Women's Adalynn Dress

Every once in a while I take a leap of faith and try a new to me designer. This time I was pleasently surprised by Mamma Can Do It and the women's Adalynn.

It's a very simple design with a great tutorial explaining fit and different fabrics.

Never have I seen a tutorial with a worksheet to factor in stretch of fabric and the desired fit. You may have in the past been disappointed by a garment you made because you just felt it was too big, that may have been because the fabric had a lot of stretch. This worksheet helps you determine what size will be right for you taking into account the stretch of fabric and desired fit and it is so easy to follow.

So now about the finished dress! The fabric is a "coup de cœur" that I purchased a couple of years ago in Quebec city. The front is a polyester knit blend, the back and sleeves are a rayon lycra blend with a lot of stretch and a fantastic drape. The fit turned out exactly as I wanted it. I followed the worksheet instructions to determine size and printed only the pattern size I needed. I love that the layer feature is available on the Adalynn pattern.

I changed up the sleeve and drafted a cap sleeve to give it more of  a "little black dress" look. The pattern has three sleeve lengths included with it.

I think this is a great basic pattern and again I can't say enough about the helpful worksheet! Love it!

Until next time, xx.

PM Patterns Blog Tour

I think you can tell by her face that Amelia loves her new outfit! 

I love trying out new designers, and P&M Patterns is new to me. Karine, the designer at P&M Patterns is based in Europe as has recently had all her patterns, landies' and children's, translated to English. The only thing that has not been changed is the paper format. The paper format available for at home printing is 4A so it doesn't fit standard US sized paper. I got over this hurdle but just popping in some legal sized paper and printing according to instructions. Included is a file so you can also have your patterns printed at your local print shop.

For this look I used Gus and Lollipop.

Gus is designed for a woven fabric but I made it in a knit. I love the drape of a rayon lycra knit. This one is so soft and light weight.

I made a size 6 according to the chart measurement, I had no need to go down a size due to the fact that I was using a knit. I changed the construciton just a bit since most of assembly was done with the serger. For the sleeves, instead of a flat assembly, I sewed up the side seams first then put in the sleeve as an inset sleeve.

The bow at the back is simple and elegant.

Other details on this top include gathers at the front shoulder seam, the waistband and the sleeve tabs.

About this sweet skirt...

This skirt has an adjustable elastic waistband at the back and the front lays flat. I didn't want to change any of the details of the hip pocket, they have been designed to perfection!

I shortened the main fabric of the skirt by about an inch so that I could lengthen the contrast band. I just love this fabric and I wanted to see a little more of it on the skirt.

Sizes for Gus and Lollipop range from 2 year to 12 years. The files that you get with your purchase include the tutorial with your choice of French or English, a list of required materials with size charts, home print file for 4A paper (I used legal size and it worked great) and a file for print shop.

Now the question is; will I make these patterns again.... you can bet on it. Both these patterns are really well put together, the tutorial is easy to understand with clear step-by-step drawings, and they are loaded with fun style! I'm even thinking I need to make Gus in my size!

More fun patterns and inspiration to check out! And don't forget to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a P&M pattern!

Pm-Patterns Blog Tour

• March, 13th: Lilla-Gumma/ My Sewing Roots
• March, 14th: Sew Sew Ilse/ Threadistry/ Seams Sew Lo
• March, 15th: Sprouting JubeJube/ Sewrendipity/ Sewvolution
• March, 16th: Sewing Vortex/ OakBlue Designs/ AusChick
• March, 17th Octaves of Color

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Until next time,

*Disclaimer: I received the patterns for free for the purpose of the tour and full review but all opinions and ideas are my own!

Boys Can Wear Pink - Season 4

I've been aching to make a shirt for Sebas, my oldest. I've also been wanting to take photos of him, he hates the camera. Well I think I was able to have get my cake and eat it too. And to top it off, I got to sew from my fabric stash and use vintage buttons. What could be better... Oh yeah, he likes his pink shirt and he looks fabulous in it! 

