Sewing for Girls – Page 5

Pool Side Beach Party Tour

I’m so excited to join in the super fun Pool Side Beach Party tour! Make sure you make it to the end for a fun giveaway and links to all the other great blogs on the tour.

These cute cousins just can’t get enough of each other. In matching swim suits, they couldn’t be more adorable!

I just had to include this cutie and that belly when I started planning for the Pool Side Beach Party Tour! Don’t you just want to eat her up!!

We used a handful of patterns and hacked away to get these looks. This one is sporting The Uptown Bathing Suit by Little Finch Patterns. I’ve had it on my to-sew list since it released.

Sophie is wearing a little Peekaboo Pattern Shop– the fabric came from PAB and I used these bottoms. The top is a modified Cosi featuring a cascade ruffle that I just had to do after seeing my pal Karly’s cute suits. The headbands are Barb’s Headband, a free pattern from Simple Life Pattern Company.

These two are in modified Cosi’s also.

I feel like this post should be titled ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Darling’ 😉

The Good- My sister has lived thousands of miles away in Alaska for far too long and she’s here for the summer with her darling little family. We spent the day sewing up these suits together and it was THE BEST! We’ve spent far too many hours on the phone or FaceTiming about our sewing questions and creations and it was ‘simply marvelous’ being in the same room sewing! Can’t wait for more of those days in the next couple months.

The Bad- I’d love to say that sewing these up was a breeze but that’s just not how it went down. This cute suit from Little Finch needs a little TLC. The pattern has some drafting issues which were easy to smooth out and it came together so, so fast. I did a 6 width with an 8 length and it fit like a glove. The way the front tie is constructed per pattern instructions she couldn’t get it over her head so we improvised and I sewed one end of the tie down to the center front and we just wrap it around her neck and tie. It has a heck of a time staying up on her chest but I think a little clear elastic in the top band would help. I will definitely make this suit up again and try to tweak it further to get it perfect. It’s too cute to give up on- I love the cut of the legs and the sleek, sophisticated style!

This suit gave me a run for my money. Those bottoms- ugh! I’ve made them multiple times and every time I think ‘I need to fix this pattern to fit better’ and I’ve never gotten it quite right. The pattern is one simple piece with the same front and back rise. If you look at that tiny booty you might think that’d be just fine but it’s always bugged her and the back is always dangerously close to over-exposing a little toosh. I added a wide waistband this time after hacking off the elastic at the waist. I finally redrafted the pattern and sewed up a new pair in the hot pink fabric that she can wear with this top too.

I love the ruffle detail and wider neck straps I hacked on this top. I think I need to make another version with a few little tweaks to get it just perfect.

This cute chub and that belly were a bit of trouble for the high-waisted Cosi bottoms. My sister chopped off a couple inches and added a waistband and I’m just loving this two-piece and that tummy! Not bad for my sister’s very first swimsuit, right?!

This tiny girl just turned one and the smallest size in the Cosi (6 mos) was still a little big in the chest. With a little pleat and a decorative bow, this suit is now the perfect fit!

Ok- now for the Darling! C’mon, little girls in swimsuits is just about the cutest thing ever!

Have you keeled over from cuteness overload yet?!!

One more to push you over the edge…

Make sure you check out all the other stops on this fun tour. So much summertime inspiration!

Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for your chance at this awesome prize package:
2 patterns of choice* from Mouse House Creations
1 pattern of choice* from 5 Out of 4 Patterns
1 pattern of choice* from Chalk and Notch
*Excludes bundles
Open Internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Starts at 12am EDT June 29th, ends 12am EDT July 1st. Giveaway winner will be notified by email and will have 72 hours to respond before a new winner is pulled.

Simple Life Pattern Company Jane

My girls love, love, love rompers! At last, we have found our new favorite!

The Jane Dress and Romper from Simple Life Pattern Company releases TODAY!

I’m super excited about it because it’s the first pattern release from Gemia Carroll of Phat Quarters Fabric. Gemia was one of my first online sewing buddies and has been such a great friend. Her first pattern is all I hoped it would be!

With just the right options, this pattern is just perfect for all the girls in your life. There are dress and short romper versions, a plain or pieced bodice, ruffle placket and bodice pocket options, cap sleeves or sleeveless, belt loops, hem cuffs and pockets!

I did the plain bodice option and ruffled placket. I used KAM snaps (for the first time-hello?!, so EASY!) and it makes it super quick and easy for potty breaks. I love the pop of color they bring to the outfit.

It’s just the perfect play outfit- comfy, easy to wear, and so, so cute!

