All You Need Jammies - Gathered Top // Sewing For Girls

All You Need Jammies - Gathered Top // Sewing For Girls

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Hi friends!

Today I'm sharing with you a quick, cute, scrap-busting project I made recently for my daughter.

I was sent this absolutely adorable Zarafa Collection Cotton Fabric {affiliate link} by Minerva, and I knew immediately it would become pajama pants for my daughter. But every cute pair of pj pants needs a cute top to go with them!

I used the Gathered Top from the All You Need Jammies pattern last year for her, and since it was a TNT pattern, I immediately thought of it for this project!

I've been trying to use up scraps and leftovers from projects as much as possible lately, so I was very pleased to pull these two french terry fabrics from the scrap pile and be able to make this cute color-blocked top that coordinates perfectly with the pants!

The pink fabric I used for the bodice and sleeves is leftover from this project HERE, and the cream fabric I used for the "skirt" is leftover from my Toaster Sweater #1, blogged HERE.

This top pattern is really adorable, I love the girly-ness the gathered skirt portion adds to the top. Having made this pattern a few times now, and in different types of knits, I've discovered the sleeves are drafted to be quite snug. In fact, I had originally cut the sleeves from the cream colored knit, which does not have a lot of stretch and the sleeves were definitely too tight! So I took them off and thankfully had enough of the pink fabric (which had a lot more stretch) left to cut them from that.

My conclusion to the snug sleeves is that it is very dependent on the type of knits that are used. Using cotton/spandex or interlock knit requires no adjustments, but fabrics with better recovery will need some adjustments to the pattern.

I've made a note to myself and will widen the sleeves according to the fabric I choose. The pattern includes a ton of options for different pajama tops and bottoms, so you can mix and match to create a combo for both boys and girls! However, all the tops have the same sleeve pattern piece, so it's a change I'll need to make universally for my kids.

The pants pattern is the same pattern I used for my Sew Family Jammies project (blogged HERE), and the blog post with all of the details about them and the fabric will be able to be found on Minerva in a few months. I'll be sure to let you know on my IG (@heidi_handmadefrenzy) when it goes live, so feel free to follow me there if you don't already so you don't miss it!

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Flannel Linden and Hatteras Sweatshirts // Imagine Gnats Contributor

Flannel Linden and Hatteras Sweatshirts // Imagine Gnats Contributor

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Hey everyone! Just popping in here to let you know that I'm over at Imagine Gnats today with a post all about flannel sweatshirts!

I've made the Linden sweatshirt using flannel for the front and back several times before, and this time I had fun incorporating the same idea into a sweatshirt for my daughter!

She loves it, I love it, it's a win-win! And she's especially happy because there were plenty of scraps left from my sleeves to make a sweatshirt for her new doll. Tripleting? I suppose! :)

Click through HERE to read all about them!

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Taos Top // Sewing For Women

Taos Top // Sewing For Women

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

I am so, so thrilled for my lovely friend, Leslie of Threadbear Garments. Today is release day for her very first pattern, and y'all. It is impeccable!!!

Let me introduce you to the Taos Top, View A. It features a mock neck, curved hem, sleeveless tank style, and the most beautiful princess seams that allow for so many color/fabric-blocking possibilities, or if you decide to sew it in a solid color, it adds the perfect amount of interesting detail!

I'm in love with the scrap busting possibilites this pattern provides!! You literally only need the smallest of pieces for the side panels. The front and back pieces really don't take much fabric either, so dig through your scraps, friends! The perfect pattern for them has landed in town!

The color-blocked version, was the first version of the pattern in testing. It is pretty stellar as is, but we're talking perfection here guys, and round 2 (the solid version) is true perfection.

If you scrutinize very closely, you can tell there was a teeny bit of ease removed through the bust, and the armhole was adjusted to have a slightly closer fit.

I'm so very happy with both of these tops and will be wearing them constantly!! They layer perfectly under cardigans and stand up perfectly on their own for either transitional weather pieces, or pair them with shorts for a summer hike!

The mock neckband is also true perfection. I have been wearing mine all day and literally never once remembered that I was wearing a half turtleneck. Normally I am totally aware of a higher neckband at all times.

Talking about versatility, just during testing, many of the testers were hacking up a storm already!! This pattern is perfect for athleisure wear for sure! Not to mention all the different types of fabric you can use. Drapey knits, structured knits like ponte or double knit, sweater knits, athletic fabrics. So many types of knit can be used, and I haven't even touched on the fact that you may be able to mix a woven fabric in there as well. Whaaat... You guys. So many options.

