Tag: dress

Love Notions Arlington Sweater

The newest Love Notions pattern arrived this week and I can’t help but want to live in it! The Arlington Sweater is so full of options that I can wear it happily all year long.

*This post contains Love Notions affiliate links. Purchasing through them gives me a small commission. I’m thrilled to be a part of the LN Ambassador team.

I sewed up four versions because I couldn’t pick just one option! The pattern is available in sizes XS-5X and includes a separate full bust pattern piece. There are three different lengths to choose from- banded, hip, or dress length. You can do a mock neck, full turtleneck or cowl neckline. AND there are five different sleeve choices- elbow, short or long puff sleeves, bishop, or simple long sleeves. I love that you can use so many different fabrics for this pattern and how each one changes up the look so much! All of my versions are a size small.

This simple elbow sleeve, mock neck top was my very first version. I sewed it up in pretesting and made the subtle changes to make it fit like the final pattern. I used a thick poly/cotton/lycra knit I picked up from Design Co. fabrics at the beginning of the pandemic. The weight makes it nice and sturdy and will be great as a transitional weather piece.

I think the mock neck/elbow sleeve combo is the perfect everyday look! I want a few more to get me through fall. I think it’ll be great in a triblend or modal too for spring.

This style layers perfectly under my Boyfriend Cardigans too!

This puff sleeve version was my next make and has already been worn so much! You know it’s good when you wear it somewhere and everyone wants you to make them one. I did the turtleneck on this version and I love it! It’s a super soft rib knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics so the neck is nice and comfy. I kinda want an Arlington out of ALL of the colors and with so many pattern options I think no one will notice that I’m wearing the same pattern every day of the week.

I love this one paired with my latest Sybil Skirt. The top can so easily be dressed up or down!

I had to sew up a dress too, right?! While I can’t wait to make a cozy sweater knit version, this fun scuba knit was just meant to be this dress. I picked up this pretty scuba at the first Love Notions retreat. I love that every time I’ll wear it that I’ll be reminded of that amazing week!

For the dress, I did the mock neck and bishop sleeves. I added two inches to the length of the dress as well.

Tights, boots, and a jean jacket make this my ideal fall church outfit.

My last version (for now!) came to me in the middle of the night. Does that ever happen to you? I was sleepless and was going through all of the fabric possibilities with this pattern and I just couldn’t shake the idea of a beautiful velvet version. I’ve had this velvet for years but only had a single yard which limited what I could make with it. I’m so happy that it’s grown up to be an Arlington!

I sewed up another mock neck elbow sleeve version and I absolutely LOVE it! It’s casual enough for everyday but also will look great for date nights or the upcoming holidays.

You can grab the Arlington on sale through Monday October 4th.

Love Notions Tempo Dress in The Carnaby Collection by Liberty Fabrics

I love working with Riley Blake fabrics and the opportunity that I have to pick fabric from their upcoming collections. Sometimes there’s prints that I let my daughters pick out and sometimes there’s some that I just fall in love with myself. The Carnaby Collection from Liberty Fabrics is FULL of prints that I just adore!

The retro style of this collection is just dreamy! Look at all of those florals! This collection reminded me so much of my first childhood home. The colorful wallpaper that matched the bedspreads, the bright shag carpet, and the fun vibrant kitchen. Born in the late 70’s, these prints take me back to being young and carefree!

I used Daydream Sunny Afternoon-B because I just loved the colors. I tend to gravitate to blues and I love the pop of yellow in this print. It is just such a whimsical fabric.

I couldn’t help but feel like my own mom when I was thinking about what to sew up with this fabric. The trends of the 90’s are so hot right now (thanks to my teens for keeping me up on things) and it’s fun to see my own kids wearing similar things to what I wore in high school. Just how my own mom would laugh about how those 90’s trends were just like the clothes she wore when she was a teen too! I knew this print needed to be a killer sundress and had planned on making it for Sophie. But, I really wanted this fun print for ME- it’s just so happy!

