The Janie Dress & Peplum Top

If you are looking for a quick, easy, and very rewarding sewing project, then look no further! The Janie Dress and Peplum Top Pattern from Mouse House Creations (affiliate links) is the answer.

After recently cleaning out my daughter's closet, I discovered she hardly had a long-sleeved shirt that fit anymore! I immediately thought I needed to sew her a Janie Peplum Top with long-sleeves and a cowl neck. She loves an oversized slouchy collar (remember the Bimma Top?) and anything that gives her an excuse to twirl.

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.

Springtail Sundress Pattern

It's been a l-o-o-o-ng time since I've done any pattern testing, but when Rachael at Imagine Gnats posted a picture of a fresh summer dress pattern she was working on, I jumped at the chance to volunteer to try it out. I was thrilled when she asked me to give her Springtail Sundress Pattern a test run that I ended up making more than once since I liked it so much!

sewVery Sunny Tops Preview

A huge weight has been lifted, and I feel I can relax for a couple of days.  My sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern has been sent to testers! I'm so nervous even though I had the three sizes in the free version tested last month without many issues. So much work goes into creating and preparing a clothing pattern, and even if you have sewn and tested for years, you just don't know how time consuming it is until you try it!

So, while I twiddle my thumbs and anxiously wait to see some finished test versions and receive their feedback on the pattern, I thought I'd share with you some more photos of the sewVery Sunny Tops in Option A (with the neck ruffle) and Option B (without the neck ruffle) of the full pattern.

sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern Call for Testers

First of all, thank you to everyone who has downloaded my FREE sewVery Sunny Dress Pattern! To me, it's been a huge success, and I sincerely hope that everyone who has downloaded it has enjoyed creating a fun, playful dress or two!

I've been working on expanding the sizes offered and including a couple of options for the design, but since it's summer, and I am a mom of two, my time to make these additions has been limited. Also, since this is my very first pattern-for-sale, I'm having to learn quite a few new business related things along the way.  I appreciate your patience!

Before we get to the pattern tester application, I want to share with you a few more pictures of what you will be able to make with the sewVery Sunny Dress & Top Pattern that I hope to have ready for sale later this month.

sewVery Sunny Dress Tester Photos Round-Up

A couple of days ago, I released my first graded digital pdf sewing pattern--for FREE! It's the sewVery Sunny Dress Pattern in Sizes 5, 6, and 7.  Boy, was it a labor of love, but I had so much fun making it that I plan to complete the grading and add a couple of variations to the design.

In order to make sure the pattern pieces were graded properly for a good fit and the tutorial instructions were clear and thorough, I requested the help from a group of ladies via a tester call-out on my sewVery Facebook page.  Didn't they do an amazing job?

Selvage Designs Soleil Dress

I've discovered a unique, new Spring and Summer dress pattern:  the Soleil Dress by Selvage Designs. The moment I saw the sample version of Lauren Dahl's design, I knew I had to have this pattern!  

I met Lauren in person last year at Sewing Summit.  At first I thought she was Rae of Made by Rae!  I'm pretty sure I never told her that!  By the second class we had together (and I think we took a lot of the same classes), we finally introducing ourselves, and I learned her true identity!  I had seen her name all over Facebook in the weeks leading up to Sewing Summit, plus, I have a few friends who had used her services for grading and digitizing their pdf patterns.  I knew she was very talented!

Pattern Anthology Parisian Top

My friends at Pattern Anthology have outdone themselves this time, and I was lucky enough to be a tester for one of the designs--the Parisian Top!

The Parisian Top pattern is a design creation from Andrea at Go To Patterns.  She is one of the four fabulous designers behind Pattern Anthology, and this time, the ladies developed a set of patterns just for women!  It's called Just Add Jeans, and the collection was just released for sale a couple of days ago.

The collection of 4 women's top patterns will be available at a discounted price for just 2 weeks before the designers sell them individually at the pattern's full retail price.  To learn all about the Just Add Jeans collection, be sure to visit the Pattern Anthology website.

Testing for the Parisian Top was a few weeks ago, so I have been enjoying my stylish new top for a while now.  So glad I can finally share it with you all!

