Shorts – SewSophieLynn

Liberty Flower Show Spring for Riley Blake Fabrics

I’ve been a lover of Liberty fabrics since I started sewing regularly almost ten years ago. I dragged my husband to the Liberty flagship store many years ago on a trip to London and I wandered the store for far too long for someone as cheap as I am! I left with a few small trinkets (fabric buttons, a handkerchief, and some gorgeous bias tape) and vowed to one day splurge on actual yardage when I felt confident in my sewing abilities. When I saw that Liberty has partnered with Riley Blake to offer affordable quilting cottons, my thrifty little heart rejoiced! You get the same iconic prints and Riley Blake’s quality cottons.

I’m excited to introduce you to the Liberty Flower Show Spring line. There’s an amazing variety of prints- from the vibrant and bright spring florals to the subtle tone on tone prints. I requested a few different prints that I fell in love with. I knew I needed something for myself and was torn between which children deserved this goodness.

Payton needed a dress in this happy floral print. I’ve been wanting to make a Simple Life Pattern Co. Newport Dress since it released and I knew this print would be great for it. I love the simple lines of this pattern and those pockets are the coolest thing EVER! The construction is unexpected but the look really adds so much to this dress. I sewed up a straight size 10 (she’s right in between an 8 and a 10 size-wise but I want her to be able to wear this through the summer too) with added length that I ended up taking out by doing an extra wide hem. I always think I want dresses to hit below the knee so she can wear them longer but in the end I decided that I like the look of slightly above the knee so much better. With a wide hem, I can just let it down when she grows! The joy of sewing your own clothes!I paired the Malvern Meadow print with the Wiltshire Shadow Collection Custard for the lining and pockets lining. The colors in the Malvern Meadow print are so fun and cheery. They bring a bit of sunshine to our gloomy winter days. I made a warm weather dress for an upcoming vacation and know she’ll be happy to wear this come spring too!

This print, Yorkshire Meadow, had me so torn. First, it was going to be a tie for one of my boys. The subtle print and muted colors make it a floral that works great for anyone. I finally settled on shorts for my oldest daughter because it was the most practical. As we get ready for our trip I noticed she’s grown about a foot and her shorts are a little extra short now. These will be perfect for throwing on with a swimsuit and wearing while we do a little sight seeing too.

I used the Free Purl Soho City Gym Shorts pattern. I love this free pattern! It’s quick and the racer styling never goes out of style. She’s in the largest kid size for her waist and I added an extra inch to the inseam length. I used store bought bias tape and 1.5″ elastic instead of the 1″ the pattern called for. They offer this pattern in children’s sizes 2-11 and women’s waist sizes 33-46″. It’s such a great lounging pattern and works well with lots of different fabric types. It’s fantastic for beginners too!

For my top, I used the Arley Gardens print (not available on the website but it should hit your favorite quilt shop soon!). These colors are divine! The rosey-pinks and dusty blues- c’mon! It feels a little more grown-up and not so flashy. It’s just so darn pretty!

I used the Melody Top from Love Notions (affiliate link). It’s the perfect beginner friendly button-up. No finicky plackets to mess with and great, detailed instructions. I sized down to an XS this time as I was afraid it would look too boxy in this heavier weight cotton. I love that the Melody looks amazing in so many different fabric types. I made one slight change to the pattern and cut the back piece straight across instead of the shirt tail hem. I plan on tying the front whenever I wear it and I found with my last Melody that my back hem just naturally bunched up in the back. Cutting the shirt tail curve off will reduce the bulk back there.

Are you itching to get your hands on some of this line now?! If you’re looking for the Liberty lawn feel, this isn’t going to work for you. It has the same feel and weight as a high-quality quilting cotton. It will be great for lots of home and apparel projects as well as nice on your bank account too! If you’re like me that means you can just buy ALL the prints then!

