As my girls are getting older, their love of clothes is getting RIDICULOUS! They love fashion and work hard and save their money to spend on the latest ready-to-wear trends. I love being able to sew things for them still and it is an even bigger thrill when they reach for their handmade wardrobes over their RTW goods!
This little miss is spending her summer dancing and it was so fun to sew up a new mini capsule for those long dance days.
I used the Made for Mermaids Nicky Top and Bonny Leggings for the rib knit set. The Nicky top is our go-to boxy crop tee. We both love the fit so much. The Bonny Leggings is a free pattern and sooo easy to sew up that she sewed them up herself! It was a fun sewing day with my girly sewing up these pieces.
For the french terry pieces I used the Ellie and Mac Oversized Tee and Shwin Designs Starr Joggers. For the crop sweatshirt I used scraps of ribbing I had in my stash (from RCF as well). The Starr Joggers are modified slightly by cutting them into shorts. She loves this jogger pattern because it is a little roomier and relaxed than most.
If you’ve been a follower for very long you know just how much we love to travel. When Project Run and Play announced the theme for the latest collection I was over the moon! It’s been so fun to travel along with the other designers and to see all the incredible and creative destinations. My husband and I have been fortunate to travel to Europe a few times but I’ve yet to go to my ultimate dream destination of Santorini Greece. I knew that’d be the perfect place to let our imaginations explore and I had so much fun creating looks that embodied that beautiful setting.
Between Mamma Mia!, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and my favorite hidden gem tv show, The Durrells, Greece and particularly the Greek Isles and coast have charmed me!
We used fabrics from Raspberry Creek Fabrics for our looks. We stuck with vibrant blues, teals and white to recreate the incredible colors of Santorini.
Charlie went for comfortable travel clothes that can take him wherever he wanders. We used the new Singapore Shorts and Pants and paired it with the Chromium Hoodie.
I used this fun wave print available in the Design Library at RCF. Printed on french terry, it is ideal for throwing on after swimming or on cool summer nights. For the hoodie, I made a couple of alterations. I sewed on the kangaroo pocket from the Story Dress (he can’t live without a front pocket on his hoodies!). I also used the long sleeve pattern piece and hacked it to be elbow length.
The shorts pattern is actually made for wovens making it so versatile. It looks great in linen or even for swimming sewn in boardshort fabric. You know this kid and his sensory issues so I opted to use a soft knit for these. I used a faux denim ponte and love the look! These shorts have a nice wider elastic waistband, front pockets and back patch pockets, faux fly detailing, and short and pants length. They are a little relaxed fit and a great basic pattern to have in your collection.
The first piece for this cute girl is the Cancun Coverup. Again, if you know us, it was obvious I had to sew up a pattern with that name! Bonus that it is the cutest swim coverup EVER!
I used a beautiful woven swiss dot in off white and a cute dot trim I had in my stash. I sewed up the knee length version with a regular hood. The only changes I made were to sew my placket to the outside so I could add a little trim there and I skipped the pocket trim piece and used the embellished trim instead.
I think this piece will get the most wear all summer long. It’s a classic style and so easy to throw on. It sews up quickly and the fabric possibilities are infinite! How cozy would this be in a plush terry? Or sophisticated in a mesh or chiffon?
She’s been adding bucket hats to her accessories collection and I knew the Camper Hat would be the perfect addition. In a classic striped seersucker, this hat can coordinate with so much!
This pattern comes in a huge range of sizes from preemie to large adult. It’s easy to get the perfect fitting hat! I sewed up a teen size according to her head measurement and it fits so well.
It’s fully reversible so you can make it super versatile too. I did the same fabric for the main and lining, interfacing one side per the instructions. This gives it just the right amount of body without being too stiff. It’s also slimmer and the brim is shorter than a lot of her other hats, giving it a different look that I think is too cute on her!
The final pattern in this collection that I sewed up was the Saltillo Swimsuit. I can’t seem to pass up a good swimwear pattern!
This is another pattern that is full of bells and whistles. And in true teen fashion, we skipped almost all of them. I sewed up a solid royal suit with cross-back straps and optional big bow. There are leg and strap ruffles and a neckline flounce that can be added too.
The construction of the straps was my favorite part! I tend to shy away from straps because my topstitching is usually less than desirable. For these you create a casing around the elastic- no topstitching required!
