My mom and sister flew in from Tennessee to visit and meet our newest family member. Naturally, I had to make a "thank you gift." My sister got her second Coppelia Cardigan using sweater knit from Surge Fabric Shop. This exact fabric is out of stock in this color, but here is a mustard and ivory version. It's ultra soft and absolutely lusciously plush.

I've made this sweater a ton of times. I really need to size up for myself at the waist. The band always rolls up a little and I'm tugging it down. The small, however, is a perfect fit for my sister. I did shorten the arms by one inch. From the looks of it, i could have taken another inch or so off. Her underarm measures 17" and the pattern measures 18" including the cuff.

I bought this fabric with this pattern in mind for my sister. It's just her casual style and her favorite color is anything neutral. Kayla, the lovely lady behind Surge Fabric Shop, had an almost identical idea, she made the M4M Mama Claire! I had to laugh that we had planned practically the same shirt with the same fabric. <3

There's nothing better than a quick T&T to hand over a gift. I wish I had ordered enough fabric to make myself one, too!

Details:

Pattern: Coppelia Cardigan by Papercut Patterns

Fabric: Hazelnut Sweater Knit (Out of stock) Mustard and Ivory colorway here.

Size: Small. Took 1 inch out of arm length.

I'm both extremely happy and frightened. I have created something amazing and I have also created a monster. Let's discuss. This past January I made my husband a tee for his birthday out of special, custom space-man fabric and obviously, before I made it, I made a "muslin" out of grey knit. So at this point, he had two shirts and kept exclaiming how comfortable and amazing the shirts were. So, being the awesome wife that I am, I picked up some Nike wickaway fabric from Simply by Ti fabrics and made him a new running shirt. Now his shirt count is up to three and he is "strongly encouraging" me to make ALL of his undershirts. He keeps hinting at how comfortable they are and how they don't shrink and how they don't come out of his pants when he bends over. *Siiiigh* I guess this is a good thing. :) I can mindlessly sew solid colors. Can I wait for his next birthday?

P.S. Getting him to take pictures is like pulling teeth. That has to be the deal. Let me take pictures and in exchange you'll get comfortable undershirts.

I got the Nike Wickaway fabric from Simply By Ti fabrics. This is the second color I've used. I sewed stride tights and used the same fabric in Cobolt here. I love it because it's very stretchy and breathable. It certainly feels premium!

I wanted to see how a true runner liked this fabric. My husband goes on casual Saturday runs. Turns out causal to me is about 300ft and casual to him has turned into 14 miles. These crazy Washingtonians. Running and being healthy. Tennessee asks, "What is that? Broccoli and running? Nope, I don't like that. Nope, I don't like that at all."

The pattern is Tadah Patterns Men's Slim Fit tee and I sewed a straight large crew neck option. This pattern comes in sizes XS to XXL and a V-Neck options, too. If you don't have experience with Tadah patterns, the drafting is very professional and there are all the expected pattern markings, etc. The instructions have drawings and are very clear. It's a "hold your hand" pattern which doesn't bother me in the slightest. If you know how to make it without the instructions, great! If you don't, there is plenty of info in the pattern to help you. The large fits great with no mods! Winning.

I LOVE this fabric and have used it for my own workout clothes. If you haven't sen it yet, it's thin, super stretchy, and very breathable. I think it's perfect for long runs! I looked at some of my husband's RTW workout shirts and I noticed that most of them had the seams cover-stitched down and so I tried my hand at it! I really love the look and the smooth feel to help prevent chafing but Devin said that he didn't really notice a difference. Switching from serging to cover-stitching may not be worth it if he can't tell the difference, but it was a fun look for this one.

Details

Pattern: Tadah Patterns Men's Slim Fit Tee

Size: Large

Fabric: Nike Wickaway in Navy from Simply by Ti

Model: My lovely husband <3

Hi friends - something a little different today. I don't know if you know, but I have approximately 1,000,000 nieces and nephews and sometimes, just sometimes, when I'm not feeling lazy, I sew for them. :) 

I thought I'd start sharing some of those. You may be interested, you may not. (sorry) but I always love seeing new renditions of my favorite patterns.

