Dear Fall Closet, I am working on you. Love, Me

Patchwork dreams coming true.

Insider tip: I am putting together a Fall Capsule project for a guest blog spot. I am really excited about it and can’t wait to share the entire collection, but not today! Normally, I don’t make a lot of things based on a certain color scheme or style because I like variety and prints and mixing a variety of prints. Your girl doesn’t have many items in her closet that she can wear. I am sorta doing a ‘sew as you go’ thing because as my body is changing, I am finding so are my style choices.

Refashioning Roots

I have been refashioning a ton of items from my old handmade closet! It is shocking how many dresses I have sewn in the last *almost* 5 years since beginning this blog. Even more shocking is that I haven’t worn most of them. Dresses sometimes take up several yards of fabric especially when you gather the skirt, so that gives me a ton of fabric to repurpose in creative ways. If you know me in my day to day life, you would know I never wore any of the dresses I made prior to the summer of 2020. 🙂 I began sewing clothing by refashioning thrift store finds. I didn’t know anything about sewing clothing and thought I could learn from taking apart already made items and creating new ones. It does work, but I have learned a lot of things in the last 5 years. I am loving my new perspective on sewing in general as well as my knowledge on doing said refashions. Progress is always good and my mind is always working. I *may* having a project coming up where I turned a beautiful full maxi dress into a great pair of pants. 🙂 Plus in October, I am participating in #sewupcycle22 and I am looking forward to creating something incredible for that. Now onto our regularly scheduled sewing.

I love Patchwork Prints. Most likely this is because I am a quilter at heart and love all things scrappy, vintage, and upcycled. I was most certainly born in the wrong decade.

Admittedly, I am not 100% sure this dress will make it in my capsule, but I have been crushing so hard on this patchwork DBP for a few months. I have been trying not to buy any fabrics, but I gave in here because…well, patchwork. Recently, The Fab Clique had a huge 40% off sale so I picked up a few things from it and then I ordered this bundle of fabric which was on sale from the recent Bundle Bonanza. If you haven’t checked those out, you are missing out on some deals! Side note: I have a curated bundle on the site too! This print is part of the Zayne Bundle. This double brushed poly is called Zara and it is so lovely. This brushed poly is my favorite since it feels buttery soft. I don’t know why all double brushed poly doesn’t feel the same, but this is the one I love. The bundle also includes 2 yards of rust colored rib knit which I also have plans for. If you pick these fabrics up from the bundles, you will save 14 bucks!! That will buy more fabric. 🙂

I can always count on Ellie and Mac to have a lovely dress pattern waiting to fit my needs. I wanted a simple pattern without excessive seams so as to really showcase this patchwork print. I decided on the To The Point Dress since it met my needs and had this really fun hem line! I think this is the first time I have used this pattern and I have no idea why. I am always a fan of garments which have extra belly coverage. The dress came together quickly with the same pattern piece used for the front and back. I decided to do the low scoop neck option and cut the sleeve around elbow length. I did a full bicep adjustment as usual.

Shopping

Fabric shopping with affiliate link.

Pattern Shopping with affiliate link.

What will you be adding to your Fall wardrobe? I can’t wait to add a few more items to my closet. I think I will work on a pair of pants next. I am also planning to make my first ever pair of jeans soon which she be really challenging, but in a good way. I have many plans for my sewing life and hope I can make them happen. Some days I just don’t feel like creating. Somedays I don’t feel like sharing. I know more folks are focused on making video content which I am not great at and I enjoy this blogging things. So many choices, for now, I will blog mainly with a few videos thrown in for fun.

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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.

My First Custom Bundle! #TFC

This is a really exciting deal, my friends. The Fab Clique had the awesome idea to let their promo teams create fabric bundles to be listed on the site! We all searched the site for our favorite fabric choices and then had the opportunity to sew something to share with you! I knew I wanted a summer two piece set that I would be able to wear as the days get hotter.

Pink dress for the win!

