The Sly Fox T shirt fabric sale is still going strong, but we are running out of time to place orders! (I know my blogs have been slower than planned) Have you ordered something amazing yet? I can’t wait to see what starts popping up in the FB group! Don’t forget you can use code PerfectT to save 40% off of any of these fabrics …. DTY, Modal, Double Brushed Poly, Triblend, French Terry and Knub Jersey.
The Toronto Tee is a FREE pattern from Rebecca Page so there is no excuse not to give it a try. This is a sized through 5x. The Toronto Tee is a great boxy fit top and could also be extended into a longer length comfy T-shirt dress. I had never sewn this top before this time and was pleased to find when I checked out and got the pattern emailed to me, I was given a discount code for another purchase! That was a nice added bonus for sure! If you weren’t aware, Rebecca Page has a ton of free patterns (especially amazing holiday dresses) and you should get on their mailing list to stay in the loop.
Today’s Fabric is another amazing one! I love solid Navy as a background and it really makes all the bright colors in this top pop!! This DTY print is called Vibrant on Navy and that name basically says it all! I think that even though Fall is coming to my neck of the woods, the navy background makes it perfect to wear all year.
You should hurry and get your shopping done, so you won’t miss out on this great fabrics!
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This is a little bit of a change of pace for me and my blog. This make isn’t an outfit, but I did make it and it is sewn, so I say it counts! I haven’t had a ton of time to make clothing lately, but I did get a little machine time in to create this little double zipper pouch. I should start by saying this was for a swap which I joined through a Facebook group called Made with Love by Mollie fabrics. This is actually a fabric group, but we did a swap! We were each assigned a partner and needed to make a zipper pouch for someone else and mail them within two weeks. Those were the only rules.
This was my first ever double zipper bag so I knew it would be a challenge to myself, but I wanted be able to send a nice item to my partner. I knew how to make a basic zipper pouch so I did a little research into adding a second zipper on the back panel! In my mind, this was much more difficult than it actually was. So here we go. This is the short version.
Create front panel- Major scrappy goodness here my friends!
2. Create Back Panel – Less scrappy, still as cool.
Yep, adorable bikes for inside the pockets!
3. Add zippers and connect panels. It is all coming together now!
4. Finish your corners and Tada! You have a bag. I added jewelry charms to the zippers for a little more whimsy. It really is all about the details, correct? They are super cute and took about 14 seconds to install. Trust me when I say it took me waaayyyy longer to decide which bee charms I should use.
Bzzzzzzz goes the little bees!
I think I need one of these myself, maybe a little larger.
Would anyone be interested in a Youtube video with more detailed directions for completing a bag similar to this? I think that could be fun! Let me know in the comments!
Do you think this would be a nice gift? Christmas gifts anyone??
Welcome to September and our next round of The Fitting Experiment. This time we are looking at the fit of a few pair of leggings. Be sure to read all the way to the bottom for a discount code and links to all the other bloggers in The Fitting Experiment!
The rules for this round was easy. 1. Make the two pair of leggings that the group voted to try out. 2. Pick one additional pair that you want to try.
I have sewn the Eden Leggings from Bella Sunshine Designs, I was actually part of testing them. This was about 2 years ago when I first began sewing. I made 3 pair during testing and will honestly admit that I haven’t worn any of the leggings since. While they fit ok, they got saggy around my knees when walking around in them and I had a fairly limited fabric stash back then, so I made some bold leggings without many options to wear with them! 🙂
I was nervous about the RAD G.O.A.T leggings since I have struggled with nailing the fit on the few other patterns of theirs I have tried. I also know that when these released people went nuts for them, so I was willing to give them a go.
The 20K leggings hadn’t even been on my radar since I didn’t even know they were drafted in my size range. To be fair, several other bloggers in our experiment had never tried their patterns so we were all pretty eager to give them a go.
Up First Bella Sunshine Designs Eden leggings retails for $14.oo, BUT there is a code to get them for FREE in their Facebook group! This leggings sew up quickly.
