Sew Classic by Ola Jane Patterns

Yes, it is July and yes, I've started sewing for Fall!

BUT, when you find the perfect yellow shoes, you don't waste time building a wardrobe around them, am I right? (Did I mention they were only $5.99?!  #bargainshopper)

Shortly after scoring these awesome kicks, I was lucky enough to meet the designer behind Ola Jane and spend the morning fabric shopping [at Mary Jo's Cloth Store]!  I was keeping my eye out for some new fall fabrics that would match the shoes when we both spotted this gorgeous butterfly print from Quilting Treasures and matching geometric coordinate in maize.   (Just to make sure the yellows were the same, I quickly ran to my car and retrieved said shoes from hiding -- in my trunk -- and they were a perfect match).

To recap, we had the shoes and we had the fabric; now we just needed the pattern.  As we were mentally running through the Ola Jane patterns, I realized that I've only done a short-sleeved version of Sew Classic -- the newest release for Ola Jane Patterns.  I knew I needed to sew the 3/4-sleeved version (long sleeves also included in this pattern).   And it's everything I imagined <3

Sew Classic by Ola Jane is an A-line peasant-style dress with a cinched empire waist and 3 sleeve lengths and includes sizes 6m to 14 girls.  This PDF is a full pattern with nested pattern pieces (split into two sizing groups) with thorough instructions, including professional finishes -- French seams and a blind hem.  Of course, for a faster finish, you can always use a serged seam and traditional hem, but I love when patterns push you to sew your very best!  The pattern also includes two free embellishment patterns -- "Sew Big" bow and "Ribbon Flower" -- to customize your dress.

The empire waist casing looks great in a coordinating fabric or you can use a matching ribbon trim.  The casing is repeated on both the 3/4 sleeve -- above the elbow -- and long sleeve -- at the wrist.

As I was sewing this dress, it hit me that I hadn't tried the letters and numbers on my new machine.  I took a scrap of the coordinating casing fabric and made this custom sizing tag -- adorable, right?!

In case you missed my original short-sleeved version, here are a couple pictures:

Shop Ola Jane Patterns

Visit Ola Jane Patterns on Facebook

Join Ola Jane Patterns Sewing Group

Looking for more inspiration? Sew Classic is featured on Pattern Revolution -- HERE

SHOP REVIEW: Mabel Madison

SHOP REVIEW:  I've been fortunate to spend the month sewing up some of luxurious Euro knits that Mabel Madison offers.  They also offer Euro poplins, flocked poplins, nicky velour and corduroy as well.  This company operates under the belief that quality. service and relationships are of utmost importance.

_________________

QUALITY: Fabric quality is so important, especially for knit fabric.  After all, with all the time and energy poured into sewing up your latest garments, you want it to last and look just as good years from now.  If you've never had the opportunity to sew with Euro knit, you seriously need to.  I know, it's hard to figure out the quality of fabrics while looking at a computer screen, but I've sewn many knits over the last couple of years and these [from Mabel Madison] are incredibly soft, wash well, and have great stretch and recovery.

• My experience: I prewashed these knits using my normal routine (warm wash/hot dry) and was quite pleased that the shrinkage rate is quite low compared to other knits I have sewn.

_________________

SERVICE: Mabel Madison is owned by a husband/wife team.  They strive to ship your order quickly (often the same day) and accurately.  They don't like to wait for online orders and believe you shouldn't have to either.

• My experience: In order to accurately give an opinion on ordering, I decided to place an order.  It was easy to navigate their site, all fabrics have an option to pull up a viewing against a ruler, and was easy to pay using my PayPal.  I ordered Friday morning and received my shipment Monday in my mailbox! My order included my invoice along with a handwritten note, and a business card.  

__________________

RELATIONSHIPS: There's something to be said for small businesses.  Your business matters.  You are not just an order number - which is refreshing.

• My experience: I've had the opportunity to converse back and forth with Emily of Mabel Madison.  She is always professional and prompt in her replies and I can tell she is genuinely interested in the conversation we are having and seeing what I have sewn.