I scrolled my favorite places for some style inspo and settled on a design which was a dress and a long flowy duster length cardigan over a simple T-shirt Dress. I needed one lovely print fabric that would be light weight and flowy for a cardigan. Then I needed a matching fabric to make my dress. I was quickly drawn to the lovely floral print called Gianna. I really enjoy large, boldly colored flowers and this one called to me. It was a bonus that the base is ITY (interlock twist yarn) since that tends to be airy and cool to wear.

Windy day showing off the lovely drape…sorta. 🙂

My pink dress fabric is a slub knit modal jersey which I had never sewn before. I was a little nervous when I selected it because I was concerned that it would be overly thin, but trust me, it is perfect! It is lightweight and cool and seems to breath easy. While taking my final photos there was a storm rolling in as you can tell by the wind blowing my cardigan around, but I think this will be 100% wearable in the heat of summer. I love that the pink has various shades of pink, peach, and white running through it. So it appears solid, but isn’t. Now I am one outfit closer to being ready. PS: I was super stoked to wear my cool owl necklace with this set!

Let’s talk patterns.

I started with the Made for Mermaids pattern called Lola. I asked several sewing friends for recommendations to help me with my designed look. I needed a long length cardigan with Dolman sleeves to achieve the look. The Lola was closest to what I wanted so I went with it. I was a bit hesitant to buy the pattern because it isn’t in their new chart so it is not as size inclusive as their current patterns, but with the loose oversized fit, it worked out well. Thankfully! This pattern also has the option for a gathering drawstring to bring in the waist and I am still debating if I want it or not. I am kinda leaning towards adding it.

What do you think??

I also changed the front lower half of the cardigan. The pattern is drafted to be straight down, but I gently curved the bottom corners. This was a simple change and took bout 2 seconds with my French Curve. Here is a small picture to show you how I cut it. I also shortened the pattern by about 5 inches.

My Dress is my all time favorite T Shirt Dress pattern. The Easy Tee from 5 out of 4 is my most used pattern to date! I love it, Momma Mia loves it. It is just perfect and loaded with options. For my dress, I used the scoop neck and short sleeves then I stole the curved hem from the tunic and adjusted it to fit the width of the dress length! I am really obsessed with curved hems lately. I keep telling myself they make my legs look longer. 🙂 At 5’1, I will work with illusions anytime I can! I just sewed an Easy Tee for Momma Mia not too long ago, here is that blog post.

In the words of my friend, Jess W. #ExtraSlitty.

Styling Options

I am loving the high slit on the cardigan! It compliments the curved dress hem line very well. I am already thinking of more creative ways to style these pieces. I was able to simply tie the two front pieces and it looks cute that way as well. I love this look also. I think this cardigan will also look great over a stripped tank with jeans. My pink dress looks really cute with a denim jacket! I think it is important to mix it up with versatile garments. That is one of the reasons I am so thrilled with the bundle I put together! It is cute and mixes well with several other things. 🙂

The Fabric Bundle

Are you into this bundle? You can pick it up for yourself using my link here. It is called Sequoia. 🙂 It is 4 yards of high quality beautiful fabric for only $22! Here is my direct link to the fabric. Thank you so much if you choose to shop with my link!

Support my Youtube channel with some Love 🙂

Here is my unboxing and reveal video. 🙂 If you visit my Youtube channel, I would appreciate some Love.

#TFCMAYFLOWERS and a sale!

Long time, no sew! My sew-jo has been so low lately. However, I did go on a fun vacation and now I am back with a few new sewing projects on deck! First off, This Dress! I feel like I write this line a lot * This wasn’t what I had planned when I was working on this pattern, but I really love how it turned out* but here we are. 🙂 Keep reading, we are going to talk about it.

The Pattern Details

This is Melanie from 5 out of 4. Melanie isn’t a new pattern, but it is less than a year old and deserves some love. I didn’t even have the pleasure of testing it because I was recovering from knee surgery and sewing was pretty limited. Since I am catching up on all the things the cool kids do, I tackled Melanie!

