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Summer Basics Tank // Sewing For Women

Friday, June 12, 2020

Summer Basics Tank // Sewing For Women

The Summer Basics Tank has been revised! This essential Love Notions pattern now has sizes from XS-5X, and has a brand new shelf-bra feature!

Summer Basics Tank // Sewing For Women

In addition to all that, it is the Feature Friday pattern and is $5 for today only! You can grab your copy of the pattern HERE. {aff link} After today, the re-release sale will continue until Thursday, June 18th at $9.

Summer Basics Tank // Sewing For Women

This was my first time sewing the Summer Basics and oh my goodness, I'm going to fill my drawers with these!! The fit is so spot on!

Summer Basics Tank // Sewing For Women

I made a medium, based on my measurements of UB:35.5, B:36.5, W:29.5, H:38. I used the scraps from my Sunday Romper, so I had to shorten 4 inches and piece the bands!

Summer Basics Tank // Sewing For Women

Shortening the tank worked just fine, especially since I'm not very tall (5'3"), but I decided to leave it unhemmed for just a bit more length. I serged the hem, and I think it looks good!

Summer Basics Tank // Sewing For Women

I will likely be wearing it tucked in to things anyway, but I think it looks great paired with my shorts, unhemmed.

Summer Basics Tank // Sewing For Women

I love the scooped back, it's low enough to be cool and flattering, but doesn't show a bit of a regular bra. The straps are perfectly placed as well for complete bra coverage!

Summer Basics Tank // Sewing For Women

I didn't use the shelf bra for this tank, but I'd like to try it in an athletic fabric for sure! I think it would make a fabulous hiking tank, and in our summer heat, I think a shelf bra might just be ideal.

Summer Basics Tank // Sewing For Women

Other than shortening at the hem, I didn't make any changes to the fit at all! I absolutely love how this tank turned out. I think the bindings look very polished. As soon as I tried it on, I knew I would LOVE it with this Allegro skirt {aff link} hack I made a couple of weeks ago!

Summer Basics Tank // Sewing For Women

I promise I'll have a post about that skirt soon! It's one of my very favorite things I've made recently!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Friday! Happy Sewing!


Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // 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!!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

I'm really excited to share my second Sunday Romper {aff link} with you today! **Don't forget, this pattern is currently on sale through June 14th for $9 (save $3)! I made two versions during testing, and while this was technically the first version I made, it ended up being finished last because of how the testing process went.

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

As is the purpose of testing, the pattern underwent several changes, and the first version I made had too much extra fabric. This worked in my favor, since I was able to simply trim it down and make the fit reflect the final version of the pattern!

I made this version from a ponte that was also deep in my stash. To be honest, I think it was one of the very first cuts of ponte knit I ever bought! Another change made during testing was that the recommended fabrics do NOT include ponte. The pattern is designed with a blousey drape and ponte just poofs out in a not so flattering way. However, do know that if you are dying to use it, it definitely is possible!

To alter the fit in the way it was intended, I simply took out quite a bit of width from the sides, and length from both the top and bottom. I didn't measure exactly, I just trimmed until it looked "right" and checked the fit while sewing it up. I'm absolutely in love with the outcome! There is still some excess fabric in the back, so if I decide to make another ponte version, I will do a sway back adjustment to the pattern before cutting.

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

I had fun playing with the stripes on this version, too! The stripes are printed vertically, so I cut the top on the grain to make sure there was enough stretch to get it on and off. Since the bottoms don't need stretch, I was able to cut the stripes horizontally for a fun effect!

Now for the real meat of this post, I wanted to show you how versatile a one-piece romper really is, and how the styling options are practically endless!!

I have 5 looks to show you, but I could have kept going and probably come up with 5 more without a real struggle!

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

Look #1 is SUPER simple and minimal. All I did was added my Kelly Waist Bag for some extra emphasis at the waist, and hands free practicality! This would be perfect for a day at the park with the kiddos, or a trip to the zoo, etc. The bag is roomy enough for my phone, sunglasses, and even a small snack or two for the kids. Oh, and lets not forget wipes and/or tissues. Those fit too!

