Say hello to la Isla bonita (from Laela Jeyne Patterns)

Two words...swimsuit season.  I seriously want to dig a hole and crawl in it every year when the swimsuits start coming out because I can never find anything that I like or that fits me well enough to wear it in public.  I'm well beyond dental floss bikinis and not quite ready for full body coverups sooo, when Marisa from Laela Jeyne Patterns put out the call for her new bikini, I loved the look of it but wasn't so sure about the look of it on me.  However, we're in a year of getting out of our comfort zones here in our household so, I took the plunge.  AND I LOVE IT!!!!

Okay, okay...before I start telling you what I love, let's do some basics about the pattern:

- Available in sizes 0-22
- Faux cross over top with a sweetheart neckline
- Ties in the back so you don't have to worry about clips
- 3 bottom rise options: bikini, high, ultra high
- 2 bottom options: standard, ruched
- Skirt overlay option
- Detailed instructions to fit to different body types
- Layered, no trip pattern pages
- Clear, concise directions with photos and illustrations

For my test suit, I made two different tops to wear with the same bottoms.  I did add the optional cup inserts, but I didn't do the power net on these.  I still felt like all of my bits were appropriately supported, but I do have another set on the cutting table that's waiting for me to find time to give it some attention.  That one I will try some power net on.  :/!  Hopefully that happens before the summer is over.  Be aware that power net and power mesh are completely different. Power net is sturdier and provides extra support in your suit.  I found some online at both Spandex World and Fabric World.

I love the fit of the entire suit. The top offers me plenty of support and still maintains that vintage feel to it.  I made the high waist rise on this suit and went with the ruched bottoms to keep the yesteryear flow going, and they are so comfortable.  The waist is finished with a band while the legs have elastic to keep the bottoms on your bottom, and overall bum coverage is fantastic.  I wasn't constantly yanking at myself while we were doing photos!

The cups were a little tricky to get right at first, and I ended up taping the cups to the lining while holding it up to my body.  Then I lined it up with the center of each side while still making sure to have adequate support.  I love the tie back on the top because it lets me adjust how tight I have the top on my body without me having to move hardware or measure where to put buckles and adjusters.

The beauty of this pattern is that it works well for both nursing mama's and soon to be mama's.  One of the testers made hers in the bikini rise, and it was perfect for her as a maternity bikini while another tester was able to easily nurse her little while wearing her Isla.  We had a wide variety of body types and cup sizes in the test group, and this top offered great support for everyone from cup sizes A-G. There are also pretty extensive directions on how to do a full bust adjustment if needed.
Pretty much everyone who tested looked rockstar amazing in this suit.  I told my husband that, "Thunderbirds are go!" for me wearing this suit to the lake (which happens to be called Lake Thunderbird...)

Pretending that it was really warm out
so you wouldn't notice the goose pimples!  HA!

I told everyone that I am seriously going to put swimsuit model on my taxes this year because I feel amazing in this bikini.  It had been almost 20 years since my last bikini, and I had pretty much decided that I will just stick to shorts and a tee...then this happened.  I want to make me a whole week's worth of Isla's so that I don't have to worry about having a suit to wear at the lake this summer.  I just wish it would get warm enough soon!  We went to the lake for photos, and it was 50 something degrees out so I was in sweatpants and a coat as we walked to the shore...soon, though. Soon...the wind did catch me by surprise while we were out there, and my husband just laughed and kept clicking the camera.  Really, he prides himself on being funny, but I have my doubts.

Yup, that wind is chilly!!

Now, get this...there is also a kimono that you get for free when you grab your own copy of the Isla Bikini!  The Isla is available now and will be on sale until the 24th of May for a special release price of $8.50!  After that, it goes up to full price.  Just head over to Laela Jeyne Patterns here! Marisa also has a FB group where you can keep up with her goings on and get some help if you hit a bump when you're sewing up any of your LJ patterns!

Thanks so much for sticking it out with me and reading along!  Now go grab your copy of the Isla Bikini set and make yourself a bathing suit of your own!

