Showing posts with label emmett tee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label emmett tee. Show all posts

Friday, February 2, 2018

Wandering through the Reed's (Laela Jeyne Wanderlust Collection Reed Trousers)


My husband is such a bear when it comes to clothes shopping.  Either the arms are too short, the legs are too long, the rear is too tight…the list goes on and on.  When Marisa from Laela Jeyne Patterns opened a test call for the new Wanderlust Collection, I was super excited to see that there is a men’s pants pattern in the mix.   We’ve been searching for the elusive perfect pants for an age, and now that he’s slimmed down, it’s even harder because he’s a mixture of two or three different sizes.  However, the Reed Trousers…these pants…there is so much perfect going on here that I am almost excited to an unhealthy level of enthusiasm. 


Hi there, everyone, Kim here from Nini and Ash, and I am so excited to be one of the stops on the Wanderlust Collection Blog tour.  This season, Marisa focused on pants, and I fully intend to sew up a few of the women’s and girl’s pants at some point.  For today’s stop, though, I focused on the Reed trousers for men and paired it with the Emmett top (which happens to be one of my husband’s favorites).



So, first, let’s get some pattern details going so you know what you are getting:
  • Sizing from 32” to 56” so there’s a wide range of sizes that these pants can fit
  • Clear, concise instructions with photos/drawings for each step in case you’re like me and use the reference photos while you’re sewing
  • Layered printing so you only print what you want/need
  • Detailed adjustment instructions so you can get the exact right fit for your (or your model’s) body type
  • No trim pages so you don’t have to cut off any edges to make the pattern pieces line up

Since the start of the year, we’ve embarked on a journey to get ourselves trimmed down, and my husband has lost over 20 lbs so far.  This means pretty much all of his pants don’t fit, but it also means that he’s kind of in that weird "in between sizes" phase.  I made these pants in a straight size 40, and I cut a wedge in the back of the pants to make the waist smaller while still fitting the rest of him.  Really simple little fix, and it was perfect for getting a comfortable, smooth fit everywhere on the pants.

My favorite part on the pants was the welt pocket.  Usually my least favorite part to make, but these ones were actually really easy to do.  He picked a suiting fabric that was so easy to work with, and the instructions for the welt pockets made for easy sewing.  He opted against a button to close them because he never uses it.  He also didn’t want belt loops (which was happy news for me since I forgot about them until he asked if I had put them on). 


The pants overall took a bit of time to complete, but when you think about the welt pockets, the front pockets, the fly and fly extension...the extra time is well worth it because the end result is a sharp looking pair of pants that look even better than any pants you would grab off the rack at a store!  I will admit part of the extra time to complete was my fault.  I had to re-do the zipper when I didn't pay attention to what I was doing.  

The inseam for all sizes is 34” so it was super easy to shorten the pant length to his measurements.  I ended up shaving 2” off the length and using a 1” hem allowance.  He has a really long torso and arms, but he usually needs a shorter inseam on his pants.  The length on these hit him in a really nice spot, and the fit was relaxed but slimming on him.  I really love how they sat on him once he tried them on, and he was more than willing to pose for some photos with them...even if he took a business call just as the camera came out. :/!  I'll take what I can get considering how much I didn't pay him to go out in the cold and act like he was enjoying a spring day.



I paired this with the Emmett and went with the simple top with no buttons.  I did lengthen the arms because, again, he has really long arms.  This was a thermal knit that I got from Sincerely Rylee and was perfect to complement the light color that he chose for the pants. 

All in all, it's pretty much love around here when it comes to the Reed Trousers and the Emmett top!  He's already talked about his next pair of pants...if that means a trip to the fabric store for me, then I will absolutely make you another pair of pants, sweetie!!! :)!



As I said earlier, I am only one of the stops on the Wanderlust tour.  There are a lot of talented ladies who have sewn up each of the different pieces in the collection, and we'd love for you to stop in and see all of the collection pieces and the amazing creations that everyone has come up with.  THEN, you can head over to Laela Jeyne Patterns and buy the whole collection because I'm pretty sure you will "need" all of them once you see how beautiful all of these pants are.  My daughter has already asked for a pair of the Wren Skinny Jeans, and well, I need some new pants so I will have to grab the women's pants for myself!!

Take a tour with us and visit with some of our bloggers from the past few days:


Laela Jeyne Patterns Wanderlust Collection Blog Tour

January 30
January 31
February 1
February 2

Now, head over to Laela Jeyne Patterns to get your copy of the patterns!  Here are the individual links to each of the patterns in the collection and a little big about each of them. All patterns in the Wanderlust Collection are currently on sale for $5 each.  That's a pretty phenomenal price for four staple pieces in any family's wardrobe!  *Please note that all links provided are affiliate links:

Reed Trousers: men's classic chinos, fits hip sizes 32"-56, slim fitting and relaxed through the legs, designed for non stretch woven

Willow Pleated Trousers: paper bag pleated paper bag style, fits sizes 00-26, 3 lengths (shorts, cropped or long), designed for non stretch woven

Ivy Trousers: classic chino style, fits sizes 00-26, slim fitting and relaxed through the legs, 3 lengths (shorts, cropped, and long), designed for non stretch woven

Wren Skinny Jeans: skinny jeans, fits sizes 12mos-10, slim fitting through the legs, designed for cotton woven

Thanks so much for stopping along the Wanderlust Collection Tour!  We appreciate you spending some time learning a little bit about the collection and letting us share our creations with you!  Now, grab your copy of these patterns and share your creations with us on the Laela Jeyne Patterns Facebook group!  

