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The women’s Love Notions Boyfriend Cardigan is the newest pattern to get updated! It’s re-released today and on sale today only for just $5!!! You can get it for $9 through the remainder of the weekend. You can also grab the girls version for just $5 today!
The Boyfriend Cardigan was my first ever Love Notions test years ago. My little miss is still as sassy!
We’ve loved our past Boyfriend Cardigans and wear them all year round. The classic style makes them easy to throw on with just about anything.
The newly redone pattern is now full of even more options. It’s been redrafting using the current Love Notions block and is now available in XS-5X. In addition to the previous mid-thigh length there is now a duster option. AND there are now choices to do a hood, shawl collar, or plain front. It’s crazy that they can make an amazing pattern even better!
I wanted to sew a lightweight spring version and picked up this gorgeous mint rib knit from Raspberry Creek. I’ve used double knit, waffle, french terry, and now rib knit for this pattern and love it in all of them. It drapes beautifully in this soft rib knit. I sewed up a size small with the shawl collar.
I wanted this to be as versatile for warmer weather as possible so I made a simple waist tie to be able to wear it as a swim coverup as well. I love it with jeans and a tee but it’ll also be great to throw over a swimsuit (especially on those vacations when you want to get from your hotel room to the pool!).
Make sure to take advantage of the major discount today and pick up the women’s and girl’s cardigans!
Love Notions Patterns is celebrating a brand new workshop space with an unprecedented 50% off site-wide sale! Now’s your chance to grab all of those amazing LN patterns you’ve had your eye on. I’m sharing a couple of my latest LN makes and joining in the party! Head to my Instagram for a chance to win a pattern of your choice too.
This post contains affiliate links that cost you nothing extra to shop through but in return I will receive a small commission that I use to keep this blog up and going (a win-win for us all!).
As August approaches each year I always have the same dilemma. Do I sew for the sweltering heat we’re in or do I start sewing for the cold weather just around the corner? Utah seems to go from summer to winter in the blink of an eye. For my latest makes I settled on a couple of pieces that will work well now and into the fall too.
It’s no secret that I LOVE the Allegro pattern and I currently have a pair for every day of the week (and then some). They are the perfect summer pant but I knew I wanted to make some to wear into cooler weather too. That relaxed fit and comfy knit waistband make them so easy to wear but they also look a little more classy than my cut-offs I tend to gravitate to.
The full length pant option hits me right at the ankle and for this pair I wanted them to be a little longer. I lengthened them an inch at the hem and then took a smaller 3/4″ hem to make them even longer. I wanted to be able to wear them with all kinds of shoes and this length works really well with anything from sandals to sneakers or even ankle boots.
For this pair I used a nice chambray from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. It’s the same fabric I used for my Vero shorts and I knew I needed pants out of it too. It’s just a great mid-weight fabric that is light enough for summer but won’t too light once it cools off too.
I love that I can style these pants with so many of my favorite LN tops patterns for tons of different looks, no matter what the season is. For this summery look, I sewed up a new Harmony Blouse. I love that this look is casual but fun and a little more dressy than just a knit tee.
I am part of the Love Notions Ambassadors, an amazing group of sewists from all over the world. We sew up and promote Love Notions patterns for Feature Friday posts and new releases, help test new patterns, and get in on all the behind-the-scenes fun going on at LN. Tami and Tessa are always coming up with new ideas and fun promotions and I’m always grateful to join in the party. Coming up soon, there will be a Fabric Feature in which all of the ambassadors got to pick fabric from their favorite online retailers to help spread the word on all of the amazing fabric shops out there. It can be hard to know just where to shop for certain types of fabric and also what fabric feels like from reading an online description. This will be an invaluable resource coming to the Love Notions blog.
