*This post contains affiliate links to help feed my two fluffy, snobby, annoying, elegant cats*

Herrrro! Wow. This is a strange feeling. I've never hosted or co-hosted any kind of "thing" before. Am I doing it right? ;)

Welcome the extensive Raglan Pattern Review Tour! Tibeca of Sewing by Ti and I will be sewing up a new raglan each week to compare and contrast the differences to help YOU make the best decision for your body and style. At the end there is going to be a huge fabric giveaway, so make sure to check back each week. :D

My first raglan was "The Centerfield Raglan" by Greenstyle Creations. (Make sure you read though the end, there is something special for all the readers!)

(don't I look happy? Well I am. I have birds on my belly.)

I've wanted to sew this raglan forever. I'm a slim fit girl. I mean. SLIM FIT. (This is starting to sound like a diet drink.) So the Centerfield Raglan was right up my alley. 

If you read my blog you'll notice that this is the same fabric I used for my Lady Skater dress. <3 I love this fabric so much. But don't look at my boobs too diligently. FOX PAW - you can see my bra slightly through the main bird panel. Oops. I need beige underwear. 

The Greenstyle is a great beginner pattern. There aren't a ton of confusing options on the standard pattern, however if you want extra options there is an add-on pack to make this a hoodie or a cowl. Personally, I think with the raglan being this fitted it would make a great "runner's hoodie" if sewn in athletic material!

The neckline is a standard feminine crew neck / scoop neck. It's flattering on most body types.

I did the sleeves and back in the same black as I only had scraps from the dress to do the bird panel. That's the great thing about raglans though, it looks totally normal to mix and match! You can always say it's just a "stylistic choice." :) This pic shows the curved hem which feels authentic baseball and very feminine. 

Next time I sew this (yes, next time, because I'm a slim fit girl and this is an ultra slim fit shirt!) I will add a few inches of length to the front and back. This is a standard adjustment for me though. As I continue to sew I learn all sorts of new things to feel insecure about. Like my abnormally long torso. There's a confidence booster. Hahaha!

Who should sew the Centerfield Raglan?

This pattern is probably best for those with more "standard" measurements as the pattern chart only goes off of your bust measurement. (Think rectangle, hourglass, and apple) 
So, if you normally have to blend over a range of sizes, it may want to make a muslin before you sew your final piece. It's also for those who like to wear and are comfortable in fitted clothing. However, you can always achieve a looser fit by going up one size!
ETA: Emily added in the comments that she identifies as pear-shaped and this is her go-to raglan. She's sewn four and they fit her great!

***Angelyn of Greenstyle has generously offered a discount code to all the readers of the raglan blog tour. Make sure to purchase before the end of February to get 25% off your entire Greenstyle order with code Feb25 at Greenstyle.com***

Tibeca put together this handy chart so we can have some easy comparisons. You can flip though this - we tried to keep it standard so you can see the differences between all the raglans that we review.

Next week I'll be reviewing "Lane" from Hey June!

Sizes	XXS-3XL
Printable pattern pages/copy shop version	19 / No Pages are no trim!
Skill Level	Beginner
Measurements for Rectangles	No
Line Drawings	No
Size made	Extra Small (34, 27, 37)
Options chosen	Curved Hem, Long Sleeve
Fabric Requirement for your size	2 Yards
Measurement Chart	Body measurement for bust only / None for finished garment.
Cutting Instructions	No
Pattern Printing Layout	Yes
Cutting Layout	Yes
Suggested Fabrics	Knit with at least 25% stretch
Layer Printing Option	No
Neck Line Options	Feminine Crew / High scoop neck. Add-on includes three piece hood and cowl neck.
Sleeve Options	Short, long, three quarter, cuffs
Hem Options	Straight or Curved
Color Blocking	No
Seam Allowance	3/8"
Hem Allowance	1/2"
Separate add-on pack	Yes
Fit	Very Slim
Easy to read instructions	Yes, GS instructions have always explained instructions well in my opinion.
Drawing or photograph instructions	Photographs

Make sure to pop over to Tibeca's blog to see her review of the Kitschy Coo Trifecta.

