Rockford Raglan – SewSophieLynn

Love Notions Flash Sale and Sewing for the upcoming season

Love Notions Patterns is celebrating a brand new workshop space with an unprecedented 50% off site-wide sale! Now’s your chance to grab all of those amazing LN patterns you’ve had your eye on. I’m sharing a couple of my latest LN makes and joining in the party! Head to my Instagram for a chance to win a pattern of your choice too.

This post contains affiliate links that cost you nothing extra to shop through but in return I will receive a small commission that I use to keep this blog up and going (a win-win for us all!).

As August approaches each year I always have the same dilemma. Do I sew for the sweltering heat we’re in or do I start sewing for the cold weather just around the corner? Utah seems to go from summer to winter in the blink of an eye. For my latest makes I settled on a couple of pieces that will work well now and into the fall too.

It’s no secret that I LOVE the Allegro pattern and I currently have a pair for every day of the week (and then some). They are the perfect summer pant but I knew I wanted to make some to wear into cooler weather too. That relaxed fit and comfy knit waistband make them so easy to wear but they also look a little more classy than my cut-offs I tend to gravitate to.

The full length pant option hits me right at the ankle and for this pair I wanted them to be a little longer. I lengthened them an inch at the hem and then took a smaller 3/4″ hem to make them even longer. I wanted to be able to wear them with all kinds of shoes and this length works really well with anything from sandals to sneakers or even ankle boots.

For this pair I used a nice chambray from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. It’s the same fabric I used for my Vero shorts and I knew I needed pants out of it too. It’s just a great mid-weight fabric that is light enough for summer but won’t too light once it cools off too.

I love that I can style these pants with so many of my favorite LN tops patterns for tons of different looks, no matter what the season is. For this summery look, I sewed up a new Harmony Blouse. I love that this look is casual but fun and a little more dressy than just a knit tee.

I am part of the Love Notions Ambassadors, an amazing group of sewists from all over the world. We sew up and promote Love Notions patterns for Feature Friday posts and new releases, help test new patterns, and get in on all the behind-the-scenes fun going on at LN. Tami and Tessa are always coming up with new ideas and fun promotions and I’m always grateful to join in the party. Coming up soon, there will be a Fabric Feature in which all of the ambassadors got to pick fabric from their favorite online retailers to help spread the word on all of the amazing fabric shops out there. It can be hard to know just where to shop for certain types of fabric and also what fabric feels like from reading an online description. This will be an invaluable resource coming to the Love Notions blog.

For my fabric gift, I headed to my favorite online shop for affordable, great quality wovens that are hard to find in other shops, Alyssa May Designs. I picked two gorgeous fabrics and am excited to share my first make with them. I sewed up a Harmony Blouse in this pretty floral lightweight stretch chiffon. This fabric is a 95/5 poly spandex blend and is silky and soft without being too slinky to work with. The bit of stretch makes it so nice to wear.

The Harmony is an easy to sew top pattern that comes with multiple sleeves (cap, short, flutter, or sleeveless), back keyhole closure, and a full bust piece. It’s fitted through the chest and shoulder but nice and relaxed through the rest of the top. Sewn in a drapey, lightweight fabric, it just flows over any problem areas and is so nice to wear in the heat of summer. For this version, I used the Classic Tee crew neckline to bring up the neckline a couple of inches. I’m kinda weird and like to wear either a v-neck or crewneck and nothing in between. It’s been nice to figure out why certain handmades weren’t being worn and now I can easily make that adjustment when I’m sewing up new pieces.

Are you ready for a few more head-to-toe Love Notions looks that can take you from summer straight on to fall? These Allegros will certainly get a workout in my closet. This is the look that I’ll probably wear the most through the rest of the summer. Allegros and a Classic Tee are my go-to combo (see my all knit versions here and here ). I did an easy mod to this tee by adding a sleeve cuff and buttons- love that little extra touch!

The Melody Dolman is one of my all-time favorite patterns too. It’s such a great pattern for an adventurous beginner and the perfect pattern if you’d like to give button-ups a try. It comes together so smoothly and quick and is so on trend right now (a quick stroll around your favorite retailer and you’ll see this style everywhere!). I love it paired with Allegros for a cute, relaxed, and stylish look.

As the air gets a little crisper, I always reach for my Rockford Raglans. This lightweight sweater knit version looks fantastic with these pants. I think moving into fall these pants will be a nice alternative to jeans. They work great with sweatshirts and hoodies too!