Here's a look at the fun knits I had a chance to work with this month:

Stenzo Pandas -- SOLD OUT
Pattern: Road Trip Racerback in tunic length by Little Lizard King

Stenzo Shells - Red
Pattern: Knit Twirler by Little Lizard King (not yet released)

Stenzo Flower Field PINK
Pattern: Road Trip Racerback in maxi length by Little Lizard King

Now, these prints are obviously geared towards girls, because well, that's what I have!  There is also a great assortment of fun boy prints (found here) and there are many fabric suitable for adults too!

I used some gorgeous roses on a pindot background for a dress in May, shown below:

Rose Floral on Pindot - SOLD OUT
Pattern: Davie Dress by Sewaholic

You will notice that a couple of the pictures say SOLD OUT and are not linked.   Mabel Madison has a huge sale going on currently (thru July 31st) and stuff is moving fast!  Click HERE to get to the details on the sale. (I will give you a hint:  EVERYTHING is 50% off!)  Quality fabrics are generally rather pricey, so here is your chance to experience high-quality fabric for half the cost.

There's also an additional special on POPLINS (US residents only):

Above, I mentioned placing an order -- here's what I chose:

TOP: Stretch - Red - Stenzo Poplin | Hearts Flocking - Blue - Verhees Euro Poplin
MIDDLE: Little Stars - Red - Stenzo Poplin | Poppy - White - Verhees Euro Poplin
BOTTOM: Little Stars - Raspberry/Pink - Stenzo Poplin | Tivoli - Blue - Verhees Euro Poplin

I can't wait to sew these up!  I will be sure to update you with how I decided to use them (and my thoughts on the quality and ease of sewing!)

Until then, my 4 year old wants to know:

SHOP

FACEBOOK

Full disclosure: The knits featured in this post were generously provided to me by Mabel Madison. (The poplins have been purchased by myself). No further compensation was provided for this post, nor was I required to write this blog post.  All thoughts, views, and opinions are mine and mine alone.

PANDA-monium Over Mabel Madison Fabric

ENTIRE SHOP CURRENTLY 50% OFF!

*Save Our Shop (S.O.S.) Sale thru July 31st, 2015

pan-da-mo-ni-um -- the exact word I'd use to describe my 6 year old's reaction to her new tunic in fabric with her favorite animal splashed all over!  There were squeals and jumps and twirls and nearly broken bones.  It was all very exciting (except the almost fractures.... that's never exciting).

This fun knit is from Mabel Madison and it's even cuter in person!  If you haven't heard, Mabel Madison is currently offering 50% off the entire store -- what??!!!  Crazy, I know.  It's a whole different pandemonium while people fill their "virtual" carts.  If you see something you like, you'd better grab it before the next person does. (Kind of like this knit O.o -- which is now extinct).  This shop specializes in Euro knits and poplin, but ships right here in the USA!  The fabrics are of the highest quality and definitely need to find a way into your fabric stash -- I mean, "to cut" pile :)

I decided I'd sew up the Road Trip Racerback by Little Lizard King with hopes that the bodice would really showcase those adorable pandas.  With pattern pieces in hand, I set out to discover the perfect pandas to feature.  I, then, carefully cut out my patterns.  I'm so happy that the back of the RTR is the perfect place for a second panda to hang out! 

I've got 2 more knit prints to sew up from Mabel Madison... stay tuned!  In the meantime -- go shopping!!!!  Don't forget to add the 50% code! (click the MM links to find the code).

Come back and tell me what you bought!

Top Stitchers Season 2: Coco Chanel

"In honor of the recent Summer Solstice,

we look to the heavens for sewing inspiration! 

Find a "star" who shares your zodiac sign,

and "recreate" (a child-appropriate version of)

one of their iconic looks."

___________________________________________________

I am so thrilled to be back for a second season of Top Stitchers!  (Remember my Puddle Jumper entry from Season 1?)  For this season, my category was Stylist -- which Becca describes as:

Patterns are cool, fabrics are too, but to you, outfits are more than

just a sum of their parts. When you see clothes, you see settings, 

accessories, and the emotion that tie it all together. Your objective

is to utilize patterns, fabrics, model(s), props and settings to tell a

story, as inspired by your prompt.

