Love Notions – Compose Robe

At what level do you truly become an adult? In my opinion, it is when you decide you need a bathrobe. I do realize that some people always had a bathrobe, but not me. I am a t-shirt and shorts kinda gal around the house, but now a robe. This is the Compose Robe from Love Notions. When the call came for testers, I jumped on this one. It was a cute style, looked easy to make, and I got a great deal on this big fluffy fleece fabric. I decided to sew up the longer length with a hood since I had plenty of fabric. I was all in with this one. 

Compose Robe Features:

• Meant for knit and woven fabrics
• Two lengths: knee and calf
• Hood and band options
• Full bust option
• Patch pockets
• Bonus Compose Hair Wrap pdf pattern included

Sizes: XS-5X

So first off, I removed two inches from the overall length of the robe and the band pattern pieces. I also did my typical 1.5 inch bicep adjustment even though this pattern has plenty of ease built in. I wanted to maintain the roomy feel the pattern already had. If you aren’t sure about doing a bicep adjustment, I have a video up on my YouTube channel to help you. Click here.

I sewed the 4x with the full bust piece graded to a 5x at the waist. I am so glad when the pattern included the FBA. Honestly, I look for patterns that specifically have this as an option. It saves me from doing it myself and I really get a better fit when I use the pattern pieces.

My first version is made with super plush fleece. It is warm and extra soft. I loved this colorful plaid print as soon as I saw it. I knew I would need a little extra fabric so I could at least match the plaid lines on the front. I didn’t worry about the side seams. Even though this is such a thick fabric, it sewed up pretty easily…itchy nose aside. I used my serger and sewing machine. I didn’t make any adjustments other than slowing down. I could have loosened up the tension for my top stitching on the belt tie part to help smooth it out. I decided to make the hooded version first and used the longer length. Good Decision! This is going to me amazing in January would it is freezing cold and my dogs insist on going outside to play. I really appreciate the hanging look at the center back neckline too. 

This pattern is a prime example of how using different fabrics can be a total game changer. My second robe is an entirely different look, but the pattern is the same. I used the shorter knee length and did the banded finish without the hood. I still did the 2 inch height adjustment, the bicep adjustment and added the pockets. 

This time…Stretch Velvet! Holy Moly! What a huge difference from my super cozy fleece version! I feel fun and flirty in this one. If you have never sewn stretch velvet let me warm you. This fibers fall off the entire time and your work area will look like it is covered in fine glitter. Yep, Super fun times! I cut and assembled this while wearing a mask and suggest you man want to as well. 

Over all this pattern sews together very easily and I 100% recommend you give it a try. You can shop with my afflink below. This costs you nothing extra, but I do make a small commission when you use my link. This helps me buy the fabric I use.🙂

The Compose Robe can be found here.

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Game Day Jersey – Hacked

 I was playing on Pinterest looking for some inspiration when I stumbled across this pretty little thing. This was a dress for sale, but when I clicked the link it took me to about 912 other dresses. Dumb! Anyhow, I knew whatever the price I wasn’t buying it because I could make it myself!

If you saw my Last Game Day Jersey top from Love Notions, you already know it doesn’t come with the button placket. Let’s get to hacking. I already knew the Game Day Jersey Dress would have the right lines for the the basic style of my inspo, but I needed to add a button placket. No worries gang, it is a faux placket on my dress!! No one in their right mind is willingly sewing all those button holes for no reason other than to look at. So a faux placket for me. Let’s talk about how you can get this same look. :  First- Measure the exact middle of your dress. When I was cutting my dress I was conscious of lining up my Center Front Bodice on a middle line in the pattern repeat. You can do the same if your plaid is straight. If your pattern is on the diagonal, fold your bodice in half and mark with pins.

Next– Decide how long you want your placket. I went with 13 inches as I didn’t want my placket to finish at the fullest part of my belly. 🙂 To determine the width of your placket, select buttons and measure them. Mine were about .5 inches, now double that number (1 inch in my case) and this will be the width of my placket when finished. We know

Auditioning options

that we want clean edges for the finish, so let’s double the number again (1 x 1 = 2) and add 1/2 inch for seam allowance since I am serging my edges. (2 + .5 = 2.5 inches). Now you can cut your placket fabric. Mine is 13 inches by 2.5 inches. Optional: You can add a piece of interfacing to your placket to make sewing your button easier.  I ironed on a piece 1 inch by 13 inches. Sew this together like a tube. One short end and along the long side. Then turn it. If you need help turning a tube, I have a video here.  There are a number of ways to do it. Pick your fave! 

Almost done! – Lay your placket in place and pin it so it won’t shift. Leave about .5 inches to hang out over the top edge so you won’t have to worry about finishing it. (It will be sewn in place when your add the Front Yoke.) I stitched along the long sides and the bottom. I added the X at the bottom for some extra detail. You can use your walking foot here to make things a little easier or use a contrasting thread for some extra color.

