Raspberry Creek Fabrics – Page 8

LOL Swing Top and Expansion Pack

Our weather has gone from spring to blazing hot summer this week! It was the perfect time to sew up the new LOL Swing Expansion pack for the LOL Swing Top from Jennuine Designs. The fact that this pattern can be sewn up in both knits AND wovens meant the sky was the limit!

The first version I made was an easy knit version using this darling Lemonade Stand print from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. It was the perfect pairing to create the essential summertime top!

We used the new pinafore option available in the expansion pack for a darling open back look. She loves the breeziness and didn’t want to take it off after our shoot on this 90+ degree day.

I think this will get worn mostly on pool days or lazy days around the house. It’s not up to school dress codes and knowing this little lady we’ll have to be careful because she’s always cartwheeling and flipping any chance she gets! This top is definitely not ‘tumbling’ proof 😉 I do think the pinafore options looks especially adorable on babies and toddlers! All that cute baby chub is too darling in this top!

I did skip the neck gathering on this version (not necessarily a design choice but trying to get it done quicker) and it still turned out so nicely in front. I seriously love the volume and swing this top has!

The second version I did was using the dress expansion. Again, the swing of this pattern is everything!

I used a large scale buffalo plaid I got from CaliFabrics last year and played with the direction of the print a bit. I love the bold black and white print with the pop of color from the bias binding. The pattern calls for narrow bias binding but I really wanted it to pop so I used 1/2″ bias for this version.

I’m always nervous sewing up tank patterns that the underarm coverage may be lacking. I love how this pattern fits though! The racerback style and thick straps keep everything where it should be.

The knit version can easily slip over the head but the woven version calls for a simple shoulder button. This makes it easy on and off and keeps the construction clean.

The dress version includes pockets and I had a hard time deciding whether or not to add them here. We LOVE pockets but this fabric is slightly sheer so I chose not to do them this go round.

You can get your copy of the LOL Top here, the Expansion Pack here for just $2 if you already own the LOL Top pattern, or get the bundle here on sale through Sunday June 10th.

Sewing WITH Kids

As my kids get older they’ve caught the sewing bug. They get an idea in their heads then just have to get it sewn up right then- sound familiar sewists?! Today I’m going to share a few of their favorite makes and our tips for a happy sewing experience.

This guy just dives right into each project with absolutely no fear. I never really taught him how to sew and remember the day when he was about 8-years-old and I caught him mending his socks with my serger. No intimidation with this kid!

My older kids are not really interested in sewing up pillowcases, bags, or other standard beginner projects. I think since I sew primarily clothing, that’s what they want to sew too. He really wanted a hoodie like his older brothers and we sewed this up in an afternoon. Hoodies are a go-to for me when teaching my kids to sew. My oldest has made a couple of Greenstyle Hudson Hoodies and my younger kids love the Hey June Hatteras Hoodie. The bands make it easy to finish with no knit hems and I think a hood can be even easier to do than a tricky knit neckband. For the most part hoodies can be done on a serger which makes for a more professional finish that they’ll be proud of. Another bonus with hoodies is that french terry is a great fabric to work with. It’s nice and thick and doesn’t curl as easily as thinner knits.

He made this last fall and wore this constantly all winter long! A couple other easy projects I’ve made with my older boys are t shirts (this one from Jalie or the Jolly Roger Raglan from P4P are favorites), joggers (Boxwoods from Sew Like My Mom and Mini Hudson Pants from True Bias), and pajamas (the free Walk the Plank bottoms from P4P).

This sweet girly loves to sew as well. She took a sewing class last summer with her best friend and I’ve been super grateful she did. She was able to learn all the proper techniques and gain the confidence to really tackle projects on her own. During her class she used a regular sewing machine and made bags, pillows, and pajamas. They taught her how to cut out patterns and which stitches to use. For her first big project at home she also sewed up a Hatteras Hoodie with her brother. It was so fun having them working side by side!

She loves to sew birthday gifts for her friends. She makes backpacks, sleeping masks, and hair things. We love the Made for Mermaids HUGE collection of Free Patterns– there are tons of great beginner projects and loads of things perfect for gifting.

Her latest sew was a fun one! We sewed the Mainland Collection from Striped Swallow Designs together. She sewed the Rhapsody Joggers and I did the Highlander Dolman. She picked these darling fabrics from our Project Run and Play winnings from Riley Blake Designs. They are so cute together and such a great weight, making them easy to work with.

