Kids Clothes Week Part Two

Another Kids Clothes Week has come and gone-phew!

I finished the weekend off with a few quick sews.

The weather is warming up so I wanted to add to my girl’s spring wardrobes with some comfy french terry Mini Hudsons.

My french terry is from Raspberry Creek Fabrics (it’s currently out of stock but new french terry arrives almost weekly!).

I did the pink pair calf length and the purple pair I cropped a couple inches higher to be bermuda length.

I think they’ll be perfect for playing come spring and summer.

I squeezed in one more Pistachio Tee from Sew Like My Mom.

I did an elbow sleeve hack with a peplum skirt.

The floral fabric was from Hancock’s ages ago and the stripe is from a Girl Charlee knitfix about a year ago. They had little stretch but worked great for this semi-fitted tee.

She loves a good peplum so much!!

I’m kicking myself for not sewing this pattern sooner. It just has so many options and is perfect for all my littles.

To finish things up, I finally sewed up the stack of undies waiting for Charlie. I use Mo’s Comfy Fit Unders. They are made for children with sensory issues which makes them super comfortable for all kids. The coverage is great and they totally stay put! I love to cut them out from scraps and sew them up in between projects.

I’ll leave you with this super cool pic my hubby edited. He’s always been the photographer in the family and I’m slowly trying to learn everything I can from him. He loves a good artsy edit and it’s always fun when I find a gem like this that he’s been playing with.

I hope your KCW was a fun and productive one! Anyone else ready for a break?! I think I better clean my house now 😉

Kids Clothes Week Part One

It’s that time of year again… Kids Clothes Week. A week of devoting one hour a day to sewing for your kiddos. And yes, around here every week is kids clothes week.

But for this one week it’s great to know that you’re sewing along with other moms all around the world.

I’ve been busy this week with more pattern tests that I’ll share with you next week. I did get in a few quick sews that I’ve been dying to try.

First up is the Pistachio Tee by Sew Like My Mom. This pattern has so, so many fun options and it’s been on my to-sew list since it came out.

I did a simple short sleeve version and used this fab Superhero fabric my cute sister sent to me. There are options in the pattern for long sleeves, multiple elbow patches, colorblocking, and a cute peplum.

This little guy was under the weather and did NOT want his picture taken. This picture just cracks me up!!

Big sis has been wanting to recreate her favorite ready-to-wear dolman top. The La Bella Top (affl. link) from Love Notions was absolutely perfect for it.

Her first version we did a simple three quarter sleeve top version and doubled the bottom band width. It’s exactly what she was hoping for and just had to wear it that night to a family gathering.

I love this girl’s style and her fabric choices and accessories! Totally how I’d wear it!

On her second version we used Raspberry Creek Fabrics Navy Club dots to compliment a jersey knit from RCF also.

I love this version so much! It’s so fun and casual.

I’m hoping to knock out a couple more things before the week ends. Any excuse to sew, right?! Are you sewing along?

Bella Sunshine Adaline

It’s Bella Sunshine’s Birthday! I’m here to celebrate with a couple takes on the Adaline dress and tunic.

The Adaline is a versatile dress pattern with multiple sleeve options and cute color blocking detail. I loved the simplicity of the pattern and my mind went crazy with all the possibilities.

The theme of the tour is pattern hacks and I couldn’t wait to put my own spin on it.

First I sewed up an all knit nightgown version in yummy Club stripes from Raspberry Creek Fabrics with a touch of Girl Charlee Knitfix floral.

I did a maxi length for drama and ultimate comfort!

I love the cute ruffly sleeve detail of this pattern.

I lined up the back pieces with my front pieces to determine width and cut on the fold instead of doing a button placket.

I skipped the lining and added a neckband.

She’s all girl and loves nightgowns and this is by far her favorite EVER!

My oldest daughter loves clean lines and fun details.

For her version, I skipped the color blocking and used a breezy polka dot gauze I got in LA.

I modified the sleeve to be a sweet cap sleeve.

We added a faux leather pre-made pocket from Jo-ann’s (I need to stock up on these because they are AWESOME!).

