sewing inspiration – Sew Gr8ful

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 😂

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

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. 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. Let’s be honest, we all know it goes right back to adding to my fabric stash. All opinions on this blog are my own.

10 outfits, a pinspiration win, and Pockets

You read that right, I have 10 new outfits from about a week of sewing. I used the brand new Iris Shorts from Sonia Estep Designs for all these outfits. If you are curious about how they looked and fit with all the different fabrics I used, you can read my comparison post with side by side pictures, here.

Outfit number one.

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This is the brand new Tennessee Tee from Sonia Estep Designs, subtle overlap v neck, flutter sleeves. I used a heavy rayon spandex from So Sew English fabrics. This pair of Iris shorts has the 5″ inseam length, front pockets, and higher waistband, in Liverpool from Sincerely Rylee. I’ve had both fabrics in my stash for a while and they are just perfect together.

Outfit number two.

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This combo is the Iris shorts in this rocket pop FT with a DBP waistband. This is the 3.5″ inseam length, with the higher waistband. The same as all the following pairs. No pockets on this one, but I think I will add the front ones on my next FT pair. I am wearing it with this brand new Tennessee Tee in red micro modal spandex. This is the scoop neck with regular sleeves. Both fabrics are from So Sew English.

Outfit number three.

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I just love this deep purple pair of Iris shorts! This pair has the front pockets and I used Ponte from Boho Fabrics. It is a different ponte than my usual in that it is lighter weight, with less stretch, but it sewed up beautifully and is super comfy. I’m wearing it with a rayon spandex Hey June Union St. Tee, from my closet.

Outfit number four.

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This pair of shorts was so hard to photograph. It is a charcoal black and has a subtle animal print, which I love, since I can wear it with so many different colored tops. It was my first experience with refined ponte and I think I’m going to make a pencil skirt with the left over fabric. I am wearing it with another newer fabric for me, cotton modal spandex. I used it the first time to make my daughter a top and it worked so well, I decided to make myself one to go with these shorts. The top is the CKC Kaitlyn. Both fabrics are from So Sew English.

Outfit number five.

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I know solid black shorts are kind of boring, but they are such a must have for me. This pair has both the front and the back pockets. I used my go to ponte from So Sew English, and would you believe I got it from a 22″ x wof scrap? It’s true, I did. I am wearing it with my coral Tennessee Tee.

I found this pin a while back and thought it was a good combo for Fall feels with Summer weather.

Which brings me to outfit number six.

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I branched out last year and tried two mustard colored things and liked them. So I decided to give this shade a try. The top is my third Tennessee Tee, overlap v neck with regular sleeves. I used a modal spandex from Surge fabrics. It was my first order from them and I was impressed with the quality of the fabric. My Iris shorts are in a heavy ponte from Sly Fox fabrics. It has less stretch than my favorite ponte, but since this pattern doesn’t take much, it worked well. This is a perfect example of taking inspiration and then tweaking it to your style. I’m totally calling this a Pinspiration win.

Outfit number seven.

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Confession. I got a three yard bundle of this fabric and since this pattern only takes minimal fabric, I have made three pairs in it and have a bunch left 😂. In my defense, two were test fits, but they all work and I wear them all. I am actually wearing one of them as I write this up. I had never used this type of double knit before and I really love it! It’s so soft and so comfy. I’m wearing it with a Union St Tee from Hey June Handmade, from my closet. This shirt is two years old, I wear it weekly, and it looks brand new. Mad kudos to So Sew English Modal!

Outfit number eight.

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I had fun with this pair of Iris shorts! Instead of rolling the hem under, I rolled it out and stitched it, to give it a cuffed look. Then I decided to do something extra with the back pockets and make a little topstitch design. If you have never tried something like that, I highly encourage you to try. You can free hand a design or do a quick internet search for designs.

I trace one side of the design with chalk, lay it on the pocket and trace the other side of the design to transfer it to the pocket. Then you take the side you just traced, place it down on the other pocket, trace the line again, and it is mirrored on your other pocket. Then topstitch it on your sewing machine. Really simple and now I have custom pockets. This pair was made with denim cotton FT (the same I used for these leggings). It has sold out but they have a new one that I’m hearing is even better. I am wearing it with my red Tennessee tee. Both fabrics are from So Sew English.

Outfit number nine.

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Y’all know I love camo. This pair was another try at a new fabric base and I am so happy with them! I used a Camo jacquard double knit from SSE. There is another color way of this print available too and I think I may need to grab some. I’m wearing it with a CKC Kaitlyn in modal, from my closet.

Outfit number ten.

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Did I mention how little fabric this shorts pattern takes? This pair of Iris shorts was another scrap buster for me with some left over Chloe DBP. I was planning on using them for sleeping or for lounge shorts, but I was surprised with how non lounge they actually looked. They are super comfy so I will definitely be making more in DBP for sleeping, but I like that I can still wear them for errands.

I can’t pick a favorite, I tried, but I love them all and am so happy to finally have my perfect everyday knit shorts pattern.