The top is also another great beginner project that I think she could do on her own next time. We changed a few things with the patterns to make them even quicker, easier sews.

We did a wide yoga waistband on the joggers and a wide band on the bottom of the top. She plans to wear this set primarily as lounge wear so comfort was key! It also made construction even easier.

The pocket construction on these pants is super fun and quite easy for her to figure out. I love the oversized look of them too!

I changed the sleeves to have a wide cuff, one of my favorite features on tops lately. I think it adds a cute detail to this top.

I think the most difficult part of this top is the bound neckline and optional ties. It’s such a nice finish and she’s so meticulous that I’m sure she could handle it next time. It’s definitely my favorite thing about this pattern!

Here’s a breakdown of some of my tips for sewing with older kids:

1- Let them pick their project. They’re more likely to finish a project they’ve picked themselves and will be proud to wear the finished garment if it’s something they’ve been eyeing in stores.

2- Pick fabrics that are easy to sew with. I like thick knits like cotton/lycra (Raspberry Creek, Art Gallery, and Riley Blake are perfect!) or french terry (Raspberry Creek has you covered!). For wovens, I love Robert Kaufman Mammoth flannels for pj’s or quilting cottons for household projects. Good quality fabric might be hard on the wallet but it’ll make all the difference in how easy it is to sew and how well the finished project will hold up.

3- If you’d use a serger on the project, let your kids use it also. I know that blade is scary but I’ve found my kids are cautious and careful around it. We use clips to hold pieces together and they work great at making sure they sew nice and slow too!

4- Go easy on them but also make them unpick when necessary. When I learned to sew as a teen I was so resentful of my seam ripper. My mom made me unpick things until they were perfect. Guess what I’ve learned- perfection isn’t all it’s cracked up to be! If it’s close enough and won’t cause problems further in the construction, let it be. Sometimes though a little seam ripping just needs to be done. When sewing these joggers my daughter sewed a cuff on with the seam on the outside. She quickly ripped the seam out and had it sewn on correctly in no time. Lesson learned! We grow the most from our mistakes so don’t deny them that opportunity, lol!

5- Have fun! It’s hard not to think that you could probably finish the project in half the time but sit back and enjoy those moments with your kiddos. They go too quickly!

Patriotic Starlight City Dress

The new Patriotic CLUB line from Raspberry Creek Fabrics has me feeling so inspired. Corinne really did an amazing job creating this line and I can’t get enough of it!

I had big plans to use this rayon challis print for myself but had a change of heart when this little miss struggled to find a warm weather dress that still fit- darn growing kids! I absolutely love the Starlight City Dress from Lil Luxe Collection (you can see our other version here) and knew it’d be stunning maxi-fied.

That back is just so fun and it’s such a quick, easy sew too since there are no closures!

I modified it just a bit using the width of the fabric for the skirt and adding length to make it touch the floor. She is a 7/8 width with a 12 height but I didn’t alter the bodice piece so it hits a little higher on her chest.

We both love those pockets! Seriously, there’s nothing more comfy than a soft maxi dress with pockets.

I did have to be a bit creative with the pattern placement with this print. You don’t want to end up with medallions is the wrong place on the chest, if you catch my drift. It’s not such a big deal on my little miss but when I make my own top I think I’ll try to do something similar to this bodice. Aren’t those colors just so pretty?!!

You can grab this fabric and the whole patriotic line on sale through the end of today, 5/7. They’ll stick around in the shop through July 4th so you can get your fun summer clothes ready!

Megan Nielsen River Dress and Top

I’m so excited to finally get to share these makes with you! I was thrilled to be a tester for Megan Nielsen’s latest pattern, the River Top and Dress. This dress was one of my most worn this winter and it’s been torture not to be able to share it with you all!

This pattern includes so many options! It’s a fun reversible raglan sleeve top or dress that can be made in both knits or wovens. It can be worn with the v-neckline in the front or back making it so versatile!

The relaxed fit made it so perfect for hiding all those holiday pounds and for keeping me comfortable all winter long. I loved pairing it with tights and a cardigan for an easy casual church outfit.

I made this version out of a thick plaid double knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I absolutely love this fabric and it was perfect for this pattern. It has both structure and stretch and is so soft. It’s no wonder I couldn’t get enough of this dress.