The pattern has several options

Sizing XXS-5XL * Crew or Scoop Necklines * Sleeveless, Short, 3/4, or long sleeved * Top, Knee, or Tea Length * Side Ruching * Designed for Knits

What I Made

I made size 3x with the included FBA and graded to a 4x from the waist down. I did the scoop neck with short sleeves. Here is the part about things not turning out as intended. 🙂 I removed a couple of inches length from the knee length option because I thought I would wear this as a tunic length top over leggings, but ended up loving it as a shorter dress!  Since the side ruching is just drawstring style ties, I can easily shorten the dress to a different length by pulling the drawstrings tighter on the sides. I just used a coordinating fabric scrap to make my ties. You all know how I love to mix prints. In the situation, I didn’t have any scraps from my dress fabric that were long enough to make the ties, so polka dots scraps for the win! I also made the back opening slightly shorter since I didn’t want to have a visible bra band. I wish I would have brought it up an additional .75 inches. That is a tricky measurement on yourself. 🙂 So this is a note for me, the next time I make this dress and I promise, there will be another one!

Back slit. I don’t own cute bras I would want to display. 🙂

My Fabric Choice

This lovely poly rayon spandex fabric is from The Fab Clique and as soon as I opened my mystery package I was thrilled! This print is called Penelope’s Garden. These are my colors! While I do love girlie prints, I don’t like froo froo colors! This print is lovely and I adore the colorway. I don’t order many mystery packs of fabric, but this is my second one from TFC and they have both been exceptional.  This was a two yard cut and I was able to Jenga the pattern a bit to make it work. Thank goodness for back seams! My leftover scraps were too small to even bother saving and trust me, I don’t throw away usable fabrics!  I am so glad I was able to make this dress work with the fabric I had!

Notice my cute little polka dot side ties!

#TFCMAYFLOWERS

Remember the hashtag I mentioned? #TFCMAYFLOWERS ?? Want to join the fun? All you need to do is 1. Use fabric from The Fab Clique. 2. Make something lovely related to flowers- (floral print, pattern named after a flower, umm photo staged in a flower garden -ok, I made this one up, but TFC is pretty open to interpretations so it may work, ETC. ) 3. Share your make on all your socials using the #TFCMAYFLOWERS. I can’t wait to see what you come up it!

I do love when I can wear normal shoes with my dresses!

All Affiliate – Linked Up because your girl needs to buy fabric!

Melanie Pattern from 5 out of 4 is currently on sale for 30% off – Hurry before the sale ends!

Penelope’s Garden – Gorgeous Rayon Spandex blend knit fabric from The Fab Clique

Love Notions – Terra Tunic Updated

I’m happy to report another Love Notions pattern has joined the updated club. <woot> This time, it is the Terra Tunic. This pattern is a surprisingly quick sew and has multiple neckline options. Bonus! It is the $5 Feature Friday pattern!! Use code Sequoia10 to save even more!

I have made two so far. One was during testing and the other was after the test was finished. I also sewed one for Momma Mia will I will share in a day or two. I love when quick patterns offer simple changes yet still look very different.

For this one, I made the basic scoop neck option with 3/4 sleeves. I wanted a lovely top that could be comfy and casual or easily dressed up. Also, I needed to add another top to my solids collection I have been working on so I have more mix and match opportunities in my closet. This pattern is perfect for filling that spot in my wardrobe. Lately, I am more focused on quality makes instead of quantity. I have so many clothes that I need them to be multi purpose.

The options that are included with this pattern are as follows.

• 6 neckline options: scoop, v-neck, funnel, asymmetrical, boat neck and v-neck hood
• 4 sleeve lengths: short, elbow, 3/4 & long
• Deep hem with side vents
• Optional welt pockets and elbow patches
• Video tutorials: welt pockets and side vents

Now let’s talk about this fabric. This is the yummiest mint brushed rib knit ever!! Side note: it is currently only $4 a yard!! Here is my afflink to pick some up! I think I have really been sewing a lot of texture so rib knit is another fun one to add to the line up. I think that the texture helps me get over my fear of solid color fabrics. 🙂

Don’t forget afflinks cost you nothing to use, but I receive a small commission from the company as a thank you. I thank you so much for using my links as it certainly helps me out.