A note on sizing, I talked about negative ease in my last swimwear post and how important it is to note. Her measurements are almost spot on for a size 10 but she is a 12 girth. I sewed up a straight size 10 and had to cut the back straps off about 2 inches each. The pattern tells you to try the suit on to get correct strap length so I just wanted to let you know not to skip that step! Every body is different and it’s great to get a more custom fit. You can also see the suit is a little bunchy and loose. Not terrible but just note that this suit doesn’t have the negative ease I’m used too. This is a bonus though for anyone with sensory issues as they won’t feel as tight or confined as other suits. AND there are no exposed seams on the inside so they’ll be extra, extra happy! The crotch area is wider which provides extra coverage in the front and back but I think I’ll need to slim hers down a bit in the front for her next one.
As you can tell, we had a little too much fun at our photo shoot. It was 8 pm (yassss to late sunsets!), Charlie had just been swimming all night and Payton was at dance all afternoon. It could’ve been a recipe for disaster but these kiddos were amazing! I think it’s the taste of summer in the air. We can’t wait for long days together, sunshine, and fun!
Have you been following along with the Suit Up for Summer tour this week? It’s been so incredible! So many new techniques to try, genius tips, and can we talk about all of the gorgeous swimsuits?! Hello! This year’s bloggers really blew me away. What a privilege it’s been to get to know them a little bit and to witness their amazing talent.
In years past, this week has been a bit crazy for me. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to sew swimwear and usually have about a dozen to share with you (you can find all of our past swimsuits here.) This year I scaled back for multiple reasons but I still couldn’t wait to sew a few new suits. The new Raspberry Creek Fabrics swim collection is just way too hard to resist!
I always love RCF florals and this swim collection is just full of so many good ones. My girls and I don’t tend to gravitate to red but this print jumped out to all of us. My younger daughter requested it, I stole it and sewed it for myself, then my older daughter modeled it and has now claimed the suit for herself!
For this suit I used the Petite Stitchery Colby Bralette and Patterns for Pirates Busy Bee Bottoms. The top is not intended for use as a swimsuit but it worked out great. I did add cups between the lining and main fabrics for a little more coverage. I think next time I use this pattern for swim I will add elastic to the neckline and armscye as well. It’s extra comfortable without it and has plenty of negative ease to stay in place but I think it would lie better. Remember, I made this top for me, using my measurements but it fits my teen surprisingly well. I’m in love with this bottom pattern. My all-time favorite bottom pattern is the P4P Hello Sailors but this one just might be the new go-to. It’s very similar to the Hello Sailors (high-waist, great coverage) but has so many other options as well. The leg line is a little higher and feels more flattering but still is comfortable and modest. I sewed up a size small graded to a medium in the waist. My daughter measures into an XS but these fit great as well.
This is the Petite Stitchery Brooklyn– SO CUTE, right?!! This is another pattern so full of options. I sewed up this swimsuit in a small (again according to MY measurements). When I tried it on though the fabric design was very stretched and distorted so this little miss got another swimsuit! I think in a solid fabric, I’d stick with a small but I hated losing the details of these amazing prints. For the top I did the optional shelf bra and added cups. I also cut it at the longer cut line and added the band for a little more length. The bottoms have real pockets! While I loved this detail, they kept poking out so I sewed them down after these pics were taken. I love the idea of them but they just weren’t practical. I do keep seeing bottoms with pockets and might need to hack another pattern to have them (just big enough for a hotel key while on vacation!).
The colors in these prints are what sold me. The peachy foliage and teal geometric just remind me of our favorite vacation spot in Cancun. I paired these prints with solid peacock teal and tangerine for a little pop!
This girl had a very specific request for me. A ditsy floral swimsuit with flutter sleeves. Done and done!
The Little Lizard King Maui swimsuit seems to be a favorite of the RCF team this year and it’s no wonder! It’s really so, so cute! There are one piece and two piece options and the bow back is to die for. She picked the two piece and I slightly altered the flutter sleeve piece to give her the look she wanted. I extended the curved side of the pattern piece about an inch and then didn’t gather it as much as the pattern intended, starting and stopping the sleeve just under the arm. It gives it a little more of a grown up look than the typical flutter sleeve.
This Sage and White Ditsy Floral print was just what she dreamed. She really wanted a white floral and I love that Diana was able to make that happen! It’s so classic and sweet without being babyish. Just perfect for this almost teenager.
