P4P Linen Loungers

I’ve been all about the light and flowy garments this summer and early fall. I love when materials are soft (chambray, rayon or poly blends, terry, linen), when garments are comfortable, and when I can look and feel stylish with a simple creation.

The Patterns for Pirates Linen Loungers are now available and discounted during the release period (ends Sunday); and they surely fit that light, carefree, and stylish wish list of mine. The pattern, for light wovens, comes with two styles of front pockets (optional), optional back pockets, and an elastic or yoga-style waistband.

There are also various lengths: shorts, Bermuda, and pants.

The version I tested included front and back pants with a yoga waistband. I love how chic they are.

I was afraid that the yoga waistband might detract from the style and that I’d want to hide it under my tops, but I was totally wrong–it adds another dimension and design element.

 

For sizing, I didn’t have to alter the pattern or blend sizes. The rise (front and pack) were accurate/comfortable, and the leg width was slimming without feeling tight (especially with wovens). Remember that our body shapes differ, so you may need to adjust the rise to get your desired fit. You can always sew a muslin if you aren’t sure about your rise or haven’t sewn pants before.

The pockets were a perfect depth. For my next version, I’ll likely skip the back pockets because the top of my yoga waistband covers it up a bit when the waistband is folded over (based on my own placement–not the pattern); plus, I don’t use back pockets–so I really just added them for another detail.

I do love them, though! Maybe I’ll just lower them a bit next time.

Sewing Pockets Tip 1: 

A great tip to keep in mind when adding pockets is to sew the pants (without waistband), try them on, and have your hubby or someone you trust use a fabric pen (or chalk) to mark the placement of the pockets. It helps quite a bit! Add the pockets, and then add the waistband.

Sewing Pockets Tip 2:

Gluesticks work wonders! There are gluesticks specifically for sewing, but I actually use crafting ones and they work great. I use them to get the nice shape of the pockets, and then I use the stick (lightly) to adhere it to my pants where I want them. I do pin in place, still, but the gluestick keeps it from moving around when sewing.

Here is a close-up of my front pocket. Patch pockets are also an option–and I’ll surely give those a try in another version (patch looks like a sewn rectangle style on front–see additional tester photos for a visual).

Once you sew your linen loungers, be sure to share your creations on the P4P Facebook page! I can’t wait to see! If you haven’t grabbed the pattern yet, get it HERE.

Here’s the link to the full tester round-up versions: www.patternsforpirates.com/loungers-roundup

Disclaimer: The pattern link in this post are affiliate links; I’m so happy that you were inspired to buy the pattern via my creations! I am affiliated with most of the pattern companies I test for, and this in no way shapes my response or promotion. I only test for companies I respect and only share patterns I adore!

 

 

Men’s Bram Raglan by Wardrobe by Me

Does anyone else adore looking at their hubby through the camera lens? I’ve been making more raglans for the Mr. because 1. he loves them and wants to wear nothing else now, and 2. I just love looking at him, focusing in, and waiting extra long to click just because I want the moment to last just a taaaaad longer😉 As married couples, it’s wonderful to go about our family life together, but we often don’t take time to just stare at one another. This is our time 😍

The raglan we tried this time was the Bram Raglan by Wardrobe by Me. You may remember my post about Jalie’s Nico Raglan; both my husband and I found these styles to be quite similar.

When I showed him his new top, the first thing he commented on was the color; he loved the pairing and found the blue to be such an awesome hue. It’s called “denim” cotton spandex from Sly Fox Fabrics and almost has a chambray and periwinkle mixed in with what I typically think of as a denim color.

I used heathered grey (from the same shop) for the sleeves.

The pattern only requests the chest girth, so I was a bit nervous that we might not have the correct fit–but it was pretty spot on. He measured a “small,” and I didn’t make any adjustments. He’s only 5’7.5”, so if your man is a bit taller, I recommend adding length. Typically, you add half the length of the height difference the pattern was intended for. So if the pattern was intended for 5’8” men and your hubby measures 5’10” (2” more), you’d add 1” length.

So–easy peasy! Raglans are pretty much the simplest pattern we can sew with those straight lines. My husband loves the 3/4” sleeve, so we chose that style. If you sew the Bram for a guy in your life, be sure to share it in the FB group; I’d love to see it!

