True Bias – SewSophieLynn

Art Gallery Periwinkle

Art Gallery Fabrics are always a favorite with my girls so we were thrilled to be able to sew up the knit prints from the new Periwinkle Fabric collection.

The Periwinkle collection is full of bright, happy prints that just feel like summer to me.

I sewed up the two new knit prints from the collection, Sun Filled Shades and Frenchie Noir. We all LOVE AGF knits for their softness and weight.

Sophie got a new True Bias Rio Ringer Dress. I sewed up the smallest women’s size, 0, and the fit is wonderful!

The Rio is such a great casual dress and I think it worked so well with this print. It has that fun, retro vibe and really shows off the fabric.

Payton is all about joggers these days so I knew she’d love this look. I used the Joseph Joggers from Project Run and Play. I love the slim fit and classic style of this pattern. We paired it with the Nicky Top from Made for Mermaids, our go-to for a cute, boxy look.

That Frenchie print is just adorable! The simple black and white graphic means she can wear it with any of her solid tees.

We just had to get our new pup Coco in on the action with this photo shoot.

Check out the full Lookbook here for inspiration from the whole Periwinkle collection.

True Bias Rio Ringer Dress in Boscage Fabrics for Art Gallery

With temps soaring in my neck of the woods, I’m all about summer comfort! I’ve been itching to sew a True Bias Rio Ringer dress and I’m thrilled to finally have one of my own.

I was gifted this amazing Art Gallery Fabrics knit to sew up for their Lookbook. It is part of the Boscage fabric line from Katarina Roccella. The line is full of vibrant colors, bold prints, and gorgeous florals that will have you dreaming of a tropical vacation.

I picked Wandering Leopards Sea in knit for so many reasons. I love this gorgeous teal-emerald shade! I’m also a sucker for animal prints and the fact that this has actual leopards really sold me. Add in my love of AGF knits and this fabric just had to be mine. I paired it with solid knit in Caviar for the bands.

Let’s talk about this dress! I sewed up a size 8 graded to a 10 from the waist down with 2 inches added to the length. I also had to adjust the length of my bands since I used cotton lycra instead of ribbing (I added 2 inches to the sleeve band).

This dress is the perfect throw on and go look. I love it with sneakers but it will also be awesome with flip flops for the pool. I’ve decided I need to embrace dresses this summer. They’re just so easy!

Make sure to check out the whole Lookbook for more inspiration and lots of cute looks from my amazing sewing friends!

Art Gallery Knits

I’m thrilled to be here sharing the newest knit solids from Art Gallery Fabrics. This was one of my kids favorite shoots of the year- good friends and comfy clothes, yes please!

It was fun to work with Karly of Paisley Roots again and I’m always happy to be part of an Art Gallery project! You HAVE to head over to her blog to check out her incredible makes!

For this shoot we met up with Anna and her kids of Kainara Stitches and my kids really did have a blast! All of the group shots are courtesy of Anna (she’s an amazing seamstress AND an awe-inspiring photographer too!).

The newest colors added to the knit collection are soooo good! From dusty blue Spruce to the peachy blush Cinnamon, these colors are so on trend and beautiful! Art Gallery knits are the perfect weight for everything from tees to dresses and leggings. I’m always so sad when I don’t use them all for myself! They are incredibly soft and so easy to sew with.

I’ll start with Sophie’s simple tee. I used Cinnamon knit and the Made for Mermaids Pepper tee. This pattern is so full of options! I sewed up the scoop neckline, short puff sleeve with banded bottom. She is a jeans and tee kinda gal and this fits right into her wardrobe.

The cute little puff sleeve is the sweetest touch without being too much.

Charlie got really spoiled with a whole comfy outfit. I had to pry this outfit off of him after a long lazy weekend! I judge how much my kids like their handmades by how much they choose to wear them and this outfit has definitely gotten the gold stamp of approval!

For his outfit, I used Spruce as the main for his pants with accents of Camouflage, Sienna Brick, and White Linen. I sewed up the Retro Joggers from Lowland Kids and the True Bias Rio Ringer. The whole retro feel of this outfit is everything!

This top was a last minute addition and it turned out to be my favorite piece! I just couldn’t let any scrap go to waste.

