Been Swapping? I have!

So not too long ago I posted that I had participated in a September Swap at Made with Love Fabrics. We swapped zipper bags and it was really fun. When I posted my blog I received a comment from a reader who also is a blogger. Cara, is the blogger at SewingSociety.com, who reached out to me to see if I was interested in doing a blogger collab and swapping a handmade Fall item. I had some free time in my schedule so I agreed and was excited about finding a fun project. I hopped into the rabbit hole that is Pinterest and wasted a lot of hours collecting tons of ideas.

I decided to make some patchwork pumpkin placemats (Mug Rugs, actually) because hot chocolate and cookies are so much better off a pumpkin placemat! I knew I would need to cut about 2,735,184 small squares of various orange prints to make my pumpkins and I was a little stressed out about that, but then I remembered I had a small bin of 2 inch orange strips that would easily cut into 2 inch squares! YES!! I love using my precuts to make products quick and easy. These strips were leftovers from the Bonnie Hunter Punkin Patch quilt that I haven’t finished yet. 🙂

Step 1. Cut or Collect your 2 inch strips. Remember this is scrappy and all the orange shades work!

Step 2. Subcut your strips into 2 inch squares. I used a rotary cutter and a quilting ruler to make fast work of them.

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Step 3. Sew your squares into rows. I went 5 wide because I wanted an odd number so I could add my stem to the middle. Press your seams in opposites directions so your rows will neatly nest together. Repeat for 4 rows.

Step 4. Turn those rows into one patchwork rectangle with a 5 by 4 configuration.

Step 5. Now cut a piece of batting and a backing piece. You can make them slightly larger and trim them down like I did. In this photo I have already stitched my top patchwork and batting piece together. I was sure to do this inside my final seam allowance. Next free hand yourself a little leaf and stem pattern. You could also print one out and make a template if needed. Sew them wrong sides together and turn them right side out to hide the seams.

Step 6. Baste your leaf and stem in place. Be aware that your stem will flip up and your leaf will stay down. Your leaf needs to be on top of the pumpkin sandwich before sewing. 🙂

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Step 7. Add your backing fabric, right sides together to your pumpkin sandwich and stitch around the outer edge. Leave yourself about a 2.5 inch opening to turn your pumpkin right sides out. I marked my opening so I would not forget and sew it closed.

Step 8. Turn your pumpkin and top stitch for a finished look. The topstitching will also close the opening you left for turning. I made a set of 4, added a little handwritten note and got them in the mail and off towards Cara’s house!

Two days after I mailed her package, I received mail from her! Cara thought she was going to make a doorknob hanger, but you never really know with swap items what will arrive. I opened up her padded envelope and was shocked!

It WAS a door hanger, but it was such a fun Halloween BOO themed one! It was put together with beautiful embroidery and covered in spooky things and stitched eyeballs! I loved the bright bold colors and couldn’t wait to hang it up! I have a doggo who loves to jump, so for safety sake I hung it higher than the doorknob. This is not a chew toy!

It looks awesome! Thank you again Cara for your fun swapping idea! I hope all my readers pop over to sewsociety.com to read all the wonderful posts from her. Her blog is filled with helpful hints, tricks, and tips plus pattern reviews and sewalongs. See ya next time for some more spooky fun!

Loving Love Notions

RIGHT NOW

Love Notions is

50% off everything except LaBella Donna!

* This is the biggest sale EVER and you should not miss out!

*Love Notions is moving into a studio and will be offering work shops! Sign up Below for updates!

*Plus, I get to give away 1 free Love Notions pattern of your choice! Just leave a comment on this post to enter!

Thanks for stopping at SequoiaLynn Sews! If you haven’t been here before, Welcome. Please feel free to give me a follow using the links below!

So it wasn’t too long ago that Love Notions expanded that size chart, and I have been so grateful for that. I have already added quite a few pieces to my and my mom’s closets. Today I wanted to tell you about some of my faves while they are on sale!

First up! The Summer Basics Maxi dress!

 

 

I love the overall fit of this dress! I really appreciate that it is not too low in the neckline or underarms. I love that is doesn’t use a ton of fabric even though it is a maxi. This one sews up quickly and it perfect for the bold prints I love to wear. Fabric is from Stitchin’ Pretties.

• XS-5X
• Two dress lengths: knee & maxi
• Fitted tank top
• Full bust option
• Shelf bra option
• Quick sew
• Meant for knit fabrics
• One video to help with construction

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#2 Vivace

OK friends! It is time I tell you a little secret! I CAN NOT sew a pretty V-neck if my life depended on it. The Vivace Dolman has some magic happening and this neckline is all sorts of amazing! I love the quick sew of a Dolman and I wear this one at least one time a week. 🙂 All fabric is from Stitchin’ Pretties.

• XS-5X
• Knit and woven versions
• Full Bust pattern pieces if needed
• Dolman style sleeve
• Three lengths- shirt, tunic & dress
• Trimless pattern format
• Layers
• Print at home
• In addition to the print-at-home

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#3

The Forte Top, Tunic, and Dress Pattern

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I can not resist a nice peplum style top! I really can’t! I adore them and wear them ALL THE TIME!! This pattern is jam packed with options and can literally work for any occasion! Fabric is from Stitchin’ Pretties and Surge.

This pattern is rated for confident beginners.