Notice the contrast of the brown accessories with the black in the romper. I love the black/brown contrast, and for this look, I kept the belt, bag, and sandals all in the same warm brown tone for a cohesive affect.

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

Look #2 is also quite simple, but I added the "3 elements" to the look. In styling, whether in home decor, photography, or fashion, grouping things in odd numbers is visually more appealing. So if you have 3 elements to an outfit, you will automatically look more pulled together!

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

For this look, I chose black sandals to coordinate with the stripe in the romper, as well as the black band on the hat. Like I mentioned before, I also like the black/brown contrast, so I added in my straw circle bag. Now if I had a round BLACK bag, I would have added that in instead, but since I don't own all of my dream accessories, I made do with what I have. 😉

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

That being said, I think the natural tones in the bag add a lot of warmth and depth to this outfit! And I'd also love to take this little number on a stroll through a beautiful scenic city, such as Charleston, SC... One of my favorite places to visit!

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

Look #3 is perfect for a day where you will be in and out of the air-conditioning, or a stroll along a breezy oceanside. And while that may happen once a year or so... in reality, I'll likely just wear this to a girls' night or even a day of shopping. If that ever happens again! 😜

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

I threw on my favorite denim shirt, kept the black sandals, and added an over-sized summer bag to keep it looking breezy.

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

The great thing about denim shirts is that they can act as an extra layer when needed, whether inside against the freezing a/c, or when the weather turns cooler in the evening. But, then they are also sturdy and won't stretch out when you tie it around your waist, because the extra layer isn't needed!

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

Notice how the shirt also brings in that 3rd element and really ties the outfit together? It's magic!

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

Look #4 is for a lazy Saturday chill-axing, either at home or at your favorite brunch spot!

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

I threw on my uber comfy and favorite Carrie Cardigan, grabbed my favorite monogrammed mug, switched out for some fresh white sandals, and voila! I'll wave from my porch couch, because that's where you'll find me from now on! 😄

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

I'll just take this moment and address a question I see a LOT regarding rompers. Is it annoying to go to the bathroom!? Honestly, NO. I found this pattern to be the least frustrating romper I've ever worn while needing to take bathroom breaks. I've even had the "privilege" of wearing it on a road trip and using public restrooms and it was not a problem at all! 

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

Yes, you do need to pull it down, so there's that bit, and if that bothers you, then you may not enjoy it. But as far as worrying about it dragging on the floor (gag), it doesn't at all because of the elastic waist. Everything stays up off the floor and free of (cringe) the nasties.

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

Now obviously, if you layer over top, that will also have to be removed, and if you're in public you will have the added element of finding a safe place to hang it. Hopefully there is a bag hook at your disposal and you'll have no problem with that. 😊

Look #5, I decided to get a little sporty on you!

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

All my life, I have never been into sports, or athletic in any way! In fact, I would almost always choose indoor activities if possible unless there was a body of water involved.

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

Things have pretty drastically changed in the past several years! As my kids have gotten older, and it seemingly takes even more energy to keep up with them, I have learned to LOVE staying active!!

If you follow me on Instagram, you most likely know I've developed a consistent exercise routine, and that in turn has made me crave much more physical activity in my life!

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

I now absolutely love hiking, I'm dying for all of our kiddos to learn how to ride their bikes without training wheels so we can go on family bike rides, and I'm slowly building up an appropriate wardrobe for those activities!

Sunday Romper // Styled 5 Ways // Sewing For Women

This romper is both adorable and practical for those fun family outings!

So there you have my 5 looks! I hope you enjoyed this post. I really had a lot of fun putting it together, and to be honest, I could easily do another style session for early spring and fall when the weather is much cooler!

I hope you've been inspired to come up with ways to style your Sunday Romper {aff link} as well. I'd love to see your outfits!

LINKS:

I've linked to similar accessories in the box below. Some of the items I'm wearing are no longer available, but since they are super classic, I was able to find very similar pieces!



Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women

Monday, June 8, 2020

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions 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 Monday, friends!!

Today is the exciting release of the brand new Love Notions pattern, the Sunday Romper!! {aff link}

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

This romper features five different bottom options, and two top options, which can be combined to create an endless wardrobe of one-piece, grab and go, staples for easy dressing!