I also did a top version in a houndstooth ponte (from my stash) that I just love! The cropped length was so flattering and made me feel slightly edgier and way cooler than my normal jeans and tee 😉

There is a cuff option for the sleeves that I absolutely adore! Digging up these pictures again has me convinced I need to make another brighter version for spring.

Head over to Megan Nielsen stat to pick up your copy of this fun pattern and you’ve got to check out the Ash Jeans that also released this week. So much goodness in the shop!

Raspberry Creek Fabrics Patriotic CLUB Line

Summer is coming which means it’s time to start sewing all the red, white, and blue! I don’t know about you but my kids wear their patriotic stuff constantly between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Summer is just the time of year that makes you so proud of the country we live in. Raspberry Creek Fabrics newest CLUB line is perfect for all summer long!

Corinne of Corinne Wells Design did a great job designing this line. There are six prints on the CLUB base jersey and french terry. CLUB base fabrics are comparable to expensive knits like Art Gallery but at a fraction of the price. They are my kids absolute favorite!

There are also two prints on dreamy rayon challis. I just had to have that cute red bandanna print so stay tuned for a little something for me!

My sister and I were excited to sew up these prints for our girls! They love cousin photo shoots almost as much as we do.

This cutie is wearing the Navy Stars on White paired with the CLUB red stripes. My sister used the Issie Top and Dress from SewPony for this darling dress. Those ruffles are so darn cute!

My Payton loves comfy clothes with a little sass and the Studio Top from Shwin Designs is so very her! I combined the two views, adding the sleeves from to the bodice flounce version. I had a lot of fun playing with the direction of the gingham for each pattern piece and since this knit is a four-way stretch it worked out just lovely. This big red plaid just screams summer to me!

This tiny miss was absolutely adorable during our shoot. She just loves her big cousins and they love her so much too! She’s wearing a modified Alley Cat Romper from Lil Luxe Collection. My sister made the bodice per the pattern and then chopped the bottom to be a cute handkerchief hem peplum.

Finally, my oldest is wearing the Cora Culottes from Made for Mermaids. They are such a quick sew and so comfortable. I’ll need to make her a bunch more for summer since she’s not much of a skirt girl but these are great compromise.

Are you itching for long summer days, bar-b-ques, and lots of family time? Just looking at these pics again has me so ready for school to be out and for all things summer! Make sure to head over to Raspberry Creek Fabrics this week to grab these fun prints for a dollar off per yard during the release week sale. Bring on the sun!!

Greenstyle Hudson Hoodie for my Dad

When I saw this camo print from Raspberry Creek I knew immediately I needed to sew it up for my dad. I rarely sew for gifts (my perfectionism kicks in and I stress way too much about it) but I just knew this would be a great Christmas present for him. He loves the outdoors and hunting so this print was just meant for him.

The muted colors in this print are my favorite and that oatmeal french terry base is just amazingly soft. (The oatmeal base has sold out repeatedly and is not currently available, huge bummer, but I’ll update this when it’s back in stock.)

I had a tiny bit of the print left and just had to make Charlie a matching pair of joggers. These pictures of Papa and his buddy are just priceless to me. Seriously, my heart just might burst!

I used the Greenstyle Hudson Hoodie with little modification (I had to cut my hood in two pieces to make it fit on my fabric). The fit is great and it comes together quickly and smoothly (if you’re not stressing over all the little details ;). My dad is 6’1″ and I didn’t need to add any length. It helps that my oldest son is almost the same height so he was a great test model. I think that’s the other hard thing about sewing for gifts. Picking a size and hoping it fits is a pretty nerve wracking thing! Luckily I think it worked out well this time.

I added a tiny leather tag and one of my favorite metal tags to the band as well. I really appreciate little details and hope they make the sweatshirt look less ‘homemade’.

Charlie’s pants are the new Lexi and Lou Loungers from Made for Mermaids. I did the jogger version and love them so much! They come together so quickly. I needed to print a new size for him anyways so I thought I’d give a new pattern a try. Since he lives in his joggers, I think a variety of patterns is great to have.

He was instantly in love with these pants and refused to take them off after. I’m pretty sure he’d still be wearing them, five days later, if I’d let him!

