Self Care Sewing Pledge

I love what Pattern Revolution is doing to end "Selfish Sewing."  Reading this blog post was an "Ah-Ha" moment for me.  So much of what we do as wives and mothers is for others.  There is no reason to call doing a little sewing myself "selfish."  I plan to take the pledge to end Selfish Sewing, instead choosing Self Care Sewing, guilt-free.  Take the pledge!

Pattern Testing ~ Go To Leggings

I recently tested a new pattern for Go To Pattern shop, the Go To Leggings.  This is a versatile pattern for sizes 12mo-11/12 that includes shorts, capris, regular and extra-long lengths as well as a skirted option.  Also included are variations including rouching, cargo pockets, bow cut-outs and ribbon trim.  So many ways to customize your leggings!

I made the extra-long rouched leggings.  My free arm made it hard to rouche the inside of the legs, so I only did the outer leg.  These are in thermal knit and my big girl loves them!  I also made a pair of bike shorts using the pattern.  It is definitely a Go-To pattern! 

Andrea is running a sale through 11/9/12.   Use coupon code GTLDAY to get $1 off for the next 24 hours only. http://gotopatterns.com/products/go-to-leggings/

Meet My Twin

I was happy to receive a hand-me-down dress form awhile back.  She is adjustable at the neck, bust, waist, hips & height and has a hemming tool...pretty cool!  Unfortunately,  I am broader, thicker and wider than her in every direction. 

My hubby made a sturdy new stand for my twin and I enlisted the help of my oldest daughter to turn her into a plus-size like me!  We added 4" to the shoulders, 2" to the bust, 5" to the waist and hips and made her my height.  I was able to use batting and fabric in my donation pile after cleaning my sewing room over the weekend.  I'm excited to have a twin dress form just my size! 

While I'm bearing all...Here is my Easter dress.  The girls both had dresses, so I was the only one to sew for this Easter.  I used Simplicity 2444, a vintage-feel knee-length dress with collar and sleeve variations.  I made the boat neck with short sleeves in seersucker and pique as my wearable muslin.  I was a size 18 by the pattern but ended up taking in 2" at the waist and lower back.  Next time I'll know where to adjust and go down a size on the top.  Darts at the waist make for easy adjustments.

I constructed the bodice and skirt separately and also lined the bodice.  I think it was easier to fit this way, rather than make a front & back like the pattern directed.  I highly recommend this pattern if you're looking for a retro-style dress with fun options.

Learning to Sew

I was so proud of my 9 year-old, Abby...she made Little Lizard King's Garden Party Dress for her little sister!  Liz was updating the pattern, so Abby & I reviewed & sewed the revised dress.  It turned out great! 

This was Abby's second sewing project.  She did great at following the picture tutorial and sewing straight seams.  We used a large rubber band to mark her seam allowance and only had to tear out two seams that went wonky.  Tutorials like these from Little Lizard King are how I learned to sew apparel and are a great way to learn!

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.

Sewing for Me ~ Simplicity 2221 Easy Tunic

My BFF gave me some patterns for Christmas and I was finally able to sew for me!  This is Simplicity E2221 cowl neck, 3/4 sleeve view A that I lengthened to mini-dress/tunic length.  I've been wanting to copy one of Jill's tunics like this and this pattern is a really close imitation.  My tunic is made in jersey knit that I found at a 50% off clearance sale at JoAnns last month. It's so comfy! 

I was impressed with the directions for this pattern.  They were easy to follow.  The fit on this top is generous, but princess bodice seams make for easy adjustments.  I took in the back by 4" overall at the waist.  For my mini-dress, I lengthened the skirt to 22".  I followed the directions pretty closely, but did baste & trim down my neck seam before applying the bias tape.  What a pretty seam!

I'm looking forward to trying view B for a summer top or dress.  I highly recommend this pattern.  Read my full review here on Pattern Review.com. 

Super-Sized One-Hour Bag Tutorial

Recently, Sew Can She featured the One Hour Bag tutorial from Ric Rac.  This was one of the first bag tutorials that I found but I'd never made it.   Sew Can She is having a One Hour Bag sew-along, so I jumped in!

I prefer a bigger shoulder bag, so I super-sized the template.  I was out of magnetic snaps, so I improvised with a flap closure with a snap.  Flaps usually are enough to keep a bag closed, but the snap will secure it shut if needed.  My pocket is also bigger and I sewed it down the middle to make a double pocket.  The finished size of my bag is 9.5" tall x 15" wide with a 12" shoulder drop.  It's just big enough for my wallet, organizer & Kindle. 

This bag took about 2 hours with pressing & topstitching then making & applying the covered buttons.
It's a simple, quick bag.  I think these would make great gifts for your favorite friends.  I've uploaded a copy of my template here if you'd like to make a Super-Sized One-Hour Bag, too.  If you use my template, please send me a photo of your bag...I'd love to see it!  Find more versions of the One Hour Bag in Sew Can She's Flickr pool.  There's still time to join the sew-along!