I sewed two patterns from two designers for my littlest niece A. She's 5 months now and just cute as can be. If I get some pics of her in it, i'll update. ^^

The hat is the Trendy Beanie from Puperita Patterns. Annalisa is the designer behind Puperita and it's one of my favorite brands. All of her patterns show attention to detail and they turn out like the pictures. She teaches great techniques and many of her garments are fully lined. I can't tell you enough how great her patterns come together. Plus, she's super active in the Puperita Facebook group - so if you need any help, she or one of the admins will walk you though anything you need assistance with.

This hat is no exception. It's a super quick sew and comes out very cute! Reminds me of the nursery rhyme Winken, Blinken, and Nod.

The pants are the classic Maxaloones from Max and Meena.  I have only sewed one of their patterns (this one and several times.) but the instructions and photographs are very easy to follow! M&M are popular for this pattern! Practically everyone has made it or has seen it at a craft fair. 

If you're not familiar, they're "grow with me pants." The pattern includes sizes NB-5y.  Each size fits a range of ages. The one I sewed will fit from 6 months to 3 years. The legs and waistband extend to allow for growth. The bum area fits cloth or disposable diapers so even as the kid ages, there is room for a growing butt / legs / chunky baby thighs. (I'm baby shaming now.) Plus, the contrast butt is just too cute. 

Details

Patterns 

Puperita Trendy Beanie - $3

Max and Meena Maxaloones - $9.95

Fabric

Birch organics interlock knit - 2 yards+shipping - $25

Hat tie - cotton/lycra scraps - free

Notions 

Thread $.50

*This post contains affiliate links to support my fabric habit.*

It's 2016 and I can't believe it! You'd think after 23 years I could "believe" a new year, but I just can't. Every year flies by quicker and quicker. This year has brought a ton of changes! I left in November for a month-long family trip to Guatemala and returned only to move dead across the county. So I now reside in Washington if any of you northwestern lasses want to have a sewing meetup. :)

So - Confession time. This ISN'T actually my first sew of 2016. I sewed something else that I'm currently wearing right now! But the pictures and details are being saved for a blog series that debuted in February. It's super exciting if you sew for yourself and you'll definitely want to come back and check it out! However, even though this is my SECOND sew, it's still so cute and fun that it deserved it's own post! 

 For this month's ambassador program I chose a baby pattern. (Mostly because I'm expecting... 

To not have a baby for another long while.) Though my sister-in-law is pregnant. Very much pregnant. In fact, it's going to be my second nephew after four nieces! So everyone in the family is pretty excited to buy (or sew) some cute boy clothing. :) 

This pattern is "Lullaby Line Baby Gown" from Peek-a-Boo Patterns and I got it through Go To Patterns site. Go To Patterns is a site where they pre-review patterns for quality before they offer them for sale. In this way they insure that you're getting a great pattern for your money. So far, I have loved all of the garments that I've sewn using Go To Patterns! 

I wanted to sew a gown because I heard they are super convenient for babies. You know. Diapers and such - Plus, this gown featured those cute and useful fold over mitts that protect the baby's face from their talons fingernails. (The back of the mitts it juuust peeking out from the top of the sleeve.)

(Now reviewing my sewing, I can't imagine my reasoning behind doing a white zigzag. Guess to match the neckline top stitching? Let's hope baby V isn't too fashion-conscious)

The bottom of the gown is elasticized which makes for easy changing, easy dressing, and also cinches a little to help keep the chilly winter air off babe's legs.

The neckline features the cute and useful "envelope-fold" neck detail . Useful in case of a blowout. (My god, is there a more disgusting term? I hate the word blowout almost as much as I hate dealing with a baby blowout. Let's terminate this conversation.)

I loved how quick and easy this gown came together. Such a cute baby gift, I know the parents will love it. Especially with the airplane detail, my brother is active duty Air Force and his wife is an Air Force Veteran, so they have flown a lot. :D 

Details:

Pattern: Lullaby Line Baby Gown $7.95 at Go To Patterns

Fabric: Interlock from Summit Fabrics and More on FB $10/yard for 5/8 yard = $6.25

Notions: Thread $.50

Elastic $.50

Total estimated cost: $7.25

I received the Lullaby Line Baby Gown pattern from Go To Patterns for free as part of the Brand Ambassador program. All opinions on this pattern and Go To Patterns are my own. I do receive a small commission if you purchase from the Go To Patterns site that I've linked, it helps me buy more fabric, needles, and coffee.

