Chalk and Notch – SewSophieLynn

Mini Marcel Dress with Riley Blake Rose and Violet’s Garden

When I’m browsing Riley Blake’s upcoming collections, there’s always a few from each collection that I fall for. If there’s stripes, you better believe I’m smitten! These stripes from Rose and Violet’s Garden are pastel perfection!

I’ve been excited to sew up the Chalk and Notch Mini Marcel Dress since it’s release and these stripes were just made for those side panels! I mean c’mon- I just had to do it!

The Mini Marcel is an easy, breezy sundress that features fun, gathered, multi-tiered side panels. This not so little miss was barely under the largest size for chest, waist, and hips (and still a couple inches shy of the women’s) but 7 inches taller than the size 12. The tutorial gives clear instructions on how to lengthen and I added 4 inches total to get our desired length. I also lengthened the shoulder straps. I love that there’s enough room for her to wear this through spring and summer.

The midi-length is perfect for a growing girl! It’ll look cute as she continues to sprout up and get close to passing me right up.

The dress has no closures which I think is so ideal for a sundress. You want something unfussy and comfy, right?!

I’m pretty sure this dress needs to be worn on the beach with the crystal blue water and white sands at her feet. Unfortunately for us, the day we took these pictures we were in the middle of a snowstorm and not soaking up the sunshine! Someday it will see the ocean though…

I was so tempted to sew these stripes up for myself. The colors are some of my absolute favorites (just take a look around my sage covered house!). I debated between sewing myself up a cute pleated skirt in the sage or a fun Melody top in the yellow. Little sis was hoping for something in the yellow too (remember yellow is one of her top colors too?!). This girl is constantly handing down her dresses though and was the winner by sheer wardrobe space, lol. I’d say she’s one lucky girl!

I’d say that smile is just about worth it! Can’t wait for her to wear this come spring!

You can check out the whole collection here!

Page and Mini Page Hoodie from Chalk and Notch

We have been on the hunt all winter for a good boxy hoodie pattern. My girls are obsessed and have a handful of ready-to-wear pieces in constant rotation. I’ve tried upsizing our favorite patterns but really struggled to get the fit they were after. Gabriela to the rescue! I’m so excited to be sharing all about the new Page and Mini Page Hoodies by Chalk and Notch. I was lucky enough to test both patterns and can’t wait to share our new favorite hoodies with you.

The Page is an oversized raglan sweatshirt with multiple sleeve and hem options. The Page pattern comes in sizes 0-24 and has 2 cup options. The Mini Page is available in sizes 12 mos.- 12 years.

I sewed up a size 6 A/B cup bodice for my versions. I did view A (the banded hem) with the full sleeves. I’m still hooked on this style of sleeve and waiting for the moment when I get tired of it but I don’t see that happening any time soon.

This rust french terry version was the first one I sewed up. It came together so fast that I immediately started planning other versions. For this version I added an inch to both the bodice and the sleeves since I am 5’7″. I tend to need to add length to all my long sleeve tops. This sweatshirt is soooo comfortable. It’s just loose enough but doesn’t feel sloppy. I want to wear this one every.single.day!

I’ve had this gorgeous double knit since our trip to LA last summer and I’ve been waiting for the perfect hoodie pattern. It was just meant for the Page! This time I added 2 inches to the bodice to make it a touch longer.

To really up the lush factor, I used this incredible Shannon minky I got at the first Love Notions retreat. I’d been saving it to use for a hood lining and it was just perfect for this! My kids have all requested matching hoods so I’m crossing my fingers I can get a few more linings out of it. It’s so soft and plush!

This sweatshirt is quite possibly the prettiest hoodie I’ve ever made and is right up there with my favorite things to come off my machines.

This cutie has been patiently waiting for me to sew up this Hobby Lobby fabric she picked out early this fall. She specifically wanted an oversized hoodie and I kept putting it off, hoping the perfect pattern would pop up. She squealed when I showed her Gabriela’s mini version and we both knew it was the perfect match!

This is a size 10, early tester version. The hood and length changed a bit since this but we love the fit! I can’t wait to sew up a few more come next fall. Big sis and little bro are waiting in line for theirs too!

Make sure you grab your patterns on sale through Tuesday, March 17th! I’m sure you’ll be as hooked as we are!

Raspberry Creek Fabrics Valentine Line

Raspberry Creek Fabrics introduced their Valentine Line last week and I loved sewing some of it up! We were lucky enough to meet up with Anna and her darling kiddos for a quick photo shoot to really highlight this collection. I feel so lucky to have such great sewing friends so close and Anna is so incredibly talented!

