Jalie 3905 - Gisèle

Meet Gisèle, one of the 12 newest patterns in the Jalie collection. For this blouse I get to use one of my favourite fabric blends, rayon!

For the first time sewing this pattern I made it without any modifcation with the button closure at the back of the neck. This sew really got my creative juices flowing because it's such a wonderful, basic pattern... I was thinking what if I put the closure at the front, or made button tabs for the sleeves, or, or.... ok, I think you get what I mean... back to our wonderful, basic version of Gisèle.

When I tried it on to check fit, JubeJube instantly said she wanted one, wich is so easy to do when 28 sizes are included in the pattern. Other options include the short and long sleeve.

I love this little detail of the side vent, the construction of the side vent is brilliant, you'll see when you try it for yourself!

Just incase you missed it, check out the Nicole (click!) I made, also part of the new Jalie collection.

I'll be back soon enough with another new pattern from Jalie!
Until next time.

Jalie 3903 - Nicole

Nicole (Jalie 3903) is part of the new pattern collection from Jalie. Such a fun little shift dress and so fast to sew up that I was able to make two of them in an afternoon. 

The patterns features a t-shirt, tunic and dress length along with short or long sleeves and a crew neck or turtleneck option. Women's sizes have darts at the bust line. 

I was going for a sporty look with this striped version. 

I figured that a floral version would be easy to dress up and be work appropriate and anyone who knows me also knows how much I love a pretty floral print! 

Since all 28 sizes are included in the PDF download or paper pattern of Nicole I have two little girls asking me when they get their very own knit dress. 

I don't know if I love the stripes more than the floral but Nicole is definitely one of my favourite new patterns!  

Until next time

Basically Jalie Blog Tour

Find out what happens when you mix Jalie patterns, Discovery Trekking Outfitters base layer fabrics and a Brother 3550 coverstitch. 

I actually got my Sabrina walk into my sewing room, as I was sewing the last seam, saying "hummm, I like that, is it for me?" In all truthfullness, I had made Marie-Claude for me but how could I say no to such a face and I made sure that one of the conditions to getting said top was to get her to model it!

Now going back to the beginning of this project. I gave Discovery Trekking Outfitters a call to talk about the fabric I wanted to try. I spoke to Martha who was so helpful and patient. She spoke of the different properties the Polartec power wool has and I determined that I wanted to use the light-weight power wool. There are three different weights to the power wool : silk weight, lightweight and the heavier one which is more like a fleece. The combination of marino wool on the inside of the fabric and the polyester on the outside of the fabric help keep you toasty warm and dry while being active. The grid space traps warmth and keeps the fabric breathable. The fabric has enough stretch for comfort and ease of movement even for a close fitting garment.

After placing my order I received my fabric quickly, within the week! Washe it by machine and hung it to dry. I didn't want to take the change of shrinking the fabric since it does have wool in it. It washed beautifully and was even softer on the inside that when I received it.

I purchased the pattern some time ago first because I love raglan style tops and second, I also love hoodies. Since I had the pattern version (it can also be ordered online in a PDF home printable version) I traced out the size and pattern options I needed on a thin non-fusible interfacing.

When sewing, I would recommend stretch needles in your serger and coverstitch. My machine had issues with skipping stitches but changing the needles did the trick. I love the pink accent made with the coverstitch (and obviously so did Sabrina).

This pattern has three neckline options to it, I made the hoodie version but you can find a regular neckline and a turtle neck as well. Also included in the pattern are 27 sizes so this is a pattern that will get a lot of use.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway, and be sure to see the other blog posts on the tour! Enjoy!

GIVEAWAY!

Are there some Jalie patterns you've been itching to get? Now's your chance to WIN YOUR JALIE WISHLIST! Head over to Jalie's website, create an account, add your favorite patterns to your wishlist, and complete the rafflecopter form below (patterns must be added by February 12, 2019 11:59pm EST to be eligible). Incomplete entries will be eligible for fabric prizes only. For extra entries, join our Jalie sewalong! Make a Jalie "basic" between January 28 and February 12 and share it on Instagram with hashtag #basicallyjalie and/or in the Basically Jalie Album in the Sewing with Jalie Facebook group. We are so grateful to our generous sponsors who have teamed up to provide the following prizes (please stop by their shops and show them some love!):

Grand Prize (Worldwide) Win Your Jalie Wishlist - Up to $100 CAD in patterns! Discovery Trekking Outfitters - One (1) x 50 USD gift card D&H Fabrics co. - One (1) x $50 USD gift card

Sewalong Prize (Continental USA only) Win Your Jalie Wishlist - Up to $25 CAD in patterns! The Sewciety - One (1) Subscription box (value: $48 USD) Simply By Ti - One (1) x $20 USD gift card

Sewalong Prize (Worldwide, excluding Continental USA) Win Your Jalie Wishlist - Up to $25 CAD in patterns! PatternReview.com - One (1) x $30 USD gift card Discovery Trekking Outfitters - One (1) x 50 USD gift card

