Putting some pep in my step (Ladies Peplum Tank from Snuggle My Baby Patterns)

So, I'm usually pretty wary of anything that has a full skirt on it because I really don't feel like I need anything else to fill out my shape, but seriously, the Ladies Peplum Tank from Snuggle My Baby Patterns really knocked the fear right out of me.  I'm kind of obsessed with this top right now, and I've already made 6 of them.  It looks pretty amazing on pretty much ANY body type!

Alright, so, let's break down the pattern specifics real fast:

- Very large size range:  This pattern starts at size 2 and goes all the way up to a size 32
- Instructions on how to size blend, how to accommodate a longer torso, and how to do a full bust adjustment
- Two styles:  banded torso or simple torso
- Easy binding instructions that make for a beautiful finish
- Extremely fast sew.  I made two tops in about an hour and a half
- Layered printing so you only print the size(s) you want/need
- Photos for every step so that those of us who like the visual can compare our top to the tutorial
- Clear, concise step-by-step instructions

Here are my llamas after they had recovered from their late night celebrations

Okay, so as I said, in not so many words, I love this top.  It kind of makes me feel like I'm stepping back into the 30's or 40's when I wear these tops, and I really love the fashion from those decades. The peplum skirt really draws the eye upward to give the illusion of a smaller waist by draping over the hips.  I really didn't think that was going to be the case when I saw it on my mannequin, but I was sold after I put it on.

I fell between two sizes for the measurements so I blended from an 18 bust to a 22 waist.  I also made one in a size 18 bust and a 20 waist.  Both size blends fit me extremely well and gave a little different look with the different skirt sizes.  It was a really easy process to blend it out after I glued all of the pattern pieces together.

I also used the slash and spread process to make the torso just a little longer for me.  I have to do this with a lot of tops I make, and it's really what makes me just rather sew for myself than to try and buy something off the rack in stores.  Again, this was a relatively easy process, and I ended up adding 3/4" to my torso on these tops.  I would strongly recommend doing a muslin first so that you can figure out what adjustments you might need to make, if any.

I used several different knits for these tops, and I found that the more stretch it had, the looser it fits. You will definitely want at least 30%, and for my personal preferences, anything above a 40% stretch was a little too stretchy.  Also, make sure you plan accordingly for directional prints.  I did not so on one of my tops, it looked like my llamas had been partying too hard the night before and were all now sideways...darn the luck, had to go back to the store for more fabric...

However, once I got the muslin figured out, this top fit amazing!!  It's designed to follow your curves but it won't be extremely snug so there's plenty of moving around room.  With a 6 year old and a 7 year old, I can appreciate a top that lets me run after them.  I actually paired these tops with both a pencil skirt and a pair of jeggings, and both outfits looked fabuloso so this top really is very versatile. I even managed to squeeze Mickey Mouse into a date night outfit, so really...versatility.

Had to snap a selfie of me and the Mouse

I originally cut two tops thinking I wouldn't have time for more than that, but after I sewed up two in an hour and a half, I had to raid the stash for more fabric.  I have a pretty significant knit collection, and my groom was ecstatic to see it dwindling a little.  just. a. little. (I did order more knit to fill the void, though...he'll find out about that next week sometime. 😐.  I even managed to make a Wonder Woman inspired top that I seriously want to wear EVERYWHERE!!!

Alright, enough of me talking about how awesome this pattern is.  Time to get you some info on how to get your own copy so you can see for yourself why you need this top in your life.  The Ladies Peplum Tank released this week and is currently on sale for only $6 (regular price: $12) at Snuggle My Baby Patterns.  You can grab your copy here: Ladies Peplum Tank.  Jenn also has a FB group that you can join.  You can ask any questions you might have when you're making your creations or hop on to get some inspiration from the ladies who have already sewn up some amazing things.  You can join the group here: Snuggle My Baby Patterns.  Aaand, if you want to just peruse Jenn's collection of patterns, you can go to her webstore and take a look at what other patterns she has already released: Snuggle My Baby webstore.  Alright, so I'm going to stop rambling so that you can hop over and get your copy before the sale ends on the 28th of March.  Then, hop over to the FB group and show us whatcha made because we want to see it!  Thanks for reading along!

Blessings and Happy Sewing,
Kim

Spring in Vienna (Vienna top and tunic from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop)

I bought the Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop Violet top and dress for my daughter about three months ago, and it's literally been sitting on my cutting table waiting to be finished.  I've been secretly wishing I could get this pattern in my size, and I was so excited when I saw that Amy had upsized the pattern to women's sizes with the new Vienna Top and Tunic.  I applied to test and was not so secretly excited when I saw that I had been chosen to be part of the test group!  It's love...I have four of these now and am planning a mommy and me set for me and my daughter!

So, before I get too far along, let's get some details going on what you're going to get with this pattern:

- Large size range: 00-24 (XXS-XXXL)
- Two length options: top or tunic
- Four sleeve lengths: short, elbow, 3/4, or long
- Two pocket options for the tunic:  top or tunic
- Maternity add-on option for those who are expecting!

This top is a very quick sew.  From cut to last stitch, it was about 45 minutes.  This was also with a couple of pauses from two little people who were apparently wasting away because they hadn't eaten in the past 10 minutes...

You'll get the same extremely well written tutorial that we always get with Amy's patterns.  There are also photos for each step for those of us who like to refer to a visual example as we sew along.  In the directions, there are a couple of steps that call for varying seam allowances so you'll definitely want to read through the directions to familiarize yourself with the steps before you start.

I'm usually pretty wary of making stuff for myself because I have such a wide variety of measurements between my top and my bottom halves.  However, with this top, I made these tops with no adjustments, and they were a perfect fit.  The top is a little fitted and widens out slightly near the bottom to give a little more room at the hips.  I'm 5'1", and I didn't alter the length of the tunic at all.  I found the length to be the perfect leggings length, and I really love that it covered my tush.

I was so excited about the fit of these that I immediately wore my first top to the park, and a woman came up to me and asked me if I was SURE that it was handmade because it was such a trendy little top.  😄.  

I have literally worn my Vienna tops every day this week, and I'm contemplating making a few more today or tomorrow just so that I have one for every day of the week...I think my favorite part is the pockets...I'm always looking for somewhere to stick the little treasures I get from my kids or the kids in my classes at school.  I'm also obsessed with florals right now, and this top is perfect for showing off the floral knits I've been amassing in my stash!  I MIGHT try my hand at colorblocking and make one with a panel that I've been eyeing...we'll see!

So, if you've read this far, I really appreciate you following along!  The Vienna released today and is available as part of the Thrifty Thursday sale over at Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop.  You can grab your copy at Amy's webstore here: Vienna Top and Tunic.  For today only, it's on sale for $8.50 (regular price will be $9.95).  If you're wanting to grab the maternity add-on, that's also on sale today for $2 (regular price is $3). You can grab the add-on here: Vienna Maternity Add-on.

If you're on Facebook, Amy also has a group where you can share your creations, ask questions, or even get some inspiration for future projects!  Just head over to the group and request to join:  Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop.  Amy DOES also carry fabrics so you can also zip over and pick yourself up some knits at the webstore!  😉!

Thanks again for following along!  Now grab yourself a copy of the Vienna, which pairs perfectly with the Violet if you are interested in matching sets for you and your little love, and sew  yourself up some love!

Blessings and Happy Sewing
Kim