This top is made using a sweater knit remnant I bought forever ago at Joann Fabric and Craft Stores, and the collar is sewn from black ponte knit with no interfacing.  The fabrics are so soft and comfy that this has become one of my favorite tops to wear.

The Parisian is so on trend with the peter pan collar, 3/4 length banded sleeves, and loose banded waist. Oh, and it has a few gathers at the top of the sleeve which give it the most perfect feminine touch.

I honestly believe a beginner could sew this with no problems, especially since the Go To Pattern instructions include tons of tips for sewing with knit including how to test the stretch and recovery of your knit fabric.  Also, the diagrams and sketches show you step-by-step how to assemble the top.  Using my serger for almost all of the sewing, I think I finished the top in just over an hour!

It's usually hard for me to finally sew a piece of clothing for myself, but because I'm so happy with the fit of the Parisian, I'll definitely be making a few more for Spring.

Be sure to check out the Pattern Anthology Just Add Jeans collection where you can get the Parisian Top plus 3 other terrific women's top patterns for a steal!

And if you haven't already, be sure to enter my sewVery 1,500+ Facebook Likes--Thank You Giveaway that ends this coming Saturday, March 15th, at midnight!

Have fun sewing!

Triangle Pants

A few weeks ago, I tested See Kate Sew's latest pattern:  the Triangle Pants pattern.  When she first asked if I wanted to test a pattern for her, I agreed sight unseen.  Coming from Kate, I knew it would be great!  (Hey, that rhymes!)

Most of the pictures you see in this post are from the day I made the Triangle Pants and took some quick photos to show Kate the fit, so please don't think that Ella has worn this shirt tucked in with these pants out in public!  

First, the details.  

For Ella's pair of Triangle Pants, I made the size 5 but used the size 6 length. Always check the sizing chart of a new pattern carefully, because there can be slight differences between designers and even patterns from the same designer in regards to fit.  Ella is roughly 46" tall and definitely needed the extra length.

Next, I used a remnant piece of stretch suiting (or it might be a stretch denim) that I bought a long time ago.  I think I had 3/4 of a yard, and it worked out perfectly!  The pockets are a stretch denim while the waistband and ankle bands are made using ribbed knit--all purchased at Joann's.

These pants make me smile!  I just can't help it!  They are so outside the norm of what I would choose to sew or even dress my daughter in, but you know what?  I absolutely love them!

Ella has worn them once to twice a week since this day, and each time she does, someone compliments her on them.  She says they are so comfortable, too, because of the knit waistband and ankle cuffs.

Per the pattern instructions, the Triangle Pants can be made with knit or woven fabrics, but in my opinion, using a woven with a bit of spandex will make these slim fitting pants wear better.

The Triangle Pants literally took me only an hour to sew together.  I'm dying to make her another pair but without the pockets.  Maybe I'll do that after I finish writing this post!

These triangular shaped pockets are definitely hip and modern (something that I'm not so much), and it was fun stepping outside my normal style comfort zone to make them.  These pants have a slightly higher waist and a more relaxed inseam than other skinny jeans/pants I've made, but those design elements contribute to the comfort of the pants making them ideal for active little children.

Plus, the tapered leg and knit band at the bottom make them perfect for wearing with boots!  Come back tomorrow when I will reveal the top half of what has become one of my favorite outfits for Ella to wear!

If you are now as in love with the Triangle Pants pattern as I am, then please go check them out more at See Kate Sew.  You might just decide to purchase your own copy of the Triangle Pants pattern plus a few other unique designs.  

Have fun sewing and see you tomorrow!

Oh, and tomorrow I'll also be the guest curator over at The Daily Sew on Facebook.  I'd love for you to stop by and say hello!  I'll be sharing some fun tutorials and sewing tips while I'm there!

Swing Skirt(s) + Giveaway

When Compagnie M had a call for testers recently, I quickly signed up with the hope that I'd be chosen to help test one of her new patterns in the future.  To my surprise and delight, she chose me to test her lastest pattern--the Swing Skirt!

For the test skirt, I used two different polka dot quilting cottons.  I'm not quite sure this really works together, but I like it and so does my daughter!