Finally- Now lay out your buttons how you wish. I placed mine 1.5 inches apart. I used my sewing machine to sew them in place with a semi matching thread. This would also be fun using shaped buttons especially on a kid’s dress. Once you have your buttons sewn in place, finish your dress according to the directions. This placket will be the slowest part of the dress I promise! So what do you all think about my pinspired look??

This plaid print is a double brushed poly from Stitchin’ Pretties of course! It is called Adeline and it is perfect for fall! The beautiful coral is a ponte scrap also from SP! Did you know if you order 2 continuous yards of fabric, You will get a bonus yard of fabric to go with your order?? Yes indeed.

Now that you know how to make your own faux placket, let me show you my entire dress!

See the little raindrops falling on my head? It hasn’t rained in days, step out the door…RAIN!

I received another fantastic plaid print from Stitchin’ Pretties this month! Seriously, Fall is filled with all things plaid and you better get some in your closet ASAP! Here are two of my recent makes.

Hazel by Bella Sunshine Designs

Laundry Day Tee by Love Notions

Ok Back to the Game Day Dress. This time I made the Dress length which is actually pretty fabulous! I was in the market for some longer comfy dresses to lounge around the house in and this fits the bill perfectly. I am so stoked to wear my fancy new frock!

More raindrops ruining my pics! Maybe I should pretend to play in the sprinklers!

Something else you may not know, I just did a little write up about Stitchin’ Pretties Fabric for Love Notions. Did you see it? Here is a link. My write up is number 12. Go Show SP some LOVE!

Ready for some links?

Game Day Jersey Top/Dress

Laundry Day Tee

Hazel

Stitchin’ Pretties Plaid section

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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.

 

Jessica @ 5oo4 has a Birthday and saving you some cash!

Half Price SALE!!! 

50% off of everything!!! 

except the Candy Pants

Here is a little collage of some of my 5oo4 makes in the last year.

5oo4 is without a doubt my most used patterns! You will not be disappointed!

She told me not to use this picture, but I think it is kinda great! #Whatbabygirlwantsbabygirlgets

Pattern.

Here is a link for you to save!

5oo4 – Calypso Dress for Momma Mia

Calypso may be a sea goddess in the Pirates of the Caribbean, but it is also turns out to be a pretty fantastic pattern from 5 out of 4. I didn’t test this one, I was taking some time off of my crazy testing schedule when it came out and initially it wasn’t a pattern “I had to have!” Honestly, I HATE gathering. HATE HATE HATE it! My machine doesn’t like sewing single layers of double brushed poly or any lightweight knits actually. It can be so frustrating. So I knew this dress would stress me the heck out!! Only it didn’t! Guess who mastered gathering with her serger…This Girl! Psst: I have a video coming for you.

So let’s get to talking about Calypso.

This pattern actually has a lot of pieces. Each front piece also has a back piece, plus the sleeves, sleeve binding, sleeve ties and the neckband. Even with all those piece it was worth it. This is a great pattern and Momma Mia is beyond happy with it. She tried it on and didn’t take if off the entire time I was at her house. So back to all those bodice pieces, I am rather glad they did this. The first reason is that it breaks the length that needs gathered in half. When was the last time you needed to gather a 60 inch piece of fabric?? Trust me, it would be rubbish! Impossible to make even, you’d break gathering threads, you’d cry out of frustration, maybe end up in a fetal position. It could get ugly.  I also felt that the staggered layers made it fairly easy to grade between sections of the body. Either way, I like it!

In addition to the girly silhouette of the dress, there are these epic sleeves. How pretty are the bound edges and the ties? Better than your basic sleeve, not a ton of extra work. I will be slapping these babies on some other garments! They are also giving me some hacking ideas…heck yea! I think I will make the ties slightly longer next time, as I have trouble tying neat little bows. I did knot the ends because my stitching wasn’t perfection on the tails.

The Women’s Calypso Top and Dress pattern includes the following:

• Short, 3/4, or long sleeves with a cute bow detail.
• Top or Knee-length skirt length for the dress
• Sizes XXS – 5X (see the last image for yardage and size chart)
• Check out this awesome YouTube video of our testers’ creations!

This fabric nearly caused a knock down, drag out brawl (internet version BTW) when Laura offered it up to the promo team. Nanner! Nanner! Nanner, I got it first! I knew Momma Mia would love it and I wanted her to have a new dress. She loves the color green. The pretty pops of colors of the flowers was a bonus. This print is called Trixie! Stitchinpretties has this beautiful double brushed poly fabric and it is on sale 25% off (Code is in the Facebook group) right now! Run, Don’t walk and get it into your cart. Laura will get it shipped out to you in no time flat! I live in Ohio, Stitchinpretties is way up there in Maine and my fabric arrives in 2-3 days! That is service and that is why I support small businesses!

