“Fins to the Left” – The New Shark Bite Pattern

“Fins to the left; fins to the right, and you’re the only girl in town.” – Jimmy Buffett

One of my favorite parts of the sewing process is seeing my girls’ responses when I hand over the new creations. This one was a sure win, which I’m sure you can tell from those sweet little poses from my Little Miss. She definitely feels like the “only girl in town.” (Disclaimer: I don’t say anything during photo shoots with my girls except things like, “Okay, let me see the side! Yay, now the back!”)

So when they “come to life,” it’s the pattern and fabric working!!

This new pattern from Ellie and Mac is called the girls’ “Shark Bite.” The front and back can be solid or color-blocked. My daughter chose a floral and stripe combination from Sly Fox Fabrics (in brushed poly). I adore how it came together!

Part of the feature of the Shark Bite is a higher front curve and points at the side. I appreciate that the front doesn’t show the belly even with play (shown above); so it’s both stylish and functional.

  Here is a look at the side view. 

One of my favorite things about Ellie and Mac (in addition to their quality patterns) is that patterns are only $3.85 during the release sale and very reasonable after. I always appreciate a budget-friendly + fashionable company!

          

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Turning the Elevation Hoodie into a Summer Tee

The Elevation Hoodie by New Horizons Designs is one of my favorite patterns to make for my hubby! It has a bit of extra style detail, which is perfect for special occasions like his birthday or Christmas…where I know he’ll be anticipating a wife-made surprise!

The fit, though, also lends itself to a great tee–without modifications! [insert happy dance here]

To create the tee, I:

• left the neckline the same
• added a neckband (about 85% of neck opening…although I eye it via stretch and don’t measure)
• cut the sleeves at his preferred length
• added 2” for his height since I didn’t add the bottom band (he’s 5’8”, so if your guy is taller, you might want to add more)

And that’s it!…a new tee in his wardrobe!

The mustard spice color is a jersey (from LDG Textiles), and the buffalo plaid is a brushed poly from Knitpop! I love the combination he chose.

I can’t get enough of that transition of the design from front to sleeve!…and that happy face (his eyes are smiling!)

Thank you, New Horizons!!

 

Sugar Pea Meets Bitty Bee

Many are familiar with the George and Ginger Swagger Sweater. The women’s version is still over at G&G, and the girls’ version is now rebranded at Goober Pea Designs as the Sugar Pea! With the rebranding also came added dress sizes (eep!) and baby sizes. Adrienne at Goober Pea did such an awesome job with this pattern; and it’s at the top of my list right now for summer sews and baby shower gifts!

  

The Pattern

Two of my favorite elements of this tunic are the skirt pieces and that split front. There are so many gorgeous ways to use the design. The pattern itself is meant to be fitted through the torso. Above, the left image is with accurate fit per the pattern, and the right version is sized up to give my other daughter a more relaxed fit.

The Fabric

I knew the fit of the pattern would already be pretty spot on since the pattern was thoroughly tested in the past, so I had fun dreaming up all of the fabric combinations I could play with. Bitty Bee Fabrics’ upcoming pre-order round was perfect for a tropical/summery theme! I used custom brushed poly (super super soft with a great weight) in scales and mermaids, and it draped nicely on the skirt pieces.

 

*In the photos above, you can see what the fabric might look like hemmed (left) versus raw (right). I love both for different reasons. The unhemmed seems/feels lighter and more fluid, but I actually like the look of the hemmed a bit more; it bounces up!

 

The pattern is on sale for 40% off now through February 22nd, no code needed, so you can grab it Here on Etsy or Here on their website. And you can browse all of the beautiful Bitty Bee Fabrics Here (mermaid and scales coming soon to the next pre-order). Enjoy making all of the sweetest Sugar Peas!

Turning the Seaside Dress into a Top

I originally bought this sweet denim to make a skirt for one of my girls. But the moment my husband saw it, he said, “Oh!–you should make a fitted top for yourself!” I don’t know when I started listening to my hubby for fashion advice, but it didn’t take me much convincing to steal away this fabric because it’s incredibly gorgeous. And soft. And lightweight. And stretchy 😍

So I decided to use one of my fav. woven/knit patterns–the Seaside Dress–to create this top!

 

The Pattern

The Seamingly Smitten Seaside Dress was one of my favorite patterns from the summer. You can see my summer post here. I love the dropped-shoulder style sleeves and the faced neckline. And I also adore that I can make it in woven or knit.

To achieve a more fitted style, I cut the pattern on the “petite” width line and measured from my armpit down to see where I’d like the hem to fall.

  

The Verdict

I love it!! This will be a spring and summer staple for sure. It just feels…perfect.