(Note: gift cards exclude shipping unless otherwise stated on sponsor website)

Enter the Sweepstakes Here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Blogger Lineup

Be sure to visit these talented sewing bloggers during the tour:

Wednesday, Feb 6 - 

The Petite Sewist | auschick sews | Replicate then Deviate | Deepika Blogs

Thursday, Feb 7 - 

Sew What Yvette | Sew Cucio | Shalini's Sewing Space | Curtiepie | A JennuineLife

Friday, Feb 8 - 

SeamsLikeStyle | It's Liesel | SewSophieLynn | Danvillegirl Sewing Diary | Skirt Fixation

Monday, Feb 11 - 

The Crafting Fiend | Sprouting JubeJube | its sew colorful | Diskordia's Curvy Sewing

Tuesday, Feb 12 - 

All Things Katy! | BigFlyNotions | needle and the belle | Zoopolis


Until next time,

Jalie 3896 - Yoko pour moi / Yoko for Me

Vous avez surement vu le nouveau patron Yoko de Jalie? Tellement un beau cadeau de la part de Jalie parce que Yoko est gratuit à télécharger!

English version to follow.

Les 28 gardeurs sont incluses!
Un beau patron de base, tellement facile à réaliser et a modifier selon les besoins. J'ai allongée le mien de 3 pouces pour avoir une longueur tunique et maintenant je vais pouvoir porter Yoko avec Clara pour un look décontracter et confortable pour le temps des fêtes.

Le tissu est un tricot mélange de laine, polyester et lycra de chez Club Tissus a Saint-Hubert. Super facile d'entretien!

You must have seen the new pattern from Jalie? Meet Yoke! And guess what, its free to download!

You get all 28 sizes in this pattern! 

This pattern is so easy to sew up and to modify. I added 3 inches length to mine for a tunic length and now I can easily wear it with Clara leggings for an easy comfortable look for the holiday season!

Go download yours today! (click!)

À bientôt!

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.

Summer Lace Tour Featuring Tabitha by Love Notions

 Adding lace to Tabitha by Love Notions* (affiliate link) was by far the easiest thing to do since it was designed with a color block yoke and added hem or shirt tail. So instead of trying to come up with a clever hack to Tabitha I decided to sew up the pattern giving it two different looks.

The first look is a classic stripe with a stretch lace, both fabrics available at Club Tissus. This look is great for just about anywhere from the office to Sunday brunch.

This pattern has so many options to it that I could have made a different Tabitha for every day of the week. I opted for the boat neckline and yoke lace insert with an added lace hem.

The second look, a Mickey Mouse print makes fun loungewear or pyjamas. The red stretch lace adds just the right amount of girly to this top.

Girly enough for pillow fights and pedicures...

As usual from Love Notions, you can expect a great pattern, with layered printing, trimless tiles for quick assembly and great fit!

This was a fun little experiment, making the same top in different fabrics to change the look of a garment. I went from office to pyjama, but could also have done casual to dressed up. Try it some time!

Check out the other stops on this tour! 

Monday: Sewing Curves SewSophieLynn Kainara Stitches 

Tuesday: doodlenumber5 My Heart Will Sew On Third Shift Creations 

Wednesday: Princesse et tresors Phat Quarters 

Thursday: All Things Katy! Back40life,Sprouting JubeJube 

Friday: Sew Like a Sloth Very Blissful Seamly Behaviour

Until next time

* This blog contains affiliate links meaning I make a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase through it at no extra cost to you.

** All fabrics have been provided by Club Tissus. Take a look at their online store, quick and easy shipping is available across Canada! 

One Thimble No.18 - Full Review

I can never get enough of One Thimble! There's always a surprise waiting for us inside and this time in Issue No.18 (affiliate link) is no different.

One huge surprise for me is the Origami top, I'm wishing it came in my size! I haven't sewn it up yet, but just looking at the photographs in the magazine you can bet it's right up there on my list of want-to-make projects. I did however make the Ladies' Ballerina tie top by The Wolf and the Tree and the Linnden Tote by Annie Zorzo.

First thing about this pattern by The Wolf and the Tree, actually it should be true for any pattern, not just this pattern ... take your measurements and follow the chart. Don't let the size you come up with scare you if its bigger than what you would usually make because in the end it's only a number. The important thing is that it fits you the way you want and that you're comfortable wearing it. Sizing on this pattern in on point when following the size chart! 

The fabric was purchased in a little shop, just a 20 minute drive away, and there's always something to discover in this shop at a really great price! I can't be sure of the composition but there's probably some polyester, rayon and spandex. I can tell you that it's soft and cozy and I made sure I had at least 25% stretch to this lovely knit. I could have easily used a cotton lycra blend and it would have been as cozy. 

For the ties I decided against making them lined simply due to the fact that I was afraid the ties would be too heavy and add extra bulk where I didn't need it. 