Happy Sewing and Blessings,
Kim

Simply Susan's from Snuggle My Baby Patterns

We're currently going through a transition from ruffles and over the top to simply classic, vintage inspired clothing here in our household.  Part of me is sad because that means my little girl isn't so little anymore and part of me is elated because I love vintage inspired anything!  SOO, when Susan's came up for testing, my daughter was absolutely in for this one.

We spent forever in my sewing room staring at what felt like miles of fabric before my daughter finally settled on some napping foxes from the Tula Pink Chipper Line and some purple Modern Solids from In the Beginning (both purchased from Ozark Fabrics on Facebook).

Okay, so as usual, some basics about the pattern:

- Sizes range from 2T - 12 so this pattern can be used for a pretty long chunk of time
- Two length options: tunic or knee length
- Simple bodice construction for endless embellishment opportunity
- Top to bottom buttons for the tunic
- Two closure options for the dress: all buttons or half length buttons
- Clear, concise directions and photos for each step

Tunic in 2T, made in linen and Luminous Lace from Quilting Treasures
(both purchased from Ozark Fabrics on Facebook)

For the test, I made two tunics in a size 2T and a size 6.  For both sizes, we were spot on for ready to wear sizes.  Both times, I paired the top with leggings, but this would be so easy to dress up for special occasions or keep it simple for everyday wear.  My daughter isn't big on fancy so we did an everyday wear top to start with, but I am TOTALLY going to sneak in some sort of chiffon overlay top here in the near future.  And she's going to wear it and love it. :)!  That's my vision, anyway!  She has already picked out some Wonder Woman fabric for her next top so we are going to be getting some serious mileage out of this pattern.

From start to finish, I think each tunic took about an hour and a half to put together!  The construction was so simple, but the result was such an amazingly beautiful garment.  When you're putting this together, the lining will be smaller than the main fabric so don't panic when you put the dress together, and it seems like it's "off".  It really isn't.  The lining is smaller to lessen the bulk once constructed.

I used snaps for both of my tops, but you have the option of either snaps or buttons.  It's really a matter of preference or fabric choice that will decide for you what you want to do when it comes time to get the closures put on!

I really do love the overall design and look of this pattern!  The tunic is perfect with jeans, leggings, shorts...pretty much anything, and the dress can easily be dressed up for special occasions!  One of the testers trimmed her tunic with lace, and it turned out so, so precious!  I'm kind of wanting to do one in denim...

Okay, so now for some great news!  This pattern is currently available at a special release sale price of $5!  You can grab your copy over at the Snuggle My Baby Etsy store today, but that sale price is for a limited time so don't miss out!  Jennifer also has a Facebook page where you can follow her happenings and keep up to date on what's going on at Snuggle My Baby patterns!  This is also a great place to ask questions if you hit a head scratch while sewing up your SMB patterns!  Jennifer is so great about getting back on questions and is super sweet to work with!

If you've read along this far, I really appreciate you!  Seriously, don't miss out on this pattern!  Head over to grab your copy and get started on your own Susan top or dress today!

Happy Sewing and Blessings,
Kim

Back in time with Clarissa (MCM Studio Designs)

My daughter is continuing to move further and further away from ruffles and over the top

crazy dresses, and she’s starting to turn her eyes to simple, classic designs soooo when the tester call came for the Clarissa dress from MCM Studio Designs, I was all in!  Once they were done, she was over the moon with her dresses.  This is very rare that she will wear anything I make because she loves the idea and process, but by the time the wearing part comes around she’s moved on so this one was a WIN!!!

Okay, let’s talk about some basics for the pattern:

- Sizes 2T through 10 so you have a pretty large size range

- Center pleated front bodice

- Button up back so NO zippers (bonus for me!)

- 2 sleeve options: short sleeve and long sleeve

- Illustrations for those of us who sometimes need the visual to doublecheck ourselves

- Clear, concise directions for each step

My daughter’s measurements fell perfectly in a size 6 for this dress, and it was spot on with ready to wear clothing!  She had plenty of room to move and play in the bodice, and the length of the skirt was just right that she could run around and chase after her bubba with no issues.

