Running to the Head of the Class with Ellie and Mac

We are well into the second week of school for my kiddos, and they wear uniforms everyday. While I missed out on back to school sewing for them, I definitely needed some teacher ready clothes to wear for those days when I’m subbing.  I was loving the tee and jeans combo that I had going on all summer, but for school, I need something a little less casual. 

I went with the Women’s Tee Dress (*This link is an affiliate link, and I do receive a small commission on any patterns purchased with this link), and I added a cowl neck to it for those days when I’m leaning into a conversation with some of our “not quite finished growing” kiddos.  I absolutely love how it turned out, and I was able to add the cowl with no modification to the neckline!  Double win!! *I do want to note that I received the pattern free as part of this tour, but the opinions in this post are completely my own*

So, let’s take a quick look at this pattern before my train takes off:

• Size range is from XS – 4XL
• Three sleeve options: short, 3/4, or long
• Two length options: mid-thigh or knee
• No trim, layered pattern pieces
• Color photos with each step for those of us who are visual learners

I really love the mid thigh option, but I opted for the knee length.  I might make some shorter ones as well that I can pair with some leggings.  I took an inch off the length to accommodate my “finished growing too soon” height.  The pattern is drafted for 5’5”, and I’m 5’2” or 5’3” depending on the time of day.  I decided to go with my height at the tallest point because I’ll take all the inches I can get!  I also did a full arm adjustment (I’m not sure if that’s what it’s actually called, but it’s what I call it) because my upper arms are larger than the width of the pattern. 

Winters are usually pretty mild here in Oklahoma, but there’s still a pretty good nip in the air so I did the 3/4 sleeve version because it’s brisk in the classrooms some days.  This gives me the  option to wear this when it starts to get  warmer.  I can easily throw a cardi (Ellie and Mac has some pretty amazing patterns for these as well!) over it, and we’re off and running!

This was such a fast sew.  I think the longest part of the process was deciding how much of a cowl I wanted at the neck.  The pattern does not actually come with an option for a cowl neck, but it was pretty easy to figure out how to accomplish the look.  I love how it turned out because it wasn’t sitting right up against my neck but it does give me a little bit of coverage.  I actually went with a pretty short cowl so there wasn’t a whole ton of fabric added to the neckline.  In total, I think it took me an hour to make this dress, and that included gluing the pattern pieces  together.

The dress is pretty loose fitting so it’s perfect for moving around the classroom when I’m up front teaching or running after little ones at recess.  It’s also pretty forgiving of those areas that I prefer to keep a little looser.  I’m trying to figure out how much fabric I need to make me one for every day of the school week because I could absolutely see this being my teacher version of a school uniform. 

There are a lot of patterns in the Ellie and Mac collection that would be great teacher makes, and right now, Lindsey has her patterns on sale so it’s a great time to catch some deals on patterns!  We’ll get a chance to see some amazing makes for both the kiddos and the teachers (or mommas, even!) from everyone on the tour.  Be sure to stop by and show the designers some love for their looks!  AND, there’s a giveaway that you can enter to win a $50 store credit!

1. August 20th: Seams Sew Lo (Intro)
2. August 21st: Seams Sew Lo
3. August 22nd: Momma Newey’s Makes
4. August 23rd: Mama You Can Make It
5. August 24th: DIYDanielle
6. August 27th: Mijn11jes&ik
7. August 28th: Tenille's Thread
8. August 29th: Make it Sew with the Bear and Pea Atelier
9. August 30th: My Sewing Roots
10. August 31st: SequioaLynn Sews
11. September 1st: Mijn11jes&ik
12. September 2nd: Crafty Curly Couture
13. September 3rd: Sew 4 Five
14. September 4th: Our Play Place
15. September 5th: Fée bricolo
16. September 6th: Jot Designs (USA)

a Rafflecopter giveaway Thanks so much to Lo from Seams Sew Lo and to Lindsey from Ellie and Mac for hosting and sponsoring this tour!  Now, get on out there and grab yourself some back to school inspiration!  Also, thank you for stopping by and joining us on the tour!

Blessings and Happy Sewing,
Kim