Make sure you grab your copy on sale today!

Striped Swallow Midsummer Dream

This girl and this dress have me swooning!

The new Striped Swallow Designs Midsummer Dream Dress is too cute for words!

This girl is all over anything with a bohemian vibe and this dress was perfect for her.

She picked this flowy mystery woven from my stash and crochet trim. I love when their choices come together just perfectly!

The pattern features a wide ruffle, lined bodice, elastic waist and multiple skirt lengths. You can also make a separate crop top and skirt! This is a 6x maxi version.

It was this one’s 7th birthday and she couldn’t wait to take pics in her new dress. Be prepared for picture overload as I can’t get enough of this photo shoot! We hit the ‘golden hour’ and found this great abandoned house. Some of my favorite shots ever but bear in mind I am still learning…

Make sure to pick up your copy today!

Blaverry Nina and Ollie

Christie at Blaverry is in the process of updating some of her patterns and I’m so excited for you to see the improvements. The Nina Skirt and Ollie Top were some of the first on her list.

The Ollie Top is a classic silhoutte with two different collar options. We choose the one piece collar.

I love the simplicity and classic lines of this top! It features a hook and eye closure to keep things sleek and polished.

The Nina Skirt is a simple knit skirt with a brilliant waistband that keeps it in place while still being super comfortable.

The finishing instructions on these patterns are top notch!

These are available in sizes 2-16 making these the perfect patterns for your teens and tweens.

These patterns feature new and improved fit and tutorials. Size charts have been expanded and pattern tiling has been changed to make for easier blending. I’m so thrilled with these changes that make Blaverry patterns more user friendly.

These are super quick sews that will get worn a lot this summer. They fit in perfectly with her comfy but sophisticated wardrobe. We can’t wait to see what’s next in the Blaverry line up!

I am part of the Blaverry Blasters team and received these patterns for free.

Top fabric: Spoonflower modern jersey

Skirt fabric is ponte from a Girl Charlee Knitfix

Hey June City Park Tee

Hey June‘s second Junior’s pattern is here!!! The City Park Tee is the minified Union St. Tee– perfect for your girlies!

It has all the great options of the Union (v-neck or scoop neck, mulitple sleeve lengths) and two hem lengths (shirt and tunic). These two are size 8 tunic length with scoop necks. We have a v-neck shirt length that we still need pics of (photo shoots are no fun when there’s cousins to play with and parks to hit up!).

In sizes 6-16, it’s the perfect go-to tee pattern. I just love that my girls can use this pattern for years to come!

The short sleeve version is perfect for summer but with multiple sleeve lengths we will be using this pattern year round. It’s such a wardrobe staple!

Like all Hey June patterns, the tutorial is superb and fit is spot on. I’m truly spoiled every time I sew up one of Adrianna’s patterns. They all come together so smoothly with great results every time!

Make sure to grab it on sale (through June 12th)!

This one was pretty happy to get her braces off and I’m loving her big smile! Momentous day at our house!

Make Laundry, Don’t Do Laundry Tour

Laundry is inevitable. With a family of 7 it’s quite the chore. Most days I’d much rather use my precious time sitting at my sewing machine so when the ‘Make Laundry, Don’t Do Laundry Tour’ came about I jumped on board in a heartbeat!

This is such a fun tour with amazing sponsors and bloggers combining for an awesome week-long party! Prizes and giveaways galore!

For my stop I’m sharing the quickest sew EVER! We’re big fans of pencil skirts and I love, love, love how quick and cute they are. I used Jocole’s Girls Knit Pencil Skirt and Ladies Knit Pencil Skirt for our looks. There are lots of pencil skirt options out there though- Love Notions Sybil Illusion Skirt (affl. link) and the Patterns for Pirates Pirate Pencil Skirt (free to Facebook group followers) are other great options. You can also easily draft your own.

I picked the Jocole pattern since it had a girls version and I love the simplicity of it. It’s one piece front and back which works fine for me and my girls and adds to the quickness of it all. Less pages to print, easy peasy cutting, and cute end result!

I did the mid-calf natural waist option in a gorgeous ponte (ponte and pencil skirts are a match made in heaven!). The women’s version comes in sizes XS-XXXL and features 8 different length options and multiple waistband options too. I love that it takes the guess work out of it all.

The girl’s version comes in sizes nb-14 and includes an 18″ doll version too. It only has one length option but it’s easy to adjust to your preference.

This version is done with a gorgeous stretch lace over a cotton lycra (from Raspberry Creek Fabrics).

My little one was in heaven with the camera remote! Diva in the making for sure!

