ModKid Lexi Peplum Top

If you're like me, you are drawn to patterns that have a stand-out feature or unusual detail.  Seems peek-a-boo backs are one of the popular trends for this Spring and Summer, and the large circular cut-out detail is definitely what caught my attention with the ModKid Lexi Peplum Top Pattern that I recently sewed for Ella.

Bimaa Hoodie and Hosh Pants

If you've followed my blog for a while, then you've seen me use the Bimaa Top and Hosh Pants patterns a few times.  There's a reason for that--they are amazing patterns!  Both are cute, simple designs that can be sewn up in roughly an hour each!

When Sarah, the designer for Lou Bee Clothing patterns, asked me if I wanted to make another Bimaa top for her pattern tour, I could not resist--especially since she just added a hood option to the pattern! Wow! Now you can make the cowl neck, shawl neck, or hooded versions all with one pattern.  That's another plus in my book.

I had fun mixing directions of the stripes when putting together this top, and amazingly, this Bimaa hoodie only took 1 yard of 60" wide 4-way stretch knit fabric!

From my experiences with making the Bimaa twice before (see HERE and HERE for those posts), I decided to cut the sleeves much shorter this time.  I used the size 5T for everything but the length of the sleeves, and for that, I used just a little more than the 3T length.  Next time though, I think I'll have to use the size 6 (which was also just added to the pattern) for the bodice because Ella is growing so fast!

The Bimaa Hoodie was so easy to sew together.  I used my serger to sew everything except the topstitching around the hood!  If you don't have a serger, then you can still make this pattern using your regular machine and stretch or zig zag stitch.

Be sure to check out all the other blogs in the Bimaa Top Pattern Tour.  I promise you will see some incredible versions from all these talented bloggers!

Well, since I made Ella a new Bimaa top, she needed a new pair of pants to go with it, right?  We just bought these sparkly, black boots, and Ella has not wanted to take them off--at all!  So, she needed some skinny jeans that could fit down inside the boots.  I found this animal print denim fabric in my stash and cut out a new pair of Hosh Pants.  An hour later, the pants were done! Bam!

For the Hosh Pants, I used the size 5T, but again, I used a slightly shorter length (more like the 4T).  I definitely recommend comparing the length of a pair of pants that fit your child already to the pattern piece before cutting out your fabric!  You wouldn't want them too short, and if you are like me, I hate to cut things too long and waste fabric, too.

I added a couple of back pockets to the back to make them look more like store bought jeans. They are well camouflaged with this print though!

The pattern calls for an adjustable waistband, but I prefer to just make a regular waistband and insert elastic all the way around.

So, in about 2 hours times, you can make your special little one an all new outfit too!  Just head over to Lou Bee Clothing for these two great patterns--the Bimaa Top and the Hosh Pants!

Or, you can get the Bimaa Top Pattern as part of the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle!  Today is the last day to buy it, so hurry! The sale ends at 8. a.m. EST on Oct. 8th!

If you buy the bundle for $29.95, you'll get 26 patterns, including the Bimaa, all from different designers, and a whole collection of other amazing pdf patterns to make things like kid underwear, a fold over clutch, a women's cape, kid's cardigans, leggings, and more!  Just click the Buy It Now Button!

I am an affiliate for the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle sale, so when you purchase the bundle using this link, I get a percentage of the sale.  Thanks for your support!

And finally, just thought I would "leaf" you with these amusing pictures of my daughter.  This was pretty much my cue that the photo shoot was over!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have fun sewing!

The Junebug Pattern by CINO

If you haven't heard about the Junebug Pattern by Craftiness is Not Optional (CINO), I've put together a quick post just to show you how amazing and versatile it is.

One of my absolute, all-time favorite things I've made my daughter is this Junebug Top.  I love, love, love the colors in the fabric, the matching vintage trim, the piping, and the buttonless placket. Instead of buttons, I used velcro for the closure.  Click HERE to see the original post with a quick tutorial.

Ella has worn this all summer, and sadly, it's starting to get a little snug.  If I had more of this exact fabric, I would make it in a larger size for next year.  Seriously, I love this top that much!  Don't you?

Here's the original dress version I made.  I just love the pop of color on the big buttons, and the cute puffy sleeves give it that classic little girl dress sweetness.

While she has worn this to play in a couple of times, Ella mainly enjoys wearing this for church. To read more about this dress, click HERE.

This post contains affiliate links.  When you purchase the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle through those links, I earn a percentage of the sale.  Thanks so much for your support!

The Junebug Dress and Top Pattern is included in the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle that's up for grabs this week.  You can get 26 terrific patterns all from different designers for just $29.95!  That works out to be roughly $1.15 a pattern!  Have you bought your bundle yet?  If not, you better hurry. The sale only lasts until Oct. 8th at 8. a.m. EST.  Buy it NOW!