• Four top views:
  • A- gathered skirt peplum style with scoop neck
  • B- waterfall skirt with v-neck
  • C- classic tee with scoop neck
  • D- gathered inverted with v-neck
• Two dress views: B & D
• Six sleeve options to mix and match:
  • short with flounce
  • bell
  • gathered
  • plain short
  • plain mid-length
  • plain long
• A full bust piece is also included for ladies with a 4-6″ high bust to full bust difference– no need to do a FBA! The Forte is fitted at the bust with plenty of ease in the waist and hips.

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#4 Tessa and Sybil Mash Up

In case you didn’t know, The Tessa bodice will mash up with all the Sybil skirts!!! This red dress is one of Momma Mia’s bolder dresses, but she wears it alot! This pattern has been added to the expanded size range yet, but Tami plans to have all the patterns updated by the end of 2021! Fabric is from Stitchin’ Pretties.

Tessa Dress

**The dress features a bateau or scoop neckline, optional yoke detail and five sleeve lengths: sleeveless, short, elbow, 3/4 and long. Two hem lengths are also included- above knee and shin. Bonus- the bodice part of the pattern can also be easily mashed with the Sybil Skirt Collection.

Sybil Skirts

**Meant for knit fabrics, the Sybil comes with seven variations: pencil, a-line, swing, drop yoke with swing, gored, asymmetrical wrap and pleated. All versions, with the exception of the drop yoke, also have knee and midi length options as well as inseam pockets. All skirt waistbands can include the optional hidden control panel or a yoga-style waistband, no closures needed.

 

Reminder Number 1- This sale only lasts through tomorrow night and it won’t be back anytime soon! I would LOVE it if you clicked my afflink so I would receive some commission from your visit!

Reminder Number 2- Leave me a Comment Below for your chance to win a free pattern! Psst make sure you use a name so I can find your on Facebook or an email address!

Reminder Number 3 –  Check out the Brand Ambassador’s as we show why we LOVE Love Notions!

VISIT ALL THE STOPS ON THE TOUR FOR PATTERN SHOPPING INSPO

• • Koe is on the Love Notions Blog with a way to help your kids embrace mask-wearing, using a little creativity and the Cartwheel Collection. read more
  • Ilse is showing off her latest Sloane with Sly Fox Fabric and has a giveaway! read more
  • Josie gives a detailed review of her favorites! I love Josie’s style and her simple but elegant take on the patterns. read more

• Anjori has such a sweet style and her mommy and me twinning with her daughter is my favorite! read more
• Katie is a hacking genius and active mom who sews for herself and her two boys. She has a pattern round up AND lots of fabric to show off! read more
• Tami Peterson’s photography makes me drool but her style is what I love to copy! She has a round up of pattern perfect for summer into fall! read more
• Chris has a full review of the Rhapsody Blouse, info on the new studio, and a full round up of the patterns you’ll love. watch now
• Katie G. is showing off a lovely Allegro Skirt hack that you will want to make ASAP — plus she’s rounding up her absolute favorite patterns. read more
• Crystal is showing off the Cartwheel Collection for her kiddo and discussing “Back to School — at home!” read more
• Koe is also on her blog showing off her top 4 most used Love Notions patterns — if you don’t have these yet, you are missing out! read more
• Karina from Lifting Pins and Needles is one of the most helpful and inspiring sewists. She is showing how to simplify a few faves: Vivace and Lyric! read more
• Keira from Island Sewcialist is ready for twirling! See why she’s ready for anything in her Sybil Skirt. read more
• Sequoia of SequoiaLynn Sews is showing off her favorite Love Notions makes PLUS giving away a free Love Notions pattern. You do not want to miss out! read more
• Kim K from Dorothy’s Daughter is showing off the Cartwheel Collection and has a playlist of her LN favorites. You’ll love her sewing tips! watch now

Spring Fling Blog Hop

If you are stopping by today, 3/27/20, this pattern is on sale for $5!!!

Half price, Baby!

Welcome to the Spring Fling Blog Hop!

Be sure to check each day by 6 am (Central Standard Time)! Each day there will be a blogger (or more) doing a giveaway! So be sure to check each blog post & just comment on their blog post from this blog hop and you are entered to win!
Monday – Sew Much Charm & Vlogger Sewing From Scratch
Tuesday – TPtheModestDoll22 & That’s Sew Venice
Wednesday – SewGr8ful & Sequoia Lynn Sews
Thursday – Let’s Go Hobby! & The Sarcastic Sewist
Friday – The Bear & the Pea Atelier & Wildflowers & Whimsey

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope you are having a good week so far, getting some sewing time in and most importantly, I hope you are healthy! Welcome to my stop on the Spring Fling Blog Tour! The theme of this blog tour is my favorite spring or summer sewing patterns. We could pick anything we wanted to share. I decided I wanted to make a dress from this adorable light plum and white mini dot printed double brushed poly fabric. I picked it up from Surge Fabrics a few weeks ago, but now it has sold out. Don’t worry, there are still tons of fabric options over at Surge!

Without much thought, I knew I was going to make the Willow Wrap Dress from Love Notions. I loved it when I first noticed it and was thrilled it was being offered in LN’s new expanded size chart. I decided to choose the bodice view with more front coverage. A lot of times, cross front bodices expose a bit more of the girls than I wish to share with everyone, so I was happy to see this one offered options for more or less coverage. I used the full bust pattern pieces. I used the gathered side option, elbow length sleeves and the longer skirt. I didn’t not adjust the skirt length for my height as I wanted my skirt to hit just below my knees.

