Jocole's Girls Skater Dress

Skater dresses may be one of my new favorite things to sew. Forgive me if I just keep making them. 

I got to test Jocole's Girls Skater Skirt Add-on and peplum top and I'm so glad too. I just love this dress. I made a 5T for my girl, and used an ivory knit with an ivory stretch knit overlay, which I wish showed up better in pictures. It's gorgeous in person. I love lace.

The pattern comes in many sizes, NB-14 and Doll. I made the 5T and a doll peplum top as a birthday gift for my little lady who just turned 5! I love the way the skirt of this dress falls. It's so lady like and fun to twirl in.

Here are other ways we styled the dress. Statement necklace. Or with casual layers. 

And our Doll modeling her new top:

Not Every Witch Lives in Salem

By His grace I've got my confidence back and look at what I've done with it.

A few weeks back I was thinking I just wanted to make a good witch costume that I could wear every year. I knew it would be a huge undertaking so I planned on only making a few pieces each year. This year I chose to make the skirt and hat.

For the skirt I was inspired to make this skirt and used these instructions for adding a "hoop." For my skirt though I made things a little easier and just cut panels that were wide rectangles. I figured out how big I wanted the bottom circumference of my skirt to be, added 3 inches for seam allowance and then divided that by 6. That gave me 16 inch wide panels. To bring them in at the waist I just put both layers together and then added large pleats at every panel seam. I made sure the opening was large enough to pull on over my hips. Instead of using a zipper I added a yoga waistband/knit waistband. I did this because there is the possibility we'll have more children and I wanted the skirt to fit under a pregnant belly or on a postpartum belly... dressing up for Halloween is important, you know ;)

For the hat I was going to build one from scratch but my first two attempts didn't work out so I scrapped that idea and bought a $3 hat from Target and then added on to it. I added burlap on the top and bottom of the brim, and wrapped the cone in burlap. The fringe on the sides of the cone were a happy accident. Really the burlap on the hat just evolved as I was gluing it. The decorations were all found at Michael's and I made a little spider to add to the mix. The pin was just as simple as gluing and hand sewing some decorations to a piece of felt and using safety pins to attach it to my coat. The bird... ah that bird. I saw it at the store and knew that I needed a pet. It was quite a fun detail that didn't go unnoticed at last night's Witches Night Out.

For the lace gloves I used scraps of stretch lace I had on hand and watched a few youtube tutorials and they came together quickly.

If the Shoe Fits

I am a big fan of Project Sewn. If you're not following the competition you should be. It's so fun to see what everyone comes up with, and so great to see the ladies personalities come through in what they make. I love that sewing is so customizable to individual style. Anyway each week there is a theme and you can sew along and link up your creation. This week I'm participating. It was so great to have a goal and theme for my me sewing this week.

This weeks theme is "If the Shoe Fits." I have a great pair of shoes my husband bought me several years ago after seeing me oogle them while window shopping. He snuck into my closet to figure out my shoe size. Then he bought them and surprised me with them. I guess I'm a bit sentimental about them. Anyway they're black and white with a bit of a fun graphic pattern. So I shopped my stash and found some graphic black and white/cream fabric. Also these shoes are real leather, even the sole, so fancy... so I used that to inspire my leather look sleeves.

I used V8670 and extended the hem to be a dress. I cut size 10, which is the size I've used before to make 3 unblogged versions of this top... got to get on that. All my previous versions use a heavier knit but this sweater knit has a bit more drape and stretch so I ended up taking it in quite a bit. In the end I had a 2 inch seam allowance to get it this fitted, but normally the size I cut is just perfect.

I found this fabric in Nov/Dec at Joann's down in Arizona. I am probably at Joann's once a week and had never seen it before and I bought what was left on the bolt, which was just enough to get the bodice of this dress. The sleeves are a stretch faux leather that I found at a local fabric store, Nuttal's if you're in Utah, I have a lot of this still and might make another skirt out of it. I hemmed the sleeves with hem tape and used a pressing cloth, which is my fancy way of saying a bit of scrap cotton ;)

Little Miss Derby Jacket

I sewed this the beginning of this year, before I started this blog. This has to be one of my favorite things I've ever made my daughter. The color was perfect, the lining was a fun addition, and it made me realize I could do more than I thought when it came to sewing. It was an empowering project.

I'm blogging this today because the pattern is currently half off for today only! I'm not being compensated to endorse this product, I just love it! Don't sew? The coat is available in my etsy shop as well.

Pattern Description: Little Miss Derby Jacket. This super cute fully-lined cropped coat features an empire waist with a button-up front. The ruffle is longer in the back and it's topped with a super cute bow (optional). A simple sophisticated straight collar and the faux princess lies really add a traditional touch. You'll love this coat, and it never goes out of style. The perfect addition to a fall or winter outfit.

