Tierras Woven Joggers // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

Tierras Woven Joggers // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

Monday, March 6, 2017

Happy Monday everyone! 

I'm excited to be starting off this week with a super fun project (or two)! Last week I had the privilege of testing the brand new Tierras Woven Joggers pattern from Itch to Stitch. These are a super quick sew! I had two pairs whipped up in no time at all.

The joggers are meant to be low-rise, with a slightly tapered leg, optional elastic hem at the ankle. The joggers feature an elastic & drawstring waist and deep side pockets that are just perfection. Both of the versions I made, I chose to do a straight hem and also raised the rise for more of a mid-rise version. My mommy tummy prefers the mid-rise ;) The pattern includes instructions on how to adjust the rise, this is a super easy modification! If you are a beginner at pants sewing, I would definitely recommend this pattern, adjusting the rise on this pattern was the easiest I have done so far.

The first pair I made was my "muslin" that I was very hopeful would be wearable, and I was not disappointed! For this pair, I added 1" to both the front and back rise. I did not adjust the leg length for my height on this one and ended up cutting off  2 1/2" before hemming. No other adjustments were made and I am SUPER happy with the fit all around. I used a vintage sheet that has been in my stash for years and am so happy I used it for this project, it is the perfect worn-in-soft that I was going for on this pair. I'll just be lounging in these every Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon from here on out...

The second pair I made, I went for the wear-them-out-of-the-house kind of pants :) I'm going to be honest here and say that this is a little more bold than I would normally wear, but paired with the white shirt and jean jacket, I think I could pull it off comfortably! 

One of my goals this year is to sew a lot more from my stash, and I did just that for this project. I wanted to try this pattern in a more drapey fabric than the sheet I used for the first version and this rayon was the only piece I had that had enough yardage to work with. I am pleased with how it came out and in a drapey fabric, this pattern takes on a whole new look that I am definitely in love with!

Also, if you are like me, sometimes you might be tempted to skip features to save a little time... I was tempted to skip on the drawstring, but I'm so glad I took the extra 10 minutes to insert it! It gives a fabulous adjustable fit and makes them feel so much more secure and like real "pants" instead of just pjs, haha! They are still secret pajamas, but feel a little bit more substantial.

I did order some solid colored fabric for my next pair, just sayin'... ;) 

For this version, I added another 1/2" to the front rise, based on my first version. But now having sewn it up, I don't think I would have needed to do that in such a drapey fabric. This just goes to show how differently a garment can look and feel based on fabric selection! I also shortened the legs on this version the 2 1/2" that I cut off at the hem on the first version. I am 5'3" for reference.

I'm really looking forward to sewing up a few more of this pattern in some solid colors! I'm also thinking of a cropped version, hmmmm, yes!

I'll leave you with an onslaught of photos! I love my new comfy pants! These will be seeing a lot of wear, since much of my time is spent at home! Even though I do stay home a lot of the time, I still like to get dressed and feel put together. This pattern combines put together and pure comfort. A huge win in my book!!

PS. 

This is the first Itch to Stitch pattern that I have sewn and I was very happy with the whole experience! I can't wait to sew more of Kennis' patterns! I love that her tops are drafted with built in cup sizes. It also helps that my measurements exactly fall in line with her size 4. I have the Bonn Shirt pattern and can't wait to sew it up. I'm hoping I can get away with very few adjustments! I also have my eye on the Vienna Tank for this summer. Stay tuned for those!

Details & Links

Pattern:

• Tierras Woven Joggers // Itch to Stitch
• Size Sewn: 4; added 1 inch to front and back rise, shortened leg length 2 1/2" 
• Current measurements: Height; 5'3", Waist: 28.5", Hips 37.25"

Fabric:

• Pink & Yellow Floral - Vintage Sheet/Thrift Store Find
• Coral/Mint Rayon Poplin - fabric.com - sold out

**This post contains affiliate links. I only share products that I truly believe in and love the quality of. Kennis' pattern is topnotch and I definitely recommend it!**

Read more »

Phinney Ridge Cardigan // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

Phinney Ridge Cardigan // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Hello everyone! 

If you've been reading this blog or following me on Instagram for the past year or so, you'll know that I'm a big, big fan of Straight Stitch Design patterns. In fact, it just showed up in my Timehop that a year ago, I was showing off the Wedgwood skirt I tested for Kimberly!

Today, I'm showing yet another awesome pattern (well, really 3 of her patterns if you want to get technical, but keep reading for that! ;)) that was just released yesterday, and I had the chance to test for her again!

This is the Phinney Ridge Cardigan pattern, you can grab a copy here for a fantastic discounted price through Friday, in celebration of the release.

I am such a big cardigan wearer, in fact, I'm wearing a RTW one right now that has seen better days, because, constant wear. This pattern is such a great alternative to my fave RTW style that I'm wearing at the moment, I am SO excited about this, because now I can fill my closet with all the me-made versions!!