I’m a little embarrassed to say this is probably how you’ll catch me 95% of the winter. Comfy pants, short sleeve top, and cozy Boyfriend Cardigan. Also the fact that it’s charcoal grey from top to bottom is pretty standard too. This Boyfriend cardi in comfy french terry is my go-to layering piece. It’s so soft and has been washed to the prime coziness.

Here are a few of my other Love Notions favorites to fill your closet! At 50% off, these patterns are a steal and all have so many options making them perfect for this transitional season. I love a 3/4 sleeve top and the Tabitha top is just too cute! Sabrina Slims paired with a Canyon Cardigan vest are darling together and both pieces are super easy to mix into your wardrobe.

Both the Forte and the Laundry Day Tee have multiple sleeve options which make them incredible for year round wear. Bonus, if you join the Love Notions Facebook Group you can snag the LDT for FREE!

If you want to see more of my Love Notions makes click here for all of my past LN posts. So much of my families wardrobes are LN makes and we get so much wear out of them! For some quick inspiration head here and here.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the HUGE sitewide Love Notions sale. You can head to all the other Ambassadors posts for loads more inspiration!

Visit all the stops on the tour!

Koe is on the Love Notions Blog with a way to help your kids embrace mask-wearing, using a little creativity and the Cartwheel Collection. read more

Josie gives a detailed review of her favorites! I love Josie’s style and her simple but elegant take on the patterns. read more

Anjori has such a sweet style and her mommy and me twinning with her daughter is my favorite! read more

Ilse always has a lovely, wearable version of Love Notions patterns and has timeless style that is approachable for anyone! read more

Katie is a hacking genius and active mom who sews for herself and her two boys. She has a pattern round up AND a fabric gift giveaway! read more

Chris has a full review of the Rhapsody Blouse, info on the new studio, and a full round up of the patterns you’ll love. watch now

Katie G. is showing off a lovely Allegro Skirt hack that you will want to make ASAP — plus she’s rounding up her absolute favorite patterns. read more

Crystal is showing off the Cartwheel Collection for her kiddo and discussing “Back to School — at home!” read more

Koe is also on her blog showing off her top 4 most used Love Notions patterns — if you don’t have these yet, you are missing out! read more

Karina from Lifting Pins and Needles is one of the most helpful and inspiring sewists. She is showing how to simplify a few faves: Vivace and Lyric! read more

Keira from Island Sewcialist is ready for twirling! See why she’s ready for anything in her Sybil Skirt. read more

Sequoia from SequoiaLynn Sews is showing off her favorite Love Notions makes PLUS giving away a free Love Notions pattern. You do not want to miss out! read more

And remember if you are in the area, stay in touch on the Love Notions Workshop email list! sign up here

Love Notions Sewing Retreat and Projects

It’s been almost a month since the Love Notions sewing retreat. I can’t believe I was one of the lucky ones in attendance and it’s definitely an experience I’ll cherish. Friendships were made and strengthened, sewing skills were learned, projects were finished, fabric was scored, and a great time was had by all. I can’t wait to share with you my experience and of course all the projects I was able to start or finish while there!

I’ve worked with Tami at Love Notions for a couple of years now. She was one of my first ever pattern tests and it was such a great experience. I loved how hands on she was through the testing process, sometimes sewing up a dozen or more of each design right along with the testers. She puts so much effort into perfecting a pattern and her eye for detail and design is amazing. I also just really love her classic, simple style! Needless to say, I was super excited to finally meet the whole Love Notions crew in person! It felt like being with old friends! My favorite parts of the whole weekend were talking sewing, family, and life with these ladies. Kelly (Handmade Boy), Rachel Ring (Handcrafted By Red), and Caroline Gaddy (Sew Like A Sloth) have been such inspiration and it was incredible spending time with them in the flesh.

The venue was perfect! A cabin in the woods with 38 women- all there to share their love of sewing, what could be better. There was a big main room where we had classes (a fitting class, a pattern hacking class, a vinyl workshop, a photography class, and a sew-a-long) and free sewing. The Sly Fox Fabrics crew were amazing and treated us to the best game of Yankee Swap I’ve ever played (purses and fabric prizes, hello!). We hung out in the hot tub, ate lots of yummy food, and of course sewed our hearts out. These women were all so different and brought so much to our group. I’m so grateful I got to know these ladies from all over the US (and you cute Canadian Lisa!). For this shy, introvert sewing can be so solitary but it was so nice to be able to share this passion of mine with so many inspiring, incredible women. Thanks for such a fantastic few days!

