The Art of Oh: Surge Fabric

Showing posts with label Surge Fabric. Show all posts

Hey friends, I made a second outfit for my Fit Capsule as part of Greenstyles challenge. I went old school and picked the Inspire Tights because this fabric is rad and I didn't want to break it up or block it.

Both my top and my tights are part of the capsule. My tank is Striped Swallow Designs Harbor Knot Tank (simple version.) and I pieced it together from some scraps, hence the seam at the shoulders. I told myself it just looks sporty. :P It's made from the 125gsm ABP from Surge Fabric. I bought 2 yards and made my husband a workout tee and a pair of Comox unders to match for Valentine's. I had just under 3/4 of a yard so I picked up my modified HKT and pieced together the shoulder part and now I have an awesome, perfectly my style tank to throw on with all the tights I've been sewing.

This is the third time I've made the Inspire tights. The last time was in 2015 when I tested the pattern! I completely forgot that I could eliminate the side seam, so naturally I cut it wrong and had to sew the side seam anyway. The only modification that I made was to use the gusset piece from the stride tights which is a little bigger than the one in the inspire tights. I cut the crotch area with the stride pattern and then cut the rest with the inspire pattern.

This rad fabric is also from Surge. It is the premium athletic. With one yard I was able to get enough fabric for these tights and the power bra! I haven't sewn that one up yet, but it's stacked up in my "to sew" pile. For anyone wondering, the premium athletic is a great, thick material. It is less compressive than circular knit, but it has plenty of compression for workout tights. It would be nice for late winter or spring running, or obviously just dorking around the house. :)

For anyone who is feeling the basics more, Surge has quite a few solid colors of the premium athletic fabric, too! If you are on the fence, I definitely recommend trying this!

Side note: I reversed cover stitched all the seams to add style and strength. I DO NOT RECOMMEND trying to cover stitch the inner leg seam. It literally almost killed me. Hahaha

Details:

Top: Harbor Knot Tee, Simple (modified, blogged about here.)

Fabric: 125gsm ABP in Charcoal

Size: XS

Bottoms: Inspire Tights

Fabric: Premium Athletic

Size: Small

This post contains affiliate links

Greenstyle kills it with the fitness patterns and I am so thankful to be living in 2019 where we have someone designing stuff like this! I remember just a few years ago the indie scene was baron of athletic wear and the big 4 only had patterns your aunt Karen would have worn back in 1973.

Hello future. You are amazing.

This is the newest "athletic tights" pattern from Greenstyle, and to be fair, they're not even all that new. I think the Super G Tights came out early 2018. Last year was different than any other year for me, though, as I spent the majority of it pregnant. Pregnancy is not a joke, guys. It's weird and wonderful. I was so lucky to have a relatively easy one and end up with a beautiful baby girl. Do I talk about my baby enough? Do you get it? I have a kid. This is what moms do and I'm sorry, it's probably pretty obnoxious. haha I cut these out pregnancy and just now finished them. Thank god they fit! <3

I made these in size XS and they fit great! They're called the Super G's because they have a super long gusset which allows for the most advanced yoga moves and the most energetic couch potatoing. I've been wearing them for approximately 4 days. I keep meaning to take them off, but it's just not in the stars. I considered showering in them, but that was a step too far.

The pockets are probably my favorite feature. I actually said out loud to my husband, "I have no idea why I waste my time on pockets on leggings, I NEVER USE THEM because my phone case won't fit in them." Then I followed the super clean construction of the pockets on these tights and finished them and BAM! My phone fits great and I'm so happy I wasted my time on pockets. They are the best!

I got this awesome fabric from Surge Fabric Shop. It's a Nylon ATY Circular Knit and and thick and plush without being too warm. I've tried circular knit in the past and it wasn't love, but these stay up and allow me to move easily. 10/10 will wear again. I can't decide on the next color I want! Is gray too boring? Is pink to twee?

