The Provincial Top

Have you seen the super cute Provincial Top pattern by Terra's Treasures yet?

The pattern just released and can be found in Terra's Treasures Etsy Shop.

*Disclaimer: I was a tester for this pattern, but all opinions are my own. I do not receive compensation for sharing with you*

The top is so cute and really quick to sew up. The sizes run from 6m-10! It features on adorable peasant style neckline with lettuce edge hems and shirring at the neck and arms. There is an option for a two piece decorative front with buttons (no button holes required! They are simply decorative). That is the option I chose ;) It was the perfect opportunity for color blocking! Who doesn't just love color blocking, right?

If shirring and/or lettuce edge hems is new to you don't fret; the tutorial guides you through how to do the lettuce edge on a serger or a regular sewing machine as well as how to do the shirring.

Also, Seamingly Smitten has a nice tutorial on shirring here. If you have a sewing machine that requires you to adjust the bobbin tension in order to shir there are lots of tutorial out there to help. Here is one from Sewn Studio that I found helpful. The thing to remember about shirring is that it will appear more "shirred" after making a few rows AND it tightens up after steaming. Don't expect your first row to appear super tight.

For your lettuce edge on your serger you will want to make a rolled hem and slightly stretch your fabric as you sew. This tutorial from LBG Studio shows you how to set up your serger for a rolled hem. I use the same settings as in this tutorial except for the lower looper, which I set at 7 instead of 8. I find that my thread likes to break at 8.

These are just a couple tutes that I have found helpful but there is LOTS more out there if you need extra help. These techniques are really quick and easy to do once you know how to set your machines, I promise. And the results are fantastic!

 Don't forget to check out the new Provincial Top pattern! My daughter loves these top so much that wanted them on right away...and didn't want to take them off, not even for bed.

Anthropolgie knock off: Petaluma Peep Hem Dress

Have you been following the Knock it Off series at Elegance & Elephants? These series has lots of AMAZING bloggers doing AMAZING knock offs! Seriously, I drool just going through the line up. Well the series is almost over but I wanted share my own little knock off.

***There is now a free pattern and tutorial to make this dress here***

I went with this Petaluma Peep Hem Dress from Anthropologie. My daughter is crazy about horses, ponies, and unicorns! I knew right away she would adore this dress.

 Anthropologie's peep hem dress = $78

My peep hem dress = $5

Savings = $73!!!

LOVE = 100%

That's right, I was able to make this dress for only $5! These adorable knit prints were purchased from Girl Charlee for only about $4-$5/yard. Since I only used 2/3 of a yard of unicorns and 3/8 yard of polka dots my total cost was only about $5. Awesomesauce!
If you are looking for knit fabrics at a great price Girl Charlee is a great source. They even have their own exclusive prints now, and at prices that can't be beat. Ha, you'd think I work for them. I can't help sounding like an infomercial when I feel something is worth being shared!

 

And now it's time to rock out!!!

 This pattern was made using a self-drafted pattern in size 5. 

Thanks for checking it out!

 

Knit Prefontaine Shorts - Ooga cuteness!

As promised, here is the Prefontaine Shorts made with knit fabric! The pattern calls for Woven fabric for the main part of the short. So when thatmoxiegirl asked if anyone would like to try the pattern in knits I jumped all over it. Rules be damned, right?

The pattern really lend itself nicely to knit fabric. It has a classic, comfy style...with a wonderful retro feel. I made a size 4 length with a size 3 width for my little booty girl. It gives her lots of freedom of movement. Which she gladly demonstrated when I asked her to show me the side.

I was chasing her all over the yard!

Finally, a side shot you can see pretty good. Thanks for distraction Nana and helping keep her still for more than a second. Notice the super cute "handmade" tag? Got this from my divas. Love you mamas ;)

These were made with this uber cute Ooga Booga interlock knit fabric. 

Oh, walking foot where have you been. It has been a while old friend. I have to confess I was cheating on you with woven fabrics.

Ahem, sorry you had to witness that. I found my love of knits with my walking foot. It is one of my favorite tools. That and my handy dandy twin needles! You can see them being used on the pocket line. It gives such a nice finish that will actually stretch...much like a cover stitch but without the need for a whole different machine.

If you are new to knits there is a whole bunch of great resources on the internet. Girl Charlee has a nice one here. Made has one here. Luvinthemommyhood has a round up of tutorials, tips, and tricks here. And Made by Rae has a whole series on it here. Can't forget Kitschy Koo who has the most amazing euro knits...and a cool tutorial for binding with knits. All right here.

Don't be afraid of the knits! Check out the above sites and if you still have questions I would be happy to answer them ;)