Tag: sewing pattern

Twining From Afar

A few months ago I was scrolling and came across shirts that had funny sayings and was sending them to my friend, Afton. One in particular caught our attention and we couldn’t stop laughing about it. Since we both sew, in fact that is how we met, we decided it would be fun to make some for ourselves and twin.

We got to meet in person earlier this year!

We started discussing fabrics and patterns. Afton had heard great things about the bamboo cotton spandex sweatshirt fleece and coordinating ribbing from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. We looked at it and it seemed like a good option for the top we had in mind, and perfect for the coming cooler weather. We picked the heathered grey color for both the fleece and ribbing.

This was my first order with RCF and I was excited to try out something from them. When the fabric arrived I noticed right away how soft and squishy the sweatshirt fleece was. It has great stretch as well, which is a requirement for so many patterns, and as we hadn’t decided on a pattern yet, I wanted to make sure it would work for multiples. The ribbing wasn’t super stiff like some I have come across in the past, and that was a nice feature for me, because my neck is sensitive after a surgery years ago.

Then came the pattern selection. It is surprising how small of an overlap we actually had in our “sweatshirt” type patterns. We looked and looked and nothing seemed to fit what we wanted. Either it would need to be sized up several, changed from a hood to a neckband, reshaping the bodice, the sleeves were wrong, etc. Then Greenstyle Creations posted a sneak peek video on their Instagram, of a pattern in the works. It looked perfect!!

As Afton and I are both in their promotion/tester group, she asked about the testing and release timeline of it. It was meant to be. We were both able to test it, and it was released, just in time for our plans. The pattern is Sav’s Sweatshirt, in the regular length.

Sav’s Sweatshirt is designed for fabrics with minimal to no stretch, and ribbing for the neckband, hem band, and sleeve cuffs. You can read about my non stretch version here. BUT it also can be done with fabrics that have more stretch and so it worked perfectly with the fabric we picked from RCF. I’m glad the fabric has four way stretch and the pattern requires minimal, because I cut my bodice out with the greatest direction, not realizing that the heathering actually would be vertical. Afton cut hers the opposite way ( You can read about her version over on the RCF blog), and they both turned out beautifully.

So what was this super funny saying we decided to use?? I present to you, Retired Hot Girl. 🤣

We all try to feel our best, and for some that means showering and doing our hair, wearing makeup, getting dressed, etc. But as a Mom, or with my health issues, there are days where those things just don’t happen, and I feel less than my best. That feeling is “retired” and I just want to put on something comfy and relax.

I had heard people saying “Hot Girl Summer”, so naturally I had to look up what that meant. The short of it is that feeling of living your life, unapologetically being you, and having a good time. I can get onboard with that! But usually after I have days like that, I need to rest and take it easy, especially in the winter.

So while the saying, Retired Hot Girl, can have different meanings to different people, to me it is feeling relaxed, comfy, and chill, with lots of laughter. And twining with Afton, in this sweatshirt, fits that bill to the tee.

Pattern – Greenstyle Creations Sav’s Sweatshirt

Fabric – Raspberry Creek Fabrics Bamboo Cotton Spandex Sweatshirt Fleece and Bamboo Cotton Spandex 1×1 Ribbing

You can see more of Afton’s creations on her Instagram and read all about her version on the Raspberry Creek Fabrics Blog.

We used Black and Currant Glitter HTV from 143vinyl.com

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 💕

New Sweatshirt – Styling Fun!

I have been looking for the perfect oversized sweatshirt for a while, and I think the newly released Sav’s Sweatshirt from Greenstyle Creations, is pretty dang spot on.

This sweatshirt is made for those warm, minimal to no stretch fabrics, but can also be used for something with a higher stretch. Which means you can use those nice and thick sweatshirt fleece fabrics and soft ribbing for the neck, hem, and cuffs.

I have made a few of these and have fabric on the way for a few more, but I really wanted to try out different looks and styles with this simple white one.

First I tried it on with my regular skinny jeans and white tennis shoes.

I like the simple, almost sporty feel I get with this combo. It’s perfect for errands, grocery shopping, just every day type things.

Then I decided to try out my faux leather leggings. Which I actually really love with it! It changes it to a more glam relaxed look, and I have to say, it was even more comfortable than the jeans.

Perfect length for just a little shaping of the rear too 😉

I had to try it with my scrunchie black boots, and I think it would make a nice casual dinner out outfit, with a little jewelry.

Since its shackett season, and I haven’t had time to make one, I just borrowed my husbands flannel shirt and threw it on over it.

Same outfit, but with my black boots. I like the boots with it, but I’m kinda thinking I’d prefer some boxier, maybe lace up ankle boots, a bit more. What do you think??

