Dive into Dolmans- Itch to Stitch Carey

Another Thursday, another dolman. Do you have a favorite yet? You can see my other reviews here, here, and here.

This week I have Itch to Stitch’s Carey Top and a coupon code at the end. Here’s all the details before I tell you what I think:

Sizes	00-20 (waist sizes 25 3/8″- 40 1/2″)
Printable pattern pages/copy shop version	18 pages/yes
Skill Level	Beginner
Measurements for Rectangle Pieces	Yes
Line Drawings	Yes
Size made	4
Options chosen	I made it as is but had to piece my back.
Fabric Requirement for your size	1 5/8 yd
Measurement Chart	waist, hip
Cutting Instructions	Yes
Pattern Printing Layout	Yes
Cutting Layout	Yes
Suggested Fabrics	Knit or Woven with drape at least 54″ wide
Layer Printing Option	Yes
Neck Line Options	Round neckline
Sleeve Options	Drawstring gathered sleeves
Hem Options	High/low shirttail hem
Color Blocking	Contrast panel in sleeve
Seam Allowance	3/8″
Hem Allowance	3/8″ bottom, 3/4″ sleeve
Separate add-on pack	No
Fit	Loose and flowy
Easy to read instructions	Yes
Drawing or photograph instructions	Drawing

I was drawn to the fun drawstring details of this pattern. It truly sets it a part from all the other dolmans out there.

I absolutely love this top. In all honesty I was dreading making yet another dolman but I love that this is so unique and unlike anything I have in my closet already.

I struggled with fabric choice because this pattern is written for woven or knit so the possibilities were endless. I settled on my go-to stripe/floral combo. The stripe is from LA and the floral is from Jo-Ann. I picked up pre-made drawstring at Jo-Ann but the tutorial goes into how to make your own too.

I had to eek out this top in the stripe and have a seam down the back because of it. I’m so happy with my fabric choice though and glad I got creative to make it work. The top goes together fairly quickly and the tutorial is so clear and easy to follow. I did add 1.5″ at the lengthen/shorten line since I am 5’7″ and most of my length is in my torso. I love that it covers my bum now too. I always like the sides of my shirttail hems to hit mid-hip so I know I won’t be tugging at it all day.

I love that it’s a bit dressier than my other tops but still comfy and casual. This will get so much wear and I’m already planning my next version in a lovely rayon challis.

I really love the fit and that it’s loose where I need it to be (it totally hides my ‘I-ate-poutine-for-lunch-belly’ :)). I definitely need a handful of these tops in my wardrobe!

Kennis at Itch to Stitch was so generous and is offering readers a 20% discount on the Carey Top through Sunday, April 24th with the code ‘carey20’. I highly recommend you hoping over and picking up your own copy!

As always, my co-bloggers have some great reviews for you too so make sure you click on through:

Diving Into Dolmans Week 4

Sewing by Ti: Jalie #3352 Dolman

Mahlica Designs: Fancy Tiger One Hour Top

Creative Counselor: Maria Denmark Olivia Oversized Tee

Made by Melli – Shwin Day Tripper

Guest Blogger: Sew Far North – Seamingly Smitten Women’s Dolman Sleeve Sweater

See you next week with one more dolman review!

Dive into Dolmans- Hey June Aurora

Hallelujah! It’s Thursday again- that means we’re one day away from the weekend AND I’ve got another dolman for you. Whoop, whoop!

This week I’m sharing a pattern by one of my favorite designers, Adrianna from Hey June Handmade. I had never made her Aurora Top and this was the perfect opportunity. Make sure you read to the end for an awesome coupon code for this pattern too!

Here’s all the nitty gritty-

Sizes	XS-XXL (bust sizes 32″-42″)
Printable pattern pages/copy shop version	15 pages per version/yes
Skill Level	Beginner
Measurements for Rectangle Pieces	No rectangle pieces
Line Drawings	Yes
Size made	Small
Options chosen	View A
Fabric Requirement for your size	2 yards (I used less than 1.5)
Measurement Chart	bust, waist, hip
Cutting Instructions	Yes
Pattern Printing Layout	Yes
Cutting Layout	Yes
Suggested Fabrics	knits with at least 30% stretch
Layer Printing Option	Yes
Neck Line Options	No
Sleeve Options	No
Hem Options	No
Color Blocking	Yes
Seam Allowance	1/4″
Hem Allowance	1/2″
Separate add-on pack	No
Fit	Slouchy with fitted long sleeve
Easy to read instructions	Yes
Drawing or photograph instructions	Drawings

If you’ve never used a Hey June pattern before the tutorials are always so clear and really some of the best I’ve ever used. This pattern was no exception.