The Swing Skirt pattern is a unique, fashion forward design that offers an inverted box pleat down the front and huge side pockets that go from the front to the back.  This gives you ample opportunity to mix up fabrics if you choose and added some piping or other trim to the pockets (although I didn't this time).

The back of the skirt has a zippered closure--but don't let that scare you!  This was the very first invisible zipper I've ever sewn, and it was very easy to do!

I made my daughter the size 5 skirt, and after having her try it on, I discovered it was a little too big in the waist on her.  No big deal!  I ripped out a couple of seams on the waistband, sewed in some buttonholes, and then resewed the seams.  I ran a piece of buttonhole elastic through the casing created between the two buttonholes, and secured each side of the elastic to a button.  Viola! Problem solved and now the skirt has an adjustable waistband and a perfect fit!

Compagnie M's Swing Skirt Pattern includes great photos and detailed instructions on how to make the skirt, plus she provides links to tutorials on her blog on how to sew the zipper and insert an adjustable waistband (although the method I used was something I made up).  The pattern also comes with and without seam allowances!  When I tested the skirt, it did not have seam allowances, and that was an added challenge for me.  I got a little frustrated at times because I am so used to having that automatically added in.

My daughter loves this skirt and has worn it frequently since I made it.

Now moving on to Swing Skirt #2 that I created using the final pattern version for the pattern tour. The only cosmetic difference between the test pattern and the final skirt is the pocket shape, but the difference is so subtle that I doubt you can really tell.  I can't to be honest!

This time, I raided my fabric stash and found two coordinating corduroy fabrics that I thought would be perfect for this fall and winter.

Of course, the second time making this pattern went much faster than the first (partly because I used the pattern pieces with seam allowance already added in), but I love the results just as much!

I debated inserting a zipper at all or just sewing the back skirt seam together and then having a solid back elastic waistband.  I opted to challenge myself with a zipper again, but I didn't have another invisible zipper!  Instead, I used a 5 or 6" zipper that matched the color of the skirt and sewed it in based on my memory of how my mother used to sew in zippers.  I'm not even going to attempt to explain it, but it worked very well!  I'll have to take pictures the next time I use that method and maybe write up a tutorial.

I also added elastic to the back waistband this time, but instead of making it adjustable, I sewed each piece into the seams before tacking down the waistband on the inside.  This produced very nice results.

And while I was cutting out the pocket pieces of the pattern, I realized that the shape reminded me of a purse.  Every little girl needs a purse to carry around her favorite stuffed animal or lip gloss, so I cut out a few extra pocket pieces and whipped up this cute bag to go with Ella's new skirt!  I'll be posting a tutorial on how to make the bag later this week.

In the mean time, please go check out Compagnie M's blog.  She has lots of free patterns plus a couple of other patterns for sale.  In fact, through November 8th, she's offering 10% the purchase of her patterns with code swing10off.  Be sure to check out the details of the sale on her blog here. At that link, you'll also see where she is offering a 25% discount on a bundle pack when you purchase the new Swing Skirt and the new Stella Skirt Patterns at the same time.

Need more convincing that you need this pattern?  Then look at all the other gorgeous versions made by the lovely bloggers on the pattern tour.

And guess what?  Compagnie M is offering up a free copy of the Swing Skirt Pattern to one lucky sewVery reader!  Please enter the giveaway through the rafflecopter widget below.  If you buy the pattern and then happen to win the giveaway, she'll refund your money!  How sweet is that?!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by and have fun sewing!

The Bubblegum Coat Pattern

The fabulous Kate of See Kate Sew recently released an amazing collection of patterns, including the Bubblegum Coat, which I was most fortunate to test for her.

When I agreed to test this pattern for Kate, I had never before attempted to sew a coat or jacket. At first, I was intimidated by the idea of making a long-sleeved, buttoned-up, fully-lined garment, but once I read her pattern instructions, I was surprised at the simplicity of the entire design!

First of all, like all of Kate's other patterns, the illustrations and directions are clear and concise, and the level of detail is outstanding.