Blessings and Happy Sewing,
Kim

OH!  I can't believe I almost forgot!  Laela Jeyne Patterns is also celebrating a 3rd birthday so Marisa also has a sale on ALL patterns in the store (bundles excluded)!  $5 for all individual patterns and $6 for all swim patterns...the sale ends tomorrow (3 Feb) at midnight EST, and you don't want to miss out on some fantastic patterns...check them out










Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Falling into Family Photos (Laela Jeyne Family Photos Collection)


Welcome to Day 2 of the Laela Jeyne Family Photo Collection blog tour!  Fall is hands down my favorite time of the year!  I love the crisp air, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, Thanksgiving…and the list goes on and on.  I REALLY love that with the arrival of fall, we get to pull out the boots and cold weather clothes!  It’s also when we start thinking about family photos for Christmas cards, and Laela Jeyne’s Fall Collection released at the perfect time!  She designed an entire wardrobe for the family, and it’s pretty amazing.  My husband got a couple of shirts from the collection so he was super excited to see this come out.

The collection includes a men’s shirt, dresses for mom and the girls, and a wrap for mom!  I made three of the four pieces as part of the test team for the collection, and I’m so elated with how each piece came out.  I’m going to give a little bit of an overview on each of the items I made and then give you a link to get yourself the collection after you realize you need these patterns in your life!

So here we go!!

Emmett T-Shirt

Pattern features:
- Large size range: XS-3X
-  Relaxed fit t-shirt silhouette
- Three collar styles: crew neck, polo collar, Henley collar
- No trim pages
- Layered pattern pieces so you only print what you need

My husband’s measurements fell right in between the medium and the large so I made one of each to see which he preferred.  In the end, he like both so I guess I’ll take my pick of which size to make when he needs a new shirt! 😊!  I made both of these in looser weave knits because my husband tends to gravitate toward shirts that have a fair amount of give.


The Henley in a sweater knit from JoAnn’s.  It had A LOT of stretch so it was tricky to work with, but it turned out ah-mazing.  It was a little tighter fitting than what he’s used to wearing, but after wearing it for a few hours, I do believe he puffed his chest out just a little as he strutted around 😊!.  He actually wears this one with a pair of slacks when he’s showing houses. 


The maroon Henley is a size large using a thermal knit from Sincerely Rylee.  This one is a looser fit, and my husband usually pairs it  with some jeans when we’re out and about on the weekends.  
These shirts were amazingly quick to sew.  It took me about 45 minutes from start to finish for each shirt, and the pieces came together perfectly!  The only part that I fiddled with a little was the placket.  If you just take it slow and pay close attention to the directions, you’ll breeze right through construction of this shirt! 



Juliette Dress

I’m not usually a dress type of gal, but sometimes, it’s nice to know that there’s one there if you need it.  And the Juliette is much more than a nice dress.  Even my husband commented on how amazing it is!


Pattern details:
- Large size range: 00-26
- Cup size pieces ranging from A-E for a perfect fit in the bust
- Two bodice styles: strapless or sleeved
- Four neckline options: Queen Anne, Scoop, Round, or strapless
- Two back options: scoop or round
- Four sleeve options: cap, short, ¾, or long
- Back zipper closure
- No trim pages
- Layered pattern pieces


I chose the Queen Anne bodice for my dress and opted for a cotton woven that I bought from Ozark Fabrics a few months ago.  I blended from a 16 to 18 in the hips, and it was a great fit!  I do definitely recommend measuring yourself or the wearer before sewing.  With this being a fitted bodice, it’s really important to get the right size or you’ll end up with a crazy looking top.  I have large upper arms so I also did a “full arm adjustment” to have some room to move my arms, and it was perfect!  I love how this dress turned out, and I’m kind of on a floral craze right now so this dress was right up my alley! 

I’m kind of limited when it comes to the “girls” so I didn’t try the strapless…this time.  Marisa did include adding boning to the bodice for the strapless so I’m going to get brave the next go round!  I love the silhouette on this dress because the fit and flare style is so flattering on just about everyone. 


The pattern is rated intermediate, and I do agree with that 100%.  There are princess seams and an invisible zipper so this dress is a little more challenging that some.  There is also a very small amount of handsewing needed to finish off the seams on the bodice.  The Juliette took a little longer to sew this one up, but it’s worth the extra time that you need to take. 

Now, while I said I’m not a dress kinda gal, this dress may have me rethinking my stance on that.

Julie Dress

My daughter was a little put out when she saw my dress and asked me where her’s was.  Just so happens, that her dress was already in the making, and she was in love when she finally saw it.  She takes after me in the dress department.  Her first comment was, “Oh yeah, I’ll actually wear this one in public.”  I’d have to say that’s a rave review if I ever heard one. 😊


I used a red velvet for our version of the Julie, and I opted for the lower back because my daughter has a “thing” about clothes that are too close to her neck.  Let’s talk about the features of the Julie really quick:

- Large size range: 12M – 10
- Two neck options: round or scoop
- Zipper back closure
- No trim pages
- Layered pattern pieces

The overall fit of the dress is loose enough that my daughter could easily run around and play in it.  We used some ribbon to make a quick sash for her, but she only wore it for a few minutes before she decided that she didn’t want it anymore.  This one is also rated intermediate, and again, I do agree with that with the zipper closure and some small amount of handsewing to enclose the bodice seams.
My daughter really loves the circle skirt.  She couldn’t stop twirling around in circles when I was trying to get some good pictures of it!




This really is a great collection, and it’s perfect timing for anyone looking to get family photos taken before we start rushing into the season of sending cards and visiting with loved ones.  All of these patterns are so classic and are easily customized to your family’s photo theme!  Best yet, the collection is on sale right now!  Just hop on over to Laela Jeyne’s familyphoto collection to grab all or some of the patterns!  Then, join us in the Laela Jeyne Patterns group on Facebook to share your makes with us!


Blessings and Happy Sewing!

Kim