Sewing for me

So now that I'm a SAHM, what I decide to wear each day has a lot more possibilities!  And that includes wearing a lot of jeans, not just on Friday.  Which also means that I can wear (and sew) a lot more casual tops in knit.  

I had purchased the Just Add Jeans collection of patterns from Pattern Anthology but never got around to sewing any of them up because it usually takes me forever to make myself an item.  But it turns out these two patterns are pretty quick since they are knit and I can use my serger.

I made this Parisian top with a thin mint sweater knit and used a woven cotton floral for the collar.  My favorite feature is the puff sleeves.  I love it, but next time I think using a sturdier knit would make an even better top.

The other pattern I tried out is this Daytripper Top.  I used a double sided knit with polka dots on one side and stripes on the other.  Anyone else have a heck of a time choosing between dots and stripes?!?!  I've come to the conclusion that I prefer dots, but still added a bit of the stripe in the waistband and shoulder tabs.

I cut a size medium with a longer hem which was a mistake for this heavy and stretchy knit.  So while is is beyond comfortable, it quickly looses shape after wearing it for a few hours.  I've also made the medium in a woven which was still a little big, so I think I could get away with a small.  Though I think this pattern was made to be a little relaxed.  

The most fun part is the addition of pockets in the side seams.  The pockets have already been useful for carrying treats during photo shoots of the kids clothes :)

Overall I would definitely recommend trying these two patterns, but listen to the fabric recommendations!  Can't wait to try the Wildflower top next ~  it's all cut out and ready to be sewn, if the kids ever take a nap that is...

Caroline Party Dresses

I've been meaning to post about these dresses for 2 weeks...actually, I've been meaning to post about several things lately, but life is a moving puzzle right now.  

The biggest change:  I quit my day job as an Environmental Engineer to become a stay at home mom!  I've been working for 10 years and even achieved a professional license, yet I did not enjoy it anymore.  It was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made.

I'm pretty sure it was a smart move :)

The Etsy shop is also what has changed up my blogging pace.  I just can't say no when some one tells me they need a dress for their daughter ASAP for their birthday.  So shop sewing has pushed fun or selfish sewing to the side.  But the girls had to have some new dresses for Easter, right?

Good thing the Caroline Party Dress pattern is super easy though fancy enough for special occasions!    

This pic is different from the rest because it was taken on Easter.  They were super excited to get these dresses and were ready to go find some eggs (and candy)!

The blue dress is a basic Caroline with gathered tulle attached to the lining.  I love how the tulle is between the lining and the dress, so it protects their skin from any tulle itchiness.  The inside lining is an awesome yellow and grey floral that she picked out because yellow is lately her favorite color.  I really regret not adding yellow piping to the dress!

Actually they both picked out their fabrics from my stash - I think they did a great job and the fabric definitely matches their personalities.  

The floral one is a Caroline with peter pan collar and no tulle.  I also made her a couple different sashes to pair with it.  

  

In other minor life changing news:  We got chickens!  For egg laying - two golden comets, an ameraucana, and three silkies that are still itty bitty and not yet in the coop the hubby built.  Life at home sure is busier than expected!  

ROAR shirt

A while back I purchased some fabric that just called to me from the clearance area.  I thought it was beyond awesome to be so discounted, yet I could see why no one would want it.  It's pretty LOUD.

But perfect for this little one.  See, she's obsessed with Katy Perry, particularly her song Roar.  So I knew this fabric would be the perfect "Katy Perry" shirt for her and she loved the fabric when I showed her.

However, she was pretty disappointed when I didn't add Ms. Perry to the shirt itself. ("where's her face mom?!?")  And took some convincing to try it on.  (aka a lollipop)

It drives me crazy when I think I got a sewing home run and then have to hear they won't wear it.  Hopefully in time she'll get over it and love it as much as me!  Or maybe her sister will humor me, cause I love the little shirt and it's attitude.

BTW, the pattern is the Eleanor Dress/Top.  I added a little ruffle band to the bottom on the fly.

Tomorrow will be another day where this shirt will turn into her favorite, but just in case, I better start trying to iron-transfer Katy Perry's face to a tee...