For my fabric gift, I headed to my favorite online shop for affordable, great quality wovens that are hard to find in other shops, Alyssa May Designs. I picked two gorgeous fabrics and am excited to share my first make with them. I sewed up a Harmony Blouse in this pretty floral lightweight stretch chiffon. This fabric is a 95/5 poly spandex blend and is silky and soft without being too slinky to work with. The bit of stretch makes it so nice to wear.
The Harmony is an easy to sew top pattern that comes with multiple sleeves (cap, short, flutter, or sleeveless), back keyhole closure, and a full bust piece. It’s fitted through the chest and shoulder but nice and relaxed through the rest of the top. Sewn in a drapey, lightweight fabric, it just flows over any problem areas and is so nice to wear in the heat of summer. For this version, I used the Classic Tee crew neckline to bring up the neckline a couple of inches. I’m kinda weird and like to wear either a v-neck or crewneck and nothing in between. It’s been nice to figure out why certain handmades weren’t being worn and now I can easily make that adjustment when I’m sewing up new pieces.
Are you ready for a few more head-to-toe Love Notions looks that can take you from summer straight on to fall? These Allegros will certainly get a workout in my closet. This is the look that I’ll probably wear the most through the rest of the summer. Allegros and a Classic Tee are my go-to combo (see my all knit versions here and here ). I did an easy mod to this tee by adding a sleeve cuff and buttons- love that little extra touch!
The Melody Dolman is one of my all-time favorite patterns too. It’s such a great pattern for an adventurous beginner and the perfect pattern if you’d like to give button-ups a try. It comes together so smoothly and quick and is so on trend right now (a quick stroll around your favorite retailer and you’ll see this style everywhere!). I love it paired with Allegros for a cute, relaxed, and stylish look.
As the air gets a little crisper, I always reach for my Rockford Raglans. This lightweight sweater knit version looks fantastic with these pants. I think moving into fall these pants will be a nice alternative to jeans. They work great with sweatshirts and hoodies too!
I’m a little embarrassed to say this is probably how you’ll catch me 95% of the winter. Comfy pants, short sleeve top, and cozy Boyfriend Cardigan. Also the fact that it’s charcoal grey from top to bottom is pretty standard too. This Boyfriend cardi in comfy french terry is my go-to layering piece. It’s so soft and has been washed to the prime coziness.
Here are a few of my other Love Notions favorites to fill your closet! At 50% off, these patterns are a steal and all have so many options making them perfect for this transitional season. I love a 3/4 sleeve top and the Tabitha top is just too cute! Sabrina Slims paired with a Canyon Cardigan vest are darling together and both pieces are super easy to mix into your wardrobe.
If you want to see more of my Love Notions makes click here for all of my past LN posts. So much of my families wardrobes are LN makes and we get so much wear out of them! For some quick inspiration head here and here.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the HUGE sitewide Love Notions sale. You can head to all the other Ambassadors posts for loads more inspiration!
Visit all the stops on the tour!
Koe is on the Love Notions Blog with a way to help your kids embrace mask-wearing, using a little creativity and the Cartwheel Collection. read more
Josie gives a detailed review of her favorites! I love Josie’s style and her simple but elegant take on the patterns. read more
Anjori has such a sweet style and her mommy and me twinning with her daughter is my favorite! read more
Ilse always has a lovely, wearable version of Love Notions patterns and has timeless style that is approachable for anyone! read more
Katie is a hacking genius and active mom who sews for herself and her two boys. She has a pattern round up AND a fabric gift giveaway! read more
Chris has a full review of the Rhapsody Blouse, info on the new studio, and a full round up of the patterns you’ll love. watch now
Katie G. is showing off a lovely Allegro Skirt hack that you will want to make ASAP — plus she’s rounding up her absolute favorite patterns. read more
Crystal is showing off the Cartwheel Collection for her kiddo and discussing “Back to School — at home!” read more
Koe is also on her blog showing off her top 4 most used Love Notions patterns — if you don’t have these yet, you are missing out! read more
Karina from Lifting Pins and Needles is one of the most helpful and inspiring sewists. She is showing how to simplify a few faves: Vivace and Lyric! read more
Keira from Island Sewcialist is ready for twirling! See why she’s ready for anything in her Sybil Skirt. read more
Sequoia from SequoiaLynn Sews is showing off her favorite Love Notions makes PLUS giving away a free Love Notions pattern. You do not want to miss out! read more
And remember if you are in the area, stay in touch on the Love Notions Workshop email list! sign up here
It’s been almost a month since the Love Notions sewing retreat. I can’t believe I was one of the lucky ones in attendance and it’s definitely an experience I’ll cherish. Friendships were made and strengthened, sewing skills were learned, projects were finished, fabric was scored, and a great time was had by all. I can’t wait to share with you my experience and of course all the projects I was able to start or finish while there!