Art of Oh / Sewing by Ti

Raglan Pattern Tour

February 4: Kitschy Coo Trifecta

Greenstyle Centerfield Raglan

February 11: Wild Blume Romance Raglan

Hey June Lane Raglan

February 18: Duck Butt Designs RAWR

Peekaboo Rainier Raglan

February 25: Liola Patterns Zoe Raglan

March 3: P4P Raglan and Add On Pack

P4P Slim Fit Raglan

March 10: Jamie Christina Hi Low Raglan

CkC Heathers

March 17: Named Geneva

March 17: Jalie

March 23: Big Giveaway

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

I have a cat on my lap and all is right in the world. <3

Today was a good sewing day, I completed three tops, two of which are part of an upcoming blog tour hosted by myself and Tibeca of Sewing by Ti and which will be ending with an epic fabric giveaway, so keep an eye out for that starting early February. :D

Today's project is actually a pattern I've owned for awhile. Normally I receive a free pattern a month to sew up from Go To Patterns, but this is a pattern I bought before I was an ambassador for the Go To Pattern brand. Like the other patterns I've sewn from her shop, this did not disappoint. This pattern in specific is different from the others I've sewn from GTP, because this is designed by the owner of the shop, Andrea Pannell herself!

This top has an option for a collar, but I opted out of that design feature. I loved the simple sweater with the cute puff sleeves. With my fabric choice I was feeling pretty "80's" so I tried to rock it and throw on some bright pink lips. 

What I really loved about the Parisian Top is that is a real "no fuss" sew. Everything is very straight-forward. I think it makes a terrific beginner's project because it's suitable for thicker knits (easy to sew) and it's a simple construction. One thing I will mention is it calls for 2 yards of knit, but for the size small I only used a little less than 1.5 yards. (Even with the collar cut out.)

This is my first experience with a Go To Pattern's name brand pattern. (Not to be confusing but GTP sells many other designers in the shop, but this one is brand name GTP.) I can't rave about this enough - the pattern is laid out SUPER user friendly. All the instructions are laid out in a manor that's easy to read, the pages aren't cluttered, lines are clean, and drawings are specific. It just looks "nice" and I was very pleased to follow the directions without scrolling up and down to find what I was looking for. She even offers a "tips" page with cute bubbles of knit sewing tips.

I seam matched around the body but one line got caught in the curve. Ehhhhh :C and I forgot to seam match on the waistband. Lesssssssons. -_-

 If there was one thing I would change, I would add some width to the arm bands. I double checked my pieces and although they are cut right, they are very tight on my arms. I will probably unpick and add a few centimeters to the width of the arm band so it's more comfortable. 

Oh? My smile? Yeah I was pretending my cat was telling me a joke. That's how I get my "natural" faces. HA ;)

Details:
Parisian Top: $12 from Go To Patterns
Fabric: Interlock from Joanns, $15/yard on sale for 40% off for 2 yards = $18.00
Thread: $.50

Estimated Total = $30.50 (But I have almost a yard of fabric left over.)

Size: S
Fabric amount: Purchased 2 yards, have almost 1 yard left over.

*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.

Mmm. I loved the late morning brunches on Saturdays when Nick and I would head out to Goodness Gracious Cafe - a house-like restaurant built probably in the 40's with large panel windows, lots of sunlight, and notably unexceptional coffee. We'd get there about eleven and find a seat at a small corner table in one of the three dining rooms. I'd usually order a veggie crepe, and a hot cup of coffee to hug while we waited for the food to be delivered. If we were feeling something sweet we'd finish the meal with some decadent strawberries with cream cheese filling. It was a treat to begin the weekend. :)

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 Have you guessed the theme of my contribution to the blog tour? Yep! Brunch (with the girls.)

In a way, the personal theme of this post is "Firsts." This is my first blog tour! When I saw my friend Katy from Wild and Wanderful was co-hosting a blog tour, I knew I wanted to participate! Fun thing, this is her first time hosting as well! Then, this is my first time sewing a true basic, and my first time sewing an entire outfit, my first Papercut pattern and my first successful Megan Nielsen pattern! 

So much winning. Let's jump in. 

This tour is all about fashion and sewing. All the participants chose prompts and the challenge was to create an outfit to wear to that event. 

I don't really DO anything. So when I do go out, I always take the chance to dress up. :) and I don't always take a million pictures, but when I feel this fabulous, I do. I totally do.

For my brunch outfit, I sewed up two pieces, the Copellia from Papercut Patterns, and Tania from Megan Nielsen. It was so good to sew up both of these patterns. I've had them for ages but just hadn't taken the time - let me tell you, after cutting, "the time" was only 4.5 hours. I could hardly believe it. These were both so quickly sewn and I had a new outfit in a jif. (People do still say jif. >> )

Let's start with the Copellia Cardi. I chose the longer, faux wrap version. It actually does wrap, but it's just sewn in place. I got the fabric from Sincerely Rylee fabrics. She does mystery box sweater knits and I got this soft, dreamy red in my mystery box. It's a very lightweight sweater knit and I'm in love. It has a ton on stretch and was pretty flimsy, but it works great with this drapey style of cardigan. 