My swim wardrobe is pretty chock full but I really wanted another one-piece. I tend to shy away from them. Store bought suits rarely fit because of my long torso and I’ve yet to get a great fit when I’ve sewed one. I mentioned negative ease a bit before but let’s talk a little more about it. I think it plays such a huge part in how your finished garment looks and feels. Some patterns will have a lot of negative ease, meaning your fabric will be stretched to fit your body. This can be great to hold you in and keep things snug BUT it can also make your prints stretch out and make it uncomfortable to wear. I sewed a fantastic one-piece a couple of years ago but the negative ease really flattened me out (another con if you’re not working with a lot in the bust area like me!) and kept riding up in the length. You can solve this problem by sewing a bigger size (but I’d keep the elastic the same as your true measurements) or adding length.
So it was with a little trepidation that I sewed up this suit but boy am I thrilled! I sewed up the Clara from Swim Style Patterns. Swim Style is a new to me company based out of Australia. I stumbled upon them last year and immediately feel in love with all of their suits. They are so on trend and I initially thought of my girls with all of the adorable two piece options. But when searching for a one-piece with great coverage but a little extra ooomph, the Clara jumped out to me.
I love the leg line and the deep v-neckline really helps add to my (lack-of) curves. I sewed up a size small graded to a medium in the waist. I’m a rectangle with my current measurements being 34-30-38.
This pattern came together sooo easily! I loved the tutorial- not too lengthy but also had all of the information needed. The finish is nice and clean on the inside too making it sooo comfortable to wear. There are pockets to add cups and the option to add elastic to the under bust seam which really gives it that extra support. I chose to do a little gathering instead of the bust pleat since my bust is smaller. I was worried a pleat would be too big and the gathering turned out to be a great call. For my next version (which I seriously can’t wait to make), I’ll shorten the shoulder straps a bit to give even more lift and add power mesh to the stomach area between the lining and main fabric. Remember my rant about negative ease, the Clara seems to have the perfect amount for me! It’s not so tight that the print is distorted and doesn’t feel restrictive at all.
To say I have a thing for black and white prints is an understatement. I love me a good black and white stripe and gingham is right up there with that. This little bench is in our entry way and I was cracking up that I matched it!
I think the RCF CLUB basics don’t get enough love. They work great as coordinates but also stand on their own. This black and white gingham is so classy and timeless. Gingham is still everywhere in stores and will be around forever, just like this swimsuit! I can’t wait to wear it all summer long.
Thank you to all of our amazing sewists who joined in the tour this week! It’s been such a pleasure to sew along side them.
The newest Project Run and Play collection, Project Happy Holidays, is so much fun! With 12 patterns that work for the holidays and beyond, it’s a great collection to add to your pattern lineup.
We got together with our sew-friends, Sew Whit Designs, for a fun holiday photo shoot! You know how much I love our PRP shoots and they’re even better with friends. My kids always marvel at how good sewists kids are in front of the camera and Whitney’s were absolute pros!
Our looks were all made with Raspberry Creek fabrics and I love that they work for well after Christmas too.
For Sophie’s outfit, I sewed up the Evergreen Skirt and Blip Turtleneck. I tell you each time I sew a PRP collection that it will probably be the last time this cutie gets in on the action but here we are again. I sewed up a 14 in both of these patterns and added length. She’s officially as tall as me at 5’6″ which puts her off the size charts height wise. She really does fit well into adult extra-small patterns but I just can’t seem to give up the cute kids patterns for her.
The Blip Turtleneck in this adorable rib knit is one of my favorite pieces! You’ve got to check out August Sewing’s versions and you’ll suddenly need one for yourself. It’s a simple pattern that is so incredibly cute!
The Evergreen Skirt is so full of options. For this version I used stretch mesh and lined it with double brushed polyester making it so comfy! The Evergreen Skirt has so many options. I do find with patterns with lots of options that it can be confusing picking which version to do. I spent more time deciding on which version to do than I did actually sewing!
The Noel Dress and Top pattern is so full of options! I love the loose fit and it has quickly become her favorite dress. She adores RCF stretch crepe and this print is way too cute!
The Noel has a button back and multiple sleeve options as well as 4 length choices.
Those tiers are everything!
If you have a 9-year-old, you know that comfort is key and this collection is full of comfy options! I sewed up the Cinnamon Cardigan, Lemon Tee (from Project Watercolor Beach), and Jingle Joggers for a cozy outfit that he loves.