This wasn’t a super quick sew, but it went together nicely and fit well! This pattern has 9 pieces and a mile of hemming, but it is worth it. This dress is pretty, easy to wear, and will have you feeling just a bit dressy for any party! You can sew it with or without the flutter at the cross front or choose one of the shorter length options.

This dress will be perfect for a spring afternoon, Easter Sunday, or dinner with friends, but we are under lock down here in Ohio. So for the foreseeable future, you will be treated to photos taken without my photographer. 😦 Whomp. Whomp. Anyhow, I figured out how to use the timer on my camera and brought all of you into my sewing space! My happy place! Welcome. This next photo looks like I am dancing!

So I have some exciting news!! Love Notions has generously offered to donate a pattern to one lucky reader who leaves a comment below! Please leave me a message to be entered to win a free pattern! I will leave comments open until Saturday early morning and then pick a winner through a random number generator! Good Luck!

Here is my Affilate Link if you would like to pick up a copy of the

Willow Wrap Dress today!

By clicking my link, I will earn a small commission from the designer. This doesn’t effect your pricing at all. 🙂 

• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
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This blog contains affiliate links.

The Fitting Experiment – Sabrina Slims

The Fitting Experiment – Episode 1

 

Background: I am hanging out with some new bloggers friends and we are calling our adventure, The Fitting Experiment. Our goal is to test out patterns that are drafted with a large size range to determine if the pattern has a great fit across the board. We are looking at comparing the fit across the size chart, construction techniques and directions, included options, and anything else the bloggers want to chat about. With some friends, we began this group because there is so much talk about size inclusiveness and why it is important. I was getting some strong feelings towards the entire topic and as a larger size person, I know it is more difficult for me to find a pattern drafted in my size compared to someone who is a size medium, but honestly everyone struggles. If a pattern companies “Block” isn’t suited to your body it won’t matter what size it comes in.  Through this experiment, maybe you will learn a little bit about fitting patterns to your shape. One of the best things about sewing is knowing how to correct these issues and get a great fit. Our hope is that you can see and maybe learn how to better fit your handmade clothing.

 

The Mission: This is our first run, a test drive if you will. we have been delayed for a knee injury and the flu so far, but we made it! I suggested the Love Notions Sabrina Slims while it was still in the size expansion phase. Since the re release, it has become a great seller and loads of folks are sewing up some awesome pants! First off, I want to mention we have 8 bloggers who have sewn and reviewed the Sabrina Slims and we are all different sizes and shapes! The fun thing about that we are all so different- short, tall, thick, thin, and we are doing exactly what we love! The only rule for the experiment is to sew the pattern up and blog about it. We quickly had our bloggers on deck. Love Notions was super generous and provided all the bloggers with the pattern, plus two extras to give away to our readers. As an extra bonus, they gave us a discount code to share with our readers to get the pattern for themselves!

 

The Experiment: I keep talking about my mission to get great fitting pants and I am soooo close! So I am sharing my 3rd pair of Sabrina Sleeves with you today. I made two pair in testing and improved on the fit with each try out. I will tell you a secret, LN’s wrote a pants fitting guide that is truly amazing! Even the seasoned sewists have commented on how extensive it is. This pair of trousers is made with Liverpool. I love Liverpool fabric for my “dressier” garments. I like that they hold their shape and is so comfortable. So between my first 2 pair, both made in Ponte, and my third pair in Liverpool I am loving the process. Here are those 3 photos side by side.

Round 2

Round 3

Round 1

 

As you can see each pair has been slimmed down slightly through the seat, hip and thigh areas and the fit is getting better. I think my next pair I will add about 1/2 inch to the calf area to reduce the pull lines I am seeing there. Other adjustments I made –

Full Belly Adjustment 100% needed as my belly size doesn’t match my booty size.

Smoothed down the curve of the hip. I don’t have womanly hip curves at all.

Shorted length above the knee and below the knee. Removed 1 inch from the rise.

The Results:

These pants are about to become a staple in my wardrobe! They are so comfy! I even added butt pockets! For me, pockets are life. If I love a pattern, I will sew all the pockets.  I paired my Sabrina Slims with a Love Notions Laundry Day Tee…in the tank version! I blogged about it here.

 

 

A special thank you to Love Notions for sponsoring The Fitting Experiment bloggers with patterns so that we can share our thoughts with you. Love Notions has kindly provided a 20% off shop discount code for all our readers. Please use this code at checkout: FittingEXPSabrinas

In addition, Love Notions has given us TWO copies of Sabrina Slims to giveaway. For a chance to win, comment below. For more chances to win, comment on the other blogs too! You can check out their posts below:

 

• bigflynotions
• Diskordia’s Curvy Sewing
• SequoiaLynn Sews
• Petite Font
• Liviality
• Jong Design
• Jot Designs
• Stitched by Jennie

If you love the Sabrina Slims pattern and can’t wait to see if you are a winner, Use the code above and click here.

Here are all the options that come with the pattern!

• Cigarette slims pants pattern
• Pattern pieces for 2 different pant styles: solid front and back or seamed front and back as well as 2 maternity waistband options and three hem styles: plain, zippered and split hem
• 2 pages of slims pants inspiration photos from pattern testers.
• Cutting guide and the ability to print just your desired size(s) with the Adobe layers feature and a print chart to print the needed pattern pieces.
• 14 pages of bright and clear step by step color illustrations and photos.
• Downloadable fitting workbook designed specifically for the Sabrina Slims
• Large format file for copy shop printing
• Projector file for those using a projector in their sewing
• Glossary of needed sewing terms.
• Troubleshooting guide.

