Snappy Tunic Tank

Remember how I promised that I have been busy sewing? Well...here's a little proof ;)

When I tested the Snappy Tunic Tank pattern from Monkeysbugs Patterns I couldn't wait to share. It is one of those patterns that you just can't help but love. So I kept checking every day; waiting for it's release while my excitement bubbled over. Then I came down sick...

The pattern released weeks ago; but I am a self-reported bad blogger.

Check out the cuteness!

I mixed options for this tank. I made a bias trim neckline and used a rolled hem for the arms.

Oh, Snappy Tunic how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

1. Long length - check!

2. Quick to sew - check!

3. Comfort - check!

4. Finishing techniques- check!

5. Keilana approved - check!

Here is what the finished shoulder seam looks like...after multiple washings might I add.

And the finished sides seams look like this. Notice there are no raw edges; best of all no serger required! Mmmm hmmm, that's right!

This is such a perfect tank to layer up for Fall too. I see lots more wear in the coming months for sure!

Coming full circle...the dress, silly, not me!

So...I have been a very bad blogger of late. Sure, I have been sewing, oh yes, I have been sewing...but...I haven't been sharing. And that's what blogging is all about! I know, how selfish, right? So it goes like this: I allowed my self some R&R, visited some friends, found a long lost brother, then I got sick...or lazy...or maybe both ;) After a short while my sewing machine was calling for me, but the computer was simply mocking me! That is until I made the Full Circle Dress for Kikoi Patterns ...then my heart started to flutter and I just had to share!

I am back, yahoo! So, maybe I did come full circle, so to speak.

But the full circle I really want to talk about today is this dress.

... <3 swoon <3...

I loved this dress from the moment I saw, but watching Keilana enjoy the one I made her just made my day. Just look at her sassy attitude!

 

 I love this girl! Her birthday is this next week and she will be, gulp, four! I am so doomed! Deep breaths...woooooo...okay, let's talk about the dress.  ;)

This dress is so deceptively quick to sew. Honestly, I think I spent more time making the bias tape than it took me to sew the whole dress together. And that is because i am stubborn and wanted to use every last bit of scrap material, so I was sewing together bias strips that were only about 7 inches long. Ha! But it was so worth it!

The most wonderful thing about this dress is the closure. "What closure?", you say. Exactly! The low scoop in the back allows this baby to slip right on...no buttonholes, no zippers. The bow is sewn over the scoop and holds everything nicely in place. Not to mention the bow ups the cuteness factor exponentially!

The skirt section of the dress is a double layer "full circle". That means no side seams! We are just racking up the points here. But the circle portion really takes it home with the twirliness points! Mmm,hmm!

Oh, there she goes :'(...my baby girl.

Forgive me if I go through this crisis every year near her birthday. Or, all my kid's birthdays for that matter. They just grow up too quick!

Please. check out this dress and all the other creative designs from Kikoi Patterns - here.

Thanks for visiting :)

The Runaround Pants by Fishsticks Designs

I am thrilled beyond words to be a part of the Jersey Love Blog Tour today. Fishsticks Designs patterns are all so A. MA. ZING! 

Bonnie creates designs that are classic and stylish! And my favorite part...boy patterns. Any sewing mama with boys knows that boy patterns are hard to come by, but Bonnie makes it look easy with her awesome patterns. Which brings me to my Jersey Love creation...

For the blog tour I chose to make the Runaround Pants.

 My boys are seriously big on comfort when it comes to pants, so this selection was really a no brainer for me. 

If you'd like to talk about comfort then we must talk about these Riley Blake knits; they are like butter...so soft and creamy. They are a 95% cotton and 5% spandex blend which makes them just heavenly to work with. Now, sewing with knits really was my first love, but honestly I still tend to avoid jersey knits quite often. Jersey just tends to be more finicky to work with. But not so with these Riley Blake knits! The spandex blend gives the jersey enough stability that I found no need to break out all the usual tools required (such as starch, and fabric stabilizer). Nope, I didn't need any of those!

We really put the "Runaround" part of the name to the test today.

On the jungle gym...and up a tree...

 I am happy to report that it passed with flying colors!

The Runaround Pants pattern comes with all kinds of wonderful options that I have come to love about Fishsticks Designs. It can be made as pants, capris, or shorts. You can have all the pockets, some, or none. It can even be made with or without the stripe. And, the most awesomest part... the sizing goes all the way up to a size 12! 