I did a bold exposed zipper up the back- another detail I just can’t get enough of!

The bodice is fully lined and I love the clean finishing of the pattern.

This is such a cool shirt that just suits her style so well!

This was my first Bella Sunshine pattern and I am beyond thrilled with my experience. The pattern came together well and the tutorial was well written.

I think the possibilities with this pattern are so fun. It’d make a gorgeous Easter dress out of satin or linen or a fun everyday dress in cute quilting cotton. Payton has requested another play dress in knit too!

Hope you guys had as much fun as we did on this blog tour!! Make sure to check out the other stops along the way and enter the fabulous giveaway! Head over to Bella Sunshine for more birthday fun!

Bella Sunshine Designs Birthday Blog Tour

Featured Bloggers:

Sponsors:

Prize Number 1:

Bella Sunshine Designs – 2 Patterns of Choice
Once Upon A Yard / Sew It Seams Facebook Group – Grab Bag of 7 yards of fabric

Prize Number 2 (Just for the USA):

Bella Sunshine Designs – 2 Pattern of Choice
Bethany Lane – 3 Sets of “Cute as a Button” wooden buttons (30 buttons total)

Prize Number 3:

Bella Sunshine Designs – 2 Patterns of Choice
Sofilantjes Patterns – 2 Patterns of Choice
Knot Sew Normal – 1 Pattern of Choice
Muffin Head Patterns – Any 1 pattern up to $12.00
Itch To Stitch – 1 Pattern of Choice
Rachel Rossi – Squared Fashion Wrap Sewing Pattern
FABulous Home Sewn – 1 Pattern of choice
Seaside Notions – 1 pattern of choice
Laela Jeyne Patterns – Pattern of choice (excludes bundles)
Pickle Toes Patterns – 1 Pattern of choice.

Enter the giveaway:

Hurry, the giveaway ends on Sunday, February 28th at midnight!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebration Sales:

Mabel Madison – 10% off their website with coupon code BELLABIRTHDAY until February 29th.
Sew It Seams – 15% off their website with coupon code BELLASUN until February 29th.

And of course, you can get 40% off all Bella Sunshine Designs patterns on our website until February 29th. No coupon code needed!

Ready for one more surprise? Check the Bella Sunshine Designs’s website on Friday for a new release or two!

Decklyn Jacket by Blaverry

Guys, I made a jacket! Like a cute, zippered real life jacket!

And I took a million pictures to prove it!

Because when it looks this gorgeous on your little model you just can’t help yourself!

This is my second pattern from Blaverry. I mentioned last month that I’ve been given the opportunity to work with Christie at Blaverry to help promote her fantastic pattern shop.

In return for a pattern I promise to spread the word about her patterns. Great deal, right?

This month when she announced that the Decklyn jacket would be the pattern to promote I honestly was terrified! I sew knits… like half hour, quick and painless projects.

While this jacket took a bit longer- two nap times shockingly, it was such a satisfying sew.

The pattern is impeccably made and the details are so good!

It’s fully lined and has the cutest zippered sleeve accents!

I used a cotton twill from Joann’s and a woven lace I picked up in LA. The lining is something I’ve had in my stash for awhile. Sophie picked it out and I think I’m rubbing off on her- I totally would have picked it for myself!

I love that this jacket will take her right into the spring!

The pattern instructions are fantastic and Christie is so readily available if you ever have any questions. I just love that about pdf patterns- most designers love to help!

She loves it as much as I do- can you tell?!!

She said she will happily wear it every day!

I told you I took a million pictures! As much as I love my quick sews, my favorite makes are always the ones that I take my time on. The amazing details and perfect fit make this a project that I’ll be proud of for a long time.

Cosi Swimsuit and Raglan Rash Guard

The Cosi Swimsuit by SewPony Vintage has been on my to-sew list for ages.

A quick google search will bring up countless darling versions and will give you the itch to sew one up too.

I love all the options it comes with- two piece or one piece and multiple color blocking choices plus a version with a ruched center piece. They all are so retro and cute!