This argyle print is such a classic and was instantly a favorite. It’s great for the holidays but will also work well year round. It’s printed on the CLUB grey base which is my absolute fav, especially for boys.

I sewed up a Greenpoint Cardigan from Hey June Handmade. I can’t believe this was my first time using this pattern. It sewed up quickly and looks so cute on. I left off the snaps and buttons for now but I’m still debating whether or not to add them. We’ve struggled with snaps in the past so I’m leaning towards some sleek black buttons…

I’ve been dying to sew up the new Modkid Brooklyn. I love Modkid’s Tween line (Sophie is still just under the size chart chest/hip wise but is a 14 height!). I think this pattern is similar to the True Bias Niko pattern and since I like to try out new styles on my little mini me first she got to be my guinea pig. The mock neck, slim fitting silhouette is so cute on her!

I thought the modern lines of this print were just too perfect for this look! Windowpane prints are having such a moment and the addition of hearts just make this fabric so sweet.

This little girl is all about purple right now. She loved the pretty watercolor stripe and I knew pairing it with the CLUB lilac dots would be a win.

I used the Jolly Roger Raglan from Patterns for Pirates with the funnel neck add-on. I extended the funnel neck height and cropped the bottom hem a couple of inches as well. It’s a cozy closet staple that will get worn often.

I had to get in on the fun! I love the simplicity of these tiny hearts on grey. It’s cute without being too young. It’s a print I can wear year-round and will pull out this sweatshirt often. I used my latest go-to pattern, the Pixie Tee from Chalk and Notch. I cropped the hem about two inches since I plan on wearing this as a layering piece and I love a bit of shirttail sticking out.

I also sewed up a New Horizons Manhattan Dress in the XO double brushed polyester. I love what a quick sew this pattern is and that boat neck is super cute! The drape of the double brushed poly is dreamy as a circle skirt and she loves how soft this dress is.

You can grab these prints on sale through Wednesday, December 19th for $1 off per yard. They’re available on CLUB cotton jersey and french terry with the bottom two prints on double brushed polyester. They’ll stay available in the shop through Valentine’s Day.

Sewing for ME!

You guys! I did it! I sewed for myself with absolutely no deadline! These two tops were pieces I’d been dying to make but they were constantly being put on the back burner for silly things like soccer games, dance recitals, laundry, dinner, and pattern tests and such, lol! I’m so glad I finally sat down and sewed just for fun (and to remember when that’s the only reason I sewed).

I bought the Elliot Sweater when it released and have wanting to sew it up since. I even brought all of this along to the Love Notions Sewing Retreat and just didn’t get to it then. I really wanted to wear this through the holidays so last weekend I just had to make the time to do it. It’s amazing what a couple hours with my machines can do for my soul. I came out with a cute top and renewed spirits- a win for the whole family 😉

The raglan sleeve and big cowl neck make this a pretty quick and easy sew.

That split hem is such a pretty detail that takes a few more minutes but the result is so good!

I will say that I will probably sew the slit together a couple more inches in the future. It looks great with high-waisted pants and leggings but I just don’t have enough of them in my wardrobe to make it super practical. I wore a layering tank under this one and it worked great and kept me covered just fine.

This fun bold stripe french terry was one of my few Black Friday purchases. I’m always on the hunt for cool retro stripes and couldn’t pass up this cuteness.

I wanted a nice, relaxed sweatshirt and grabbed my Pixie Tee pattern again. I did view B for the first time with a banded hem. All those band finishes make this sew up in no time at all. I think I need a few more to get me through our cold winter months.

Hooray for a little selfish sewing! Are you sneaking in a few projects for yourself? Up to your neck in gift sewing? Whatever’s on your sewing table, enjoy yourself and soak up that creative energy!

Art Gallery Fabrics Stripe Tour

I’m thrilled to be joining Karly from Paisley Roots for the Art Gallery Fabrics Stripe Tour. Karly and I very first bonded over our shared love of all things striped so this was a definite treat for both of us. I’m happy to be joining a great group of sewists to share these amazing fabrics with you. Make sure you check out their posts this week as well!

SookEe Designs / Replicate Then Deviate / Sew Sophie Lynn /

Heather Handmade / Sew A Straight Line / Confetti Unicorn

Stripes are a favorite of mine and these looks were so much fun to create. I had the hardest time picking which fabrics to use. Just take a look at all the killer stripes here. You want them all too, right?! The colors are just divine and there are so many to choose from. They are yarn-dyed meaning they’ll stay just as pretty after a million washes as they look today. Such a dream fabric!