This shoot was a lot of fun. My dad is an excellent photographer and I think my love for photography comes from him. He was interested to see how these shoots go and what I do with my camera settings and such. Little did he know I’m just about clueless when it comes to my camera and I just shoot and shoot and hope for some good ones. We hit golden hour at one of my favorite spots. Between great models, beautiful location, and gorgeous light this shoot turned out to be a favorite for sure!

My dad has convinced me to get out of my comfort zone and sew more for others. I love how happy (and handsome!) he looks in this! That’s the best reward ever!

I’ll leave you with this pic- straight out of a fashion magazine 😉 I love how they’re channeling their inner super models. Perfection!

Toaster Sweater from Sew House 7

I’ve got a new addiction this winter. The Toaster Sweater patterns from Sew House 7 have become favorites to sew and wear. They check all the right boxes for me- comfortable, loose fitting, quick sews, and stylish.

I shared my first two over on the Cali Fabrics blog. I made this green one out of a mid weight sweatshirt fleece and it’s the ultimate in warmth and comfort. This particular sweatshirting has a bit of two way stretch that makes it easy to wear. It’s the first thing I grab on a snowy day.

The tall neckline of #1 is so cozy and I love the boxy fit of this version. The topstitching details add such a professional finish. I added length to this version to provide optimum coverage!

After sewing a version #1, I just had to try sewing #2. I used a luxurious stretch velvet and had the perfect holiday party top.

It’s loose and chic and I get compliments every time I wear it. I love that it looks dressy while still feeling like I’m wearing next to nothing. I think I’d wear velvet all day every day if I could.

So after those first two sweater all I could think about was sewing up another. When I laid eyes on this amazing quilted knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics I knew it had to be a boxy sweater and the Toaster #1 was just what I was after.

I lined the body and sleeves in a lightweight double brushed poly and kept the length I added to the pattern previously. This fabric is a bit less stiff than my first version and the neck line has a slouchy effect. This top is incredibly warm and just about as pretty as a sweatshirt can get.

I found these darling tags at Hobby Lobby (in the yarn section) and like to add them to those special things I know will get extra love. Just a tiny detail that I adore that looks upscale from afar but only I know the care that went into this piece.

My latest Toaster just might be my favorite. This beauty happened when I stumbled across this fabric in my stash and realized I had just enough to make the cutest Toaster ever. This fabric is a remnant from Girl Charlee years ago, a sweatshirt fleece with absolutely no stretch. I literally could hold the leftover scraps in one hand when I was done cutting this out- totally meant to be!

I used the original cropped length and cropped the cuffs a bit also. Because of the lack of stretch in this fabric this top is a cinch to get on but man, oh man do I have to Houdini myself out of it. If I had thought through this sew a bit more I may have sized up to account for the lack of stretch but I sewed this on a whim from finding the fabric to sewn in under an hour. No time for actually thinking about it- just a quick, rewarding sew!

I really love how different fabrics take to this pattern. I’m thinking next fall I’d love a chunky sweater knit version of either pattern. I think a light jersey knit would look cute as a version 2 for spring or a drapier french terry for that matter.

Have you sewn up a Toaster? Any favorite fabrics you loved for yours? I might have sewn my last version this season (no guarantees 😉 but know it will be at the top of my list when cooler temps hit again this fall.

Simple Life Pattern Co. Aria

Raspberry Creek Fabrics has just released their newest Spring CLUB line and it’s absolutely amazing. My kids instantly claimed their favorite prints and I fell madly in love with these Coral Umbrella Flowers and knew I had to sew it up stat. Corinne Wells, the designer behind this line, just nails it every…single…time.

I knew I wanted a pattern that would really let this fabric shine and the new Aria Dress from Simple Life Pattern Co. was just what I was after. It’s a classic silhouette with a sweet bow back. I had to run it by this cutie and she was as smitten as I was.

We chose to do the full back coverage so she could wear it to school. The bows made it so fun to throw in a coordinating fabric, navy polka dots. Nothing like a little party in the back!

I love sewing for this girl because she’s so hard to fit in ready-to-wear. I did an 8 chest graded to a 10 waist with a 12 length. Talk about a custom fit! We chose a half sleeve hack to hopefully make this wearable now and then well into spring and summer.

We did the full circle skirt option for maximum twirl factor. I don’t think a good twirl ever gets old!