And this one all of a sudden looks twelve in a sweet pencil skirt!

Summer has arrived and sewing time is at a premium. The sunshine is calling and our days are spent outside instead of at my machine. Quick projects will be a necessity. What are your favorite fast sews? I love simple tees, quick shorts, and fun dresses.

And now for the good stuff! There are three fun prize packages you can win.

I want to thank all of our amazing sponsors for being a part of this tour.

A few of the designers are having sales for the duration of the tour, so here’s the codes!George & Ginger use code MAKELAUNDRY25 for 25% off her patterns
Blaverry use code MAKELAUNDRY for 25% off her patterns
Stitch Art use code MAKELAUNDRY for 30% off patterns
Paisley Roots use code MAKELAUNDRY for 25% off patterns
These codes are good through June 12th!
Then Laela Jeyne’s Emily Womens T-shirt & the Deluxe Charlotte Kids Leggings are on sale through the 11th! No code needed!I know everyone loves a good giveaway so here’s the prize packages:

Link-up Prize Package

Thread Faction Full Collection Spring/Summer 2016

2 Patterns of choice from Momma Quail

$15 gift certificate to Gracious Threads

$25 gift certificate to Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop (good for fabric too!)

2 Patterns of choice from Made For Mermaids

1 Pattern of choice from Blaverry

1 Pattern of choice from Brownie Goose
2 Patterns of choice from Laela Jeyne Patterns (excludes bundles)
1 Pattern of choice from The Wolf & the Tree
1 Pattern of choice from Stitch Art
2 Patterns from Paisley Roots
$20 gift certificate to Phat Quarters
3 Patterns of choice from Everything Your Mama Made

Prize Package 1

1 Pattern of choice from Pattern for Pirates

1 Pattern of choice from Brownie Goose
2 Patterns of choice from Hey June
2 Patterns from Paisley Roots
1 Pattern of choice from Muse of the Morning
1 Pattern of choice from Call Ajaire
1 Pattern of choice from Stitch Art
1 Pattern of choice from The Wolf & the Tree
3 Patterns of choice from Everything Your Mama Made

Prize Package 2

1 Pattern of choice from Simple Life Pattern Company

1 Pattern of choice from Modkid
1 Pattern of choice from Laela Jeyne
1 Pattern of choice from SisBoom
1 Pattern of choice from Stitch Art
2 Patterns from Paisley Roots
1 Pattern of choice from FABulous Sewn Home

You can link up your own projects here to be entered in to the Link Up prize drawing.

An InLinkz Link-up

You can enter the Rafflecopter giveaway here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Head to all the other tour stops here:

6/6 Creative Counselor / Phat Quarters / Call Ajaire / Friends Stitched Together / The Wholesome Mama / Wild & Wanderful

6/7 Blaverry / The Inspired Wren / Sew Sophie Lynn / Sprouting Jube Jube / Coral & Co / Once Upon A Sewing Machine

6/8 Paisley Roots / Sew Happily Ever After / Randoms By Rydz / Elegantine / Rebel & Malice / Fabulous Home Sewn / Candice Ayala

6/9 Create 3.5 / Muse Of The Morning / Sew & Tell Project / Gracious Threads / Beatnik Kids / Everything Your Mama Made

6/10 Sweeter Than Cupcakes / Pear Berry Lane / All Things Katy! / Sew Starly / Handcrafted By RED / Adventures of Bubba & Bug / Sew & Tell Project

Kids Clothes Week- Black and White Edition

This round of Kids Clothes Week has snuck up on me again. It came at the perfect time though as this girly is in desperate need of some summer play clothes.

We’re beefing up on basics this week and we started with a few tees and a couple shorts.

Every year I make a batch of KID Shorts from Made Everyday. I fell in love with this crazy print at Joann’s last year and these retro shorts were perfect for it.

I added 2 inches to the girls racer hemline. Next time we will add an inch or two to the rise- my tall skinny girl is so hard to fit sometimes!

I love it paired with the new City Park tee that’s in testing from Hey June.

She got two of those this week so far and I’m sure they will become a summer staple. When the pattern releases I’ll give you all the glorious details!

I used CLUB fabrics french terry to make a quick E+M Top #27 (a FREEEEEE pattern!).

It’s a super quick sew that I’ll for sure make again. I’m not loving it in this thicker french terry but it’s super cozy and will definitely get worn.

I’ve got grown-up pattern testing going on but I’m hoping to squeeze in a few more things for little miss. I’m really wishing KCW and the end of the school year were not coinciding- anyone else going crazy with end of the year madness?!! My little guy is officially done today so there goes my kid free mornings. Naptime will be even more precious these days!