Let's start by talking about the pattern. I used Burda 7045, a paper pattern. I've come to trust sizing with their patterns, after all I've been using Burda for so many years. The fit tends to be European, on the slim side, just what I needed. I used the style with front and back darts and the sport collar.


The fabric, funny enough has been in my stash for a couple of years. It was originally to make myself a shirt. So glad that didn't happen because this color just looks so great on Sebas. The fabric is a wonderful polyester with cotton bengaline, so its easy to care for. And I mentioned vintage buttons... I got them from a shop in Montreal when I was playing tourist with a friend visiting from BC. Most expensive buttons I've EVER put on a shirt, but they are just amazing... you can see them on my instagram post here!

So now, JubeJube and Amelia have been talking, since the beginning of the week, about Pink T-Shirt Day at school. The day that teachers and staff at school talk about being a friend and not the bully. And yes even the boys wear pink. So you can imagine how happy they were to see their big brother wear pink. We need to remove gender association to colors. We need to stop saying pink is for girls and blue is for boys. It's funny how other colors don't get that gender association... yellow, orange, green...

So there you have it, a pink shirt, with vintage buttons for my son.

Take a look at the other stops on this fourth edition of Boys Can Wear Pink. So many fun project!

Monday: Handmade Boy, EYMM, Wild & Wanderful, CKC Patterns, MBJM

Tuesday: Tales of a Tester, DoodleNumber5, Sew Shelly Sew,
Max California, CKC Patterns

Wednesday: Sprouting JubeJube, Handcrafted by RED,
PhatQuarters, CKC Patterns

Thursday: #roxthing, Beri Bee Designs, SewSophieLynn, CKC Patterns

Friday: The Bug's Bit, Paisley Roots, Sweet Meadow Threads,
The Berry Bunch, CKC Patterns

Until next time,

SisBoom Sophie and Wild Animals

The original idea with SisBoom Sophie was for JubeJube, in another fabric that I had selected. I asked her opinion on the fabric and she flat out said NO, I don't like it and she chose Monaluna's Night Garden that I purchased from Phat Quarters fabric shop. I wasn't ready to use that fabric just yet (Ha!) but she insisted. So I went with it.

I finished sewing up the blouse, had JubeJube try it on and said she didn't like the sleeve. And here comes Amelia ouhhhing and awwwwwing over the whole look. She slipped it on and was so eager to go take photos with her favorite friends! Just goes to show you that plans can change!

I made a contrasting facing on the outside for a fun look. That fabric for the facing comes from my stash.

The sleeves are 3/4 length, I used the measurements on the long sleeve pattern piece to find the right length for my model.

Now here's your chance to do a good deed and in return get some fun sewing patterns to sew up some fantastic fitting garments.  Go visit the SisBoom website and pick out some patterns, go to checkout and use the code "Maria", 50% of the profits form your purchase will go to help victims of Hurricane Maria AND you'll also get 20% off your purchase! If you want more info on this project got to the SisBoom facebook page.

Until next time, xx.

Origami Tunic Tour

I may have just made myself the most comfy top EVER!  Keep on reading to see how I used the Origami pattern by Love Notions (affiliate link) to create a fun comfortable look. 

I spent a week or so going back and forth deciding what style of this pattern I wanted to make and what type of fabric blend I wanted to use. When I thought I was ready to go with the handkerchief hem with a rayon spandex blend fabric, I pull this cotton spandex floral out of my stash! But then the fabric would be a little heavy for the handkerchief hem so I decided on the staight hem. And that wasn't enough either, and thought a band for the bottom hem would look fantastic.  

I printed and prepped my pattern for the regular style hem and removed 3 inches from the bottom of the front and back bodice pieces. I measured the width of the pattern piece at the hem and multiplied by 4 since the pattern piece represents 1/4 of the width of the garment. To get some negative ease in the band I multiplied my total width by 0.8.  The band at the bottom was cut out at 6.5 inches high. For a large I ended cutting a band that was 38.5" X 6.5".