 
Pattern Sizing:  4T
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes. I never realized I could sew a jacket and was nervous but the instructions made this very doable.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It's so cute what's not to love. I want to make another this year as a reversible coat, or a raincoat with an added hood. 

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

DIY Pencil Skirt

So remember my inspiration skirt? Well here's my version. I found the fabric at Joann's and drafted the pattern myself. Here's how:

1. I laid out my Kraft paper and used the side edge because I wanted both sides of the skirt to be symmetrical so it's best to cut on a fold. The side edge would serve as my fold.
2. I marked the top of my skirt to the bottom and then added markings for seam allowances. 1.5" at the top for my elastic and 1" at the bottom for the hem.
3.  I measured my waist to the widest part of my body, or lower hip, and marked that distance down from the top of the skirt. Not the top seam allowance marking but what would be the finished top.
4. I made a marking of how wide the widest part of the skirt needed to be.
5. I drew a straight line down to the skirt bottom and then pegged the bottom of the skirt in 5cm, or so and marked that.
6. I used a curved ruler to draw all connecting side seam lines. I didn't add seam allowances to the sides since I was working with a knit and wanted the skirt really fitted.
7. I drew a straight line down the whole length of the skirt 1" from the edge, or what would be the fold. When cutting my skirt pieces I cut the back piece on the fold from the pattern. Then folded that pattern piece along the mark an inch from the edge and cut the front piece. So the front piece is an inch less wide than the back piece. This was to help my side seams be more centered on the side and also made it more fitted... negative ease remember.

Don't sew? The skirt is available in my etsy shop as well. 

Do I need to make a quick video on how I drafted the skirt pattern? That might be more helpful than those typed instructions...

Then I sewed up the sides and it fit perfectly. This knit isn't super stretchy so it didn't need more taking in. I think a knit with more stretch might have needed taking in at the sides to get a more fitted look. I added elastic at the top and hemmed the bottom and I was done.

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Chevron Seafarer

This is my favorite piece I think I've made. I love to wear it! It's the Seafarer Top pattern. Here are my variations.

1. Didn't fold armband and extended the length so it would be a bracelet length sleeve.
2. Lengthened the top by 1-2".
3. Cut the front piece on the bias. I did this by laying the piece on the fabric diagonally. Cut out one piece, not on fold. Then I took that piece and laid it on top of the fabric diagonally, right sides together, and matching up stripes and cut out another piece. I forgot to add a seam allowance to the center seam but would recommend doing that.
4. This time I bound the neckline instead of using a band.

Also used my favorite trick for matching patterns to get that chevron in the front perfect.

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Mint HiLo Raglan

I love print at home patterns. They're a pain in the rear because you have to print, tape and cut the pattern, but I think they're great. I love that I don't have to leave home to pick it up or wait for it to ship. When sewing for kids I think they're the best because I can just reprint and cut when they size up. I don't like tracing patterns... I think eventually I'll trace all my patterns but I'm not there yet.

I have found a few cute patterns on etsy, including this one. I was also wanting to get this sewn up as soon as I had purchased it but for some reason messed up my payment method. The shop owner was super sweet and sent me the pattern link early. 

I used a mint sweater knit that I found at a local fabric shop. It's very lightweight so I'll layer it with a long sleeve shirt underneath as it gets cooler.  

Pattern Description: Hi Lo Raglan. A casual dolman top sewing pattern with long raglan sleeves and a hi-lo hem. View B features a lined hood for the cool evenings. This top is a perfect fashion staple for any boho wardrobe!

Pattern Sizing: I made the Medium but will make the small in the future. It's made to be loose so it's fine either way.
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? She recommends interfacing the neckline and I thought that was a great idea... especially with my thinner knit.  I like how it's a comfy top and great to pair with skinnies. It'll also be great with leggings and is long enough in the back to cover up your bum. 

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Halloween Double Ruffle Skirt

I'm a sucker for the holidays and holiday crap! I love it. So the minute holiday themed crafty supplies start hitting the stores I'm a happy lady. As soon as I saw this Halloween print I knew it was too cute to pass up and it was time for me to make my girly girl some holiday skirts. We'll do a Christmas one whenever I can find the perfect fabrics ;)

Buy it Here!

I used the Double Layer Ruffle Skirt Pattern from Jocole. I tested this for her years ago and haven't made the pattern for a couple years. It was a great one to come back to and I was able to whip this up in almost one nap-time. I broke out my ruffler foot for this one. It was my first time using it so I definitely need to figure some things out but it gave me a good base with those ruffles. Also I don't pay too close to instructions once I think I know what I'm doing... so I don't know if you're supposed to ruffle both layers together or separately but I did them separately so this skirt is rocking some great volume. I just love how it turned out. My girl does too!