This is the Logan Colorblocked Crop and Hoodie from Made for Mermaids. We made the short sleeved, cropped hoodie options and it is beyond adorable!

I’d say these are some happy kiddos! Make sure to check out the other seamstresses who are joining us!

Paisley Roots Kainara Stitches Replicate Then Deviate Sincerely Shantelle

True Bias Mini Nova Jumpsuit

I was lucky enough to test the True Bias Mini Nova Jumpsuit. You better believe this little miss was all over it! She is over the moon with her newest mama-made.

The Mini Nova has all the same options as the women’s version. There are four different views. Add a waistband for a more fitted look or keep it casual without. There are shorts and pants views for both. And don’t forget about the pockets- a must for all views! It comes in size 2t-10.

I sewed up a size 8 width with a 10 length according to her measurements. The neckline and arms are finished with a facing and the pockets on this version are sewn right to the front pattern pieces- no bulk! Such a quick sew too!

This girl lives and breathes dance and was super excited to have something new to wear to her classes. It’s perfect for slipping on over her leo and she just had to demonstrate how easy it is to move it too! She can’t wait to wear this to her hip hop class!

I used a gorgeous tie dye cotton lycra jersey from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I struggled picking fabrics for this pattern. I love the simplistic look of an all black version but knowing she planned to wear this to dance gave me a little more license to be fun. A tie dye print was just too perfect!

You can grab the Mini Nova and Women’s Versions here and here on sale through Sunday, September 13th.

Raspberry Creek Fabrics Spring 2020 CLUB line

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I absolutely LOVE this time of year. February, you ask?! No, I am so over winter BUT February means new CLUB prints from Raspberry Creek Fabrics! Spring sewing is just what I need to beat these winter blues!

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Part of my job at Raspberry Creek Fabrics is that I get to work with our strike team. As soon as we preview each new line, I sit down with my kiddos and they ooh and aah over all the new prints. They always have a handful of favorites that they want immediately in their closets. It usually goes something like this, “I want a hoodie out of that, a t-shirt in that, pj’s in those, and a dress in that print!” Sometimes their wish lists are a mile long!

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I’m usually happy to oblige! CLUB knits are my favorites to sew with. They are stable and my serger LOVES them. Most of these projects are quick and easy sews, usually taking under an hour per garment. That’s my kind of project- especially when I have three eager kiddos awaiting each finished piece. I’m excited to share what I’ve sewn up so far from the new spring collection.

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This look was one I debated making for myself. My tween and I are usually on the same page fashion-wise and if it’s something I’m crushing on I can pretty much guarantee she wants it too. Chest stripe sweatshirts keep cropping up everywhere and I knew I wanted to recreate one- this time she was the lucky recipient. I used the Flora Stripe in french terry, paired with the light heather grey french terry and deep sage and dusty rose jersey. I sewed up the Hatteras Hoodie from Hey June Handmade and did my own color blocking with the stripes. An easy hack for such a cute result! I threw in a pair of lounge shorts using the Lexi and Lou Loungers from Made for Mermaids. She’s already worn the sweatshirt to school with jeans in this cold weather and I think come summer this will be a cute outfit to throw on after a day at the pool.

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This girl is all about the girly prints and fun details. I’ve been wanting to sew up another Striped Swallow Designs Apres Ski top for her and this pretty floral was just perfect for it. I’ve sewn up the Apres Ski plenty of times before in lighter-weight fabrics but I think this jersey just might be my favorite. I love how full the sleeves look in it!

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This little guy was the proud recipient of a handful of new clothes this past week. He’s growing so fast and I’m desperately trying to keep him clothed so this was perfect timing. I’m a sucker for stripes and the spring line is full of so many good ones. I used the Fauna stripes in french terry paired with the grey heather ft and teal jersey this time. I sewed up a classic Sew A Little Seam Constance Sweater using the stripes. For the pants I used True Bias Mini Hudson Pants and sewed a racing stripe to the side seam using the Fauna stripes. I simply cut the stripe leaving the white stripe on either side and folded that under. I sewed the first side down right on the side seam then sewed the other side down on the back of the pants. Another easy hack that takes these pants up a notch!