The front of the bodice has a really simple but perfect set of pleats that run down the center front, and I keep envisioning this dress in a velvet with some lace.  I really am going to make one in long sleeves for when the winter rolls around again because I’m itching to do it. I love that the long sleeve version has a very elegant look to it that reminds me of the French dresses that I see in movies…or even a dress that Ann Boleyn might have worn. 

For my dresses, I used snaps down the backs so that my daughter could maneuver them easier.  The pattern is written so that you can use either buttons or snaps.  The pattern itself is rated Intermediate, and I would absolutely agree with that given the pleating, the sleeve construction on the long sleeve version, the back placket for the skirt, and the collar.   None of these make the pattern some sort of impossible dream for the beginner sewist, but it does help to have some experience with sewing for this pattern.  There is some understitching for the collar and working with the fabric to help it to lie flat, and when it says to use interfacing, definitely do that!  I didn't do it on the first dress because I was in such a rush to get it done that I didn't want to wait until the next day to go buy some, and well, yeah...I would just like to say, please save yourself the desire to swear at a runaway collar and interface the heck out of that sucker.  It will help to keep everything sitting where it should when all of the pieces are sewn together.  

I also love the waist on this dress.  It has an empire waist that curves along the bodice to give the dress a unique look.  It's such a great pattern for either dressing up for a special occasion or making in a simple cotton for everyday wear.  My daughter and I spent a fair deal in "Mom's store" (aka my fabric stash...I probably do have more fabric than my local quilt shop, to be honest.  If anyone repeats that to my husband, I'll deny it with all that is in me...)

I really do look at this dress and think that I could make a period piece for my daughter if I could just get my act together.  The Clarissa is such a classically beautiful design, and it really does make me think of walking through the halls of an old castle back in the day!  

So, now for the best news, the Clarissa will be on sale from May 12-21.  You can grab it for a special release price of $5.  After the 21st, it goes up to its full price of $10.  You have a few options for where you can buy the pattern, too!  Linda has a website, an Etsy store, and a Craftsy store where you can buy the pattern.  Just remember, it's only on sale for a limited time so if you think you might need this pattern...well, you really do.  

If you've read along this far, I really do appreciate you!  Don't forget, special release sale price, and you can follow along with Linda's happenings over at her MCM Studio Designs FB page!  

Happy Sewing and Blessings,

Kim

It's all about the leg..gings: Charlotte Leggings from Laela Jeyne

Nini would live in leggings if I let her, and given these leggings, I don't know why I don't.  She's at a strange point in growing where she is very long and not very big around so she was hopping around happy as a bee in a flower bed when she put these on!  Marisa, from Laela Jeyne, just re-released her free leggings pattern in a bigger size range (happiness for me since Nini is almost at the tippy top of most girls' patterns). 

Let's get some quick details out there:

- Size ranges from 6M-14.  HUGE size range.

- Elastic waist that is sewn on vs enclosed in a casing

- Extremely fast construction...these ones took tops 30 minutes

- Tiled pages for very fast pattern construction

- Layered sizing so you only print what you need

- Very clear and concise instructions with illustrations and pictures

- FREE if you are a member of the Laela Jeyne Pattern Fan Group

Now, this pattern was previously available up to size 6 so now that they go up to 14, we'll be able to get a lot of mileage from these.  My daughter picked out some black and white daisy knit (from Purple Seamstress) for this pair so that she could wear them with her school uniform.  Any leggings and tights have to be in the school colors so these are perfect for chilly mornings.

The fit on these was perfect for my girl.  She has some pretty long legs but she's skinny as a rail so I was able to make these and tailor them to her size.   I can't wash these fast enough for her.  As soon as I take them out of the dryer she hangs them on her bed for the next school day...

This fabric has been sitting in my hoard collection for a while now, and they were the perfect stretch for this pattern.  You'll want a 2 or 4 way stretch with at least 40% stretch.  They're pretty close fitting so you'll want to make sure you have the stretch to get them on and off without looking like a taffy pull.  The elastic on these is serged onto the waist and then folded over which, in my opinion, gives the final product a much cleaner finish.  She's very particular about seams and "scratchy" thread so these were really nice since I didn't gave any parts of the fabric that were bunchy at the waist.  