• 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.
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• You can follow me on Pinterest by clicking here.

 As always this blog contains affiliate links, which is a small commission I earn when you make a purchase from my blog links. Thank you for helping to support my sewing.

Blog Tour: Working out with Rebecca Page

Hi! Welcome to my stop on the Working Out with Rebecca Page Blog Tour. If you are a regular reader here at SequoiaLynn Sews, “Howdy!” If this is your first visit, “Welcome!”

You may be thinking I don’t look like the typical person who shares clothing geared towards “Working Out,” and that is ok. Exercise comes in all styles and at all levels. Some people run marathons and some people may park farther from the store  to gain a few steps as they walk inside. No matter where you are in your level of fitness, you deserve super comfy clothing!  Some people find yoga pants and a tank to be their happy place, while I love sweat pants and comfy shirts. Don’t worry, all week long you will see some great clothing on the blog tour! So make sure you click all the links and see what Rebecca Page has to offer you! Oh yeah, there are also prizes!!! Keep on reading, Folks!

I picked a couple patterns that you may not even associate with any type of exercise, but they are perfect for it. Outside of sewing, I am obsessed with Geocaching and I love being in the woods so these two hobbies go great together. I made an ultra comfy cozy outfit for a walk in the woods. Let’s start with the Celine Trousers.

The Celine Trousers can be made from knit or woven fabrics which is kinda awesome! In case you didn’t know, there are a lot of Rebecca Page pattern that are drafted for both.  I knew I wanted to use this super soft and cozy French terry to make my pants. I had not made these pants before, but I jumped right in anyhow. I always suggest making a muslin before you cut your “good fabric,” but I didn’t have time because I am a procrastinator. If you have been a regular reader at my blog, you know that this year one of my goals is to master pants fit issues. These pants bring me one step closer. I can see a few adjustments that I want to make on my next pair, but am overall pleased with how these pants turned. I did a full belly adjustment because that seems to be one of my issues with pants fitting properly. I should have used a smaller size for the legs and used the belly adjustment to correct the fit. Next time, I will have these babies perfect! Another option that comes with the Celine Trouser is the stripe down the outer leg seams. With a lot of patterns, I am guilty of skipping the “options” because I am sometimes lazy and usually wait until the last minute to sew. I used a coordinating French Terry for this feature. I cut the stripe slightly wider than the original pattern suggestion because I wanted to be sure to have solid white stripes on the outside of my strip. I folded it in half wrong sides together (because the seam will be hidden and I didn’t want to turn the tube.) then serged the long sides together. I adjusted my tube so that there was white on stripes on the outside edges and pinned it in place covering the side seam of the pants. I stitched it in place using a lightening bolt stitch being careful not to pull or stretch my fabrics to prevent waves. These pants took me about 2 hours to make from start to finish. Not a bad evening project and so so comfy!

This plush French Terry is from Ksews AKA The Material Girls on Facebook! Honestly, Kailynn is awesome! I contacted her in a pinch last week because I was behind and I needed fabric ASAP! She shipped same day! I suggest you look her up on Facebook!!

My Paris top has already made an appearance on my blog, but it has been awhile and in a totally different context! Last time I paired the Paris Party top with the beautiful Arabella Skirt and was super adorable and dressy. Now I am wearing the SAME shirt with French Terry pants and looking oh so casual and cool! I love adding versatile pieces to my closet! I love that I can pair these two pieces together and look great, but it is still winter in Ohio and it can be cold so I always pack my Circle Cardigan in case it gets chilly!

The Circle Cardigan alone has tons of options, but as a core piece in my closet is an all purpose cardigan! I wear it with jeans and tees, over sleeveless dresses, layered over tunics and leggings. I made this one more than 2 years ago and still wear it at least once a week because it is so comfy.

I have one last staple that I need anytime I am heading out. I need a cute bag to carry all my stuff in. Extra chapstick, a bottle of water, and my hairbrush are always on board and fit perfectly into the Toiletry Bag that recently released. It is actually still on sale!! This bag was quick to make, easily customized by endless options of quilting cotton prints, and just flat out fun! This pattern also comes in a 2 larger sizes which would make room for a change of clothes and sneakers!

Be sure to check out all the bloggers Working Out with Rebecca Page:

Monday 24 – Sarcastic Sewist

Tuesday 25 – Sew Much Charm, Sequoia Lynn Sews, Modestly Dolled Up

Wednesday 26 – The Graham Crafter, La Casa Cactus

Thursday 27 – Sewing and the Trivium, Patchwitch

Friday 28 – Blooming Skies

Saturday 29 – Let’s Go Hobby, Just Sew Something

Sunday 1 – D’coudre, Patchwork and Pastry

Plus, enter to win a prize! Daily drawings and one big winner at the end of the week!! Enter HERE ❤

 

I encourage you to take a few minutes to explore the Rebecca Page Website! I would love it if you clicked this afflink to get you there.

• 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.
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• You can follow me on Pinterest by clicking here.

 As always this blog contains affiliate links, which is a small commission I earn when you make a purchase from my blog links. This doesn’t change the price at all for you, but gives a small amount of the pattern price to me. Thank you for helping to support my sewing.

