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New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

Friday, April 24, 2020

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns
This post contains *disclosed* affiliate links. All opinions expressed are honest and my own. If you make a purchase using the links, I make a small commission which helps support this blog. So, thank you!!

Happy Friday, friends!!

I am SO excited about today's post! I had the privilege of testing the brand new, completely redone, Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse {aff link}! And not only is it being newly re-released today, it's also the $5 Feature Friday pattern!!

That means, for today only, you can grab the pattern, with a new extended size range and new, additional, pattern options for only $5!! After today, the price will go up to the release sale price for the rest of release week.

The pattern now includes sizes XS - 5X, a blouse option, as well as a FAB new dress option, and nine different sleeve options!! This pattern is flattering on everyone, all of the testers looked so great in their Rhapsody's.

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

For my tester version, I chose to make the sleeveless option, because I knew it was a version that I would reach for over and over this summer!!

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

The first version I made was a straight size Med with no mods at all. I made it in a poly crepe from my stash, that I purchased a couple of years ago from fabric.com.

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

The pattern went through a few changes from what you see here, but I felt it was a good size representation so I wanted to show it to you! The most notable change was made to the v-neck line, it was raised quite a bit from this version. The back hem length was also brought up a bit and the armsyces raised a touch. All of the other changes were made to the sleeves, so I don't have a lot to show you there. 😉

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

My body measurements are: High Bust: 35, B: 36, W: 29.5, H: 37.5. Based on the pattern recommendation I should have chosen a size medium based on my high-bust measurement, so that's what I made and was assigned to test.

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

This is where sewing experience and knowing your body also comes in to play. I know that typically (I'm not going to say always, because I think it depends on the type/style of garment) choosing a size based on my FULL bust gives me a better fit than when I choose a size based on my HIGH bust. So I really wasn't surprised when this first blouse felt just a bit too big all over, but especially up top, over my bust.

I do not consider myself a fitting "expert" by any means, so it may be that choosing a size based on my high bust and doing an SBA may yield better fit on some garments. Especially on ones that are very fitted. For the types of garments I tend to wear and sew, choosing my size based on my full bust seems to be the way to go.

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

So for my second version of the pattern, which ended up being the final pattern that is now released, I decided to size down to a size Small. Taking into consideration the finished garment measurements, I felt I would have no problem doing so, and also the fact that my measurements aside from my high bust put me just under the Med size chart. I also shortened the bodice by 1 inch. Aside from that, I made no changes and I think it's pretty amazing!!

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

I am absolutely smitten with the details of this pattern! The shoulder gathers create such a feminine look and is super flattering, especially on the sleeveless version I think! I also love, love, love, the ties!

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

I omitted them from my first version, because I was able to gift it to my sister (whom it fits perfectly!! YAY!) and she preferred no ties at the neck.

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

The back yoke is a fun detail as well, and I loved the accents and color-blocking I've seen done with that! It also provides a gorgeous clean finish on the inside. I just realized I failed to mention that the side seams are finished with french seams. This top is just as pretty on the inside as the outside!

Lastly, the inverted pleat in the back and the shirt tail hem is just so lovely, too.

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

I know there will be more Rhapsody's made in the future and I can't wait to play with those fun details! I'm swooning over the dress version. I NEED one of those in my life, for sure!! I'm just trying to pin down the right fabric for it.

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

The most time consuming aspect of the sewing was the binding. I love me a good binding sesh though, and really took my time to get it right with these two tops! I'm definitely feeling a bit proud of the outcome! 😄

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

I followed the instructions for cutting the self-fabric bias strips in the pattern, but for applying, I use a method that requires no pre-pressing and folding, so you spend less time at the iron, and less time possibly burning your fingers! 😆

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

If anyone is interested, let me know, and I'll try to make an IGTV of the way I do it! You can also find a similar method described in a tutorial on the Grainline Studio blog.

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

The fabric I used for this second version is a rayon challis from LA Finch Fabrics. It was a remnant piece and after cutting out my top, I had juuuuust enough to eek out a top for Miss O, too! I can't wait to show you her top, it is beyond adorable on her! And how fun will the twinning opportunities be. I didn't get photos of us together, unfortunately, but if we ever get to go out in public again, we'll be sure to grab some pics when we wear them at the same time. 😀

New Rhapsody Blouse // Love Notions Sewing Patterns

This colorway is no longer available, but there is a blue and white version that is so nice, listed HERE!

I think I've rambled on long enough now, but I definitely think the new Rhapsody Blouse pattern {aff link} is worth having in your pattern arsenal!

Happy Sewing!

*Shop my outfit links via the photos below.

Page Hoodie // Sewing For Women

Monday, April 20, 2020

Page Hoodie // Sewing For Women

This post contains *disclosed* affiliate links. All opinions expressed are honest and my own. If you make a purchase using the links, I make a small commission which helps support this blog. So, thank you!!

Hey friends!

It's time to play a little catch-up with backlogged projects that haven't made it past Insta and on to the blog!!

