It’s been a month or so since I’ve joined team Projector. In that time my kiddos have gone back to school and I’ve been able to sew a few things again. Can I get a hallelujah?! I’ve loved getting to play with my projector and to get my sewing setup updated. With my own laptop now, my sewing room is now up to date and I want to spend every spare minute in it!
The generous team at Vankyo sent me another projector to try out and compare. You can read my review of the Leisure 470 here. I got to try out the Leisure 470 Pro (you can check out their other sewing projectors here).
The Leisure 470 Pro is even smaller in size (7.8x5.7x3 inches) than the Leisure 470. The resolution is higher at 1920×1080. It’s brighter and clearer than the 470 and has 2 HDMI ports, a USB port, a memory card slot and AV input. The sound is even better too! They both come with carrying cases, remotes, and HD cables. The Leisure 470 Pro is even easier to transport and it’s so nice to be able to take it anywhere.
So that should make it better for sewing right? More bells and whistles doesn’t necessarily make it ideal for the sewing room though. For projecting patterns you need a few things. A bright light, clear focus, correct and easy calibration, and the right throw height (the distance from the projector to the surface it’s projected to). My sewing space is in our basement with 8 foot ceilings and the short throw height (50″ from ceiling mount to table top) just was not ideal for the 470 Pro. I could get it to work by projecting from the ceiling to the floor (I know many sewists prefer to cut on the floor so this projector could be for you!). It really just needed about 6 more inches to get a crisp clear focus so even a slightly taller ceiling or shorter table would be perfect!
Before I set the new projector up in my sewing space we tried it out for movie night. We set it up outside and it was fantastic. The picture was amazing and the sound was great. There’s just something about cuddling up under the stars with popcorn and a good flick!
I used a thick rib knit that I picked up from Knitpop last year. It’s a mid weight and will be perfect as the weather cools off. I sewed up a size 2 Monroe Turtleneck with size 3 sleeves. I really wanted an oversized look that was super comfy and I could wear with leggings or jeans too. For the skirt I added a few inches to the midi length and left one side open at the knee. I also added a 3″ elastic waistband.
The Monroe Turtleneck did not have a projector file but it did have a copyshop version that worked just as well. Love Notions patterns come with so many options and the projector file is so easy to use.
If you’re looking to join the projector sewing party, check out the options from Vankyo.
This is a sponsored post. Products have been given to me in exchange for a review.
If you’ve been around the sewing world for very long you know that projector sewing is here to stay. I’m always on the cautious side of ‘trends’ and usually wait way too long before I pick up anything new technology-wise. I’m a creature of habit and comfort and it’s got to be GOOD for me to change my ways. It seems to take me far too long to pick up on things and man, do I need things dumbed WAY down for me to understand them. So of course I’ve been dragging my feet forever when it comes to switching to using a projector for sewing pdf patterns. When Vankyo reached out to me to see if I would be interested in trying one of their projectors in exchange for a post about my experience, well, let’s just say it was the push this stubborn lady needed!
Vankyo has multiple projectors they promote for sewing (you can see them here) and I got the Leisure 470. It checks all of the necessary boxes for ideal use with patterns- 720p, remote, screen mirroring, WiFi connection. They sent along a ceiling mount as well so I was set to get started.
My ceiling had a spot where a chandelier used to be that was just waiting for a projector to be mounted there. It also means that I will be able to easily wire my projector to the ceiling and ditch the power cord soon! We had this up and mounted in no time.
My sewing space is in our basement right at the bottom of our stairs. It’s not big and glamorous but it works really well for me (and now my girls too!). I was a little concerned that my throw height would be too short since it’s a lower basement ceiling but with 5 feet from the projector to the tabletop, it works great! I loved that this projector was sooooo user friendly- like plug it in and follow a couple of easy steps and my pattern was screen mirrored in seconds! Now actually getting to where I felt good about cutting a pattern took me a bit. There are so many helpful resources out there that really walk you through every aspect of setting up your projector, from calibrating to pattern adjustments. I’ve been in the Projectors for Sewing Facebook group for ages and it was the first place I turned when researching. I highly suggest starting with the files in this group to get you started. Many pattern designers have blogs that offer useful information, especially if you are using one of their projector files. I turned to Love Notions since I was sewing up the Allegro pattern and Katie Kimmell has an excellent post that takes you through the basics of using a projector file.
