Tag: sewing blogger

Trying a new pattern company – SeaChange

Have you sewn any patterns from Pattern Emporium?? I have almost purchased a few in the past, but always forget to go back and miss the sale, and since I try to only purchase when on sale, I have yet to make a PE pattern.

Side note, I love watching Kate’s preview videos. Even if the pattern isn’t my style, I just love to listen to her talk and see all the different ways she styles her own pattern. All the fabrics she uses, and her personal thoughts on why she likes which ones. I just love them and her passion for sewing her own clothing.

The video for the SeaChange was no different, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Except this time, I was determined to catch the release sale and make one for myself.

When I was shopping for fabric at Fabmere, for my Siena ( you can read about it here), I saw a gorgeous red floral, with an almost paisley look to the flowers. It made it into my cart and was earmarked for my SeaChange. I have said it before and I will probably say it a million more times, I LOVE RAYON CHALLIS, especially for our spring and summer.

The SeaChange is a jumpsuit (3/4 or full length) & playsuit ( short or mid length) romper. It has short, regular, or tall cutting lengths, wide or narrow straps that can be fixed, adjustable, or tied. Plus optional side ties, sash, and pockets.

I chose the short length playsuit, with narrow fixed straps, and pockets. For fun I did a narrow rolled hem for the legs.

I know the mantra of making a muslin first, I also knew that I only had a couple yards to make this pattern, and this was my very first time making a PE pattern, all very good reasons for making a muslin first. BUT, I have heard great things about Kate’s drafting, I read her tutorial ( the amount of tips and fit help and steps on how to check fit, were amazing!!) and felt really comfortable with just going for it. With not having much time to sew this past month, it was a good call and I had absolutely no fit issues.

I really appreciated the attention to fit that was provided. I know I usually need to make certain adjustments to patterns for my body, and I can’t even begin to explain how nice it was to know if I actually needed to make those adjustments. For an example, the straps. I almost always have to adjust the straps on cami type tops, and usually longer, which means I need to recut. Kate actually made the straps longer, included a note about it, and I was able to do one fit check and use the original straps, vs multiple fit checks and having to recut new longer straps.

I chose to wear my SeaChange loose with no tie or sash. It really feels very springy, breezy, and super comfy (especially with my current health flare). I love how it almost looks like a dress, but I have no worries of things blowing up and being exposed.

Since our weather is currently fluctuating from the 70’s in the morning and evening, and the 90’s during the day, I decided to try it on with some white tennis shoes and my jean jacket.

I love how this looks!!

I am definitely making more of this pattern, and I’m determined to not miss another PE sale šŸ˜‚

Fabmere Fabrics has this Rayon Challis still in stock, plus a few other solids and prints.

New Fabrics, New Pattern, and a Fave

I can’t be the only one that loves to try new fabrics. I have my tried and true bases, that I go back to time and time again. But there is also something fun about trying new types and maybe finding another favorite.

I decided to try the Dharma from The Fabric Fairy and since the description sounding highly appealing, I got it in several colors. I mean, doesn’t this sound intriguing ?? Dharma Heathered Jade Green Poly Spandex is stylish, and durable with a soft hand and wicking treatment, fast recovery, and great stretch.  This fashion-forward color has cationic yarns used to create vibrant colors, an ultra-soft hand with excellent moisture wicking management. These high performing qualities make this fabric perfect for yoga apparel, leggings, or any activewear garment.

I got the Jade Green for a top and the Light Grey for a pair of leggings to go with. I was really curious how this same fabric base would act for both a top and leggings.

For the top I picked a pattern I have used a few times, the Tie Back Tank from Greenstyle Creations. Since I’ve made it several times, I was familiar with the fit and felt it would give me a good comparison for this new fabric base.

For the leggings, I chose the Sundial Leggings. I purchased the Sundial leggings when they released, but hadn’t had a chance to sew them up til now. I decided to do the, double crossover waistband.

This fabric was a perfect fit for leggings. It has great stretch and recovery, and it feels really nice on. So nice and smooth, I almost feel like I’m not wearing anything. Since it has such great recovery, the double waistband gave me a lot of tummy support, but I’m not sure how much I will like that when I have a tummy flare. I also noticed that my machine didn’t like the 7 layers in the front.

Using this fabric for the tie back tank, the first thing I noticed was that the fabric had less drape than my usual picks for this top. That translated in a stiffer fit, and a tentish look when worn untied. Once tied up, it looked nice, and the binding was super easy to do with this fabric. I will definitely wear this for workouts and walks, as the moisture wicking feature will be a huge plus.

I really think this fabric would be best suited to a fitted t-shirt, tank top, or sports bra, over a top that needs some drape to keep it from feeling boxy. I’m hoping I have enough scraps left from my leggings and tank, to make myself a sports bra so I can see.

The Dharma is available in 6 colors, and they are all so pretty!

The Tie Back Tank , one of my favorite summer tops, has a low or high neckline, binding or bands, and a racerback or full back. I did the low neckline, binding, and racerback options on mine.

