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Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

Hey friends!! I'm over at Imagine Gnats today sharing all about this adorable Lela Skirt by Sew DIY. The Lela Skirt is a recently redesigned version of the Baseball Skirt!

Head over to the post HERE to read all about it, and how I hacked it to look like a very famous Amazon skirt that has been showing up in all the style bloggers' wardrobes this summer. 😉 Another #sewrtwstyle make for sure!


{Source: @wishes_reality}

I'm doing my typical Imagine Gnats Day post a little differently today, in that, I'm going to talk you through all the many, MANY, ways I found to style this fun little skirt! And to be honest, I wasn't done styling, I was just dying from our current summer heat, so I decided I'd leave it at that, lol.

To start things off, the main outfit from today's Imagine Gnats post in entirely styled with my very own handmade items. And that makes me VERY happy! Since I showed a sneak peek on IG, I've already had several questions about this white button front tank, and I'm so excited to be able to share!!

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

This is a new-to-me pattern, and also a new-to-me pattern company! I've been wanting to try out some Style Arc Patterns for quite a while, and in one of their most recent sales, I grabbed a few!

This tank is the Portia Woven Top pattern, and y'all. I'm in love!! I first made this pattern for an upcoming Minerva Crafts post (another VERY exciting thing!), and it worked perfectly for what I wanted it for. However, it had a slight fit issue on my body, that I remedied on this version and I love it SO MUCH!

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

The pattern doesn't include body measurements to choose your size, only finished garment measurements. (The body measurement chart is on their website, FYI.) So based on the finished measurements at the bust and waist, I chose a size 8. The fit was perfect through the bust and waist, but I really hadn't paid attention to the hip measurement, and it was snug in that area. I was definitely surprised, since my waist is a size larger than my hips, so a word of caution, check the hip measurements! 😄

To remedy the slightly snug hip area, I simply graded out the bottom of the hem by 1/2" on either side, and the fit is now spot on.

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

The top was also extremely long, I had shortened it 1 1/2" on my original version, and ended up shortening it another 2" for a total of 3 1/2" on this second version! To be fair I am only 5'3" tall, but I don't usually need to shorten quite that much.

I made one other slight change to this version. I decided to widen the straps a bit. So when cutting them out, I added 3/4" to the total width, which ends up 3/8" wider on the final product. It's great for concealing bra straps just a bit more! In these photos, I am wearing a strapless bra, but I will definitely also be wearing it with a regular bra, especially since I plan to pair it with cardigans come fall weather!

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

The fabric I used for the tank is actually a tablecloth that I snatched up from the Target clearance section! It's hard to see in these photos, but it has a glorious waffle texture in the fabric. It is 100% cotton, and I know it will just continue to soften with wear!

I just absolutely love this style of tank top so much, and I plan to make quite a few more of it! Probably with a few little hacks as well, so stay tuned!

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

The jean jacket is of course my Hampton Jean Jacket, that I blogged HERE. The hat is an Amazon purchase, and was found through @wishes_reality who also provided the skirt inspiration!

Now I will dive into each outfit I styled with links as much as possible, including the rtw items if still available, but since we all love to sew, I have pattern suggestions for you as well!

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

This outfit is super simple, but just perfect for summer! Especially for keeping cool on our 95* days that we've been having!

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

The tank is a simple crew neck sleeveless top from Target. (Linked HERE) Made in rayon spandex, this top would be very simple to recreate based off of your favorite tee pattern, such as the Union St. Tee or the Panama Tee! The Taos Top would also be a great option, simply by switching out the mock neck with a neckband finish.

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

The bag I found at TJMaxx, and I've seen these exact ones at Marshall's as well. Amazon also offers tons of options, oh and Target as well! 😉

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

This next outfit is still very much summer time appropriate. I paired the Lela Skirt with a simple crew neck tee that I grabbed from Target this spring (for $5). I wish I could say it's a Union St. Tee, and hopefully someday it will be replaced by one! I also paired it with a fun summer straw tote from Old Navy, a simple gold coin necklace and some fave sandals from Target!

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

The vest is another iteration of my beloved Hampton Jean Jacket pattern (by Alina Design Co), and I blogged all about this make HERE.

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

My next look is PERFECT for summer mom-life! Throw on a graphic tee, sneakers, a big bag for all the kids' STUFF and we're good to go!

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

The graphic tee is from Old Navy, and the bag is the same as the one from the previous outfit. The shoes are old Chaps sneakers that I got at Kohl's.

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

I also am wearing one of my very favorite hair clips that I snagged from Amazon. These are such fun accessories and for me serve a very practical purpose since I really don't like having my hair in my face! 😄

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

I also wanted to show how this skirt will transition perfectly into fall! 