I really loved the overall fit and look of these leggings.  There wasn't any excess at the bottom or any random folds along the legs so she was able to jump around and play with bubba with no issues!  I used my serger for these, but you can also sew them using a stretch stitch or zigzag stitch on a standard sewing machine.  

And the best news of all for you is that they are completely free if you are in the Laela Jeyne Patterns Fan Group.  If you aren't a member, you can be.  Just follow the link to the group, join, and check the pinned post for your coupon code.  Marisa is also in the process of designing a deluxe pack that you can buy after testing has been completed!  Some ideas she's throwing around are capris, shorts, joggers, ruffle cuffs, and yoga waistband.  In the meantime, head over to the group, join if you aren't already a member, and get your coupon code to get a copy of this pattern for free!  The group is also a great place to get sewing help from other LJ fans and keep up to date on Marisa's happenings!

Happy Sewing and Blessings,

Kim

Nothing plain about this Jane

Look, Mom, they're big enough for frogs!

When Georgianna from Sunday Girl Designs asked me if I would be willing to test her Jane's Plain Dress and Tunic pattern, I was more than happy to try this one out!  My daughter has moved away from ruffles and OTT dresses (moment of silence as I grieve for a second) so this dress was singing her song!  AND, it has pockets "big enough to put frogs in"...yes, that is exactly what she said.  I inwardly freaked out and had little heart palpitations when she said that, and I'm terrified to check her pockets now because I am scared of what I might find in them.

Close up of the pocket

So, as per usual, I like to give some pattern details up front so you know what you're working with:

- Sizes range from 3T to 8
- 2 hem options: scalloped or straight
- 2 neckline options: with or without Peter Pan collar in front
- Button closure in the back so no zippers (BONUS for me because I'm not besties with zippers)
- Optional seamed pockets on both sides of the dress
- Size layering so you can print just the size(s) you need/want
- Very clear, concise instructions with photographs on each step for those who, like me, need to see it to believe it.

So, where do I begin with how much I love this pattern?  I made both of mine with the collar and the scalloped edges.  My daughter asked that I please not put the bow on it.  :(!  SOOO, no little bows, but I might still make one and sneak it in there.  The dress is pretty roomy and comes down well low enough that my girl was still able to crawl on the rocks and run after her bubs.   She also played basketball in the driveway with her tunic on.  Might as well look great while exercising, right?  We did a photo shoot with several clothing changes, and she said, "Oh, this one is just the one I wanted, Momb!" so...winning!!

I made both the dress and the tunic, and the fit was spot on to RTW.  My daughter is moving out of 6 into 7 so she has some spare room in a 7.  These were both a 7, and they have just enough space for her to grow a little...but they aren't so big that she's lost in a sea of fabric chaos.

I did love that the armholes and neck are finished with bias binding because it gives so many opportunities to add some pops of color.  There is also the option to let the binding show or tuck it back when you finish the binding.  I let it show on the dress and tucked it back on the tunic, and we were equally happy with both versions!  When I asked her what she thought of these, she popped two thumbs up and told me, "I think Miss Georgie scored a goal with this one!"  :)!

Now, word of advice here, accuracy is very important as far as the binding because it is narrower so when Georgianna says to try to be as accurate as possible, she really does mean as accurate as possible.  I wasn't when I did the binding on the tunic, and it was maddening to try to get it to work so I ended up frog stitching that one and ripping out the binding so I could make some more and try again.  Second time I was much more careful, and the result was much much better...

My favorite part of this pattern was the scallops...and the collar...and the lace or bias tape at the bottom...and the buttons...and just about everything.  Both the dress and collar came together wicked fast.  I think it took longer to assemble the pattern than it did to sew it.  And, I know the propensity for some of us to cut corners and not really pay too much attention to notches, dots, notes, arrows, etc on patterns, but you will want to pay attention to them on this one.  Those little notches and dots are really important markers for where to place pieces and where to sew/cut seams when you're done sewing.