The pattern is another basic dolman- long sleeves, curved hem and a facing neckline.

I’m usually not a fan of facings on a tee but this one really works well.

The long sleeve piece hits me 3″ above my elbow.

I also really like the curve of the underarm- not too wide.

I used this rayon spandex knit from Joann’s. Honestly, it’s a little wild for me but when I saw the new tie dye selection I was mesmerized. So cool but a little out there for me.

I’ve got a pair of Sloan Leggings that will go with this that I’ll share with you soon. I feel like I can be a little bit crazier with my workout clothes than I can with my everyday wardrobe so I think this tee will fit in perfectly there.

I’ve left this unhemmed for now. I’m debating adding a band to keep it in place if I’m wearing it primarily to workout in. I think this pattern, while basic, leads itself to easy hacks like bands, short sleeves, adding a neckband instead of facing, etc.

This pattern has a fun side inset option too that I didn’t use. The colorblocking options with that are so cool and flattering.

This pattern can be made up in a variety of knits like my slinky rayon version or a cozy french terry top. Adrianna has done it again- another winning pattern to add to my Hey June wardrobe. She has generously offered 25% the Aurora pattern until April 28th with the code ‘AuroraLove’. Hurry on over and pick up your copy!

Check out the other posts this week too:

Diving Into Dolmans Week 3

Guest Bloggers: Sew Far North

Adventures with Bubba and Bug

EYMM Capsule Skirt Blog Tour

Are you ready for summer yet?! Better question, is your wardrobe ready?!!!

The EYMM Capsule Skirt is the perfect pattern to get you started. I’ve got a coupon code at the end to help you out!

The Capsule Skirt is an easy to sew, knit skirt with optional pockets and multiple hem cut lines to give you the perfect fit.

I picked the fold over yoga waistband and of course added pockets (I need me some pockets!).

It sewed up so quick and is so, so comfy which makes this pretty much the perfect pattern. I think I’ll need to make a dozen more as I live in skirts during the summer. Countless hours at the soccer field call for something easy and breezy and this skirt will keep me looking cute and feeling great!

I used this cute ikat knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics and it paired perfectly with my Kymy top.

Haha, I love this pic but I probably should’ve edited out my goosebumps! I’m ready for summer now if Utah would just get the memo!

Make sure to check out all the other stops on the EYMM Capsule Skirt Tour. (Note: The links won’t be live until the day they’re scheduled, but feel free to click through and check out other blog posts any time.)

Wednesday, April 6

Connected by a Thread, Sugarplum Cuties, The Wholesome Mama

Thursday, April 7

Sew Far North, Lulu & Celeste, Pattern Revolution

Friday, April 8

SewSophieLynn, Welcome to our Crazy World, EYMM

Saturday, April 9

handcrafted by RED, Pretty and Precious, Capture, Craft, and Cook

Sunday, April 10

create3.5, Sewing the Seasons, HattieLu Handmade

Monday, April 11

Creative Counselor, Rebel & Malice, Blessed x 5

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the pattern while it’s on sale! Use coupon code PERFECTSKIRT to save 25% on the Women’s Capsule Skirt, Girl’s Capsule Skirt, or Capsule Skirt Bundle until April 12 at 11:59pm PST.

Dive into Dolmans-EYMM Kymy

It’s Thursday! That means I’ve got another dolman coming your way! Didn’t you love seeing everyone’s last week?!! This week promises to be just as good so make sure you click on over…

Sewing By Ti
Creative Counselor
Made By Melli

Guest bloggers: Rebel and Malice
Adventures with Bubba and Bug

I’m super excited to bring you another new to me pattern- EYMM Kymy’s Dolman Top.

