Fabric Mart Bargain Boxes

I recently discovered Fabric Mart and their Fashion Bargain Boxes.  For only $15.00 you get an assortment of various fabrics adding up to 10 yards.  All the pieces are a surprise of various fabric contents including knits and woven and maybe even some designer pieces.  I like the challenge of coming up with a cute project to sew with whatever I receive.  I am especially challenged buy the fabrics I am not especially fond of.

I really thought this bright purple border print jersey was pretty.  When I saw it I knew it had to be a new Origami Tunic from Love Notions Patterns.  This is the third time I have used this pattern,  I love the way it shows off bold border prints.  I think it has a very flattering fit.  And it is a very easy sew with a lot of style.

Next I decided to see what I could do with this Purple and Black polyester double knit (I am guessing that is what it is).  I wasn't really crazy about this fabric so I decided it would make a good muslin to test out a new pattern.  I used it to make The Sybil Skirt another pattern from Love Notions.  This pattern was an extremely easy sew, it only took me about 45 minutes to sew up.  It fit perfectly and even though I didn't really love the fabric I think it made a cute skirt.  A successful wearable muslin for the win.

Everyone can use a navy knit top and this navy jersey knit worked well for a tank top.  I used another Love Notions pattern, The Hip Hop Top.  The contrast stripe back panel and bindings are a rayon jersey from Fabric Mart that I ordered at the same time as my bargain boxes.  I was delighted that it matched so well with the navy knit.  Over all I like this top but I think I will make a few changes to the next one.  I think I will like the narrower strap look that was the other option on the pattern.  I will probably make the neckline a bit shorter and not quite so wide.  And I think I could go down a size for a better fit.  The fabric was very stretchy so a smaller size would be better I think.  This was another very easy sew.

Two of the fabrics in my box kind of coordinated so I tried to think up a way to use them together.  The plaid boucle  fabric has a gold metallic thread in it and it is a fairly loose weave.  I was thnking I would make either a skirt or a jacket.  I decided on a jacket because I thought I would get more use out of that.  There was only a yard and a half so I had to really use some creative layout to get all the pieces cut out.  I wasn't able to match my plaids but it is fairly busy with color so it is not very noticeable.  And really the only people who notice things like that are fellow seamstresses.  And probably only if I were to point it out.  The jacket pattern is Savannah Swing Jacket from Serendipity Studio. 

The skirt was made using  Simplicity 1202. This fabric did have a label on it so I know what it is.  It is Polyester Satin by Halston in navy.  It is very heavy thick fabric and kind of shinny.  I was also going back and forth between making a jacket, pants or a skirt.  The skirt didn't use all the fabric, there was 2 3/4 yards and it was very wide.  I think I have enough left to make a jacket or a pair of pants.  I probably would not have bought this fabric if I had seen it, but I do like the finished skirt.

In my second box I used an animal print ponte de roma fabric to make my third pair of Sabrina Slims Pants.  This is another pattern from Love Notions.  I really like the feel of this fabric.  It is perfect for this pants pattern.  This feels like nice quality fabric.  Again I wasn't sure about this print in pants but it turns out I love them.  I actually love this pattern it fits great and is another easy sew.  I see many more of these in my future.

Another pattern from Love Notions The La Bella Donna.  The black diamond print jersey was in my bargain box.  I used some Blondie cartoon print jersey for the yolk and the arm bands and neckband.  I have had this fabric in my stash for some time.  It was in strips intended to be used for book covers.  This is the third La Bella Donna I have made and I love them all.  I usually don't like the way dolman sleeve tops fit but this one fits great.

I am still working on ideas to use the rest of my box for.  I do have plans for the cream and brown stretch lace.  But the mustard and navy print cotton voile I am not to sure about.  Maybe some Pajamas.  We will see.

I have entered a Pinterest contests at FabricMart.  I have passed the prelimanary judging.  Now it is up to public votes.  If you would like to vote for me here is the link.
http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/Do-You-Love-Pinterest.html I really enjoyed the challenge of using my bargain box to sew up all my garment.  The goal of entering this contest kept me motivated.  Win or not I had a lot of fun.

I'm A Finalist

This is the Gwen Top from the pattern designer See Kate Sew it is part of the collection of patterns I got from Pattern Anthology.  I actually made all four of the patterns in the collection twice so far.  And I was able to enter one of each pattern in the contest.  This is the top the made it to the final four finalist.  The judges picked one from each pattern.  The winner is voted on by the public.  To vote for my top vote here.

The details on my top:  I used a oatmeal and blue colored striped cotton knit from my Girl Charlee KnitFix.  And to trim it out I used some brown swede type fabric for the placket shoulders and elbow patches.  The changes I made to the pattern were to narrow the placket a bit and I added the elbow patches.  Elbow patches were not included in the pattern but I thought they finished off this look nicely.  

As I mentioned this is the second top I made with this pattern and the fit is much snugger than the first one I sewed up.  It is all because of the different degrees of stretch the fabric has.  The first top I made was made with the main body of the top in a very stretchy ribbed knit.  The knit on this top had very little stretch and while it does fit me and is wearable I would have preferred a bit larger sizing.  http://patternanthology.com/pages/unbiased-contest-rules

Please vote for me if you feel so inclined.