Whoa... I dabble in photography and love thinking through details, but was I ready to delve into this challenge?!  I'll let you be the judge :)  

Eeks!  Can you stand it?!

I. can't. even.

I am a proud Leo and as I Googled, I found myself in good company.  There were several stars that would be fun to recreate, but one famous name stood out (okay, it may have jumped off the computer screen and grabbed me by the shoulders... the details are a bit fuzzy at this point).

There is no one quite like Coco Chanel.  She revolutionized the way women dress, define luxury, and has many words of wisdom.   The little black dress, the Chanel jacket, bell bottoms, Chanel No. 5... she started it all.

The Signature Chanel Jacket

Pattern: Coco Jacket by Heidi and Finn

Materials: Wool Blend Coating (outer), Black Peach Skin (Lining), 

Black Crochet Lace (Trim)  

Trousers

Pattern: Serendipity Trousers by Sewlosophy Pattern Co.  

Materials: White Wrinkle Ease Twill, Black Chain Link, Gold Buckle

Tee

Pattern: Drop Waist Diva by Little Lizard King (modified)

Material: Black Cotton/Lycra from Purple Seamstress Fabrics

Signature Quilted Black Clutch/Purse

Pattern: Self-drafted

Materials: Black Peach Skin, Black Chain Link. Gold Ribbon

Logo Mask

Pattern: Self-drafted

Materials: Black Felt, Wooden Chopstick, Paint

Shoes

Capelli New York (Purchased)

My 6 year old really dove head first into this role.  I seriously couldn't have asked for more!  She far exceeded my expectations and I think this will be one of those memories she keeps forever.  At the very least, she'll be the best dressed first grader at her elementary school... haha

Please make sure you've stopped by FREE NOTION and rate my entry! (Remember, 5 stars is the highest rating I can earn -- there are 4 categories to score: Technique, Creativity, Presentation, and Difficulty).  You can also find more in depth details for each item I made.

While you're there, check out my competitor, Sarah's entry as well!

Thank you so much for your support!!!

BLOG TOUR: Ellie Inspired Summer 2015

Ah, summertime!!!!  This year is our first official year of "summer break".  I love summer -- from the relaxing days without a schedule to the sweet little dresses designed to keep my girls as cool as possible in this humid NC heat.

What better way to kick off the summer than with participating in the Ellie Inspired Summer Blog Tour!  I've gotten the chance to participate in the last several Ellie Inspired blog tours, but this one is special.  This tour is sponsored by Riley Blake Designs -- eeks!!!!  I adore their fabric!!

So then comes the question.... which came first?  The fabric or the pattern?

I actually picked out the pattern first.  This is the Dixie Dress -- a sweet. summer frock that can be worn as a halter or criss-cross ties.  My girls love to wear dresses. especially in the hot, hot summer so I knew this would be a perfect choice.  I actually had this pattern in my stash ... hoard... er, files since the first blog tour, but somehow never got around to sewing it up.

Next came fabric!!  After speaking with the rep from Riley Blake (Hi, Julia!) and getting the list of the possible fabrics, I spent hours mulling over my decision.  Yep, I'm that indecisive.  Haha.  I had a few choices at the top of the list that were fun and whimsical (like the Sunglasses fabric or the Unicorns  -- don't tell my 6 yr old I passed those up!), but I thought I take a little fancier approach.  I kept coming back to this fabric line - La Vie Boheme and I just loved the gorgeous flowers.  It also had colorways that would compliment each girl so they could coordinate, but not be an exact copy.  I chose TEAL for my 4 year old and CREAM for my 6 year old.

I have to admit though, the teal colorway caught my eye first.  My blue-eyed blondie looks fabulous in this color!

I wanted to showcase the two different styles of ties.  This is the halter version.

And here is the criss-cross back.  At the current time, they are just tacked in with safety pins as she'll likely wear it more as a halter, but I wanted to show you both possibilities.  If you want to use this style (and permanently sewn), you'll need to have the child present during sewing so you know at what length you need to fasten the straps.

This bodice is perfect to showcase a large print or an embroidery design.

