EAM Back to School Blog Tour- Sitting Pretty Top and Wrap Skirt

Today it is my turn on the Ellie and Mac Back to School Blog Tour! I hope you are following along and getting some great new ideas for yourself and your kiddos!

I am sharing an outfit that will be absolutely perfect for mommas, teachers, librarians, or anyone who just loves new outfits!

I sewed up the Wrap Skirt first and right away I knew I wanted to new shirt to share along with it. I searched the Ellie and Mac website for something I hadn’t sewn yet and decided on the Sitting Pretty top! The Peter Pan style collar screamed ‘school teacher’ to me!

Let’s start with the Women’s Wrap Skirt! This is the ultimate in girlie! All those ruffles are amazing! The skirt comes in a short version as well as the longer version I am wearing. The size range is XXS-5X. I made a 5x.  It is held closed with an inside button closure as well as the adorable side ties! Don’t let all the ruffles worry you! You can quickly sew them on your sewing machine or serger! This was the first time I used my serger to gather and trust me it was so worth it! I finished my bottom edge with a rolled hem also done on my serger, but you can easily do it on your sewing machine! This skirt did take a few hours to make mostly because of the endless amount of ruffle! In my size the skirt required 11 sections of fabric! Don’t get me wrong it was worth every stitch!

 

When I signed up to be apart of the blog tour, I knew I wanted to take my pictures at the library. As we were heading out the door, I got a call that my new glasses were in so I decided to take my photos in the next town over as the library is close to my eye doctor. Who would have known they had the children’s section decorated like Hogwarts!! Lucky me! BTW how do you guys like my new spectacles? Are they ‘teacher-ly’?

Now let’s talk about the Sitting Pretty top! The size range is from XXS-4X. I am wearing a 4x. I added about 1.5 inches to both the front and back bodice pieces to get a little extra room in the belly. I also added about 1/2 inch to the fitted sleeve option. This is more of a slim fit pattern so bare that in mind and adjust according to your preference. This top features 4 options for the sleeves and I am wearing the 3/4 length fitted sleeve. The attached peter pan style collar was much easier than I had expected! Literally, it too about 5 minute to sew it together. I think it is an adorable finish in the contrasting black fabric. I used a scrap of ponte roma I had left over from my pants last week (or was it the week before) for the collar.  Yes, it was still lying here. No judging! This top came together in about 40 minutes and I was able to use my serger on the entire thing!

Let’s talk fabric now! This is called Small Rose Dots in Black and it is from Sly Fox Fabrics! I picked up in late spring, I think, on a Sly Buy. I am so glad I got 4 yards because this skirt took about 3.5 of them! It is a double brushed poly and black in sadly sold out! I am linking you too the same print on a denim colored background though. 🙂 My main fabric for my shirt is also from Sly Fox Fabrics. It is a Tri-blend Jersey and I am not sure what the exact color is, but it feel likes the softest PJs in your dresser! Trust me! Here is a link to the current Tri-Blend options. While over at Sly Fox, sign up to win a serger! Here is that link! The Ebony Ponte Roma is from Stitchin’ Pretties. Have you stopped by and checked out their sale? 45% off 27 fabrics!!! I think that makes them under 4 bucks.

Today is the last day to take advantage of the 40% off everything sale at Ellie and Mac!!!

Pattern Links

Women’s Wrap Skirt- Click Here Sale Price $5.37

Sitting Pretty Top – Click Here Sale Price $4.77

I hope you have enjoyed this stop on the Ellie and Mac Blog Tour! Please check out these other blogs and sign up to win!!

Visit all the bloggers on the Back To School Sewing Patterns Blog Tour Featuring Ellie and Mac and enter the giveaway to win a $50 store credit below!

1. August 20th: Seams Sew Lo (Intro)
2. August 21st: Seams Sew Lo
3. August 22nd: Momma Newey’s Makes
4. August 23rd: Mama You Can Make It
5. August 24th: DIYDanielle
6. August 27th: Mijn11jes&ik
7. August 28th: Tenille’s Thread
8. August 29th: Make it Sew with the Bear and Pea Atelier
9. August 30th: My Sewing Roots
10. August 31st: SequioaLynn Sews
11. September 1st: Mijn11jes&ik
12. September 2nd: Crafty Curly Couture
13. September 3rd: Sew 4 Five
14. September 4th: Our Play Place
15. September 5th: Fée bricolo
16. September 6th: Jot Designs (USA)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my  affiliate links, I receive a small commission. That helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. 🙂 So thank you!!

 

Batwing Tunic and Dress

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na

Batwing!