Seaside Dress – Freshwater Approved! My Woven and Knit Creations with the Seamingly Smitten Pattern

When Seamingly Smitten invited me to do a summer guest blog, my eyes gravitated immediately to the Seaside Dress. The combination of blouse-looking top with the gathered, pocketed skirt is exactly the style I’ve been oogling this summer. I’m pretty sure I printed the pattern and sewed my first version the same day–and that included making a fabric run for the perfect chambray. I was headed to the lake on vacation, and I needed this dress with me at the beach. 😍

This pattern is suitable for both woven and knits, so let’s get on with it. I’ll share a few tips and what I did to create the best fit for each fabric type. [p.s. if you’re grabbing the pattern now, use code SUMMER20 to save 20%, valid for 48 hours]

Version 1: Woven

For this style, I chose a striped chambray from Hobby Lobby that I had already seen online and knew would be perfect for this style. The pockets are a polka dot chambray also from Hobby Lobby. In this pattern, I measured XS bust, S waist, and XS hip. For the woven style, I chose to make a straight Small since this was my non-stretch version and the elasticized waist would create a fitted look.

I did not color-block either of my versions. I used the full top for the bodice (no inserts). It was just the look I wanted for these two versions–and I’ll definitely be sewing more to try out the color-blocking.

 

The fit turned out perfect in woven; and I was right–I lived in this at the beach. The style is classy yet modest…and definitely mom-approved!

Woven Sewing Tip: Because we don’t have the grace of stretch when sewing with wovens, there are a few tricks to get a perfect fit when connecting the bodice to the skirt. My skirt ended up being wider than my bodice, and this could have been for several reasons (my pocket placement, seam allowance etc.). I simply used a basting stitch (longest stitch length on your machine) and slightly gathered my skirt before connecting it to my bodice (and before adding elastic). The gathering was minimal, and it didn’t affect the proceeding steps (creating the casing etc.).

I also have tips for creating a nice, crisp “v” –and I’ll share those toward the end of the post.

Version 2: Knit

For my knit version, I used single brushed poly “Herb” from Sly Fox Fabrics for the bodice,  “Joy” in sage single brushed poly for the skirt, and single brushed “Moss” for the pockets. Again, I didn’t use fabric from my stash. I had a vision, and I went with it!

For my knit version, I sewed a straight XS (measurements were XS bust, S waist, XS hip). I knew I had more leeway with knits; and I’d recommend this to others sewing the pattern as well: if you’re between sizes, choose larger for woven and smaller for knit.

 

I can’t say enough how awesome these pockets are with the gathered skirt style! I’m not even a big pocket user, but I want them for looks. I’m all about the pockets this season 🙌

 

Waistband Elastic Tip: As with any pattern, I recommend taking your elastic and circling it right around your waist. I do this every time to see what length is most comfortable (depending on where I’d like the elastic to sit). I ended up cutting my elastic about 1” shorter than the pattern recommendations.

“V” Neckline Tips: Lastly, I want to leave you with a few tips to get that crisp “V” neckline. This is another feature that I love about the pattern. I don’t sew enough v-necks, and they can be intimidating for many. This style uses a facing, so once we sew the facing, we flip it to the wrong side of the garment. If you’re new to v-styles, you’ll love this.

Step 1: Start stitching 1.5-2” from your “V”

Anytime I sew a “v,” I want my concentration to be on the most integral part–that center “v.” To ensure that I get the “v” right, I start stitching just before the “v” and then continue around the rest of the neckline. You can see where my presser foot is; this is where I’m beginning to stitch the facing.

Next, per the tip in the pattern, when you get down to the “v” point, keep your presser foot down, pivot your needle to stitch straight forward, and use your hand-crank to crank two stitches forward. Then, with needle down, pivot again to face the other edge of your “v” and continue stitching the remainder of the neckline. Those couple stitches in the middle of the “v” allow the fabric to turn more easily with less bulge.

Here is what the inside of my neckline looks like with the facing, before I’ve flipped it to the other side.

Then, snip as close to that “v” as you can, without going through the stitches. I also snip one on each side as well. This eliminates bulge.

Once we flip the facing to the wrong-side of the fabric, it’s time to topstitch. Again, I start near my “v” to keep my concentration on that center point. Otherwise, I can easily get lost in my sewing and might be careless by the time I get to the “v.”

Once you’ve completed your Seaside Dresses, I want to see them! Be sure to share them in the Seamingly Smitten Facebook Group and use the hashtag #SeasideDress so we can easily find them!

Happy sewing!

Feature Friday: Maize Dress Pattern Mods for a Hi-Low Keyhole Dress

Today is Feature Friday over at Petite Stitchery, which means they highlight a pattern and offer it for $5 for 24 hours. The pattern this week is the beautiful Maize Keyhole Tunic an Dress.