Update:  She loves the shirt and wore it for days!  Though she tells everyone that compliments her on it that mommy messed up and next time Katy Perry will be on it.  

Wee Wander Izzy

Have you seen all the new Wee Wander fabrics?!?!  My favorite collection right now.  I snatched up a few prints as soon as I saw those horses, as the girls are in love with horses.  I'm in love with the bright colors.

I used the prints to test out the Izzy Top pattern before I made the Broken Chevron version.  I learned a bit about how to add the piping (which is neon green!) best and where to put the snap on the tab so the top is snug enough.  This version also never got topstitched along the bodice, which makes the skirt portion poof out a bit more.

I have the coral version of the horse print also, so I plan to make a matching top to avoid any bickering over who gets to wear this :) 

I also picked up the Summer Nights prints, but I may keep that fabric for myself…

Broken Chevron

I was a little disappointed to skip last week's Project Run & Play challenge, but I was thankfully able to finish this week's theme - make your own fabric!  I knew exactly what I wanted to do.  I had less than a yard of navy chevron that has been waiting a year to be broken up and sewn into arrows.  

I didn't come up with this concept on my own.  It was actually inspired by a look Jessica from Craftiness is not Optional made (during the chevron challenge) as part of Project Run & Play's All Star season.  I've been wanting to recreate the wonderful arrow fabric from chevrons ever since.  

It's even more striking in person!  The pattern I used for the tunic is the Izzy Top, a free pattern.  It's a satisfying pattern to make - simple construction with gorgeous results.  The girls are probably going to get a whole spring wardrobe of them (I've already made two more).  

The arrow fabric was time consuming but really relaxing.  Lots of careful cutting and sewing straight lines…followed by pressing open tiny seams.

I used a snap for the back instead of a button.  This is the first time I've used a snap and I love it.  I don't enjoy the stress that comes with making buttonholes!

I finished the bottom with gold bias tape that matches the gold piping along the bodice.  She requested I make some leggings with bows, so I self drafted some with denim knit and added little pearl-like buttons.  I was going to add the buttons down the front of the bodice, but I wanted the design to stay simple to showcase the fabric.  

Check out the other inspiring fabrics the challengers made and vote here!

Ikat Concert Tee

With all the Etsy sewing of kids clothing I've been doing lately, I've yearned for more things to make for myself.  Lucky me, a couple of new pattern packages specifically for women have been released!

One package is available through Pattern Parcel.  It's a fun concept to pay what you want for a bunch of patterns while also supporting charity.  I knew as soon as I bought it that I'd be sewing up Dixy DIY's Summer Concert Tee.

It's a quick and satisfying sew and perfect for a shirt I've been promising my much younger sister in-law.  The cropped front is a little shorter than I expected, but perfect for a college kid who likes to layer.

I used some rayon challis that I've been hoarding and some knit for the neckband, which worked out pretty well.  It's super flowy and the drape is pretty flattering.  I sewed a size up from what I should since it's not for me - I look forward to finding another knit to make myself one!

Purple Penguin Dress

Project Run & Play season 9 has started again and I am officially addicted to sewing along.  It must be the themes.  (Actually, it starts next week, the 24th - I can't believe I not only got the date wrong but actually made something early instead of last minute!!!) They pull me out of sewing funks and give me inspiration from places I would never expect.  The first week's theme is "Put Me In the Zoo", a challenge to design an outfit based on your or your child's favorite animal.  

As you may have figured out, my favorite animal is a penguin.  

A black and white dress like an actual penguin would've been really fun, but the girls are more into color, specifically purple.  So I took the lines of a penguin's shape and played with color blocking instead.

Can you see the subtle sweetheart in the top like a penguin's face, and it's beak?  

The bodice was made from modifying the Cottage Mamma's Party Dress pattern. (free updated pattern for newsletter subscribers!!)

And of course I added wings/flippers/giant pockets!!!

The back is all purple with fun little snowflake buttons.

Finally the bottom band is to mimic feet.  

What does the penguin do???  (waddle waddle waddle)

This was my first experience playing with color blocking.  I hope the trend is not over yet because I'm hooked!  I can't wait to see what the competitors come up with this week - they are a creative bunch!