I’ve worked with Tami at Love Notions for a couple of years now. She was one of my first ever pattern tests and it was such a great experience. I loved how hands on she was through the testing process, sometimes sewing up a dozen or more of each design right along with the testers. She puts so much effort into perfecting a pattern and her eye for detail and design is amazing. I also just really love her classic, simple style! Needless to say, I was super excited to finally meet the whole Love Notions crew in person! It felt like being with old friends! My favorite parts of the whole weekend were talking sewing, family, and life with these ladies. Kelly (Handmade Boy), Rachel Ring (Handcrafted By Red), and Caroline Gaddy (Sew Like A Sloth) have been such inspiration and it was incredible spending time with them in the flesh.
The venue was perfect! A cabin in the woods with 38 women- all there to share their love of sewing, what could be better. There was a big main room where we had classes (a fitting class, a pattern hacking class, a vinyl workshop, a photography class, and a sew-a-long) and free sewing. The Sly Fox Fabrics crew were amazing and treated us to the best game of Yankee Swap I’ve ever played (purses and fabric prizes, hello!). We hung out in the hot tub, ate lots of yummy food, and of course sewed our hearts out. These women were all so different and brought so much to our group. I’m so grateful I got to know these ladies from all over the US (and you cute Canadian Lisa!). For this shy, introvert sewing can be so solitary but it was so nice to be able to share this passion of mine with so many inspiring, incredible women. Thanks for such a fantastic few days!
While I was there, I did actually sew a few things 😉 My plan was to cut out projects and I was super productive cutting three Moto Maxx joggers for my little guy and a Classic Tee for myself. While there I sewed up this Serenity Sweater during the Sew-A-Long and also a Rockford Raglan. I’m also sharing my latest Boyfriend Cardigan that I tried to have done in time for the retreat (everyone sews the day before a big trip, right?!) but had to save til I returned.
The Serenity Sweater (affiliate links included in this post) was a bit out of my comfort zone and I’m so glad I sewed it up. I love the clever construction! It’s such a cute, on-trend piece that I love to dress up or down. I stopped at Raspberry Creek Fabrics a few days before my trip and loaded up on pretties to sew up. This Teal Brushed Hacci Sweater Knit was perfect for this pattern. I love the vibrant color so much!
The other thing I sewed while at the retreat was this Rockford Raglan. The retreat was located just outside of Rockford so it was only fitting that I sew one up!
This gorgeous Floral Sweater Knit made for such a pretty sweater. I tend to always use contrasting fabrics for raglans but love the simplicity of this one done in a single fabric. I love the relaxed fit of the Rockford and the quick finish that it is.
The Classic Tee is a favorite in my wardrobe and I’ve been wanting to add some long sleeve versions. I cut into this pretty Rust Floral Double Brushed Polyester at the retreat and sewed it up as soon as I was back home.
The fit of the Classic Tee is nice and fitted through the chest and shoulders but relaxes through the belly and hips. It’s absolutely perfect in my book!
And now for the ultimate piece in my new Love Notions wardrobe, a cozy Boyfriend Cardigan. I hate to play favorites but the Boyfriend Cardigan pattern is the chosen one for me. It’s the quintessential layering piece and works so well in so many different fabrics.