  

Styling Particulars

Fabric: This stretch denim has horizontal stretch and is lightweight (a huge+happy surprise!) and soft! I’m obsessed that I found a fabric that doesn’t wrinkle and has all of the elements that I love in a woven!

Earrings: Whenever I style with these earrings, I love sharing them. My friend Emily has a heart of gold and works with Trades of Hope, empowering women around the world. Here is her group.

Boho Valentine with Petite Stitchery & Sly Fox Fabrics

 I became a seamstress for my girls–so that I could make them sweet creations and they could eventually choose their fashion styles and fabrics. Otherwise, we were strictly clearance-rack shoppers and had no desire for anything different. Y’all are laughing at me now, thinking how I spend way more in fabric alone than clearance prices–but my seamstress community will know the joyful art of creation. 😀 It’s something special.

My sewing machine geared up when this little gal was in the womb. I knew we’d get there one day–where she would have her own fashion aspirations…and we’ve arrived! She loves choosing fabric and styles, and today she chose a sweet pairing from Petite Stitchery patterns and Sly Fox Fabrics!

 

The Pattern

I actually chose a woven pattern for this creation. My sweet girl loves the boho style, so a couple of our go-tos are the Hazel and Clover from Petite Stitchery & Co. The Clover has an incredible hi-low option, so we chose to make it in knit with a neckband. It was just what she was hoping for!

The Fabric

The winner for our boho Valentine style was this incredible floral from Sly Fox Fabrics. It’s a soft brushed poly, which gives the ruffles great drape and is buttery soft against the skin.

 

Needless to say… we’re in love with this style.

 

Styling Particulars

Shoes: Handmade sandals from The Humble Soles

Wrap Bracelet: Handmade by Weave Tassy (Use code RJENNIFER15 for 15% off)

Succulents (they have a true place in my heart!): Our local greenhouse

Instagram-Style Easter with Bitty Bee Fabrics and Petite Stitchery

 

“Sometimes the littlest things take up the most room in your heart.”

-Winnie the Pooh

 

 

 

 

 

With plans to be in India for Easter but lagging travel documents from the consulate, we decided to we’d better not wait to sew our Easter dresses…especially if we have a plane to board at the last minute! And as all the beauty in the world would have it, this most perfect carrot fabric came in the mail, just waiting and ready for the celebration!

Fabric: The moment I saw these sweet carrots, my mind was overjoyed with Instagramy/vintagey inspiration. This print is on pre-order at Bitty Bee Fabrics, and it is unlike any Easter/spring fabric I’ve come across. The orange carrots fall softly against the watercolored grey hues in the background. It’s perfectly sweet and simple. And the custom brushed poly base is even more buttery soft than other brushed polys I’ve sewn–making me so happy that it could be hugging my little bunny’s skin.

  

Patterns: The patterns I used for this dress are the Petite Stitchery Juliet Leotard for the bodice (with facing rather than lined) and Hazel Boho Blouse for the sleeves and skirt (lengthened to a dress). This mash allowed for a fitted, scooped-back bodice with the added charm of the boho collection.

If you’re not part of their Facebook groups, you can find Bitty Bee Here and Petite Stitchery Here.

      

Styling Particulars

We love all of our details and accessories that help moments come alive. In these photos, there are a few key pieces that we thought you might like to know more about:
Shoes: We love our #HumbleSoles. These are the Lucas Sandals.

Purse: This is a genuine piece passed down from my childhood. I simply adore it.

Faux Fur Bench: You can see all about my recovering project Here; I grabbed this faux fur from Sly Fox Fabrics; and it’s been the sweetest addition to our home and our photo shoots.

On Instagram? Come follow along @kutti_couture

The Flirt Dress Adds Extraordinary Class to My “Ordinary” Days

That feeling…

Of being a mom.

Or a rockstar at the office.

And being comfortable.

And having class.

When I see the fitted skirt of my sweater dress peeking out of my coat during ordinary errands, I feel so put together. –No one may even guess that I work at home every day. Or that I feel so comfy I could go to bed in the same dress.
So when I find a pattern like this, I blog about it!

The Flirt

My Version

The “Flirt” released today at Petite Stitchery by designer Kelly Stevens; and from the top, it may look like a comfy, elegant sweater. But there’s more… the dress includes a fitted or flowy skirt in mini/knee/or maxi lengths.

 

I chose to make the fitted knee-length version. And this is likely the style that I’ll stick with.

 

 

 

The Fit: The top is blousy with semi-fitted sleeves; and paired with the slim skirt, it creates a flattering silhouette.

  

This will be a timeless pattern in my book!

