Since summer is upon us, Ella really needed some new t-shirts. Personally, I'm not always a fan of a basic, boxy tee on girls, so I was excited to discover the Vintage V-Neck pattern.
Showing posts with label Sew Like My Mom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sew Like My Mom. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
How to Add Ruching to a T-Shirt Hem
Recently, I sewed Ella a new casual, summer outfit using the Vintage V-Neck pattern by Blank Slate Patterns (affiliate links) and the free Sycamore Shorts pattern by Sew Like My Mom. Both patterns were quick to sew and the end results made Ella (and me) very happy!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I am a Contributor to the blog, Melly Sews, and was provided the shirt pattern and compensated for writing a post about the pattern. I was also provided some fabrics for use in a project of my choosing. All opinions stated in this post are honest and my own.
Since summer is upon us, Ella really needed some new t-shirts. Personally, I'm not always a fan of a basic, boxy tee on girls, so I was excited to discover the Vintage V-Neck pattern.
Since summer is upon us, Ella really needed some new t-shirts. Personally, I'm not always a fan of a basic, boxy tee on girls, so I was excited to discover the Vintage V-Neck pattern.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Posey Tunic and Peony Leggings--Great New Patterns!
Last week, I participated in a pattern test for two new designs from Sew Like My Mom. If you follow my blog, then you already know I am a huge fan of Melissa's patterns. I was so excited to try out the Posey Tunic and Peony Leggings patterns, that I sewed despite some serious neck and shoulder pain that I had been experiencing for several days, and the results were well worth it!
Check out this adorable knit outfit!
Disclosure: I was provided the two patterns for free in exchange for my participation in the testing of the patterns. All opinions are 100% my own.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Day 3 of the sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour!
It's Day 3 of my sewVery Sunny Pattern Tour! Yipee! I've got lots more Sunny goodness to share with you!
My first guest is a fellow pattern designer whom I admire. In fact, I've sewn most of her designs for Ella! Melissa of Sew Like My Mom somehow manages to run her pattern design business, blog, and a couple of other jobs all while raising 4 adorable kids! Even with that hectic schedule, she managed to make time to help me not only test my pattern design but also be a part of my tour! Please be sure to visit Sew Like My Mom to see more of the precious Option A Sunny Dress she made for her daughter!
Next up is Sara of Made by Sara.
My first guest is a fellow pattern designer whom I admire. In fact, I've sewn most of her designs for Ella! Melissa of Sew Like My Mom somehow manages to run her pattern design business, blog, and a couple of other jobs all while raising 4 adorable kids! Even with that hectic schedule, she managed to make time to help me not only test my pattern design but also be a part of my tour! Please be sure to visit Sew Like My Mom to see more of the precious Option A Sunny Dress she made for her daughter!
Next up is Sara of Made by Sara.
Friday, May 9, 2014
I'm Wild About This Dress!
Seriously! I'm absolutely wild about this dress! It's one of those projects that just fell together perfectly, and as a bonus, it was super easy to sew! Ella and I call it the Busy Lizzy Zebra Dress.
I'm not sure what it is lately, but Ella and I both are drawn to zebra fabrics! Remember this Darling Daisy Top I made her a few weeks ago? Well, it had zebras on it, too! We bought both zebra fabrics at The Fabric Studio, a new fabric store in town. This hot pink, large zebra head version is called Zahara by Alexander Henry fabrics. I had admired this large print zebra fabric on multiple occasions to the shop, but I couldn't quite decide which project would be ideal to use it on. Then I saw Susan from Living with Punks version of the Busy Lizzy dress and knew instantly that the zebras would work!
I'm not sure what it is lately, but Ella and I both are drawn to zebra fabrics! Remember this Darling Daisy Top I made her a few weeks ago? Well, it had zebras on it, too! We bought both zebra fabrics at The Fabric Studio, a new fabric store in town. This hot pink, large zebra head version is called Zahara by Alexander Henry fabrics. I had admired this large print zebra fabric on multiple occasions to the shop, but I couldn't quite decide which project would be ideal to use it on. Then I saw Susan from Living with Punks version of the Busy Lizzy dress and knew instantly that the zebras would work!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Surprise! Pattern Tour for Sew Like My Mom + New Pattern Sneak Peek
Blogging and sewing have blessed me with an amazing gift of friendship and community. Honestly, I've never experienced anything quite like it. Today, a group of friends (myself included) decided to throw Sew Like My Mom a Surprise Pattern Tour because we think she (and her patterns) are pretty awesome!