I used simple black french terry for his cardigan and did the banded version. It works great for layering for school or church.
The Jingle Joggers are so awesome! We love joggers in this house and this pattern is really incredible. That side stripe option is so good.
Our favorite part- these hidden inseam pockets! This pattern includes sooooo many options and I can’t wait to make some more for him and for Payton too.
The jewelry Payton wore in this shoot was from Cloudy Jewelry Studio, Sophie’s Etsy shop. Those Merry and Bright bracelets have been my favorite to wear all month long.
For some major inspiration, settle in with your favorite cup of hot cocoa and flip through the Project Happy Holidays lookbook. The designers and other team members really hit it out of the park! Stay tuned tomorrow for details on all of Whitney’s looks too. Hope your holidays are happy and full of the best things in life!
I love matching Christmas pj’s and they’re even better if they’re handmade! I’m joining in the fun of the Raspberry Creek Fabrics Holiday Blog Tour and sharing this trio’s coordinating Christmas jammies.
I fell head over heels for this mint Santa print and knew that I needed to use it as a base for this set. It was so fun to mix and match it with other CLUB prints and solids. We used all rib knit fabrics and my kids say these are the softest jammies they’ve ever worn!
I love to use patterns in my stash and for this set I used the Safari Raglan from Titchy Threads and the Northern Lights Pajama bottoms from Little Lizard King.
Sophie got a new pair of Nini Noni bottoms (with added cuffs because she is way too tall and one of these days I will learn to add the right amount of length!) and a Pixie Tee from Chalk and Notch.
I love that they can wear these pj’s all through the holidays. Growing up we always got our pajamas on Christmas Eve and while I loved that tradition, it just seems more practical to let them wear them all season long!
You can join in the blog tour fun by sewing up your own holiday looks with Raspberry Creek Fabrics and sharing them with #rcfholiday2021. Make sure you head over to the RCF Instagram each day to enter to win a $100 fabric gift certificate and to follow along with each days sewists!
Can you believe it’s almost time for our kids to head back to school?! We head back mid-August and I can’t get over how fast this summer flew by. The good thing about heading back to class is that it gives me the perfect excuse to sew up cute new school clothes! I joined in the Project Run and Play Back to School Tour sponsored by our favorite shop Raspberry Creek Fabrics.
If you’ve been around these parts very long you know my kids are all about comfy (what kid isn’t?). These knits from RCF were just perfect for them! Paired with simple knit patterns, these makes were so much fun to sew up. These patterns fit my kids fantastic and sew up in no time.
My little guy got a classic jogger and tee outfit. I used the Lemon Tee paired with the Joseph Joggers, two patterns that we absolutely love and use over and over again!
For his tee, I used the diagonal body colorblock front piece and the solid back piece in a size 9. It was fun to play with prints and solids and this pattern is just perfect for it. I started with the Puzzle Cube print on jersey then used Deep Rust and Charcoal jerseys to coordinate. The neckband is bamboo cotton ribbing that matches the sweatshirting of his joggers perfectly.
He recently found a scrap of this incredible bamboo cotton sweatshirt fleece in my stash and carried it around as a blanket for his newest stuffed animal. He declared it the softest fabric ever so you can imagine how delighted he was to get pants made out of this magical stuff! This jogger pattern is a favorite because of it’s classic fit- not too slim but not too baggy either. This is a size 9 with added length.
When looking through the new back to school prints this girl fell hard for this paint splatter print. Just look at those colors!!
She’s still been loving casual dresses so the Story Dress was a great choice for her. Those sleeves are too cute and sewn up in cozy french terry, this dress is beyond cozy! We sewed up a size 10 with added length.
Payton asked to head back to this cool bridge for this shoot and it was so much fun! Charlie really hates the thought of photo shoots but gets into them once we get his music going. These two continue to get closer and closer and summer has been the best for them. They just have too much fun together (with plenty of arguing thrown in too!).
Make sure you follow along all week for some incredible inspiration from past PRP participants. Art Bella Creates nailed her makes yesterday and got me even more excited to see what’s to come the rest of this week.
As part of my job at Raspberry Creek Fabrics, I get to work with the incredible promo teams. As we end our promo year we’re celebrating with a Favorite Things Blog Tour- our chance to thank our awesome team and your chance to be totally inspired. You’ve got to head over to the RCF blog for some exciting news too!