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

I am LOVING this outfit oh so much!! I paired it with my very favorite Taos Top, blogged HERE. I just love the textures and color pairing here. Can it be fall now!!?? Lol.

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

And for an extra layer that I know I'll need someday, but was melting in during these photos, I threw my Hampton Jean Jacket on top. The shoes are from Old Navy, which I linked, but it looks like they are sold out. I think they are bringing back a similar version though, so if you're interested, you can browse the current mule selection.

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

I don't know if I can really pick a favorite outfit of the bunch, but this one is definitely a contender for the top!

My final look is another fall transitional outfit and I'm digging it as well!

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

My top is a mega pattern hack of the Lana Top by Coffee + Thread. I don't have a proper blog post of it because it was definitely not a fail (I love it), but an experiment, so much so that I can't really tell you all that I did to it! Lol. 

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

I added a long sleeve, tons of volume to the sleeve, and also widened the bodice and added a split hem detail.

Rayon Lela Skirt Styling Session // Sewing For Women

To gather in the waist to pair with the skirt, I used a clear hair elastic and created a faux knot. I love this trick! The booties are also old, and a Zulily find from several years ago. The hat is the same as I mentioned in the first look.

But there you have it!! 8 different variations of styling this adorable skirt!

I really hope you enjoyed this post, because I had so, so much fun styling it and taking the photos!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read!

*None of the links above are affiliate links. I just wanted to share items from these looks, and they are definitely items I would recommend. All opinions expressed in my blog post are honest, and my own!*

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

Hi everyone!

My wonderful friend, Leslie of Threadbear Garments just released her second pattern, the Frisco Jumpsuit and Tank. I was a tester for this pattern and am so in love with my new tank!!

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

This pattern is extremely on trend at the moment. Have you browsed Pinterest lately? There are Friscos everywhere!!

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

The pattern comes in two cup size ranges, which is wonderful, both for those of us who are not as blessed, and those who are. 😉 The pattern is a close fit through the upper bust, so choose carefully when considering sizes, and if in between, you may want to consider sizing up. I was in between sizes and chose the size smaller, because based on finished garment measurements I thought there may be too much ease in the larger of the two.

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

In the end, I had to let out some seams, so I think going up a size would have been a better choice. But since this pattern is quite fitted, you may need to make adjustments, regardless of size choice if in between.

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

You will also need to play around with the strap placement, as each persons body is unique! For me I had to move the straps out just a bit in both the front and the back, as well as shorten them by a full 2 inches, because I am petite/short in height through my shoulders and upper bust.

But can we talk about the bra strap coverage on this pattern!? 😍 I 100% appreciate a strappy tank that I can wear with a regular bra!!

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

Otherwise, I made a straight size, and I'm really happy with the fit! Especially through the waist, hips, and back. I often could use a swayback adjustment on tank tops, but this was a perfect fit!

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

I did not shorten the tank any, even though it is drafted for a height of 5'7", and I am only 5'3". I really like the length, but I know I will be playing around with this pattern, and a cropped version is definitely happening some day!

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

Which brings me to the point that this pattern is such a great jumping off point for so many hacking possibilities! Just go browse some rtw looks for loads of inspiration! 😊

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

The fabric I used for my Frisco Tank is a cotton/linen/rayon blend from Joann, it appears to be sold out at the moment, but it did make a reappearance this year, so maybe they will get more! I love the ikat design for this tank! And blue and white is a favorite color combo of mine, so of course I love that as well. 😉

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

I definitely need to make a jumpsuit version of this pattern as well! Be sure to check out the hashtags on Instagram; #friscojumpsuit and #friscotanktop. There are so many beautiful versions already, and I know many, many more will pop up soon!!

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

I am definitely a separates wearer for the majority of the time, so I know there will more iterations of the tank coming soon too! I'd love a solid white version, and I have visions of some ruffles and/or pompoms as well. 😍

Frisco Tank Top // Sewing For Women

Thanks for stopping by!!

*As a tester, I received a copy of the final pattern as compensation. All materials and time used were provided by me. All opinions expressed are wholly my own.*

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Itch to Stitch - Make It, Wear It

Monday, July 8, 2019

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Sewing For Women

Happy Monday friends!!

Today, I am over at Itch To Stitch, sharing all about my newest outfit, made up completely of ITS patterns!

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Sewing For Women

*This post contains affiliate links for Itch To Stitch. If you decide to shop through these links, I make a small commission which helps keep this blog running! The fabric for this post was sponsored, the patterns come from my stash, which I had purchased previously to this invitation. All opinions are 100% my own.*

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Sewing For Women

I am loving my newest pair of jeans, the Liana Jeans, they are SUPER comfy with basically no mods at all! You can read all about the details HERE. I used Cone Mills S-Gene denim from Raspberry Creek, who was kind enough to sponsor the fabric for this project. I'm so happy with the outcome, my jeans are truly, SO comfortable!

