Stuff I've Been Making

 

Look, I've been busy making stuff!  These pictures are actually from last summer, spanning from late June till early September.  So without further ado.... 



 It's really rare that I make matching outfits, but this skirt by Ellie Inspired really called for a matching top.  The skirt, by the way, has built-in shorts, and it's seriously something that S wears every chance she gets.  The top was modified from Heidi & Finn's Summer Maxi Dress.  I added the butterfly applique to tie it in with the butterflies on the skirt, and used the orange plaid fabric for the bias binding on the bodice.

This one is a Blank Slate Pattern, the Sweet Pea Pajamas.  The fabric is a vintage Daisy Kingdom fabric that I got in a fabric swap. 

Another Ellie Inspired Pattern, this is the Primary Pinafore and Blouse.

 Shwin Design's Glass Onion Top is one of my favorite patterns.  Check out the back view!

 This crazy girl is modeling the Dandelion & Dungarees' Perfect Princess Peplum.  There's a women's version too that I'm dying to make.   

 Another PJ pattern, this one is Heidi & Finn's All You Need Jammies.  B wears this set every time it is not in the wash.  Made in knit, it is super-comfy and oh so cute!

And finally, Rabbit Rabbit Creations' Sweet Pea Dress.  I've had this pattern for a while now and finally had a chance to make it.  The pattern has just been re-worked and updated.

More next time!

8 Days A Week: A Pattern Anthology Collection for Women!

Ok, I had to end that title with an exclamation mark.  Since becoming a stay at home mom, I've had to re-think my wardrobe choices.  My everyday style lately is yoga/ workout pants, and some sort of knit shirt with a zipped up hoodie pulled on top for warmth.  Even wearing jeans feels like "dressing up" nowadays.

So when the Pattern Anthology designers began testing their latest collection for women, I was super-excited to be part of the testing team.  Their are 4 patterns in this collection: The Go To Knit Pants, The McCartney Jacket, The Marigold Dress/ Peplum Top, and the Neptune Tee.  Potentially, you can mix and match the pieces to get a complete wardrobe.

First up is the Go To Knit Pants.  The velour that I used for these pants were seriously a PIA to sew with; the fabric was slippery, thick, and super-stretchy.  Nonetheless, I persevered in spite of a lot of seam ripping and cursing, and the result is a comfy, soft, and cozy pair of lounge pants that is in high rotation.

This is the Marigold in the peplum view.  I love the details of this dress/top: the gathers at the shoulders, the stand-up collar, the A-line shape of the peplum, all combine to make a feminine and classic silhouette. 

And here is the McCartney Jacket.  I love how this jacket turned out.  I thought about making it in the solid blue, but then decided at the last minute to use this scrap of lace that I had left over from a previous project. I love the tone on tone and the texture the lace ads to the Jacket.

 

And finally, the Neptune Tee is a basic tee with cute triangle cut-out options for the sleeves and the neckline.  I made mine from this rainbow on black knit.  I opted for the triangles on the front neckline and the sleeves.  This is a great tee to dress up or down for every occasion. 

 

All these patterns come with loads of options, and for the next couple of weeks, are available at a huge discount as a bundle.  Check out the Pattern Anthology website to see all the options.

 

Make (Believe) Collection by Pattern Anthology



The gals of Pattern Anthology have done it again!  They've put together a truly cohesive collection with all the details and style that we've come to expect from them.  The collection comes with 4 patterns: the Bookworm Button-Up, the Adventure Tee, The Imagine Jacket, and the Explorer Hoodie.  This time around, there are a few different packages to chose from: but basically you can get the patterns for under $5.00 per pattern.  That's a steal in my opinion.  There's also an e-book of activities for children included in a few of the packages.  I've looked over the e-book and am so excited to get started on these activities.  Now that summer is here, my girls and I have a lot of time on our hands and its nice to be able to reach for a structured activity.  You can read more about the different packages  and the e-book here.

 

I was one of the lucky testers chosen to test all four of the new patterns.  If you've never tried a placket, or sewn a collar with a collar stand, or installed a zipper, these patterns are just the perfect place to start. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bookworm Button-Up includes boy and girl versions with 3 back options, 3 sleeve options, and 3 pocket options.  This is the girly version with bow sleeves and pockets, and a pleated back. 

 

 

My version of the Adventure Tee has rolled-up sleeves with button tabs and a hi-low hem.

 

I made 2 Imagine Jackets, one for each girl.  For S's, I used a super-soft brushed cotton and for B, a purple velour.  Both jackets have ruched sleeves and shoulder patches.  I love how different the jackets look with the different fabrics.  The jacket also comes with regular sleeves and a color-blocked shoulder option.

 

  And finally, the Explorer Hoodie is a comfy, loose-fitting top perfect for cooler months.  It has two zipper options: angled and straight.  I made mine in an organic sweatshirt fleece.

 

The Make (Believe) Collection is available for only 2 weeks, so get it while you can! 

 

(image from Pattern Anthology)

 

 

Pattern Anthology's Winter Wonderland Collection

 

You guys, I don't know how this happened, but I got to test not 1 or 2 or 3, but 4 of Pattern Anthology's Winter Wonderland Collection.  First up is the Holly Pants, designed by Andrea of Go To Patterns.  These pants were originally made for B in a size 4.  They were a little too loose and long on her, so I tried them on S, and whadda ya know, they fit her perfectly.  I think this had something to do with the fabric that I chose--a really soft brushed cotton with silver thread running throughout.  Although not a stretch fabric, there is a lot of give in the looser weave.  I love the pleats and tapered legs, the belt loops and flat front and elasticized back waist.  So stylish and comfy at the same time.    

