This pretty flannel from the Listen to Your Heart line from Sharon Holland for Art Gallery Fabrics was just made for cozy pj’s. Two sets of cozy pj’s to be exact!
Not all teenage girls would be on board wearing matching pajamas with their mama but this one was all over it (or at least she was a good sport about it!). I think the fact that she got a new set of comfy pajamas out of it was all she needed!
The Carolyn Pajamas from Closet Core Patterns is another pattern that has been around forever that I am just barely getting around to sewing. When it comes to classic pajama style, the Carolyn’s are near perfection! The pattern features both short and pant lengths as well as short or long sleeves. I loved that because it meant I could customize these just for me and do pants with a short sleeve top. I hate sleeping in long sleeves, is that weird?
I sewed up a size 10, no adjustments. The pants are your basic pajama pants and sew up quickly. The addition of the pockets make these perfect for lounging too (gotta keep that cell phone handy). The top kind of intimidated me with the button front, notched collar and all of that piping. I was surprised by how simple it was to construct though and the finishing is *chef’s kiss!
Sophie got a pair of Gracie Pajamas from Violette Fields Threads. I’ve sewn this pattern a few times before and she uses it all of the time for simple shorts and pants too. I sewed up the largest tween size and added 3 inches to the pants length and two inches to the sleeves. I think it’s time to retire this pattern for this girl as she is clearly in the adult sizes now (did you notice she’s WAY taller than me?!). Good thing little sis can still fit in tween sizes for a bit longer because we love this pattern and also a bonus that there’s a women’s version too!
My absolute favorite thing about these pj’s is that piping! I used store-bought maxi piping and it really was an easy addition that really elevates these sets.
The theme for the Art Gallery Look Book was sentimental room and something about these pajamas just reminded me of sleepovers at my Grandma Lola’s. I pulled out an old scrapbook that I had made for my grandma and we had so much fun looking at the pictures and reading the stories about grandma’s house from my siblings and cousins. My grandparents were so influential in my life but have all sadly passed away. I love keeping their memory alive in my own children and I feel their love and support often and know they are watching over their family still here on earth. I sure love projects that get me feeling all sentimental!
The Friday Pattern Co. Sagebrush Top has been around forever and I’ve always admired every version I’ve seen. I love that I now have my very own!
I got to work with Sharon Holland’s new fabric line from Art Gallery Fabrics, Listen to Your Heart. For this top I used Fleuron Six quilting cotton. I just love the colors in this print and that floral is so pretty!
This pattern is such a great sew! I sewed up a size medium without any adjustments. The yoke is not lined and the neckline is finished with a bias tape necktie. As far as woven tops go, this one is one of the quicker ones to sew up. From cutting to hemming, it was done in an afternoon. My kind of project!
The chest ruffle detail and those big statement sleeves are what set this pattern apart from your basic top. They are extra full in this sturdy cotton but I bet they’d be drapey and gorgeous in a voile or rayon.
I had the cutest little ten year old photographer who braved the cold with me for these pics. My kids always get the most glamorous pics of me, lol!
For more pics of this beautiful fabric line check out the Look Book. I’ll be back later this week to share our other makes that appear in it too!
The newest Art Gallery Fabrics collection by Bari J., Garden of Opulence, is here and full of gorgeous prints.
I got to play with this fun rayon, Fawn Day Two. I can’t get enough of AGF rayon. It’s one of my favorite fabrics to work with and wear. That drape- c’mon!!! I love the flow and weight. It’s lightweight but not too slinky and fidgety when sewing.
I sewed up Burda Cotton Blouse 113. It was my first Burda pattern and I learned a lot. Sometimes I get a little cocky but this pattern brought me back to reality! This pattern assumes you are an experienced sewist and the instructions are minimal. I’m to the point that I read a patterns instructions through before diving in then refer back to them as needed so I thought I’d be good with this pattern. Let’s just say, my seam ripper and I spent a lot of time together while sewing this top.
I think the final shirt is so pretty and I’d love to give the pattern another go. It’s such a great pattern/fabric combination!
There’s just something magical about a floaty, floral maxi dress!The Cora Top, Dress and Maxi from Simple Life Pattern Co. is simple summer perfection. Sewn up in a gorgeous Art Gallery Fabrics rayon challis, I don’t think it gets any better.
The Cottage Favorite print from Sharon Holland’s Willow line immediately jumped out at us. We both love that deep emerald/teal color and the floral print is simple and sweet. Art Gallery rayon challis is so soft and dreamy to wear and sews up easily too!