I did the view F bottoms and added faux piping in the seams. For the top, I used the one piece pattern and chopped it off to hit as close to the top of the bottoms as I could. I wanted the look of the two piece with the modesty of a one piece.

We have so many versions planned come summer! It’s a fantastic pattern with great instructions and so, so many options.

We also adore rash guards and I love how simple they are to make.

I used the Recess Raglan from See Kate Sew. I take it in under the arms a bit to be more fitted and line the front in swimsuit lining.

So perfect for hitting the waves!

To finish her look, she got a new cover-up. I used the Kelli Kimono from Made for Mermaids. I followed my women’s version (the Patterns for Pirates Summer Kimono) as a guide to make it robe length and to add a sash sewn onto the back. It’s out of a lightweight sweater knit that matches her suit perfectly!

I’ll leave you with my new favorite picture of these two! There’s such admiration in his eyes- he sure loves his big sis.

Sew Straight and Gather’s Metro Pullover

Terri at Sew Straight and Gather has got another brilliant pattern for you. I have an addiction to making sweatshirts and consider myself quite the hoodie connoisseur so when I say you need this pattern you better hop right on that!

There are two patterns- one for kids and one for women/men. A pattern for the whole family is always going to get a lot of use in my house.

Each pattern comes with a hooded version or a cowl neck. I made a couple of each just because I couldn’t stop. Seriously, I want to see you make just one…

This cutie got the first one off the sewing machine. I just adore his little face peeking out of that hood. I love the unique hood and the fit of this sweatshirt.

I used Raspberry Creek Fabrics french terry in solid charcoal and oatmeal. The combo is neutral and the charcoal stripe hood lining just ties is all together.

Payton’s was next and sewed up in a flash. She picked out this anti-pill fleece from Joann’s and it worked just lovely for this pattern.

She got the cross-over cowl version. It’s nice and big which makes it so cozy and cute!

The girls and ladies version have this darling pleat detail in the back. It gives it a little more flow and adds just that little something extra.

There is a curved hem or a banded bottom option. Payton got the curved hem. I loved her version so much I headed to the fabric store the next day so that I could make one in my size!

I wasn’t signed up to test Sophie’s size but just loved this pattern so much I knew she needed her own too! She got a cowl with a banded bottom out of Joann’s fleece.

My first version was a beautiful eggplant french terry (from Raspberry Creek) hoodie version.

I’ve had this lightweight mustard/cream stripe in my stash and it was absolutely perfect with this eggplant. I used it to line both the hood and the pocket.

I love the slim fit of this sweatshirt- not too baggy, not too tight!

I whipped up my cowl microfleece version in about a half hour after making the others. Seriously, the cutest, quickest sew ever. It is so cozy and I dreaded taking it off!

I think we’ve found a new favorite pattern. The big boys are feeling left out so we might need to whip up a few more real soon!

Terri’s patterns are so clearly written and I love her clean, crisp layout. She offers lots of tips and her tutorials make sewing a breeze even if you’re just a beginner to sewing.

Terri has graciously offered both patterns for $4 each or $8 (CAD, so us Americans will save even more!) for the bundle for a limited time. Are you doing last minute Christmas sewing? Or finished up and need a little selfish sew? I’d waste no time and grab this pattern TODAY! Pick up the kids version here or the ladies/mens here but really you should just get them both– you won’t regret it!

Sisters are the BEST!

Growing up I was nine years older than my one and only sister. I sure loved to mother and treat her like my own little baby but it wasn’t until we’d grown that she became one of my best friends. I love that my girls are only 21 months apart and share that special bond already.

They couldn’t be more different personality wise but I think that helps them get along even better.

If you can’t tell, Sophie is more serious and reserved and Payton has some serious spunk!

Sophie is 8 going on 16 and Payton is happily 6 and still into dolls, playing pretend, and anything sweet and girly.

They had so much fun doing this shoot- our first real one with props and everything. I know my indoor photos need a lot of work but it’s sure fun experimenting and learning along the way. It’s a family affair as my husband helps jimmy-rig the backdrop up and is teaching me the ins and outs of the camera. I really love being able to capture the kids personalities and share my latest creations.