This one is with my athletic leggings, and I know I’m going to be wearing this for all the dog walks, chilling around the house, and running errands.

I have to say, I was surprised, but my favorite outfit was pairing it with the faux leather leggings and white tennis shoes. It is ridiculously comfy and I feel great in it!

How would you wear it?? Please share, I’d love to have more suggestions for wearing this amazing sweatshirt!

Pattern (On sale along with the rest of the patterns for 35% off. Sitewide ends today 11/30 and then just Sav’s Sweatshirt will be on sale for a few more days) – Sav’s Sweatshirt from Greenstyle Creations

Fabric – Solid White Heavy Cotton French Terry from So Sew English Fabrics

Ribbing is Cotton Rib Knit 1×1 from Joanns

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 💕

Cozy Cardigans for two

A few weeks ago we had a storm blow through and it rapidly dropped our temps for a few days. It was so nice and it totally put me in the mood for Fall sewing.

I was looking at fabric and my daughter “happened” to be looking over my shoulder and saw the Purple/Ivory Leopard Brushed Hacci Sweater Knit I was considering. She thought it was cute and asked what I was going to make. Then proceeded to ask if I could make her one as well.

I was going to make the Calgary Cardigan from Pattern Niche. They only have the adult sized pattern, but since my daughter is starting to fit into some adult patterns, I decided to see if it would work for her as well. She fits perfectly into the smallest size.

She isn’t tall enough so I needed to remove some height. Fortunately with the amount I needed to remove and the shape and multiple length options of the cardigan, I was able to cut the hip length and it was the perfect tunic length for her. No other mods were necessary which made it a really quick adjustment.

Options Line Drawing From The Calgary Pattern

The Calgary has so many options, you can use the same pattern to get a variety of looks.

We chose the standard bands for ours and we love how they turned out! They are so cozy and perfect for cooler weather. Hopefully we get another storm soon so our temps drop again, in the meantime these will be getting worn in the early mornings.

She may be getting into adult patterns, but she still fits under my arm 🤣

Something to note, we usually wear thin long sleeve shirts, tank tops, or short sleeve shirts under most cardigans. This pattern could be a little snug of a fit in the arms, if you were wearing something more substantial under it. You definitely need to pay attention to the required fabric stretch percentage of 35% or more.

Pattern: Calgary from Pattern Niche
Fabric: Purple/Ivory Leopard Brushed Hacci Sweater Knit from So Sew English Fabrics

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 💕

A Trio of Outfits

My daughter has been growing rapidly and we went shopping at the beginning of the year for some training bras/ sports bras, for her to try out. Then she fell in love with my two Greenstyle Creations Power Sports Bra makes (here and here), and since her store bought ones no longer fit, asked if I could make her some. She just fits into the women’s sizing, and I had scraps left of my stripe one, so I made her one to try.

She wore it for her first day and didn’t want to take it off.

She is needing quite a few new clothing items so I made her three sets of a modified Greenstyle Creations Solo Tank (read about the mod here), Power Sports Bras, and Chelsea Shorts. She didn’t know I was making the matching power sports bras, and she was absolutely thrilled when I gave them all to her.

For her first outfit she picked this sunflower print bullet and a solid black performance.

The Chelsea shorts were a first try for us, and she really likes them. This outfit she did the short cutline, with the slanted pockets and the yoga style waistband.

I used the same fabric for the Power Sports Bra as I did for the Tank.

For her second combo she picked this pretty tropical look with the peachy background ITY.

It matches perfectly with the navy blue performance she picked for her shorts. She chose the same options for her Chelsea shorts as her sunflower pair.

I again used the same fabric from her shorts, for the bra.

Her third combo is the test version of the solo tank modification I did with an ombre leopard print ITY, and using the same black performance for the shorts as we did for her sunflower set (bra and tank).

This one she picked the Bermuda length on the Chelsea shorts. For the bra to go with them, I found some scraps of the Dharma I used in an outfit for myself (read about it here).

She has informed me that these power sports bras are insanely more comfortable than the store bought ones we tried first and she loves her new outfits so much.

Patterns:
Greenstyle Creations Solo Tank (modified) – On Sale!
Greenstyle Creations Power Sports Bra– Available in women’s and kids sizing – On sale this month!!!
So Sew English Chelsea Joggers – Available in adult and kids sizing – Kid’s on Sale!