To celebrate the Feature, I decided to do a few mods. Please pardon my picture overload; I couldn’t get enough of this dress!

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Changes I Made

To get the hi-low look and keyhole front, I made a few changes to the construction of the pattern.

1. I narrowed the shoulder since I wouldn’t be adding sleeves
2. I switched the front and back bodice so that the keyhole would show in the front
3. I created a dramatic hi-low design using the skirt template provided in the pattern

The first two steps don’t require additional instruction; however, if you wanted to construct the front/back bodice properly, you could interchange the armscye/opening and width. I kept it as-is, and it worked for us! So I’ll move to the third, creating the hi-low. You’ll first want to determine how dramatic of a hi-low you’d like. I added at least 4” to the skirt cut chart and used the skirt guide to create the curved hem.

Back

I created the front piece in a similar way, but you’ll flip this one upside down so that the curve goes up toward the center.  Use the same size fabric piece as the back skirt because you’ll need to connect the side seams (side seams are on the right of this pic). As you cut the top of the curve, gradually cut down toward the bottom of your fabric (not shown).

Front

The end result is stunning from both back and front and such a fun way to use the pattern in a new way!

And who doesn’t love a perfect flower-picking dress??

The fabric I chose for this pattern was a boarder print called Beds of Roses by Michael Miller that I ordered from Punkin Head Threads. I absolutely adore boarder prints and actually ordered this print in all 3 colorways for my 3 girls. I can’t wait to get all three of them together (one dress at a time…) 😍

So grab your pattern here for just $5, and be sure to share your creations on the FB page! I’m inspired here every.single.day.

 

Disclaimer: The pattern links in this post are affiliate links; I’m so happy that you were inspired to buy the pattern via my creations! I am affiliated with most of the pattern companies I test for, and this in no way shapes my response or promotion. I only test for companies I respect and only share patterns I adore!

 

Lesley Flutter: On-Trend Creations

Last fall, I sewed up this version of the Lesley Flutter Sleeve and was in love with the free-flowing arms while still having a great fit throughout the torso.

 

Today I’ll be sharing a few versions of the Seamingly Smitten Lesley in this season’s on-trend prints as well as tips and tricks for the best Flutter sewing experience!

 

First — meet Lesley in brushed poly elephants. Both brushed poly and elephants are on-trend. Even in summer, with the correct drape, brushed poly feels heavenly (and not too hot). You can see how the sleeves cascade down the body, yet they don’t actually have such a major arm opening. This is a unique feature of the pattern; it is both sewn from the inside and outside (we’ll get more to that below).

 

The second way to style the Lesley is with both a solid and a pattern. The top has just one pattern piece for both front and back, allowing you to really play with fabrics! You could style with lace, solid (brushed poly, rayon spandex, bamboo lycra, etc.). Here, I’ve used a trendy stained glass brushed poly and solid mustard brushed poly. The shirt is reversible (just don’t add a tag), so you can wear it loud/printed or soft/solid depending on your mood. It’s also a great way to subdue busy prints.

 

Lastly, here’s our third on-trend Lesley in vertical stripes. The double brushed poly I used had enough stretch either way to really make this work. Additionally, this particular pattern doesn’t require too much stretch. So, although the stretch was best with horizontal stripes, I chose to go vertical!

Tips and Tricks

Hemming the Lesley – A great deal of the Lesley construction is hemming (neckline, full side sleeves, and bottom). The pattern calls for a double-roll method, where you’ll fold under and under once more. This is the cleanest finish, and I’d recommend using a double needle, stretch stitch (like zigzag), or coverstitch to finish your hems on knit garments. Alternatively, you can also serge the full ends and fold under just once if you don’t mind the inside serged edges showing a bit within the flowy sleeve.

 

WARNING: The last step says to sew the garment RIGHT SIDE OUT…and it’s correct!

After you’ve sewn the complete garment, there is one final step. The instructions say to turn the garment right-side-out and stitch up from the side seam. This is correct and you’re not reading it wrong! It’s very rare in the sewing world to stitch a garment seam from the right side; but this is what creates your beautiful flutter while preventing too wide of a sleeve opening. If you’ve made this mistake already, you’re not alone! I’ve had to grab my seam ripper a time or two 😁

SEW AND SHARE

So there you go! Find your perfect fabric (what speaks to you), and sew your first (or maybe 10th!!) Lesley Flutter Sleeve Top. When you’ve finished, use the hashtag #LesleyFlutter, and be sure to share in the Seamingly Smitten Facebook Group; I want to see what you sewed up!