I had a conflict with the actual posting date for the Surprise Pattern Tour, so my new Sew Like My Mom look is being shared a couple of days late. If you click the sewVery link in the pattern tour list above, it will show you one of the previous Sew Like My Mom creations that I've made--the Darling Daisy top. I've also sewn up the Busy Lizzy Dress, and after seeing some of the short sleeved and sleeveless versions my friends have made as part of the tour, I now need to make Ella one, too!
Today, I'm showing you the new Darling Daisy top I made Ella and an exclusive sneak peek at Melissa's soon-to-be-released Oakley Shorts & Capris pattern (she is just now releasing it to testers).
I had a conflict with the actual posting date for the Surprise Pattern Tour, so my new Sew Like My Mom look is being shared a couple of days late. If you click the sewVery link in the pattern tour list above, it will show you one of the previous Sew Like My Mom creations that I've made--the Darling Daisy top. I've also sewn up the Busy Lizzy Dress, and after seeing some of the short sleeved and sleeveless versions my friends have made as part of the tour, I now need to make Ella one, too!
Today, I'm showing you the new Darling Daisy top I made Ella and an exclusive sneak peek at Melissa's soon-to-be-released Oakley Shorts & Capris pattern (she is just now releasing it to testers).
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Tote Bags for Charity + Giveaway
Recently, a friend of mine, Melissa at Sew Like My Mom, blogged about a post she recently read that really moved her. The post was about a breast cancer survivor who is wanting to help make a difference to others dealing with the disease.
While I have never walked this path myself or had a close relationship with someone who has, I've had to go for follow up mammograms with the fear that my life could change in an instant. I've also had relatives who have endured this disease--some have conquered it and others have not.
So if I can help one survivor brighten the lives of a few more brave women who are battling breast cancer, then I will try!
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| image from www.clipartsmart.com |
The woman in the post that Melissa shared is named MJ, and her story and mission is to help at least 100 other women (wow! that sounds like such a big number, but in reality, I know it's not) begin their battle with something given out of love, hope, and support.
MJ is asking for people to help her cause by donating 100 hand sewn tote bags by Mother's Day, and Melissa has offered to donate one of her patterns from Sew Like My Mom to those of you who make 5 bags and then send her picture proof.
To read all about MJ's mission, click HERE.
To read how Melissa is encouraging everyone in the sewing community to help, click HERE.
I was touched by not only MJ's story, but also by Melissa's willingness to help a stranger achieve her goal, too.
I've made my 5 bags using a fat quarter bundle and some scraps of Joel Dewberry's True Colors collection by Free Spirit Fabrics. If you know me, then you know Joel Dewberry is one of my favorite fabric designers, and I hope that these beautiful prints and bright colors will bring a smile and a sense of hope to women who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
MJ only asked for bags to be donated, but I've decided I want to include a small note in each bag to let those women know that I am praying for them and that I care, too. I cannot imagine what they are about to endure, and quite honestly, I hope I never have to.
I also asked that Melissa please pass the pattern on to one of my followers instead of giving it to me. She generously offered up a total of three patterns from her shop that are now up for grabs as part of a Thank You giveaway I am hosting. To read the details of the giveaway and to enter, click HERE.
I hope you'll consider making a few bags and helping out this brave woman, MJ.
Have fun sewing!
Friday, January 24, 2014
The Busy Lizzy Dress
In the last couple of weeks, I've made Ella two new dresses that have become my absolute favorites (and hers, too, I might add)! The first is the Busy Lizzy Dress and Top Pattern by Sew Like My Mom. The second dress I'll show you in a couple of days!
Melissa, the designer of the pattern, sent it to me several weeks ago to try out. It was a quick sew with such amazing results that I wish I hadn't put it off as long as I did!
For Ella's long sleeve version of the Busy Lizzy Dress, I wanted to make it using some black chambray fabric I had purchased a while ago. The bad thing is, I only had a yard of it which was not enough to cut out the entire dress. I tried folding the fabric this way and that and placing the pattern pieces on it, but no way could I make it work.
I then found this brightly colored fat quarter I purchased in Utah last September when I attended the Sewing Summit. I thought it paired perfectly with the black chambray, and since the fat quarter was wide enough to accommodate the bottom width of the back of the dress, I pieced it with the chambray to make up the entire back.
I absolutely love what resulted!
Another slight modification that I made was to omit the bias trim at the hem. I really liked the drape of the chambray and the clean, modest look of the dress from the front without the added white at the hem. Plus, it was easier to just turn up the fabric and hem it!
In addition to the bias trim detail, the dress features a single inverted pleat in the center front and gathered sleeves at both the shoulders and the cuff. Plus it has inseam pockets which Ella was very pleased to discover.