Make sure you check out the KCW blog to be blown away with inspiration- it’s my favorite!

Sofilantjes Anniversary Tour

Sofilantjes is celebrating their 2nd Anniversary and I’m so happy I get to join in the party!

So many amazing bloggers and sponsors and HUGE giveaways you won’t want to miss!

For my stop on the tour I’ve got a simple hack on the Omni Tempore. With it’s crossover hood and kangaroo pocket, I knew it would make the perfect swim cover-up for my girls.

They have a hand-me-down cover-up in french terry that is constantly fought over. It’s the coziest, comfiest of all their covers and I knew I could recreate it in this yummy french terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

I’ll share my simple tutorial so you can recreate this look for your little one. You can use a regular knit to make a cute summer dress too! I’m still new to tutorials so don’t expect too much 😉

Grab your pattern and supplies and let’s get started! You are only altering the bodice pieces.

It helps if your ruler isn’t broken but if you have kids I’m sure a few of your supplies have met this fate too! Make sure you measure from the top of the pattern piece (not shown to protect the designer). I lined my top up with the top of my cutting mat so I measured down on my center seam also.

Easy peasy, right? All we are doing is lengthening and adding a slight a-line to our bodice pieces. From there we sew it up following the pattern tutorial. Nothing mind blowing and easy enough for a beginner to do.

And you will have one happy girly when you are done!

It’s perfect for after swimming when we grab our favorite treat. The first snow cone of the season means summer is right around the corner! I dislike all things fruity- can’t even stand it, so my snow cone choices are limited but my kiddos sure love them! What’s your favorite flavor?

We’re ready to hit the pool!

Make sure to check out the other stops on the tour for some more great twists on your favorite Sofilantjes patterns. Use code CELEBRATE to take 25% off all patterns during the blog tour. Join the Facebook Group to keep up to date on all the latest shop happenings and to be filled with inspiration!
From a Box – Paisley Roots – Pattern Revolution – SewSophieLynn – Beri Bee Designs – Sprouting Jube Jube – Coral and Co. – Create 3.5 – Jennifer for Sofilantjes – Bellevi – Vaahtokarkkimonsteri – Sew Journers – Inspinration – MoonStar – Lucky Mie – Nononsonsmoms – Pienkel – Tales of a Tester – Adventures with Bubba and Bug – All things Katy – Candice Ayala – Rebel and Malice – Liesellove

We’ve also got an amazing Rafflecopter Giveaway for you today. Enter to win 11 patterns!!! It will run until May 25, 12.00 AM (GMT+1) (Amsterdam time)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for joining me!

Cali Faye January Peplum

I’m always on the hunt for cute woven top patterns. The January Peplum from Cali Faye caught my eye when it was released and has been on my ‘to-sew’ list ever since.

About the same time I just HAD to order this darling panda quilting cotton from Phat Quarters fabrics on Etsy. Gemia (one of the Phat Quarters owners) was one of my first online sewing friends and I was so excited to place my first order with her. It was super quick shipping and she has such an amazing selection (this print has since sold out but there’s a ton of cute stuff to check out).

I knew this fabric and pattern would be a great combo for my panda-lovin’ girl!

She just loves her cute ‘panda-licious’ top!

It certainly suits her little personality!

I really adore the shape of this pattern. The hi-low peplum is too cute!

The construction is basic and quick. Nothing fancy but the tutorial is clear and concise. It has a zipper back and a shoulder detail that can add fun contrast and pops of color.

The neck is done with bias which I still need to work on my technique. It looks fine but not perfect!

I’m not exactly sold on the sleeves… I think I’ll do them shorter next time but she liked them as is so I’ve got to make the customer happy 😉

I’ve got one happy girl and I think there will be more of these come fall. The pattern cover is done in a lightweight flannel that I can’t get out of my head. Hopefully, it doesn’t take me months to get to that one!

Sew A Little Seam Hadley Top

Oh! How I adore this top!

The newest pattern from Kelly at Sew A Little Seam is the sweet Hadley Top.

With multiple sleeve options in sizes 12 months to 12 years, this is sure to be a warm weather favorite for everyone!

There is an option to add trim to the bodice and I choose to continue that trim on the cap sleeve.

The back has an elastic casing to keep it snug and modest.

The finishing on this top is superb! The inside looks just as pretty as the outside with no exposed seams and bias trimmed armholes. Even with the beautiful finishes this top is a quick, simple sew- perfect for confident beginners.