 

All on-trend printed fabrics in this post are from Love Adore Knits. The owner of Love Adore passed away, and the Love Adore team is in a short period of transition. They will be back shortly to continue Kimberly’s vision and to serve an amazing sewing community! You can join their Facebook page for updates.

 

 

My New Garden Midi Dress: Oceanside by Itch to Stitch

Kennis Wong is a designer from Hong Kong with an eye for detail. I know this about her patterns, and I adore it. Before jumping into every test, I understand that there will be more options for detailing and finishing that initially meet the eye, and this new dress is no exception! The Oceanside Dress releases today and contains a sweet inset “v” cutout at the neckline and sleeves that “v” down at the sides for gorgeous color-blocking options:

After checking out my closet and seeing the desperate need for midi-length, I chose to lengthen my skirt for the perfect summer-garden midi dress!

Using solids for part of my color-blocking allowed my floral to stand out without being overwhelming. Both my floral and deep raisin solid fabrics were from Sly Fox Fabrics, and the blush pink liverpool was from Pretty Posh Prints.

As far as fit, this style is very forgiving and highlights the beautiful features of women. I measured a “0” up top and a “2” at the waist and hips and sewed a straight 2. The bodice gathers into the fitted waistband so nicely, allowing that fit/flare look with a beautiful loose/blouse bodice.

It’s so comfortable that I actually garden in this dress before heading out to enjoy friends and more pleasantries of summer.

Will I sew it again?

Absolutely. This style allows for many solid and pattern color-blocking combinations; and with such a different look depending on length, I could sure use a few more of these in my wardrobe!

Be sure to join the Itch to Stitch Facebook group for a special discount code and share your new Oceanside Dress on the Facebook page so we can be inspired!

 

Disclaimer: The pattern links in this post are affiliate links; I’m so happy that you were inspired to buy the pattern via my creations! I am affiliated with most of the pattern companies I test for, and this in no way shapes my response or promotion. I only test for companies I respect and only share patterns I adore!

Blog Tour: Swimwear Edition Featuring Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop’s Marilyn Swimsuit

   

Welcome to the Lulu & Celeste + Sprouting Jujube Productions tour: Swimsuit Edition; I’m so happy you’re here! Maybe it means that you’re about ready to dive into swimsuit-making for your kids or even you! Or maybe you’re just here for the prizes 😜 Either way, read on! Today I’ll be featuring the Marilyn Vintage Swimsuit by Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop, for sizes 3 mos – 12 yrs. Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop graciously provided this pattern for free for the swim edition.

First–a little background on my daughter. She’s never been on the growth chart–not even in the 1% for kids her age. She’s a tiny little thing who needs a mama’s custom fit. So after last year’s saggy-bottom suits where I could literally see her behind, I thought, “that’s it–it’ll be mama-made from here on out!” So here we are! When browsing patterns, I knew I wanted a one-piece, and I happen to have a soft spot for vintage. When I saw that the Marilyn suit offered a shorts style with easy bands, that sealed the deal!

MARILYN VINTAGE SWIMSUIT

 

Styles/Options

• View A: Classic One-Piece
• View B: Classic Tankini
• View C: Color-Blocked One-Piece
• View D: Color-Blocked Tankini
• View E: Ruched One-Piece
• View F: Ruched Tankini

In addition to a one-piece, the suit also offers a tankini option. I sewed View E: the ruched one-piece.

I used a heart floral swim fabric from Knitpop and solids from Zenith & Quasar. I adore the view from the side, with the ruched front and solid side-panels:

 

Tips and Tricks

Follow the size chart! My daughter is 3 years old and measures between 3 mos and 6 mos for chest, 3 mos for hips, and close to 2T for height. Although I know to use the charts, I originally made her suit between 6 mos-12 mos width and had to take it back in. SO–if your 3-year-old measures a size 3-month waist, sew it! 😜 That’s the lovely part about custom creations–they work! We just have to look past numbers.

Additionally, the suit called for elastic in the chest band and legs, and I omitted both, having sewn an adult suit for me with bands before (sans elastic). I actually prefer less structure in those areas, especially since the bands are so well-fitted.

That’s all! My first little slice of toddler vintage love. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour and enter the Rafflecopter from the amazing sponsors! Here is a list of PRIZES and ways to enter.