This pattern features a v-neck, with button closure (or you can of course use snaps, or even leave off the closures all together if you want!), long or 3/4 sleeve options, and elbow patches if you want to add more detail! There are also instructions included for shortening or lengthening the pattern to your desired length if you need them. To get this length for my tester version, I used a french terry fabric and shortened 1.5" to hit at mid hip. I think this would be a fun cardi to wear with the Wedgwood Skirt and could be shortened even further to flatter the natural waist fit of the skirt. I'm definitely going to need to do just that! And also make one in every color under the sun and with all the sweater knits... Basically I need at least a dozen of these, amiright?

For this version, I used a lightweight rayon french terry from LA Finch Fabrics (also used here). It is the most comfortable fabric to wear!! I didn't have quite enough for the button band, but that worked in my favor, because I got to use my favorite thing ever, stripes! The stripe fabric is 4-way stretch jersey in Club Stripes from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.

Because I'm just that kind of crazy, I had to make a perfectly coordinating tank to wear under the cardigan. I decided to go all SSD and made a mash-up of the Greenwood tank and the Montlake tee. All I did was cut out the top portion of the Greenwood and laid my modified Montlake pattern over top of the Greenwood pattern and cut out the bodice with it. I used an absolutely scrumptious J.Crew knit from Imagine Gnats. I've had this fabric in my stash for a while, waiting for the perfect project, and now I think I need this tank in all of the colors to go with all of my future Phinney Ridge cardis. Lol. If only I had as much sewing time in reality as I do in my head.

Does anyone else like to put together outfits with patterns from the same designer? Just me? I think they always just mesh so well. :)

If I haven't convinced you yet that you need this pattern in your life, be sure to check out the tester roundup posts Kimberly has on her blog today! There are so many great versions in a variety of different fabrics!

*My modeling vibe was way off on this day... The ground was apparently super interesting. Ha.*

Summary of Links & Details:

Patterns used:

• Phinney Ridge Cardigan
• Made straight size 6, shortened 1.5"
• Greenwood Tank + Montlake Tee
• Mashed the 2 patterns together to create a Greenwood tank at the top with my modified Montlake pattern as the bodice. (Blog post with Montlake mods - here)

Fabrics used:

• Rayon French Terry
• LA Finch Fabrics
• 4-way Stretch Jersey in Club Stripes
• Raspberry Creek Fabrics
• J.Crew rayon/lycra jersey
• Imagine Gnats

Read more »

Make It Mine // Waterfall Tour // Sewing For Women

Make It Mine // Waterfall Tour // Sewing For Women

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Hi everyone! Welcome to Day 1 of the Make It Mine Women's Waterfall Tour!

1. There is a seriously awesome prize to be won for following the tour, so be sure to scroll to the bottom to enter the rafflecopter!
2. There is also a link up with a great fabric & sewing kit prize. All you have to do is sew up a Women's or Girl's Waterfall and link up to THIS post. Who doesn't want free fabric & notions!?

Today's Tour Theme is "Day Look". Being a mom to 3 littles, my day looks require loads of comfort and hopefully a little style. Enter soft, drapey, french terry & lightweight sweater knit. Swoon. Add a fedora, jeans + tennies and I'm ready to head to the zoo, the museum, anywhere really, with my crew.

To achieve this somewhat different look to the Women's Waterfall, I ended up with a bit of a pattern hack. But a very simple one! 

Oh, I also need to note that I sized down one size in the bodice for this version. I kept the sleeves my regular size, because, chubby arms. But for me personally, this fit is fantastic and I'll be repeating this size combo in the future!

To start off, I lengthened the bodice by 2 inches. For reference I am 5'3". Then I shortened the ruffle by 6 (yes, six) inches and took out the ruffle part. To do this, I walked the ruffle pattern piece along the bottom edge of the bodice pattern piece to determine how much to take off. Then, using my clear ruler, measured up from the bottom of the ruffle, 6 inches, making marks every so often and then redrawing the curve. I then cut this out and had my new pattern piece. Next, I cut out 4 (instead of 2 as per pattern) of the new band pieces, sewed the bottom edges together with a 1/4" SA, flipped them right sides out and sewed with raw edges aligned to the bottom of the bodice pieces. Easy peasy!

Here is a look at what my new pattern piece looks like:

I am seriously, maybe just a little ridiculously, in love with my new top.

I absolutely love how the hem curves with this top and I love the clean lines it creates without the ruffle.

So let's dish about the fabric I used for this. It is a super soft, lightweight french terry from LA Finch Fabrics. The drape and soft feel of this fabric is for real amazing. I know I will be wearing this top so much in the coming months, and I'm considering ordering some more for a spring dress for myself. I'm also planning a matching dress for my daughter with the scraps from this project. That's really how much I love it!!