The Sundial Leggings have a V shaped waistband, that can be single or double. It has no side seams and are available in capri or full length. I did the double waistband in the full length, with 1″ added for my height.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I may get a % back, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my sewing šŸ’•

Simpatico – A New Release & Perfect Pair

It has been a while since I was super excited about a sew for myself. But let me tell you, when I pulled out the fabric (Double Brushed Poly from So Sew English Fabrics) for these new leggings, I could feel my excitement building. It only got higher when I decided to make a new top to go with it. This set has me feeling all the springy vibes and I couldn’t be more comfortable.

The leggings are a super quick and simple new pattern from Greenstyle Creations. I have a few go to legging patterns already, but this will be replacing my basic one. Why? There are a few reasons the Simpatico stands out for me.

The first thing I noticed was calf shaping. Unless leggings are super tight, I will usually get bunching above and below my calf. And if leggings are super tight, they can feel restricting and painfully tight at my calf. With these, I have no calf restriction and no bunching, they fit my legs perfectly.

Another thing I noticed and liked about the Simpatico, the three built in inseam length options. I’m 5′ 9′ with a 29″ inseam. With the three built in lengths, I fall in the standard length, and that meant I was able to skip adding for my height. The only grading I had to do, was going from my G everything to an E thigh. So it made this a really fast sew for me. Such a fast sew, that I had time to make a quick tie back tank to wear with it.

I just love how it looks tied up or left open, both work great with Simpatico!

For the Simpatico, I made a size G with an E thigh, standard length, with a high-rise waistband. The Simpatico is currently on new release sale! The Tie back tank is a straight Medium with 1″ added for my height, low neckline, racerback, in rayon spandex.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I may get a % back, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my sewing šŸ’•

Hannah Hem Hack-Skip The $68 Price Tag

This really isn’t a hack, more of a simple mod, but I couldn’t resist the title of Hannah Hem Hack. It was just too much fun.

I’ve made a Hannah in quilted, a quilted and brushed French Terry combo, and a poly skimo hacci. You can see them here. Ā So when I decided to recreate this pin ($68 price tag, no thank you), I pulled out my left over plaid super plush from last year.

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I really wanted to have the black contrast collar, so I cut into my hoarded black super plush, for the collar lining and it was just right.

The Hannah pattern is banded at the bottom and the sleeves are cuffed, so to recreate this pin, I needed to alter it just a little for a hem.

To start with I added the amount of the bottom band, to the hem of the bodice, plus a bit more for my 1″ hem. I usually like a 1/2″ hem, but for super plush I prefer a larger hem since it is so squishy. I made my marks off the bottom of the original bodice pieces, and drew a line to indicate my new bottom hem.

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Then I needed to draw my new side seams. Since it has a slight widening at the hem and I didn’t want to continue that line and make a flare, I brought it in a little and blended into the original side seams.

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When all was said and done, I ended up taking an inch back off the hem after I tried it on, which gave me a total addition of 3.5″. I did this to both the front and back bodice pieces.

I followed the same steps for the sleeves and added 4.25″ to them. The only difference to the sleeves was that they taper in at the hem. Since I didn’t want them too tight, I wrapped a scrap piece of fabric around my wrist to determine how snug of a fit I wanted. Then I added a little to the fabric length to account for seam allowance, and that was what I made the width of the sleeve at the hem. Then I blended the lines in to the original sleeve seams for my new pieces.

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I made no other changes to the pattern and with those two simple mods, I now have a hem option Hannah.

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The Hannah is on new release sale for $5 until Sunday 11/3, midnight EST. The fabric is super plush from So Sew English. With a total price tag of $30, it is a bit more up my alley, and it’s custom fit to top it off.B632F6C1-E61D-47F3-9C7B-DDC56AAAD428

This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I may get a % back, at no additional cost to you. Letā€™s be honest, we all know it goes right back to adding to my fabric stash. All opinionsĀ on this blog are my own.

Three years waiting and just in time

Several years ago I found a pullover I fell in love with. After seeing it, I found a few pictures of similar ones on Pinterest and saved them to my inspiration board so I wouldn’t forget details about them. I spent time shopping for fabric and trying to find the pattern. After finally giving up the pattern search last year, I found a mens pattern that I figured I could hack to make my pullover.

The cold season quickly changes here and I never got a chance to attempt my hacking. So when Sonia decided to make the Hannah pattern, I literally jumped up and down with joy. Now, I get to start making all the Hannah’s, with all the fabric, I have been accumulating for the past three years. And not a moment too soon, with the weather just starting to change, I will have plenty of time to wear them all.

Hannah has cuffed sleeves, a banded hem, a quarter zip, and the options of a hood or collar. Both the hood and collar are lined and you even have the option to finish them with bias binding around the neckline. There is also an optional kangaroo pocket.

My first Hannah is in a grey quilted fabric from So Sew English. I had planned to use a contrasting bias in a dark blue color, to match my zipper tape. Unfortunately, when I went to the store, I grabbed the wrong one. I ended up finishing the collar with the other pattern option and I still love how it turned out.