While the projector itself was a breeze to setup, I thought I’d share a couple of my stumbling blocks as I started this new way of life (there’s no turning back now right?!). With my sewing space in the basement, I typically use my phone for reading pattern instructions so I was hopeful I could use my phone to project from as well. It opened up and mirrored easily but I couldn’t get my pattern zoomed large enough to be calibrated correctly but small enough to fit a pattern piece on my tiny phone screen (that then projects onto your surface). It was also suggested to use Adobe Acrobat to project files (it’s what you typically use to print files as well). One snag is that the mobile app doesn’t support the layers function making it difficult to calibrate a file if you can’t turn on the grid and also difficult to cut the correct size if you can’t turn off the size layers. Now, these are all newbie issues and I’m sure there’s a work around that I’ll need to look more into.
Once I snagged my husband’s laptop we were in business! I was able to easily project my first pattern, the Ellie and Mac Oversized Tee. I went with a loose, knit pattern to keep it simple but I didn’t need to worry. It was super easy to check the 1″ square on the pattern page to ensure my pattern was the correct size. One reason many people are hesitant with projectors is that it makes pattern adjustments a little more difficult. For me, my most common adjustment is adding length and it was so easy! No extra paper to tape on, just my trusty quilting ruler.
Since I sew for my kids so much a projector just makes so much sense! This is my pile of printed patterns from the last year or so that I hadn’t filed away. Going through them about 75% were for my kids which means you guessed it, they had already outgrown them! I can’t wait to not have to print and cut out multiple sizes as my kids grow and grow or when I’m sewing up the same pattern for multiple kids. I’ve cut way down on pattern testing but in future tests a projector file would save a ton of time and paper. Paper- that’s a whole other issue. For patterns that I use again and again, I never felt bad about printing a pattern. But for those patterns that you might only use once or twice the waste is a little disheartening. Not anymore!
This is my first official ‘projector’ outfit: an Ellie and Mac Oversized Tee paired with a Love Notions Allegro skirt. I used a super soft jersey knit I got in LA for a comfy on the go summer look. I’m really wishing I’d sewn this earlier in the summer because it’s so breezy and cute!
It might not have been the simplest choice to use stripes for my first project but it wasn’t too bad. I was easily able to make the adjustments I wanted to these patterns. For the top, I added an inch to the sleeve length and two inches to the hemmed crop top length. For the skirt, I did a yoga waistband to keep it extra comfortable.
I kind of feel like the last person to jump on the projector band wagon but let me tell you, I am so excited! Vankyo has such affordable options and amazing reviews. If you’re anything like me you like to scout out as many reviews as you can and guess what? They all said the same thing- great, easy to use projectors at incredible prices! Thank you Vankyo for bringing this sewing chic into 2022!
The Love Notions Terra Tunic is re released and better than ever! It’s been fully redrafted using Love Notions current block and went through a thorough retest. It features a separate full bust bodice piece and all of the things you’ve come to love about LN patterns!
I sewed up a Terra for every season and can’t believe how versatile this pattern is! There are six different necklines: scoop, v-neck, v-neck hood, funnel, boat, and asymetrical collar. There are also four different sleeve lengths: long, 3/4, elbow, and short. With all those options, it was hard to pick which version to sew. So I did what any good sewist would do- I sewed up 4! One for each season!
I’m dreaming of spring right now and with warmer weather, I really start to get active again. For this top, I used an athletic brushed poly I picked up on a recent trip to LA. Yes, I dragged my husband to the fabric district on our quick overnight trip to see Smartless live! Anyone else a huge fan of that podcast and particularly Jason Bateman (he’s definitely at the top of my celebrity crush list!). Ok, back to the sewing! This fabric had amazing drape and feels heavenly. I knew it’d be perfect for a fun workout top that inevitably will be worn long after my workout. Only downside of this fabric is that because it’s brushed on both sides it sticks to my sports bra so that accounts for the wrinkles in these pics.
For this version, I did the v-neck hood and added thumbhole cuffs to the long sleeves (I used this tutorial found on the Love Notions blog). All of my versions are a size small.
Don’t you just love that bum coverage with leggings?!
For summer, I love a yummy rib knit! This is an old print from Raspberry Creek Fabrics and I totally need another one out of their new spring prints. I love rib knits for lightweight tops and it worked great for the Terra.
The Terra is a straight fitting top which makes it right up my alley. I love the loose fit! I honestly never would have thought of using it for a basic tee but I’m so glad I gave it a try. To get this length, I cut my bodice pieces at the spot in the pattern where the vent starts. Not too short, not too long! For this top, I did a scoop neck and short sleeves.