For my look, I chose a few of my favorite things. I used a couple of my favorite pattern designers, Hey June Handmade and Love Notion Patterns as well as some of my favorite fabric bases, linen and triblend jersey.
Since this is a fabric tour, let’s talk fabric first. This black medium weight rayon linen is the perfect drapey but stable fabric. I love the feel that the rayon gives it and you can never go wrong with linen in summer. I’ve been so anxious to try the new tri-blend jerseys in the shop and just had to get a print from designed by the great Emily Ferguson. This Peace and Love print is just the cutest and I just adore the art on this print.
When it comes to favorite patterns, the Love Notions Classic Tee is WAY up there for me. This fabric was meant for a cool summer tee so it really was a no-brainer! I love the relaxed fit of this pattern and I can never have enough of them.
I think I’ve gotten fabric for the Hey June Greer Jumpsuit at least three times and ended up using it to test other patterns (because deadlines always win!). This tour was just what I needed to finally sew them up and I’m sooooo thrilled to have my own pair at last!
I made a simple alteration and doubled the width of the straps and just cut two of them. I added buttons and buttonholes to the bib front and that’s it. Welcome to another easy hack courtesy of yours truly!
As part of the tour, Raspberry Creek is giving away our favorite notions in their Facebook Group each day. I know I’ve shared about this amazing thread before but I still use it ALL THE TIME. Eloflex Thread by Coats and Clark is now widely available (I pick mine up at Hobby Lobby but Amazon also carries it). I use it primarily in my bobbin when I’m sewing with my double needle on my sewing machine. It gives hems that extra bit of stretch to make them hold up and give just a little more. I also use it with a single stitch in the bobbin of my machine when I top stitch my knit neckbands. And let’s not forget sewing swimsuits. This stuff is perfect for that too! I use it in my bobbin then as well to top stitch elastic down or for binding too.
Not part of the giveaway but I have to share my new favorite tags from Intensely Distracted. Simone was a member of the RCF promo team and I love, love this new adventure of hers.
Make sure you’re following along this week and check out the rest of the team. It has been such a privilege to work with this incredible group of sewists:
I sewed up 5 of the patterns from this collection and they’re perfect for summer!
As with all of the Project Run and Play collections, our photoshoots are always a hoot and I end with some treasured pictures of my kids on top of great new clothes too! All of our fabrics were sponsored by Raspberry Creek Fabrics and my kids are huge fans of all things RCF.
I was a little nervous to sew him a polo shirt because he is so picky! He loves CLUB fabrics though and the softness of this top won him right over. The Parfait pattern is a unisex pattern with tons of options. It comes in sizes 1-16.
The Limone shorts have an elastic waist that makes it easy to get dressed and perfect for those kiddos that detest anything with zippers (please tell me I’m not alone!). They’re nice and relaxed fitting and the big pockets are a little guys must have.
I’m afraid this might be Sophie’s last Project Run and Play shoot as she’s barely fitting in the size charts. You know I’m going to push it as long as I can!
She got a Fragola Dress in pretty rayon linen. The Fragola comes in sizes 12 month to 14 and has top and dress options.
The Fragola is absolutely adorable! I love the wide, sleeveless style. I added length to the top version and then added a ruffle with all of the fabric I had left! It was a game of fabric tetris to play with the stripes but being flexible on the length made it fun.
Payton loves bright and fun clothes so I knew this theme was meant for her. She got a pair of Limone capris and a Bacio Tee.
The Limone pattern is another super versatile addition to your collection. There are multiple short lengths, capris and pants as well as two skirt options. It comes in sizes newborn-14 making it a pattern you can use for years! And you know how much I love a good unisex pattern- anything I can use for all three of my younger kids. Sewn up in a comfy chambray, these are the perfect hanging out pants!
The Bacio Tee is a unisex relaxed fit tee. It’s a great basic to have! It comes in sizes nb-14 as well. I love the raw edge neckline option!
This double brushed poly fabric has a special place in our heart! This print was designed by Diana’s daughter Grace, one of Payton’s oldest friends. Seeing her wear one of her friends prints was so sweet, especially since I’ve been wearing fabrics designed by Diana forever!
The last pattern I sewed up was the Sorbetto Swimsuit. The Sorbetto is another pattern full of options!
I sewed up the two piece color blocked pieces with the optional sleeve. I love that fun detail!