*This post contains affiliate links to support my fabric habit.*

Hey old friends. Hey cold friends. Are you freezing in this Fall weather yet? Yeah. Me too. 

Today is an exciting post for me because a little bit ago I applied to be a brand ambassador for the pattern website Go To Patterns. This pattern site is run by Andrea Pannell who designs patterns herself, recognize this Parisian top? #swoon. Anyway, the whole premise of the site is that all the patterns are reviewed for quality to be sure that you're getting an awesome pattern so you know you're getting your money's worth! No more fear of buying a dud. ;) They have tons of patterns on the site, women's, men's, children's, home dec, and even plushies. Check them out - Andrea has a great selection and it's continuously growing!

For my first pattern I chose the Natalie Top designed by Liola Patterns.

(Here I am 36 years from today. Aka, my mom ;) Love you Mary Lou.)

Doesn't she have crazy long hair? I've never seen it shorter than her butt. :)

The Natalie top is a long sleeve top with a center front detail, optional pocket and button tab sleeves.

I opted to go without the pocket as my fabric was rather busy.

This was my first time using rayon and boy was it way more difficult to work with than expected! The actual sewing was easy but trying to line the fabric back up with the pattern piece to mark the sleeve notches and button tab placement, phew! The fabric can take on almost any shape. It's very... stretchy is a non-stretchy way.

The Natalie Top was a great, well explained sew. Simple pattern pieces, the sleeves are not cut on the fold, which is great. The neck has a simple facing piece that makes the finished top look store bought. The button tabs are a really cute detail, too. This is sewn in a medium on top blended to a large - which probably wasn't necessary seeing as the top has substantial ease built it. 

The finished garment is pretty and comfortable if I do say so myself. I almost kept it ;) If I were to make it again though I would shorten the arms, I didn't even measure her arms which was a total rookie mistake on my part. They are a little longer than I'd prefer with the cuffs almost reaching her wrist when I think they should be more "just below elbow length", but mom is blinded by "my kid is awesome" syndrome and she doesn't seem to mind at all. <3

I see lots of people saying that button holes scare them. Well, they don't scare me, they are a little frustrating though. You can see here that it's not perfectly in line. But it is what it is.

It's a little difficult to see the detail on the front of the shirt as it's so patterned, but you can pull it out a little bit here!

I'm very satisfied with this sew, and so is my mom. It will be perfect for work as she's a tax preparer and needs professional attire. 

P.S. Mom, Thank you for being my model! These pictures turned out great. <3

Details:

Pattern: The Natalie Top $14 at Go To Patterns

Fabric: Rayon from Califabrics - on sale for 5.99/yard for 1.5 yards = $8.49

Notions: Thread $.50

Buttons: Left over from previous project

Total estimated cost: $8.99

I received the Natalie pattern from Go To Patterns for free as part of the Brand Ambassador program. All opinions on this pattern and Go To Patterns are my own. I do receive a small commission if you purchase from the Go To Patterns site that I've linked, it helps me buy more fabric, needles, and coffee.

*This post contains affiliate links. I make a small percentage of commission when you use my link to purchase a GreenStyle Pattern. So if you're inspired by my make, please help my fabric addiction. ;) *

Fall is coming my friends! (in fact it's here.) I have a cat to my right, chocolate wrappers to my left, and Friends in my living room. The show, not real ones. Hello, I have cats - that should tell you something.

Speaking of friends, let me introduce you to my best. I call her Zoey (mostly because that's her name.) and I've known her for 23 years. Hello, my little, big sister. Lookin' fly in your new jacket. Please join me in being proud of Zoey, not only did she model for me but she wore spandex tights, too! Thanks sis, you're the best. 

Here is Zoey in he new Greenstyle Creations Sundance Jacket with Stride Tights (Which she commented on how comfortable they were. Win!)