Of course, I had to pair it with my summer staple bottoms, the Allegros.
Fall to me is all about french terry! I love that french terry is not too thick and warm making it a great fabric for transitional weather. This is a lightweight terry picked up in LA but RCF has one similar.
For this version, I used the asymetrical collar and elbow sleeves. I love how versatile elbow sleeves are and how easy they are to layer over.
I paired this top with my knit denim Sabrina Slims for an outfit that’s perfect for mom life. Pulled together but oh so comfy!
My winter version just might be my favorite! In fact, I wore it to church the day after these photos and got tons of compliments. I’m really loving the 60’s vibe this combination of options and fabrics gives this piece.
For this one, I used the 3/4 sleeves and funnel neck. I added 9 inches to the lenghten/shorten line to get this knee length.
I picked up this sweater knit from Knitpop a few months ago and sadly it is no longer available. I’m always drawn to plaids in winter and the colors in this are just too good!
You can grab the Terra Tunic today only as part of the $5 Feature Friday sale! You can use my exclusive ambassador code TAMIP10 to save an extra 10% off. It will be on sale for $9 Saturday and Sunday as well.
What will the holidays look like for your this year? We’re hosting a small family gathering for Thanksgiving and I think I’ve found the ultimate Thanksgiving outfit!
I’m joining in the Raspberry Creek Fabrics Holiday Blog Tour again and this time I’m sharing two fun holiday looks for ME! This amazingly comfy rib knit look is just too perfect for a day full of food, football, and family.
I used this super soft Burgundy Rib Knit for an outfit that is the ultimate in comfort! I sewed yet another Love Notion Arlington (pretty sure I have one for everyday of the week now!). For this version I sewed a size small, bishop sleeve, mock neck, banded top. For the bottoms, I dug deep into my pattern stash. These are the Jocole Wide Legs. This was one of the first PDF patterns I ever sewed and it was fun to pull it out again. I knew I wanted a wide leg bottom with pockets and this pattern fit the bill. I sewed up a medium with an xxxl rise. It’s made to be more low rise and I wanted a nice rise that hit around my natural waist. The waist is finished with a yoga waistband for the perfect pant to wear when you’re filling your belly with delicious holiday goodies!
I sewed one more Arlington to have handy for all of those holiday parties (and beyond!). This one is a CLUB holiday print in double brushed poly that will work so well all year long. I love finding cute coordinates in the holiday collections that can work well past the holiday.
For this version, I sewed a size small with bishop sleeves and a full turtleneck. Those bishop sleeves are just my absolute favorite!
Make sure you head over to the RCF blog for the final day of the blog tour and exciting sale news and a HUGE giveaway!
The Love Notions Huge 40% off sale is going on through Friday! With so many patterns to choose from I thought I’d do a little fall inspiration post. I rounded up my favorite Love Notions patterns that will keep you cozy and get you through those last warm days before winter sets in. Read on to the end for a chance to enter to win a Babylock sewing machine!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links I receive a small commission that helps keep this little hobby of mine going. Thanks for your support!
In the last couple of weeks I’ve added a few new Love Notions pieces to my wardrobe. This cute plaid Cadence top is one of them. Raspberry Creek Fabrics recently got in a ton of cozy Robert Kaufman flannels and I seriously want all of them! I loved the idea of a simple woven tee that would be perfect for layering and the Cadence top is one of my go-tos (you can see my other versions here and here). I cropped this version so it’s a little more boxy.
I’ve paired it with my all-time favorite Love Notions pattern- the Allegro Bottoms. It’s the all-star pattern in my collection and it always comes in clutch. You’ll see a few different pairs in this post and I love how versatile it is. This pair in lightweight Tencel denim has been a staple for me. I can wear them year round and dress them up or down.
Another must have pattern for fall and winter is the Boyfriend Cardigan. The pattern is full of options and is a fairly quick sew. It looks great in plush sweater knits, soft french terry, or rib knits. I love to throw mine on any chance I get. You can see my versions here and here.
As much as I love to stay in once the weather gets chilly, we still have a few special occasions to dress up for. The Sybil Skirt and Serenity Sweater is the perfect combination for those fancier events. When it comes to options, the Sybil Skirt has you covered. I love how quick and easy the pencil skirt is to sew up but my favorite to wear is the fun pleated version (here). The Serenity Sweater is one of those patterns that looks amazing on everyone I see it on. It’s feminine and pretty and so fun to wear.