In the end I just couldn’t get this classic black and white combo out of my head. I used the Striped Bold Caviar and Striped Alike Caviar. I love the creamy white with the bold black. I think I already have five black and white stripe tees in my own closet but I’m so drawn to the combo. There’s no such thing as too many black and white stripes in your wardrobe!

For my top I used the Pixie Tee and Dress from Chalk and Notch. I love the optional side ties and knew it was the perfect place for a fun pop of fabric. I used scraps from these pretty Art Gallery dresses and I love the combination.

A bold peacock print is such a fun touch!

I couldn’t bear to waste any of the leftovers so my little guy just had to have a tee too! I used my go-to Jolly Roger Raglan pattern. This bold stripe paired with a solid AGF knit in Sahara Sun is just checking all my boxes. Stripes- check, mustard- check, cute boy- check 😉

This fun dress is the piece de resistance! I used the Upton pattern from Blaverry (so sad it is no longer available!). It’s one of my favorite patterns for combining fabrics and I’m always so happy with the results.

That back detail just makes me flip!

Add in that pretty contrast yoke and I’m head over heels!

We are so in love with our new pieces. I can’t get over the quality of this fabric. It was so nice to work with and is so soft and smooth. I almost felt guilty using this amazing stuff on my kids. I can tell it will hold up to all that they throw at it though making these a great addition to their closets. Now to get my hands on all the colors…

Thanks for joining us on our stop! We hope you treat yourself to some of this amazing fabric soon!

Orchid Midi Dress from Chalk and Notch

The Orchid Midi Dress from Chalk and Notch patterns is here! Gabriela’s patterns are always much anticipated and there’s good reason. The Orchid Dress is no exception. I’m excited to be able to give a copy to one of my readers too!

The Orchid Dress is a woven faux wrap dress and features two different views. I sewed up the long sleeve version as we are quickly moving into fall here. The pattern comes in sizes 0-18 and I sewed up a size 6 without any modifications for reference.

I used a lovely mustard floral bubble crepe from Knitpop and am absolutely in love with how it turned out. This fabric is ever so slightly sheer but the drape and weight were too perfect. Wearing a slip easily solved the opacity problem and that color just gets me every time (be prepared for LOTS of mustard around these parts).

There is an optional step in the pattern to add a snap to the bodice to keep it closed. I chose to hand tack my bodice shut and I love that I could pick just how high I wanted it to be. I prefer more coverage and it was so easy to achieve with a quick little tack. After our initial photo shoot I was also able to easily hand sew my slit closed about 4″. This picture is just as the pattern calls for but it was a bit too high for me. As a pattern tester, I usually try to make my version as the designer intended and make my own alterations afterwards. In the future it will be an easy modification to make the slit hit at my knee as I prefer.

I have so many favorite parts about this pattern! One of them is that bodice gathering. I love it in the back and at the shoulders- such a great detail.

I’ve always steered clear of any kind of puff sleeve, thinking that they just accentuate my already broad shoulders. This pattern has totally converted me! I love the full sleeve and the slight gather at the top of the sleeve just adds to the dress’s femininity.

And you can’t forget about the pockets! I can’t live without them and these are the perfect size- big enough for your cell phone, a chapstick, and whatever you need handy.

I’ve already worn this dress multiple times so I feel like a real testimonial is in order. This dress just makes me feel pretty and like my best self. I think that Gabriela’s patterns have a way of bringing out the best in the wearer and this dress truly exemplifies that. I loved watching the testers dresses roll in and to see how lovely they looked on everyone. I can’t wait to wear this dress any chance I get (if you happen to see me at church in this every Sunday pretend you don’t notice, mmkay?!). The last piece that I sewed that made me feel this fantastic was my Cotton + Steel Fringe Dress that I’ve lovingly nicknamed my “pick-me-up” dress because I feel like I can conquer the world in it!

The Orchid Pattern is meant to pair and mix beautifully with the Parasol Jumpsuit from Ensemble Patterns as well. You can grab these patterns at a discount in a bundle and individually for a limited time! Do yourself a favor and sew yourself up a pretty new outfit. You’ll feel like a rockstar, promise!

Want to win your own copy of the Orchid Midi Dress? Simply comment on this blog post with your favorite thing you’ve sewn that makes you feel like a sewing goddess. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Winner will picked Monday October 8th.

Chalk and Notch Pixie Tee and Dress

Gabriela at Chalk and Notch does such a great job at making me feel like a million bucks! Her patterns are always on trend with classic lines and great details. The new Pixie Tee is no exception.