The strappy back of the Cora is definitely a show stopper! The elastic back casings create a perfect fit too!
I sewed up a size 12 with a little bit of added length to the skirt (using every inch of my three yards of fabric for this!). I’m in denial that my girls are growing out of SLPCo patterns. Hopefully, we can get one more year with this girl!
I really love that it’s both grown-up but not too ‘adult’. She wore this the next day with a little white tee underneath and it was the cutest! I love when she takes my makes and really makes them her own.
We met up with cute little Inara for some pics and these girls couldn’t be more adorable! Aren’t the backs of these dresses to die for?!
These patterns are on sale for the month of June as part of the SLPCo monthly challenge. Don’t you just love any excuse to sew up an adorable new look?!
Art Gallery Fabrics are always a favorite with my girls so we were thrilled to be able to sew up the knit prints from the new Periwinkle Fabric collection.
The Periwinkle collection is full of bright, happy prints that just feel like summer to me.
I sewed up the two new knit prints from the collection, Sun Filled Shades and Frenchie Noir. We all LOVE AGF knits for their softness and weight.
Sophie got a new True Bias Rio Ringer Dress. I sewed up the smallest women’s size, 0, and the fit is wonderful!
The Rio is such a great casual dress and I think it worked so well with this print. It has that fun, retro vibe and really shows off the fabric.
Payton is all about joggers these days so I knew she’d love this look. I used the Joseph Joggers from Project Run and Play. I love the slim fit and classic style of this pattern. We paired it with the Nicky Top from Made for Mermaids, our go-to for a cute, boxy look.
That Frenchie print is just adorable! The simple black and white graphic means she can wear it with any of her solid tees.
We just had to get our new pup Coco in on the action with this photo shoot.
Check out the full Lookbook here for inspiration from the whole Periwinkle collection.
With temps soaring in my neck of the woods, I’m all about summer comfort! I’ve been itching to sew a True Bias Rio Ringer dress and I’m thrilled to finally have one of my own.
I was gifted this amazing Art Gallery Fabrics knit to sew up for their Lookbook. It is part of the Boscage fabric line from Katarina Roccella. The line is full of vibrant colors, bold prints, and gorgeous florals that will have you dreaming of a tropical vacation.
I picked Wandering Leopards Sea in knit for so many reasons. I love this gorgeous teal-emerald shade! I’m also a sucker for animal prints and the fact that this has actual leopards really sold me. Add in my love of AGF knits and this fabric just had to be mine. I paired it with solid knit in Caviar for the bands.
Let’s talk about this dress! I sewed up a size 8 graded to a 10 from the waist down with 2 inches added to the length. I also had to adjust the length of my bands since I used cotton lycra instead of ribbing (I added 2 inches to the sleeve band).
This dress is the perfect throw on and go look. I love it with sneakers but it will also be awesome with flip flops for the pool. I’ve decided I need to embrace dresses this summer. They’re just so easy!
Make sure to check out the whole Lookbook for more inspiration and lots of cute looks from my amazing sewing friends!
The Newport Dress pattern is part of the April Simple Life Pattern Co. Monthly Challenge. Each month a new collection of patterns is highlighted at SLPCo and you can enter to win store credit when you sew them up and share! Bonus, all of the patterns are on sale for the month of April!
As part of the SLPCo Promo team, I got to sew up this pattern in pretty Art Gallery Fabrics. I had made this pattern once before in a pretty floral that unfortunately didn’t get worn a ton. She loved the style but it was a little too young feeling for her so I knew fabric would make all the difference.
We went with a bright fun pink solid, Dragon Fruit, with a simple graphic print for the pockets, Seedmap from the Pollinate collection from Jessica Swift.
The bold bright color is so happy and I love it on her. It matches her sunny personality!
I sewed up a size 10 with added length. I love the simple design but those big fun pockets are the highlight of this pattern.
She said she was feeling very Audrey Hepburn in this (she’s forever our ideal of classic style!).
Make sure you head over to the SLPCo Fan FB group for details on the Monthly Challenge and for all the girly inspiration!
I’m thrilled to be here sharing the newest knit solids from Art Gallery Fabrics. This was one of my kids favorite shoots of the year- good friends and comfy clothes, yes please!
It was fun to work with Karly of Paisley Roots again and I’m always happy to be part of an Art Gallery project! You HAVE to head over to her blog to check out her incredible makes!