 

SWIM EDITION FULL TOUR

Monday, June 26

Sprouting JubeJube – Call Ajaire – Kutti Couture – Tales of A Tester – House of Estrela – Bellevi

Tuesday, June 27

Sprouting JubeJube – FABulous Home Sewn – Sew and Tell Project – Tales From A Southern Mom – My Heart Will Sew On

Wednesday, June 28

Lulu & Celeste – Adventures With Bubba and Bug – Momma You Can Make It – Marvelous Auntie M – Phat Quarters

Thursday, June 29

Lulu & Celeste – Filles à Maman & Jalie – Crazy Crafty Haute Mama – MeMade – 5 out of 4 Patterns – RikiPrints Custom Knit Fabrics

Friday, June 30

Lulu & Celeste – Little Heart Threads – Ronda B. Handmade – Bellevi – sewingbyti

DAILY RAFFLECOPTER LINKS

INSTAGRAM CONTEST: Be sure to check THIS LINK for details on how to enter the Instagram contest!

Monday Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Grand prize Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: The pattern links in this post are affiliate links. I am affiliated with most of the pattern companies I test for, and this in no way shapes my response or promotion. I only test for companies I respect and only share patterns I adore!

Made for Mermaid Chambray Mama Daphne, Including Fall Mods

Some patterns just make you feel at pace in your own skin … this is mine.

I was no new creature to the Mama Daphne. I had oogled it several times, drooled over the beautiful creations, and I even sewed a double brushed poly version as my “solid staple” top for the summer. But I needed a dress.

I was so devoted to finding the correct chambray that I contacted Art Gallery Fabrics for swatches. I wanted to see the beautiful colors in person, to feel the breathability, the softness. I decided on the Cool Foliage for this dress; the greenish hue spoke to me for both summer and the upcoming fall. A little mint pompom trim was my perfect accent.

What I Did Differently

Flounce + Sleeve Combo

I knew I wanted flounce, but I also wanted sleeves. I didn’t want my underarm to be free to the air, especially since I couldn’t part with this dress come fall. I cut all pieces out and realized that the flounce is designed much larger than the neckline. To make this work, I simply cut down my flounce to be the same width as the neck opening.

1. I sewed the top of the dress together without the flounce.
2. I narrowed my flounce pieces to be the same width as the neck opening and then sewed them (the flounce pieces) together.
3. I laid the flounce over the neck opening just as you see it (with the wrong side of the flounce against the right side of the dress). I serged the flounce to the neck opening at the raw edges so that this would now function as one piece. If you don’t own a serger, you could simply use a zigzag stitch over the raw edge.
4. I created my neck casing by folding down that serged edge just once (to decrease bulk) and stitching just above the serged line.

Waistband Elastic

The next modification I made was the size of my waistband elastic. When I cut according to the measurement chart, I could feel that the elastic would be very snug against my skin. I wanted a slightly looser fit so that I’d be very comfortable in this dress. So,

I simply wrapped my elastic around my waist where it felt comfortable, and snipped there.

The end result? Love! I just want to curl up, read a good magazine out on the porch, and soak in this beautiful weather!

 

Disclaimer: The pattern links in this post are affiliate links. I am affiliated with most of the pattern companies I test for, and this in no way shapes my response or promotion. I only test for companies I respect and only share patterns I adore!

 

 

Ellie and Mac “Be Smart” Jumper Suspender Skirt: 4th of July Edition

The “Be Smart” Jumper suspender skirt just released from Ellie and Mac  and is on sale today only for $3 (price in cart). When I saw this pattern tester call, I immediately pictured sweet back-to-school styles — but there was something BIG we needed to celebrate first: 4th of July! My daughter had recently seen a red/white/blue romper in the store and begged for a parade outfit. I had the perfect Girl Charlee fabric in my stash, so it was time to use them!

I used the Island Getaway Tunic/Dress to create off-the-shoulder shirts as well; I simply lengthened the bodice of the dress to top length. I have to say–they’ve lived in these red tops ever since our photoshoot! I also created a simple dress for my littlest by adding a gathered, fringed skirt to the Island Getaway bodice; this pattern is 35% off as well through June (price in cart):

Too darling, right?

So let’s get back to the suspender skirt! It’s purely knit and an incredibly easy sew. There’s no elastic–just bands and topstitching for reinforcement. The pattern features both a higher version (what I sewed) and a lower suspender skirt option as well. I’ll surely be sewing more of these in plaids and solids for the school year!

I really can’t get enough! And they’re totally ready for the parade!

Grab your Ellie and Mac patterns HERE; and remember that all patterns are 35% off through June!

 

Disclaimer: The pattern links in this post are affiliate links. I am affiliated with most of the pattern companies I test for, and this in no way shapes my response or promotion. I only test for companies I respect and only share patterns I adore!