Sew Americana Blog Tour

The Sew Americana Blog Tour has been around a few years, but this is the first time I have gotten to join in! This tour has been put together by Katy over at Wild and Wanderful and it features more than 20 popular sewing bloggers. I just happen to be lucky enough to make the list! Today is the last day of the tour so make sure you read all the way to the bottom of my post and then check out all of the bloggers on the tour! You do not want to miss out on all the amazing sewing shares.

When I signed up for this blog tour, I actually had zero clue as to what I would be making. This is not uncommon for me. In the sewing world, I work best under pressure. I sewed both of the tunics up the night before our photos were due! In all fairness, Sly Fox Fabrics came on board in the last minute to offer of some fabric to us. Of course, I couldn’t resist their amazing fabrics. I selected the Hideaway Floral print in Blue in Single Brushed Poly. When I placed my order, I knew I planned to make the Nancy Raglan top. I also planned to make another awesome Momma Mia and Me set! I purchased two additional 1 yard cuts of fabric to pair with the 2 yards of the Hideway Floral in Blue. I ordered 1 yard of red and 1 yard of light slate DBP to make contrasting sleeves. I think the best park of making raglans is using a contrast fabric for the sleeves. I selected the Nancy Raglan because it has a bunch of options. I have already made myself one of these tops and Momma Mia has a couple dresses from this pattern.

I followed the pattern as directed except I added an extra band of color around the bottom of the sleeves. Instead of adding the sleeve band after assembly I added it before sewing sleeves and side seams together. I folded a 3 inch strip of fabric wrong sides together and clipped it right sides together to the bottom of the sleeve. I cut the color band off evenly with the sides of the sleeve and the serged it together. Next, I sewed the side seam as usual. I was careful to line up the edge of the color band so as it didn’t have a noticeable shift between the sides. This really wasn’t a ‘time saver’ compared to just sewing bands on properly since lining the edges up perfectly was kind of a pain in the booty! Next time, I will just make the bands wider and assemble as usual.

I sewed my latest Nancy top in tunic length. Mine is size 4x graded to a 5x. This pattern doesn’t include a FBA was some of the newer 5oo4 patterns have, but it fits ok. I cut my neckline at the crew neck line. My sleeves are the short length plus the band. For my sleeves, I added an extra 1 inch to the bicep area. I used the slash and slide method.

Momma Mia is wearing a XL graded to a 2X then back to a XL. She is also wearing a tunic length, with a crew neck line and ¾ length sleeves plus the color band.  I made no other adjustments for her tunic.

Here are all the options included with the Nancy pattern.

The Nancy Raglan includes:

• 5 bodice styles: Shirt, Tunic, A-line Dress, Swing Dress, Layered Dress (A-line with a loose fit overlay)
• 4 sleeve lengths: Short, 3/4, Long, Extra Long
• 4 neckline options: Crew, V-neck, Hood, Cowl
• 3 sleeve finishes: Hemmed, Cuffs, Thumbhole Cuffs
• Nursing access via invisible zippers and including a modesty panel.  The nursing access is available on all styles except the layered dress.
• Maternity with ruched sides.  The maternity option is included with all styles except the layered dress.
• Other options include: side vents on the tunic, pockets on the swing dress, and a banded bottom for the shirt and tunic.

Should you be inclined to add this pattern to your collection, you can pick it up here with my Affiliate Link.

If you love my fabric, Here is a link to

Monday, June 24:
Wild & Wanderful · The Petite Sewist · That’s-Sew-Kari · Stitched by Jennie · Marvelous Auntie M

Tuesday, June 25:
Petite Stitchery · auschick sews · Sew Simple Home · Sewing Novice · Striped Swallow Designs

Wednesday, June 26:
(Swimming in a) Sea of Estrogen · The Eli Monster · 5 out of 4 Patterns · bigflynotions · Stitching and Making

Thursday, June 27:
Middle River Studio · It’s Liesel · Sewing with D · Kitty Makes It

Friday, June 28:
Boo + Lu · Sequoialynn Sews · Seams Sew Lo · Made By Jaime · SewSophieLynn

Thanks to everyone who joined in, sponsored or supported the 2019 Sew Americana Blog Tour!

RP Sew Free For Summer Tour – Pet Travel Bed Hack

The Sew Free For Summer Blog tour is winding down, but I am sharing one more pattern hack with you. I used the FREE Pillow Bed Sewing Pattern to create a Pocketed Travel Pet Bed. I am also going to walk you through inserting a zipper to create a pocket. Be sure to read all the way to the bottom to find out how you can WIN so prizes!! 

I used the same size pieces that were give in the original directions, but only cut 4 backs instead of the 8 as directed. I also cut one additional piece which becomes the zipper placket. I cut it 4 inches by the 28.5 inches. I used a heavy quilting cotton for my project. Warning there are a lot of photos coming at ya! I often need a lot of pictures to help me when I am sewing something so I tried taking them step by step.

Step 1

Stitch front pieces together at the long edges to create one long piece. You can also finish the outer edges if you like. I wish I would have just for ease of not doing it later.