I decided on a 3/4 length sleeve, but you can find 3 different sleeve lengths in this pattern to suit your needs. 

Will I make it again, you can bet. I actually went back to the original idea of the handkerchief hem in a rayon spandex blend and have it cut out and ready to sew up...which should take me about 45 minutes IF I don't get interrupted by a child asking for snacks, ha!  

Tours LOVE to have a sale!

So this week only, grab your copy of the women's Origami for $8 or the girl's version for just $6. Sale ends Saturday September 30 at 11:59pm cst.

Stop by and say hi to all the fantastic bloggers joining in!

Monday September 25: Sew Shelly Sew Sewing Curves Ruby Rue Creations

Tuesday September 26: All Things Katy! Kainara Stitches Pear Berry Lane

Wednesday September 27: Ma Moose Back40Life 

Thursday September 28: Sprouting JubeJube Mermaid Mama Designs Third Shift Creations 

Friday September 29: Ronda B. Handmade Stitches by Laura Tales of a Tester

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Hip Hop Tank Tour

Two fun tank tops in two different versions, all that and more as we take a look at one of Tami's first patterns.

I made a Hip Hop Tank by Love Notions (affiliate link) for each of the two girls, JubeJube got a simple version with a bit of a twist and Amelia got the version with buttons down the back.

I used a poly cotton blend knit for Amelia's top and I found some buttons in my stash that were a perfect match. The boots with the shorts, all her idea and I wasn't about to argue with her since she willingly wanted to be photographed with JubeJube.

The details on the button back version were easy and didn't take that much extra time to put together. I was able to put both tops together in an afternoon and both girls were so happy to have a fun new top for the summer.

JubeJube's tank top is made from a rayon spandex blend, with a lot of stretch. I used a print for the front and a solid white for the back she actually wanted it that way.

The Hip Hop Tank pattern includes the layered printing feature so you can print only the sizes you want but since it is one of the first patterns Tami released there are no trimless pages, something that is available in the more recent patterns.

There are two more options on this pattern, a tulip back and a gathered skirt with an empire waist. The Hip Hop Tank is also available in women's version which also includes a sleeve to the pattern so that its work appropriate.

In the end I think this is a great pattern to create some fun summer looks in just a short amount of time, and the girls each have a couple more fabrics selected for me to sew up more tank tops.


Its time for a giveaway... win a $50.00 credit for the Love Notions online shop. You can't win if you don't enter, so what are you waiting for!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Take a look at the other stops on the tour. You'll get to see more girls' version, ladies' styles and some fun hacks! 

July 31 Sew Shelly Sew Wholesome Mama Kainara Stitches

August 1 Stitches by Laura MeMade Very Blissful

August 2 Handcrafted by RED Sprouting JubeJube Sewn at Seams

August 2 Sewing Curves Beri Bee Designs Phat Quarters

August 3 Ruby Rue Creations, Sew and Tell Project All Things Katy

Until next time, xx,

Twig & Tale: Cozy Toes

Keeping toes warm and cozy can also be fun with Twig & Tale patterns. I sewed up very cute pair of Tie Back Boots as  slippers for JubeJube. As of now she hasn't seen them so I bet she'll be surprised when she gets home from school.

I'm sometimes fascinated how a project can evolve. Cutting flat pieces of fabric to sew together into something with curves and dimensions.

Into something that can be useful or decorative. I know for a fact these boots will be used up until nothing is left of them. For some reason this child is obsessed with keeping her feet covered, even during the summer time.

I used an organic cotton double knit by Birch on the outside with skid proof fabric on the sole. the inside is a cotton lycra jersey. So soft and cozy that I want a pair for myself, which FYI, the adult version of these boots in now available!