When it comes to options, the Terra Tunic and Glissando Bottoms have got you covered! The Terra Tunic is full of neckline choices and sleeve lengths making it a versatile year-round pattern. You can see my other versions here. The Glissando Bottoms have crop pants, shorts, and skirt to choose from. That classic button-fly is the perfect detail and really makes this pattern stand out.
Another easy to wear combo is the Rockford Raglan and Allegro Bottoms. The Rockford is the only raglan pattern you’ll need. There are multiple views but I gravitate to the easy to wear (and sew!) straight banded shirt length. In french terry, cotton lycra, or soft sweater knit, the Rockford is a pattern I use over and over again. These Allegros in a comfy chambray are fantastic for cooler weather. I simply lengthened them a bit and they’re perfect for looking a little dressier but still feeling as comfy as can be!
Another pattern that offers a ton of versatility is the Forte. With tons of top and dress choices to choose from, you could totally sew up a closet full and no one would know you used the same pattern for all of them! I love this dress for throwing on during those warmer fall days.
The Oakley Vest is the perfect layering piece because you can still see those fun ruffle sleeves! This fur version has been so fantastic to have. It dresses up a simple tee and jeans and also looks great over dresses and skirts for those fancier days.
The newely released Arlington Sweater is excluded from the sale but I just had to include it in my must haves! I currently have an Arlington for every day of the week and I don’t see myself stopping sewing them up any time soon. Every fabric I see just needs to become an Arlington!
I love the Arlington paired with practically all of my bottoms but it’s especially cute with Sabrina Slims. The Sabrina Slims pattern is great for so many different fabrics. I love my ponte versions and these stretch denim ones are the best!
For an easy every day look, you can’t beat this combination. Allegro joggers and an Arlington tee are just made for each other! These Allegros are made is super soft hacci sweater knit and they’re the first things I grabbed to wear the second the weather was cool enough. And this simple black rib knit Arlington is working overtime right now. I love it paired with absolutely everything and it looks great layered too.
I couldn’t leave out these three patterns. The Sloane Sweater is much loved in this house (also here). The Classic Tee is my go-to tee pattern. And the Constellation Pattern is the pattern that I’m dying to sew up again!
I had so much fun going through my closet and picking out my essential Love Notions pieces. It was fun to see how they paired together and to try new combinations. I generally wear a mix of ready-to-wear and handmades and I love that my Love Notion pieces incorporate so easily into my wardrobe. If you’d like to see all of my past Love Notions makes head here.
Don’t forget to shop the sale through Friday and head to Love Notions blog for more inspiration. Ready for the good stuff?! Love Notions is giving away a Babylock Brilliant Sewing Machine or a Babylock Victory Serger! This post on the LN blog is full of all the great sale info and giveaway details.
Here are the official rules:
Entrants can learn how to enter to win this prize by following the Love Notions Ambassador team. Each Love Notions team member will be submitting a nomination and will make their own post with directions to enter with them. You can find links to follow the Ambassador team on their social media outlets here (listing of the 2021 Love Notions ambassador team).
Anyone is eligible to enter! Shipping within the continental U.S. will be paid for by Love Notions. Winner outside of the continental U.S. can choose to pay the shipping/receiving/customs difference or select our alternate prize. Please note that this machine uses U.S. voltage.
Alternately, a winner can choose the $1,000 Love Notions store credit to be used on Love Notions digital patterns, workshops, or future retreats.
All nominated entrants will receive the free pattern of their choice.
Nominations will selected by 10/22/21. The final winner will be selected randomly on Tuesday, October 26th, 2021.
You can enter on this post by simply leaving a comment and you can head to my Instagram for an additional chance to enter!
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 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.
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!
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:
The much anticipated Love Notions Ballad Blouse released this week! I fall more and more in love with this pattern with each new version I see!
This pattern is made for drapey wovens and is so perfect for spring! It comes in LN standard sizing XS-5X and also features a separate full bust front too. Just scroll through the listing for a TON of inspiration! You’ll see it looks beautiful on all body types and there’s such a variety of styles that you’ll surely find a few that speak to your taste.
I sewed up a size small with short cuffed sleeves and gathered shoulders. There is a shirred shoulder option as well as multiple sleeve styles.