The Tempo Dress just released from Love Notions and as I watched testers sew up their versions, I just knew it was perfect for this fabric. It’s a classic style that works easily with a tee underneath for that cute 90’s throwback.

I sewed up a size small with the elasticated back. I took in the bust area from the underarm to the waist but otherwise got a great fit from the start (my full bust measures into the XS).

My bottom tier is slightly shorter and more full than the pattern calls for to accommodate the yardage I had (I used three shorter pieces instead of the two pieces per the pattern). I love the midi length!

The pattern sews up quickly and works for so many different fabrics. As always, Love Notions patterns offer a wide range of sizes, XS-5X, and a full bust option too!

As the hot summer days continue, I’m excited to have a cute sundress added to my wardrobe!

Project Run and Play Smooth Sorbet

The newest Project Run and Play collection has arrived! Project Smooth Sorbet features 8 new patterns for all the kiddos in your life.

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.

Charlie got a Parfait Polo paired with the Limone Lounge shorts. I used this adorable ombre stripe cotton lycra for his shirt and a light grey stretch linen for his shorts.

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!

Tea with Bea from Riley Blake Designs

This girl has too many dresses as you all can probably guess but I can’t help but keep sewing them for her! These gorgeous prints from the Tea with Bea line from Riley Blake Designs were just meant for this dress.

This whole line is the best of all spring has to offer. The pretty soft hues, florals, and fun geometric prints are just so lovely!

I used the Sprigs Lake for the main and the Honeycomb Coral for the bodice. I love this combo! The colors in these prints are some of my favorites on her and are just so springy.

I sewed up the Tween Ashton Dress and Top from Violette Fields Threads. I usually show my girls all of the new releases from our favorite pattern companies and she immediately fell in love with one of the modeled versions of this dress. I’ve been patiently waiting for the right fabric to sew it up!

Now if you’re thinking, “WAIT! Those sleeves go against all of my rules for sewing for my tween/teen”, I was right there with you. They are so dramatic and usually not my girls style but I was excited to give it a try. Sometimes it’s good to push her style a bit and since she liked the examples she’d seen I felt good giving it a go.

She loved it during the shoot and I love that it’s different from her other dresses.

I sewed up a size 10 with a 14 skirt length. This girl keeps stretching right out and is trying to catch up to big sis!

You can grab Tea with Bea from your local quilt shop or online shop!

Simple Life Pattern Co. Newport

The Newport Dress pattern is part of the April Simple Life Pattern Co. Monthly Challenge. Each month a new collection of patterns is highlighted at SLPCo and you can enter to win store credit when you sew them up and share! Bonus, all of the patterns are on sale for the month of April!

As part of the SLPCo Promo team, I got to sew up this pattern in pretty Art Gallery Fabrics. I had made this pattern once before in a pretty floral that unfortunately didn’t get worn a ton. She loved the style but it was a little too young feeling for her so I knew fabric would make all the difference.

We went with a bright fun pink solid, Dragon Fruit, with a simple graphic print for the pockets, Seedmap from the Pollinate collection from Jessica Swift.

The bold bright color is so happy and I love it on her. It matches her sunny personality!

I sewed up a size 10 with added length. I love the simple design but those big fun pockets are the highlight of this pattern.

She said she was feeling very Audrey Hepburn in this (she’s forever our ideal of classic style!).

Make sure you head over to the SLPCo Fan FB group for details on the Monthly Challenge and for all the girly inspiration!

Spring is coming with Ava Kate from Riley Blake Fabrics

I’m sure we’re like so many in the western hemisphere, getting our first glimpses of spring. Utah spring means snow one day and 65 degrees the next. It means constantly checking the forecast but also knowing that if you don’t like the weather today, don’t worry! Chances are tomorrow will be completely different! The warm days have me so excited for spring!

The sunshine and warm weather was perfect to photograph the newest line from Riley Blake and Carina Gardner, Ava Kate. Ava Kate is full of beautiful florals, stunning damasks, and fun stripes. The black, seafoam, blush, and cayenne palette is one I can get behind.