The back has a simple v-notch button closure that makes sewing this dress together a cinch! Ella loves the sparkly black button we used on the back, and I just extended out my bias tape to form a loop for the closure.
Ella couldn't wait to wear the dress when I finished it! That's always a good sign, and even better that it is a perfect fit! I made her the size 6 dress based her on chest and height measurements compared to the sizing chart in the pattern. The sleeves were even the perfect length with no modifications! Wish I could say the same for the tights she is wearing!
Ella has already worn the dress two or three times in the last week and a half, so I am already planning to make her another one. I liked the chambray so much that I picked up some in blue at Joann's last week. Now I just need to decide if I want to color block it with an interesting print of make it all solid. Decisions, decisions!
I've now tried both the Darling Daisy Dress Pattern and the Busy Lizzy Dress and Top Pattern by Sew Like My Mom, and I highly recommend them both! We'll be adding a few more of both to Ella's wardrobe for the spring and summer for sure!
Thanks for stopping by today, and have fun sewing!
Melissa, the designer of the pattern, sent it to me several weeks ago to try out. It was a quick sew with such amazing results that I wish I hadn't put it off as long as I did!
For Ella's long sleeve version of the Busy Lizzy Dress, I wanted to make it using some black chambray fabric I had purchased a while ago. The bad thing is, I only had a yard of it which was not enough to cut out the entire dress. I tried folding the fabric this way and that and placing the pattern pieces on it, but no way could I make it work.
I then found this brightly colored fat quarter I purchased in Utah last September when I attended the Sewing Summit. I thought it paired perfectly with the black chambray, and since the fat quarter was wide enough to accommodate the bottom width of the back of the dress, I pieced it with the chambray to make up the entire back.
I absolutely love what resulted!
Another slight modification that I made was to omit the bias trim at the hem. I really liked the drape of the chambray and the clean, modest look of the dress from the front without the added white at the hem. Plus, it was easier to just turn up the fabric and hem it!
In addition to the bias trim detail, the dress features a single inverted pleat in the center front and gathered sleeves at both the shoulders and the cuff. Plus it has inseam pockets which Ella was very pleased to discover.
The back has a simple v-notch button closure that makes sewing this dress together a cinch! Ella loves the sparkly black button we used on the back, and I just extended out my bias tape to form a loop for the closure.
Ella couldn't wait to wear the dress when I finished it! That's always a good sign, and even better that it is a perfect fit! I made her the size 6 dress based her on chest and height measurements compared to the sizing chart in the pattern. The sleeves were even the perfect length with no modifications! Wish I could say the same for the tights she is wearing!
Ella has already worn the dress two or three times in the last week and a half, so I am already planning to make her another one. I liked the chambray so much that I picked up some in blue at Joann's last week. Now I just need to decide if I want to color block it with an interesting print of make it all solid. Decisions, decisions!
I've now tried both the Darling Daisy Dress Pattern and the Busy Lizzy Dress and Top Pattern by Sew Like My Mom, and I highly recommend them both! We'll be adding a few more of both to Ella's wardrobe for the spring and summer for sure!
Thanks for stopping by today, and have fun sewing!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Snowflakes & Lace Series Wrap-Up
Thanks again to all of our very talented guests this past week who made some terrific projects with lace for our Snowflakes & Lace Series! If you missed any of the posts from my blog or Sewing Mama RaeAnna's blog, please be sure to check them out. All the post links are below.
Now to announce the giveaway winners! Thanks to our generous sponsors shown below, we have three awesome prizes to give away today. Prize Packs 1 and 2 are for US Residents only while Prize Pack 3 is open to all entries (US and International). Winners have been emailed and have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be selected.
Prize pack 1 (US Residents Only)- Lindsay Conner of Lindsay Sews and Craft Buds recently published a quilt book, Modern Bee. She will send the winner a sewing kit that includes fabric, thread, and notions!
Michelle of Handmade Martini will be sending 2.5 yards of vintage lace trim! And Heidi of Elegance & Elephants will send the winner one pdf pattern of their choice from her shop.
Prize Pack 1 Winner: Stacy
Prize pack 2 (US Residents Only)- Brianne of Ali Cat & Co. has a license to sell the Buttercup bags and has an adorable finished bag to send to the winner!
Chelsea of Get Your Crap Together has a great bundle of organization patterns for school! And RaeAnna from Sewing Mama RaeAnna will send 1 yard of vintage lace trim and the winner's choice of either the Bumblebee Dress pdf pattern or the Cupcake Top pdf pattern!