I used a natural color twill tape for the front to keep the ties in place and the ties are pieces of knit fabric cut into strips and braided for a chucky look and some added texture.

I was in bit of a time crunch to get these out so I was really pleased with how easy and quickly they came together. The Wild Things criters would take a little more time with all the beautiful details but they do make great gifts for children. They're also great stash busters! Everything is from my stash and worries as to if I had enough fabric.

I will have to make another pair for Amelia, and you know she will ask for a critter so I'll keep you posted on what she decides.

The best place to find round up and other information is directly on the Twig & Tale website, blog posts and patterns are all available right there for tons of inspiration! Remember to use the discount code " COSYTOES" for all footwear for an extra 15% off at checkout!


Tuesday: Fliegfederfrei - Createnic - Sew Snippet - Sew Many Adventures
Wednesday: Sew Shelly Sew - She Who Sews - Life in our busy household - Inspinration
Thursday: Skirt Fixation - Sprouting Jube Jube - Needle and Ted - Just Add Fabric 

One Thimble No.15

I probably say this everytime there's a  new issue of One Thimble (affiliate link) but I think issue No. 15 has to be my favorite! I wish I had had a little more time on my hands to have been able to sew everything up before my post today! In this issue, and I think you'll agree with me, there's everything needed to create the perfect capsule wardrobe.

Pattern #116 by Thread Faction is the perfect V-neck cardigan. Slim fit so it can go under a jacket or coat with 4-5 buttons  down the front.

I used a Birch organic double knit from the  Wonderland collection, White Rabbit in Aqua, for the main part of the cardigan and a jersey lycra blend for the cuffs and waist band that I had in my stash.

I selected dark wood buttons from my stash to finish off this smart looking cardigan.

We love cardigans here, and this one has great fit and style and so easy to put together. Be sure to use the right interfacing and stabilizer for the buttonholes to get them just right. Buttonholes on a knit can be tricky so try it out on a piece of scrap fabric first. If buttonholes scare you, you can opt for snaps down the front.

Now on to the Military Messanger Bag by FABulous Home Sewn. This bag seems over-sized on JubeJube but I assure you its perfect for me! I love it, everything I need fits into it, including my day planner which is bigger than average.

I'm not a bag maker, in the sense that its not my specialty, so I was really glad that everything was really well explained to create a flawless project.

You may notice the front pocket is not folded the way it is shown in the other samples, I changed it since I knew I wasn't going to use grommets on the pockets. Its part of the fun of sewing, you can change anything you want to suit your needs.

I would say the hardest part of this project was finding all the hardware needed for the strap in the right size and finding the strap in the right width. I ended up making my own strap and having to change the width just a bit since I couldn't find the slider in the 2" width. My strap ended up being 1.5" wide. The fabric is a bottom weight I found in my stash.

If you're looking for a fun, quick project you need to check out the Hipster Bear by Swoodson Says.

Loving the details of the glasses on this little guy, and so does everyone else that sees him. He comes together so easily, a great project for kids to put together with a little bit of parental support.

Here's a quick look at the other patterns available in this issue of One Thimble...I need to make that Miriam skirt and Phillipa blouse, what a smart look! And those Dax trousers by Gracious Threads! Like I said, its the perfect issue to create a smart looking capsule wardrobe.

So many amazing contributors. Take a look at the other stops on this tour to see what they've made!

5/11/2017
Pattern Revolution
Marvelous Auntie M


5/12/2017
Max California
Pear Berry Lane

5/13/2017
Idle Sunshine
Made by Sara
That's-Sew-Kari

5/14/17
Tales of a Tester
Candice Ayala
Once Upon a Sewing Machine

5/15/17
Stitches by Laura
Sprouting Jube Jube
House of Estrela

5/16/17
SewSophieLynn
Gaafmachine

5/17/2017
Crazy, Craft Haute Mama
Adventures with Bubba and Bug
Lulu and Celeste

Until next time, xx.