I used three fabrics from this collection. My younger daughter is in Vines Seafoam and my older daughter picked Cayenne stripes. I lined them both with Flowers Cayenne and did a matching hair tie as well.

Payton has a thing for baby doll style dresses. Week after week she reaches for this style to wear to church. Something loose and easy to wear almost always wins with her. I sewed up the Chloe Dress from Vintage Little Lady. This is a free pattern and is available in Tween, girls, and baby sizing. Talk a bout a winner!

I sewed up a tween size 10 and forgot to add length to the skirt (she’s in a 14 height!). Yep, this little miss is shooting up just like her sister. For so long, she was my easy, one straight size girl. The last year she has really lengthened and is growing up way too fast! I tried to convince her it was ‘vintage length’ and she said “Vintage like what they wore on the Brady Bunch?” That was my cue to add a little more to the skirt, lol! Luckily I had just enough fabric left to do another quick tier and now we’re calling it a design feature.

This dress pattern is a dolman style bodice and is a super quick sew. I’m pretty sure both girls will be getting many more of these. It’s just such a classic style!

I had a sweet neighbor give me some of her old sewing notions and I was so happy to come across these buttons in her stash. They were just the perfect pop!

I just love this color on her and will keep filling her closet with it. She had to double check when I told her it matched her eyes perfectly!

This cute girl is definitely a teenager and it’s getting a little trickier to sew for her. Luckily she’s easy to please!

She’s still barely in the sizing at Little Lizard King and I am going to be so sad when the day comes that we can’t use their kids patterns for her anymore. I sewed up the Mavora in top length. The Mavora has so many options and darling ruffles (you might not even recognize it from my version!) but I fell in love with a simple tester version in stripes and knew I had to use it for this fabric. I was hopeful to fit a dress out of this fabric but sadly didn’t have quite enough. I think it was a happy accident though because this top couldn’t be more perfect for her!

I love the wide shoulders and fit. It feels sporty but still very feminine.

I sewed up a size 12 with added length to both the bodice (1.5″) and peplum (1.5″).

I used another vintage button for her keyhole closure and it was meant to be too! Her hair tie is created like you would do bias tape but I just sewed up the edges. Left untied felt very teenage-y!

Shooting these pics really had me excited for more outdoor shoots in the future. I have so many new favorite shots of my girls from this shoot!

Like these two! Pretty much sums up their relationship and personalities!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you’re enjoying that first taste of spring in your neck of the woods!

Riley Blake Stardust

In the middle of all of my swimsuit sewing, I took a break to sew up this sweet dress. I’m really in the mood for all of the warm weather sewing and this dress just hit the spot.

Working with Riley Blake is a treat and I love being able to sew up their new lines. Stardust by Beverly McCullough of Flamingo Toes is such a fun line and was a pleasure to sew up!

I picked Glam Glasses in mint as our main print and paired it with Scallops Peony. I love the retro beachy vibe of the whole collection.

To keep with that retro feel, I sewed up the Byron Bay dress by Little Lizard King. The simple silhouette screams 50’s housewife to me. I sewed up a size 10 according to her measurements and lengthened the skirt a bit for her height (she’s a 14 for height).

The elastic back means this dress will grow a little with her. I love the look of it too!

I kept things simple and used snaps instead of buttons. I can’t remember the last time I used snaps and I love how easy and quick they are!

To finish off the look I sewed up a Lilly Bow Scrunchie from Little Fish. Rachel shares a genius way to make a scrunchie using your favorite hair elastics and the end result is just too cute!

This dress makes me want to head to the boardwalk and eat ice cones as the sunsets. It just makes me think of all the simple pleasures of life!

Rocky Mountain Wild by Corinne Wells for Riley Blake Designs

Over the years, I’ve made many sewing friends and it’s been fun to meet them in real life. It’s rare when a real life friend comes into your sewing world. I’ve known Corinne Wells for years and to see her beautiful work become fabric has been such a treat! Her newest venture with Riley Blake Designs is absolutely gorgeous and it was so fun to be able to sew up her designs. Her line Rocky Mountain Wild is now available at your favorite quilt shop.