Anyone else have their significant other take their photos? Somehow. (and I'm not calling anyone out.) but SOMEHOW I always end up with no less than 9 or so butt pictures that I have to sort through and delete. Like, WHO IS COLLECTING THESE? -_-

These tights were constructed on my serger and I took the extra time to coverstitch all the seams that I could. I only couldn't do the back half of the gusset.... let's hope that doesn't come back to "pop me in the butt." I was using my sewing machine to attach the clear elastic when the thread kept breaking / twisting / the needle skipping stitches and then it dawned on me, use the danged coverstitch to attach the elastic. Now I'm kicking myself that I never thought of that before. What the heck is wrong with me?!

See that amazing gusset?! Also, how to women wear leggings with sneakers? It never doesn't look dumb to me. Yet, here we are.

Details:

Pattern: Greenstyle Super G Tights

Fabric: Surge Fabric Shop ATY Circular Knit

Content: 87% Nylon/13% Spandex
Weight: 310gsm
Width: 58/60"
Stretch Percentages: 100%horizontal/50%vertical

Size: XS

Pockets option with no modifications

There is a sale going on for both Surge's athletic fabric and for Greenstyle's athletic patterns! Greenstyle is hosting their annual Fit Capsule SAL and it is a ton of fun! If you want to check it out, and find out more about the sale you can look at Greenstyle's Facebook group and Surge Fabric's Facebook group.

You can find my other athletic tight sews by Greenstyle here and here,

and you can see all about my top here.

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.

It's the 4th day of 2019 and I'm already exhausted! Maybe that's due to the new baby that I just had. She is so cute I can't handle it. I just want to snuggle her all day, everyday before she gets too big.:)

Like any other beginning of the year, I'm stoked to be making new workout clothes to prepare for all the exercise I might be motivated to do. Greenstyle is my go to for workout patterns. They always fit me great without alterations and her directions are super clear and the designs are really functional and on trend.

This pattern pairs perfectly with the new Athletic Fabric from Surge Fabric Shop. It's a nylon/spandex blend and it is SO SOFT. Like, rivals baby's cheeks soft. I'm not kidding. It's super cozy, very stretchy, and perfect for athletic wear.

I make the 32 band size B with the strappy back option and nursing clips. I also lined it with beige power mesh from Surge Fabric Shop.

I found these awesome clips at Joann's! It really makes nursing so much easier. I was super salty about the clips, though. The package said it had 4 sets, but it really had TWO sets. How many boobs do you think I want nursing clips for, Joann? You think one clip per bra is enough?!?! I thought four sets would make four bras, but there are only enough for two.

The bra takes a lot of clear elastic and the straps were so hard to turn! I finally read the directions and the pattern gives a great tip to turn the tubes. Remember to read the pattern! :P It was definitely worth it to make the straps matching, I think it makes it look more professional. Black would have been okay, too.

And here's my squish! I was in labor for about 30 hours before going to the hospital and to pass the time I was sewing this bra. I didn't buy nursing bras so I was really determined to finish before the baby came. I didn't quite make it, but I was so close! It was a good and successful feeling to complete it once I came home.

Seems Zoe likes the bra, too :)

You can save 20% on ALL athletic fabric from Surge using the code FIT2019 through 1/6/19. You can find this specific fabric here.

Fabric: Scrib Floral from Surge Fabric

Pattern: Greenstyle Creations Power Bra (affiliate link)

32 band / B cup / Strappy back option

When you are pregnant and you can't drink wine, just wear it. Fall is on it's way and I'm digging the jewel tones at the moment. Wine is the perfect color to compliment my vampire skin and it reminds me of all the pinot noir that I can't drink right now.

Anywho, how lovely is this top?! I'm always of the mindset "you get what you pay for." but I only paid $4 for this pattern and I would have paid double and a half. I'm always skeptical when sewing patterns from a new to me designer, but LAVitaly was a gamble and a jackpot!

This is the Jersery Top V Neck - Front Bow n.50. (What a catchy name!) Kidding. I know with Etsy SEO's are of utmost importance. I did do some poking around before buying though and I saw on instagram that my friend sewed a LAVitaly pattern and after getting her blessing (and warning that it would need to be lengthened!) I purchased this bow blouse.