Reversible Zippy Hoodie from Kitschy Coo, Ananda Pants from CHOPSTIX, The Sally Dress from Very Shannon, Best Harem Pants from Too Sweets , Notebook Slipcover from Gingercake, Junebug Dress from Craftiness Is Not Optional, Fancy Pants Leggings from Titchy Threads, Skinny Jeans from peek-a-boo, Pajama Eaters from Sew Fearless, Ruffle Dress from Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Go To Cape for Women, Sadie Grace Nightgown from Seamingly Smitten, Vintage V-Neck from Blank Slate Patterns, Zermatt Bow Swing Coat from See Kate Sew, Tumble Tee from imaginegnats, Nituna Jacket from Figgy's, Greenpoint Cardigan from Hey June, Gathers and Giggles Quilt from Sew Much Ado, Billy Car Play Mat and Roll Up from Handmade Therapy, Bimaa Sweater from LouBee Clothing, Candy Carousel Dress from Molly Blossom, Convertible Clutch from LBG Studio , Infinity Sweater from One Girl Circus, Undies Pattern from From the Red Kitchen, Owl Backpack from The Sewing Loft, Ethan Shirt from the Scientific Seamstress


Come back tomorrow to see something else I've made from one of the amazing patterns offered in the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have fun sewing!

Fall & Winter Pattern Sale Starts NOW!

Today's the day!  The Sew Fab Fall and Winter Pattern Bundle Sale starts right now!  These are 26 amazing patterns all for only $29.95!  Wow!  That's just a little more than $1.15 per pattern!

These patterns are all really wonderful!  I know because I've already made at least 5 of them (and some of those multiple times) as shown below.  Keep reading to see who the designers are and what patterns are included in the bundle.  Then please, please, please use my affiliate link by clicking the "Buy the Bundle Here" buttons below to purchase your Sew Fab Pattern Bundle!  Oh, and there are prizes, too!

This post contains affiliate links.  When you purchase the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle through those links, I earn a percentage of the sale.  Thanks so much for your support!

 

 Welcome to the Fall and Winter 2013

Sew Fab e-pattern Sale Event!

Last February was the first ever Sew Fab e-pattern Sale and it was so successful and was so well received that Jenny Yarbrough of The Southern Institute, the creator and administrator of the sale, decided to have more! This sale is bigger and better than the first, with plenty of patterns to get you through the fall and winter (if you live on this side of the hemisphere), and a few warm weather patterns thrown in for those of you who live on the other side of the world. You'll also find more gender neutral patterns for those of you who are sewing for boys. And what about you? Of course there are a few women's patterns thrown in for some selfish sewing too! Over the past several weeks a lot of behind the scenes planning has taken place to bring you this newest bundle of ePatterns from many of the top established and up and coming online sewing pattern designers. The result is a bundle of 26 PDF sewing patterns that you're going to love! For one week only, twenty-six pattern designers have come together to bring you 26 of their best PDF patterns, valued together at well over $2oo.oo, for the incredible price of $29.95!!! That’s over 80% off of the combined retail value! Plus you can enter to win a dream of a giveaway with several prize packages from some of your favorite online fabric shops!

For less than $30.00 you will have a library of resources that you can use over and over again.

The designers that have joined this sale are experts in their craft. Each designer has contributed one of their favorite patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please! Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use.

If you’ve never sewn with a PDF pattern before, let me tell you how great it is! After downloading your pattern instructions and your pattern, you will print out the pattern itself, creating pattern tiles, if you will. Simply tape the tiles together to create the full pattern! At that point you can cut out the size that you need and pin the paper pattern directly to your fabric, or you can trace the pattern size that you need onto sewing paper or tracing paper and cut it out, saving the paper pattern for later when you need to sew another size. Pdf patterns are so convenient because you can print them out as many times as you need!

 

Now for the good stuff... the PATTERNS!

26 amazing ePatterns from 26 well-known and up and coming designers are instantly accessible to you by PDF download upon purchase of the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle. Here are the patterns that you will receive (click on the links below the images for more information about each pattern.):

 

