DIY Mommy and Daughter Dresses: Lodo and Isla Dresses

Today I am so happy to finally be able to post some pictures taken by the wonderful Shelli at Shelli Quattlebaum Photography   She has taken several for me that I am unable to share until some patterns are released...so until then, I hope you enjoy these two looks I created last year and am finally getting modeled photos.


The two patterns used here are: The Lodo Dress by True Bias and the Isla Dress by Simple Life Pattern Company. Both of these dresses are favorite patterns of mine. The Lodo is a such a quick and easy sew, yet provides an elegant little dress for your wardrobe. The Isla is a fun girl's pattern with many options.

My daughter loves the twirly factor of the skirt on the Isla. I love the options included on the pattern and that it comes together fairly quickly. I cheated and didn't hem the skirt so...it was super quick :)
Since this was made last year it is getting to be on the short side, but my daughter still loves wearing it and will probably not be happy when it is pulled from her closet to give to her younger cousins.

The Lodo Dress is truly a quick and simple sew. It uses a more stable knit fabric with woven facings. The fabric on both of these dresses was a seasonal knit fabric from Hobby Lobby. I wish I would have picked up more because I absolutely love it. It is a firmer knit with a gold floral design on top of a pink textured knit.  I am trying to squeeze out a bralette from the little remnant I have left. 

There is a center back seam on the dress which allows for some shaping. The style of dress is slightly cocoon shaped; wider at the top while narrowing thru the hip. It is comfortable and I see many more in my future. I made a winter version of this dress in a black suede scuba and hacked a bell sleeve onto it...if I ever get decent pictures I will share.

Happy Sewing,
Shannon

DIY Waterfall Raglan Top

Well I am a little late to the WATERFALL RAGLAN party but I finally sewed up my Chalk and Notch pattern last week. This was a quick and easy sew. I love the pattern and after reading several reviews about the amount of ease I decided to size down one size. I still ended up taking it in quite a bit in the sleeves and I think I may go back and take in the side seams to decrease the volume.

 I used a soft MUSTARD rayon spandex fabric from LA FINCH FABRICS that is no longer on the website. The fabric drapes really well and the top is super soft and comfy. I plan to make more of these and modify the pattern a bit for summer. This a great beginner friendly pattern for knits with only a few seams and pieces. You do have to gather the ruffle but Gabriela makes everything easy in her very detailed instructions.

Pattern Modifications: Other than sizing down and taking in the sleeve, the pattern was not modified.

DIY New Horizons Portlander Pants Review

I may or may not have a problem. I discovered one of the comfiest pairs of pants that I have ever put on AND it happens to be a sewing pattern that I own. Enter, problem. Now that I have discovered how quickly a pair of these pants can go together, coupled with how extremely comfortable they are; I truly have a hard time putting on anything else. I would be lying if I said I haven't debated wearing them out of the house on several occasions and in fact that is specifically why I made a sweatshirt fleece pair...I mean, its just like wearing sweatpants which I would totally do outside of the house!  

Here is my current collection. While my hubby thinks the floral is reminiscent of his Aunt's 1970's sofa, I personally love that pair. They are sewn in a french terry from Sly Fox Fabrics. I made those in the size 4 and feel like the fit is perfect. Somewhat fitted through the booty and upper leg and then a nice flare. 

The blue on the far left is a french terry from Hobby Lobby that is no where near as stretchy or soft as the floral pair. They are a size 6 and probably get worn the least because the fabric is much tighter. 

The pink and blue stripe is from...wait for it...Walmart. And it's around $10 bucks for 3 yards. These have turned out to be one of the most comfortable pairs I own. This fabric is super light weight and soooo comfortable. However, it majorly stretches and therefore if you make a pair in any of the many color ways this fabric comes in, you may want to size down. I made the 6 and feel like they are about 1-2 sizes too big. 

Finally, my latest pair of Portlanders and also my current fave- the navy sweatshirt fleece from Joann Fabric. These are nice and soft, super cozy on the inside and a bit heavier for warmth. I also made these in the 6 as I was concerned the fleece didn't have much stretch and they feel great. I wish I had better photos to show you of all these pants but these were the only somewhat not blurry photos I could save...oops! 

So...where's the big pattern review?? Who needs it...go get the pattern ASAP and make yourself a million pairs of the world's most comfortable pants. That is all you need to know. Till next time, happy sewing!

Pattern: Portlanders by New Horizons Designs

DIY Tami Revolution Hoodie by New Horizons Designs

When I discovered New Horizons Designs and found the Tami Hoodie and the Portlanders, I went a little crazy. I really, really, really felt that they needed to be in my life and at that very moment. Fortunately for me, they were having a sale, and they quickly jumped into my cart! Lest you think I lay around in lacy bras and backless tops all the time (see previous post) you should know that I am much more of a sweatshirt, jeans, or sweatpants kind of girl. And...90% of the time you will find me in either my Tami hoodies or Portlanders (but that's a whole post of its own).

Enter my sweatshirt dreams come true...

Pattern Description & Suggested Fabric:

The TAMI Revolution Hoodie includes double hood, crossover hood, standard hood, front zip up, thumbhole cuffs and optional shoulder zip accent. No serger required! No special tools needed. Comes in sizes xx-small, x-small, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26.

Pattern made for sweatshirt fleece, fleece, french terry, medium – thick knits with 25% stretch.

I used fabric from Joanns for my pink and gray version. This is the regular length, side pocket, double cross over hood option.

Does it look like the pattern envelope or drawing when you were done sewing? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? 
 Yes, I believe the instructions were easy to follow but I would not say this pattern is beginner friendly. The pink and gray version took me forever to finish because of silly mistakes on my part. Here's a friendly tip...don't use a triple stitch seam when attaching your hood, baste it first! I accidentally sewed my hood on backwards and couldn't figure out why the top was choking me when I wore it. Ripping out the triple stitch took forever!!!

This gray bonded knit is also from Joanns and the blue floral french terry is from Sly Fox Fabrics.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? 
I loved the look of the double cross over hood and the thumb hole cuffs. This was my first time sewing the cuffs and while I love them, I have learned they aren't the most practical for a stay at home mom whose hands are always being washed, doing dishes, cleaning up after kids, etc. I love the slim fit of the sweatshirt and how cozy it is. I am usually always cold and this fabric is crazy warm.

Pattern Alterations/Design Changes you made? 
The only thing I did was shorten my gray sweatshirt. I originally cut the longer length, but once on I decided to shorten to the regular top length. Oh, and of course, sewing the hood on backwards as I mentioned earlier - which does not make for a wearable fit and I do not recommend :)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Definetly, I have many more planned, just need to start cranking them out. I would recommend this pattern to those who are comfortable sewing with knits and have some experience sewing clothing patterns.