Remember earlier when I said you can dress this one up or down, well let’s check out a few more options. In this photo, I have added my already loved Fraser Cardigan. I am so into this black and white cardigan and I wear it as soon as it comes out of the laundry. I may be wearing it as I write this… 🙂 Sorry, not sorry.

If you are ready to grab the Terra Tunic while on sale for its new update, here is a link! Plus use code Sequoia10 to save an extra 10% off.

If you need all the gorgeous mint green fabric, here is your link to it. While you are there, don’t forget to shop the new releases which includes the beautiful burn out velvet I used yesterday.

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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.

Fancy Like – Sloane Edition

I am sure everyone who lives on this planet knows the Walker Hayes song, Fancy Like. I hear it everywhere these days, sing along with it on the radio, and this top has me feeling fancy too! So let’s talk about it.

I know you will be shocked to see me making another Love Notions pattern, <Insert Eye Roll> but when you find a good thing, you stick with it! 

The Love Notions Sloane has been on the blog a time or two already, but this time I went real fancy like. This fabric is called Tamed on The Fab Clique Fabric Shoppe, but I am not feeling very tame wearing it. What is more awesome than brown shimmery animal print fabric?? Brown shimmery animal print burnout velvet fabric! It is so so good, my friends! Don’t forget that when working with fabric like velvet, you have to work with the nap. Just know that you want to cut your fabric so that when brushed downward, it is smooth. I don’t have a ton of experience sewing velvet fabric and never have I sewn any burn out, but it wasn’t painful at all. 🙂 I added a few extra clips when lining up the neckband and the bodice to help with a little bit of rolling and then it was a breeze! Tamed whizzed through my serger like a champ. When it came time to add the bottom band, I actually ran a serger stitch along the bottom to hold my band layers together before serging the band to the bodice. I did this because velvet, by nature, is a little shifty and then the burn out element means that small sections are a sheer fabric.

Speaking of the burnout element here, I know someone will ask if it is see thru. The easy response here is, yes those areas are see thru. There is a sheer ‘net” filling in those gaps. I tried my top on with a teal printed bra and you could totally see that, but when I put on a skin toned bra it wasn’t noticeable. That being said, I didn’t wear a cami under this fabric and felt comfortable wearing it. As always, you do you. 🙂 This was a total win for me in the “solid color” but not solid fabric game I have been playing lately! 

So let’s talk about the pattern now. The Love Notions Sloane top has a few options mainly color blocked parts or not. For this one, I didn’t color block. I used the solid bodice options and the bands. I made body style B which is the boxier fit because I don’t like overly fitted clothing. Fun Fact: I sewed the entire thing with my serger which was awesome since I didn’t want to hunt down some dark brown thread for my sewing machine. I made the 3x with included Full bust adjustment and long sleeves with cuffs. I did a 1 inch bicep adjustment which I have blogged about here. Friends, I love this one!

Here is a list of the pattern details.

Sloane Sweater Features:

• Meant for knit fabrics
• 2 body views: A- more fitted with curved hem & hits at mid-hip, B- boxy fit with hem band & hits at high hip.
• Optional yoke, elbow patches, hood and kangaroo pocket
• Dropped shoulder, relaxed fit
• Full Bust option

Sizes: XS-5X (See Size Charts here)

OK friends! Here are my afflinks. As a reminder it costs you nothing extra to use my links, but I receive a commission from the company for sharing my love of their product.

The Fab Fabric Clique Shoppe

Love Notions plus use code Sequoia10 to save 10% off your purchase

I have a ton of posts coming up in the next week or so so be sure you are following me on social media so you don’t miss out on any great makes or great deals.

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

Easy Tee – Retro vibes!

If I had to pick one pattern to reach for when I need a sewing win, it is the Easy Tee from 5 out of 4. When I need a quick finish, to get out of a sewing funk, or just a super comfy top, I will always use the Easy Tee. I actually a few more version of this pattern coming up in the near future! This pattern is perfect for so many folks and I love it for myself or when I am sewing for Momma Mia. Today is was Momma Mia’s turn! Let’s Go!