Fabrics:
Sunflower Bullet from So Sew English
Solid Black Performance from SSE
Solid Navy Performance from SSE
Peach Tropical ITY from SSE
Rainbow Ombre Leopard Bulgaree ITY from SSE – sold out
Dharma Heathered Dusty Rose and Jade Green from The Fabric Fairy

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 💕

Sports Bra- the sequel (plus bonus tank and shorts)

As soon as I finished my first Greenstyle Creations Power Sports Bra ( read about it here ), I knew I wanted to make more. I immediately went through my fabric and started planning my next combo. I didn’t have quite what I wanted, so I went fabric shopping. I saw a combo Heidi posted in April, in the So Sew English Facebook group, and I knew it would be the perfect fabric for the outfit I envisioned. It took a bit to arrive, but once it did I knew it was the right choice.

For this Power Sports Bra, I did almost the exact same options as my very first, adding the optional bra cup opening, and 1/4″ clear elastic in the full neckline and armscye. I opted to add the elastic since this fabric had a bit more stretch than my first, and I didn’t want to chance it gaping once on. I used the Solid Bubble Gum Pink Peached Performance for the straps and remaining pieces, including the lining, is Grey/Ivory Small Stripe Peached Performance. Just like my first power sports bra, I tried on my underbust band elastic, prior to adding it to the bra, and AGAIN, I was glad I did. I used a different elastic than my first one and it stretched a lot easier, allowing me to remove an extra inch, which was still bigger than my suggested size starting point.

I used the same Bubble Gum Pink Peached Performance for my shorts. It is so soft and the perfect fabric for lounging or to run errands. I made my first Run in The Sun Shorts from Striped Swallow Designs for this. It was also my first SSD pattern, and it was fairly simple to assemble. I made my measured size, XL waist to Large hip and Medium thigh, but for my next, I will probably remove some length off the rise and/or go down a size overall in each spot. I love the option to cinch up the side more or less, depending on my outfit and preference.

Since I’m not keen on rocking the sports bra and shorts combo out and about, without coverage, I added a Sundown Tank, also from SSD. I absolutely LOVE the low twist back option, it is so fun and totally creates the perfect showcase for my cute bra and straps. I used the Solid Black Crepe Jersey and it twisted beautifully! My machine seriously did not like the thick bindings though, so my next one, I will skip the binding and just turn and topstitch.

The Sundown tank has three back options, a regular back, and a high or low twist back. I did the low twist, added 1″ in length for my height, and made size Medium graded to Large at the bust and waist. I measured for a Medium graded to Large bust and an XL waist, but when I measured the pattern piece, I felt grading all the way to an XL would be much larger than the look I wanted. I also have smaller hips than I do waist, and while the pattern didn’t provide hip measurements, I know from experience with my body and loose fit shirts, that grading out so far would make my hips look like they are drowning. So with the tank having the shape and ease it does, I opted to grade out to just the Large.

A little sewing tip I like to use: When the pattern size chart doesn’t provide a measurement, you can measure your pattern piece at the approximate spot, minus the seam allowance. Then take your tape measure and hold it around your body part, at the pattern piece measurement and you can get an idea on fit. If the pattern has negative ease, you can do the same with a scrap of fabric (preferably in the same fabric you are using for the final garment).

I can’t wait to sew up my next set, I just got another fabric order that will be PERFECT for this! Plus, I am on the hunt for some swim fabric. I think this would be amazing to wear to splash pads with the kids or just hanging out by the pool.

Fabric all from So Sew English:
Solid Bubble Gum Pink Peached Performance
Grey/Ivory Small Stripe Peached Performance
Solid Black Crepe Jersey

Patterns:
Greenstyle Creations Power Sports Bra (available in Women and Kids)
Striped Swallow Designs Run In The Sun Shorts (available in Women and Kids)
Striped Swallow Designs Sundown Tank (available in Women and Kids)

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 💕

Tanks, I made it! ;)

Back in April I went to Vegas with my husband, for a work trip. While there I was able to meet up with one of my sewing friends for a little bit and actually meet her in person.

We had previously been shopping for fabric from Fabmere at the same time and she had faster fingers than I did, and scored some gorgeous floral ITY. She is so sweet, and ended up splitting the fabric in half and bringing it to me when we met up.

So I’ve had this gorgeous 1 yard cut of ITY and I’ve been trying to decide what it wanted to become. I thought of and rejected so many patterns when I finally decided to try the Athena from Pattern Niche. I wasn’t sure if the style would work well with ITY, since it is a lightweight fabric with good drape. So I scoured their Facebook group to see if other people had used ITY and found none. After asking Tara if she thought it would work well, I decided to go for it.

There are several different kinds of ITY, some are slinky and slippery, some have a brushed feel, some have a textured feel, and I love them all and how cool I stay while wearing them. This particular ITY has a slight texture to it, which is an added bonus for traveling, as it doesn’t wrinkle in luggage.

The Athena tank has a regular racer back, plus three different scoop and cutout back options. You can choose from a crew neck or a scoop neck for the front neckline. For mine I chose the scoop neck and the option 2 back.