______________________________

If you've been following along for the past couple years, you've heard me talk about mixing sizes due to both of my daughters having very slim measurements for their ages.  Height-wise they are fairly average (my oldest is on the low end for her age).   This pattern contains a finished measurements chart that includes ease.  This means it will be a couple inches (typically - for woven) larger than your child's chest measurement.   This pattern has elastic in the back bodice.  Note:  The finished measurement is measured with the elastic fully stretched (so please take this into consideration).

I've sewn several dresses from Ellie Inspired for my youngest (normally a size 2 width), but when looking at the pattern piece, it looked a bit narrow at the top to me.  So I decided to try a size 4.  After bribing my 4 year old with chocolate chips for a fitting, the 4 was not quite as wide across the chest as I'd prefer, but not scandalous.  Depending on how I situated the bodice, it was either high on her neck or low under the arms, but I really didn't want to start over.  So I increased the SA across the top of the chest (essentially lowering it by 1").  I  had also tried the original bodice on my 6 year old and determined it would be perfect if I added a 1/2" in width to the center to widen the chest coverage.

After talking with Laura of EI, it was determined that my file I was sent last spring was the wrong file....  I am glad that I followed up my sizing concerns though, with the designer instead of simply thinking (and telling everyone) that the sizing is way off.  (NOTE: I have received the alternate copy and it is 1" wider in the bodice :)  )

Even my girls were shocked... haha 

The length was spot on though!  Couldn't have gotten this more perfect!

One of my favorite things about this pattern is the deep 4" blind-hem.  It gives the skirt great structure at the bottom and the blind-hem (or handstitched) is a perfect when you don't want your hem stitching to show.   If you've not yet mastered (or tried) the blind-hem, it's actually mind blowing once you wrap your brain around how you position the fabric.  It seriously makes you want to blind-hem ALL.THE.THINGS!

It's always a contest... LOL

I am so glad I went with my gut and chose the La Vie Boheme line.  I decided against using any coordinating prints as accents because I knew the main print would shine on its own.  I was also very happy to find a flower that I could fussy cut to take center stage on each bodice.  Thank you so much for this gorgeous fabric, Riley Blake!!!!  I hope you love the result as much as I do.

Important Links:

Riley Blake Designs

Ellie Inspired Shop

Ellie Inspired Patterns Group

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Sew Coordinated Sewing Kit

{GUEST DESIGNER}

---------

June 2015 Kit

I am so excited that I was chosen to play Guest Designer this month for Sew Coordinated -- a monthly subscription sewing kit (sign up HERE) brought to you by Mama Made and Beautiful Fabrics.  As you can see, my kit was full of lots of fun and cheerful fabric that I was able to make each of my daughters the dress of their choosing and a matching headband!  I spent the better part of a day carefully laying out my pattern pieces and choosing the best layout to maximize the fabric without altering or compromising any pattern pieces.  I also divvied up the 5 included prints between the girls to best suit their personalities and coloring.  This way, they could coordinate (see what I did there?) without being identical.

... and I was literally left with mere scraps from the 3.5 yards included in my kit!

I'd say I used this kit about as well as it could be.  How about a prettier picture of the fabrics?

*NOTE: Kit is not packaged this way -- staged for photograph

Just look at these gorgeous, fun fabrics by Studio E Fabrics.  This is the Around Town by Small Factory line.  Also included in the kit are 2 buttons by La Moda, fun double-sided ribbon, thread (not photographed), and a clip-on drink holder for my sewing room!

Content details:

• 1 yard Around Town by Small Factory -- #2941-99  (Houses)
• 1 yard Around Town by Small Factory -- #2944-01 (Bicycles)
• 1/2 yard Around Town by Small Factory -- #2945-28 (Dots)
• 1/2 yard Around Town by Small Factory -- #2942-01 (Pennants)
• 1/2 yard Around Town by Small Factory -- #2943-90 (Bricks)
• 2 yards of double-sided pink/lime dot ribbon by Renaissance Ribbons
• 1 spool of coordinating Gutermann Thread 
• Clip-on drink holder

_______________________

Here's how I used it all!

My 6 year old has been begging me for a maxi dress.  I used the Annabelle Dress by Violette Fields Threads to fulfill her request.  Its chevron-pieced skirt was perfect for showcasing several prints.  Although she's 6, she's small for her age so I made her the size 4.  It's a good thing she's not any taller because the size 4 was the biggest I could squeeze out the Bicycle fabric.