I sewed a straight size Small in this lovely Surge Fabric Rayon Spandex in Wine. The pattern was great and came together quickly. Her instructions are different than any I've encountered before, though. She uses a Symbol and Key method. Like pictographs. There is a key with all the symbols and what they mean and then each page has pictures and the "key" next to it. If you sew a ton of LAVitaly you will get the hang of it, otherwise you are left like me scrolling back up to see what each symbol means every step. Honestly, it was an easy sew and with basic sewing knowledge, you can assemble the pattern with the pictures only or without instructions at all.

The only modification I made was to leave off the band and lengthen the bottom by 2". As designed, this blouse has banded sleeves and a banded bottom, but I wanted it smooth to wear under pencil skirts. (Hello, remember my maternity capsule? I told you I'd be adding more tops!)

Can you tell I'm loving the Bishop Sleeves at the moment? It adds such a cute detail without being overwhelming. I certainly do recommend LAVitaly patterns. She has some cute designs and the price really can't be beat. Make sure you check Surge Fabric for all your Autumn sewing needs!

Pattern: LAVitaly Jersey Top V Neck

Size: Small

Mods: Lengthened 2" and left off bottom band.

Fabric: Rayon Spandex in Wine from Surge Fabric Shop

Body Measurements: Bust 34", Waist 2(?) Normally 27" but pregnancy has expanded me, Hips 36".

Also, my husband is simply amazing. Most of our shoots go just like this. He can't help but make me laugh. I think he was talking about my boobs here. Thanks, handsome. Glad you like them. HAHAHA

Happy Friday, Friends! It's not my Friday, it's my Wednesday but I'm happy for those of you who get to experience the weekend! :)

I whipped up some Ninja Pants from 5 Out of 4 Patterns this week because frankly, I'm growing out of all of my "skinnies." I mean, they "fit" but that pressure on the little growing lemon is just too much. She's 10" now and growing like crazy. The new addition doesn't leave much for me to wear, unfortunately.

This amazing black fabric is circular knit from Surge Fabric Shop and these Ninja Pants are for the weekly "Free Pattern Friday!" We all know of a few free leggings patterns, but this was one I haven't heard a lot about so I decided to give them a shot. Let's take a peek at the pattern and fit.

This Pattern comes with several great options.

#1 on my list was a super low rise for maternity wear. It's so great to not have anything putting pressure on my lower stomach.

-Sizes XXS-5XL

-Layered pages

-No side seams

-Seven inseam lengths

-Four rise options

-Full gusset

Even though this pattern is free with a code in the 5 out of 4 Patterns group, there was no skimping on quality! I own other 5oo4 patterns and this one is identical in the drafting, sizing, and quality.

I did feel that there could have been more markings on this pattern of where to align things, waistband notches, etc. but over all it was super easy to construct. It's 3 pattern pieces, legs, waistband, and gusset. They also fit very snug and comfy just as you'd hope leggings would! :)

The fabric I used is an absolute dream! I grabbed the Matte Circular Knit from Surge Fabric Shop and it's so nice! I love Kayla's selection of athletic fabric. This is cozy and fits tighter than a DBP or CL would in these leggings. If you haven't tried circular knit, please do! It's a great fabric to use.

Make sure to join the 5 Out of 4 Pattern group on Facebook for the exclusive code to get this versatile leggings pattern for free!

Pro Tip: Sign up for the 5 out of 4 Patterns newsletter for an awesome discount code, too!

Check out Surge Fabric Shop for amazing athletic fabrics at great prices and follow along in the Surge Facebook Group for a new Free Pattern Friday featured each week!

This post contains affiliate links to support my Taco Tuesday addiction.

I keep talking about how I need more work clothes. I work all the time. yet here I am sewing up a gorgeous lace back tank. *Sigh* When will I learn?

I purchased the Marbella Tank during a sale on New Horizons patterns sometime this past spring and it has sat printed on my sewing floor for weeks and weeks. When I made my most recent purchase from Surge fabric shop I realized that Kayla still had some Marbella kits in stock so I snagged one. The match is perfection. I love all the laces that Surge Fabric Shop carries.