I used a stretch crepe from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I love sewing with this fabric. It’s got amazing flow but not as slippery as some fabrics. The stretch also makes it so comfortable to wear! If you’re new to sewing wovens, I highly recommend this fabric.
I paired mine with some Sabrina Slims for a comfy but pulled together outfit.
Looking to sew your first button up? Are you an adventurous beginner? This pattern is made for you! There are videos to walk you through the tricky parts and it’s a surprisingly fast sew. Grab this pattern on sale through May 16th!
May seems to be the craziest month in our house but I love it! It’s a month of recitals, big games, so many end of school activities, and the hope of lazy summer days ahead. It’s the perfect time for new summer clothes and the big Love Notions Mother’s Day sale as we look forward to warm, fun days coming our way. Today I’m sharing our latest Love Notions and Raspberry Creek makes in honor of the 40% off LN sale and RCF’s newest summer line release.
This post contains Love Notions affiliate links. If you purchase patterns through my links I receive a small commission in return. I am a Love Notions Ambassador and love the patterns and LN community and want to share my enthusiasm and get y’all as hooked as I am!
Let’s talk fabric for a minute. Raspberry Creek Fabrics typically does two big CLUB fabric releases each year for Spring and Fall with Summer being a smaller release. This year, the summer release is just as big and there are soooo many amazing prints to choose from. I sat down with my kids and let them pick their favorites and let me tell you, their list was LONG! I usually let my kids have all of the CLUB goodies but I had to get my hands on some this round too. The new line is on sale through Monday, May 10th at $1 off per yard (which really adds up if your cart grows as much as mine!).
I sewed up this first batch in some of our favorite Love Notions patterns but will be bringing you a few more makes later this week too. These CLUB prints are available on their 95/5 cotton spandex jersey and french terry bases. These are all on jersey and are a great weight for so many things. We love tees, dresses, and pj’s in CLUB jersey. CLUB french terry makes cozy hoodies, dresses, shorts, and joggers.
Love Notions has some of my go-to boys patterns- the Moto Maxx being right at the top.
The Moto Maxx pattern has so many fun details! It features both a top and jogger pattern (you know how we feel about joggers in this house!). The top can be made with short, long, or layered sleeves making it a great year round pattern. I love the shoulder detail and the opportunity to do a little color blocking. It was perfect for this fun National Park print that had so many colors in it to pick from!
My teen has been growing like crazy and it always becomes obvious when she pulls out clothes from last season! She loves to throw on a t-shirt dress on Saturdays so I know that I need to sew up a few for summer. It was a great excuse to sew up a Prisma Dress! The Prisma Dress has multiple options and I always forget about the simple a-line (hello, that pleated drop waist skirt is too cute!). The simple shaping of the a-line was just right for this girly.
I love that so many of Love Notions kids patterns go up to a size 16 (this is one of them!). I sewed up a size 14 with a 14 length because she wanted it above the knee. It’s such a great throw on and be done dress. Paired with some sneaks and she’s good to go. She has come around to florals lately, especially if they have a little retro feel like this print.
We debated what this print wanted to be and really leaned towards a ringer tee. She has a darling muscle tank that she wears often and when I showed her the Sprint Muscle Tee she quickly made up her mind that was what she wanted. I love the color block and hood options but for this we went simple. We cropped it a few inches to wear with her high waisted shorts and jeans.
This cute stripe can read really sweet and girly but we wanted something a little more grown up. We had about 10 fabrics that we considered for the bands. RCF has solids that match almost all those stripes but we went for a little more contrast. Grey is always a good choice, right?
I couldn’t let my kids have all the fun! I fell head over heals for this print from Brittney Laidlaw and knew I needed something just for me. I wanted a tshirt dress and hacked my all time favorite LN pattern to get this look. The Classic Tee makes up a good percentage of my summer wardrobe so I knew it’d be perfect for this.
I measured from my shoulder to just above my knee and lengthened the side seams accordingly extending the curve out as well. I love the fit through the shoulders and then that it gets looser through the waist and hips. This makes for such a comfy and flattering dress too!
It is beyond comfy and I can’t wait to wear it all summer long!
Are you stumped which patterns to pick up during the sale? You can check out my past Love Notions makes here and hopefully I can help you narrow it down. I have so many Love Notions patterns that I reach for again and again. I love how easy they are to print at home, the clear concise tutorials, the great fit, and the wide variety of patterns for the whole family!
SewSophieLynn 