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

The bottom views include; shorts, pants, cropped pants, knee length skirt and maxi/ankle length skirt. The top views feature a full coverage tank view or dolman sleeves, and both include a v-neck in the front as well as in the back.

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

I personally love the back v-neck as it dips down a little lower than the front for a flattering cut, but can be worn with a regular bra with no issues at all!

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

There are no closures to the pattern, putting it on involves stepping in through the neck and pulling it on! When I saw how high the neckline of the pattern was, I did wonder how well this method of getting in to it would work, but I'm really happy to say there are no problems! It's really very easy!

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

The waist of the romper includes a casing for 1/2" elastic, as well as a drawstring option if you so desire. I'm always up for a good drawstring waist, and I absolutely love the self-fabric drawstring I made to go with this one. It really added that perfect finishing touch!

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

Pockets are optional on the pattern, but come on... Are pockets ever really optional?! 😉

Choosing fabric for the Sunday Romper is really fun! Recommended knits are those with good drape and decent stretch with good recovery. Stretch is not essential for the bottoms however, so don't leave out some good print and fabric, mixing and matching!

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

Depending on your fabric choices, you could create a one-piece outfit that looks like separates! You can also play around with coordinating accents in the bindings and drawstring. With so many fun pattern pieces to play with, you can dream up combinations to your heart's content!

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

With all those options, you can even use this pattern as a great stash buster! Do you only have a yard of a lightweight woven? A yard of a drapey knit you're not sure what you want to make with? Put them together and make a Sunday Romper!!

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

I went pretty basic with my fabric choice because I simply loved the idea of a neutral romper that could be played up with some fun accessories or just keep it simple for a super easy and classic outfit that takes virtually no thought!

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

This year I have been digging deep into the recesses of my extensive fabric stash and have been sewing up some absolute gems with treasures (aka fabric) that I have collected.

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

I consider this romper to be just such a gem! I'm not entirely sure where this particular rib knit is from, but I remember purchasing it with just a super basic cardigan in mind. I'm so happy I had the fore-site to buy 2 yards because I think turning it into this romper was so much more fun than a cardigan!!!

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

Don't get me wrong, I don't think you can really ever have too many cardigans, but I don't have that many fabulous rompers in my wardrobe, YET. 😄 (Hint, this pattern will change that!)

Moving on, I wanted to talk a bit about the sewing and sizing of this pattern. Once I had the pieces all cut and the stripes matched up, the sewing went so fast! I couldn't believe how quickly it really came together!

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

You can have the main romper sewn up and able to try on for fit in what feels like no time. Since the neckline is two v-necks, it's a little more time consuming than the rest of it, but if you've sewn v-necks in the past, you know it's really not that scary! I really had fun with making this whole thing.

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

The armscyes of the tank are finished with binding from the main fabric, and hidden on the inside. I absolutely love the clean finish of this! I think the whole romper has such a lovely, polished look.

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

Because the top and bottom are separate, it is very easy to blend sizes! I think most of us fall into the category of spanning more than one size on a pattern. For myself, I spanned 3 sizes and was able to blend them together seamlessly! I made a size 10 upper bust, size 8 full bust, graded to a 6 in the bottoms. My waist was also technically a size 10, but because there is plenty of ease at the waist, and it's pulled in with the elastic, I was able to sew a straight size 6 from the waist down.

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

This was actually the second romper I made during the testing process and the first one I had graded from a size 8 waist to 6 hips and actually found the fit to be better and more comfortable as a straight size 6. When I blended the two sizes, I found the upper part of the shorts to be too "blousey". So if your waist falls into a different size than your hips or bust, don't worry about it and choose accordingly.

Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

I chose to test my personal favorite option combo of this pattern, the tank + shorts, but be sure to check out the listing HERE {aff link} for a look at all of the other fabulous combos and Sunday Rompers that the testers made!

Oh. Did I mention there is a GIRLS version {aff link} of this pattern, too!?! OHHHH, the mommy-and-me looks have me all 😍😍😍. I can't wait to sew one up for my little mini-me!


Sunday Romper // Sewing For Women // Love Notions Patterns

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