The pattern is quick and easy and I love that there is no binding or facing or anything fancy. Just turn under the edges and coverstitch or hem! The top fits great and I love the back to show off that gorgeous lace! The only thing I wonder is HOW do people get away with not showing their bra straps? I'll be honest, I'm not one to try to hide my straps all the time, really only for photos, but I don't know how others do it. Strapless bras do not work for my body. Regardless, this pic below is in true form and it's how I really wear my tank. Maybe I'll be more sophisticated as I age. :P

The cream fabric is my favorite fabric, Modal in the cream color. It is slightly see through so I just tossed a tiny cami underneath to hide the FRONT of my bra. (See, I do have *Some* class).

The Marbella Kits are no longer in stock on the Surge Fabric Shop site, but all the individual materials are and I've linked them above!

If you haven't made the Marbella from New Horizons Designs I encourage you to do so! It's quick, easy, and looks very off the rack. Check out Surge Fabric Shop for awesome laces to dress up this tank, too. I need a handful for this summer.... but maybe I'll try to get some work clothes in first.

Details:

Pattern: Marbella from New Horizons Designs

Fabric: Surge Fabric Shop Modal

Lace: Surge Fabric Shop Seafoam and Cream Lace

Fabric was sponsored by Surge Fabric Shop and the pattern is a freebie from Mimi G Style! All sewing efforts and buttons were provided by myself. ;)

Summer is scared of the PNW. It was 85 three weeks ago and now it's in the 50's. Make up your mind, Washington. I want to wear summer dresses.

My first summer dress of the season came to fruition this week in the form of the new Jessica Dress pattern from Mimi G Style. Can you even believe this dress is FREE? Here's a link to the dress. You will have to sign up for the Mimi G Style mailing letter and you'll get the pattern in your inbox shortly afterwards. Be fast though, the link expires just 24 hours after you receive it!

If you're not a member already, the Surge Fabric Shop Facebook group features a new free pattern each Friday! It's a really fun way to showcase all the awesome free designs you can find and see them sewn as well as have someone who's made it make.

I sewed the free pattern this week and used some new rayon challis from the Surge Fabric shop. Kayla just got 10 new wovens into the shop and they're lovely. You can find them here.

As for the pattern itself, it was pretty straight forward. I will say that Mimi G Style patterns don't have the typical "hand holding" instructions that a lot of PDF designers have. However, there is a video to accompany the pattern which is great for beginners and more visual learners. I confess, I just followed the instructions per usual so I could stream Survivor... #guiltypleasures

The bodice has a facing instead of a lining. It works well, keeps the entire dress really light.

Two things.

One: Make a muslin. This dress does NOT have a lot of ease. My measurements are 34" 27" and 36" and I sewed the straight size small. I could have blended the small at the waist and the XS at the chest, but with it being a paneled top I didn't want to take the edges in on the wrong panel. Now I see I could have just done the side seams. This is why you make a muslin. The waist in size small is designed for 28" and it still fits me snug. I am swimming in the 36" size small bust, though. Make. A. Muslin. It's worth it.

Two: My buttons are 3/4" but you should choose smaller buttons than I did. The button panel hardly accommodated my buttons on the skirt portion. You should definitely choose 1/2" or smaller buttons if you want the dress to be perfect.

I tried really hard to channel my inner Mimi G, however I still look like I belong at a picnic in the park. LOL Mimi's "Jessica" makes her look fierce and high fashion. One day I'll get there. :*D

Check out Surge Fabric Shop for their new woven collection!

Join the Surge Facebook Group to see new releases and a new free pattern featured every Friday!

Follow this link to get your own copy of the Jessica dress for free!

Is it just me or do you also find that the person you wish to be and the person that you are aren't always the same thing? Ok, that's a little deep. I'm mostly talking about sewing. Who knew that the feeling of inadequacy can seep over into hobbies, too? I wholeheartedly want to be a certain type of seamstress. I want to make all the patterns from Deer and Doe, Sewaholic, Grainline, and Closet Case. I want to tackle outdoor coats, jeans, and dresses with boning. But here I am, six years in and I just finished my first hoodie. I'm JUST to the point where I can make gentle mods to my patterns and not freak tf out. Don't get me wrong. I can do so much and I have done so much! I'm the pround owner of a coverstitch and I use it damnit! Still, I want to be better.