It’s a super basic dolman and I did the most basic version of it. Here’s all the glorious details:

Sizes	XS-5X
Printable pattern pages/copy shop version	a million 😉 actually there are three styles and each style prints between 18-24 pages making 66 pages total- no copy shop version
Skill Level	Beginner
Measurements for Rectangle Pieces	Yes
Line Drawings	Yes
Size made	Small with Medium length
Options chosen	View B
Fabric Requirement for your size	1 yard
Measurement Chart	chest, waist, hip, shoulder to hip
Cutting Instructions	Yes
Pattern Printing Layout	Yes
Cutting Layout	No
Suggested Fabrics	Knits with 25% or more stretch
Layer Printing Option	No
Neck Line Options	No but there are tips to alter it
Sleeve Options	No
Hem Options	Hi-lo, band, tunic, basic
Color Blocking	no
Seam Allowance	3/8″
Hem Allowance	1/2″
Separate add-on pack	no
Fit	Very loose and slightly more fitted at waist
Easy to read instructions	Yes
Drawing or photograph instructions	Photographs

Not mentioned in the table above is the fact that this pattern comes with an option to ruche the side seam- a great maternity option or just to help camouflage a bit of belly. I didn’t pick that option but loved the ones in the listing.

I used this cotton/lycra from Raspberry Creek Fabrics (my go-to for almost all my solid knits). Cotton lycra is recommended in the pattern but I think it would look better in something with a bit more drape.

My biggest issue is with the sleeve in this knit. It’s got a bit too much body, making the sleeve gape. I think I’d need to wear a tank under to feel like I wasn’t flashing the world every time I raised my arms.

The neck is a wide boat neck and she does give directions on how to bring it in a touch. I may have to do that on my next one. Yep, I do think I’d make this again. It’s a fun silhouette and I’d love to try the side ruching on my next one, probably in something a little flowier. It’s such a quick sew and makes a great basic top. The size range of this pattern is pretty incredible too. It’s suggested to go up or down a size depending on the look you want. In different fabrics, sizes, and bottom hem options you could fill your closet with these and no one would know they all came from the same pattern.

I’m really loving the dolman’s ability to add a little volume up top and also help define my waist. Maybe dolman’s are a rectangles best friend 😉

Katie reviewed the Kymy here and I’m loving her version too! It’s great to see the same pattern on different bodies!

And here’s a little sneak peek at tomorrow’s post. I’m happy to be joining in another EYMM blog tour, this time featuring the Capsule Skirt. See you then…

Spring Break PJ Party Tour

I jumped at the chance to be a part of the Spring Break PJ Party Tour.

The tour is part of the Sew Your Stash Facebook group and I loved a good reason to sew up a few patterns I’ve had FOREVER!

I used a few patterns from Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop. My little man got some Alex and Anna Summer PJ’s.

I’ve been dying to use Raspberry Creek Club Fabrics for pajamas ever since I first felt them. They are so soft and just perfect for snuggling in.

My boy is in Club Aztec print, my oldest daughter in Club Buffalo Check, and my younger daughter has Club Dots. The solid cotton/lycra is also from Raspberry Creek.

I was silly and sized up for his and my oldest daughter’s (hoping to get more wear out of them) but they are plenty big. She’ll for sure get a couple summers out of hers.

For her I used the Alex and Anna Winter PJ’s for the bottoms and Summer PJ top.

And miss P got some footless Happy Feet PJ’s. The Happy Feet Pj’s were one of my first pattern tests ever and I can’t believe I never sewed them up again.

We headed to Grammy’s house for a fun slumber party photo shoot (Grammy has better indoor lighting, haha!).

Daddy took most of these pics and he is WAY more fun than mom! I loved sorting through all the pics of them busting up.

Make sure you enter the fabulous giveaway and stop by all the other amazing blogs along the way. The prize package is HUGE and you’ll want to check out the great fabric shop discounts too!

There are 24 shops sponsoring prizes for this tour!

Along with today’s daily giveaway (see below!) there is also larger giveaway and a link up happening. Go to today’s post over at Sprouting JubeJube to get the full details on how to link up and to enter the giveaway! We are also lucky to have four fabric shops offering readers discount codes: Mabel Madison is offering 20% off with the code JAMMIES. Code expires March 31st! PhatQuarters is offering 10% off OR FREE shipping to US addresses on orders over 40$ US (with an equivalent discount for international shoppers). Use the code PHAT10 for 10% off OR FREE40 for free shipping to US. Raspberry Creek Fabrics is offering 15% off with the code PJPARTYTOUR. Good through March 26th! Tangled Blossoms Designs is offering 10% off with the code PJPARTY. Code expires March 25th!

And now for today’s giveaway!

Today’s prize is sponsored by Felicity Sewing Patterns and StitchART. You could win 1 pattern of choice (excludes bundles) from Felicity Sewing Patterns and 2 patterns of choice (excluding bundles) from StitchART. Visit Felicity Sewing Patterns and StitchART to see what they have to offer. The giveaway ends March 26th at 11:59pm EST. See the Rafflecopter on how to enter! You have up to 8 chances to win! The winner will be chosen March 27th and will have 48 hours to respond to the email before a new winner is chosen. a Rafflecopter giveaway

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.

Want to win more prizes? You still have time to enter yesterday’s giveaway! Go to Made By Jaime’s post from yesterday to enter the giveaway that ends at 11:59pm EST tonight (March 25th)!

Make sure to swing by all the other fun stops on the tour.

Monday, March 21st

Tuesday, March 22nd

Wednesday, March 23rd

Thursday, March 24th

Friday, March 25th

EYMM Freestyle Harem Tour

I’ve got a thing for blog tours- I can’t pass one up! An excuse to sew and a fun group of seamstresses is enough to make me giddy!

I’m happy to be a stop on the Freestyle Harem Blog Tour by EYMM. I’ve got a great coupon code for you at the end of the post so keep on reading friends…

We’re prepping for Spring here and sewed up a capri version of the Freestyle Harem Pants.

I used a lightweight knit from my stash and it was perfect for these pants.

These pants are made for moving and grovin’!

Or standing on your head… (Man, I wish I could still do that!)

They’re stylin’ for a day out with friends…

And perfect for running and playing at home too! Comfy and cute is what we do around here.

I like them because they are cool enough for my tween but modest and cute enough for my tastes too! Seems like a hard balance to find these days.

The pattern features a couple of flat front waistband options…

With multiple rows of elastic in the back. There are also shorts and pants versions and a variety of cuff choices too. You know how I love me some options!

They’re the perfect spring pants! Can you feel the sunshine already?!

Thanks for dropping by our neck of the woods. Make sure to check out the other bloggers coming your way the rest of the week. And stop by EYMM and look around a bit! This was my first official EYMM make but it definitely won’t be the last!

Make sure to check out the rest of the Freestyle Harems Blog Tour during the next week. (Note: The links below won’t be live until their scheduled date.)

March 9 – Joelle at EYMM

March 10 – Patricia from Sew Far North

March 11 – Tami from Sew Sophie Lynn

March12 – Kelly from Analog Bytes

March 13 – Lore from Blessed x Five

March 14 – Larissa from Connected by a Thread

March 15 – Aimee from Capture, Craft, and Cook

During the blog tour, you can get the Freestyle Harem Pants on sale! Use code FREESTYLE to save 25% on the women’s or youth sizing or on the bundle, expires at 11:59pm PST on 3/15/2016.

Bella Sunshine Adaline

It’s Bella Sunshine’s Birthday! I’m here to celebrate with a couple takes on the Adaline dress and tunic.

The Adaline is a versatile dress pattern with multiple sleeve options and cute color blocking detail. I loved the simplicity of the pattern and my mind went crazy with all the possibilities.

The theme of the tour is pattern hacks and I couldn’t wait to put my own spin on it.

First I sewed up an all knit nightgown version in yummy Club stripes from Raspberry Creek Fabrics with a touch of Girl Charlee Knitfix floral.

I did a maxi length for drama and ultimate comfort!

I love the cute ruffly sleeve detail of this pattern.

I lined up the back pieces with my front pieces to determine width and cut on the fold instead of doing a button placket.

I skipped the lining and added a neckband.

She’s all girl and loves nightgowns and this is by far her favorite EVER!

My oldest daughter loves clean lines and fun details.

For her version, I skipped the color blocking and used a breezy polka dot gauze I got in LA.

I modified the sleeve to be a sweet cap sleeve.

We added a faux leather pre-made pocket from Jo-ann’s (I need to stock up on these because they are AWESOME!).

I did a bold exposed zipper up the back- another detail I just can’t get enough of!

The bodice is fully lined and I love the clean finishing of the pattern.

This is such a cool shirt that just suits her style so well!

This was my first Bella Sunshine pattern and I am beyond thrilled with my experience. The pattern came together well and the tutorial was well written.

I think the possibilities with this pattern are so fun. It’d make a gorgeous Easter dress out of satin or linen or a fun everyday dress in cute quilting cotton. Payton has requested another play dress in knit too!

Hope you guys had as much fun as we did on this blog tour!! Make sure to check out the other stops along the way and enter the fabulous giveaway! Head over to Bella Sunshine for more birthday fun!

