Joy – SewSophieLynn

If you’re anything like me you’re always on the hunt for products that make will make your sewing experience better. When Coats approached me about trying out their newest product, Eloflex Thread, I was totally intrigued. I jumped at the opportunity and I can’t wait to share this revolutionary thread with you guys! Read to the end for two chances to win your own stash of this amazing product.

Eloflex Thread is designed to be used when sewing stretch fabrics. It has just the right amount of stretch making it super easy to sew those pesky knits and stretch wovens with ease. I honestly struggled a bit with how I would actually use this thread. I am constantly sewing knits for my kids and myself but do 90% of it on my serger. This new thread is meant to be used in your regular sewing machine which is a huge plus for those that don’t have a serger/overlock machine. Now, for those of us that are attached at the hip with our sergers how does this new thread help?

Well, I’ve had my thread for almost a month now and I’m constantly reaching for it! I’m so glad I had the time to really work it into my sewing routine so I can give you an honest, real life review. I’ve used it on dozens of garments and had the chance to see how it wears and stretches in many different applications. As I sewed my kids back to school requests it came in handy for topstitching knit pockets onto tees and finishing knit neckbands. The fact that it stretches means you can use your standard lengthened straight stitch for beautiful topstitching that retains the garments stretch! Game changer right there! I’ve almost always skipped the topstitching around necklines because I wasn’t a huge fan of the zig-zag finish my regular machine does. With this thread in both the bobbin and top, my stitch length lengthened just a touch, my neckbands have never looked better. This cute pair of undies was done by serging the elastic on then topstitching it down with Eloflex and a zig-zag stitch. So easy and I know it’ll last wash after wash.

I don’t have a Coverstitch machine and this thread is making it less and less a priority for me. I played around with my double needle and this thread and think I have the perfect combination to keep me happy for a long time. I have a Brother sewing machine and I use Eloflex in my bobbin with a stretch double needle and regular thread up top. I did try using all Eloflex and with my machine it was actually too much stretch, resulting in a bit more tunneling than normal. Even on this drapey poly rayon, my hems look great!

When thinking about what project I wanted to make to really highlight this thread I knew this gorgeous quilted knit would be perfect. Because of the quilting I wanted to use single stitch topstitching throughout the garment and this thread was just what I needed. With this thread in the top and bobbin I was able to use my regular straight stitch to hem the sleeves and bottom, sew the pleats, and topstitch the pockets and neckband for such a nice finish.

It has honestly changed my sewing habits. I will continue to use this thread for all my finishing needs on my stretch garments. I’m so wishing I had had this for all the swimsuits I sewed this summer and can’t wait to use it for next years. I know I will keep coming up with different uses for it too- workout gear, undergarments, socks/tights, Halloween costumes… I think the list will grow and grow!

Have I converted you yet? Are you ready to win your own pack to get you started? Just follow me on Instagram and leave a comment for me here once you have to be entered to win this fun rainbow pack of 10 colors that will get you hooked just like me. I’ll close comments and draw a winner next Thursday, September 7th. *Giveaway is now closed and winner has been notified. If you weren’t the lucky one head on over to your local Joann’s or Hobby Lobby to try it for yourself!!

Head to the Coats blog and enter here to win the grand prize too- it’s easy, I promise!

This thread was provided to me by Coats & Clark. The opinions stated here are my own.

Fabric in this post from Raspberry Creek Fabric (except yellow plaid that was gifted to me by my cute sister 😉

Patterns used: Men’s Metro Tee from Liesl and Co., Mama Ava Tee from Made for Mermaids, Unders (free pattern) from Winter Wear Designs, and Joy Dress from Made for Mermaids

Made for Mermaids newest pattern in their Dreamy Collection is here. The Joy and Mama Joy are classic knit dresses that will be perfect for every occasion.

The Joy features a fitted bodice and a full pleated skirt with multiple skirt and sleeve lengths.

It mashes perfectly with the other dresses is the Dreamy Collection. I mashed the Noelle top with the pleated peplum of the Joy and love this top!

It looks fantastic in a variety of knits. I used stretch velvet for my maxi version and also for the Noelle mash. The floral is a fun scuba knit that really showcases the pleats.

We’re really struggling with pictures lately as it’s been so gloomy and it gets dark so early these days. I’m afraid blog pics for the next few months are going to be less than stellar- already looking forward to spring and sunny days!

We headed to the mountains for this shoot and my oldest took the pics. It was fun but freeeeezing! The snow falling is a little help from Photoshop but we missed the real snowfall by just a few minutes. My girls have gotten to be such troopers with their crazy mom. Since November, I’ve been paying them for shoots under the condition that they use the money for Christmas presents. They’ve been more eager and it’s been fun to see them spend their earnings on their siblings and other family. I’m hoping that after Christmas they’ll go back to being happy with a chocolate or other special treat- wish me luck!

I could see this being my go-to dress for this one. It fits perfectly, has pockets, and she will die if I make her a maxi version. This dress and that fabric really just make me so happy! It was one of those projects that when I finished I was totally tempted to check her out of school just to see it on her… tell me I’m not the only one that gets that excited.

I knew this blue velvet was meant for this little lady. She’s worn this top to school and it just suits her so well. I love that hi-low peplum and that collar is so timeless.

I want to love my dress, I really do. It’s about as comfy as it gets but it really doesn’t flatter me. It’s not the dress design so much as my indulging in a little too much holiday cheer and not enough hitting the gym. It’s also the fabric choice for sure. Velvet shows every little bump and works well in a looser silhouette for me.

It’s a little better styled with a scarf or a belt.

I also made a peplum top in ponte but will definitely size up next time. This top was my first version in my normal size and the maxi is one size above what I normally wear in M4M.

I will for sure make more though. I think Liverpool would be a great fabric choice or even a thicker ponte with a bit more stretch. I placed a big order for fabric all with this pattern in mind!