This fabric is so GROOVY!

This is the first strike I have sewn for The Fab Clique, but I have used their fabric several times during the last year or two. I am really excited to add more of it into my closet! They have quick turn around times and a great selection!

I am obsessed with the colors of the fabric! So many options for coordinates!

I love the retro feel of this print and so did my mom. She claimed dibs as soon as I showed her. She immediately wanted a new Easy Tee dress which I was happy to make for her. She is totally working that 70’s vibe, complete with the short dress length and stacked bracelets! This pattern is perfect for so many different knits, but I love when its made from double brushed poly. It makes it an easy sew with a serger or sewing machine!

This fabric is called Living Colors and is a new release from The Fab Clique. You can check it out with my afflink here. Yep, an afflink because I am new to TFC team! I can’t wait to show you some fun makes! They have loads of great items including loads of fabric in the clearance tab!!

Pockets are a must-have!

Now let’s take a minute to discuss the pattern details.

Designed for: Light to Medium weight knits

• Women’s Sizes XXS-5XL
• Regular, FBA (full bust adjustment) or Maternity bodices
• Top, Tunic, Short dress, and Knee Length Dress options
• Hemmed or Band hem options for the shirt and tunic
• Curved hem option that is in between the shirt and tunic lengths
• Pockets for the dress options
• Optional breast pocket
• Crew neck, scoop neck, or v-neck
• Hoods for both the crew and the scoop neck versions

I sewed the short dress length with elbow sleeves and a crew neck. Of course, I added the pockets. Momma Mia will be cruising in style in her new dress as we are looking forward to warmer weather!

Are you ready to shop now?

The Easy Tee, Tunic, and Dress Pattern

Living Colors fabric from The Fab Clique

Love Notions Arlington Sweater

Hi Friends! It sure feels good to be back in some pattern tests and sewing up some wonderful clothing. I knew the minute I saw Tami post her idea for the Arlington Sweater, I needed it in my life. So let me show you why.

This pattern features three neckline options. With the choice between mock, turtle, and cowl you can pick your favorite or give in and make all three. You could also just calculate your own regular neckband and be good to go! I do love options. There are three length options as well ranging from high hip to just above knee length dress. While this pattern doesn’t include a tunic cut line, I plan to make one by just adding a few inches to the length of the top cut line. Honestly, it is a super quick fix if you are like me and prefer tunic length things. Here is the entire options chart.

• 3 lengths: banded shirt, hip length shirt and above knee dress
• 3 necklines: turtleneck, mock-neck and cowl
• 5 sleeve options: short & long puff sleeves, long sleeve, bishop and elbow length sleeve
• Full bust option
• Sizing through 5x
• Sway back stitch line included

I made two different dresses during test, but both are made from brushed poly. This pattern is designed to work with a variety of knit fabrics, so dig deep into those totes and find something lovely. You can use knits with 40% stretch so that can be a French Terry, Jersey blend, or sweater knits. Keep in mind a drapier fabric will create a lovely cowl or turtle neck, but a mock collar won’t stand up really well.

For my color blocked dress, I used a random 1 yard cut to make the cowl and the puff sleeves. This used almost the entire 1 yard cut so keep that in mind for when you have small cuts. I personally shop at Stitchin’ Pretties where you always get a bonus 1 yard coordinate if you order two consecutive yards. I believe that is where my polka dots came from. My black with the small floral print was from an auction destash box. My navy with the large red floral print is from The Fab Clique Fabric Shoppe and here is the link. I picked it up during one of their $4 Friday sales because I love a navy background!

The Arlington Sweater is now on sale for $9.00 as a newly released pattern. Now is your chance to save a few bucks and add this gorgeous pattern to your collection. I thank you for clicking my affiliate link.

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George and Ginger – Lively Dress

Summer is winding down, but I still need all the dresses. Dresses will transition to fall if you add layers, correct? Yes! Tights, jacket, cardigan, long sleeve crop, boots… so many options my friends. It is currently too hot for layers, so you are going to have to trust me. I decided to sew up my first ever Lively dress and I am happy I did for several reasons.