Yoga Waistband for the Ultimate in Comfort
3 Rise Options: Super High Rise, High Rise, Mid Rise
2 Lengths: Capri & Pant
Sewing Level: Absolute Beginner
Sizes: Ladies 0-30
Up to a 59.75 inch hip
I sewed up the High Rise in pant length. I also did a full belly adjustment, as I do this with most pant patterns. I graded a size 28 waist to 22 in the legs. Still a little saggy in the knee area. As far as height adjusting, I removed 1 inch above the knee, 1 inch from the above hip area. Looking back I don’t know why I did it from the hip area, I need more, not less fabric there. I should have removed it from the legs. After assembly my leggings were still crazy long on me. I cut off an extra 5 inches off the length because they covered my toes.
Let’s talk about the RAD pattern next. G.O.A.T stands for Greatest of All Time, by the way. This pattern retails for $10.00 US. My first thought was this pattern consists of a lot of pieces for leggings. I believe that magic number was 12 pieces. Leggings are usually less than 5 pieces sometimes only 3 pieces. I appreciated that this pattern is easily color blocked and has POCKETS! I figured with doing all these pattern pieces, I am adding the dang pockets! I sewed the 3x waist graded to the 2x hips and legs. This pattern is inclusive to a 70 inch hips which is RAD’s 7x. I adjusted for my 5’1 height by removing length from 2 places, above and below the knee. I appreciated that the RAD pattern suggested adding elastic to the waistband during assembly. I almost always need it and was glad they reminded me to do during construction.
Pattern Options:
Features a high waist and a long, 7/8, 3/4, or capri length option. There are also optional side pockets that are made to fit even a larger phone, while keeping it secure. This pattern is drafted for a height of 5’7.
Max and Meena 20K leggings. This pattern retails for $5.95, but the Facebook group has a code to get it for FREE! Something different with Max and Meena patterns is that your pattern gets emailed to you instead of logging into an account to get it. This is a super fast sew with only 3 pattern pieces with the basic leggings pattern. I sewed up the regular length with the regular waist band. I didn’t adjust for height since the inseam is given at 29 inches. Mine is 27.5 and the pattern warned if you have larger calves, it may shorten the length a bit. So I have large calves for sure, so no adjustment for the height. I used Double Brushed Poly for my leggings.
The 20K Leggings have three lengths: short, capri, and regular length. Three waistband options: regular waistband, cross over maternity band, and waistband with built in pocket.The pattern has a generous size range from Misses XS-XL and Women’s 1X-5X.You will need 1 1/4- 1 1/2 yards of cotton lycra or similar 4-way stretch knits to make a full length pair of leggings. I sewed the regular length with the regular waistband.
1. BSD 2. RAD 3. Max and Meena
My After Fitting Thoughts:
All 3 of my legging have wrinkling at the knees so obviously this is a personal fit issue.
BSD – Eden leggings were quick to make and comfortable to wear. I used double brushed poly for this pair. For a quick sew, this fit the bill on expectations. This is a basic, no frills pair of legging which is great for laying around the house or even pairing under a dress with boots.
RAD’s GOAT leggings really shocked me – in the best possible way. Even though these were by far the most time consuming to sew, they were well worth it. The fit is great. They are fitted, but not overly tight. The added elastic keeps them secure and they didn’t require adjusting while wearing. I love that I was able to use scraps to make this pattern as the legs were made from a front, back, and side panel instead of the entire leg pattern being one solid piece. Plus there is a POCKET! Now I need them in a solid, non color blocked version!
Max and Meena’s 20K legging is another simple legging. Super fast sew. I made my first pair in Double Brushed Poly, but they were painfully tight. I decided to give them another go and did a full belly adjustment as I am at the top of their size chart in waist measurements and went up one size in the legs. My second pair is still tight in the belly area while it is wrinkled in the back of the thigh area and I noticed the fabric became very see through when stretched while I moved. These will be around the house leggings or leggings for layering. With more adjusting, these leggings could work for me.
1. BSD 2. RAD 3. Max and Meena
Huge thank you to RAD Patterns for sponsoring this month’s experiment by providing us with the G.O.A.T. leggings (Greatest of all time). Stephanie has kindly provided a discount for you to try the G.O.A.T. pattern, available in the announcements of Friends of the Fitting Experiment. Check out the group to see how others made out with the leggings. You can also visit the bloggers for their full review by following the links below:
I still haven’t caught up with blogging about all the Christmas sewing projects I made. So here is the next one! I sewed up the Keeley Cardigan for my cousin, Heather. Each year for Christmas my dad’s side of the family does a family gift exchange. We draw names around Halloween and then spend a few months finding a great gift. Around that time, I had just tested the Keeley Cardigan and I loved it. I knew my cousin Heather would also.