And I haven't even mentioned View B!! View B features a cowl neck and a hi-low hem with side slits. So cozy and classy. I can't wait to sew one up in the most delicious waffle knit from D&H Fabrics.

I'm so excited about this pattern that I've forgotten to even give you the fit details up until now... For this tester version I sewed a straight size 8, and shortened the length at the lengthen/shorten line 3/4". For size reference, I am 5'3" tall, my current measurements are B:36, W:28-29, H:37.

The fabric I used for both of these tops is poly/modal jersey from Cali Fabrics. I purchased all 3 colors about a year or so ago, and they are no longer available. But from what I can tell, they have lots of colors in knit that is likely the same or very similar, I linked them HERE. The price is fantastic at $5.99/yd.

This fabric has 40% stretch, and the pattern is designed for knits with 30-60% stretch percentage, so it's a perfect pick! The drape also makes for a dreamy fit.

I also feel it is important to mention the quality of the instructions that are included in the pattern. Leslie went into great detail with descriptions, illustrations, and pattern markings. The hard work put into this pattern seriously shows. It's a work of art to open this PDF. During testing everything was looked over with a fine-tooth comb and Leslie was absolutely meticulous about getting everything just right. It's good. That is all.

Head on over to the intro post on Leslie's Instagram for a discount code and then grab a copy of your own!

Happy Sewing!!

//
Outfit Details:

Top: Taos Top Pattern
       ~Fabric: Modal/Poly from Cali Fabrics

Jeans: Old Navy Perfect Straight

Boots: American Eagle - Cognac color sold out

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Cuff Pants & Rowan Tee // Sewing For Boys

Cuff Pants & Rowan Tee // Sewing For Boys

Friday, January 13, 2017

Welcome to the blog, Little Buddy!! 

I just organized a bunch of my photo mess collection on my computer and was devastated to realize that I had almost no video of this little man from the past year! Then it dawned on me that they are all on my phone. Whew. In fact he is the star of the show on my phone's sd card. BUT. I made it another 2017 goal to get out my big camera more and take photos and videos of my kiddos, because I just like having better lit photos than my phone can produce. Especially of this little one, who as of late, seems to be growing right before my eyes!!

Turns out, I just so happened to finish up a little outfit for him last night, so I took advantage of our little photo shoot to benefit the blog as well ;)

What he is wearing is a pair of Brindille & Twig Cuff Pants and a Titchy Threads Rowan Tee.

I finally sized him up to the next size in the Cuff Pants from the first time I made him several pairs, over a year ago! This pattern gets a lot of mileage, Woo! But really, so does the Rowan Tee. This is actually the first Rowan I've made for him, but he's been in the same size Safari Raglan (also a TT pattern, and the sizing is the same) for over a year as well and the sizing is still great for him. 

Both patterns are made in size 12-18 month. For the next Rowan Tee, I will narrow the neckline. I'm not sure if it's because of the fabrics I chose, but it is plenty wide on him.

Both fabrics I used are from LA Finch Fabrics. The pants are a french terry remnant that I built an order for, just so I could snatch it up! The shirt fabric is an absolutely scrumptious baby rib knit. It is seriously so thick and soft, I just want to snuggle up with him in it! And smoosh his cheeks. But that's every day anyway, so...

The neckband ribbing is one I've had in my stash for ages. I love the pop of color against the near neutrals so much!

Links:

• Pants Pattern: Cuff Pants by Brindille & Twig
• Shirt Pattern: Rowan Tee by Titchy Threads
• Pants Fabric: French Terry Remnant (sold out) from LA Finch Fabrics
• Shirt Fabric: Heathered Sky Blue Rib Knit from LA Finch Fabrics

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Union St. Sweatshirt // Sewing For Women

Union St. Sweatshirt // Sewing For Women

Friday, October 14, 2016

I am subconsciously on a Union St. kick! The last 2 posts on the blog will prove that :) 

I made these Chi-Town Chinos (which you can read all about HERE!) and decided they definitely needed a new shirt to pair with them. It is finally feeling like fall around here and I get to wear my fave combo of shorts and sweatshirts again! 

I basically wanted an oversized super cozy long sleeved tee. So I grabbed these 2 fabrics from my stash and went to work. 

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Mint Stripe Lane Raglan // Sewing For Women

Mint Stripe Lane Raglan // Sewing For Women

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Hi friends! 

Popping in again to show you another Lane Raglan I made recently. This was another one of the coordinating pieces for Aiden's big birthday bash. Yep. Seriously. We all coordinated that day. Crazy mom over here. Lol.