We added a little flower because my daughter said the horses need something to nibble on...

Overall construction went very fast for me even with the collar and scallops.  I think the tunic took me about an hour and some change to finish, and the dress took only slightly longer just because I had to be careful with the pockets.  I finished the tunic while the kids and their friends were sidewalk chalking our driveway, and my kids are big squirrel chasers so nothing holds their interest for long before they are moving onto another adventure.

Okay, so now for the best part...this pattern will be released tomorrow (16 April) and will be available at a special release price of $4 until Sunday at 10PM CST.  There will also be a tutorial with it to cover how to work with the bias binding method used in this pattern!  You can grab your pattern at Georgianna's Etsy shop, and she has a FB group where you can keep up to date on her happenings and ask questions if you hit a head scratch when you're sewing!

If you've stuck it out with me to the end, I do appreciate you for reading along, and don't forget, this pattern is only on sale for a limited time so don't miss out on getting your copy at the special release price!!

Happy Sewing and Blessings,
Kim

Grabbing a Sammy with my girl

I told my daughter that I was going to make her a Sammy, and she said, "Oh, no thanks, Mom, I'm not hungry!"  She stared at me as I laughed, and then I told her it's a dress not a sandwich...BUT, it's not just any dress.  This is the Sammy Swing Dress and Tuni from Laela Jeyne Patterns...AND, it has a matching Samantha Swing Dress and Tunic for momma!  This pattern is sheer amazing!  It took me longer to put the pattern together than it did sew it up, and I want to sew up one for every day of the month so I can wear this all the time!

Okay, as usual, let's get some basics down:

- Ranges from XS-XXL on the Samantha and 6M-14 for the Sammy (this makes me happy because my daughter is very quickly hitting the top of the size chart for most of the patterns I have)
- 2 styles: sleeved or racerback
- 4 sleeve options: cap, short, elbow, and long
- Sleeve dress/top has options for a regular neck or cowl neck
- Has both a hi-lo and regular hem for the dress and the tunic
- Racerback shelf bra option so no need to buy a special bra on the Samantha
- Detailed fit adjustment instructions for the Samantha
- No trim pages (one of my favorite things about Marisa's patterns)
- Layered printing on either A4 or standard paper (another favorite)

 I wish I had enough words to tell you how much I love this pattern.  I've already made myself a dress and 4 tops.  There is a slight possibility that I might really end up making one for every day of the month!! My daughter has hit that stage where she is kind of done with ruffles and OTT dresses so the simplicity of this one was right up her alley.  I also made tops for her best friend and her sister, and the report all around is can I get another one followed by specific fabric requirements.

I used a wide range of fabrics with these, but I did make sure that they all had at least 50% recovery so we could get these over the head without doing the funky chicken.  This pattern works with heavier knits, drapey knits, sweater knits...pretty much any knit with at least 50% recovery!

I didn't have to make any sizing adjustments for the ones that I made, but Marisa included very detailed directions on how to adjust for different sizes if you need to do that.  I am 5'1" on a good day, and I didn't even need to adjust the length on either the dress or the tunic.  I made all of these in the hi-lo option, and I loved that the lower back offered good rear coverage for me.

I'm kind of loving all things knit right now, and I've worn the ones I made every day until I had to either do laundry or make more to finish out the week. Construction is so incredibly fast.  It took me about 45 minutes from start to finish to make each one, and I was able to make all four of the girls' tops in one afternoon.  Marisa uses no trim pages so that means no cutting!  Even more of a bonus since that's usually the longest part of pattern construction. I just grabbed my glue stick and started putting the pieces together.

I'm very wary of making myself clothes because I usually spend all my time making the item and then I don't love it.  The fit on these, though, fits just about every body type.  I saw a lot of dresses in the test group, and every single woman I saw this on looked amazing in it.  It's relatively relaxed fitting overall with a slightly fitted top to bring you in at the top.  I wore the dress on a date night, and a woman stopped me to ask where I had bought it.  I'm pretty sure that you could have seen my beaming face all the way from space.