Cardigans are a huge staple in my wardrobe and I love the Waterfall paired with one, so I had to make a new one to specifically coordinate with it! It was serendipitous. I had these 2 fabrics in my stash, the french terry only a month or two, but the sweater knit for nearly a year, they were definitely meant to be together! 

Do you see how those pinks match up!? Sorry guys, I haven't been this thrilled with a me-made outfit in a while, I can't help it. Lol!

I used the Eleanor Cardigan pattern for this sweater. It's a lovely, oversized, simple cardigan with 2 length options. I went with the hip length and took 2 inches off, because, short. The sleeves are still plenty long, I took an inch off and hemmed an inch, but I may go back and chop off some more. I also sized down one size from the size chart because I knew this fabric would "grow" some. I really loved the simplicity of the pattern and how quickly and easily it came together. I'm sure there will be more in my future!

The fabric for the cardigan is from Girl Charlee, I bought it about a year ago, but they still have it available (here) on their website, it is on their slightly flawed list, but at a fantastic price! The only word of caution I have for you is to be very careful with your iron temperature! I had mine at about half temp and had a slight melting incident! Thankfully it was on the inside and very minor, but, just a tip to be cautious with the iron :)

Thanks so much for reading! I'll leave you with a few more pics and then don't forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom and link up to this post (HERE) for more prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Links & Details:

Patterns:

• Top: Women's Waterfall Raglan by Chalk And Notch
• Cardigan: Eleanor Cardigan by KZJO Studios (also available through Indie Sew)

• Size Sewn: 
• Top - 4 bodice, 6 sleeves
• Cardigan - XSmall
• Changes Made:
• Top: Lengthened bodice 2 inches. Created new band at the bottom, instead of ruffle (see post for details and pic)
• Cardigan: Hip length - shortened 2 inches, sized down one size because of very drapey open weave fabric.

Fabric:

• Top: Dusty Pink French Terry from LA Finch Fabrics
• Cardigan: Rainbow Heather Hacci Knit from Girl Charlee

Jeans: Target (similar)

Fedora: Target

Shoes: cheap, but these are on their way as replacements!

Read more »

Project Sew It // Toaster Sweater // Sewing For Women

Project Sew It // Toaster Sweater // Sewing For Women

Friday, February 3, 2017

Have you heard of #projectsewit? It's a fun movement started by the fabulous Celina of Petit A Petit + Family, challenging sewists everywhere to sew at least one garment a month. Whether it be for ourselves or our kids. This year she made the challenge even more fun with a theme to go with each month. January's theme was SWEATERS. 

This also coordinates with another challenge that took Instagram by storm; #sewmystyle. Each month there is a featured pattern and the idea is that if you make each one, you will have a small capsule wardrobe at the end of the year.

I've jumped in to play along with each challenge! I'm not sure I'll be sewing every pattern included in Sew My Style, but I'm hoping to be able to sew the same type of garment each month. For example: February's pattern is a cardigan, I'm not planning to make that exact pattern, but I'm planning to sew a different cardigan pattern.

All that explaining, brings me to the sweater I'm here to talk about today! It is one piece that ticked the box for both of the challenges. Yay!

Having made the Toaster Sweater #2 before, I knew that I wanted to make it again in a different type of fabric. This time I chose a lightweight sweater knit with a fun sparkly stripe from Stylish Fabric. 

I sewed the same size as my previous version, which is one size down from where the size chart put me. I also lengthened the pattern by 2 inches. It is perfection. I'm totally in love with this version!!

I can definitely see myself sewing even more of this pattern. Not to mention I still have to sew up version #1! Also the mash-ups between the 2 that are showing up are amazeballs. I have many more Toaster Sweaters to sew up, that is for sure!

This sweater knit is very thin and lightweight (I may have been a little cold during this shoot :)), I think it will be a perfect early spring piece! I can't wait to pair it with shorts or capris. I will say though that it snags very easily. I didn't have any problems while sewing it, but just wearing it for the shoot and then carrying my tripod into the house, under my arm, it snagged in a couple places. I'll have to be careful when wearing it!

The sparkle of the sweater was hard to photograph, but it's there! It has some metallic gold threads woven in with some blue as well. Totally pretty. Totally up my alley!

So there is my completed January challenge piece! If you follow me on Instagram, you'll probably know January was a rough one, with sickness and winter blues. February is already feeling much better, and I'm praying the crazy sickness bugs leave us alone for the rest of the season! :) I've got fun plans for February and already a good jump on the projects, yay!!!

Links & Details:

Pattern:

• Toaster Sweater #2
• Modifications: Lengthened body 2 inches. Sized down one size.

Fabric: 

• Ivory Sweater Knit With Jewel Stripe Yarns

Read more »