My kids are just getting too big too fast. I told Ethan two birthdays ago that he wasn't allowed to grow anymore, but he didn't listen ;)

Now that we've had some fun let's talk about some details. If you've read any of my past posts you'd know that I like to modify patterns quite often. I guess I am always looking to personalize the things I make. But with the Runaround Pants I really didn't change much. I just didn't feel the need to. Probably because they are pretty darn awesome the way they are! 

There are only two small details I did change. Firstly, which isn't really a "change", I used my beloved twin needle to hem the top edge of the pockets. I just love the finished look of the double stitched lines.

And the second thing I did different was the top pockets. I am really feeling the side stripe. I love it so much, in fact, that I didn't want to disrupt it (so to speak). So, instead of the curved top pockets, I made another, smaller, side pocket. I even used the same striped fabric to keep the flow. I just placed it a few inches below the waistband to make it a top pocket. Ethan really loved that detail :)

I kept hearing "I really like these pants!" and, "I look good in this outfit!". LOL. I guess that means it was a big win :) Thank you Bonnie, and thank you Riley Blake Designs! I hope to have many more adventures with the two of you! 

Be sure to join us for every stop on the Jersey Love Blog Tour!

Tuesday, 8/13: Call Ajaire & Rock the Stitch

Wednesday, 8/14: imagine gnats & Busy, Beautiful and On a Budget
Thursday, 8/15: Shaffer Sisters & Blue Susan Makes
Friday, 8/16: Rooibos Mom & Mama Says Sew
Tuesday, 8/20: Designs by Sessa & Hopeful Threads
Wednesday, 8/21: Making More with Less & Sew Can She
Thursday, 8/22: Crafty Hour & Winter Wonderings ... Wanderings & Whatnot
Friday, 8/23: Little Kids Grow & Max California

But don't let the fun stop yet! How about a giveaway? If you'd like to win a copy of the Runaround Pants pattern just enter in the Rafflecopter widget below. Contest open for one week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Study Hall Jacket

The Study Hall Jacket was just released as part of the Pattern Anthology Alphabet Collection. It was designed by Andrea Panell of Go To Patterns and The Train To Crazy. Her patterns are spectacular, so I was beyond excited to be able to test this one.

My outer fabric is a Carlie Rocket boardshort fabric that was purchased from The Fabric Fairy. I have been holding on to for a while. It just really wanted to be used for this jacket because it was calling my name. 

Does anyone else ever feel that? You could have a dozen other fabric that would work for a project but you feel a pull towards one in particular, even if it wouldn't generally be your first choice? This is that.

I think the fabric works well with the retro feel of the pattern, at least with the options I chose. To me, this style feels a bit like a letterman's jacket; very retro, and perfect for the back to school theme.  :)

Jonas, on the other hand, was full of 'tude. He loved the jacket, he just didn't want to stand there to get pictures taken. Okay, I am going with it!

The pattern comes with an awesome, very detailed tutorial that takes you through each step.

The fit on this jacket is great. The arm length is right at Jo's wrist and the body length is at mid hip. It has a nice ease so it's perfect for an active child.

 

There is lots of options with this pattern, so let's look at some of the details.

The Study Hall Jacket features raglan sleeves and a zippered front.

Notice my "handmade" rocket tag inside? It is the perfect place to add a size tag too. My kids complain when I put size tags in the neckline because it itches. Placing it a little lower puts it under the shirt line where it won't rub an their skin.

The front pockets are a welt pocket. Andrea walks you through step-by-step to make these much easier than you'd think. You can also choose to add a ruffle at the opening; a look that I love and will definitely be used when I make one for Keilana!

The collar can be made with rib knit, with a ruffle, or a hood. I chose rib knit for my boy of course, but again the ruffle option is super adorable. If you haven't seen the ruffle options yet check out the blue one Adrea made in the collection's collage. It's not super frilly; it's just right for the modern girl.

On the left shoulder is a zippered pocket. This pocket can be placed just about anywhere you'd like. The pattern leaves it up to you where you would like it to be. It is the perfect little pocket for lunch money...or small toys and trinkets...rocks...four leaf clover...or any of those little things your child carries around.

The cuffs and bottom band can be made with rib knit or using your outer fabric and elastic.

It is all very customizable, which is exactly what I like.