Prize Pack 2 Winner: Carrie
Prize pack 3 - Karly of Paisley Roots will send the Saffron Twirl Dress Pattern! And Hayley of Mouse House Creations will send a pattern of choice to the winner!
Prize Pack 3 Winner: Nicole
Thanks again! Please be sure to let us know what you thought of the series and if you'd like to see it again in the future!
Have fun sewing!
Now to announce the giveaway winners! Thanks to our generous sponsors shown below, we have three awesome prizes to give away today. Prize Packs 1 and 2 are for US Residents only while Prize Pack 3 is open to all entries (US and International). Winners have been emailed and have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be selected.
Prize pack 1 (US Residents Only)- Lindsay Conner of Lindsay Sews and Craft Buds recently published a quilt book, Modern Bee. She will send the winner a sewing kit that includes fabric, thread, and notions!
Michelle of Handmade Martini will be sending 2.5 yards of vintage lace trim! And Heidi of Elegance & Elephants will send the winner one pdf pattern of their choice from her shop.
Prize Pack 1 Winner: Stacy
Prize pack 2 (US Residents Only)- Brianne of Ali Cat & Co. has a license to sell the Buttercup bags and has an adorable finished bag to send to the winner!
Chelsea of Get Your Crap Together has a great bundle of organization patterns for school! And RaeAnna from Sewing Mama RaeAnna will send 1 yard of vintage lace trim and the winner's choice of either the Bumblebee Dress pdf pattern or the Cupcake Top pdf pattern!
Prize Pack 2 Winner: Carrie
Prize pack 3 - Karly of Paisley Roots will send the Saffron Twirl Dress Pattern! And Hayley of Mouse House Creations will send a pattern of choice to the winner!
Prize Pack 3 Winner: Nicole
Thanks again! Please be sure to let us know what you thought of the series and if you'd like to see it again in the future!
Have fun sewing!
Monday, January 13, 2014
Snowflakes & Lace Series Day 1 - Sew Like My Mom
To kick off the Snowflakes & Lace Series co-hosted by Sewing Mama RaeAnna and sewVery, I'd like to introduce you to Melissa from Sew Like My Mom.
Plus, she has ventured into pattern designing and recently released three children's clothing pdf patterns for sale in her Etsy shop: the Darling Daisy Dress, the Busy Lizzy Dress & Shirt, and the Kudzu Coverall & Dress patterns. I've tried out the first two patterns and can honestly say they are outstanding! I just finished the Busy Lizzy dress for Ella--you may have seen a sneak peek of it on my Facebook page. I love, love, love it! Keep your eye out for it on the blog later this month.
Melissa's a good ol' Southern girl like myself. She has four children, which you might think would keep her too busy to do much sewing or blogging, but not Melissa! She's been blogging since 2010 and has created an amazing collection of free tutorials for all sorts of children's and women's clothing, recipes, sewing techniques, and even a category of "fun stuff" projects!
Plus, she has ventured into pattern designing and recently released three children's clothing pdf patterns for sale in her Etsy shop: the Darling Daisy Dress, the Busy Lizzy Dress & Shirt, and the Kudzu Coverall & Dress patterns. I've tried out the first two patterns and can honestly say they are outstanding! I just finished the Busy Lizzy dress for Ella--you may have seen a sneak peek of it on my Facebook page. I love, love, love it! Keep your eye out for it on the blog later this month.
Melissa has put together a terrific project for our Snowflakes & Lace Series--a unique, crochet-racer back dress! I've never seen anything quite like it. To read her entire post on what inspired her to make this and how she did it, head over to her blog, Sew Like My Mom.
Be sure to link up your projects in our link party and enter our giveaway below to win one of three prize packs HERE!
Oh, and don't forget to visit Sewing Mama RaeAnna, too, for her introduction of another series' contributor.
I'll see you back here tomorrow morning for Day 2 of the Snowflakes & Lace Series.
Have fun sewing!
Oh, and don't forget to visit Sewing Mama RaeAnna, too, for her introduction of another series' contributor.
I'll see you back here tomorrow morning for Day 2 of the Snowflakes & Lace Series.
Have fun sewing!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Darling Daisy Top and Ruched Edge Shorts + Giveaway
My friend, Melissa, from the blog Sew Like My Mom has dipped her toe into the pdf pattern design making pool and developed the Darling Daisy Dress Pattern. This is one that you'll definitely want to own.
When the pattern first debuted a few weeks ago, I knew this style would be perfect for my very active little one to wear for play dates in the hot, southern sun! I'm so glad that Melissa offered to let me try out her new pattern!