Rocky Mountain Wild is full of pretty prints inspired by the beautiful mountains that surround us. From lovely wildflowers to quaking aspen trees, these prints bring to life spring in our area. I feel so lucky to live at the base of these mountains and the year round beauty they bring. Currently covered in snow, they stand majestic and tall. Come spring they are bursting with color and life and provide such a comfort and peace to me. I love that Corinne drew on these mountains as inspiration and the collection really speaks to their beauty.

As I sewed up these prints, I envisioned styling them with chunky tights, boots and warm beanies and doing our photos in the actual Rocky Mountains. Through a series of crazy events, these pictures are taken in the opposite of picturesque mountains, instead on our quick escape getaway to sunshine and sand. It has made me excited at how versatile these prints are and how great they are year-round.

For these dresses, I knew I wanted to draw on the prairie-chic looks that are everywhere these days. Something loose and non-fussy, I searched my pattern stash and actually tried a new pattern I’ve been wanting forever too. Sophie is in a hacked Hinterland Dress by Sew Liberated. Payton is in a Spencer Dress from Violette Fields Threads.

I sewed up the smallest size (she is just under the measurements) and used two back bodice pieces. She didn’t need the bust shaping and I knew the front neckline would be a little low for her liking. I skipped the button placket and because this has no closures I lowered the front neckline three inches to be able to fit over her head and give her a little room in the neckline in front.

Side note- the walls of our resort are all this pretty pale yellow color and we laughed that she just camouflaged right into them!

She loves the loose styling and this will be such a cute dress to throw on. I’m anxious to make this pattern again and maybe try the placket as well.

Payton described the dress that she wanted out of this fabric as “Ya’ know, kinda flows out from here (under the arms) and no ruffles!” I searched my pattern stash for a-line dresses and the Spencer was the winner. I’ve made two in the past (one for my niece and one for Sophie) and have always loved them.

That little yoke and the puff sleeve are so cute! I modified the sleeves to omit the cuff and placket and I just did a simple elastic casing. I wasn’t sure if she’d want them 3/4 length or chopped to short sleeves but she was a fan of them just like this.

The full back button placket is one of my favorite details.

I loved everything about these dresses! Getting to work with fabric designed by an incredibly talented friend is such a treat. I hope you guys can get your hands on these beautiful prints!

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!

Sending Love by My Mind’s Eye for Riley Blake Designs

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays to sew for. I love that usually Valentine prints can be worn year-round and that they just promote love and happiness, something we could all use a little more of right now. Today I’m sharing looks made with Riley Blake’s new line, Sending Love by My Mind’s Eye.

This collection is so cute! I love the perfect combination of reds, pinks, and white. It’s so cheery and happy! Those lips are so darling and the florals are just beautiful.

I was really drawn to doing a cute floral and polka dot combo so I used the Main Floral on white paired with Petunia Dots. A good pink and red combo is so fun and classic! My oldest is more simple and the minimal styling of the Sending Love Hearts White was perfect for her. I used Barn Red poplin for her skirt and it was an excellent match.

I’m still on the hunt for the perfect juniors woven top pattern. Until then I will keep using the top of the Linville Romper from Hey June. I sewed up a size 12 and didn’t add any length (she’s off the junior’s size chart for height) giving it a cropped look.

Her skirt is an easy self-drafted, elastic back flat front design. I added a faux button placket down the front as well. She is loving midi-length skirts these days and this one will hopefully get worn a ton since it’s a nice classic red. We did tortoise shell buttons to really make it versatile.

Payton’s dress is one of my go-to patterns, the Pixie Dress from Violette Fields Threads. I love using this pattern when mixing prints. It’s an easy to sew pattern, with no closures and a loose, relaxed fit.

The cute tie in the back is one of my favorite details! And the option to add trim to the bodice is a great place to have a little fun. A mini pom pom trim just seemed right with this happy combination.

I love that these looks will be great for Valentine’s but also work the whole year long. Pretty sure I need my older daughters top to get me through the next few weeks. All we need is love, right?!!