Christmas gift blogging in April?

Me Made May – Day 6

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!

If you like the this cardigan, feel free to check it out using my affiliate link.

Has everyone been entering to win free stuff? Click here!

Shop Credits to

Ellie and Mac

Love Notions

5oo4 Patterns 

Stitchin’ Pretties!

Ascent Pull Over – On Sale

The background of these photos are the exact reason this pull over is awesome! The snow means it is cold in Ohio! Not fun! Momma Mia really doesn’t like the cold or the snow, but she loves warm fuzzy clothes! I decided to make the Ascent pull over for her because I hadn’t made the pattern yet, it hasn’t been released in the larger size range, and I knew she would wear it.

I picked out this super fun print while at Joanns. This is Blizzard Fleece and is frequently on sale. Fleece has a bit of stretch for comfort when wearing and turned out to be a perfect fabric for this jacket. The pattern absolutely said to use a thinner knit fabric for the zipper plackets and pockets… I didn’t….I should have. They were difficult to sew because of the thickness of the layers of fleece. Please follow directions…they are written for a reason. I decided to do the solid bodice instead of the color blocked version. Usually when I haven’t sewn a pattern before I go with the most simple version of the pattern. That way I have the least amount of time invested in the project in case it needs some adjustment.

If I make this pattern again I will make a few changes. I will either raise the side pockets up another inch or lengthen the bodice by 2 inches. When the pockets are weighted down, they hang a little below the hem line. I am not sure if this was an error on my part or something else. I guess if I would have top stitched them in place, this wouldn’t have happened. Either way, I am able to remove some of the length from the pocket bag to make them smaller which in turns means they won’t show. Win-Win! The pattern includes a color block options with side panels on the bodice and the sleeves. I choose to add the optional side pockets because all jackets need pocket! Actually, all clothing needs pockets! PS. I used regular zips because I didn’t have invisible zippers on hand in a color that matched.

Included in the pattern are:

• -Sizes XS-XXXL
• -Solid Pullover
• -Optional contrast panels and sleeves
  -Two zipper lengths (9″ or 12″) – 9″ is traditional length, but the 12″ can give you a little bit more room!
  -Optional on-seam pockets with invisible zippers.
  -Breastfeeding option!!! Invisible zippers in the seams for the contrast panels make breastfeeding access quick and easy.

If you like this pattern, you can pick it up while it is on sale for 30% off for 5 out of 4’s anniversary sale! Here is the pattern link for you. 

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Madeleine

I was lucky enough to be a tester for the Rebecca Page Madeleine Maxi Dress. I loved the style as soon as I saw it even though I had no clue where I would actually wear it. I loved that it was a long flowing maxi dress and really loved that it had two different strap options. One of those strap options will even cover real bra straps! Thank you very much!

Madeleine comes with detailed, step by step directions which includes pictures. This pattern is fairly involved and requires some work, but it is so worth it when finished. I was able to use my serger to assemble most of the dress and it took about 8 hours from printing to hemming. Several of the techniques were new to me, but after doing them, I think it will be faster for the next one. I would really love to hack this to a shorter length for a flowy tunic to wear over leggings. Momma Mia also states she wants one.

I would rate this pattern as a confident beginner to intermediate level based on techniques that some people may not be familiar with. The directions are super helpful and if you ever need help the Rebecca Page team is always around.

I used this beautiful Double Brushed Poly that I picked up from Stitchin’ Pretties. This print is called Annella. Aqua and Orange is my favorite color combo so when you add in the pretty floral hints, I become obsessed. I am so glad I had 4 yards of this on hand! Double brushed poly really does have a wonderful drape needed for the full effect of the Grecian look. Be sure to stabilize the neckband and straps though like the instructions say! There is a lot of fabric in this dress so DBP will need the extra support of the interfacing to hold it in place.

Madeleine comes in sizes XXS to 5X. I sewed up the 5x with only height adjusting the skirt portion. I am only 5’1 so this proves that short girls can wear maxi lengths when they are fitted correctly. I hope you give this beautiful dress a try! It is pretty amazing! I also hope you tag me when you make yours. Here are the links to pick up this fabric and this pattern.

Click here for the Madeleine pattern. It is currently on sale for $10.00.

Love my fabric too? Click here to shop for Annella at Stitchin’ Pretties. 

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