I had every intention of making a two-tiered dress for Ella, but after I attached the first tier and had her try it on for fit, I fell in love with it as a top! I decided instead to just hem the bottom and then make her a cute pair of matching shorts with the fabric I planned to use for the bottom tier.
Let me just say I am in love with this outfit! The Darling Daisy Dress Pattern couldn't be simpler, and because of the different tiers, you can obviously make a variety of looks like a top, a dress, or even a maxi dress with this one pattern! Melissa's technique for adding the ruched neckband was a cinch, and resulted in the perfect fit!
For the top above, I used the sizing chart as my guide to compare to Ella's measurements and decided to go with a size 6.
The bodice of this top could easily be monogrammed for a personal touch or embellished with buttons like I added. Since the front and back are identical, the buttons also help make it easy for Ella to know the front from the back when she is getting dressed by herself.
For the shorts, I used a basic Butterick shorts pattern (Butterick B4503 View E) that I have used many times before when I want to jazz up a design. For instance, I've used this several times with my Scalloped Edge Shorts Tutorial!
I cut out the fabric according to the shorts pattern (but did shorten them a little at the shorten/lengthen line) and assembled them per the pattern instructions. I then decided to add ruching to the edge of the shorts using this simple tutorial I found over at Daisy Chain Creations.
I will be using this tutorial on lots of other pieces (including tops, pants, you name it) in the future for sure!
Don't you think the ruched edging on the shorts ties the outfit together since the neckline of the Darling Daisy Top has that ruched effect?
To make the two pieces look even more like an ensemble, I sewed a matching button on the top of the ruched edging on the shorts. It also add a little pop of color.
And I couldn't be more pleased with the fit of the shorts, too.
If you'd like you hand at making a similar top or maybe an adorable dress using the Darling Daisy Dress Pattern by Sew Like Your Mom, then you are in luck! Melissa has graciously offered up one copy of her pattern for a sewVery reader! Just be sure to enter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks again, Melissa, for providing me with the pattern to try out! Now to find some more cute coordinating fabrics in my stash to make another great summer outfit!
When the pattern first debuted a few weeks ago, I knew this style would be perfect for my very active little one to wear for play dates in the hot, southern sun! I'm so glad that Melissa offered to let me try out her new pattern!
I had every intention of making a two-tiered dress for Ella, but after I attached the first tier and had her try it on for fit, I fell in love with it as a top! I decided instead to just hem the bottom and then make her a cute pair of matching shorts with the fabric I planned to use for the bottom tier.
Let me just say I am in love with this outfit! The Darling Daisy Dress Pattern couldn't be simpler, and because of the different tiers, you can obviously make a variety of looks like a top, a dress, or even a maxi dress with this one pattern! Melissa's technique for adding the ruched neckband was a cinch, and resulted in the perfect fit!
For the top above, I used the sizing chart as my guide to compare to Ella's measurements and decided to go with a size 6.
The bodice of this top could easily be monogrammed for a personal touch or embellished with buttons like I added. Since the front and back are identical, the buttons also help make it easy for Ella to know the front from the back when she is getting dressed by herself.
For the shorts, I used a basic Butterick shorts pattern (Butterick B4503 View E) that I have used many times before when I want to jazz up a design. For instance, I've used this several times with my Scalloped Edge Shorts Tutorial!
I cut out the fabric according to the shorts pattern (but did shorten them a little at the shorten/lengthen line) and assembled them per the pattern instructions. I then decided to add ruching to the edge of the shorts using this simple tutorial I found over at Daisy Chain Creations.
I will be using this tutorial on lots of other pieces (including tops, pants, you name it) in the future for sure!
Don't you think the ruched edging on the shorts ties the outfit together since the neckline of the Darling Daisy Top has that ruched effect?
To make the two pieces look even more like an ensemble, I sewed a matching button on the top of the ruched edging on the shorts. It also add a little pop of color.
And I couldn't be more pleased with the fit of the shorts, too.
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| If you are wondering why Ella looks a little nervous, it's because mosquitoes were after her! |
If you'd like you hand at making a similar top or maybe an adorable dress using the Darling Daisy Dress Pattern by Sew Like Your Mom, then you are in luck! Melissa has graciously offered up one copy of her pattern for a sewVery reader! Just be sure to enter below.
But if you just can't wait until the contest is over and want to get started on your own outfit right away, then grab a copy of the Darling Daisy Dress Pattern in her shop HERE! You'll be glad you did!
Thanks again, Melissa, for providing me with the pattern to try out! Now to find some more cute coordinating fabrics in my stash to make another great summer outfit!
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