Project Run and Play Week One: Modern Mayan

It’s week one of Season 15 of Project Run and Play and I’m thrilled to be back! I had so much fun last time and learned so much. This go around I’m so happy to be joining some of my favorite seamstresses and know you’re going to be blown away by their creations.

The theme for this week is the 7 Wonders of the World. I hit the internet and was immediately drawn to one of our favorite sites we’ve ever visited- Chichen Itza, Mexico. If you’ve followed me for very long you know we have a huge place in our hearts for Mexico and love our vacations there. We love learning about the culture and people and I wanted to celebrate that in our look this week.

Our first vacation post kids was with my husband’s family to Cancun, Mexico (that’s me with the bob kneeling in front- we were so young!). We toured the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza and it was such an amazing experience. Back then you could climb to the top of El Castillo, the iconic pyramid. It was at the top that my fear of heights kicked in and I seriously contemplated what life would be like living in that big stone room since there was no way in the world I was going back down those steeeeeeeeep stairs! Lucky for you I conquered my fears so I could be here today to share with you our first look!

I love the bright colors of Mexico, from the turquoise ocean waters, to the lush green jungles and the clear blue skies. The vibrant colors really bring our look to life. I did three different pieces and topped it all off with a fun felt floral headband.

My main piece is a woven front bodice dress, designed to mimic the stairs of El Castillo. To create this look I used a reverse applique technique and fabric weaving. A little geometry came in handy to get this just right. I love that this dress is perfect for the theme but also totally wearable and not too costume-y.

I brought the same staircase look to the back of the bodice too. I love the subtle detail!

I did a split sleeve with a built in bow because I simply can’t get enough of the statement sleeves!

A hi-low hemmed skirt and pockets finish off the dress. I used the Lil Luxe Collection Lil Luxe Dress as a base for the bodice then drafted a new neckline, sleeve, skirt and pockets. The fabric for this dress came from our sponsor CaliFabrics. This ocean blue chambray was just perfect for this dress.

Little sis is rocking my take on tourist chic. I wanted to bring in the vibrant greens of the jungles that surround Chichen Itza and also wanted to use a print that would be reminiscent of the gorgeous flowers that you find there too. This floral was a LA find and the twill for the shorts was a Joann’s score. I really want this outfit for myself!

I used the Nina Blouse from Coffee + Thread as my base for the top. I cut the front on the fold and added facings instead of the collar and bias binding. I added a flounce to the sleeve and chose to keep the hem raw to preserve the movement of the fabric. This fabric is pure heaven- it has the drape of a rayon with quite a bit of stretch and doesn’t fray when cut. I’d buy a million more yards if I could!

I added a big bold exposed zipper to the back. I’m always drawn to exposed zippers and try to keep a bunch of pretty ones on hand just so I can bring a bit of drama to a garment. The bias bound hem adds a little stability to the hem and I love the contrast it gives too.

I used the Linden Shorts from Sew A Little Seam for the shorts. I drafted a new waistband and added a ruffle to the top. I also used a side invisible zipper as closure.

I drafted new, longer and wider pockets and brought the angle closer to the side seam. I lined the pockets with sarape stripe fabric that I wanted to incorporate into our look somehow.

I did a longer gaucho style length so hopefully she’ll get to wear these to school and through the summer. My kids and their crazy long legs make buying shorts near impossible so I know I’ll be making many more of these this year!

The felt floral headband was just the right finishing touch. I used wool felt from Etsy and had a blast trying out different flowers. The bold colors and big flowers are such a fun addition to this look. Their shoes were Target finds and couldn’t be more perfect!

These girls made this shoot so much fun! It wasn’t easy to find a ‘Mayan-looking’ backdrop in the middle of a Utah winter. We headed to our State Capital Building and these girls did their best pretending it was a balmy 80 degrees instead of the frigid 30 degrees it was the evening of our pictures.

Thanks for stopping by and make sure you head back to Project Run and Play to check out the other looks and to vote for your favorite! Voting ends Thursday at 8pm EST so run on over!