I put the ribbon to good use as bodice detailing and a sash.  One of the buttons takes center stage at the top of the bodice.  I used 3 main prints in the Annabelle.  I used the Bicycle, Dots, and Pennants.  For the center of the bodice, I added a small section of the Houses.   A smidge of ric rac peeks out from her sleeves to bring the hot pink upward.  Lastly, I used a small scrap of the Pennants and a bit of hot pink FOE (fold-over-elastic) for a matching headband!

LOVE is a complete understatement for her feelings on this dress!  I chose these 3 prints for her because pink is her favorite color and being a brunette, these colors compliment her.

My 4 year old loves her twirly dresses.  I had her "go shopping" in her closet to show me what style dress she wanted me to sew.  She came back with the Bubblegum Swing Dress by Candy Castle Patterns which is an add-on to the ever-popular Bubblegum Dress.  The add-on changes the original a-line skirt to a super-twirly skirt.  Her original Bubblegum Swing is getting a bit small on her so it was time to sew up the next size.

For this dress, I chose the Houses fabric and used the Bricks as accent.  She's blonde and blue-eyed and looks fabulous in turquoises and blues.  I made a small change to the pattern and used the width of the sash from the Peppermint Swirl Dress for my wrap-around ties for a bit bigger of a statement.  For this, I chose a navy dotted swiss in my remnant box to bring out the navy of some of the rooftops and the navy in the Bricks.  I used the Sweet Grace Ruffled Headband from Snickerdoodle Stew for One Thimble (Issue 5) for her headband.  It was the perfect place to showcase her La Moda button!

~~~ Best Sisters Forever ~~~

Thank you so much, Sew Coordinated for letting me join in the fun this month!  My girls love their dresses and being sew coordinated!  I love the fact that the kit comes with plenty of fabric that neither girl gets left out.   I'm excited to see what patterns everyone else chooses to sew with their kits!

Meanwhile, I be at my {new} machine, staying hydrated now that I don't have to worry about my drink getting in the way on my sewing table.

Seriously, sign up!  You won't be disappointed!

Look below for Frequently Asked Questions!

Sew Coordinated FAQ:

*Source: Sew Coordinated Facebook page

• What is Sew Coordinated? 

Sew Coordinated is a monthly kit club! Each month, there will be a brand new kit debuting with coordinating fabrics, trims, and other goodies!These kits are guaranteed to be priced lower than if you would buy all the products separately at retail prices. I am SO excited at what I have to bring you!

• How much does it cost? 

Sew Coordinated costs $50/month shipped domestically. It will ship in a flat rate padded envelope with free delivery confirmation and insurance. If you are international, it will be $45/month + the cost of a flat rate envelope to you. If you are a member of Mama Made and Beautiful (my fabric retail shop), I am happy to include it with one of your packages!

• How does it work? 

You can purchase Sew Coordinated as a membership subscription or on a monthly basis. If you choose to purchase on a monthly basis, you do run the risk of the kits being sold out. If you purchase a subscription, you are guaranteed the kit. Subscriptions run for a 6 month time period.

• What is the cost of being a Sew Coordinated kit club member? 

To become a Sew Coordinated kit club member, you will be charged an initial $10 membership fee. You will be required to pay this fee within 24 hours. After paying the $10 fee, I will send you a link to subscribe to 6 months of Sew Coordinated. You will be automatically billed $50/month for the next 6 months starting immediately.

• Why is it worth it to become a kit club member?? 

---- You will be guaranteed to get a kit! The first few months of the kit have already been purchased and I only have what I have so if you become a kit club member, you are guaranteed to get the kit during your subscription period! Your kits will come before anyone purchasing month by month!
---- You will get an extra half yard of coordinating solid fabric in your kit every month! The total retail value of this is around $30 for a 6 month subscription!
---- You will have first dibs at all sales, extra kit offerings, and insider info!
---- Because Sew Coordinated is going to be the next big thing and you want in!! There will only be a limited number of kit club subscriptions and once they are filled, you will be added to a waiting list for a subscription!