Tutorial ~ Easy Dolman Sleeve Shirt for Any Size

Looking for a quick, easy, comfortable knit shirt?  Try a Dolman-style top.  Feel free to make the sleeves larger and lower for a more dramatic look.  Also lengthen or shorten the top to suit your style.  You can also change the look by using different finishing techniques on the edges.  My friend at Jocole Patterns made this great tutorial showing 7 different ways to finish knits and offers excellent PDF patterns to which teach you to sew with knits.  If you have 1-2 yards of knit fabric, 1 hour of time and a sewing machine, you can make this top!  Let's get started....

Please excuse Miss A's bedhead.  She was home sick the day I made this top for her. 

If you use this tutorial, I'd love to see pictures of your finished creations.  Enjoy! ~ Angie

Pattern Review & Discount Code ~ Gigi Skirt from Lily Bird Studio

Looking for a cute, quick skirt to sew your little girl?  Lily Bird Studio has a new one, the Gigi Skirt, for sizes 12mo - 8yrs.  It's a two layer skirt with cute bias trim & accent bow.  I was able to cut & sew this skirt in under 2 hours.

My tester version turned out a little small, but the pattern has been adjusted for a true-to-size fit.  LBS uses "years" in sizing, but I've found that her "year" corresponds with typical US commercial sizing.  My chubby Nugget is a big 4 year old, but wears a US sz 6 or 6 years in LBS patterns.  Cecilia's patterns offer finished garment measurements, so you can choose the correct sizing before sewing.  I also think she offers good details and instructions so even a beginner can sew these patterns.  Her patterns are digitally drawn and this pattern printed on only a few pages. 

Find the Gigi Skirt and dozens more PDF patterns for girls and boys at Lily Bird Studio.  Cecilia is offering Mama Lusco readers 15% pattern purchases through Sunday, March 18th, using code: 

MAMALUSCOLBS

That code makes me smile, since I'm trying to lose a few lbs (pounds) in a 6 month weight loss competition with my employer.  Down 6 lbs so far! 

Pattern Review ~ Santa Monica Sweetheart Tankini from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop

My first swimsuit was a hit!  I was able to test the new Santa Monica Sweetheart Tankini pattern from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop.  This little number has a sweetheart neck, halter or v-back, optional bodice ruffle, and 2 bottoms:  a boyshort or brief.  It comes in sizes 3mo - 8. 

This was my first time sewing with lycra, but it was no problem since I'm already comfortable sewing knits.  This pattern is geared towards beginners and is very simple; no fancy finishing techniques here. I was able to make the top and both bottoms in 2 hours using only a sewing machine.  The pattern calls for elastic for the leg casings, but my chubby Nugget had great fit without using elastic. The boyshort rise was  a little high, but I'd rather have extra fabric and be modest than not enough and have her tummy hanging out.  The fit on the top & briefs were excellent!

I'd found this vintage-looking swim fabric at the thrift shop for 50 cents/yd....score!  This suit took about 1/3 yd for all 3 pieces.  Go ahead and splurge on some cute swim fabric since it takes so little!

I give this pattern 2 thumbs up.  Don't be afraid to give it a try.  The pieces are simple and easy to sew and I bet she'll love the swimming suit!  She has another cute tankini set, too, the Coney Island Tankini.  Find it at the Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop here.

You Did It! Cat in the Hat Dr. Suess Hats

I was so happy to receive a few emails and pictures from readers who used my Dr Suess Hat tutorial this year.  Here are is Nicole's version...love it!

I was also happy to get a sweet email and photo from Tiffany.  She is new to sewing but was able to make a Cat Hat for her son.  Good work! 

I love to see photos of projects you've done using project ideas from this blog.  Thanks for sharing!

Sample Sale! Need Easter Dresses?

I cleaned out my little Nugget's closet and found many OOAK pieces and sample tester dresses that she never wore.  Makes me a little sad...I hope someone out there can take advantage of these pretty dresses.  These are all finished with a serger and made with love.  Message me on Facebook or email < mamalusco at ortelco dot net > if interested.  I'll ship for cheap!

Facebook Album HERE:
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