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This kid loves his hoodies and was smitten with this Knight and Dragon fabric too. This time I used jersey fabric for a lighter weight top that will work well through spring. I turned to the Rowan tee from Titchy Threads (it’s a good one if you haven’t tried it!). It’s got a slim fit that fits my little guy so well. I love that arm stripe detail!

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This last piece for Charlie is quite possibly my favorite thing in his wardrobe. It was such a fun make and I love how it came out. I used the Ellie and Mac Be Creative Hoodie. It was my first Ellie and Mac make and I have to admit I’m always apprehensive trying out new designers. I was so impressed with this pattern and all the little details it includes. Those are faux drawstrings which I love considering they ALWAYS come out in the wash. The color blocking options with this pattern are so fun too. I used this amazing City Map print in french terry paired with black french terry and hunter jersey for a sweatshirt that is our high school colors. He’s already excited to wear this to his big brother’s soccer games!

Fun fact about this kiddo: He wore these fake glasses all last week and convinced all his friends they were his reading glasses. He made sure to include that he was getting contacts this weekend so he wasn’t stuck wearing them forever! Yes, we did have a little chat about it but man, did he crack me up! I love that I got these pictures to remember this funny little man!

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Have you filled up your cart yet? What prints are you getting? Remember that release week pricing of $1 off per yard ends Monday February 17th so make sure you check out soon! I think we all need a little spring sewing!

Fall Mini Hudson Joggers

This little guy is always asking for me to sew him up new clothes. He loves wearing mama-made but I think he’s really in it for the photo shoot bribes! I’ll take it though because there’s nothing I love more than looking at that smiling face!

He has a severe hatred of ‘hard pants’ aka jeans. To satisfy both of us, I’ll happily sew up some slim fitting joggers. They’re a quick sew and I love how they look on him!

I have several jogger patterns I like and for these I used the Mini Hudson Pants from True Bias. I love the fit of these and it was a great twist of fate that I already had a size 7 traced and ready to go. He’s growing like a weed and I can’t keep up with those long legs so none of my patterns from the spring would work for him.

I did modify the waistband for multiple reasons. One, I’m lazy! Two, actual drawstrings always come out in the wash. And three, again, I’m lazy, lol! The pattern calls for wider elastic than I had on hand and then you create a casing for a drawstring. I simplified the heck out of it by doing one big casing and attaching a faux drawstring to the front. These joggers were done from cut to finish in less than an hour.

I used this cotton modal french terry from Knitpop for these. I had originally ordered this luscious stuff for myself but when it arrived the color was a bit more brown than I wanted. I knew it’d be perfect for my boys though. It’s seriously some of the softest stuff I’ve worked with and I’m slightly jealous of these beauties.

Another easy peasy project in the books! I think my family might just hold the world record for most joggers in one household. If not, I think I better keep it up because that’s a title I’d proudly take!

New Years Eve in style and comfort

I’ve had this yard of blue sequins just waiting for the perfect project and occasion. I picked it up for a steal from Fabric Merchants during our last trip to LA. I kept thinking I’d use it for my girls but man, they get all the fun fabric. A quiet morning and the perfect pattern and now I’m the proud owner of my very own sparkly top!

Pair it with my luxe stretch velvet Hudson pants and I’m feeling fabulous!

I’ve been pinning sequin tops and really wanted to recreate this beauty. I thought about using the Striped Swallow Hideaway to achieve it but knew I’d have to modify it for my tastes. And alas I only had a yard of this pretty fabric. I turned to my favorite woven tee pattern- the Shoreline Boatneck from Blank Slate patterns. I squeezed it out of my yard of fabric and knew it was meant to be!

The only modifications I made was to use a knit facing for the neck and sleeve hem. It helps to not have the sequins against your skin and adds more stability too. This was my first time working with sequins and I’m happy to say I only broke two needles in the process. I sewed all the seams on my regular machine and finished them on my serger, which also covers any sequins on the inside making this really comfortable to wear.

I love that I can dress it up if the occasion arises (hubby totally wanted to hit the town after seeing this outfit!).

I think it will get the most wear layered under a cardigan (I can totally wear sequins to church, right?) or a denim jacket for a more casual cool look.