“The Flirt” is on sale Feb. 1 – Monday Feb. 5th for $7 (regular $8.50). And we still have time to sew up a super cute Valentine’s version!

Style Particulars:

FABRIC: I chose a gorgeous brushed sweater knit for my dress. It’s “dusty rose” brushed sweater knit from Knitpop

EARRINGS: I also often get asked about my earrings. They are from my Trades of Hope, which empowers women who have been part of horrific situations including sex trafficking. Here is a link to my friend Emily’s group; she has a heart of gold.

NECKLACE: Vintage from my late grandma’s collection ❤

SHOES: Booties from American Eagle

PS&Co Bliss Cold Shoulder + Sundance Skirt … & India Travel Sewing Pattern 2

Ask me for $100, and today would be your lucky day!
The sun is out during a Michigan winter; and that makes for one happy girl!

Also, I used foam rollers in my hair last night, and I woke up in the ’80s! After having a belly-busting laugh, I embraced it! I’m a curly girl at heart!

So…you want to know more about two of my new favorite patterns?!!

 

The Sundance Skirt has been on my “must make” list for a while now! It released around Christmas, and I was all-a-flutter with my holiday shenanigans. So I finally said, “I can’t wait any longer!!” I wanted to modify the longer style to be a bit more like this slim-fit Pinspiration:

…but I made a couple of errors and still ended up with something that I love!

What I Did

In my mind, this Pinterest skirt was shorter, so I cut knee-length. I should have cut more of a mid-length. Then, I folded the back skirt pattern in half and cut down on a diagonal, essentially cutting a large wedge from each side. Each wedge/triangle was 9” at the bottom (so 9” from each side and then angling back up to the top). Then I sewed everything together as instructed.

The next hiccup came when I realized that I’d need faux buttons or snaps with the tightness of the skirt. Otherwise, the fabric between would likely bulge open, and that made me nervous. So…I thought, “Welp–I did use knit! I could just sew the two button plackets together!” And that’s just what I did. It was definitely a “Save this beautiful skirt!” tactic; and I love everything about the way it turned out!

The lines Kelly (the designer from PS&Co) created in this pattern are simply phenomenal. They add so much character and drew me to the pattern right away. And there are cute little darts at the bum. I’m just in love…

 

And that top?? That’s the Bliss Cold Shoulder Top. Those open shoulders paired with the full coverage of the top just give me all the flutters! This is my perfect Valentine’s Day top that I’ll be able to wear all day and feel “sweet” in when my hubby gets home. I LOVE when functional meets cute!

  

And speaking of functional…I’m still sewing for India! So…I decided to cut an Adelyn pointed Tunic cut line, still with the slim figure of the Bliss, so that I could wear this in India as a tunic. India is quite hot (often 100+ degrees F), yet women wear quite a bit of coverage. The flowy style and open shoulder will give me a bit of breathing room. And I used single brushed poly so that the inside is silky. Dark colors were not a smart move, but I’m okay with it –it’s too gorgeous. Moonstruck from Sly Fox is one of my all-time fav. prints. 😍

 

 

Happy sewing today! Now…I’ll just sit here and wait for all of those $100 requests to roll in 🤣 Enjoy this sunny day, sewing friends!

 

Elevate Your Style with The New PS&Co “Rose” Pullover

I’m not extremely adventurous with my fashion. So flared sleeves and a velvety fabric combination surprised even me! But wow–am I in love with the new Rose Pullover! And I’ve worn this an unspeakable number of days already 😆

When I ordered the vintage olive (a luxurious terry) and Parisian gray (crushed velvet) fabrics from Sly Fox, I had very different things in mind. But when I saw them together in my box, I neeeeded to keep them together. The color-blocking on the new PS&Co pullover allows for a split front/back or solid versions (or solid/split combo). I chose split color-blocking on both front and back to showcase the fabrics together.

One of my “minis” is a fashion diva, so it was super exciting to make a matching set for the two of us. She loves everything velvety and sparkly.

 

 

 

The Cowl Hoodie

The hoodie also has an amazingly large cowl hood. It’s one of my favorite features (the others are the color-blocking and the sleeves…so basically, the entire garment!!)

  

And worn down, the cowl hood is a gorgeous “cowl.” Lined in crushed velvet, this gives me all the heart eyes!

   

You can grab your Petite Stitchery & Co. exclusive pull over on sale for $7 during release (ends midnight on Monday, Jan 22nd). I’m already picturing this hoodie as my travel (airline) hoodie; and I plan to make another one for a beach/swimsuit cover-up!

 

Enjoy! And be sure to share your creations on the Petite Stitchery & Co. Facebook Fan Group Page.