Reversible Zippy Hoodie from Kitschy Coo, Ananda Pants from CHOPSTIX, The Sally Dress from Very Shannon, Best Harem Pants from Too Sweets , Notebook Slipcover from Gingercake, Junebug Dress from Craftiness Is Not Optional, Fancy Pants Leggings from Titchy Threads, Skinny Jeans from peek-a-boo, Pajama Eaters from Sew Fearless, Ruffle Dress from Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Go To Cape for Women, Sadie Grace Nightgown from Seamingly Smitten, Vintage V-Neck from Blank Slate Patterns, Zermatt Bow Swing Coat from See Kate Sew, Tumble Tee from imaginegnats, Nituna Jacket from Figgy's, Greenpoint Cardigan from Hey June, Gathers and Giggles Quilt from Sew Much Ado, Billy Car Play Mat and Roll Up from Handmade Therapy, Bimaa Sweater from LouBee Clothing, Candy Carousel Dress from Molly Blossom, Convertible Clutch from LBG Studio , Infinity Sweater from One Girl Circus, Undies Pattern from From the Red Kitchen, Owl Backpack from The Sewing Loft, Ethan Shirt from the Scientific Seamstress

This Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available for one week and will never be available again! You can purchase the bundle from September 30th at 8 a.m. EST through October 8th at 8 a.m. EST and there will be no late sales offered. Due to the nature of the sale there are no refunds.

You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of 26 PDF sewing patterns from 26 of the best designers out there!

 

And now for The Sew Fab Giveaways!

I'm so excited about these giveaways! Can’t buy the pattern bundle? It’s okay… purchase is not required to enter. Each of these prizes will inspire you in your sewing as well as keep you stocked with what you need for your upcoming projects. There are lots of chances to win and each entry applies to all of the giveaway packages. Just use the Rafflecopter widget below the prize descriptions to enter as many times as you want, no purchase necessary.

#1: $50 Gift Card to Fat Quarter Shop

The Fat Quarter Shop was founded in 2003 by Kimberly Jolly who began her shop as a side business, cutting, packing and shipping right out of her house during evenings and weekends. From the very beginning, she was committed to delivering top-notch service for every single order and customer. You'll still find the same level of service at Fat Quarter Shop, along with an extensive selection of high quality fabrics at great prices.

 

#2: $50 Gift Card to Girl Charlee Fabrics

Girl Charlee Fabrics is your retail and wholesale source for unique knits fabrics at the best price. Browse their wide selection of fabrics and specially select knit specific sewing patterns from independent designers.

 

#3: $50 Gift Card to Modern Yardage

Modern Yardage has a curated team of talented designers who design fabric exclusively for them. They print your fabric on-demand and offer their prints in small, medium, and large scale and as many as 10 different color options. Designs are printed in the standard 44" width on 58" wide, pre washed, 100% cotton quilting weight fabric, and they use the 12" margin to print features about their designers, free projects and patterns for you, and other fun goodies!

 

#4: $50 Gift Card to Michael Levine, Inc.

Located in the heart of the Los Angeles garment and fashion district, Michael Levine, Inc. is one of the Largest fabric retailers and wholesalers in the nation. With two retail outlets and a super stocked warehouse, Michael Levine, Inc. is the place to buy fabric.

 

#5: $50 from Finch Sewing Studio

Finch Sewing Studio provides a curated selection of modern fabrics and cool tools. Our classes are offered in our physical shop in Loudoun County, VA. We offer fun, on-trend classes for beginner and experienced sewists alike. We teach the skills and provide the materials to make beautiful, handmade goods.

 

#6: $50 Gift certificate from Fabricworm

Fabricworm offers a selection of fresh, modern fabrics that you'll love, including organic fabrics and japanese import fabrics.  You'll find children's fabrics, fabric bundles, quilt kits, and free sewing patterns when you visit Fabricworm's shop.  Come by and search their great selection today!

Sign up for the Sew Fab Newsletter to get the latest Sew Fab News! Winners will be announced in the newsletter as well as upcoming sales and other news pertaining to the Sew Fab Sale and the world of pdf patterns. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sew Fab e-Pattern Sale!

Sew Much Inspiration right at your finger tips…

only $29.95!

Get your bundle now!

  *Patterns included in the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle are intended for personal use only. The selling of patterns without designer's permission is prohibited and punishable by law. Please contact individual designers for licensing requirements if you desire to create and sell clothing from patterns that have been purchased through this sale. **For answers concerning sale terms and customer service questions, please see the FAQ page.

Time for Another Sew Fab Pattern Sale!

Please be sure to come back to my blog, sewVery, next week for more info and to purchase the latest Sew Fab Pattern Bundle!

Coming next week...

  For one week only, twenty-six pattern designers will be joining together to combine their best PDF sewing patterns (valued together at over $200.00) and selling them to you for the incredible price of $29.95! That’s over 80% off of the combined retail value!

Grab the bundle when it goes on sale next week and you'll be all set to sew for school and the coming holiday season! You'll have to wait until next week to see which patterns are included in this fall's bundle, but I can tell you right now that you won't be disappointed!

See you bright and early on Monday morning!

