different ways. A cozy P4P cowl neck for the cooler weather ahead would be perfect. A sexy lace sleeved Lane for date night might wow your hubby and convince him to let you buy ALL the fabric to make a million more.

So, do you have a favorite? A new one I should give a try?

I need to mention that I am in no way affiliated with either Patterns for Pirates or Hey June Handmade. I think both designers just get women and you can’t go wrong with any of their patterns. Pick up these patterns here and here and feel free to look around a bit.

Heidi and Finn Cocoon Dress (x2 of course)

Can I just shout from the rooftops how much I love, love, love this pattern?!!!! This is the Heidi and Finn Cocoon Dress and it is my new favorite thing, EVER!

It’s got such a fun silhouette and is so simple and classic at the same time. It’s got sleeves and is a modest length, too! And the kicker for me is that it’s FAST, like start to finish in an hour fast! Can I just make Cocoon dresses for the rest of my life, please?!!

My obsession began with an early morning vision of the cute, quilted knit version. I’ve had the fabric, from Raspberry Creek, since Spring and have always pictured it as a hoodie or sweatshirt. That is until that fateful morning…

Sophie’s birthday was coming up so I whipped it up that morning and had little sis try it on after school (the benefits of having all the same measurements but height). Well, Payton fell in love with it too (Can you blame her?) and this corduroy version was sewn up for her.

She picked the zipper out of my stash- she’s a sucker for hearts.

You know how I feel about pockets…

And that fabric? Just another great find from Hobby Lobby.

Sophie opened her dress on her birthday morning and immediately put it on to wear to school. She totally thought I’d bought it and was thrilled by how soft and cozy it is!

I adore the zipper on this one!

She came home from school and ditched the leggings and threw on her jean jacket and looked too darn cute I made her take more pics. It may or may not have been raining but she was such a great sport!

Can’t wait to make a million more… I’m thinking a french terry version would be fantastic. Oh, or I’ve got a plaid corduroy that would be great for the holidays. Or a simple denim one? How will I ever decide?!!!

Love Notions Boyfriend Cardigan

Can you feel that crispness in the air? We’re getting our first taste of fall and I’m loving it! I love to throw on a cozy sweater or sweatshirt and dust off my favorite boots. Fall brings a renewal in our house… we’re back on a schedule, we’ve got new activities and projects, and there’s a new hope as the school year really gets going. It’s my favorite time of year by far!

As the days get shorter and nights start cooling off the Love Notions Boyfriend Cardigan will be perfect. I got to test this pattern in the Ladies and Girls versions. It was so fun to sew up and then get to take pictures with my Payton. I really hate to be in front of the camera but she sure made it fun.

The pattern features a either a shawl collar or a hooded version. We went with a classic shawl collar but I can’t wait to sew up a cozy hoodie too.

I love the pockets and think everything should have them.

Payton asked if she could wear this exact outfit the first day it was cool enough. She loved the pockets, too!

Hop on over to Love Notions to pick up your copies. Use code ‘sewallthecardigans’ for 20% off through the end of the week.

This post contains affiliate links.

Little Lizard King Library Cardi

WARNING!!! This post contains obscene amounts of cuteness. The moment I saw tester versions of Little Lizard King’s Library Cardi I knew I had to have it. It has that perfect slouchy cool factor that I love.

Those big pockets are so fun! I made Sophie’s out of $.50/yard sweater knit that I scored in LA. It is divine and I have a ton of it so don’t be surprised if my whole fall wardrobe is made of it.

I sent Sophie up to style her outfit and I love what she picked out. Seriously, why does she look soooo grown-up in these pics. She has a birthday soon and I just really want to freeze time with her. She’s claimed this her second favorite thing (next to this dress) I’ve made her and vows to wear it all winter.

And in her blog haircut debut is little sister in Raspberry Creek Club Fabrics.