I used the sizing chart of the Bubblegum Coat Pattern to determine that my little girl needed the size 6. Ella is only 4 and a half, but she is tall and growing like a weed!  I knew the sleeves would be a little long, but I decided to keep the extra length so that the ends could be turned up to show off the beautiful lining fabric. As an added bonus, I'm sure Ella will be able to wear this coat next year, too!

Speaking of fabrics, the exterior is a wool fabric that I purchased nearly 20 years ago at the Piece Goods Shop (not even sure that chain still exists).  It must have been on sale because I had roughly 6 yards of it, but this project took less than 2 yards of that (it is 60" wide though).  I love the plaid and mix of fall colors!

For the lining, I used Anna Maria Horner's Loulou Thi in Summer Totem Strudel.  This fabric had all the colors used in the plaid, and because of the larger print, worked perfectly for the lining.  Oh, and did I mention that I happened to have 2 yards of it on hand already!  So no shopping for fabric was required to complete this project!

The brown buttons were rescued off a brown corduroy vest that I had purchased at Goodwill for 99 cents last year.  That was definitely worth the investment, plus I still have 4 or 5 buttons left!

The detailing of the coat is what makes it so special.  I love the cute little rounded pockets with a buttoned flap, and the subtle gathers on the front and back at the waist area add a sweet, feminine touch.

I'm already plotting the next Bubblegum Coat that I'll make Ella.  I'm considering a corduroy version or perhaps a lightweight coat made in all quilting cotton fabrics.  Oh, the possibilities!

You know you want the Bubblegum Coat Pattern, so just go buy it at See Kate Sew's Pattern Shop! You'll be glad you did!

Fly Girl Pattern - Version 2

Hello again!  Did I peak your interest yesterday with the promise of revealing my second Fly Girl Pattern Top and a Little Lizard King gift certificate?!  I certainly hope I did!  And I'm here today to deliver.  (In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, yesterday I shared the first Little Lizard King Fly Girl Pattern top that I made.  You can read the review HERE.)

Here it is!  My Fly Girl with a closed back and button closure!  Ta-da!

The first one didn't take too long to make, but the second one always goes together so much faster! I finished this one in about an hour and a half!

With the first Fly Girl top I made, I sewed up a pair of shorts to match.  But this time, I really didn't want to make another pair of shorts.  Lucky for me that I found enough of these fabrics that I used to make Ella a top and matching shorts with last year (she looks so tiny back then).  The shorts still fit, but the old top is now too small.  Now she'll have another cute coordinating outfit with me just doing half the work! Yay!

For Version 2 of the Fly Girl, I chose to use a smaller size since the first one was a little large.  This one is a perfect fit!  The sleeves are just right and the length is short enough to show off more of her shorts but not too short that her belly is exposed.

Here are a couple of quick comparison pics so you can see the difference between the Size 6 Open Back/Bow closure Fly Girl and the Size 4 Closed Back/Button Closure Fly Girl.

My Version 2 of the top has a closed back, and I opted to use the button closure in lieu of the bow. This is definitely my preferred option for the Fly Girl Pattern.

And instead of using elastic for the button loop, I whipped up a quick little tab using a left over piece of bias binding.

I found this giant green button that I've been dying to use on just the right project.  The button looks a little brighter in the photo below, but it really is a great match to the green in the fabric.

I hope you like both of my Fly Girl Tops as much as Ella and I do!  This design is so fun and whimsical and a treat to sew.  Buy your copy of the pattern from the Little Lizard King Shop today!

Be sure to come back on Tuesday for more info on the scalloped edge shorts with pockets that I made to go with the first Fly Girl Top.

But now, onto the giveaway!  Little Lizard King has generously offered up a $35 shop credit to one lucky sewVery reader!  You could pick out a lot of great LLK patterns with that prize!  Here are few of my favorites:

Marilyn Halter Pattern

Retro Glam Skirt Pattern

Roundabout Pattern

(Read about my test version of the Roundabout HERE.)

Seaside Romper Pattern

Just enter through the Rafflecopter widget below for a maximum of 6 entries, and I'll announce the winner next Monday, September 9th, here on the blog and on my sewVery Facebook page. Thanks for stopping by today!  Have a great week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway