Tag: CaliFabrics

Love Notions Olympia

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One of my favorite things about pattern testing are the wonderful seamstresses I’ve met- from the designers to the other testers.  My most recent pattern test was the Olympia Dress (affl. link) from Love Notions.  I was thrilled when I realized a few of my local sewing friends were also testing the dress!

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Tiahna from Ammon Lane, Anna from Kainara Stitches, and Rachel from Little Fish all live super close to me so a photo shoot was definitely in order!  It was so fun to see them and I loved the chance to see their dresses in real life.  Like all of Love Notions patterns, the Olympia dress is so flattering on all our different body types.  There are so many options- multiple sleeve and dress lengths plus a zipper front nursing modification!  It’s a great fit for any lifestyle!

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For more details on my dress head over to the Cali Fabrics Blog.  I used a gorgeous ponte from Cali Fabrics for my dress and I can’t get over how much I love it!

Pick up your copy of the Olympia today!

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Love Notions Terra Tunic

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If you could only take one top pattern with you to a deserted island then I have the pattern for you- the Terra Tunic (affl. link) from Love Notions!  It has so many options that it’s really all you’ll ever need!

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I did just two of the neckline options but there are 6, yes 6!, different choices.  I did the scoop neck and v-neck hood options but there are also v-neck, boat neck, funnel, and asymmetrical collar.  There are also four different sleeve lengths making this a true all seasons pattern.

I love that fabric choice plays such a role in this pattern.  You can use almost any fabric weight for different looks.  I used fabric from So Sew English for these two tops.  The hoodie is a brushed sweater knit and the tee is a double brushed poly.  Two completely different looks from the same pattern!

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I love the elbow patch option too!  Such a fun detail on the long sleeve versions.

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This will become my go-to tee pattern.  I love how fitted it is up top and then gently skims the waist.  It’s exactly what I look for in a top! (I’m just realizing I should have edited out my goose bumps!  This is what outdoor pics in 20 degrees will do to ya’!)

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And those side vents are another detail that just takes this pattern to the next level.

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I’ve had this sweater knit from Cali Fabrics in my stash for far too long.  I knew I wanted to make a cropped sweater with it but couldn’t find the right pattern.  The Terra was perfect for it!

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I eeked this out of one yard and just made it work.  I did 3/4 sleeves and the scoop neckline.  I omitted the side vents and folded my pattern piece at the hip line (I love all the reference lines given in the pattern!  It makes these little adjustments so easy!).  I did a simple one inch hem and had my sweater done in no time!

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I’ve been under the weather this past week and missing my sewing machine.  This top was just what I needed to get me back into things.  I may head back to bed after this post goes up though- a girl can only do so much!  Life is hard when mom is sick- ain’t nobody got time for that!

Have you grabbed your copy yet?  I can’t wait to see what version you sew up first!

 

Slouchy Cardi from Heidi and Finn

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My girls closets are overflowing but they always seem to be in need of something.  This time of year it’s sweaters and layers!

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This Christmas break my goal is to fill that whole in their wardrobe.  The Slouchy Cardigan from Heidi and Finn is just perfect to do that.

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It’s such a quick sew and comes together so well.  The shape is so on trend and adorable on too!

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This picky girl loves this cozy sweater!  I used this fun double sweater knit from Cali Fabrics.  It is a fantastic weight- not too heavy to sew but still warm and thick.  I grabbed the brown colorway for myself!

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I grabbed this girl right in the door from school and she was thrilled to throw on her new sweater.  She’s been going like crazy and I’m excited to relax with her this Christmas break.  She’s been hanging in my sewing room with me and designing a few of her own tops that we are excited to sew up together.  I love this age and this girl really is a gem!

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Are you sewing over the holidays?  Fried from all the Christmas sewing and taking a break?  I’m looking forward to a little sewing and a lot of relaxing!

Denim Joggers featuring CaliFabrics

This post was written for the Cali & Co. blog.  Head on over for TONS of sewing inspiration from some super talented ladies!

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As a busy mom of five I get my fashion inspiration not from the pages of Vogue magazine but usually from the chic mom running errands or pushing the cart around the grocery store. I live in comfy clothes but still like to look pulled together. I’ve been dying for a pair of denim joggers for what seems like forever!

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Hallelujah! The stars aligned and these beauties were born! I love that they look cute but still feel like I’m wearing my pajamas. I used this lovely grey cotton/tencel denim that is a dream to wear. It’s lightweight but still feels like it will hold up to whatever I throw at them- whether it’s a Saturday at the soccer fields or a fun date night with the hubby.

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I used the Pattern Emporium Ladies Harem Pants with some slight modifications. I like my joggers loose and these are just what I was after. I took about an inch off the back at the hips through the waist and used a slightly bigger seam allowance to bring them in all over just a touch more. I did an extra wide bottom hem and inserted 1.5″ elastic for a nice big cuff. I then ran a couple rows of stitching on top for detail.

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I added grommets to my waistband and did a faux drawstring. All these details make them more like joggers and less like fancy harem pants. I think they are a nice marriage of both styles.

I love how versatile they are to wear! I’ll throw on my favorite tee to get me through the last days of summer. Then I can pair them with my favorite flannel button-up when the weather gets cooler as we head into fall. I can even dress them up for a fancy date night on the town. (Who am I kidding? Date nights are few and far between but at least I’ll be ready for it!)

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I had to give you a little booty shot- these look fab, am I right?!

Hop on over to see more fun projects at the Cali Fabrics Blog.  I’m so excited to be a part of the Cali & Co. team!