Step 2

You will need the extra placket piece you cut. I serged the edge to finish one side. This can 100% be done on a sewing machine with an overcast stitch or a zig zag. You can also double turn it and hem if you prefer not to see a stitched edge. I was lucky enough to find a 28 inch zipper in my stash and the color sort of matched so I went with it! Pin the zipper WRONG SIDE down to your unfinished fabric edge. This is a large zipper. With smaller zippers (on other projects) I recommend using wash away wonder tape to hold it down. Attach your zipper foot. My foot is double sided, but most are just one skinny foot. Stitch the zipper in place with a straight stitch. I butt the edge of my foot up against the actual zipper to keep my straight line. Sew slowly and it will be even. Also notice here, I have sewn over my pin. DON’T do it! It is dangerous and I have broken pins. I wanted to show you that I pinned it in place. Sew the entire length of the zipper down.

Step 3

Next flip your zipper over the fold, press and pin, then topstitch in place using a regular foot. I like to use this open toed foot when top stitching because I can run the outside edge along the zipper teeth or the inside of the ‘toe’ along the folded edge to give me something to use as my guide for straight lines. I often increase my stitch length to 3.0 when doing this. Also I usually use a thread that either blends in or complements the colors in the project. This is the same process I use for top stitching on garments also.

Step 4

Now we will attach the zipper placket into our pillow bed. I folded my placket in half along the length of it and pressed to create a memory hem to use as my reference line. I then used that pressed line and pinned it in place along the seam line where the middle two front panels are sewn together. Your pieces will be laying right side of the placket to the wrong side of the front pieces. Pin in place then stitch along the memory line and middle seam line. I stitched from the outside, so I could stitch in the ditch.

Step 5

Time to attached the second side of our zipper. Lay your project out so that the zipper placket is folded over as you will see it from the right side of your project. This will ‘point’ you to the side where you will attach the second side of the zipper. Fold that front panel piece over to your zipper half that is installed. You will now have two front panels laying right sides together. You should now see how the pocket is coming together. Lay your zipper right sides together along the edge of the front piece. Pin in place and use the zipper foot to stitch. When sewing zippers with a larger pull you may have to raise your presser foot and zip the zipper out of the way to finish stitching in place.

Step 6

Flip and top stitch in place using regular open toed foot.

You should now have a project that resembles this… Pocket (with open edges still) on the right with two unfinished pillows on the left.

Step 7

I folded under my edges and top stitched. You could also open the zipper and fold it inside out and stitch around the edges. Then turn out again. Your choice. Be aware of your zipper. You CAN’T sew through a metal zipper! Sew up to it and stop. Then jump over the zipper and begin sewing again.

STEP 8

Ok, Let’s sew the pillow backs. You basically follow the original directions here with the exception of I just top stitched my finished edges along the seam where the pocket is. I also sewed in one of my handles at this step. The other handle goes in the original place at the opposite side of the pillows. You pocket will hang freely on the front of your travel pet.

STEP 9

You can now return to the original directions and finish your bed. TA-DA!!

IN USE

When traveling, the pocket will hold toys, leashes, and treats. When laid out, it becomes a mat to set her food bowl on.

At this point, Millie was 100% over me making her ‘stay’ and ‘sit.’ She promptly took a nap on her new bed!

Don’t forget to pick up your free pattern here

Thanks for joining me on the on the Sew Free For Summer Blog Tour!  

More Inspiration

Please visit all the stops on the Rebecca Page Sew Free for Summer Blog Tour for more great inspiration:

• Sunday May 26: Rebecca Page (intro)
• Monday May 27: The Sewing Unicorn, Stitched by Jennie
• Tuesday May 28: Jot Designs
• Wednesday May 29: bigflynotions
• Thursday 30: Liviality, Kitty Makes It
• Friday May 31: Seams Like Style, Patchwitch, Twinkle Toes and Company
• Saturday June 1: SequoiaLynn Sews, Sewista Fashionista
• Sunday June 2: Misty and Mim

Prizes

We will be giving away a pattern bundle of choice each day PLUS an overall grand prize of a $50 pattern credit. To stand a chance to win, all you have to do is comment on each blog, each day so stay tuned to the Rebecca Page Sewing group for updates from our bloggers!

Blog Tour: Halla Agnes Hack

When Kate of  Sewing from Scratch began talking about having a blog tour, I immediately jumped on board. I enjoy blog tours, they motivate me to be semi productive, and there is usually some sort of giveaway involved. Keep reading for that part!

So we decided to focus our tour on the Halla Agnes top/dress. Our plan was that we all use the same pattern, but make it our own and write a blog post about it. If you join Halla’s Facebook group, you can get a code making The Halla Agnes is a free pattern for you. So first off, if you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I don’t typically sew anything from Halla. I fall just outside of their size chart on the bust and waist measurements. As a rule for myself, I don’t sew a designer who isn’t inclusive in my size. That being said, sometimes I like to try new things.

As part of my hack, I am going to speed walk you through a full bust adjustment and adding some extra room to the waist measurement. Additionally, I will be teaching you how to make a floaty sleeve and scooping out the neckline. Just to throw a little extra fun in the mix, I also did a rolled hem to finish my edges which was new to me! I didn’t realize how much I was doing to this pattern until I am sitting here writing my post. I promise, even with all these adjustments it is a fairly quick sew. Buckle up, Here we go! I want to start by saying, I didn’t full bust or belly adjust anything for cutting the back half of my pattern. So I cut it out first before making these changes.

First – Print and tape your pattern as usual. I have printed the largest size which is 30. I knew I would need to do a FBA or Full bust adjustment before doing any sort of hacking. I have taken a few photos to show you the process as well. I started by cutting this pattern horizontally at the line indicating the waist. This allowed me to work with just the upper portion which is what I wanted to adjust. I then used the slice and spread method to open up the bust portion and add a bit of extra room where I needed it. This first picture is my pattern cut at the waist line and the second is after my slash and spread.