Sew Americana Blog Tour 2017

I’m excited to be here again for the Sew Americana Blog Tour, year two! I love everything Katy of Wild and Wanderful does so of course I had to join this tour. My sister and I had so much fun last year we jumped on board again in a heartbeat!

These three have grown so much in the last year and I can’t get over how darn cute they were for this shoot. Last year my sister and her kids were moving from Alaska to Arizona and stayed here in Utah for part of the summer. This year they’re here for the summer too and we can’t get enough of these cute cousins!

My girls sure love doting on these little ones!

Let’s talk about the outfits! This teeny one is adorable in Made For Mermaids Evie Suspender Shorts and a Pistachio Top from Sew Like My Mom. In a classic chambray these shorties are such a staple. Super cute but so practical too!

The back of these ties in a bow and really ups the cuteness factor. I just love little bloomer shorts in the summer!

I was thrilled when my oldest fell for overalls- she’s all about comfort AND style. I love the Sydney Romper and Pinafore from Mouse House Creations. It’s such a classic, sweet style and was perfect for the look we were going for. I’ll never grow tired of picot trim bias, especially in a gingham! It’s the fun pop these shorts needed but still keeps them versatile.

We paired the overalls with a Boo! Designs Sleeved Leotard for a fun vintage look with a modern twist. She absolutely loves this outfit! I love that it’s perfect for summer- an outfit she can wear running around the neighborhood with friends or off to a bar-b-que.

My other niece is all about comfort and these two pieces will be great to mix and match into her wardrobe. The Skipper Top from Sew Much Ado is such a staple pattern for my sister and I. It’s a quick sew and is a great base to show off fun fabrics. In a red and white stripe, it’s great for the Fourth of July but will still be wearable year round too.

She got a pair of Hailey Ruffle Shorts from Made for Mermaids and a Barb’s Headband from Simple Life Pattern Company. This comfy knit outfit is totally playground approved.

Perfect for hiding in the big ‘ol tires at one of our favorite parks! Isn’t she just darling?! I feel like as an aunt, I can say these things 😉 She is just pure innocence and joy!

The last outfit we made for the tour was another one we wanted to be able to mix and match into her existing wardrobe. These chambray Lilly Shorts from Violette Fields Threads will be great. I love the pop of red from the bias tape!

She lives in her Miss Mary Mack (affl. link) tees from Love Notions and I always know I can’t go wrong making her more! This one in floral and polka dots is definitely my new favorite. So cute and girly!

As it often goes these days, I had more fun taking and editing these pics than I did sewing. So I’m going to leave you with a bit of photo overload and a little wish for ya’ll to have the best holiday weekend! I’m so grateful for this beautiful, amazing country we live in and for all those who have fought to make it what it is today.

Make sure to head on over to all the other stops on the tour- so much patriotic goodness!

Our Amazing “Sew Americana” Tour Lineup:

You can add your patriotic makes to the link-up too!

An InLinkz Link-up

Thanks for stopping by our stop on the tour!

Suit Up For Summer Day Three

Welcome to Day 3!! Please tell me you’ve been so inspired and are reading this while prepping to sew your very own swimsuit! I’m really hoping that we can calm your fears and give you the confidence to tackle your family’s swimwear needs.

Today I faced one of my big fears- the dreaded sewing for a teenage boy! I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Before I was brave enough to sew for big brother I got to sew for a much easier critic! This little man was dying for a swimsuit out of this cool shark boardshort fabric from Raspberry Creek Fabrics (one of our lovely tour sponsors!).

I used the Swim and Surf Shorts from Gracious Threads. I hesitate to promote this pattern in my boy post since it’s drafted for girls in sizes 6 and up but I think these fit his little body well. I absolutely love the construction and the bias goes on so smoothly. I used store bought but there are directions to make your own. I switched up the waistband to just be one wide casing after Brittney’s advice. I also used swim mesh for the underwear liner inside- I might switch it up to regular swim fabric in the future just for more comfort.