I paired her Club polka dot cardi with some Club floral Love Notions leggin’s (great pattern and it’s FREE). I love, love the dots and floral together!

I’m anxiously awaiting the release of this cardigan for ladies. I think I will live in them all winter. They are fairly quick sews (once I perfect my binding skills- totally lacking right now). The end result is so cute and each fabric makes it look so unique.

I’ll leave you with a couple more pics just because…

The Retro Cool Mingo and Grace Crop Set

I have been impatiently waiting the release of this pattern! I discovered Mingo and Grace after she was featured in the children’s fashion e-magazine Stylo. I loved her contemporary style and her daughters curls made my heart swoon.

When I was picked to test her newest pattern I was elated. This pattern features a darling, boxy crop top with short, 3/4 quarter, or sleeveless options. The cute skirt can have a full elastic waistband or a flat front/elastic back.

I loved the retro feel of this pattern. I used some black and white gingham (another LA score) and Payton’s fabric combo is from Hobby Lobby (they totally stepped up their fabric game with this new collection!). I did the flat front skirt option and added pleats to Payton’s to change it up a bit.

That last pic of Sophie is why I sew, see those legs?!!! That girl is so tall and skinny and has such a hard time finding clothes that fit. Thank goodness I can help the girl out 😉

How ’bout those buttons up the back? So cute, right?!

Paired with jeans, the top is perfect for school or play. The mix and match options with this set are endless.

I made the top out of floral ponte and it’s so chic too! It’s perfect with a tank underneath and jeans. I think these pieces will get mixed and matched and worn over and over. I love the simplicity and elegance of this pattern. Pick up your copy as fast as you can- I can’t get enough of it! Head on over before 9/7/15 and use code LABORDAY20 for 20% off or join her Facebook Group for even more savings!

To check out more tester picks head over to Candice Ayala. Her version is so preppy cute and shows how versatile this pattern can be!

Hey June Hatteras Hoodie X3

I’ve been pattern testing a lot lately and while I enjoy it, I’ve gotten more selective on what projects I’ll undertake and sign up for. I rarely will sew anything that takes more than a couple of hours- I try my hardest to sew only during naptime and I hate leaving unfinished projects. That said, there are still certain designers I jump at the chance to test for and Adrianna of Hey June is one of them. Her latest pattern is really three patterns in one and it is fantastic!

I made view C in a size 12 for my eleven-year-old. We both love, love this hoodie. He picked out the french terry and it was perfect for this pattern. I sew a ton but there are still so many techniques that I’ve never done (meaning I’ve avoided them as long as possible ). This was my first zippered jacket and Adrianna walks you through it beautifully and the finish on the inside is so profesh!

I proudly held up the finished sweatshirt to my husband and said, “You’ve got to see this!” To which he said. “Oh yeah, I saw that. I totally thought you bought that so I didn’t say anything.” I’ll take that as “that-sweatshirt-is-incredibly-well-made-and-looks-like-a-million-bucks” and all the glory goes to Adrianna’s impeccable finishing techniques that make the inside as clean and pretty as the outside.

Sophie got view A in a size 7 out of yummy sweater knit from LA. It’s got a touch of my favorite knock-off Liberty print as the facing. With Sophie, I’ve decided that if I would wear it then she would love it too. She is my mini-me in so many ways and I love that we share almost the exact taste in clothes. I’ll live it up while I can.

I love this picture I caught of the two of them- totally their personalities. Alex is always a crack-up and Soph has got this model thing down.

After the two I tested I couldn’t wait to recreate a hoodie I’d seen on Pinterest.

My version-

I used view A and sized up two sizes for ease, leaving off the bands. I used a mystery gauzy-linen that had some give to it and it was exactly what I was going for.

It just reminds me so much of growing up in Southern California. It’s made for bonfires at the beach and cool summer nights. This one is my favorite and I want it in my size so badly! We’re twisting Adrianna’s arm to get a ladies version out pronto!

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