1. I adore the gathering at the shoulder and yoke detailing.
2. I love a flirty twirly skirt.
3. Stripes and Floral colorblocking potentional.
4. The pattern has both a tunic and a dress option.
5. Today it is on sale!

Yesss, I love full skirts so much.

Let’s talk about the pattern.

This is the Lively from George and Ginger. It is a great pattern and on their old school size chart. The pattern is sized through 5x which is a 55.5 inch bust and a 59 inch hip. I did a 1 inch full bust adjustment so I could have a little extra room in the bust and belly. Yes, a bust adjustment will add room in the belly which I need in GG patterns. As it turned out, I didn’t need the additional room in the bust, but I am so pleased with my first Lively.

I chose to leave out the lining because I am way too hot for lined shirts. LOL I just added a simple neckband by smoothing the curves at the neckline a bit and moved on with my less overheated life. I also left off the sleeve ruffle because I want to wear a denim jacket over this dress come fall. Plus my fabric isn’t navy on the inside and I hate seeing white fabric inside a sleeve when it billows around.

Back yoke in contract fabric really makes the gathering stand out!

I believe my floral fabric came from The Fab Fabric Clique and the stripes were from an online auction. I adore them both separately, but they worked so well together because the navy blue is consistent and the scale is different. Yes, folks you should totally wear your stipes and your florals together!!! This pattern has a lot of gathering at the back and a=near the front shoulders. I use my serger to gather and I have a video on my YT channel to teach you how. Stop by and check it out. Gathering Video

Like I mentioned above today is the LAST DAY for the Lively being on sale. I know, I know, the month got away from me.

Today only it is $7.50 and you can click here to get it. I thank you for clicking my afflink. This costs you nothing, but gives me a small commission from the designer.

The Fab Clique Fabric Shoppe – Guest Sewist

Fab Clique Fabric Shoppe

I was recently picked to be a guest sewist for Fab Clique Fabric Shoppe. The deal is I receive a bundle of mystery fabric, I make a quick video of opening the package and then sew up a garment of my choice…sounds easy, Right? When I opened my fabric, I was excited to find Rib Knit…Brushed Poly Rib Knit actually.  Super Soft, Super Stretchy, Super Springy! These colors are beautiful and so cheery!

I immediately thought about sewing a tank and cardigan, but knew it would be a stretch to make a cardigan from 2 yards of fabric. I toyed around with the idea of a cozy long sleeve shirt, maybe some color blocking, but in the end a color blocked cardigan won out. I decided to start with the Ellie and Mac Chapman Cardigan as a base. I have sewn it before and it is a nice cardigan. I felt comfortable making another one with a few hacks.

I knew I wanted to make the cardigan a little fancy. I decided I wanted to add pockets and add some color blocking. I used a scrap of my fabric and added some piping details. Yeah! Fancy Pockets! Stitching piping to two layers of rib knit it not for the faint of heart, but it worked and it looks so fun! I love these big pockets!

I also used the white rib knit for all the bands and I added a contrast stripe all the way around the bodice. In theory, it sounds pretty simple. In reality I had finished my garment before I decided to add that band around the middle. I can confidently say this fabric will hold up to tons of seam ripping. No where did it stretch out or turn wonky!

Even though rib knit is new to me, it sewed nicely. I used my serger and my sewing machine and both were fine. This fabric really is perfect for a light weight layer added over a top or tank in spring or summer. I paired my new modern vibe Ellie and Mac Chapman Cardi with the Bella Sunshine Designs Clementine Maxi Dress. I loved that the colors played so well together.

Here are the links you need to recreate my look or create your own style!

The Fab Clique Fabric Shoppe

Ellie and Mac Chapman Cardigan

Bella Sunshine Designs Clementine Maxi

Just for fun, I will add my unboxing video here for you all to watch!

As always, I thank you for using my affiliate links. If you purchase this pattern using my link, I will receive a small thank you commission from the designer. This helps me to purchase sewing supplies and keep my blog going. Thank you.

You can follow all of my sewing adventures through the links below!

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