The biggest adjustment I made on this pair of jeans was to slim down the straight leg, which you can read more about on my blog post today at Itch To Stitch.

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Sewing For Women

For the top, I decided to sew the Montana Shirt. I had been wanting to sew this shirt since it released, and I'm so happy I finally made it! I did make a few changes to the pattern to get this look, and I've got it all detailed out in the blog post over at Itch To Stitch!

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Sewing For Women

The fabric for the shirt was also sponsored, I am so grateful to the shops who help out so generously! This gorgeous cotton eyelet is from Sly Fox Fabrics, and their color selection of eyelet fabric is simply gorgeous!

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Sewing For Women

I was inspired to make this shirt based on this Pinterest image I found. #sewrtystyle is still one of my favorite ways to sew! I did make it with short sleeves rather than long, because *SUMMER* means it's just too hot for button up shirts with long sleeves!

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Sewing For Women

I do wish the weather wasn't quite so sweltering at the moment so that I can wear this outfit all the time! Haha, I truly am enjoying our hot summer weather to the max, so I'm just happy that this outfit will be waiting for me in the fall! I know I will be wearing it constantly!

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Sewing For Women

The next time I sew up these patterns, I do plan to make a few tweaks, but really only slight tweaks. I plan to raise the rise of the jeans by 1/4" - 3/8". And for the shirt, I will add more buttons to the placket. The pattern only includes 5 buttons, and I will probably add two more, while keeping things evenly spaced.

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Sewing For Women

Thanks so much for stopping by! I truly do love these both of these patterns! The fit and the instructions are both superb. I love that ITS patterns includes individual cup sizing for the tops. It makes getting the perfect fit a breeze!

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Sewing For Women

Liana Jeans & Montana Shirt // Sewing For Women

Have a wonderful week, my friends!

Festive Summer Eucalpyt Tank & Peplum Tank // Sewing For Women

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Free Peplum Tank // Sewing For Women

Happy Wednesday friends!!

Megan Nielsen Eucalypt Tank // Sewing For Women

I have red, white, and blue on my mind today since tomorrow is Independence Day! Do you like to go all out with the festive clothes, or do you like to keep it a bit more subtle?

Free Peplum Tank // Sewing For Women

I'm in the second camp. I like to wear normal everyday clothes, but that pull in just a bit of the festive color scheme for the holiday.

Today I'm showing you two fairly recent makes that I haven't blogged yet, but that would be perfect for me to wear to the fireworks show tonight and for the actual holiday tomorrow!

Free Peplum Tank // Sewing For Women

First is another free peplum top, pattern is by In The Folds for Peppermint Magazine. I blogged all about this top HERE, so I won't go into too much detail, but this pattern is one of my absolute favorites this summer!

Free Peplum Tank // Sewing For Women

It is SUPER lightweight, and the peplum really makes it breezy. I really can't feel it touching my skin at all! Which, when it is 96 degrees and super humid outside, I really appreciate that!

Free Peplum Tank // Sewing For Women

The cute v-shaped back neckline is one of my very favorite features about this pattern. Love!

Next up is another Eucalypt Tank, pattern by Megan Nielsen. I made my first version of this tank in a knit, you can read all about that HERE. This second version is made in a lightweight cotton blend from Joann's that I bought years ago.

Megan Nielsen Eucalypt Tank // Sewing For Women

I love the print of this fabric! It is just the right amount of festive for me!

Megan Nielsen Eucalypt Tank // Sewing For Women

This pattern is designed with no ease in the bust, so I cut my pattern in between a size 8 and a size 10. My measurements put me exactly in a size 8. This trick worked really well, I am really happy with the fit of this tank!

Megan Nielsen Eucalypt Tank // Sewing For Women

It definitely has a different look than my knit version I made previously. I love the thinner straps on this version, and the curved hem is more pronounced as well.

Megan Nielsen Eucalypt Tank // Sewing For Women

I love wearing this tank over shorts like I've styled it here, but my favorite way to wear it is tucked into a skirt or high waisted pants or shorts.

Megan Nielsen Eucalypt Tank // Sewing For Women

Do you have any regular clothes that you could pair up to make a festive Fourth outfit? I bet you do! You don't even have to have all the colors at play, try pairing stripes with a solid or floral!

Megan Nielsen Eucalypt Tank // Sewing For Women

And have a fun and safe holiday!

**Both tank fabrics were purchased from Joann's. White shorts are Chi-Town Chinos, blogged HERE.
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