The best part- This pattern is free for a limited time for Chalk and Notch newsletter subscribers, just make sure you sign up before Sunday, June 24th. Hurry over here and click the little Newsletter sign up in the left top corner. Easy Peasy! Do it now so you don’t forget, you will not want to miss out on this one!

This pattern is super versatile and so cute. There are hem band and hem tie options and multiple sleeve lengths. There are also top and dress lengths. You can make a comfy knit tee dress, chic date night top, and cozy sweatshirt all from the same pattern. I chose to do the hem tie, short sleeve, top version and love, love, love it!

I used a beautiful double brushed polyester from Raspberry Creek Fabrics (this print is currently not available but there are a ton of other cute options!). I love the weight and drape of it for this pattern. There are pattern pieces and instructions for making your own woven ties but there is also an option for ribbon ties. I used a pretty velvet ribbon for mine and love the texture it adds.

My plan as I sewed this top was to wear it styled exactly like this. Who doesn’t love a good jeans and tee combo? I love that this feels a little elevated than my basic momiform and would love to make a couple more.

I tried this tee on right before heading out the door for church and just really didn’t want to take it off! I threw on a skirt and loved that I was able to easily dress it up too.

I can’t wait for you to see all the tester versions. There was a huge variety and each one was so cute! Cozy french terry versions, pretty dresses, and fun fabric combos.

So did you get all signed up?!! Make sure you head to Chalk and Notch so you can grab this as soon as it’s released. Such a fun new pattern!

Watch my Instagram feed for a chance to win a Chalk and Notch pattern of your choice too!

Cotton + Steel Fringe Dress

I think I’ve died and gone to dress heaven! This dress is seriously everything I could possibly want in a garment; comfortable, chic, on trend, and makes me feel absolutely amazing!

I was lucky enough to be part of a fashion show at UQSM (Utah Quilting and Sewing Marketplace) and the generous folks at Cotton + Steel sponsored our show. It was so fun to shop their giant collection of fabrics. I struggled picking something from all their amazing lines. I’m a sucker for the Rifle Paper Co. lines but knew they’d be well represented by the other ladies in the show. I knew I wanted a rayon and fell hard for this pretty butterfly print from Melody Miller’s Flutter line. I think that it’s bold and subtle all at once. The colors are so very me and the print is a little different from my normal floral, stripes, or gingham but still not too crazy. It feels very seasonless to me too and I’ll wear it all year round, with sandals in warm weather and booties and a cardigan come fall.

I was beyond impressed with the weight and feel of this fabric. It sewed up easily and the drape is just beautiful. I’ve been spoiled working with it and now can’t wait to use it again.

I sewed up the Fringe Blouse and Dress from Chalk and Notch using the maxi tutorial from the Chalk and Notch blog. Why have I not sewn up this pattern before now?!!! I am so in love with it! It was such a fun sew. The instructions are fantastic and the finishing is superb. It was also a fairly quick sew, I was able to make it up in a day full of lots of family interruptions. I did view B, the popover version, and already have a view A set aside and ready to go.

I added the ties to the back darts and I love the little bit of shaping they give.

I was honestly a little nervous that this style would look a little ‘maternity’ on my body type. I’m very rectangle with no chest and a belly and it’s really easy for tops and dresses to accentuate those features. This pattern did the exact opposite in my opinion. The lower neckline draws the eye up and the ties and waist shaping actually give me the illusion of a waistline. The waistline gathering isn’t bulky and hits at that sweet spot of my natural waist. I’m so glad to have given this style a try and now will fill my closet with this pattern and similar styles!

Can I get a little real with y’all? I know my job as a sewing blogger and pattern promoter is to look pretty and tell you all the great things about my latest sews. Part of that ‘job’ is taking fancy pictures of myself and posting for all the web to see. I wish I could let you all see me as I sit here in my jammies writing this, having spent a totally lackluster day running errands like oil changes, grocery shopping, and soccer games. The sunglasses in all my pictures are to hide the undereye circles from the lack of sleep and also the fact that I have an uncanny ability to close my eyes each time the shutter goes off. You rarely see back shots because I have a silly insecurity about my elbows… I think staring at pictures of yourself can bring out all kinds of funny negative body thoughts. It is fun to pretend to be a beautiful supermodel for a few minutes but just know that most of us in front of the camera are dealing with the same insecurities and daily life that you are. I wouldn’t trade the everyday moments of motherhood for anything!

It takes a really amazing garment though to really make me feel like a million bucks and this dress does just that. It hits that sweet spot of feeling like your most comfortable pajamas while looking like a chic garment. Doesn’t get any better!