I'm going to start with my tester version of the Page Hoodie!! If ya'll follow along with me on Instagram, you'll know that I'm totally in love with this pattern! Like, so, so much! I mean, cropped length, raglan sleeves, PUFFY sleeves, hoodie, all those things... Sigh. I'm so happy.

Page Hoodie // Sewing For Women

I used a fabric that was gifted to me from Minerva. It is called Quilted Jersey Knit Fabric {aff link}, it is 100% cotton, and it's so lovely! And squishy. And cozy. I lurve it! It's available in several colors, I think a Dusty Rose version would be so gorgeous, too!

My post with much more about this fabric will be live later on the Minerva Blog, I will be sure to let you know when it is published there, via Instagram!

Page Hoodie // Sewing For Women

I made a straight size 8, with zero mods, banded hem option, full sleeve option. My body measurements are: B:36, W:29.5, H: 37.5

I love it so hard! It's super cozy, I love having extra cozy sleeves, and in this sweatshirt fabric paired with the full sleeves it just works. It keeps me warm, and I think it's beyond cute! I love how the cuffs are perfectly snug so they keep the cold out at the wrists, but it's also easy to push them up on my arms and they stay put very nicely.

Page Hoodie // Sewing For Women

I had so much fun adding little details to this sweatshirt. I decided to use a floral lining for the hood, for a pop of fun against all the white. The lining fabric is rayon spandex from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. The ribbing is from Hobby Lobby. Having used this ribbing once now, I can't wait for their stores to re-open so I can grab another option to have on hand! It worked so well for this sweatshirt, I know it will be perfect for any future ones, too!

Page Hoodie // Sewing For Women

The eyelets are a kit I purchased from Joann, I've linked the exact ones HERE. {aff link} The drawstring is actually a shoelace that I purchased from THIS Etsy shop. Gabriela gets full credit for finding the shop and passing along the idea to use shoelaces for the drawstrings. It's absolutely perfect! And I loved that I could choose a COPPER (swoon) end on the shoelace!

Page Hoodie // Sewing For Women

I don't typically wear my hood up on sweatshirts, but getting caught in a random rain shower is also definitely a possibility where I live, so it's nice to have that option and for it to be completely functional!

Page Hoodie // Sewing For Women

It's just such a cute sweatshirt. Gotta get on the task of making a few more, asap! :) I truly can't wait to dive into the mini version too! Have you seen some of the seriously cute ones that have been sewn up already?? Check #minipagehoodie to see some cuties!

I love how people are pairing them with the Mini Hudsons. Gosh. I need twice as many hours and energy in my day to sew all the things. Lol.

Page Hoodie // Sewing For Women

Things are warming up here in NC, but we just came out of a cooler week that definitely required sweatshirts. So if you live anywhere in a cooler climate on this side of the equator, you still have plenty of time to sew up one or two, or a few, for the spring season! 😄

Page Hoodie // Sewing For Women

I love me some good knit patterns, and this is definitely a GOOD knit pattern. I love Chalk and Notch patterns, but I think I can confidently say, this one is my absolute fave!! 😍

I know there will be plenty more Page Hoodies in my life, and it is definitely a blank slate for hacking, so I'm sure there will be variations too!

Page Hoodie // Sewing For Women

Have you sewn any Page Hoodies yet? If not, you probably need to get on that! 😉

Happy Sewing!

LINKS:

Fabric: Quilted Jersey Knit Fabric - Minerva {aff link}
Pattern: Page Hoodie - Chalk and Notch
Eyelets: Joann {aff link}
Shoelace: Etsy

Shop other items that I'm wearing, via photos below. {aff link}


Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

Friday, April 17, 2020

Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

Hi again! Today I'm back with the Mini Rio Ringer Tees (new pattern by True Bias) I made for my kiddos!

I don't sew for my kids as much as I used to. Haha, hello. They were the ONLY ones I sewed for, once upon a time! My, how things have changed. :)

Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

But I do still very much enjoy sewing for them from time to time. When Kelli shared that there was going to be a mini version of the Rio Ringer T-Shirt & Dress to test, as well as a women's version, I knew I would make one for myself and my youngest, for sure!

Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

As it turned out, the mini version was just so cute and adorable, and I had plenty of fabric to play with, that all 3 of my kids ended up with a new tee!

Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

I made each child the size that corresponded with their chest measurement and the fit was very good! My oldest was just a hair outside the size chart for a size 10, but I decided to go ahead with it anyway, knowing that my daughter could easily get away with wearing it if it didn't fit him.

Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

It is a bit short (The final kids version has been lengthened a tad from this tester version) on him, but overall I was pretty pleased with how well it fit him! He unfortunately has grown a bit since I sewed it a few months ago, so he's not very keen on wearing it other than for these photos, so I suppose Miss O has a new handmade-me-down and can now twin with her little brother. :)

For reference, Evan is wearing a size 10, Olivia a size 8, and Aiden a size 4. I added 1/2" in length to each shirt.

Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

The fabrics were all from my stash. Have I mentioned how much I've been enjoying sewing from my stash this year!? The striped fabric I used for the boys was a surprise add-on in a package I ordered from La Finch Fabrics. Both of the ribbings I used (teal and pink) are from The Fabric Fairy, which by the way, is a great place to check for ribbing fabrics!

Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

The fabric I used for Olivia's shirt is an Art Gallery cotton/spandex. It was gifted to me by Rachael of Imagine Gnats. I love, love, love the geometric print! It is in fact the same fabric that I used for my tester version, which unfortunately didn't fit. I had planned for us to be matchy-matchy, and I'm a little sad that it didn't pan out! But I do think I have enough of the fabric left that I can maybe squeeze out a tank for myself.

Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

The Mini Rio is definitely a fun pattern to sew for the kids! I can see many more happening, since I have quite a bit of brightly colored rib knit from The Fabric Fairy that I bought ages ago specifically for kids' tees! I'd better use it up, ay!?

Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

Mini Rio Trio // Rio Ringer Tee // Sewing For Kids

*This post contains no affiliate links. I will fully disclose the information if affiliate links are used. 💗

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

Hi friends!! I has been such a long, long time since I've popped on the blog! What a crazy time 2020 has been, wow. But my family, and myself are all healthy and doing well, so nothing real to complain about here!

I lost my sew-jo sometime around the beginning of the year, and even though I really didn't stop sewing altogether, things definitely slowed down. I can feel it returning now, and I'm just giddy about it. Lol.

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

So, having said that, I'm super excited to share the brand new Rio Ringer T-Shirt pattern by True Bias with you today!

I was a tester for this pattern, and I sewed a test version for myself and my three kiddos, as well! I'll have a post all about their shirts as well, coming very soon.

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

This pattern includes a dress view in both the women's and the kid's version, and includes two size ranges for women (spanning all sizes from 0-30). The children's size range is from 2T - 10.

With the return of my sew-jo, and having sewn 4 versions of this pattern earlier this year, I cranked this baby out in a matter of a few hours. From printing the pattern, to hemming the shirt. But even with all of that, this is a simple t-shirt pattern and very doable in that time-span! The binding method is the most time-consuming part, but it's easy to understand, and there will be a sew-along on the True Bias blog coming next week for even more support.

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

The pattern is also on sale through this Sunday, April 19th, using code RIOLAUNCH. Read all the details about the sale on this post HERE!

So let's talk more about the part I love the most. Fitting and sewing!

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

My body measurements (B:36, W:29.5, H:37.5), put me firmly in a size 8. I used a cotton spandex fabric for my test version and sewed a straight size 8. I believe the fit outcome was largely due to the lack of drape in my fabric, but I ended up with a shirt that was way too snug and bodycon for my comfort.

Both in actual comfort and how I felt looking at it in the mirror. I also found the sleeves to be very uncomfortably tight. I feel it's fair to point out that tightness in fitted t-shirts is a common occurrence for me. The sleeve was also altered a bit in the final version to address this fit issue. A straight size 8 sleeve would still be too small for my arms, but the fit was adjusted to have more ease.

Since I knew I would really love this shirt if I got the fit how I wanted, I did not give up! Using the final version of the pattern, and a different fabric type, I made some fit alterations.

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

First of all, the fabric is a piece from my stash that I bought from Imagine Gnats. I don't remember the exact fabric content, but I believe it to be a tri-blend, or possibly a cotton/poly blend. It has good stretch and excellent drape. This definitely helped in the fit of the tee, so in my opinion, unless you are looking for a much more fitted silhouette, I would choose a fabric with more drape than cotton/spandex (at least for the women's version, it works great for the kid's version, as you'll see 😉).

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

My preference for tees is to have a bit more ease than how the pattern is drafted, so I decided to size up on this version. I sized up to a 10, graded to a 12 in the waist, hips, and sleeve hem. I should probably have done a true full-bicep adjustment for proper fitting, but it really worked out great this way, and I'm very happy with the outcome. 😊

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

I made none of my typical length adjustments, and just sewed the pattern as-is in that regard and I'm so very happy with how this shirt turned out!! I could see taking 1/2" - 1" of length off of the hem for wearing with high-waisted bottoms, but either way is good, I think!

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

I really love the vintage vibe of this tee, and it's really fun picking out fun fabrics and contrasting or coordinating ribbing to go with it.

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

Having sorted out my size adjustments, I'm super happy to have this pattern in my stash! One can never have too many t-shirt options in my opinion, and I love how this offers a fairly different look than many other t-shirt patterns available in the indie pattern circle. I would recommend giving it a go, for sure!

Rio Ringer T-Shirt // Pattern Testing // Sewing For Women

Happy Sewing, friends!!

I hope we will chat again sooner than the last time! 💕

PS. I do hang out on Instagram all the time, and share much more of my sewing there, so really, let's hang out there as well, if we don't already! 😉

PPS. The body of the post contains no affiliate links. I will fully disclose the information if affiliate links are used. 💗 If you would like to shop similar items to what I'm wearing, you can shop via the photos below. I will make a small commission if you make a purchase using my links. Thank you for your support!


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