For this shoot we met up with Anna and her kids of Kainara Stitches and my kids really did have a blast! All of the group shots are courtesy of Anna (she’s an amazing seamstress AND an awe-inspiring photographer too!).
The newest colors added to the knit collection are soooo good! From dusty blue Spruce to the peachy blush Cinnamon, these colors are so on trend and beautiful! Art Gallery knits are the perfect weight for everything from tees to dresses and leggings. I’m always so sad when I don’t use them all for myself! They are incredibly soft and so easy to sew with.
I’ll start with Sophie’s simple tee. I used Cinnamon knit and the Made for Mermaids Pepper tee. This pattern is so full of options! I sewed up the scoop neckline, short puff sleeve with banded bottom. She is a jeans and tee kinda gal and this fits right into her wardrobe.
The cute little puff sleeve is the sweetest touch without being too much.
Charlie got really spoiled with a whole comfy outfit. I had to pry this outfit off of him after a long lazy weekend! I judge how much my kids like their handmades by how much they choose to wear them and this outfit has definitely gotten the gold stamp of approval!
For his outfit, I used Spruce as the main for his pants with accents of Camouflage, Sienna Brick, and White Linen. I sewed up the Retro Joggers from Lowland Kids and the True Bias Rio Ringer. The whole retro feel of this outfit is everything!
This top was a last minute addition and it turned out to be my favorite piece! I just couldn’t let any scrap go to waste.
This is the Logan Colorblocked Crop and Hoodie from Made for Mermaids. We made the short sleeved, cropped hoodie options and it is beyond adorable!
I’d say these are some happy kiddos! Make sure to check out the other seamstresses who are joining us!
Project Run and Play is hosting a month long event in honor of the Pantone colors of the year, a Pantone Party! A party all about colors, fabrics, and sewing for my kids- I’m 100% in! Read to the end to find out how you can get in on the fun too!
The Pantone colors this year are Ultimate Gray and Illuminate, a bright vibrant yellow. I love that these colors have opposing feels- the gray is calming and basic and the yellow is cheery and bright, but together they highlight the best of both. It was fun to create looks that spoke to these colors and what they represent.
I was lucky enough to get to work with some amazing Art Gallery fabrics paired with patterns from the Project Run and Play shop. We’ve had glimpses of spring weather and these looks will be perfect for the season ahead.
Sophie is growing out of most of her dresses (she’s grown 3 inches in a year!) and I knew I wanted to do a cute dress for her. I love Art Gallery stripes and picked Striped Bold in Graphite for her look. Art Gallery knits are such a great medium weight and have great recovery and softness. I think they work well for tops, dresses, and leggings.
I used the Story pattern for her dress with a few alterations. I skipped the bottom sleeve piece and created a cuff piece instead so that she has a cute short sleeve. I also used inseam pockets from another pattern. A dress is ALWAYS better with pockets and I think the inseam pockets add a little more grown up look compared to the kangaroo pocket included in the pattern.
I think this dress will be great all summer long and will even work well as a swim coverup. After taking these pics I was reminded that I have my own version of this too! We can totally be twinners (and I can unapologetically embarrass the heck out of her!)
Charlie got a simple, classic summer boy look. A tee and comfy shorts and he’s a happy camper!
For his top I used Striped Alike Grey paired with solid Daffodil knit. I sewed up the color block option of the Lemon Tee (are you sick of seeing my kids in this pattern yet? I hope not because I’m not giving it up any time soon!). This pattern is so loaded with options and I love when the pattern does all the work for me.
My boys (including the hubs!) are super into trading cards these days and the ultimate score is getting a numbered limited sports card. I knew adding a little 1 of 1 to this Limited Edition graphic would be the perfect touch for this kid. Super personal and oh so true about all of his mama-made makes too!
For his shorts I used the Prose Cargo Joggers. They are the perfect woven jogger pattern and it’s loaded with options too! I sewed up the shorts version, leaving off the side cargo pocket. I love the little hidden side pocket and so does he! I used an Art Gallery Denim in Clouded Horizon. This is actually the ‘wrong’ side of the fabric. The front features a cool crosshatch pattern but I loved the more subtle look the back side gave. It’s a great mid weight denim that was perfect for these bottoms. And if you know this little guy, they got the softness approval which is huge for a denim bottom!
