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 week marks 6 weeks post postpartum and I am finally starting to feel like myself again since about week 5. It's nice! I measured myself at 2 weeks after Zoe Lou was born and my waist was 2" bigger! I didn't have a lot of extra weight but apparently some. I remeasure and I'm at 28" for my waist, only one inch up from pre-pregnancy. If I didn't sew, I'd never measure myself 3 weeks after having a baby. Just wouldn't be something I'd torture myself with but when you sew, you need to know! I decided to make my original size of this dress, size 4, and it fits beautifully!

The idea was to sew a dress for Valentine's Day but if I'm being real, we're not going out for a hot date for a long time. I'll probably cook something yummy and use the awesome keyhole in the dress to nurse. Haha at least it's on theme with the red and the polka dots! I picked up this lovely DBP from Surge Fabric Shop.

The Aphrodite Dress came together so quickly. I cut it yesterday and sewed it up during morning nap time. The hardest part was top stitching the ties. It was only difficult because I was too lazy to change from my quilting foot to my walking foot. My problem.

This is also unhemmed. We have very limited daylight and I ain't got time to waste!

I didn't do the modesty panel, but it kinda looks like I did. This is a RTW VS bralette. No one told me that you simply cannot wear normal bras while nursing. It's not practical. So now I'm living in my 3 rtw bralettes and my one nursing bra that I've made.

Are you sewing anything for Valentine's Day? 

Details:

Pattern: Rad Patterns Aphrodite Dress Mini

Fabric: DBP from Surge Fabric Shop

Size: 4

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

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!

I love combining my favorite things. Sunshine and swimming. Ice cream and root beer. Friends and coffee. Surge Fabric and Striped Swallow Designs. I swear, his chambray was created specifically for being sewn into Coachella Shorts. /Swoon

Did you know that today is the LAST day to take 40% off of all Striped Swallow Designs Patterns? Check her Facebook Group here for all the details. It is SSD's fourth anniversary of her first pattern. (The girl's Coachella Shorts!) I'm happy to be sewing the Women's Coachella Shorts during Striped Swallow Designs Anniversary!

I aslo took full advantage of the awesome bundle deal that Surge Fabric offered for woven and trim to this past month. They have deals every week so make sure you follow along in their Facebook Group! 

Honestly, this is a "looser" outfit than I'm used to, but I love the combo of the shorts and tank. This is a RTW tank but could easily be recreated with your favorite loose fitting tee. Maybe the Moon Dance Tank?

The Coachella Shorts are a pretty easy sew. Like all Striped Swallow Designs Patterns, just follow the directions and you'll have an amazing piece! These are the second Coachella Shorts I've sewn, the last ones were in 2014!) and please DO follow all the instructions. You may think "Hmm, I could probably skip that basting step." DON'T. It makes turning the trim to the front SO much easier. I know from ... experience. Haha

I sewed size small, relaxed fit, low rise coachella shorts. My Waist is 27" and my Hips are 37".

Make sure you check out Striped Swallow Designs to take advantage of their biggest sale of the year!

Here are the links to the Black Chambray and Trim I used to create these shorts. You can join Surge Fabric Shop Facebook group to see all the deals and wonderful fabric creations using their fabric. :)

Since the beginning of the year, I have been on a clothing buying hiatus. My New Year's Resolution was to not purchase any clothing in 2018. It's all been easy up until the point I realized I need work clothing. Have I mentioned I work all the time? Yep. Three 11 hours shifts, one 10 hour shift, and one 7 hour shift. It's outrageous. Some how I have more "fun" clothing than I do work clothes. I'm trying to change that ... at a snail's pace. -_-

I picked up the newish Halla Madeleine Cowl neck top as it's completely work appropriate and it looked like a simple sew, and it's flattering for my small *ahemm* bust. lol I paired this pattern with the new ITY line released by Surge Fabric Shop! God, I love this fabric. The color isn't something I normally go for, but it's so pretty! My husband has given me no less than five compliments on it. :P 

I chose the short sleeved ruched version of this top. Perfect for summer, and especially perfect with this stunning coral color. 

I sewed size 2/4 graded to 6/8 at the waist per my measurements. This is a standard adjustment on Halla patterns for me. I'm a little less curvy and than my husband likes to pretend. Hahaha the measurements don't like like friends do!

As far as the pattern goes, it was pretty easy to follow. I had a splitting migraine, so I'm wondering if all my complaints are due to the headache? I'll be making more so I'll update! 

1. I found it hard to find the back neckline chart. Turns out it's on the actual pattern piece. We'll chalk that one up to the headache. 

2. The order of the instructions confused me. It directed you on how to make the pleats first. I didn't understand that this was a step to refer back to after you begin constructing whichever style you chose, ie. ruched, short sleeved, etc. Then when the pleat part comes up, refer back to the beginning. 

Regardless, headache and all, I managed to get it done in 3.5 hours with only a small 20 minute nap and stopping to eat dinner. lol 

Despite the two small issues, I can't wait to make a few more of these! I already have another shipment of fabric on the way lol. Also, once you've made something once, things usually go smoother the following time around. 

This color and the other ITY colorways over at Surge Fabric Shop are gorgeous! Make sure you grab some before they sell out! It would make a wonderful dressing robe, MRT dress, culottes, or a cowl neck. ;)