Enabler Alert – Both the Iris shorts and Tennessee Tee are on new release sale for 50% off.

Styling my first Red dress – Nicolette

I like solids because they really make it easy to include the pieces in several different outfits. So when I decided to make my first red dress and I wasn’t sure how I was going to wear it, I went through my closet and just let my imagination run wild. I came up with so many combinations but decided to just share these 7 with you all. It was 108* when I was taking these pictures and after number 7, things were getting a little rough 😂. So 7 it is.

This dress is the just released Nicolette from Sonia Estep Designs. If you missed my last post with all the details, the other two I have made, and my armpit sniffing pose, you can get caught up here.

First, my straight up red dress, solo. (Now I’m singing red solo cup in my head, as I type this). I love the seam down the back, it adds just a little something to the dress. I have worn this with tennis shoes and with sandals both. It is perfect for errands, out to dinner, or just chilling at home doing kitchen DIY.

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For this look I grabbed an infinity scarf I had. A quick wrap around my neck and it changes the dress from summer to spring, or even fall if you live in warm climates. I could also see this with a lightweight woven scarf for summer.

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This next one I added my jean jacket to it. You can roll up the sleeves or even combine the scarf and jacket if you wanted to add another option.

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This cardigan was one of my first additions of red in my wardrobe and I was so happy it complements this Nicolette so well. This is perfect to take to those freezing movie theaters or even a cold grocery shopping trip. Can’t you just see it with some knee high boots too?? I can not wait for cooler weather to get here so I can wear this combo.

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Since it IS so hot here, I’m happy this breezy woven, kimono sleeve cover up, also works with this Nicolette. I was iffy on the color combo between the two, but I definitely will be making more with some other wovens I have my eye on. Pool party anyone?

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Did you know you could tie a knot in your Nicolette and make it a top to wear with your favorite pair of shorts?? If the knot look isn’t for you, the Nicolette also has a shirt option included. ED2968A6-4BDA-415D-8042-17143BE417F6

How about swapping your shorts for a pair of leggings? Just pull down the scrunch and now you have a booty covering top with a cute knot.

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I was really having a good time trying out so many new looks with this one dress. I even got commentary from the kids on which was their favorite. Any guesses as to which?

If you haven’t gotten your Nicolette yet, you haven’t missed out. It is still on sale for 50% off until Sunday, 7/7 Midnite EST. How will you wear it?

Pinspiration – You win some and you lose some

Where do you find your sewing inspiration?

I have my own ideas (usually when I’m trying to sleep), get inspired by other seamstress makes, and “shop” on Pinterest. I really love “shopping” on Pinterest because I can save the things I like and can come back to it when I need something to sew or I find the perfect fabric. Another thing I love using pinterest for is finding examples of those late night ideas I get. I can search for things that are similar and make my notes to save them for later. Usually, when I find something I want to make, I have to search for a pattern or figure out how to hack one I already have, like I did for my first pinspiration (blogged here). In the case of these two recent pinspirations, I had both patterns already and no hacking needed, yay for saving time and money !! It also helped that I have made both patterns several times before so I knew they would be a good fit.

I’ve had really great luck with my pinspiration creations and usually love the way they turn out. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case with this purple cardigan. Let me start by saying, I love the pattern I used (Coffee and Tea from Annelaine ). It has several different options which allow for you to make a bunch of different cardigans from the same pattern. Another yay for saving money!! I have used it several times, several = 5, and each time it comes out beautifully. This time, my 6^th, was no different.

I liked the fabric too. It was a Purple Hair I snagged in a bundle from So Sew English Fabrics. It washed well, sewed up well, even with the extra “hair”, and it had a unique look to it.

The problem came when I tried it on. I really did not like the way this specific combo looked on me. I tried it with several different looks and just couldn’t say I loved it. I was so bummed too. I had really wanted this to turn out. I mean, a purple fluffy sweater, who doesn’t need a purple fluffy sweater??

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To get this look I used the Coffee version, length between the long and short cut lines, hemmed loose sleeves, and the slim bands. Plus pockets, because, POCKETS.

My other recent pinspiration was a solid landing in the win column. I love this pattern too (Union St. Tee from Hey June Handmade)!! I have made several, several = 4 in this case. I like all the options the Union St Tee has, but I really found the v-neck instructions easy to follow. All three of the v-necks I have done, have turned out great.

Then there was the fabric. It is a brushed hacci from So Sew English, and is so so SO dang soft. Soft and cuddly, and soft. It is soft ya’ll ! I tried it on and it was instant love! The hardest part was trying to photograph it to make it look like the pinspiration picture.

I gave up, I’m not a good selfie taker, and I’m okay with that. Making my bed and cleaning the mirror is totally not worth it. I’m kidding, but seriously, selfies are hard. I applaud all of you with selfie skills!

The options I used for this top were long sleeves and v-neck.

Pinspiration. You win some and you lose some.

Anyone looking for a fluffy purple cardigan?? I happen to have one just hanging around.

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