You know I like to involve my kids in as much of the sewing as I can and with this suit I gave him a handful of drawstring choices. He shocked me with this choice but was very adamant on the coral cord (a trimmed up shoelace!) because it glows in the dark. I tried to tell him that at five-years-old he won’t be doing very much night swimming but he was very insistent! I love it!

So little brother’s suit was a breeze- cut and done in about an hour. This guys was a different story! I used Jalie Boys/Mens Board Shorts pattern and am really proud and happy with the results. He is too which is such a relief! I love that I was able to easily modify these to his taste. We cut about 4 inches from the hem (he’s almost 6′) and brought in the inner leg about an inch so the legs weren’t so wide. He really likes the more retro fit and I think it suits him well!

I have such a love/hate relationship with Jalie patterns. I love, love that they come with so many size options in one pattern. I could use this same pattern on the 5-year-old and my XL husband- you really can’t get that anywhere else. I love how well they go together, the end product is always amazing and the finishings are fantastic! That being said they are usually not my standard quick afternoon projects. I know I need to concentrate and take my time to achieve a great looking garment. The instructions are pretty basic (you can preview them before you purchase a pattern to make sure it’s something you want to tackle). This is where my love/hate comes in. I love the conciseness. I tend to read the instructions one or two times through before I start a project and then just go for it, referring back to the directions only occasionally. With Jalie, you can print the directions on just a couple pages and have them right next to you as you sew. With this pattern though, I could have used a little more hand holding. I learned a lot and these were constructed different than I have done anything in the past. Not bad obviously, just different.

Lucky for me, my sister came over and manned her coverstitch machine and I did the sewing and serging. I don’t know what I would have done without her help and the coverstitch. Almost all the seams are topstitched which can be done with a double needle on your regular machine too but that would mean a TON of switching back and forth between a double and single needle, or if you’re really precise, faking the look by running two single stitches side by side. Even with the two of us, this project took a good few hours. Granted we were sewing with a lot of little helpers running around too 😉

This awesome fabric is also from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. You can find the coordinating navy also. I can’t wait to share with you all our fun CLUB line suits tomorrow!

Looking for more boys swim patterns? Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop, Titchy Threads, Life Sew Savory, and Made By Jack’s Mum all offer them!

Have you entered the link up yet? I’m loving what I’m seeing so far! You won’t want to miss out on your chance at the fun giveaways! (Giveaways are now closed)

Now go check out all the other amazing bloggers joining in the swim party:

Hosted by Sew Sophie Lynn & Paisley Roots

Monday: Pear Berry Lane / Inspinration / It’s Liesel / Sewing For Four

Tuesday: Harper Lu / Call Ajaire / Stylin Stacy / Skirt Fixation

Wednesday: Sewing By Ti / Sewing With Sarah / Sew & Tell / Me Made

Thursday: Made By Melli / Life Sew Savory / That’s What She Crafted / Auschick

Friday: Rebel & Malice / EYMM / Stitching & Making / Lilliepawillie

One Thimble Issue 13 Blog Tour

The newest issue of One Thimble is here! It’s packed full of unique and fun kids patterns and so much sewing inspiration. I’m excited to join in the release day fun and share two of my makes from Issue 13.

I was immediately drawn to these two bottom patterns- the Peg Shorts by Tadah Patterns and the Orbis Skinny Harems from Sofilantjes. I love that they both come with a ton of options!

The Orbis Skinny’s are a unisex pattern in sizes 12 months to 14 years. They are loose in the hips then almost legging tight through the calf- such a hip silhouette! You can make them in 3/4 or long length.

The pocket is one big piece that is so unique and such a great place to use those fun scraps.

The asymmetrical faux fly is such a show stopper! My little guy wanted snaps instead of buttons and I love the finished pants.

Those pockets and the amazing french terry have won this guy over. He has worn them constantly since I made them!