I ordered this pretty mint green and gray sweater knit fabric from Ksews AKA The Material Girls on Facebook. I knew that Heather would love the pale green color and the softness of this fabric. If I am being honest I had to force myself not to keep it for myself and green isn’t even “my” color. It was just lovely.
I decided to make hers a midi length which is half way between both the included pattern lengths. She frequently wears her clothes in layers so it really was an easy choice. To get this length, I just printed the full length pattern and added 10 inches to the shorter length. Cut your pattern (and fabric) at this length. You will also adjust your front band length the same way. Patterns are really very easy to customize. Just think about what you want it to look like in the end, and go for it. Sometimes you will mess up, but
just move on. Why didn’t it work? How can you save it? Don’t quit!
This pattern comes together very quickly when sewn in a more basic version. I decided
to not add front pockets since this sweater knit is a lighter weight. If you are using a lighter weight knit, you could always interface at the corners of the pockets to give more support to your stitches. This pattern has an option to add buttons to the front as well.
I took a few pictures of this pattern on a mannequin before the wrapping it, and a few quick pics after gifting. I think she liked it and hope she has enjoyed wearing in all winter long!
So I have just came to terms with being a day late nearly everyday so far, but life…
Anyhow, just one photo today. Scrappy little quilt blocks using up left over cotton bits of “stuffs.” These are end cuts and off cuts and miscuts. 🙂 I am making these blocks for a scrappy quilt in between sewing other things. They will all be trimmed to a standard size when I have “a ton” of them!
A few hours late… One of my clothing pet peeves is bra straps showing…even worse bra bands showing. I made this little tube to cover my bra band in my most recent low back shirt hack. You can view that blog post here.
Did you guys I began sewing with quilting? Yep, I only began making clothing in the last two years or so. I have always loved scrap quilts and am obsessed with Bonnie Hunter quilts!
Today I am sharing a quilt I have been working on. This is a design from Bonnie Hunter over at Quiltville. She designed another great pattern and is sharing it as part of #Sewinplace as the #UnityQuiltAlong. I spent most of the day geocaching today and this evening I am sewing up something awesome to share in the next few days! Make sure you follow my blog so you don’t miss anything I am sharing for #MeMadeMay!
Don’t forget to sign up for some prizes using the raffle copter below!
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!
The Laundry Day Tee from Love Notions has re-released and it is even more fantastic than the original. First off, it includes sizes 4x and 5x now. The rereleased pattern was redrafted in Love Notions newer design software. Additionally, the arm/sleeve was adjusted for a better overall fit. As a bonus, assembly directions were simplified!
During the retest, I made two versions of the Laundry Day Tee. I made the tunic version first. I have been holding on to the pastel stripes for way too long because I wanted them to be something awesome. I also only had two yards of the print and this fabric was thin, which basically meant I could make a shirt. I used nearly all of the usable fabric for this top. The design has a lot of swing to it, which I actually love. I used the short sleeve option with the scoop neckline…spring will be here soon!
My second top I made sleeveless! I did this for two reasons. I wanted to show another option for this pattern and I wanted to compared the tank to another pattern I really love. I actually like the first of both patterns, but appreciate that this under arm area is higher than the other. So this is a 100% win in my book! I have wore this silky ITY version over leggings a few times since making it. I threw a cardigan over it to make in winter work appropriate. Again, this pattern sewed up quickly and easily.
The Laundry Day Tee has been around for a good while, so I knew when the test popped up, I was on board with it! The top comes together quickly and has several of options to achieve your favorite fit!
Pattern pieces for 3 neckline styles: scoop, v-neck & cowl.
Three hem lengths: shirt, tunic & knee length dress.
Five sleeve lengths
Hi lo hem for the tunic and dress lengths
Both of garments are made from fabric I ordered from Sew Blessed.
The Laundry Day Tee is on sale for $5.00, but you can use the coupon code from the Love Notions Facebook group to get it for free!!!
 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.
SequoiaLynn Sews 