Sew September with Finch Fabrics

Happy National Sewing Month, Sew Sisters(and brothers too)! I've been busy sewing up some pretty fun stuff for my Lilly-girl using patterns by some great designers and gorgeous fabrics from LA Finch Fabrics! I have been wanting to create a mini capsule wardrobe for my little for a while so I chose a few staple pieces to make and added in some store bought items that were already in her closet and really expanded her wardrobe.

We live in the midwest and it's still pretty hot here. I decided to make things that would work now and with layering, transition into fall.

First-up are the Evie Shorts by Made for Mermaids. This is one of my absolute favorite patterns. I made a denim pair this past spring and she has worn them so much! This time, I made them in a faux leather snakeskin in mamba brown from LA Finch Fabrics. *okay pause because we need to talk about this fabric for a sec.* Um this fabric is so amazingly soft. When I got it in the mail I couldn't stop touching it and I proceeded to probably annoy my husband by making him touch it while I raved about it. Ha Ha! It is backed with apparel suede, hence the softness. I was a bit nervous that it might be hard to work with, but it wasn't too difficult. Just a little slippery. As long as you pin (or in my case wonderclip) well it stays put. For pressing, I turned my iron down and used a pressing cloth and it worked out well. The texture and the sheen just make everything you make with it look so luxurious. Anyway, there is also a pant version included in the Evie pattern as well as optional suspenders!

I paired the shorts with a sleeveless peplum top that I made using the Ayda pattern by The Simple Life Pattern company. I guess i'm a creature of habit, because this is another pattern I've used a few times, but I just love Ayda and I am totally crazy about circle skirts. I used a gorgeous pink coral lace, also from LA Finch Fabrics, for this top. The floral print of the lace is so pretty and I think that coral can be a perfect transitional color from summer to fall.

I also paired the Ayda top with a pair of jeans and I made The Phresh Blazer by Winter Wear Designs to top it all off. I have been dreaming of making this blazer all summer and I am so thrilled about the result. I made myself wait until it was closer to fall so that she didn't outgrow it too fast. It looks so good in that faux leather! This was my first time using a WWD pattern and it won't be the last. There are some other sleeve options available, so I think I will need to try those out as well. There is a sew-a-long starting up on the 16th for the women's version of this pattern, maybe I should go for a Mommy & Me look here! Anyway how pretty are those ruffles? She looks like such a little fashionista!

Oh, and I also paired the shorts with a simple denim pearl-snap button down...

...and also added a faux fur vest! I think this get-up will be really cute with cable knit tights and lace-up boots too....

I was so in love with the faux leather, that I went a little crazy and sewed all the things! I have another item made-up that I can't wait to share with you all when the pattern is out of testing. I even have plans for the scraps. Hair-bows...baby moccs for my little guy...pockets and little accents on everything. Indeed.

Yay! So, now Lilly has the perfect mini capsule wardrobe. I've been thinking of lots of other combinations and other simple things to add-in to make it stretch even a little further. Hopefully, I've helped to fuel your sew- jo!

Where to buy:

Fabric: www.lafinchfabrics.com
LA Finch is having a ONE year anniversary sale so you get lots of goodies for a great price!

Patterns:
M4M Evie Shorts- www.madeformermaids,com/evie/?affiliates=12743
SLPco Ayda Top-http://thesimplelifecompany.com/aydas-v-back-peplum-top-dress-with-sleeves-pdf-sewing-patterns-for-girls-sizes-2t-12/
WWD Phresh Blazer-https://www.winterweardesigns.com/products/phresh-blazer-for-girls-size-1-14

Patterns for Pirates:Tiny Timeless

I recently tested the new Tiny Timeless pattern by Patterns for Pirates. Yay! It is a super cute pattern for wovens and it is full of options. Guess what? I used more of my Magic stash and I really couldn't be happier with how this little tunic turned out.

I made this version with the curved hem in tunic length with short sleeves. It can also be made as a top or dress, sleeveless, or with 3/4 length or long sleeves. It's still going to be warm here for a bit, so I though the short sleeves would be a good choice. We can always add a cardi or jean jacket when it finally does cool down.

The back has a sweet and simple button loop closure. I used a big wooden button, well because I love them! Lilly says her new top is comfy and loves the mermaids, narwhals, and shimmery gold stars. She has already worn it to school and much to my surprise, she didn't get paint or spaghetti on it!