Are you ready to sew up your next favorite dress? Here is the link for the Calypso. Your summer wardrobe thanks you!

Trixie – Double Brushed Poly.

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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.

Love Notions – Sabrina Slims Gets Updated

Remember a few days ago when I said I wanted to sort out some fit issues I have when making pants during the new year? Well I made a huge move in that direction with these pants! These are the Sabrina Slims from Love Notions and they are so comfortable! It is totally acceptable to feel like you are wearing pajamas at work when the pants look this good. This slim fit pattern has just released in the larger plus size range which is becoming the LN standard! The pattern fits up to size 32 and is loaded with options.

Let’s talk about getting a great fit. First off, Tami has worked really hard to put together a pants fitting guide to help. This comes automatically when you purchase the pattern. The fitting guide helps you to sort out issues and improve your fit. So let’s talk about my pants. By the measurement chart (hip measurement), I should be wearing a size 32. From experience I know this isn’t going to work for my body. You can look at me and see that I have next to no curves for hips or booty. I have all belly. So we are about to get really awkward and I am going to talk to you about some personal issues. I retook my measurements this time I went under my belly. Surprise! My measurement is 6 inches less! So let’s start there. I am now in size 24, but I need some belly room. First, I graded from the crotch point (size 24 line) up to the waist at size 28. I compared the measurement chart to my numbers to determine how many inches I needed to account for to fit my waist. I added a 1.5 inch full belly adjustment to the front of pattern piece only. Keep in mind that whatever number you use will get doubled. This is because you have one pattern piece for the front, but you will cut two of them. J So I added 1.5 inches to each side. Now I have gained about 4.5 inches in the front belly. I graded the back pant from the crotch point (size 24) to the waist (size 28). Now we have gained another inch! This will be plenty of room for my belly to fit comfortably.

The next issue I needed to address was extra fabric pooling at my knees on my fit muslin pants. This was a much easier fix. I needed to remove some height. This isn’t as direct as cutting fabric off the bottom of the pant legs. I removed 1 ½ inches from the thigh area of the pattern front and back pieces. I then removed 1 inch from just above the knee on both the front and back of the pattern. That pattern has notch marks to indicate where your hip and knees should be. Next I removed 1 inch from the 26 inch inseam cut line. Lastly, I removed 1.5 inches from the rise to get the waist band resting over my belly button. The fit is much better now! I know this seems like a lot of adjustment for a pattern that is so wonderful, but trust me. My body isn’t typical and well worth all these little adjustments to get a great fit. It is worth it. Plus once you get the fit nailed down, you are golden!

Round 1

Better Knees – After

Ok let’s talk about fabric! Simply by Ti sponsored my fabric and shipping for this size increase. The pattern requires a stable knit or stretch woven with 20% stretch. Think “bottom weight fabrics.” I picked this great ponte print! It is a lighter weight ponte that I used for my muslin, but it is still nice. It is so comfortable and feels like I am wearing pajamas!  Go check out SBT for some fun prints and great solids. Ti also keeps tons of bra making supplies available and has a great deal on needles for sewing machines and sergers. I think I ordered 4 packs of 10 needles! They were only $2 and $3 each! Thank you, Ti, for the beautiful fabric for my finals.

The Sabrina Slims Pants instant downloadable pdf pattern contains:

• 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.

So what do you think about my Sabrina Slims? I can’t wait to sew up some of the other options! I need the pockets and the zipper ankles! Please give my blog a follow for something really awesome coming to my blog a little later this month!

You can pick up the Sabrina Slims pattern and awesome pants fitting guide, while it is on sale for $9 by using my afflink. 

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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.

5 out of 4 – Pamela

The latest pattern from 5oo4 is making me swoon. I sewed this one up thinking 100% of Valentine’s Day. Not only does it include this pretty sweetheart neckline, but there are also pleated and bell sleeves! I am feeling super girlie in this top. Too bad it was like 20 degrees and snow flurries kept popping up while taking pics! I may retake them on a sunshiny day to better reflect how I am feeling about this top.

The Pamela Top, Tunic, and Dress pattern includes the following:

• 3 Bodice Options: regular, FBA, and maternity
• 4 Bodice Lengths: crop, top, tunic and dress (short and long)
• 2 Sleeve Options: pleat or bell/bishop
• 4 Sleeve Lengths: sleeveless, short, 3/4 or long
• 3 Neckline Options: scoop, square or sweetheart
• Sizes XXS – 5X (see the last images for yardage and size chart)

I ordered this fabric from Sew Blessed. It is brushed poly and such a pretty shade of pink. I adore the colorful poppies. I adore all poppies. Poppies remind me of my granny. She shared her poppy seeds with me when I moved into my first place as an adult. I planted the poppies around my porch. I lived there for years enjoying the beautiful poppies. My granny passed and a year later, I bought her house. The backyard, just under the windows, is a bed of poppies…my granny’s poppies. I enjoy them every spring.