I scored this plush, thick sweater knit in LA almost two years ago and have been meaning to sew it up ever since. It was just made to be a cozy cardigan and I’m so glad it’s now in it’s rightful place in my wardrobe.
I may or may not have worn it three days in a row… taken a day off, then wore it two more days, lol! The big shawl collar, deep pockets, and long length just make it the best thing ever to throw on for those cold fall days. And in gray, c’mon, it’s a no brainer. This puppy will get worn to death this season.
K- thanks for indulging me as I gush about all things Love Notions. I’m such a fan and I’m so grateful to Tami and the team for letting me join their fun. PS- you can still grab the Ladies Constellation Hoodie on sale through Saturday for $8!
I love sewing for fall and the Back to School Blog Tour hosted by Lulu and Celeste and Sprouting Jube Jube was a great excuse to sew for my oldest daughter. Make sure to head over to Sprouting Jube Jube to see the amazing list of sponsors- so many great pattern and fabric companies!
When it came time to plan my sweet girl’s back to school wardrobe we first went through her closet to see any gaps that needed to be filled. It’s no secret that this girly has quite the closet full of clothes. In an attempt to keep it from overflowing we decided a capsule wardrobe for fall would work best. We pulled old items from her closet, added a few new handmades, and then hit a couple stores for a few more pieces. I think this collection of handmade and store-bought clothes sums up her wardrobe in general. I love to sew her easy, quick pieces and fill it in with ready-to-wear items that don’t make sense for me to sew- items that are inexpensive or too time consuming for me to fabricate. Sometimes it’s even easier for me to purchase things and then alter them to fit her skinny body- a quick taking in of the waist and hips has saved many ready-to-wear pants! Now on to the fashion show…
This blush pink bomber jacket, purchased at TJ Maxx, was the starting point for this capsule. I love it so much and have a serious case of jacket envy! It’s the perfect weight for fall and has been in heavy rotation here.
Jeans are one thing I’ve yet to attempt so I will gladly keep purchasing them! It’s hard to find pants that fit this girl and when we do I feel like cheering! H&M offers a wider range of sizes and their pants run on the skinny side so they are usually our first stop. Both of the jeans featured are from there. We also order online for her quite a bit since more stores carry slim sizing only in their online shops (Old Navy, Target, and Crazy 8 are some favorites).
This girl loves to browse online and fell in love with a few pieces from Children’s Place, including this hoodie and the button-up shirt (no longer available but here’s a similar version). For under ten dollars each, these pieces were no brainers for me to purchase. Button plackets, collars, button-holes- eek! She loves her button-ups and for that price I will gladly save myself the time, stress, and expense of making them. These hi-top white sneakers are also from Children’s Place.
The leggings and this tee were found at Ross and were both under $6- easy things to make, yes, but for that price point we were both happy to add them to our cart! For all you vinyl-lovers like myself, Thread and Grain has a super cute vinyl file with the same saying! The black and white polka dot Reebox were also a Ross score.
Onto the handmades!! I’m a huge fan of the Love Notions Boyfriend Cardigan (affl. link) and knew she’d love her own french terry version. I picked up this french terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics and while it’s currently not available there are PLENTY of other french terry options in the shop! It’s beyond cozy and a good alternative to the classic hoodie.
These two tops are oldies but goodies and are still going strong. The floral is the Andromeda Top from Sew Straight and Gather (you can see more pics of it here). The striped tee is my go-to t-shirt pattern, the City Park Tee from Hey June Handmade (more pics here). These are both shirts that she continues to gravitate to so they were no brainers to include in this capsule.
The Patterns for Pirates Butterfly Cardigan is another tried-and-true pattern for us. It’s an incredibly quick sew and I love the slouchy-cool look it has. This thin sweater knit has been in my stash forever and was perfect for this light-weight fall cardigan.