Tiny Timeless can be made from size 3 months up to 14.  You can also get the grown-up version, The Timeless Tunic and make something for yourself ! There is special bundle pricing if you buy both patterns too!

JL Patterns: Meraki Dress

I was thrilled at the chance to be able to test JLPatterns' debut pattern; The Meraki Dress. This designer really poured her heart into this design and the end result is just beautiful. The name of the pattern says it all. I can really relate to that feeling of passion and putting everything you've got into a piece of creative work.

I love the unique design elements in the Meraki! The sweet empire waist and the ruffles on the bodice are just so pretty. The real star of the show is that back. It is definitely my favorite part. I couldn't stop taking pictures of it, I like how the top of the front bodice curves and wraps around the back of the neck. This pattern would be perfect for special occasion dresses and I love the idea of customizing it to fit my daughter's birthday theme! 

I was really happy that I was able to get such a perfect fit the first time I made a dress with this pattern. Especially, because I used some of my favorite fabric to make it. Just in case you have been living under a rock, the skirt fabric is from the new Magic collection by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller. I am crazy for everything she puts out, but this fabric is just amazing. I can't wait to get my hands on some more. Lilly will just have an entire wardrobe all made in Magic.

The pattern is set to release at the end of the week, so be sure to join the facebook group so that you can get it when it becomes available. I am so excited to see what the future holds for JLPatterns. If this is her first pattern, I can only imagine what she will come up with next!

Thanks for reading,
Christina

The Kosmos Dress by The Eli Monster

I was psyched to get the opportunity to test The Kosmos Dress by The Eli Monster last week. We all have a fascination with outer space in this house. My big boy just got a telescope for his birthday and we love to talk about the stars and what makes each planet special. When I saw the Sun and Moon on that dress I knew it would be a winner!

I love the unique design of this dress, especially the curve of the neckline and integrated cap sleeve. It was a little out of the norm of what I usually make and I think that made it even more special for my daughter. She calls it her "Purple Planet Dress". Does anyone else have a kid that LOVES  Peg + Cat? Such a cute show. We stopped by a little candy shop downtown before we did these pictures and she was excited to try rock candy for the first time.

 Anyway, it's a great pattern and a fairly quick sew. There is an option to make really cool circular pockets that you can see if you check out some of the other testers' versions. There is a lot of opportunity to get creative with this pattern. I loved the Mod feel of those big circles and I really want to make another version with black and white.

The Kosmos Dress is on sale now through September 8th for $7.  I hope I gave you a little inspiration and that you will love this pattern as much as I do!

Thanks for reading,

Christina

SLPco Back to School Blog Tour: It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Back to School: Holiday Concerts

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Back to school! I'm sure you've been working on creating some stellar back to school wardrobes. Although it might still seem a little far off, it might be a good idea to add outfits for those holiday concerts and shows to your list for back to school sewing.

My daughter is starting her first year of pre-k in a couple of weeks. She is a very hands-on kind of girl and she doesn't mind getting messy. I am anticipating/accepting the fact that she will not be wearing mama made most of the time. Instead, I have decided to create some outfits and dresses for certain special school events throughout the year.

The school puts on a cute little holiday performance just before Christmas break each year, so I knew that a dress for her to wear for that would need to be on my list. I was given a couple yards of plaid red flannel a while back and I knew it would be perfect for the holiday dress ideas dancing in my head.  I have loved the sort of "fancy flannel" style that has been popping up when the weather turns cold over the past couple of years. I used the long sleeved version of SLPco's Ayda to give a nod to the classic flannel button down. The dramatic v-back of the bodice in combination with the lace trim and tulle underskirts give it the fancy twist I was trying to replicate in my own way.

Ayda is such a good and highly versatile pattern. It's loaded with options and will now be my go to fancy dress. Believe it or not, this was my first time doing a circle skirt and I absolutely love the way it looks. It was so easy to sew and I adore the amazing twirl factor!

I can just see her now, dancing and singing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"in her raspy little voice wearing the dress I made for her. I hope I was able to give you some ideas for your back to school sewing! Be sure to enter the giveaways below for a chance to win some great prizes! Please join us for the rest of the tour for more back to school inspiration, SLPco style!