I was loving the Peg Shorts pattern and was excited to make them work with our quickly dropping temperatures. In a gorgeous red cordoroy layered over tights, these are just perfect!

I love the buttons on the front and the classic style.

Gold details make these a fab choice for the upcoming holidays.

They come in sizes 3-10 and have a ton of adorable features. You can do back welt pockets and Kawaii ruffles or a skirt front as well. The back elastic waistband makes these super comfy too!

We struggled to get photos in after school one day. Anyone else struggling with Daylight Savings? I love the sunshine in the morning but it seems like it gets dark so quickly these days!

This tour is full of amazing bloggers and so, so much inspiration. Make sure you check it all out and pick up your issue here.

11/10 Pattern Revolution, Beri Bee Designs, The Sew and Tell Project, SewSophieLynn

11/11 Create 3.5, GAAFMACHINE

11/12 Tales of a Tester, Little Cumquat, Call Ajaire

11/13 Happy Okapi, Sunflower Seams, Stitches by Laura

11/14 Made by Sara, Candice Ayala, Filles a Maman

11/15 House of Estrela, Snickerdoodle Stew, Swoodson Says

11/16 The Lady and the Gents, Lulu & Celeste, Pear Berry Lane

11/17 Finn’s Door, Blue Wren Handmade, Once Upon a Sewing Machine, Just Add Fabric

I’ll leave you with this cutie 😉 Pants not pictured just luscious blonde locks in need of a haircut. Everytime I cut his hair he looks years older and it just about kills me. This mama is struggling letting go of her ‘baby’.

True Bias Mini Emerson Shorts

I was thrilled to test the new Mini Emerson Crop Pants and Shorts from True Bias. I’ve always loved Kelli’s patterns and this is another to add to your collection.

I love the classic design and super professional details.

The fit is fantastic and my daughter loved these so much she picked them for the first day of school. My fabric is a remnant of quilting cotton from Hobby Lobby- I love an economical project! They would be so good in chambray or linen too!

The pattern tutorial is so well written and the techniques are spot on. Such a clean finish!

The front pleats are a charming detail.

I even learned a new skill! I did my first bar tack and I love the small detail it adds! It’s those little extras that make this pattern so wonderful!

I can’t wait to make more next summer and hopefully we can get a pair of crops made up before the snow hits 😉

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Summer Caye Bermudas

Summer is in the air… The kids are getting antsy, end of the year programs/performances fill our days, and I’m hanging in there just waiting for those lazy summer days.

As the weather warms up, off come the jeans and in come the shorts- hallelujah!

For the Summer Sewing- The Long and Short of it tour, I sewed up some bermuda length Summer Caye’s (affl. link) by Love Notions. I love my pant versions and knew these would make the perfect summer short for me.

For my version, I cut them at the knee line in the pattern and did a full elastic waistband with a faux drawstring. If I’m wearing shorts, I’m most likely chasing kids at the park or roasting in the sun at a soccer game so comfort is key. I also used the slimmer wide leg cut line for the back piece and just rolled my hem up instead of using the cuff piece (the cuff pattern piece is made for the palazzo width).

I used Art Gallery denim and used the reverse for contrast on the pockets, hem, and waistband. They are so soft and lightweight!

Such a quick, easy pattern and I’m thinking I need a knit pair real soon too!

Make sure you check out the other bloggers today. Ti has a great giveaway you don’t want to miss! Happy Summer Sewing!

Summer Sewing, The Long and the Short Of It

The Socially Awkward Seamstress

Love Notions Summer Caye Pants

Oh, Summer Caye’s, I love you!

*This post contains affiliate links. I get a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, which I will then use to buy more fabric and sew up more beauties to convince you to buy more patterns (isn’t that how it works 😉 ). I am also a paid tester for Love Notions and got on board AFTER falling in love with the patterns.

The newest pattern from Love Notions is simply divine!

With tons of options for women and girls, you can wear this pattern everyday if you wanted to.