She’s been wanting rain boots forever and these vibrant, fun yellow ones were just made for this fabric. They will surely brighten even the gloomiest of rainy days!

The Aria features a darling neckline that I managed to botch. Yep, sometimes you just gotta make do and this was one of those times. Just means I’ll need to make another one to redeem myself 😉 Good thing little sis is already in line for her version!

After a couple of intense sews, this was my reward. A quick, fun beautiful knit sew always cleanses the palate and gets me ready for the next big project! Make sure you head over to Raspberry Creek Fabrics and check out the newest prints- they’re on sale through 2/14 for $1 off/yard. Simple Life Pattern Company is celebrating three years of business with one of the biggest sales ever. Head over to shop all the darling patterns for 40% off! We’re big SLPCo fans around here and they pair fabulously with our favorite RCF fabrics!

Nina Blouse from Coffee + Thread

I’ve been trying to cut back on pattern testing and it takes something pretty special to pull me into a test. The Nina Blouse from Coffee + Thread was one of those patterns!

A sweet peter pan collar, shoulder pleats and multiple sleeve options make this a classic pattern that can work year round. It’s so feminine and sweet!

The optional neck ties add such a charming touch.

This pattern is beginner friendly and is great for those like me that are a bit timid when it comes to sewing button-up shirts. I’m always nervous to tackle what I think are intimidating projects but this pattern really was a fun sew. Not too difficult and the tutorial was excellent. There’s nothing better than the feeling of accomplishing something that scares you! These tops are some of my favorite makes because I pushed myself a bit out of my comfort zone. Easy knit projects are great but these blouses took just a little longer and the reward is so satisfying!

The list of recommended fabrics for this top is long. Light to mid weight woven fabric such as lawn, rayon, linen, and quilting cotton are all great choices. I used a pretty rayon challis from Raspberry Creek Fabrics for the long sleeve version and a light swiss dot from LA for the cap sleeve blouse. Different looks to bring us into spring. I’m excited to use my favorite quilting cotton prints too!

You’ll also be happy to know that the size range is amazing! 12 months to 12 years- hallelujah! It’s absolutely adorable on the littlest ones and still chic and classic on the oldest girls. It’s such a timeless pattern you’ll turn to again and again.

My biggest critic absolutely loves her new tops! She was so excited to wear it to school the next day. It looked great with jeans and know it will be darling paired with a skirt and knee highs for church too.

The pattern is on sale through Tuesday, February 13th for $6.50. I know you’ll love it as much as we do!

Love Notions Thomas Track Pants

There’s exciting things happening in the Love Notions Pattern world. Kelly has joined Tami as an assistant designer and has just released her first pattern! I love working with Kelly and know she’s been after a great track pant pattern for ages. So it was obvious they should be her inaugural pattern.

(This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through these links provides me a small commission that I use to keep up fabric hoarding obsession.)

The Thomas Track Pants are so full of options! You’ve got to check out Kelly’s ah-mazing cover pair. Pockets, colorblocking, and hem zippers make them perfect for your little athletes. They come in sizes 2t-14 and I’m thinking my teenage soccer players need some too!

Charlie asked for some cozy pajama pants and picked out this plush fleece for his first pair. After trying them on he declared them soooo soft and comfy and had to wear them to school that day. So they may have started out as pj’s but have become his go-to pants whenever they are clean. This is the basic no pocket, solid version. They’re a super quick sew and the perfect fit!

I made Charlie a couple Moto Maxx tops and he needed a pair of track pants to match too! This version features the cool colorblocking. I skipped the other bells and whistles which made these another quick sew. I used the much sought after oatmeal french terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics with some olive heathered french terry (also from RCF but currently out of stock) for the accent. His top is also made with RCF cotton lycra jersey (so soft!).

Just in case you need the perfect top to go with your new track pants, I can’t recommend the Moto Maxx enough! I love being able to mix and match prints and that shoulder detail is too cool. Boys clothing can be boring but not with this pattern!

I’m so excited for Kelly to be joining the design team and to be dreaming up more boy patterns. I love sewing for this kid and know Kelly will do some fantastic things!

I’ll leave you with this gem. He’s pretty convinced that ‘matching’ means wearing head to toe of the same color. He just had to wear his new shades and I think he’s doing his best to intimidate you into grabbing this pattern! I know you’ll love it as much as he does!

Tag: Raspberry Creek Fabrics