Here’s the obligatory back shot for ya’ll 😉

I absolutely love this outfit! I’m ringing in the New Year in style. We spend the evening with my parents, the kids, and cousins. It’s usually a night of good food, movies, games, and great times- one of my favorite nights of the year. I hope you all had a great 2017 and here’s to a fantastic new year!

Sewing for Kindergarten Blog Tour

Man, oh man! The day I have been waiting for FOREVER has finally come. My youngest baby started kindergarten! My emotions are all over the place but one huge positive thing is I get to join in the Sewing for Kindergarten Blog Tour. I’ve been following this tour since the beginning and it’s super exciting to be joining in this year.

I think we all are a little torn seeing our youngest head off into the big world without us. It’s hard knowing that this is where it all starts. With one in high school I know all to well how quickly it goes by. There were definitely tears shed on his first day. Such a bittersweet moment in time.

This photoshoot reminded me what a fun age this is. In some pictures he’s channeling his inner teenager (like the one above, hello!). In others he’s giggling like a little boy, carefree and innocent. I love watching him navigate the world of friends, rules, responsibilities, and life. I’m taking it all in- trying to freeze as many of these moments as possible.

It just about kills me that this little guy isn’t by my side 24/7- now it’s just 22/7, haha! I was dreaming of lazy afternoons watching tv, eating chocolate, and sewing like crazy. Who knew that two hours would fly by in a matter of seconds?!

This kid is all about comfort, I think every kid is at this age. I did a mix and match look with five coordinating pieces, all knit for extra softness. Here we paired a Jolly Roger Raglan from Patterns for Pirates with a sweet pair of Mini Hudson Pants from True Bias. Both of these patterns are staples and I think I can make them with my eyes closed at this point. They’re just classic pieces that can be paired with so much.

The raglan features a darling cut file from Thread and Grain. This kiddo is Future Class President material for sure! I used a fat quarter from Spoonflower for the sleeves- he picked the print himself and has been so excited for his new tee.

The Hudson pants are done in a subtle houndstooth that I had set aside for myself- luckily there’s enough left for me too! I love this print and the hipster vibe it brings.

Here they’re paired with a Fighter Tee from Handmade Boy and an Aztec Vest from See Kate Sew. (And yes, he is blowing spit bubbles. I told you he’s still all boy!)

The Fighter Tee is such a fun spin on a loose fit t-shirt with panels that run from the sleeve down the side. I used the perfect boy print- a limited Halloween print from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I know the spiderwebs will be a hit year-round!

The Aztec Vest is such a quick, cute layering piece. I sewed this one up in french terry from Raspberry Creek. I had this zipper in my stash and I had to giggle when he saw it and exclaimed, “A golden zipper?!! Yesss!” It doesn’t take much to make him happy! I simplified the construction even more by omitting the pockets making this such a fast sew.

His final piece is the Moto Maxx pants (affl. link) from Love Notions. I can’t say enough good things about this pattern. They’re comfy and cute and the extra layer at the knee not only adds to the cool factor it also makes them extra durable. So perfect for busy little boys!

I’m loving all the prints in these looks. I tend to stick with stripes and solids with my boys, mainly because cute boy prints are so hard to find. These prints though are right up my alley- not too childish and so easy to mix into the rest of his wardrobe.

Thanks for stopping by my little stop on the tour. Make sure you head to these other amazing bloggers- I can’t believe we all have kiddos starting kindergarten this year! What a fun milestone to share!

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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Dive into Dolmans Round-up Review

Can you believe the end is here? I’ve had such a blast with my co-bloggers and have learned so much. Did you pick a favorite pattern? Maybe find a couple you just HAD to have?