This year has been great. I set a goal, and a tough one at that, and I've stuck to it! I haven't purchased a single article of clothing and it's really helped me narrow down what I need and it's forcing me to sew those items! So, less depresso - more espresso. The jeans will come... but for now, let's talk about this hoodie.

I didn't hem it. Don't judge me. I can't believe I live in Washington and I don't own a damn hoodie. It has been SO USEFUL! It rains. A lot.

I used the Greenstyle Centerfield Raglan. I finally reprinted it, but chose a size Small instead of XS. My measurements put me in the XS, but I needed more room if I was going to get it over a tank top. I used the add on hood and then I decided to do exaggerated cuffs for the sleeves. Obviously inspired by all the "grow with me hoodies" that I've been sewing. I guess I'm all ready for my arm growth spurt...

The sleeve mod is hardly a "mod" but a cute detail nonetheless. I cut the sleeves at the 3/4 sleeve length mark (I didn't even have to add a seam allowance because I was making the cuffs so big it didn't matter) and then doubled the rest of the sleeve length so that the "cuffs" would be "lined" so to speak. Easy peesy!

Greenstyle is definitely one of my top designers. Her patterns fit me. I'm more of an athletic build. (Disclaimer - I'm not saying I'm athletic, only that I have small boobs.) The pattern whips up really quickly and the add on pack has a cowl option, too. For me though, I need that head/rain protection, so I'll probably be making lots of hoodies. I didn't realize that it was a wardrobe necessity! The fabric is Double Brushed Poly from Surge Fabric Shop and it's so, so lovely. I don't wear a lot of floral for my tops, but the grey background is to die for.

Details

Pattern: Centerfield Raglan and Hoodie Add on pack

Fabric: DBP from Surge Fabric Shop

Size: Small

Make sure to check out both Greenstyle's Facebook Group and Surge Fabric Shop's Facebook Group!

*This post does contain affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you use my link to purchase a Greenstyle Creations Pattern. Profits go to my netflix subscription so I can watch the office for the 14,000th time.*

April is here! And obviously, as one does, I start celebrating my birthday at the beginning of my birth month. Thank god I get 17 days to pretend to be a princess. :)

Every year since I've been sewing I've planned to make a "birthday dress" not that I'm going anywhere and not that I'm doing anything, but I want a dress to feel fabulous in regardless. This is the first year in six that I have set out to make a birthday dress and TADAH! I actually finished it. A mashup none the less.

I combined the Striped Swallow Designs Harbor Knot Dress bottom(a favorite of mine and my husbands ;) ) and the Desert Breeze top. I was excited to sew another Harbor Knot dress. I've only made the one during testing but it has gotten a ton of wear and I needed another for the summer. Actually, the day I finished this one, a pictures collage popped up on my time hop from the night I finished the last one last year! How cute. One year later and sewing the same thing.

I did modify the back to be straight across and used lace and binding to connect to the halter strap around my neck. I actually was inspired by a a dress from lulu's boutique. I'll post the picture at the end! The process to make this is trial and error and a whole lotta "make it work." If I make this combo again I'll shorten the torso by about an inch and lower the neckline by making the halter longer. Over all, I absolutely LOVE it. I think it's just the spice that my last Harbor Knot needed!

I bought this fabric from Surge Fabric Shop. Kayla is the shop owner and she's amazing! She carries cool fabrics like lots of stretch lace, stretch mesh, underwear elastic, and obviously VELVET! She often runs deals on her facebook group, too! Shipping is fast, and customer service is excellent.

Pay no attention to the goosebumps. It's still 45 degrees in Washington, even though I'm pretending that it's already summer.

This fabric is perfect. It makes me feel somewhere in between a baby french bulldog and a classy escort. That's really all I want in life. It was perfect for our cirque du soleil show last night! I actually had multiple compliments from strangers on the dress. Who doesn't love that?!