Can I indulge you in a little parenting story?! This little man was BEGGING for a haircut after letting his hair grow out all winter. We loved his curls when done just right but most of the time it was a crazy mess. He loved the length but complained that the sides were constantly getting pulled by his masks (something we never had to deal with in the past!). His solution was to just cut the sides and leave the back so he could have the best of both worlds. Yep, business in the front and party in the back. I took him to the salon and really hoped he would hate it once she did the sides and agree to a full trim but that grin when he saw himself in the mirror with just the sides trimmed up- oh man, I was putty in his hands. And now I have a kid with a mullet and I’m honestly ok with it. Is that what happens with the baby? You just give up? I like to think that I know what battles to pick and also how important it is for them to be themselves. At nine, he’s totally entitled to his own opinions and I want him to feel comfortable being just who he wants to be. Luckily right now it’s just about a haircut!
Ok, back to what you came for- the sewing! For Payton’s look I knew I wanted to use a fabric that would tie all of the looks together. This pretty floral, Fields of Goldenrod, was too perfect! Art Gallery quilting cottons are lightweight but have a drape and feel unlike most cottons. I love using them for dresses and other garments.
For her dress, I sewed up the Robin Dress. This pattern is full of cute details and like I often do, I left them all off! I think for tweens, the simpler the better!
I did the open back, short cuffed sleeve dress with ties. It’s such a classic silhouette!
For this shoot we headed to the local middle school common area. We were surrounded by a group of high school skateboarders as we shot and I love how my kids acted like it was totally normal to be taking pictures there. You can tell some were more comfortable than others. That cute yellow lunch table and stark grey concrete walls were just too perfect for this party!
As part of the party, Raspberry Creek Fabrics is giving away two $50 gift certificates! You can join the sew along for your chance at these amazing prizes. Make sure to check into the PRP blog every day to get more incredible Pantone inspiration (did you see last weeks AH-MAZING looks?!!!). Thanks for joining the fun!
The holiday season is upon us and I’m excited it’s time for one of my favorite blog tours of the year, the Simple Life Pattern Co. Holiday Blog Tour. This is our fourth year on the tour (crazy, huh?!) and you can see our past years here, here, and here. We love SLPCo for their darling dress patterns and I know you will too! Bonus, it’s their last sale of the year and you can save 25% off all patterns with the code HappyHolidays. Perfect timing to sew up your own holiday dresses!
I’m so grateful Sophie is just barely able to fit in a size 12 width so I could do one more year of sister dresses. These photos are the real treasure from this project!
We were able to get together with Anna and sweet Inara again this year and these girls just love any chance they get to see each other. I love how each of their dresses just suits them to a tee!
Art Gallery Fabrics was a generous sponsor of this tour and we were able to pick just the right fabrics for our looks. Anna used a super soft knit print and solid for Inara’s dress while we went with their amazing rayon prints. I adore Art Gallery rayons and always think it’s a treat to work with them. They are so soft and a dream to sew with. The prints are incredible and always give me such professional looking garments.
Sophie’s been growing like crazy and her maxi dresses are suddenly no longer maxi length. For her look we knew we wanted a comfortable but dramatic piece. She picked Magnolia Study Silkroad a vibrant red print that is the perfect floral for this anti-floral girly. It’s refined and subtle and just right for this picky girl.
It was only suiting that I sewed my Sophie the Sophie Dress. We love the pretty scoop back and multiple sleeve options. The ruffle neckline is extra cute too!
For her dress, I sewed up a size 12 bodice and added length to the skirt to make it extra long. I love the dramatic look of the puddle maxi right now and know it’s only a matter of time before it’s ankle length, lol! She’s just barely shorter than me so I’m thinking by next Christmas we’ll be eye to eye!
For Payton’s dress, she picked Plaid of My Dreams (is that the most suiting fabric name or what?!). I used the Aspen dress and love the finished look!
Don’t you love that bodice?! It was perfect for using the fabric on the bias and is such a cute feature.
And that back keyhole is both easy to get on and off and simple to sew. I used a faux leather ribbon to up the urban look of this dress.
I sewed up a size 8 bodice with a size 10 dress length. We both love the loose relaxed fit- it’s so comfy and totally adorable!
Make sure to check out the other stops on this tour. These ladies are some of the most talented sewists and always inspire me with their makes. I know if they sew something up, my girls would love it too!
A huge thank you to our sponsors!!
Follow along the Simple Life Pattern Company Holiday Blog Tour 2020
I’ll leave you with our Christmas card photo for this year. Just kidding! I think they look like angelic little models in this pic and it makes me giggle. If only you could see the hilarious behind the scenes of these silly girls!
SewSophieLynn 