I know me and my girls will definitely have a closetful.

There are multiple length options. You can choose 4″ or 6″ shorts for girls or 6″ and 9″ inseam length for women. There are also capri and full length choices. The girl’s pattern comes in sizes 2T- 16 and 8P-16P. The women’s pattern will fit sizes 0-28 (waist sizes 24.5″-45.5″).

All my versions feature a simple hem but there are a handful of options there too. You can add a cuff, split-hem, and a gorgeous tulip-hem.

And pockets… these are genius in construction! Super cute without the bulk.

The ladies version has two width options- wide leg (a bit narrower) on the left and palazzo on the right.

So many choices… one for every day of the week. I’m excited to try some shorts for myself next!

This is a size 8 pant length out of linen from Joann’s. They are so unlike her normal skinny jeans and we both love these!

I love these pants with a denim jacket!

You might recognize her shorts fabric from this Naples top. I had just enough fabric left for these shorts. You better believe I wasn’t wasting a scrap of this lusciousness!

My gorgeous rayon challis came from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. This particular print sold-out in a heartbeat but there are still quite a few to pick from. I think the tie dye would be awesome for these. Head over to the Love Notions Blog for a sweet RCF coupon code.

This rayon challis was a Hancock fabric score (oh, how I will miss my Hancock’s!).

You can grab the Ladies and Girls patterns separately or pick up the bundle for even more savings. They are on sale through 5/6 and you won’t want to miss it!

MBJM Hang Ten Boardies

I’ve said it before but this kid is meant to live on the beach. He would be my little surfer boy in a heartbeat.

Instead we live in a mountain valley and the local sand volleyball court is as close to the beach as we get.

When Sarah at Made By Jack’s Mum asked for testers for her new surf themed line, I was all over that.

The Hang Ten Boardies are the first pattern in the line.

This pattern is chuck full of options and will be perfect in board short fabric come summer. There’s options for color blocking, pockets, piping trim, full elastic or flat front waist, and different length and hem choices.

I did the bias bound curved hem and front tie option with the flat front and elastic back. Classic and cool.

I usually dread taking pictures of this busy guy but he was AWESOME this shoot. I can’t get enough of these pics.

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Use code ‘mbjmteamsurf’ to get 20% off all patterns until Sunday. If you buy the pattern this weekend you get a bonus v-neck t-shirt pattern FREE! What are you waiting for?!!

It’s currently snowing in our neck of the woods, so I’ll leave you with this pic while I dream of summer…

Summer Sewing- Why is it so hard?

With five kids, sewing time is precious. When they are all home for the summer, it’s even more sparse. Here are a few of the projects I eeked out this summer.

I had the pleasure of testing for Striped Swallow Designs again this summer. Her Wildflower kimono is so unique and simple to sew. I sewed one up for Soph in a cute striped knit and Payton got a cozy french terry version (from Raspberry Creek Fabrics, of course).

I also had the pleasure of testing for Terri from Sew Straight and Gather. Her Cousu Collection was kinda groundbreaking for me, pushing me to try new techniques and totally taking me to a new level. This time I tested her versatile Urban Garden Dress and Tank. It’s such a cute pattern and her tutorials are THE BEST! If you haven’t tried one of her patterns you are totally missing out. Beware though that once you do, all other patterns will be lacking in comparison.

This summer my quest for myself was to make the perfect pants and shorts. I tried a gazillion patterns and I think my quest is still on…

Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop Summer Lovin’ Shorts

School starts this week and it’s always a little bittersweet. I adore having my kids home and the adventures we get to do every day. For the most part, they get along great and we spend a lot of time laughing and just being together. BUT… we are together ALL THE TIME. I feel guilty stealing away for an hour or two to create. So the sweet part of back to school is that I will have every afternoon to myself (thanks to a cute three year old that still naps)! I’m so excited to be able to sew without the guilt of negletting the kiddos. Oh, the project list… 🙂

Tag: Shorts