SewSophieLynn

Shwin Designs Lucille Tops- For Boys too!

Are you a fan of Shwin and Shwin? I love her simple, hip style and some of my favorite patterns are Shwin Designs. My latest projects were a pair of Lucille tops for Sophie and Charlie. It’s such a cute way to use contrasting fabrics and they were fun, quick sews (my favorite kind!).

I love this floral fabric from Girl Charlee and I’m excited I have enough left for me too. It paired perfectly with Raspberry Creek’s coral solid. I added wide bands at the wrist and waist to throw in some more of the floral.

Don’tcha love that smolder! For Charlie’s I used another Girl Charlee fabric I’ve had stashed for him. I love the grey motorcycles and I let him choose what color he wanted with them. Of course he chose blue- everything is blue these days because that is his very favorite color. I was happy because I love him in blue- it brings out those baby blue eyes!

Well, you guys will be seeing plenty of Shwin Designs coming out of our house. I’ve always been a big fan and some of my most loved patterns are Shwin’s.

Her Daytripper Top is one of my go-to patterns for myself.

And I find myself sewing up her kids patterns again and again. This cozy french terry Eleanor Dress is so scrumptious and this Maggie Mae Tunic was so perfect for St. Patty’s Day.

I was lucky to test her Jane Dress that was part of her Garden Girl Collection. It’s such a simple sweet dress that little Payton wears over and over.

When Shauna posted a call for Shwin Ambassadors-seamstresses who would be willing to sew up her patterns and share their creations in exchange for access to her collection; well, let’s just say I jumped at the chance. I felt like I had won the lottery when I was actually chosen! So each month, I’ll post here and on my Instagram one of her designs. I feel like I’d be sewing one of her patterns at least once a month anyways so I definitely got the good end of the deal!

I’ll leave you with a peek at my Glass Onion and Stella leggings combo. Another gorgeous look courtesy of Shwin 😉

The Ladies Uptown/Downtown Dress

I’ve already professed my adoration for Terri of Sew Straight and Gather. Her patterns are the bomb and I am thrilled that she is now working on ladies patterns! I had the chance to test for her again on her latest project, The Ladies Uptown/Downtown Dress.

This pattern is another winner- lots of sleeve options, knee and maxi lengths, and tank and sleeveless choices too. There is also a cowl neck that I adore! My girls have a few bimaa sweaters that I love and now I get to join in on the cowl fun.

I have to admit I was worried how this dress would skim my i-had-five-kids-belly. The cut was way more flattering than I expected and I loved seeing how it flattered all body types on the other testers. It really looks amazing on every shape and size- magic pattern, I swear.

I fell in love with this gorgeous jersey knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. The drape and flow was perfect for this dress. Another great fabric/pattern combination!

Call Ajaire’s Ruffled Arch Skirt

I had a chance to test for Ajaire again so of course I jumped on it. With summer winding down I knew my sewing time was limited so I choose to do the simple version of her newest pattern, the Ruffled Arch Skirt. I had a remnant of this striped twill that fit the pieces perfectly with no room to spare. It was a sign that it just had to become this skirt, I couldn’t ignore it.

The view of the pattern I did was simple and quick to sew. The skirt is a cute a-line with a waistband facing and elastic in the back, creating a sleek front. This version will be a wardrobe staple for sure.

The main view of this pattern is so darling with a cute little ruffle back. The other testers versions were so adorable. I love patterns that offer multiple views so you can use them again and again. You can check out Ajaire’s and get the link to the pattern here.

Sometimes I catch this one on a good day and she kills these little photo shoots. She’s just started first grade and it has been torture not having my partner in crime with me in the afternoons. She has the best giggle and just is always so happy. She’s missing so many teeth and I can’t stop taking pictures of that cute smile. She just got a ‘first grade’ haircut that I’m sure will be making it’s debut on here real soon. Love this girl of mine!

Summer Sewing- Why is it so hard?

With five kids, sewing time is precious. When they are all home for the summer, it’s even more sparse. Here are a few of the projects I eeked out this summer.

I had the pleasure of testing for Striped Swallow Designs again this summer. Her Wildflower kimono is so unique and simple to sew. I sewed one up for Soph in a cute striped knit and Payton got a cozy french terry version (from Raspberry Creek Fabrics, of course).