Now that I have created a little extra room at the bust, I taped my top and bottom pattern pieces back together keeping the fold line even. You can see in the photo that the upper portion is kicked out about 1.5 inches from my FBA. I inserted scrap paper to fill in at the waist. I then graded from my new upper edge to the original hemline. This will give me a total of about 3 inches in the front of my dress. This will give me extra room for my belly.  

I also knew I wanted a length between the two included hem options. So I measured 2 inches down from the top hem and followed the curve when trimming the paper. I wanted to wear my top as a tunic over leggings or as a cover up when pool side so this length is perfect.

Finally, I curved out my neckline a bit by cutting out a J shape from the pattern. I always err on the side of caution so my neck line doesn’t become huge. You can sliver trim to go wider, but once you cut fabric, you can’t put it back. Sorry no pic!

Let’s adjust our sleeves now! I almost always have to adjust the bicep of patterns, but by making this floaty sleeve I won’t be using my typical method! This sleeve includes is a “cut on the fold” pattern meaning you really only see one half of each sleeve. I flipped my pattern over and traced the second half of the sleeve on blank paper. Then tape it together so you have an entire sleeve pattern. Next, I used my rotary to cut some slashed to spread my pattern out. I used scraps of paper to fill in the gaps and now my sleeve pattern looks like this. Looking back, I wouldn’t have be upset if I had opened this up even more!!

Now follow the pattern assembly directions and it is business as usual! I remeasured and cut my neckband at 85% to fit my wider scoop.

Wind Gust showing off the “Swing” of my new tunic.

I picked up this fun floral print from Rosa at Sew Blessed. I love it and it is so perfect for summer!

I used the rolled hem on my sewing machine to finish all the edges because this ITY is super slick and I felt like it would be a nightmare to hem neatly! Rolled hemming went insanely quick! I plan to use it a lot more for fabrics like this.

I think I could even belt this and wear it as a short dress! I sure do love options!!

Thanks for stopping by! Once you’ve entered my drawing, be sure to find the others on the tour for even more chances to win! We’re EACH giving away 1 Halla Pattern code. That means 5 chances to win!! All draws will be made on Saturday, May 11, 2019 so you have time each day to read, enjoy + enter each sewist’s contest.

Monday – Kate from Sewing from Scratch adding a V-Back to the Agnes Dress (for an additional entry, visit her YouTube video, too!)
Tuesday – Gwen from Crafty Curly Couture making the Agnes Tank
Wednesday – Sequoia from SequoiaLynn Sews demonstrating an FBA, floaty sleeves and a scoop neck.
Thursday – Laura from Custom Made by Laura colour blocking the Agnes Tank
Friday – Stephanie from Sarcastic Sewist adding a quilted yoke and slim dress line to the Agnes Shirt.

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• You can follow my blog by clicking the Follow button on the right side of my blog.
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Spectrum of Shapes ~ DIBY – Adrienne

Several months ago, The Sarcastic Sewist and I were chatting about how to keep our blogs rolling during the new year. We decided that we would do a bit of a comparison on how we, as curvy sewing bloggers, are adjusting patterns to fit our bodies. We spoke with another curvy blogger, Chaney of Twinkle Toes and Company, and she hopped on board with us. We choose to work with the Adrienne from DIBY.Club. This pattern is cute and fun. DIBY also has the largest size range that I personally test for. Our rules were simple. Make the pattern and adjust it to your liking and for your personal fit. We plan to do this quarterly so stay turned for the Spectrum of Shapes tour!

I knew I would need to blend sizes, which is often the first step in getting a custom fit. At the Diby.club, I am a 30 bust and a 26 waist and hips. Here is a great link to the DIBY blog about measuring. I printed my pattern and followed the fit advice included with the pattern on grading. I knew that I wanted to add some length to the top because the side detailing makes the open sides pretty high up on me and I don’t want to show my business or my belly to the world. I added 3 inches to the length. I added this above the bands so I didn’t have to work out an adjustment for that, but DIBY explains how to do it in the directions. I am kinda lazy at sewing and was also in a hurry so… LOL Anyhow pattern adjusted and sizes blended next up, I am ready to sew. If you want to see my first round of making the Adrienne, here is that link.

I used this great Shark/Underwater print for my top. It is a Cotton Lycra base which means is has excellent recovery. The pattern called for very drapy knit with low recovery actually. I tend to avoid things what don’t bounce back from pulling and stretching as I am kinda rough on clothing. I believe that is why my shirt is more structured than most others.

I chose to make the crew neck this time as my previous one has a cowl which makes it a little heavy for warmer weather. This top features a center back seam that allows the shirt to have a little more contouring and makes it super easy to cut out especially when you have small amounts of fabric! That was not my case as I bought the entire bolt of this print!

I also made the elbow sleeve option and added a narrow band instead of the larger cuff. I love the overlapping side bands and with the video on the DIBY blog they are super easy to install.

 

Overall, I am happy with my top, but wish I would have gone down one or two sizes. I think it is this fabric which makes it appear a little bulkier than I prefer.

If you would like to pick up the Adrienne pattern from DIBY club feel free to use my Aff. Link here . If you need more convincing… just visit my friends below over the next few days! Also be sure to sign up for a chance to win a free pattern from the DIBY Club down at the bottom.