The sleeves are raglan style and it has cuffs at the wrist and waist. I sewed a size XS which was a size down because the fabric was incredibly stretchy. I wanted to put some clear elastic in the shoulders to keep the seams intact, but since the weight falls on top of the shoulder and the seams are on the front and back, I didn't find it necessary. Since I sized down, it's a little tight at the bottom and it rides up a little, but nothing that will keep me from wearing it. (Translation: Nothing will keep me from wearing it. haha)

The sweater actually does lay flat, but the bulk of the waist seam on the skirt creates a little lump. I ended up pairing this with a belt because I had originally intended to tuck the shirt in, but that just looked frumpy. All in all, I really look rectangle - but I love it anyway. :)

Here is a more casual take on the cardigan. This is honestly how I'll wear it most of the time. SO COMFY. I'm honestly too proud of this. It looks so RTW. People will probably think it's too slouchy, but I'm blinded by motherly love. I love you, my sewing project baby.

This is Tania from Megan Nielsen. Based on my measurements I sewed a blend of the XS and S. I did make a few mods to the pattern. I used knit fabric so instead of doing a zipper, I did an elastic waist. I had to change around a few steps but basically I just sewed both sides of the skirt up and then sewed both the front and back of the waistband together and sandwiched the elastic in-between the waistband and sewed the waist to the skirt.

I have to "think thin" on my butt while I'm putting it on because the knit has exactly about 0% stretch... but all in all I only popped a few basting stitches - so all is well.

Oh. I have a secret for you. 

Surprise! They're actually SHORTSSSSS! It's a SHORTZSUIT! (not really, but watch this video because it will make you laugh. It's totally worth the 40 seconds.)

I haven't hemmed these yet. I probably will. 2:30am isn't my favorite time to hem, so it being knit I just skipped it for the time being. I will hem it though, I think it will keep the edges nice and flat. I'm going to keep telling myself that I'll hem it. I'll hem it. I totally will.

I took this picture to demonstrate how much freedom one has while wearing these culottes. Really I took it for my best friend, mostly because we just do weird shit like this. So, friends - don't be mislead into thinking I'm anything that I'm not. This is who I really am. :D

But sometimes I can look like this. So it evens out I guess.

I do feel pretty fabulous in this outfit. Maybe a little more "career" than I intended, but fabulous none the less.

I completely enjoyed this experience. Though I may say I'd be a little more inclined to pair this sweater with jeans rather than the culottes. Maybe for a cozy, coffee date I would wear the outfit as a whole. I'm totally stoked to have sewn a "basic" piece and really excited to sew up more. I can definitely see that it will get a ton of use. 

Guess what? Did you read my crazy long post? Good for you cause there is a giveaway down here and you don't want to miss it. :D Read those details below and check out the rest of the bloggers participating for this and the following week. ^^

P.S. Thanks to my sister for taking these photos! And for letting me borrow the earrings you made. <3

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Be sure to head over to Wild+Wanderful or Gardening in High Heels to check out the other brilliant bloggers, sewists and stylistas on the tour, as well as be able to link up your own looks and show us what you would Wear to Where!
Now let's talk giveaway prizes for this tour!!
For the sewists: Choice of 3 patterns from Cole's Creations, Choice of 3 patterns from Made for Mermaids, Pattern of choice from Patterns for Pirates, Pattern of choice from Scientific Seamstress, Sewing-tee of choice from Sewing Stadium, Pattern of choice from Simple Life Pattern Co, Pattern of choice from StitchArt
For the Fashionistas: Set of 6 cards from Designs by Nicolina, 30 minute Social Media/Copy Consult by Gardening in High Heels, Tee of choice from Handmade Escapade, $20 Store Credit from Jenny Penny Designs, Tumbler from Joy+Tren
A big thanks to our amazing sponsors!
Cole's Creations | Designs by Nicolina | Gardening in High Heels
Handmade Escapade | Jenny Penny Designs | Joy+Tren
Made for Mermaids | Patterns for Pirates | Scientific Seamstress
Sewing Stadium | Simple Life Pattern Co | Stitch Art
a Rafflecopter giveaway

*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.