I also had the pleasure of testing for Terri from Sew Straight and Gather. Her Cousu Collection was kinda groundbreaking for me, pushing me to try new techniques and totally taking me to a new level. This time I tested her versatile Urban Garden Dress and Tank. It’s such a cute pattern and her tutorials are THE BEST! If you haven’t tried one of her patterns you are totally missing out. Beware though that once you do, all other patterns will be lacking in comparison.

This summer my quest for myself was to make the perfect pants and shorts. I tried a gazillion patterns and I think my quest is still on…

Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop Summer Lovin’ Shorts

School starts this week and it’s always a little bittersweet. I adore having my kids home and the adventures we get to do every day. For the most part, they get along great and we spend a lot of time laughing and just being together. BUT… we are together ALL THE TIME. I feel guilty stealing away for an hour or two to create. So the sweet part of back to school is that I will have every afternoon to myself (thanks to a cute three year old that still naps)! I’m so excited to be able to sew without the guilt of negletting the kiddos. Oh, the project list… 🙂

Raspberry Creek Club Fabrics

So friends are great, right? Then friends that have a fabric store in their basement are even better. The moment I met Diana I knew we’d be great friends. We have kids the same ages, she is amazingly talented in so many ways, and we shared a love of sewing that you just don’t find much these days. I’m so excited to get to work for her a little bit and to help spread the word about her next adventure- her custom knit line, Club Fabrics.

I had so much fun sewing up strike offs and trying to include all my kids, because of course they love the fabric as much as I do!

Little Charlie loved his Me Matey Muscle tank by Patterns for Pirates. He thought it showcased his huge biceps, I thought it showcased his beautiful farmer tan (wink, wink). The fabric is 95% cotton, 5% spandex, so it’s so soft and has excellent recovery, perfect for just about everything but especially nice on sweet toddler skin.

I whipped up the free Slouchy Beanie Hat from Heidi and Finn and all the kids were fighting to get their hands on it. I think the boys will end up sharing it, unless Charlie hides it and keeps it for himself.

Tanner has been begging me to recreate his favorite t-shirt he got for back to school. I was nervous as heck to sew for him, teenagers are pickyyyyy! We both are so happy with the final tee though and he’s even asked for a few more. Phew!

Not too shabby, right?! I used Jalie’s Men’s and Boy’s t-shirt pattern and I’m excited to have it in my pattern stash. One pattern that fits my toddler and my hubby?! That’s a winner for sure!

Club fabrics are now in the shop. All but the floral are ready to ship! We just learned that the floral will be available in french terry, too! Floral french terry?!!! Swoon!!! And if french terry is what you’re looking for Raspberry Creek Fabrics is THE place to be.

Paneled Sunsuit for the win!

I had the pleasure of testing Call Ajaire’s first pattern, the Paneled Sunsuit. Sometimes designers rush their patterns out to consumers and take shortcuts on the finished product. Ajaire was just the opposite- thorough, detailed, and the final pattern shows all her hard work. My girls couldn’t get enough of this pattern!

I did the Maxi version for my oldest in a gorgeous Art Gallery cotton from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. It was pure perfection! I think my Sophie should have a wardrobe full of that brilliant blue color and the silhouette was so cute on her tiny frame. The fitted waist and flared skirt make the dress seem so fancy and sophisticated. She declared it her favorite thing I’ve ever made her! Win, win, win!!

Payton got the darling pantsuit version. It is so adorable in a light chambray with floral details. The pantsuit is easy on and off with the cute elastic shoulder straps but it stays snug against the bodice with the simple elastic casing in the back. So cute and classic!

A New Adventure

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.- Dieter F. Uchtdorf

As a wife and mother, my life is busy and full of exciting things like laundry, grocery shopping, and lots (and lots) of soccer games. I am doing exactly what I dreamed of doing ever since I was a little girl- raising a family with a loving, supportive husband, enjoying every bit of it (ok, maybe not EVERY bit of it- those late night sick kiddos are no fun!). As my kids are a bit older I finally feel like I can sneak away for awhile to create and bring something to life. There is something so cathartic and renewing each time I take something raw and see a beautiful finished product, whether it’s a new dress or a yummy new recipe. This blog will be a place to share those little accomplishments- small and simple but so rewarding to me!

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