Pattern Description: Double Layer Ruffle Skirt. A super cute skirt featuring a double layer ruffle and a dropped waist. It's fun to mix and match prints and colors. 3 different length options make this pattern versatile (above the knee, at the knee and below the knee). Full elastic waist for easy dressing.

Pattern Sizing: I made the 4T and it fits perfectly.
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes! Her instructions are great. She has instructions with pics and a page of instructions all typed out so you can just reference if you need to, but don't need all the pics. I like to print that page and taking down to my sewing area.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love how easy it is to sew. If you can sew a straight line you can sew this. Also it's a great place to start because you can learn about elastic insertion and gathering fabric. I'll be using the pattern again when I make a Christmas skirt.

 ~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Girl's Striped Tunic using M6785

All I have to blog this week is stripes. Maybe I need to branch out! I have some other things to sew up in other patterns but for now it's stripes galore! Add to that a repeat of yesterday's fabric.

Yesterday's dress took about 1 1/4 yards of fabric but I had purchased 2 yards which of course left me with 3/4 of a yard... which was perfect for this pattern because I needed 3/4 of a yard! Yeah for using up leftover fabric. Plus my daughter loves when I make her things... and thinks every piece of fabric in my stash should be for her.

A quick thought: I strongly encourage sewing for toddlers and kids when you're new to sewing. That's how I started and I learned so much. When sewing for kids it's easier to let imperfections go because they move so much no one will see them... and they'll grow out of it soon enough. Plus you learn the basics of sewing wearable clothing and that knowledge can then be applied to sewing for yourself. Just my 2 cents ;)

I bought M6785 as soon as I saw it in McCall's new pattern brochure. I thought it would be a great pattern set for my little girl for fall.

Pattern Description: McCall's 6786 Pullover dresses and leggings. Many variations.

Pattern Sizing: I cut the size 3. The fit is great in the body and length... but I did a bit to the length. The sleeves are long and might need to be shortened. Also the sleeves are really big and I might take them in. I'll be making all the variations of this dress so if I'll make sure the sleeves fit better in the future.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes they were really easy and things would have gone even easier if I had actually read them.  I have a tendency to just sew things in the order I like which messed me up royally when it was time to put in the drawstrings. If I had followed the instructions it would have been so easy and perfect... now I know for next time.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love how comfy it looks, and it looks great for playing. It's a fun top and she likes the drawstring bows. I'll be making more for sure!

Coral Shirt with Ruffle Shoulder

Well I've started working on my daughter's Fall/Winter wardrobe. It had been nagging me for a while and so I just started. Plus this way when the temperatures drop I don't have to scramble to make her things and have her with no clothing... that may have happened before. This is another thing I made using scraps. This time the leftovers came from my coral maxi skirt. She loves this top, and now she loves when I make her things... a couple years ago she hated anything I had made. 

Also, I've made clothing tags and have started attaching them to the items I make. I love them and will have to post a pic soon. They're also really helpful for little girls who dress themselves... things were always a bit confusing for her when my home made items didn't have tags.

 Pattern Description: Cap-Sleeve A-Line Dress.

Versatile pattern with multiple variations make this a pattern you'll reach for again and again. Simple a-line shape lends itself easily to various embellishments.

3 sleeve options: cap-sleeves, 3/4 sleeves and long sleeves

4 neckline options: jewel neck, scoop neck, v neck and boat neck

3 length options: hip length, tunic length, below the knee length

Yup, you read that right ... T-E-N different options.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 3 in the body and neckline, and a size 5 in the arm/sleeve. Next time I would cut a 6 in the arm because my kid just has full arms for this pattern. I made this in the tunic length with the 5T 3/4 sleeve option... which was just a tad too short so next time we'll choose a different sleeve length.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes. 

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. I still kind of do my own thing but it's nice to refer back to the instructions if needed.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love how quickly this pattern comes together. I sewed this up in less than an hour and think if you're a seasoned seamstress you could print and tape the pattern, cut your pieces and sew the tunic/dress in about an hour total. If you're new it might take 2 but still you could get almost all of it done during nap time! One of the things that makes this pattern so easy is the way you set in the sleeves. You just need to be able to sew a straight line and you don't even need to pin anything. So easy!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Added ruffles to the shoulder.

Please forgive her hair... these were taken after hours of playing and on a windy day... plus her hair is just on the wild side anyway.

Would you sew it again? Yes. I've made two thus far, this was my second and plan on making more in the tunic length. It just comes together so easily and is a great jumping off point for anything you can come up with.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes

And with that face our picture taking was done... 

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~