And I seem to be noticing a trend here, I may like grey fabric just a little too much. The last three tops I made myself are grey, oh well! 

I also made the Linnden Tote. The fabric is from my stash, I've had it for a few years. It's a heavier upholstery fabric. This bag was meant to have leather, cork or vinyl accents, and straps but I didn't have leather to work with and I don't have a sewing machine strong enough for it either. I figured I should try it with all fabric to give others the inspiration to make without the leather accents if they so desired. 

The only thing I really regret not doing is putting interfacing in my straps. About the design; the tote is big enough, the bottom meausres 17.5 inches by 6 inches. It was designed without a lining but there is an interior  zipper pocket, perfect for a cell phone and small wallet. I think its the perfect shopping companion. I do wish there was an option to include a way to snap the bag at the top opening, and I think I'll put that on my next Linnden that I make. 

More things to sew! I have to make sure that JubeJube and Amelia don't get to see these photos because you know they'll ask me to make every single pattern! One of their favorite things is to dress up and well, dress up ballerina style and pretending to be a ballerina do go hand in hand and  there's nothing wrong with that but I can hear JubeJubes now,  "No Amelia, jeté not plié" and this before 7am!  

Besides all the patterns available in One Thimble No.18 you need to check out the articles... Some of you might know I love just about everything vintage, my favorite are vintage sewing machines. Bec Wood in her article, Not Made in China, tells us about her vintage love. 

Follow the rest of the tour for more sewing inspiration from One Thimble! 

2/15

Pattern Revolution
Inspinration

Call Ajaire

2/16

House of Estrela

Beri Bee Designs

Katewillknit

2/17

Seams Sew Lo

Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Lily Shine Creates

2/18

GAAFmachine

That's-Sew Kari

2/19

Kathy's kwilts and more

Stitches by Laura

Sprouting JubeJube

2/20

Elli & Nels

Candice Ayala

Pear Berry Lane

2/21

Made by Sara

The Crafting Fiend

Stitched by Jennie

Until next time,

Tessa by DG Patterns

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! This is my first blog post of 2018 and only fitting that it be the Fresh Start Blog Tour with DG Patterns. This time of year is all about comfort, and style. I'm still trying to lose the holiday weight and I wanted something comfy and cozy but with more style than my pyjamas!

Meet Tessa, by DG Patterns. The ultimate sweater or dress in style and comfort!

I made Tessa with a shawl collar but you also get the V-neck and round necklines in this pattern. The pattern has been drafted in sizes 4-22. The sweater is well drafted, but I did have issues with the shawl collard and had to draw myself another pattern piece.  I did speak to Daniela, the designer at DG patterns, about the issue and I'm sure she will be fixing the collar pattern piece. Follow the size chart to pick your size and remember it's only a number! Don't rely on ready to wear sizes to pick the size to sew up because you might end up with a surprise and it won't fit! I'm a size 10-12 in ready to wear clothing and I just made myself a size 18, but then again I went with my full bust measurement and not my over bust and do a full bust adjustment as I would usually do for a more fitted look.

So I have comfort, and add a cute little scarf and there you have style! Even without the scarf the end result is very cute!

I did change the hem line just a bit. I didn't want to leave it as is because I wanted to hide my butt when wearing leggings. I extened the back by 4.5 inches and the front by 3 inches and stitched the sides to the original hem line. I rounded off the corners and finished off the hem with a twin needle. 

So here it is, the question... will I be making another one? I think so, I don't have a reason not to, the fit was good, I like the style and the instructions were easy to understand. I do wish there was a little more info on the type of knits we should use on the pattern and the percentage of elasticity it should contain but the end result is what I expected so I'm pleased with it!

Join me and my fellow bloggers this week as we showcase how we're getting a Fresh Start with DG Patterns. (Be sure to read on to learn about our sponsor giveaway) DG Patterns is offering a 50% discount during the tour to help you get some fresh patterns. . Your Fresh Start Tour bloggers are:

Monday: Sew Cucio, Flax Field Sewing, Fee Bricolo, mahlicadesigns, Sewjourns

Tuesday: Create Whimsy, Frullemieke, Hutsepruts, A Custom Clothier

Wednesday: House of Estrela, FABulous Home Sewn, Sprouting Jube Jube

Thursday: Very Blissful, Stitches by Laura, Auschick Sews, it's Liesel

Friday: Kathy's Kwilts and More, Stitched by Jennie, Sewsewilse, Our Play Place

 

Southern Belle Fabrics is generously sponsoring the Fresh Start Tour. During the tour use code: DGBLOGTOUR to save 20% in the shop.

Discount code expires Jan 21st 2018 11:59PM CST

Southern Belle Fabrics is also offering a fabric giveaway. Enter below to win a MFRB Mystery Box valued at $60+.

Giveaway includes shipping to US and Canada (up to $45 in free shipping)

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway winner will be announced through social media on or about January 20th.

Until next time,