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I did the collar and kangaroo pocket options for this grey quilted, and used an 11″ zipper. Ā I am ridiculously proud of this kangaroo pocket. Can we take a moment to enjoy how it lines up??

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My next Hannah is also made from quilted, but this time it is the ivory, and I only used it on the bodice, hem band, and the outer hood. For the rest of the hoodie, I used a super soft brushed French Terry. Both fabrics are from So Sew English Fabrics.

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On this one, I skipped the kangaroo pocket, and did the hood option.

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When I did the zipper on this one, I really wanted to try a 10″ length, but I only had 9″ and 11″ zippers. So I used an 11″ zipper, and did the assembly as though it was a 10″ zipper. When I got to the step of trimming the hood stand, I just cut off my extra zipper length. My stop got cut off, but it didn’t affect my zipper at all, as it was sewn into the hood corner.

This third one is so comfy! I got this poly skimo hacci last year from Sincerely Rylee fabrics. It is a slightly open weave, yet warm, and I just love this wine color with the little black flecks.

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For this one, I also did the hood option with no kangaroo pocket, but I used the bias binding option, to finish off the hood neckline. It looks so pretty!

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I love the length on the Hannah. I added my usual length for my height, and it hits just right. I can easily wear it with leggings or a pair of jeans, if I want.

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I have a few more Hannah’s planned, including a simple mod to make it without cuffs and a band. That mod will be up on here shortly, so be sure to come back and check it out.

Enabler alert: The Hannah from Sonia Estep Designs, is on sale for 50% off during it’s release sale, ending Sunday 11/3, at midnight.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means, if you make a purchase through that link, I may get a % back, at no additional cost to you. Letā€™s be honest, we all know it goes right back to adding to my fabric stash. All opinionsĀ on this blog are my own.

And now, her list

If you read my last post, it was about my son’s clothing list he “needed”. My daughter’s list was a little more conservative in its length, but now that I have completed it, she seems to need additional things. I kind of feel like she is playing me. Oh, just make a few things Mom. Oh, would you look at that, guess I need this now and ohh what about that?? Hey Mom, what is that fabric for? Oh do you think you could make me something in it too?? Oh Mom, that is so soft, it’s like your hugs… Okay, I made that last one up. You get the point though. She loves my makes and that is such an awesome feeling.

My kids love the fabric options from So Sew English almost as much as I do, so when she was making her list, she asked if she could shop for fabric on their site. She made her list, complete with fabric choices, and this is what she picked.

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First up is this super fun Lilac Unicorn print Double Brushed Poly. Not only does it have unicorns all over, but it also has the foil stars. I tried so hard to get good pictures of the stars, and just couldn’t quite get it. She wanted a shirt to wear with leggings and jeans, but requested something a little different than what we had done before. I showed her the patterns I had already but hadn’t made for her yet, and she picked the Spice Cake Dolman from Pattern for Pirates.

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The Spice Cake is the girls version of their Pumpkin Spice Dolman for women, which just so happened to be one of the first tops I made myself. The pattern can be made with a short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, or a long sleeve. You can choose a straight shirt length, curved tunic length, or a banded option with short or tall bands. For her unicorn shirt, she picked the long sleeve, curved hem tunic length.

For fun I did a quick time lapse video, sewing up this Spice Cake Dolman.

After my last time lapse, I had a few questions regarding the clipping I did to my seams when hemming. You can see it at about 1:32 in this current time lapse. Since I took my coverstitch out of time out and have been giving it another chance, I have found that I get less skipped stitches, if I clip into my seam allowance, and split my hems opposite directions. I do not clip all the way through, just up to the left needle thread. This also helps when I am hemming sleeves or pants, as it allows me fold at exactly the right amount. One other note about this time lapse. I usually iron my curved hems while I am folding them. I just did a finger press on this one, since my iron was out of commission. Ironing before stitching is definitely something I don’t like to skip, especially when doing curved hems.

To finish off her “first” list, she asked for two new pairs of leggings. She wanted something really colorful with lots of pattern, that she could wear with solid tops. She picked the Navy “knit print” double brushed poly for this pair.

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And for the second pair she picked this pretty Lilac scales print double brushed poly. The lilac dbp is only available in a bundle now, but there are some colorways of the French Terry scales, in yardage.

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For both pairs of leggings we used the Bonny leggings from Made for Mermaids. This is a pattern we have been using for her for a while, and she just loves how they fit. The pattern is free, has several length options, and also comes with a skirt, which she loves as well.

I should have known her list was going to grow, once I found the piles of clothing they hid when making their need lists. Guess I should start working on those “extras” soon. Although, I do have a few things on my “need” list, so maybe they will be next. šŸ˜‚

This post may contain affiliate links. This means, if you make a purchase through that link, I may get a % back, at no additional cost to you. Letā€™s be honest, we all know it goes right back to adding to my fabric stash. All opinionsĀ on this blog are my own.