I made the 4x with the included FBA graded to a 5x. This is drafted as a slimmer fitting pattern, but I didn’t find it clingy. I choose to make the 3/4 quarter length pleated sleeves. I immediately said a prayer when I opted to make the Sweetheart neckline. Actually, I cut it first because I knew I wasn’t willing to throw this fabric out and quit on the neckline. I can actually say sewing it wasn’t totally dreadful, but it took a bit of time. You should 100% baste the neckband in place first! My sewing machine eats DBP like it is the best snack ever… yes even with a new needle. I ended up sewing with tissue paper between my needle plate and fabric. It really did help! I had read about that technique before, but hadn’t tried it. So here is proof that it works!

Come on in, take a look around this little house!

Do you love all the options included with Pamela? Which one will you make first?

Here is my afflink and I thank you for purchasing the patterns while on sale!

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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.

Love Notions – Forte Top

I made the Forte Tunic back in late November when I was down with the cooties. I finally have taken photos of it and am able to share. What I didn’t know was that Love Notions was putting their entire website on sale for the new year. So before we get much farther, this awesome pattern is on sale for 30% off which makes it only $7.00!

I swear this sunset is real, even though it looks too perfectly blended and beautiful.

I sewed up View A. The gathered skirt peplum style is always a favorite of mine as I like to conceal my stomach. I did add 2 inches to the length of the bodice because I prefer a little extra coverage. I also wish I would have add an extra inch to the flounce. I used the 4x with the included FBA and graded out to the 5x.  I picked the short sleeve option with the flounce. This is the scoop neck version. I love it! I love that Love Notions has recently expanded to 5x on their size chart and now I am included!!!

In other exciting news, I was recently invited to become a part of the Love Notions team as a Brand Ambassador. It always feels super amazing to be recognized in a community with literally THOUSANDS of other great options! You will see a whole lotta LN in the upcoming year because I really do like their style!

This pattern is rated for confident beginners. I love that the Love Notions team is great at explaining the options and how to sew your best garment! Here is all that is included with just this one pattern!!

• 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.

So if you love the Forte top as much as I do, please use my affiliate link to take advanatge of this huge 30% off sale! This is my link.

Dotty Mini Purse – Last Day!

World’s Longest Sew Along!

Holy Cow, Gang! I have been sick. Day after day in bed, A few doctor visits, a couple medications, an allergic reaction to said medication, Ugg The cycle is never ending! Before this post was even posted I was blind sided by an awesome migraine in the middle of grocery shopping.

Anyhow, enough whining and back to our regularly scheduled sewing!

Video number 3. Let’s learn how to shorten a zipper, create and install the zipper placket and race towards a finish!

 

 I did figure out how to merge the two videos into one video and after doing so, the program wanted to charge me 50 bucks… ummm not today buddy!

Let’s bind those raw edges for a finish!

Be sure to check out my last two posts for info on picking up the pattern.

LET’S ANNOUNCE WINNER’S

Marie Biswell

Ashwini

Sobana

I will be emailing all three of our winner’s and getting them set up with their free pattern!! Thank you so much for everyone who hung in there while I was unable to sit up and sew. I will be back soon with another sew along in the not too distant future!

I hope you are all in great health and sewing along. Please share your makes with me!

Dotty Mini Purse Day 3

How are your purses coming along? They are pretty fun aren’t there?

Today’s video will show you how to finish up your outer bag assemble and basting in your lining! It is finally taking shape!

I have our third video up and running and you will want to check it out!

 

Have you picked up the pattern yet?

Here are those links. You can use either one.

Etsy Shop Link

Website Link

Did you know You can also follow along with the Sew Along and enter the raffles for a chance to win a free copy of the pattern! Just read to the bottom of this page and enter the rafflecopter. I have 3 PDF patterns to give away to my readers.

Now sign up to win a free pattern by clicking below!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

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Dotty Mini Purse Sew Along Day 2

Welcome Back!

Today is the second day of sewing along with me. I will show you how to quilt your outer panels for your bag and attach the side panels. I also assembled the bag lining and cut bias binding for the finished top edge. Here is the video of today’s progress.

 

Here are those links. You can use either one.

Etsy Shop Link

Website Link

If you still need the day one video… Here is a link!

Day 1 of the Sew Along

____________________________________________________________________________________________

And the RAFFLE— Keep Reading!

Did you know You can also follow along with the Sew Along and enter the raffles for a chance to win a free copy of the pattern! Just read to the bottom of this page and enter the rafflecopter. I have 3 PDF patterns to give away to my readers. If you already own the pattern and you become the winner, You can select any pattern from the Chezvies shop!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

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