So - Let's just get this out of the way. I am the most proud of this jacket out of anything I've sewn. I mean, c'mon. It's so detailed and contoured and GAH! Talk about the recent awesome serge in great patterns from GreenStyle Creations. I mean, they've always had great patterns, but they've gotten super great recently. Maybe I'm just a sucker for athletic wear. 

Can I share a secret? The jacket was intended for me but this was one of the test versions and I used a thicker fabric. It turned out a little small (completely wearable, but it looked like it fit a little more roomy on my sister) - It's been revised 2 times since then, so this time around I'd make an XS according to my measurements.  I was the only tester who had mine run small. Thankful that my sister has a smaller frame than I do, at least she can appreciate my hard work!:D 

The back is contoured, giving a slender, feminine shaping and the hood is lined with her favorite color. :)

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The Sundance Jacket comes with lots of options.

-Vest

-Long Sleeve

-Plain back

-Pleated back

-Thumb holes/cuffs

-Hood with or without drawstring

-Collar

-Pockets 

I made what would be the low end of an XS in the final pattern, thumb cuffs, hood, and long sleeves. I lined it with the same purple mesh that I used on the Stride Tights. It looks so athletic!

The really great thing about this jacket is it's so versatile! If you use spandex/nylon it looks really sporty, but if you use a ponte with a pattern, it just looks like a cute, toss on, no fuss jacket. Here are two of my favorites that can be worn anywhere, gym or just going out. Both sewn up by another talented tester, Sweet Red Poppy.

Remember last post where I said I wanted detailed shots? Well, this was the perfect opportunity because I wasn't in front of the camera, I was able to take all the detailed "sewing shots." 

The thumb holes aren't top stitched and they were created in a way I've never seen before - it was a little leap of faith, but I followed Angelyn's directions diligently and voila! Freaking awesome thumb holes without maneuvering to top stitch the holes. I feel like you need the pattern for this thumb hole technique alone. Amaze. 

Zippered pockets! A tip included in the pattern is to use Wondertape to put in the zippers and this is SO HELPFUL on stretchy fabrics.

I used a double needle to top stitch all the areas. This gave it it really professional look. My fiance even said "Wow, that jacket looks like you bought it. And like an expensive Nike jacket, not a cheap Walmart Jacket." :D Cause you know, I strive for Walmart quality, anything above is just a bonus. ;)

THIS area clearly needs a little work. I had a tough time with the thick fabric + zipper + slippery-ness of the hood lining. Practice makes perfect I suppose. 

Regardless, who looks at your neck that closely? --- "Creep, back off. Don't talk to me that close, you're in my space bubble and I don't want to breath your disposed-of air." 

(Add that to the list of shit my sister would not say. Were different in some ways. :) )

So, it shouldn't surprise you that I have a black one cut out for me! Best of all, with all the options you still only need 2.5 yards or less of fabric for the whole jacket! Even with expensive fabric, it's still a better price than a nice RTW jacket. Plus, saying that you MADE it will blow people's mind. Maybe, or maybe you've already made crazy awesome things, but seriously this for me is just - I can't believe I made a jacket!

But you know the best part of this jacket? You can make it, too! I always feel like I'm saying how "not confident" I am, but seriously, things like this can look intimidating but really, I just took it piece by piece and tadah! I finished it and it looks great. It is such a rewarding feeling.*pat pat* But i can't take all the credit, obviously the great drafting skills of Angelyn and the awesome instructions made it possible! I love that GreenStyle has no trim pages, so even a larger pattern like this is quick to piece together. Also, the instruction include line drawings which make the more technical parts simple to see what's happening. You will love this jacket, and if you don't, feel free to message me just to tell me I am wrong. ;)

Though I have yet to not like a GreenStyle pattern! They're just so clear to understand, they really make difficult looking, detailed patterns that are easy to sew up. Very rewarding! :) 

Details:

GreenStyle Creations Sundance Jacket - $12.00

Fabric: Heavy athletic fabric from Joann's 11.50/yard for 2.5 yards =$28.75

Hood Lining - Scraps from Stride Tights

Zippers: 26"=$5 and two 5"=$6

Estimated Total Cost $39.75

I received the pattern free of charge in exchange for testing it.