This Batwing style top is yet another release from Ellie and Mac! They are keeping me busy over here and my machines are always on the move. I think this may actually be my first ever woven garment! I knew the loose fit styling would make it easy to fit and comfy to wear.

How cute is the back tie detailing? I like that it is just a ‘little something’ I used my tube turners to create it and I am telling you, AGAIN, they are worth their weight in gold! I styled my top with boots and a thin gray belt. Fall is coming and I am so ready for it! You have the option to sew up the arm holes a bit when constructing, but I didn’t I wanted my tank top to show. The little peek of lace is cute and I also have some neon green fabric I plan to make another tank out of to wear with this top. Neon anything usually isn’t my color, but the gray and animal print makes me happy!

Features 🙂

Batwing Bodice Style

Back Tie Detail

Tunic, Knee and Ankle Lengths

No trim pattern pages, for quick an easy assembly

Layers printing feature is included for this pattern for your convenience.

 

I made size 4x graded to 5x and used the tunic length cut lines. This fabric is very lightweight and flowy which is perfect for this pattern. Let’s talk about MY fabric. I recently ordered this fabric from Fabric Mart. This is labeled Caution Yellow/ Graphite Gray and it is 100% polyester. I love a fun animal print!

Pattern Info:

This new release pattern is on sale until Sunday. The sale price is $3.85.

Here is the link to the Women’s Pattern.  You need it, no debating about it!

Also tomorrow is the last day to take advantage of the 40% percent off Back to School Sale. Speaking of tomorrow I will be up for the Back To School Blog Tour! You won’t want to miss it, I promise!

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• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my  affiliate links, I receive a small commission. That helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. 🙂 So thank you!!

 

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na Batwing!

Undercover Hoodie

The Undercover Hoodie for women is here and it is just in time for fall’s quick approach. !

So I choose a variety of options for this one! Color blocked sleeves,  pocket, hood and there is a drawstring waist as well.  I dropped the pocket about 3 inches as a preference.

This was a fun one! It really gave me a chance to use up some smaller pieces of fabric I had piled up! I love the look of color blocking, but am often to lazy to do the work! Insert Ellie and Mac. Color blocking is done! I used two fabrics from Sly Fox Fabrics and the dots are from Sew So English.

 

You can pick up the ladies pattern HERE. While you are over on Ellie and Mac, Don’t forget about the Back to school sale where EVERYTHING is 40% off!!

A huge thank you for those who are following my blog, Instagram, and my Facebook! If you haven’t done so yet, here are some links!

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.

An even bigger thank you to those who are  supporting me by buying patterns using my affiliate links! There is a good deal of expense in fabric, paper, ink and tape for tests and time in blogging. I get so excitied each time I get am email saying someone got the pattern!

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my  affiliate links, I receive a small commission. That helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. 🙂 So thank you!!

 

Finally Fall- Watch and See plus Pippas!

Today I have two patterns to share with you and some amazing fabric!!

So here is what we are working with…

Oh yeah, I match the car!

Let’s switch things up a bit. Today we will start with fabric! Both fabrics are from Stitchin’ Pretties and if you are in their Facebook group you have a 25% off code to save some mula today! If you haven’t joined them yet, here is the link. Use the Code MEMONDAY to save!

First up- the Double Brushed Poly I used on top.  It is called Tiffany and it is a beautiful mix of blacks, blues, grays and white. It is the normal weight and feel of DBP which I was worried about because I had ordered some Tye Dye fabric before that was light weight and wimpy. No worries here. This is the good stuff! The print is called Tiffany and here is the link.

OK Pants…I had initially requested this fabric, then chickened out and asked for something else, but somehow still go it.  I knew that I wanted to make black dress pants because I needed a pair, but wasn’t sure if Ponte’ would be too structured. I had asked around and got mixed reviews. Turns out Ponte’ worked great for these pants. This is the Ebony Ponte Roma from Stitchin’ Pretties. I loved that the fabric is thick enough to hold everything in place, but has a lovely drape as well. Again, Don’t forget the code and go get some!

Pattern detail time!!!

This top is another great one from Ellie and Mac. The Watch and See released last year before I really got into sewing clothing. I have had the pattern in my stash awhile and knew I needed to make one for fall! I chose the tunic length, but you can make this a dress if you prefer. Perhaps you need one of each! There are also 3 sleeve options to choose from. Mine is the mid length option with a 1 inch bicep adjustment. I cut a straight 4x which is the largest included size. I can’t wait to wear this with some thick tights and boots this fall.