Raspberry Creek swim solids are so good and it was hard to pick which color combo to use. I ended up with Lipstick Pink, Bright Yellow and Solid Orange for a fun color scheme reminiscent of a summer sunset or a delicious Popsicle!
For loads and loads of inspiration, head over to Project Run and Play and flip through the Project Smooth Sorbet Lookbook. It’s the perfect way to spend a hot afternoon. Grab your favorite frozen treat, kick your feet up, and prepare to be blown away by all of the amazing sewists and their adorable children!
This post contains Love Notions affiliate links. Purchasing through my links gives me a small kick back that I use to keep this blog up and running. Thank you so much for helping keep my little corner of the web going!
An amazing Love Notions sale at the same time as a new Raspberry Creek fabric line is cause for a little celebrating! All patterns (except the newly revamped Rhapsody) are on sale for 40% off through tomorrow, Sunday May 10th. 40% off!!! That’s impossible to pass up. I decided to use a variety of kids patterns for some super fun outfits for my kiddos.
First, I sewed up the Girl’s Tidal Top and Tank. I sewed up a batch of these in testing but always forget about this fun pattern. It’s so fun to mix prints and has lots of options- Tunic, top, and dress length as well as tank, sleeveless, and short sleeves. Like most Love Notions kids patterns, it comes in sizes 2t-16, one of my favorite things since my girls are creeping near the top end of most children’s size charts. There’s a ladies version that I love as well!
I used this pretty Vintage Tropical Floral print (there are SOOOOO many gorgeous florals in this line it was nearly impossible to pick!) paired with Salmon Painted Check Gingham and solid salmon jersey for the bands. I love pairing florals with other fun prints and this gingham is so cute! It coordinated so good with both the cupcakes and sprinkle prints too.
My little guy got a comfy new outfit too! He’s been wearing things for multiple days during this strange stay at home time. It’s been amazing on laundry. He only wants to wear the most comfortable clothes though. This outfit made the cut!
I used the Tie Dye Sports Balls in french terry for his shorts and heathered grey and teal solid jerseys for his tee.
I sewed up the Sprint Muscle Shirt for the first time and we both absolutely love it! I can’t wait to make some for my girls too. The front color blocking detail is sporty and so fun. You can do it with or without the hood and front color blocking. I think my girls need a cute graphic muscle tee- think rocker-style!
For the shorts I used the Thomas Track Pants basic short variation. I love that this pattern works for both knit and woven. It’s fantastic for jammies and it worked great for these easy to wear lounge shorts. I used 1.5″ elastic in the waistband just per personal preference and cut the legs 2″ above his knee. We rolled them quickly for these pics and I’ll make sure to tack the hems up on the side seams. He tried these on and has refused to take them off. Good sign but leaves little details like hems for later, lol!
The girls fell in love with the whole Sweet Treats line by Brittney Laidlaw. They both needed new summer pj’s and this line was just perfect for them.
Payton got a new Luna Loungewear set. This pattern has extended plus sizing which is so hard to find for kids. It has a cami, nighty, capri, short and bralette all included. I used the cami and capri’s for this set. Big sis got a set in testing that she is still wearing all these years later. They’ve been such a favorite! There’s also a ladies version if you want to treat yourself too!
This little miss was smitten with the Cupcake print. It’s such an adorable print! The colors are absolutely amazing. I struggled when picking coordinates because it goes with ALL the pinks! It’s adorable with lighter hues but this girl needed a little something bright and cheery so I went with fuchsia jersey for the main cami and light pink for the straps.
Big sis got a new set of Namaste pj’s. She rotates between her Luna capris (that are now bermuda shorts) and her Namaste set each night so I knew she needed another set to throw in there. (There’s a ladies version of this pattern as well and I LOVE my set!).
The Namaste pattern features a faux crossover top and matching detail on the pant. There are short and long sleeves as well as shorts and full length pants. There is also a night shirt view. I added a couple of inches to the length of these shorts (I sewed up a size 10 width but she’s in a 16 for height!).
This cute sprinkle fabric is like a party in a print! It coordinates with everything! I paired it with solid mint jersey but you could use so many of the other summer prints with it or any of the CLUB basics too. It’s just so cheerful!
It was so nice to get back to my machines and to sew up some old favorites as well as a new favorite too. Love Notions patterns remind me how much I love sewing. They come together easily and always fit me and my kids so well. They’re easy to alter to our liking and are usually no-fuss and so comfortable to wear, especially in RCF CLUB knits. Sewing with CLUB knits is my happy place. They are just the right weight and so easy to sew (no curling or stretching out). A couple of days with Love Notions and RCF was just what this mama needed.