While I was there, I did actually sew a few things 😉 My plan was to cut out projects and I was super productive cutting three Moto Maxx joggers for my little guy and a Classic Tee for myself. While there I sewed up this Serenity Sweater during the Sew-A-Long and also a Rockford Raglan. I’m also sharing my latest Boyfriend Cardigan that I tried to have done in time for the retreat (everyone sews the day before a big trip, right?!) but had to save til I returned.

The Serenity Sweater (affiliate links included in this post) was a bit out of my comfort zone and I’m so glad I sewed it up. I love the clever construction! It’s such a cute, on-trend piece that I love to dress up or down. I stopped at Raspberry Creek Fabrics a few days before my trip and loaded up on pretties to sew up. This Teal Brushed Hacci Sweater Knit was perfect for this pattern. I love the vibrant color so much!

The other thing I sewed while at the retreat was this Rockford Raglan. The retreat was located just outside of Rockford so it was only fitting that I sew one up!

This gorgeous Floral Sweater Knit made for such a pretty sweater. I tend to always use contrasting fabrics for raglans but love the simplicity of this one done in a single fabric. I love the relaxed fit of the Rockford and the quick finish that it is.

The Classic Tee is a favorite in my wardrobe and I’ve been wanting to add some long sleeve versions. I cut into this pretty Rust Floral Double Brushed Polyester at the retreat and sewed it up as soon as I was back home.

The fit of the Classic Tee is nice and fitted through the chest and shoulders but relaxes through the belly and hips. It’s absolutely perfect in my book!

And now for the ultimate piece in my new Love Notions wardrobe, a cozy Boyfriend Cardigan. I hate to play favorites but the Boyfriend Cardigan pattern is the chosen one for me. It’s the quintessential layering piece and works so well in so many different fabrics.

I scored this plush, thick sweater knit in LA almost two years ago and have been meaning to sew it up ever since. It was just made to be a cozy cardigan and I’m so glad it’s now in it’s rightful place in my wardrobe.

I may or may not have worn it three days in a row… taken a day off, then wore it two more days, lol! The big shawl collar, deep pockets, and long length just make it the best thing ever to throw on for those cold fall days. And in gray, c’mon, it’s a no brainer. This puppy will get worn to death this season.

K- thanks for indulging me as I gush about all things Love Notions. I’m such a fan and I’m so grateful to Tami and the team for letting me join their fun. PS- you can still grab the Ladies Constellation Hoodie on sale through Saturday for $8!

Love Notions Rockford Raglan

Are you ready for another amazing pattern from Love Notions?!! (This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through them provides me a little kickback to keep up this lil sewing habit of mine!) The Rockford Raglan is such a versatile top and will be a staple in your wardrobe!

There are so many fun options with this pattern that I had to keep sewing them up! There are swingy top and tunic versions, an asymetrical overlay, and a banded option. Add in multiple sleeve lengths and this could be the only raglan top you need.

I sewed up four different tops during testing and love them all. The view D banded version is a great everyday basic. This one is done in french terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. It’s fun to dress up with a scarf and cozy enough for pairing with my favorite joggers for snuggling on the couch.

Double brushed poly is perfect for the view A swingy tunic option. This pretty fabric is also from Raspberry Creek (surprise, surprise). I’m going to need to grab some leggings to match this one. It’ll be too cute paired with boots!

This view B top version might be my surprise favorite. I paired these fabrics from my stash on a whim and love it so much! These flowy versions are perfect for hiding those extra holiday pounds and look great under a cozy cardigan too.

I think raglans are the perfect blank slate to add a little vinyl fun. This pretty white and pinecone version (also from Raspberry Creek Fabric) was just asking for a little bling. I wanted to do something wintery that could be worn through the new year too. My Cricut sure is getting a workout this time of year!

Which view are you going to sew up first? It’s so hard to pick a favorite!!

I was lucky enough to get together with fellow testers Rachel from Little Fish and Anna from Kainara Stitches. It’s so fun having sewing buddies close by and even more fun when we’re pattern testing together.

Rachel is a rockstar for braving our freezing temps in her short sleeve version! I love seeing the various versions on our different body types. Such a cute, flattering top!