This is my second pair of Rebecca Page Pippas. I already had this pattern cut and ready when I began so it only took me only about 45 minutes to make them. Seriously, what could be better than that!? My biggest concern was if my pants would fit the 2 yard cut of fabric I had. Lucky for me, they did! I locked the dogs outside so I could lay the entire 2 yards of fabric on the floor and then laid my pattern out on top. I roughly marked around my fabric with a line of pins so I knew where to place my pattern when cutting. Looking back I don’t know why I didn’t just put my cutting mat on the floor. Besides I’m old and have a bum knee sometimes, that is. I made the 5x and shorted the length greatly. My inseam is only 27 inches. The structure of this fabric made the waist band a little more snug than I prefer so next time I think I will add an extra inch to the band length. This was not an issue with the DBP  I used last time. Here is the link to my previous pair of Pippas. The options included with the pattern are

• Full length or ¾ length pants
• A flat waistband, or a folded over waistband with ties and ruching at the side
• Regular or wide width legs

Here is the link to the Watch and See Top. It is currently 40% off.

Here is the link to the RP Pippa Pants. Not on sale but well worth the price!

A huge thank you for those who are following my blog, Instagram, and my Facebook! If you haven’t done so yet, here are some links!

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.

An even bigger thank you to those who are  supporting me by buying patterns using my affiliate links! There is a good deal of expense in fabric, paper, ink and tape for tests and time in blogging. I get so excitied each time I get am email saying someone got the pattern!

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my  affiliate links, I receive a small commission. That helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. 🙂 So thank you!!

Mixing Prints!

Hi Gang! Today, I am guest blogging over at Ellie and Mac. As you know, I sew a lot of their patterns and love them! Today I wrote up a blog post on mixing prints and how to make it work. Go check it out for me details on all these combos! Don’t forget to leave me a comment to let me know you visited! Here is the link!

Be Confident Tunic/Dress

So Ellie and Mac has done a little update on the Be Confident Dress.This is the first time I have sewn this pattern as it wasn’t in my size range before. I love when something is updated for plus sizes!

In typical EAM style, this one sewed up very quickly and looks lovely. It comes with 7 different skirt length options so you can choose your style. I made two of them to share with you. The Pink Camo print is the tunic length hi-lo top and the floral is the petite length hi-lo skirt.

Here is a side by side. The Petite dress length comes almost to my knees at the shortest point so I can wear it with or without bottoms. The bodice is nicely fitted without being too snug and the banded tank sleeves gives it a nice quick finish! Below is the side by side back view.

So in the update the size range was expanded. It is now ranged XXS to 4x. The fit has been adjusted for a better fit as well. The pattern pages are now trimless and available in A0 format. Also the instructions are in a better format keeping up with the new EAM standard.

So let’s talk amazing fabric! Both are from Sly Fox Fabrics and both are wonderful to sew with. The Camo in Blush is a lovely Spun Poly. This is the first time I have sewn with it and it sewed up like a dream. It has wonderful drape and excellent twirl qualities! Here is the link to all things camo over at Sly Fox Fabrics. I also linked to the Camo in blush just above. The floral print is Monet in Olive. The muted tone of Poly Rayon Spandex is perfect for fall and is going to look perfect under a cardigan this fall.  The Monet is no longer available as I have been hoarding this one for months. Here is the link to all the the Poly Rayon Spandex at Sly Fox Fabrics. If you have been reading my blog long, you know I have used several of them.

Since this pattern is a rerelease if you already have it, you can download the update to your account. If you now see what you’ve been missing, you can purchase it here.

Women’s Be Confident Pattern is available here. It is currently on sale for $3.85. Also the Back to School sale is still on and everything is 40% off on the site!

A huge thank you for those who are following my blog, Instagram, and my Facebook! If you haven’t done so yet, here are some links!

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.

An even bigger thank you to those who are  supporting me by buying patterns using my affiliate links! There is a good deal of expense in fabric, paper, ink and tape for tests and time in blogging. I get so excitied each time I get am email saying someone got the pattern!

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my  affiliate links, I receive a small commission. That helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. 🙂 So thank you!!

Virginia Tank & Dress

Meet Virginia, the latest release from 5oo4 patterns. I plan to sing to you guys today..are you ready???

She doesn’t own a dress, her hair is always a mess
If you catch her stealin’, she won’t confess
She’s beautiful, she smokes a pack a day, wait that’s me, but anyway
She doesn’t care a thing about that, hey
She thinks I’m beautiful. Meet Virginia

That is the exact reason I love 5oo4 patterns. Loaded. With. Options.