Make sure to grab your Love Notions patterns on sale through tomorrow. You can search my blog for Love Notions pattern to read all about my favorites. These Raspberry Creek prints are also on sale through Wednesday the 13th. What a perfect combination!
I absolutely LOVE this time of year. February, you ask?! No, I am so over winter BUT February means new CLUB prints from Raspberry Creek Fabrics! Spring sewing is just what I need to beat these winter blues!
Part of my job at Raspberry Creek Fabrics is that I get to work with our strike team. As soon as we preview each new line, I sit down with my kiddos and they ooh and aah over all the new prints. They always have a handful of favorites that they want immediately in their closets. It usually goes something like this, “I want a hoodie out of that, a t-shirt in that, pj’s in those, and a dress in that print!” Sometimes their wish lists are a mile long!
I’m usually happy to oblige! CLUB knits are my favorites to sew with. They are stable and my serger LOVES them. Most of these projects are quick and easy sews, usually taking under an hour per garment. That’s my kind of project- especially when I have three eager kiddos awaiting each finished piece. I’m excited to share what I’ve sewn up so far from the new spring collection.
This look was one I debated making for myself. My tween and I are usually on the same page fashion-wise and if it’s something I’m crushing on I can pretty much guarantee she wants it too. Chest stripe sweatshirts keep cropping up everywhere and I knew I wanted to recreate one- this time she was the lucky recipient. I used the Flora Stripe in french terry, paired with the light heather grey french terry and deep sage and dusty rose jersey. I sewed up the Hatteras Hoodie from Hey June Handmade and did my own color blocking with the stripes. An easy hack for such a cute result! I threw in a pair of lounge shorts using the Lexi and Lou Loungers from Made for Mermaids. She’s already worn the sweatshirt to school with jeans in this cold weather and I think come summer this will be a cute outfit to throw on after a day at the pool.
This girl is all about the girly prints and fun details. I’ve been wanting to sew up another Striped Swallow Designs Apres Ski top for her and this pretty floral was just perfect for it. I’ve sewn up the Apres Ski plenty of times before in lighter-weight fabrics but I think this jersey just might be my favorite. I love how full the sleeves look in it!
This little guy was the proud recipient of a handful of new clothes this past week. He’s growing so fast and I’m desperately trying to keep him clothed so this was perfect timing. I’m a sucker for stripes and the spring line is full of so many good ones. I used the Fauna stripes in french terry paired with the grey heather ft and teal jersey this time. I sewed up a classic Sew A Little Seam Constance Sweater using the stripes. For the pants I used True Bias Mini Hudson Pants and sewed a racing stripe to the side seam using the Fauna stripes. I simply cut the stripe leaving the white stripe on either side and folded that under. I sewed the first side down right on the side seam then sewed the other side down on the back of the pants. Another easy hack that takes these pants up a notch!
This kid loves his hoodies and was smitten with this Knight and Dragon fabric too. This time I used jersey fabric for a lighter weight top that will work well through spring. I turned to the Rowan tee from Titchy Threads (it’s a good one if you haven’t tried it!). It’s got a slim fit that fits my little guy so well. I love that arm stripe detail!
This last piece for Charlie is quite possibly my favorite thing in his wardrobe. It was such a fun make and I love how it came out. I used the Ellie and Mac Be Creative Hoodie. It was my first Ellie and Mac make and I have to admit I’m always apprehensive trying out new designers. I was so impressed with this pattern and all the little details it includes. Those are faux drawstrings which I love considering they ALWAYS come out in the wash. The color blocking options with this pattern are so fun too. I used this amazing City Map print in french terry paired with black french terry and hunter jersey for a sweatshirt that is our high school colors. He’s already excited to wear this to his big brother’s soccer games!
Fun fact about this kiddo: He wore these fake glasses all last week and convinced all his friends they were his reading glasses. He made sure to include that he was getting contacts this weekend so he wasn’t stuck wearing them forever! Yes, we did have a little chat about it but man, did he crack me up! I love that I got these pictures to remember this funny little man!
Have you filled up your cart yet? What prints are you getting? Remember that release week pricing of $1 off per yard ends Monday February 17th so make sure you check out soon! I think we all need a little spring sewing!
SewSophieLynn 