Here’s a little run-down of what we reviewed:

Diving Into Dolmans Week 1

Sewing By Ti- Sew Much Ado Seafarer
Creative Counselor- Sewing Cake’s The Tee
Sew Sophie Lynn- Patterns for Pirates Pumpkin Spice
Made By Melli- Patterns for Pirates Sweet Tee

Guest blogger: Rebel and Malice- Jalie Dolman #3352

Diving Into Dolmans Week 2

Sewing By Ti- Create Kids Couture Donna’s Dolman
Creative Counselor- Blue Dot Patterns Georgia
Sew Sophie Lynn- EYMM Kymy’s Dolman

Guest bloggers: Rebel and Malice- Kzjo Poppy
Adventures with Bubba and Bug- Little Kiwi’s Closet Take Flight Dolman

Diving Into Dolmans Week 3

Sewing By Ti- Peekaboo Sunkissed Tee
Creative Counselor- Seamwork Aberdeen
SewSophieLynn– Hey June Aurora
Made by Melli-Peekaboo Sunkissed Tee

Guest Bloggers: Sew Far North – EYMM Assymetrical Top
Adventures with Bubba and Bug- Seamingly Smitten Dolman Sleeve Sweater with Assymmetrical Collar
Dos Natural Sistas- Hey June Aurora

Diving Into Dolmans Week 4

Sewing by Ti: Jalie #3352 Dolman
Creative Counselor: Maria Denmark Olivia Oversized Tee
SewSophieLynn- Itch to Stitch Carey
Made by Melli – Shwin Day Tripper

Guest Blogger: Sew Far North – Seamingly Smitten Women’s Dolman Sleeve Sweater
Mahlica Designs: Fancy Tiger One Hour Top

Diving Into Dolmans Week 5

Sewing By Ti: Patterns for Pirates Pumpkin Spice
Creative Counselor: EYMM Natasha
SewSophieLynn- Tessuti Mandy Boat Tee

Guest bloggers: Sew Far North – Nap Time Creations Easy Breezy Summer Tee
Lulu & Celeste: Shwin Day Tripper

Diving Into Dolmans Round Up

Sewing By Ti
Creative Counselor
Sew Sophie Lynn

Guest Bloggers: Bubba and Bug

I love seeing them all together- what a variety of fits and features! All dolmans are definetely not created equal.

To check out my other beloved dolmans you can head here.

Ready to see my picks? Drumroll please….

My surprise favorite is …

The Itch to Stitch Carey Top! I love, love this top! It’s not super versatile (like, I think people will catch on if I were to sew up a dozen and wear them everyday) BUT I will make more for sure. I really want a light woven version for summer. The gathered arms are just so fantastic and unique and really elevate this pattern.

Most comfortable goes to…

The Mandy Boat Tee from Tessuti. It’s such a cute, comfy silhouette and very easy to wear. Not the most flattering but most days I don’t really care 😉

The one I’m most anxious to sew up again is…

The Hey June Aurora Tee. I love the side colorblock option with this pattern and definitely need to try it. I also want an easy-breezy short sleeve version for summer. Adrianna recently posted the cutest slouchy Aurora tee hack here that I’m dying to try too.

Most flattering goes to…

EYMM Kymy’s Dolman. My poor little chest and lack of waist gets camouflaged great in this silhouette. I’d love to try the side rouching option for even more belly hiding. I think in a drapier fabric it will be even better!

My cool weather staple will be…

the Pumpkin Spice Dolman from Patterns for Pirates. I love the silhouette of this tee with the long sleeves. The volume up top with a fitted sleeve and waist works wonders on my frame too. I will definitely be making more of these when the weather cools down.

My go-to staples will remain the same…

Sew Much Ado’s Seafarer Top is so quick and I love the slim fit of it. It’s the perfect basic top for me.

Shwin’s Daytripper Top is another go-to that I can’t give up- pockets in a top are genius! I’ve even hacked this one into my favorite loose-fitting maxi dress. It’s just so good!

The Love Notions La Bella Donna Top is so super flattering and could potentially dethrone my other got-to’s. I need to make a short sleeve version stat but I absolutely adore my long sleeve ones.

K- are you feeling overwhelmed? That’s a lot of dolmans, right there! The great thing about the pdf world is that there is something for everybody. I certainly loved following my co-bloggers on this adventure and even with my abundance of dolman patterns I think I may pick up a couple of their favorites too. Dolmans are so versatile and each pattern has it’s own unique fit and options that I hope you found the perfect pattern (or two…or ten!).

A HUGE thank you to the designers who so willingly gave patterns for this series and to the other bloggers who worked so hard each week. Thanks Ti for letting me join in the fun.

And thank ya’ll for following along! I hope to see you around here again soon!

Tag: True Bias