 

Scirocco Dress

Hey!  Did you buy the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle that was for sale a few months ago?  Have you tried out all the patterns in the bundle yet?  I'm slowly making my way through them, and I am determined to give pretty much every single one a try eventually.

So far, I've made the Ruby Lou Doll, the Commuter Cowl, the Alex & Anna Summer PJ's, the Modern Folksy Bunny, and now, Figgy's Scirocco Dress!  Five down and thirteen more to go!  Whew!

I actually made the Scirocco Dress right after I bought the pattern bundle, but for some reason or another, I just haven't taken the time to blog about it.  It's an amazing little dress with such a grown up feel to it.  Ella wore it for two days straight at the end of February when we were having freezing weather!  She didn't care.  She thought it was fun and different and great to spin around in!  Here's the first picture I took of her in it.  Look at that attitude!

The first time I saw this pattern, I knew I wanted it, but at the time, I think it was only available in paper form.  I was lazy and didn't want to spend that much money plus shipping on a single pattern, so I waited and waited until I saw it in pdf form for sale in the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle. I'm pretty sure all of Figgy's patterns are now for sale as pdf's, too, and at a fraction of the cost in case you missed the Sew Fab sale.

Anyway, I couldn't wait to make this dress.  I love the unique style of Figgy's patterns and not just for the garment designs, but also for the modern, clean layout and beautifully illustrated and written pattern instructions.  When you make a Figgy's pattern, you will learn something new everytime, and I mean the professional way to sew it.

I wanted to make this dress stand out, so I chose to hem the flounces with a narrow bias trim and sew red piping down the center pleats.  One friend commented that Ella reminds her of a Flamenco dancer wearing this.  Well, she sort of does!

The trickiest part of making this dress was the back bodice.  I had to read through the instructions multiple times and in fact cut out two extra pieces by accident because I thought I had done it wrong the first time!  Once I figured it all out, it was one of those ah-ha moments!

I followed the sizing chart provided in the Scirocco Pattern and based on Ella's measurements chose to make a size 4/5.  Now the only complaint I have is about the fit of the upper bodice.  I've seen several other posts where people have made this dress, and most appear to have the same issue.  The bodice puckers at the sides on the back at the waist, and the reason for this is that the bodice is too long.  If I pinch the should seams up an inch or two, the puckering is gone.  That's a note I'm adding to my pattern instructions as a reminder to shorten the shoulder seam next time I make it!

Have you tried out the Scirocco Dress Pattern by Figgy's?  If so, leave me a comment and tell me what you think of the pattern and/or a link to your blog post about it.  Now, I think it's time to go do some dancing!  Ole!

Thanks for stopping by and please follow along by signing up through Bloglovin below or any of the social media icons in the upper right hand corner of the blog page.

Meet Bella and Lou

I recently purchased the Sew Fab e-pattern bundle, and one of the first things I made was a Ruby Lou doll for my daughter.

The Ruby Lou Doll pattern is by Sew Much Ado and is one of 18 patterns included in the sale (read below how to purchase it along with 17 other patterns).  The pattern was so easy to follow because of the well written instructions and all the information included on the pattern pieces themselves.

I wanted my version to be as cute as the one on the pattern cover, so I laid out several fabric combinations and let Ella choose her favorite.  She picked out fabrics from Anna Marie Horner.  The body of the doll is Clippings in Cherry while the sleeves and one side of the skirt are Buoyancy in Butterberry.  The collar and leggings are Hugs and Kisses in Lime while the reverse side of the skirt is Triflora in Lipstick.

I didn't have any wool felt on hand at the time, so I just used craft felt for the shoes and hair.  I did check on wool felt at the store after I finished the doll, but it is very pricey even for the wool blended variety.  The craft felt seems to be holding up just fine.

To my surprise, when I gave the Ruby Lou doll to my daughter, my son was disappointed that I didn't make one for him.  He's 8 years old, and although he loves stuffed animals still, I had no idea he would have wanted a doll.  I immediately offered up to make him a boy version.

But here's the thing--the Sew Much Ado Ruby Lou Doll pattern only comes with a girl version of the doll!  No problem!

To make the boy version, I simply left off the strands of hair, skirt, the cutouts on the shoes, and eyelashes.  I then drafted a quick jeans pattern and whipped up a pair.  I also drafted a pattern piece to make a hood for the doll's shirt and cut out a couple of extra pieces of fabric to make a kangaroo style pocket on the front of the shirt.

When he's not wearing his jeans, he has on pj's (according to my son).

What I ended up with was this adorable boy doll that made my son's face light up (and my heart melt).  My son named him Lou.

Oh, and I forgot to mention.  Ella named her doll, Bella!  Meet the newest members of our family!

Linking up at these parties as well as others shown here.