The last piece I made might be my favorite! The Lazy Day Lounge Pants from Gracious Threads are the perfect comfy pants! They’re a relaxed fit but not too baggy and sloppy. In this gorgeous french terry from Raspberry Creek fabrics (currently out-of-stock), I don’t think I could love them more!
Phew! You made it to the end- you might deserve a medal for sticking through all those details! So many pieces but they all add up to one super cute, versatile capsule wardrobe!
Thanks so much to Deb and Ula for hosting! Make sure to check out all the amazing inspiration this week. If you love sewing for kids then this tour is for you!
Tibeca at Sewing By Ti is hosting a fun tour filled with tons of inspiration to help you beat those winter blues. Watcha Wearing January is all about your style this month and of course there’s two HUGE giveaways to go along with it. Read on until the end for all the glorious details.
This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through them gives me a small commission that inevitably ends up as more fabric for me 😉
My winter wardrobe is pretty basic. I either wear joggers and a flannel or jeans and a cardigan. Really- every single day you will find me in some combination of that uniform. I’m trying to branch out and throw some leggings in there too every now and then. I’m fancy like that…
For this tour I want to highlight my newest Love Notions makes.
I’ve paired a Laundry Day Tee (free if you join the Facebook Group) with a Love Notions Boyfriend Cardigan. The Boyfriend Cardigan was my very first test for Tami at Love Notions and the start of something amazing! I hadn’t made one since then and I’d been dying to pull out the pattern again. For more pics of my Laundry Day Tee you can hop over here and find my dress hack here.
For this version I used my favorite fabric in the whole entire universe- seriously! It’s charcoal french terry from the lovely Raspberry Creek Fabric. (It’s out of stock currently but she gets new stuff in constantly!) It’s amazingly soft, sews up so easy, comes out of the wash even better each time, never fades or pills- trust me, it’s the best!
I made a few slight mods to this version. I sized up from my usual small to a medium- I wanted it oversized and cozy! I left off the side vents also- mostly because I’m lazy. Finally my ‘shawl’ part of the binding is a tad skinnier at the neck because I was short on fabric.
I added a tiny leather tag to my pocket just to class it up a tad.
Confession- after making this I wore it three full days in a row and at least twice a week since then. It’s just the ultimate in comfort and goes with everything.
My second look features another boyfriend cardigan, paired with a La Bella Donna this time.
The La Bella Donna is one of my favorite top patterns. I used a olive green modal jersey from Cali Fabrics for this version. It’s silky soft and drapey but yet sewed up wonderfully.
I love the shape of this top! Loose in all the right places and so comfortable.
It’s one of those ‘must-have’ patterns in my book. It has a ton of options too which makes it a pattern you’ll use over and over.
This cardigan also is a medium with the side vents skipped. I was also short on fabric for this one and had to get a little creative with my band. I simply made my own band 6″x the width of fabric, folded it in half, sewed the short ends then attached it to the cardigan. I did a three inch hem to get the band to fit. I really like how this turned out and will use this method in the future too.
This one is currently sans pockets since I can’t make up my mind. I’d love a little bigger, taller pocket but couldn’t get it quite right. I’m not giving up though- after wearing this all day I realized that pockets are a must!
I love that this pattern is two separate back pieces. The extra shaping really brings in the waist line and keeps it from looking sloppy.
This fabric was a gift but I believe it’s from Joann’s. It’s a lovely navy on the inside and is such a great medium weight.
K- ready for the good stuff! You can check out the other bloggers this week here:
Now for the giveaways! There are TWO big prize packs this tour. For more details and to enter to win all the loot head over to Ti’s blog. There’s a Rafflecopter giveaway and also a linky party to join in.
Prize pack one includes patterns and fabric from these amazing sponsors:
Prize pack two includes fabric and patterns from all of these great sponsors:
You don’t want to miss it! I’ll be bringing you one more post on this tour featuring children’s looks. You can check the hashtag #watchawearinjanuary for more inspiration too!
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SewSophieLynn 