My little super models are getting used to all the pics and for the right price ($1 a shoot as they save for Christmas) I think we all have fun in the process!

Those smiles!!!

I’m pretty sure Sophie is doing her best “Blue Steel” look here!

Merry Christmas everyone!

A Tale of Three Christmas Dresses

Sophie has a beautiful new Christmas dress that she loves- not this one, but this one. She was so excited to wear our matching dresses and Payton needed one to join us. I love non-traditional colors that can be worn throughout the year and this floral from my stash fit the bill.

It would be only fitting to use another Mingo and Grace pattern- The Charlie Dress. Bonus- I already had the pattern traced and ready to go (in a size 6 with 8 length) but had never made it.

It came together quickly in a naptime and I couldn’t wait for Payton to try it on when she got home. As she twirled around it was obvious to me that it was way too long and very sloppy on her. I could seam rip a perfectly gathered and serged seam or give it to big sis and sew a new dress. All you seamstresses know that was a no brainer.

So big sister got dress number two that fits her perfectly. Which means little sis needed two dresses too… I’ll take any excuse to sew up more easy dresses. I’ll be posting those later this week and also sharing some of my favorite sister pics ever!

Are you sewing up Christmas dresses this year? I love the quick, simple dresses that can be worn for more than a season. This Charlie dress is just that. It will be darling come spring with sandals too and she can wear it now with a tee underneath or a sweater on top. Just about the perfect dress in my book!

Club Fabric Line 2 Preview

Raspberry Creek Fabrics has a new Club fabrics line coming!!! Are you as excited as I am?!!

I was lucky enough to get my hands on some strikeoffs and got sewing right away!

Payton got an Extraordinary Girl tee from Filles a Maman out of the new Club floral mixed with Riley Blake dots and solid coral (all from Raspberry Creek).

This is quite possibly my favorite t-shirt I’ve made. The colors are just right up my alley and that floral is just to die for!

I did Dressage Leggings from Jennuine Designs for Sophie. They were perfect for a little color blocking with the new Club aztec and black cotton spandex.

These are the best fitting leggings on my skinny mini and I can’t wait to make her a million more.

You can preorder the new Club Fabrics line in the shop. The best part- It will all come in cotton spandex and french terry! I’ll be sharing more projects in the coming weeks leading up to it’s arrival. I can’t wait for you guys to get your hands on this goodness!

Mother Daughter Blake Dresses

Who wants this ladies version for FREE?!! Click through to the end of the post for more details!

Warning! This post will contain an obscene amount of pictures. I just can’t get enough of THIS DRESS!!!

I love Farrah at Mingo and Grace’s simple and classic patterns. Her clean lines and gorgeous silhouettes are so versatile.

Only problem is my girls had already sized out of her one of her most popular patterns- the Blake dress. Farrah listened to all of us tween moms and has now upgraded the Blake to size 12!! Hooray!

And while she was at it she threw in a ladies version as well. Hello awesome!

The bodice of this dress has darts to really flatter and I love the wide shoulders and high neckline too.

There is an invisible zipper and two different back shapes- full and racerback. We choose the full back for Sophie.

The ladies version has a sleeve option as well.

The skirt features big box pleats and optional inseam pockets. Who doesn’t love a dress with pockets?!

We loved dressing this down with a denim jacket and boots.

But she’s also anxious to wear it for the holidays, all dressed up with glamorous accessories.

You know when you go into the fabric store with one vision in mind and come out with something completely different? That was me and this dress. I originally thought of doing this dress in a printed stretch sateen or twill. I did Sophie’s version first and this Casa Collection Satin from Joann’s caught my eye.

It’s such a vibrant, beautiful shade and suits my Soph so well.

I used a stretch sateen from Joann’s for my version and it’s the perfect balance of fancy and easy wear.

Farrah has generously offered the Ladies version for FREE to her newsletter subscribers on Cyber Monday. Sign up today so you don’t miss it! Check out her shop for more Cyber Monday deals.

Tag: Sophie