She never compromises, loves babies and surprises
Wears hi-heels when she exercises
Ain’t that beautiful
Meet Virginia

I am so in love with this pattern right now it isn’t even funny. During testing I made 2 tanks for myself, extended the tank into a dress for my mom and then made us Momma and Me matching maxi dresses. So I have now made 5 different garments and there are still options I haven’t made.

Well she wants to be the Queen
Then she thinks about her scene
Pulls her hair back as she screams
I don’t really wanna be the queen

I am saving my tank  top sharing for a future post about tank tops, but I give you a quick summary. 1) Your bra straps will be covered. 2) You can choose 4 different neckline combos. 3) You can choose with or without a built in bra. 4) Your bra straps are covered, oh wait I said that already.

So one the dresses. First off I have already hacked the tank top into a dress for my mom. I really did plan to make a regular tank as a test fit for the maxi dresses. I used a large scrap of fabric left over from Rosanna. When I laid the fabric out, I noticed I had a large enough block of fabric to add about 10 inches tot he front and back pieces. So instead of leaving myself with a small wasted piece of fabric I asked Momma if she was interested in a tank dress. She was fine with it. She is petty flexible. 🙂 So her is Momma in the tank top extended to a dress. She wanted the hi front and back neckline and I was happy to make them for her!

Her daddy wrestles alligators, Mama works on carburetors
Her brother is a fine mediator for the President
Well here she is again on the phone
Just like me hates to be alone
We just like to sit at home, and rip on the President

So then I made Momma and Me dresses. I know most of you think of making matching your kiddo when they are like 5 or 6,  but I make my mom dress like me now! 🙂 She doesn’t complain to loudly thankfully. Just kidding, I asked if she wanted to match me and she agreed willingly. This beautiful fabric is called Tropical Oasis and it is from Sly Fox Fabrics. It is a double brushed poly and comes in a blue colorway too. Here is the link to both.

As soon as this pattern entered testing this fabric became available at Stitchin Pretties. It is called Harper and it was screaming for me to buy it! I crossed my fingers and sent my mom a picture of it. I wasn’t sure she would go for it because it is a bit flashy for her taste, but she agreed and I ordered 5 yards. This is double brushed poly and it is my favorite fabric!

So let’s talk options. My mom’s above tank is high front and back. My tank dress is low front and high back. This is the maxi dress with the elastic casing.

Meet Virginia
Well she…

All the options 🙂

• Tank top with optional built-in bra
• Separate full bust adjustment (FBA) pattern pieces for the tank and bra
• Knee length or Maxi length skirt
• Skirt can be made from woven or knit fabric
• Tank top has two neckline options in the front and two neckline options in the back
• Dress can be made with knit waistband or elastic casing
• Maternity option
• Pockets!
• Sizes XXS-5XL (see last image for size chart)
• Matching girls’ option! Check out the Girls’ Virginia Tank & Maxi and get 10% off when you buy both patterns at once!

 

OK Here is the link to the Women’s pattern.

Here is the link to the Girl’s pattern.

A huge thank you for those who are following my blog, Instagram, and my Facebook! If you haven’t done so yet, here are some links!

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.

An even bigger thank you to those who are  supporting me by buying patterns using my affiliate links! There is a good deal of expense in fabric, paper, ink and tape for tests and time in blogging. I get so excitied each time I get am email saying someone got the pattern!

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my  affiliate links, I receive a small commission. That helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. 🙂 So thank you!!

Posted onAugust 8, 2018CategoriesDIBY, Sly Fox FabricsLeave a commenton The Rosa DressEdit

The Rosa Dress

The DIBY club has released yet another great dress this summer! This is the Rosa and she is a pretty lady!

This dress comes with several options and gives you several looks to wear as the seasons transition from Summer into Fall. I made the knee length dress, but looking back I wish I would have height adjusted the bodice a bit. The majority of the other testers dresses weren’t as baggie as mine. I choose to make a scoop neck with elbow length sleeves.  This dress has a dolman style sleeve and during testing Jessica, the designer, talked me through a bicep adjustment for these sleeves. Before testing wrapped up she adjusted the pattern and it fit me without issues. Since I have done several dolman style tops lately be on the look out for a short video to teach you how to adjust the sleeves for your own fit!

 

PATTERN OPTIONS

• Necklines: Crew // Scoop
• Sleeve Lengths: Short Sleeve Cuffed // Elbow Length // 3/4 Sleeve // Long Sleeves
• Skirt Lengths: Shirt // Knee Length // Maxi
• Size range 00-36

Ok Let’s talk about this amazingly soft, super cozy, Tri-blend Jersey fabric. It came from Sly Fox Fabrics. I have linked you to the Tri-Blend section on the Sly fox Website.