Next up is the Sweet Bonnie Top from Shwin Designs.  In the process of testing this top, I actually made two, one in interlock knit and the other in rayon challis.  B is wearing the knit version.



Honestly, I just can't resist a peter pan collar.  The back has an exposed zipper that gives this top a modern flair.

Here's the woven version that I made for S.  She didn't like the top at first, because, gasp, there was no pink or purple in sight.  It took about a day, but she came around eventually.  

And one of my favorite items that I've ever made, this is the Amarylis Dress by Blank Slate Patterns.  I just happened to have this black and white gingham taffeta in my stash.  The construction of this dress is absolute genius.   And bonus,  it's totally reversible!  If there is such a thing as perfection, this pattern is it for me.

I love the back equally as much as the front.

Ok, back to Shwin Designs.  When Shauna asked for volunteers to sew up the size 8 for the Johnny B Good Hoodie, I had to give it a try.  It's such a cool shirt, and surprisingly easy.  The hood, the cuffs, the shoulder placket, I just love all the details.

I made this for my nephew.  He's such a cool dude in his hoodie.

Well that's it!  You can find the Winter Wonderland Collection here.  There are 8 patterns altogether; the complete collection comes out to be $5 per pattern, a really great deal for all the mix and match options you get.  Since the tops have both long and short sleeve options, and the Holly Trousers also can be worn as shorts, these patterns really will carry you through all the seasons.

Phew, it was so much fun sewing up these patterns.  Thanks to the designers for such an awesome collection and for letting me be a small part of the process.

Some Selfish Sewing in the Midst of KCW: Blank Slate Rose Tee

From time to time, I get to test patterns for Blank Slate Patterns.  Melissa is one of my favorite designers and is so generous with her talents.  She has  a bunch of freebies on her blog, including this blazer that I plan to make one of these days. 

This is the Rose Tee in women's sizes.  You can read about the little girl's version, the Pristine Swing dress, that I made here.  I actually bought this pattern a while ago, but when the opportunity to test the new and improved version came along, I had to jump at the chance. 

This is really an excellently written and drafted pattern.  The fit is perfect and flattering for a lot of body shapes and sizes.  It's basically a comfy dressed-up t-shirt and fits right in with my mommy wardrobe. 

Ok, back to kid's clothes, maybe.  

Pattern Testing: Blank Slate's T times 3 and A Line A la Mode

Have you heard?  Blank Slate Patterns just came out with their fall line.  This is the Tee Times Three.  The pattern has plenty of options including 3 different neckline options.  Looking ahead to fall and winter, I chose to test the peter pan option with long sleeves. The fabric for this little top is a cute birdie print I found at Girl Charlee.  The white polka-dots look line snowballs, yes?  I kinda messed up on the peter pan collar though.  There's a neck band that is supposed to stay on top of the collar.  Since I was testing, I figured that it needed to be sewn down, and that Melissa just missed a step in the directions.  Either way, the shirt looks pretty darn cute.     

The back has a keyhole button closure for easy on/off.

 

This pattern is so versatile; there's also a plain t-shirt neckline as well as a hooded version.  The fit is easy and relaxed and the directions are clear and simple.  I would certainly recommend it as a wardrobe staple.  

 Next up is the A-line A la Mode Dress.   Can you tell I love me a peter pan collar or two?  The fabric is coordinating prints from DS quilts for JoAnn's.

The fun detail here is the exposed zipper.  I would say that Blank Slate Patterns has more of a relaxed fit, so you should probably size down if you prefer a more fitted look.  The great thing is that I can see S fitting this into next spring.

 So that's it.  Another great collection from Blank Slates.  Now I'm off to check out the Zippy Jacket.

Pattern Anthology's W Pants

Have you seen Pattern Anthology's new fall collection?  It's called the Alphabet Collection and has some pretty cool mix and match separates.  I was lucky enough to test the W pants, designed by Melissa Mora of Blank Slates Patterns and Melly Sews.

I was asked to make the size 5 shorts option.  Unfortunately, they ended up being too big on S, but we have a neighbor that was able to fit into them.

That's a working zipped fly there.  My first.  It takes a little bit of effort, but Melissa explains it pretty well. 

And this is the reason these pants are called the W pants.  The pattern has options for 1 or 2 zip pockets, or welt pockets in the back.

 I love these shorts.  I'm planning on making a pair of the pants for S pretty soon.   

The Alphabet Collection is only available for the next couple of weeks at a discounted price and includes all four pieces.     Besides the W pants, the collection includes a jacket, a raglan tee, and a vest. 

And thanks to our sweet, goofy, neighbor girl for modeling.

KCW Spring 2013: Beachy Boatneck and GoTo Leggings

I started watching the second season of Downton Abbey last night at around 9pm.  Before I knew it, I was on Episode 4 and it was past 1am. 

In the 4 hours that I was so engrossed in Downton Abbey, I did manage to complete this outfit for S.  The top pattern is Blank Slate's Beachy Boatneck.  Such an easy sew and the fit is roomy and comfortable.  I love the boatneck and 3/4 length sleeves.






I used a really soft, light-weight jersey.  Even with the longer sleeves, I think that this top will take her through the summer because of it is so airy and light.

The leggings are from the Go To Leggings pattern that I used to make this one.  This time I added the pocket option  in the same fabric as the top and shortened to the capri length.

S is as happy as I am about her new outfit.