I'm still trying to find the perfect sizing on this pattern for me. I keep using different fabrics each time so that makes it more difficult. Ha! This one is the updated version (which I LOVE, btw). I made it in a straight medium, but because of the drapey-ness of the rayon spandex that I used, I ended up taking it in under the arms and through the bust again. I also didn't shorten this one any, just cut it straight across at the band line and then hemmed rather than adding the band. It's really quite perfect I think.

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Aztec Montlake Tee // Sewing For Women

Aztec Montlake Tee // Sewing For Women

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

I am FINALLY getting around to posting this Aztec Montlake tee I made way back in the beginning of February. Actually I started it in January. Yikes!

But it seems to be a rule of thumb that the things that get worn or used the most are the ones I never (or almost never) get around to blogging!

I must change that.

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Floral & Stripe // Magrath Dress

Floral & Stripe // Magrath Dress

Friday, February 12, 2016

The Magrath Dress & Tunic is here!! Can you tell we are excited!?

It's no secret that Abby's patterns are some of my very favorites. I've had the pleasure of testing several of them and it's always a wonderful experience working with her. So I was completely thrilled to be able to test her newest pattern as well!

The Magrath Dress & Tunic comes in two lengths, dress and tunic (OBviously ;)), lined bodice, 3 sleeve lengths and 3 views. Sweetheart yoke and curved back piecing, or choose whether to keep the back or front solid. The back features an exposed zipper, which you can match to your fabric or contrast for a pop of color!

There are so many options for mixing and matching your favorite fabrics with this pattern. I really want to copy all of Abby's versions! You can see a few of them here in the pattern listing and even more on her blog.

Ok, so let's dive into the details of the dress I made for my little lady!

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Lane Raglan Sweatshirt

Lane Raglan Sweatshirt

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Today is all about COMFY. 

I spotted this embossed double knit and knew I had to have it for a raglan sweatshirt. I paired it with gray french terry from Joann's. 

My inspiration was this shirt that I found on Pinterest, it's on my Sewing For Me board. I was originally going to add the straps and snaps to allow for rolled up cuffs, but the main fabric was a little stiffer and heavier than what I anticipated so I knew when wearing this the weather was going to be cold and I wasn't going to be rolling up my sleeves and keeping them there so I eliminated that detail. Just gives me an excuse to make another one in a lighter weight fabric, right!? :)

Since I wanted a longer, roomier shirt this time around, I used the Lane Raglan pattern and cut a small at the top, graded to a medium at the hips. I also didn't remove any length and this allows for bum coverage over leggings. (If you're short like me, that is!) The ultimate comfort food as clothing go. :)

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Lane Raglan // Lace & Stripes

Lane Raglan // Lace & Stripes

Monday, January 11, 2016

  

The Lane love continues. For this second one, I made a size small, but left the bottom band off and hemmed with side vents. 

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Sewing For Kindergarten // Banyan Tee & Sketchbook Shorts

Sewing For Kindergarten // Banyan Tee & Sketchbook Shorts

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

I have a kindergartner!! If you follow me on Instagram you may have heard plenty about this fact already, lol. He's excited and to my surprise, I am too! 

And since I have a kindergartner, I had a fantastic excuse to sew a bit for my oldest, whom I hadn't sewed for in quite a while! And to give me just the motivation I needed, I of course said YES! when asked if I'd like to participate in Mie of Sewing Like Mad's Sewing for Kindergarten Series. 

The participants in the series are asked a few fun questions - here are my answers!

Is this your first time sending a child to Kindergarten?

Yes!

In fact, he's never been to any type of preschool before this, we did lessons at home up to this point, so the 8:30 - 3:45 (when he comes off the bus) is definitely an adjustment for him. His birthday is 8 days before the age cut off, so based on my husband's and my instincts, plus advice from teacher friends we decided not to send him until the year he turned 6. So this year he headed off to his first day of school having just turned 6 a couple of days before. So far, I feel the decision has been a great one, he is super ready to learn, and being a, all BOY all the time, the extra year has helped him be able to sit still for longer periods of time. He still has a hard time with that at some points but what kindergarten boy doesn't!

Do you feel like crying or celebrating?

Celebrating.

I feel like I should feel like crying, but he's SO ready for it, and needed that structure that I had a hard time giving him at home. He's happy, so I'm happy!! Plus I still have 2 other little munchkins at home to distract me. Aaaannnd. It feels like a teeny bit of a vacation to run errands with only two again. Ha.

And what about your child?

Celebrating!

He's never mentioned any bit of negative feeling about going to school, he's loving it! From what I can gather, his favorite thing to do is go to the library. Because I'm pretty sure the librarian is his favorite.

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