Be sure to check out the other gorgeous bloggers sharing
their gorgeous shapes with all the right alterations of this lovely DIBY Adrienne!

Sequoia Lynn Sews

Twinkle Toes and Company

Sarcastic Sewist

Don’t forget to enter to win a free DIBY pattern, so you can sew up your own DIBY to fit your lovely shape here!

I have shared my Aff. Links in this post. That means I make a bit of a commission onany patterns you purchase. It doesn’t change your price at all, just shows me your love. 🙂

Are you following me on other social media? Here are my 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.

Breaking Ground- Blog Tour 2019

Welcome to the Breaking Ground Blog Tour 2019. This year over 25 bloggers from around the world are joining with me to break new ground by trying a pattern designer that is new to them, try new techniques, new styles, or whatever way they want to push themselves. (Read on for Giveaway info)

Welcome to my stop on the Breaking Ground Tour!

Let’s start with what does “Breaking Ground” actually mean. According to a quick google search this morning ‘”Breaking Ground” means to initiate a new venture, or to advance beyond previous achievements. When this blog call came out, I joined right away. I had no clue what I would sew and went back and forth for a week or so until I settled on a bag. I searched online for tons of bag patterns, not finding anything I loved. I also recently started this new budget deal with myself, so I didn’t want to spend 10 bucks on a pattern. I decided I would look through my own stash of patterns and see what I could come up with. Thankfully, I remembered I had a book dedicated to making bags. I have made one Market Style bag in the book several times. It was a simple tote bag that required very little skill. Since this tour is about Breaking Ground, I knew I was meant to step it up a bit. So here we go…

This bag contains a lot of elements I have never done before. I learned how to insert a separating zipper, made 5 different shapes of pockets, used actual purse hardware and made a legit handle. I feel like I used yards of interfacing and top stitched miles of thread. To top it off, I used 4 different fabrics because that’s just how I roll. I followed the pattern almost to Kay Whitt’s design with a few exceptions.

To start with I needed 4 fabrics. Of course, I picked all different prints. None of them match each other and I used 3 different fabric lines. Don’t panic, I know some of you are all matchy- matchy, but I can’t stand that! I also used some large D rings I scavenged from an old beat up bag I already had. I keep interfacing on hand so no need to risk my budget deal with a trip to the fabric store.

This pattern had 10 ish pages of directions in the book. I know, I agree, that is a lot of work. I worked through them one step at a time over the course of  2 weeks. I finished around midnight this morning. Some days, the struggle really is real. This pattern is labeled intermediate and I agree. Though none of the steps were overly difficult, they took a lot of time. The photos that accompany the directions are basically line drawings with color. On some steps this was helpful, but many times I wanted to see a real photo of what I needed to do.

The only step of this pattern that seemed off to me was the side pockets. The side panel and the pocket piece were cut the same width, but then you add a 1 inch pleat to the pocket. This made the pocket one inch smaller than the panel, but the directions say to line it up. Ummm No Can Do! I also had a small hiccup at this step because I attached my top binding over the folded edge instead of the raw edge. This required that I line the pockets up across the bottom of the bag instead of them floating an inch from the bottom. Not a deal breaker and this girl wasn’t ripping the pleated and binding off, nor was I starting the pockets again. I also redrew the pocket flap on the outside as this patterns that are included when you buy the book have done missing. I just used my curved ruler and went for it.

The inside of this bag contains on sectioned off pocket and one pocket with an elastic top. I wouldn’t have minded both of these pockets being a little deeper or even a zipper pocket for small things like chapstick.

As I was sewing this bag up, I thought I would maybe try to make a bag each month. We will see. I would actually love a matching wallet to go with this bag. Maybe next month.

So my thoughts: I love the outcome. I honestly feel like I stitched miles of thread into this bag and zippers aren’t so bad. I wish the pattern listed all of the cutting steps at the start and not randomly in the pattern. I feel it would have saved time to cut and interface everything at the start of the project. I was clearing off my cutting table and ironing board way too frequently. I also wouldn’t have minded some real photos instead of just line drawings.

Do I feel like I am Breaking Ground? Absolutely! Here are the other Ground Breakers! be sure to check them out, but read to the bottom of my blog to sign up for PRIZES!!!

The Full Tour includes all these creatives… we hope you’ll visit us each day:

Monday March 11– That’s Sew Lily, Sewing A La Carte, Mijn 11jes & ik

Tuesday March 12– mahlicadesigns, Embrace Everyday, Jot Designs, auschick sews, Raising Stripling Warriors

Wednesday March 13– Musings of A Seamstress, Very Blissful, Sew4Five, Just Sew Something, Hazelnut Handmade, Crafting Through Time, Tales From A Southern Mom

Thursday March 14– Make It Sew with the Bear and Pea Atelier, Ronda B Handmade, SequioaLynn Sews, Sewing with D, The Sewing Goatherd, OOYAmade, My Golden Thimble, Custom Made by Laura

Friday March 15– Sew Cute Couture by Kathy, Sewing Novice, Ronda B Handmade, Momma Bear Sews, MeMade, My Golden Thimble, Lulu & Celeste

Click Below To Enter Both Giveaways

Breaking News: our tour sponsor Phat Quarters is offering 2 patterns of choice from her pattern shop to one lucky winner.

Enter Here!

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We’d love to see how you’re Breaking Ground this month. Share with us what you’re working on by using the hashtag #BreakingGround2019 across social media.

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