I also made my daughter a short sleeve version of the tunic, and bubs was so sad that he can't wear dresses that I made him a matching tee so he could be part of the matching party.  He wouldn't stand still long enough for a good photo, but my dynamic duo get together to discuss when they're going to wear their matching shirts so I'm calling that a win!

I could go on and on about how I love this pattern, but really, you need to just check it out for yourself.  These patterns are on sale now, and you can pick yours up at Laela Jeyne Patterns on Etsy. The Sammy is on sale here for $5.95 (regular price will be $8) and the Samantha is on sale here for $6.95 (regular price will be $9).  You can also bundle up and get both for $11.50 (regular price will be $15.50).  These prices are only good until the 1159 EST on Sunday (10 April) so if you even THINK you might make these someday, this is the time to get your copy!   You can also swing over to the Laela Jeyne Pattern Fan group to keep up with Marisa's happenings or to ask a question if you hit a bump while working with her patterns.  She's very quick to respond and is always happy to help out.  As an added piece of happy, all single patterns are also 30% until Sunday so this is a good time to pick up any of the other Laela Jeyne patterns that you might want!

Well, if you've read this far, I do appreciate you sticking it out with me!  Now go grab your Sammy or Samantha...or both and create some happiness!

Happy sewing and Blessings,
Kim

Muscle Madness with Justin and Justine

Summer, summer, summer time!  Okay, so maybe it's not summer yet, but the weather here in Oklahoma sure is getting warm!  AND that means off with the coats and turtlenecks and on with the tanks and shorts!!  I just tested the Justin and Justine Muscle Tank for Snuggle My Baby patterns, and all the kids in my life love it!   I made this top for my kids, my nephew, and my niece.  My niece even wanted to wear it under her school uniform.  I'm going to call that a major win!

Alright, so here we go with some basics about the pattern:

-  Sizes range from 2T-16 so a huge range of sizes (which is good for me because all of these kiddos grow very fast and this will last a while!
-   Your choice of thicker or thinner neck and arm bindings so you can accommodate different preferences easily
-  Super fast construction.  I made 4 of these in a day, and it took me longer to glue the pattern than it did to sew!
- Photos for every step of the process if you are like me and work better with a visual aid
-  And, as always, the directions are very clear and concise

When I first made this for my son, my daughter asked for one too because "girls have muscles, too, Mom!"  I made hers and my niece's tops out of a wondermous, drapey knit so it can easily be worn with slacks or a skirt for Sunday morning church or a daddy daughter date! I got it from Hancock's so I am so sad they are closing.

This pattern does require that you use a knit with at least 50% stretch so be sure to check your fabric before you buy or cut into your hoarded treasured fabric.  I learned my lesson with an earlier top I made that did not have enough stretch, and it was a bear to get that over my daughter's head.

I opted for the wider bands for the boys and the thinner bands for the girls, and that seemed to work out great!  I wasn't sure on the width when I was sewing, but after I got the pieces sewn together, it was the perfect size.  Slightly narrower than a standard tee, but still roomy enough to allow for some skateboarding, bike riding, and dirt mound climbing!

When I was doing the bindings, I did actually zigzag the raw edges together so that it was easier for me to line them up.  This is absolutely not necessary, but I did it just to be lazy...

I was looking at my kids' summer wardrobe and was just a little disheartened at how big they had grown so there was no way to use last year's clothes.  This pattern came along just in time for some major summer sewing!  I am so excited that they all love this top, and we're already in the process of picking out the next wave of muscle shirt madness.

The simplicity of this top lends itself to options for embellishment, too.  I actually freezer paper stenciled on my nephew's and son's shirts, and they came out perfect!

Now for the best part!  This pattern is available now at a special release day price.  You can pick up your copy for $5 for a limited time only.  It's available at Jennifer's Snuggle My Baby Etsy shop and you can join her facebook group to keep up with her happenings and ask for help if you hit a head scratch at any point!

If you've stuck it out with me, thanks so much for reading along! Now go grab your copy of this pattern today!

Happy Sewing and Blessings,
Kim