Joy Jacket from Chalk and Notch

It’s not often that you sew up a challenging, time-consuming project then immediately start dreaming up your next one. The Joy Jacket from Chalk and Notch has left me wanting more! It’s such a versatile, lightweight jacket that will get so much love. Read to the end so you can win your own copy too to make your jacket fantasies come true!

With Spring on my mind, I knew I wanted a pretty pink jacket. I ordered a fancy gold zipper and blush fabric only to not have my intended fabric ship on time. In stepped Diana at Raspberry Creek Fabrics to rescue me! A few days later this gorgeous blush peach lightweight twill was in my hands and my jacket dreams were a reality.

All I can think is “Man, that’s a pur-ty jacket!” I love how it turned out and think it will be a great date night layer.

The story behind this pattern is a touching one. Emily of Enjoyful Makes has a much beloved jacket of her late mother’s and searched high and low for a similar one. In stepped Gabriela of Chalk and Notch. She took the jacket and drafted a pattern even better than the original. The pattern is named after Emily’s mom, Joy. Such a sweet story and I knew I needed one of my own.

There are multiple options with this pattern. I chose the wide collar version but there is also a hood option. I did the square patch pocket but there are cute angled pockets as well. I did a drawstring at the neck but you can add one at the hem as well.

The jacket is also fully lined and beautifully finished. I used this gorgeous rayon challis also from Raspberry Creek.

With my fabric mix up I was terribly behind in the testing. We had arranged studio time on a Friday morning and I picked up my fabric that Wednesday morning. Totally enough time to sew up a jacket, right?!! I had my pattern prepped and waiting so by the time my fabric came out of the dryer I was ready to roll. After putting kids to bed, I was able to sew uninterrupted until about midnight and had my jacket almost finished except for topstitching. I would call myself a timid intermediate sewist and feel like if I could sew this jacket any adventurous beginner could tackle this. You’ll learn new skills and with a sew-along planned Gabriela will walk you through all the difficult steps too. I love the feeling you get from a well finished, challenging sew and this jacket is right up there.

While I absolutely love this jacket, I think this fabric is a bit too light colored and sheer to be practical for daily wear. There are other colors of this fabric in stock that would work fantastic though. The Heathered Grey Twill is this same fabric content and would make the best everyday choice. I’m hoping to make another that I can throw on for errands and soccer games. Raspberry Creek has stocked fabrics just perfect for this pattern. There are multiple colors of Tencel Twill that would be beautiful and lots of pretty lining choices too.

I was so lucky to get together with my sewing buddies for pics. I love how our jackets all suit us to a tee. Tiahna of Ammon Lane, Rachel of Little Fish, and Nicole of Merritts Makes are sewing rockstars. I always love their style and take on patterns.

Ready to win your own copy?! Just comment on this post (make sure to leave your email address)- that’s it! I’ll pick a random winner on Monday February 26th. I can’t wait to see everyone living in their Joy Jackets!

Fall Sewing with Raspberry Creek Fabrics

My sewing time this summer was pretty much non-existent. I love having my kids home all summer and tried really hard to focus on just being with them as much as possible. The crazy busy-ness of school and sports and dance and singing has already started and I’m longing to get those lazy days back! The end of our summer break coincided with the release of Raspberry Creek Fabrics newest CLUB fabrics line. I snuck in a couple of sewing days to sew strike offs and counted it as our ‘back to school shopping’- new school clothes for kids + sewing time for mom= win, win, win!

Today’s post will just be a photo explosion of my love for all the new CLUB prints. All fabric is from Raspberry Creek (including coordinates) and should be around until the new year. I love that I was able to find something that each member of the family fell in love with. This guy right here is super picky and let me tell you that this tee is worn at least once a week- cool enough for high school, wahoo!

Patterns used: Hey June Camden Raglan and Chalk and Notch Waterfall Raglan (minus the ruffle)

Patterns used: Hey June Morrison Tee, Sew Straight and Gather Andromeda Top

Patterns: Hey June Camden extended to dress length, Hey June Halifax Hoodie

Patterns: Hey June Camden (are you sensing a theme here?), Hey June Lane Raglan, and Love Notions Maggie Peplum (affl. link)

Patterns: Patterns For Pirates Jolly Roger Raglan, Made For Mermaids Mama Ava (modified neckline)

Patterns: Made For Mermaids Rowan Raglan, Liesl + Co Men’s Metro T-shirt

If you can’t tell we all absolutely love our new duds. I’m always so impressed with the quality and feel of RCF fabrics. These things get worn and worn and quickly become favorites because of how soft they feel and how cute they look!

Tag: Chalk and Notch