Thanks for Reading!
Christina

August 14th - Simple Life Pattern Company Kick-Off

August 15th - Adventures with Bubba and Bug - Sew E-Notional

August 16th - SewSophieLynn - Handcrafted by RED

August 17th - Phat Quarters - Pear Berry Lane

August 18th - SewJourners - Sweet Red Poppy

August 19th - Sew and Tell Project - Paisley Roots

August 20th - Simple Life Pattern Company Tour Wrap-Up

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

An InLinkz Link-up

JillyAtlanta: Melbourne Romper for One Thimble!

I recently was lucky enough to have the chance to test The Melbourne Romper pattern by JillyAtlanta. I have followed her and admired her patterns for a while, but I hadn't had the chance to try one until now. I was really impressed by the pattern and I am excited to try more from JillyAtlanta!

The Melbourne works beautifully for both boys and girls and can be made from size 3-6 months all the way to size 4! Yay! I was thrilled that I could make this style for my tall three year old. There are three strap options including halter, cross-back, or cross-back with flutters. I made both of the cross back versions, but the halter is next on my list. The straps are made with three button holes so that the romper can grow with your child. The tutorial instructions are clear and thorough. I didn't have to go back an re-read which made for a faster sew. It's a great pattern and it's one that I can see myself making again and again.

For my first romper I made the cross strap version and layered it over a little t-shirt. The bib is perfect for highlighting your favorite fabric. I used the sweetest print from Sharron Holland's Sketchbook collection. I embellished some of the flowers in the print with some hand embroidery. I am very new to hand embroidery, but I really enjoy it.I also added some mustard crochet trim and a large wooden button to keep with the natural feel of it all. I used this really great ombre fabric that went from a light dusty pink on the straps into a deep maroon shade for the rest of the romper.

I decided to give the flutter straps a try for the second romper. I used Wild Carrot in tangerine by Michael Miller for the entire thing this time. I've had this stashed away for a couple of years and i'm so glad I pulled it out! I think it turned out just darling. It has been perfect for these last long hot summer days. I love how it looks paired with her favorite cowboy boots! I can totally see it with a jean jacket and boot socks in the early fall.

The Melbourne Romper will be available in Issue 12 of One Thimble Magazine that releases this Friday, August 12th! You can also buy the pattern individually through One Thimble's website

Pretty Flutters

Thanks for reading!
Christina

Sewn Grown: How We've Grown Through Pattern Testing

I have been madly in love with sewing for the past few years. When I started testing patterns this year, that love was brought to the next level. I have had so much fun making bazillions of beautiful pieces of one of a kind clothing for my kids. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to try out so many different designer's patterns and work with some seriously talented people! I have learned and grown a lot throughout the past year. I really like to challenge myself in as many ways as possible in all aspects of my life. If something makes me uncomfortable, I force myself to do it until I get it right even if I embarrass myself sometimes!

 I have really been focusing on my photography skills and trying new sewing techniques. Testing has given me more opportunities to try out new techniques and really forces me out of my comfort zone. I have had my DSLR in my hands almost as much as my fabric and i'm always working hard at learning how to use it. My husband has much more experience in that field, but I feel it is important for me to learn and take my own photos for tests. I have found yet another hobby that i'm super passionate about and i'm thrilled that I get to practice both photography and sewing through testing.

I am obviously not the only person involved when I am testing a pattern. My little lady and sometimes my little boys are my models and are very important to the process. I've noticed a lot of changes in my daughter in particular during our adventures in testing this year. Every morning, she wakes up and runs to check the dress form for something new. I don't always deliver, but when I do she asks, "Can we do pictures today, Mama?" in her sweet raspy voice. She knows that we always go out for pictures when I finish a project and she's really grown to enjoy it. She knows what i'm looking for now as she does her "poses". I really can't believe how good she has become at modeling her Mama Made. She has grown so much. Recently, I have been making her several things per week and this enables me to see exactly how much she has grown and changed. I have to measure her pretty often to be sure that we are testing the appropriate sizes. I see those measurements slowly creeping up. I've seen her chubby cheeks start to slim down and her last remaining toddler-like features almost disappear. I've noticed other changes in her as well. Her self-confidence has grown and she has developed her own style already. She knows what she likes and she loves to help me pick out fabric.  I've documented it all. It's written down in my notebooks and it's in all of the many photos I have taken of her. It's a little heartbreaking to be honest. Taylor Swift's "Never Grow Up" plays in my head while she twirls and gathers rocks for her "rock election" as I snap hundreds of pictures. Sigh.

Anyway, testing patterns is a pretty sweet gig. I hope to keep it up and to keep learning and trying my best to appreciate the unique perspective I have watching my little ones grow.