Bella Sunshine Designs Birthday Blog Tour

Featured Bloggers:

Sponsors:

Prize Number 1:

Bella Sunshine Designs – 2 Patterns of Choice
Once Upon A Yard / Sew It Seams Facebook Group – Grab Bag of 7 yards of fabric

Prize Number 2 (Just for the USA):

Bella Sunshine Designs – 2 Pattern of Choice
Bethany Lane – 3 Sets of “Cute as a Button” wooden buttons (30 buttons total)

Prize Number 3:

Bella Sunshine Designs – 2 Patterns of Choice
Sofilantjes Patterns – 2 Patterns of Choice
Knot Sew Normal – 1 Pattern of Choice
Muffin Head Patterns – Any 1 pattern up to $12.00
Itch To Stitch – 1 Pattern of Choice
Rachel Rossi – Squared Fashion Wrap Sewing Pattern
FABulous Home Sewn – 1 Pattern of choice
Seaside Notions – 1 pattern of choice
Laela Jeyne Patterns – Pattern of choice (excludes bundles)
Pickle Toes Patterns – 1 Pattern of choice.

Enter the giveaway:

Hurry, the giveaway ends on Sunday, February 28th at midnight!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebration Sales:

Mabel Madison – 10% off their website with coupon code BELLABIRTHDAY until February 29th.
Sew It Seams – 15% off their website with coupon code BELLASUN until February 29th.

And of course, you can get 40% off all Bella Sunshine Designs patterns on our website until February 29th. No coupon code needed!

Ready for one more surprise? Check the Bella Sunshine Designs’s website on Friday for a new release or two!

For the Love of Dresses and Tunics Tour

I’m thrilled to be a stop on the Love Notions For the Love of Dresses and Tunics tour! Stay tuned til the end for your chance to enter the fabulous giveaway!

I sewed up a La Bella Donna Top in a yummy sweater knit that’s just perfect for our traditional family Valentine movie night.

Paired with my jegging knit Sabrina Slims I’m ready for a cozy night in.

Before I cut into my planned fabric I made a tester version in a bargain find sweater knit. I did the slimmer shirt version and added height to the band to make it tunic length. I loved it right away and decided this will be my date night out top! It’s so easy to glam it up for a quick dinner at our favorite little Thai place.

I made a few tweaks to my planned version after sewing this to get exactly the look I was after.

I added height and width to my cowl to really make it pop! I love this floral sweater knit and really wanted to showcase it against the graphic stripes. I can never get enough stripes and florals together!

I added an inch to the arm length and also brought the front neckline down about an inch and a half. I kept the doubled height of the bottom band from my tester.

A comfy, cute top that will get worn way beyond Valentine’s Day.

We’ve had pizza and movie night every Friday night for as long as I can remember. With five kids our weeks are so crazy that come Friday night we just want to snuggle up and be together!

We always have pizza- by Friday this mom is done thinking about dinner! Sometimes we order in, some days we make our own but every Valentine’s we’ve got to get a heart shaped take and bake from Papa Murphy’s.

It was an ‘artistic’ heart this year…

The kids all settle in on our ‘pizza blanket’ while mom and dad get comfy on the couches. We’ve been loving introducing our kids to some of our favorite childhood flicks. This night though we had a handful of extra boys and they picked ‘Here Comes the Boom’- totally blew my Valentine’s theme!

Throw in a little popcorn and treats and who needs to go to the real theater!

We’ve always got a little snuggler or two who join us. The perfect start to our weekends!

(On a side note- my hubby is in a play and has to grow his hair out and can’t shave for a few months. He was super embarrassed to make his blog debut as my homeless husband! I love the change though but we’ll keep that our little secret!)

I hope you’ve enjoyed your glimpse into our little Friday night ritual with a Valentine’s twist. Make sure you catch all the other stops on this fun tour to see more gorgeous takes on some amazing Love Notions patterns.

Feb. 8th Pear Berry Lane Rebel and Malice Craft Blizzard

Feb. 9th Friends Stitched Together Bunch o Berries HattieLu Handmade

Feb. 10th Beri Bee Designs The Wholesome Mama Handcrafted by RED

Feb. 11th Phat Quarters Blog Sew Sophie Lynn Sew Starly

Feb. 12th Boutique Birdie Pen Seb & Rox Creative Counselor

Feb. 13th All Things Katy! Sprouting JubeJube Lulu and Celeste

Now the part you’ve been waiting for! Enter the giveaway for your chance to win your choice of 5 Love Notions patterns (you can check out some of my favorite Love Notions makes here, here, and here) and $50 to spend at Girl Charlee.