Sometimes you just have to have a little fun to make it through hot weather and blazing sunshine!

 

The Rosa is currently on sale for $7.99. You can pick it up here.

You can shop Sly Fox Fabrics here.

A huge thank you for those who are following my blog, Instagram, and my Facebook! If you haven’t done so yet, here are some links!

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.

An even bigger thank you to those who are  supporting me by buying patterns using my affiliate links! There is a good deal of expense in fabric, paper, ink and tape for tests and time in blogging. I get so excitied each time I get am email saying someone got the pattern!

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my  affiliate links, I receive a small commission. That helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. 🙂 So thank you!!

Givin’ you the Cold Shoulder

So I pushed my comfort zone a wee bit with this one! I can’t say I have ever worn a cold shoulder top like this, but I feel so petty in it.

Introducing The Cold Shoulder Top from Ellie and Mac.

So installing bands is sort of my nemesis. I 100% hands down prefer the banded look over hemming because with some top stitching it looks so much neater and professional. But this top has a lot of banding. 🙂

Fold, Press, Quarter, Pin, Repeat X’s 3

This would be such a pretty photo if I didn’t have a boob necklace….This is life!

My top is one of three bodice options. I have the mini dress length on over my jeans because it feels more like a tunic to me. Measure the length before you slice into your treasured fabrics for a dress. There are lines to adjust for height included. Keep in mind, I am only 5’1. I used a 3/4 length sleeve which doesn’t feel too hot for summer with the open shoulder styling. Also to note:  I almost always do a bicep adjustment on EAM patterns, but this one didn’t need it due to open concept design. My fabric is from Ms. Rosa over at Sew Blessed Fabrics. My amazing tan lines are courtesy of wearing The Sunny Day Dress.

 

So let’s talk about features for this one…

Three sleeve options – Short, 3/4 (like mine), and Long sleeves

Sizes XXS – 5X

Banded top, cinched tunic or mini dress length options

No trim pattern pages for quick and easy assembly. Watch a video here.

Layers printing feature is included for this pattern for your convenience.

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OK! Are you ready to give the world The Cold Shoulder? Here you go!

The Women’s Pattern It is on sale for $3.85.

Do you guys remembered when I mentioned the Back to School SALE the other day? Everything is still 40% off at Ellie and Mac.

Here is also the link to check out the Sunny Day if you want sexy tan lines like mine.

Sunny Day it is on sale for $5.37

 

A huge thank you for those who are following my blog, Instagram, and my Facebook! If you haven’t done so yet, here are some links!

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.

An even bigger thank you to those who are  supporting me by buying patterns using my affiliate links! There is a good deal of expense in fabric, paper, ink and tape for tests and time in blogging. I get so excitied each time I get am email saying someone got the pattern!

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my  affiliate links, I receive a small commission. That helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. 🙂 So thank you!!

Beautiful Day

Today is a beautiful day and it’s perfect for The Beautiful Day Top!! Again Ellie and Mac is on it with this one! Sizes ranging from XXS to 5x and it is loaded with options.

I feel like this top, in this fabric, is screaming SUMMER!! This top is so cute with it’s flouncy sleeves and twirly hem!

I love the hi lo style of the skirt which is why I have been making quite a few of them lately. This top came together so easily, but plan ahead so you have enough room to cut the larger back skirt piece. A little blog reader insider info…I didn’t hem a single stitch on either of them tops!

I have seen around the sewing groups that some people are over floral prints, but I am just not there yet. The navy and white gingham print with small floral clusters is so cheery. I got this fabric at Sew Blessed Fabric.

 

And because one is never enough…I have a second top to share.

This Beautiful Day Top has the added sash, tied backwards. Had I noticed the “white out” spot, I wouldn’t have turned it. However, this is a perfect example of why you shouldn’t leave fabric in a window for 10 days. Sun bleached spots. Thankfully only on the sash, the top was safe!

So the pattern features:

Three sleeve options

Hi-low full twirl skirt

Tie belt

No trim pattern pages for quick assembly

Layers printing feature is included for this pattern for your convenience.

 

OK Time to Shop ~~ Currently on Sale for $3.85

Beautiful Day Women’s Top Pattern here

Also don’t forget the Ellie and Mac back to School Sale where everything is 40% off !!!

Print Fabrics from Sew Blessed

Solid Pink DBP from Sly Fox Fabrics

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
• You can follow me on Instagram by clicking here.
• You can follow me on Facebook by clicking here.

This blog post contains Affiliate Links. This means that when you make a purchase from one of my  affiliate links, I receive a small commission. That helps me to buy more fabric to show you new and upcoming patterns. 🙂 So thank you!!