I made a straight size 12, and added 1″ in length for my height. I didn’t make any other mods to the pattern.

I was pleasantly surprised with how simple it was to do the fun cutouts! I have been having machine issues lately, and I was really concerned it would eat my fabric, but it behaved and I love it! The cutout is perfect to show off those cute bralettes, or in my case, my green bra, that just so happens to match.

I have some more fabric that just arrived that I will definitely be using to make another one. I think I’m going to try the option 3 back next and make a coordinating set with a new sports bra.

The fabric is ITY from Fabmere Fabrics and you can see all their gorgeous options here.

The Athena pattern is available from Pattern Niche (formerly New Horizons Designs).

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 💕

The Romper Repeat – Bayside Leopard

After my daughter saw my SeaChange playsuit (you can read about it here), she asked if I could make her one. She loved how it looked like a dress but was really shorts, and of course, the pockets. Unfortunately the fabric she wanted was a knit, and Pattern Emporium doesn’t have a kids version of the pattern. So I asked her about using the same pattern we did a few years ago for her, the Bayside romper from Pattern Niche.

As soon as I reminded her which it was, she was very excited and asked to see the available options. The pockets sold it for her.

Since the fabric she picked was Bulgaree ITY from So Sew English, it has very nice drape and gives the romper a dress feel, all while feeling relaxed and cool. She has grown quite a bit since the last time, so we had to do several fit check try ons during sewing, and each time she said, “Ohhh, this feels so nice!”

The Bayside has shorts, pants, or dress lengths in mini, knee with a straight or curved hem, mid length or maxi. You can choose short sleeves, flutter sleeve, or tank, and of course, pockets. Something that sets the Bayside apart from other rompers is its fun cross back bodice design. It really makes it easy for my daughter get it on and off and adds such a fun detail.

My daughter picked the tank, shorts cutline, with pockets. She doesn’t like elastic in the cross over back pieces, so I omitted that. It does give the back a slightly more drapy look, but she really likes it. If you have a child prone to things slipping off the shoulders, I wouldn’t recommend that omission, as it can help hold the shape.

When I was making the romper, she asked if we could do some fun stitching so she picked her two topstitch thread colors for the pocket and we did a rolled hem on the shorts, to give it a slight wave look.

Tip: I can not recommend enough. Use your Child’s waist measurement to determine elastic length, and try it on before securing it all. It helps to get a much better fit and allows you to make sure you have enough support to keep the waist where it belongs. It makes such a difference in comfort for my kids and myself.

The Bayside is available in both women and kid sizing.

The fabric is Bulgaree ITY from So Sew English Fabrics.

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 💕

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.

All the Boho-ish feels – Siena

April has been a really busy month for our family with birthdays, events, schooling, and the home renovation we are doing. Because of it all, my sewing time has been little snatches of 15 minutes to an hour, here and there. As someone who hates incomplete projects and being in the middle of multiple projects at the same time, it’s been a source of annoyance and I have had to get really creative with fitting things in.

I missed out on testing a new pattern from Made for Mermaids, but knew I wanted to purchase it as soon as it released, and then I fell in love with a new pattern from Pattern Emporium and had to add it to my list. Since I knew these were both patterns I wanted to make right away, I ordered fabric for them and slowly worked on them both, at the same time. You can read about my first Pattern Emporium experience here.

The Made for Mermaids Siena is almost the exact skirt I pinned a bunch of times on Pinterest and as a woven pattern, I knew it would still be comfy to wear even with our rising temperatures.

One of my favorite woven fabrics is Rayon Challis and the Honey Gold color from Fabmere Fabrics was spot on for what I had envisioned.

The Siena has 6 different hemlines ( mini, knee, high-low in both above the knee or below the knee, midi, and maxi length), each with different tier amounts, plus the option to sew the tier seams with an enclosed or exposed raw edge. There are two different elastic waistband options, with three different elastic configurations, and an optional faux tie.

For this one I did the full maxi length with enclosed tier seams, and the basic elastic waistband, with one piece of wider elastic. I’m feeling very boho and crazy comfortable in this skirt.

For my height I added 2″ total to the skirt, adding 1/2″ to each of the four tiers, to keep it even. Once I got to the hem, I realized the length was almost exact for where I like to wear maxis at, and I decided to finish it with a rolled hem.

I love rolled hems, so fast, so clean, and such a fun little detail!

I like that I can wear this with my most worn Hey June Handmade, Union St. Tee, tied up, or this tank tied up or tucked in, and get a few different looks. I think the tied up tee is my favorite though. Which is your favorite top?

The Siena is available in Baby, Youth, and Women sizing.

Fabmere Fabrics has several Rayon Challis in stock, including a little of the Honey Gold I used.

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 💕

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 💕