Patterns For Pirates

I recently discovered a new to me source for cute trendy patterns.  I had seen many people posting garments they made using Patterns For Pirates and it got me interested enough to check it out.  I ended up purchasing several of their patterns.  The first one I got was the Peg Legs.  This one is what really got me to check out their site.  On the Girl Charlee KnitFix group I kept seeing people posting picture of the many Peg Leg leggings they were making with their Girl Charlee knits. I just downloaded the PDF pattern yesterday and I haven't had a chance to sew up a pair yet.  I can't wait to try them.  I received a few fabrics in my latest KnitFix bag that are appropriate for this pattern.  So I have some ideas in my head.  And the pattern is very well written with several pictures of real people who actually sewed the pattern wearing their creations.  It is also a very quick sew so that is a plus in my book.

While the Peg Legs pattern is only $5.00 there is a code if you join the Facebook Group so it becomes even a better deal.  There are four options for length in the pattern, you have a choice of capri, bike, shorts, or ankle length.  And they give you many tips on how to choose the right fabric and how to sew the seams.  They really walk you through every step so even a very beginner should be able to sew up a pair of leggings to be proud of.  Another nice thing about this pattern is that it comes with so many sizes, from XXS to 3XL.  It would be easy to grade from one size to another if you happen to be between sizes.
   http://www.patternsforpirates.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/listing-pictures1-e1439870524253.jpg
http://i0.wp.com/www.patternsforpirates.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/listing-pictures1-e1439870524253.jpg?resize=600%2C600 

I also purchased a few other patterns The Men's Henley because I want to make my husband a few shirts.  A Cardigan Bundle that has several options for woman's cardigans and several options for children s cardigans.  I have been looking for a nice pattern for making a cardigan for my little grandson.  The last one I got was The Raglan Bundle .  Like the Peg Legs I was seeing a lot of cute Raglans being posted in the groups.  This one has many options for different collar and hoods.  And raglan's are a quick sew and you can color block the sleeves and front panels to get some fun looks.  I will be trying all of these patterns real soon.

Denver Dress

I decided to make another project using my Denver Dress Tunic pattern from The Unbiased Collection .  The Denver is a pattern from Blank Slate Patterns.  From the pictures on the pattern this one was my least favorite of the collection, but after sewing it up I liked it much more than I expected.  I first made the tunic length with the plain neckline.  This time I made the dress with a cowl neckline.  I used a combination of three fabrics for this look.  The plaid fabric is from my October KnitFix.  The black denim look jersey I picked up at JoAnn Fabric at one of the 50% off clearance sales.  And the grey ribbed knit is from one of the bargain bundles I bought from Fabric Mart .  I thought all these fabrics coordinated nicely together and they were all of similar weight.

I love this pattern and I love the way my dress turned out.  And I will have many opportunities to wear this dress and others in the month of December.  My daughter has formed a team called Hermits to raise funds and awareness for human trafficking and abuse of women.  The campaign is called Dressember and we will be required to wear a dress every day of December.  It is one of the things that The International Justice Mission does to bring peace and Justice to those who are being mistreated around the world.  My daughter joined this group when she was in college.  The name Hermits came from her college days as well.  So the team started out with friends from college and a few of the moms are joining too.  It will be challenging to wear a dress every day especially at work.  But this more casual knit dress should work well for that.  I guess I will get some more tights or maybe sew myself up some leggings to wear with my dresses.

Coordinates

I used Simplicity 1467 to sew up my new coordinates.  This is a great pattern and an easy sew for all pieces.  Included in the envelope is a top, an elastic waist skirt, an elastic waist pair of pants, and a jacket.  I made every piece.

I made the top first and I used some silky polyester that I had in my stash.  I think I got it at Hancock Fabrics a few year ago.  I am not really sure why I was attracted to it at the time I bought it because it is very a very bright and very bold large print.  I don't usually wear green or the bright colors like this.  I decided to make the matching skirt as I had just enough fabric left for a skirt.  I pretty much made these pieces just as the pattern called for.  The only change I made was to add a lining to the skirt because I felt the fabric was a bit thin for a skirt. 

Next I made the jacket which was the most complicated of the pieces but still pretty quick and easy.  For the jacket I used a sage linen that I received in a bargain bundle from Fabric Mart.  I am actually not sure of the fabric content but it feels and handles like linen.  I thought it coordinated nicely with my bold skirt and top.  I first thought about using it to make the pants but it seemed to light weight for pants.  Also it was the end of summer going into fall so I wouldn't be able to wear them until next summer.  And I don't like how wrinkled linen gets as pants it would stay looking better as a jacket.  

For the pants I used some navy twill I got in the bargain bundle from Fabric Mart.  I didn't want the pants to be too tight so I went up a size and they ended up being huge on me.  So I altered them to fit better after sewing them together.  I actually wore them first to work one day and I was constantly pulling them up.  So I took in the sides and also lowered the waistband in the front by about an inch so it would sit at my waist and didn't have to keep pulling them up.  Now the fit much better.  I will probably make these pants again with these alterations to the pattern because they were quick and easy to sew.  they have an elastic waist so the are no zippers to deal with.  they have some nice details like the slant pockets the pleats and the mock drawstring waist.  The skirt has the same details.

To finish off my outfit I made a brooch using a bit of each fabric.  I didn't use a pattern for the brooch but just kind of made it up as I went along.  I used the silky for the center flower petals and  I used the salvage edge of the linen for the next layer.  The salvage had a fringe look at the edge.  The bottom layer was a circle cut with pinking shears out of the navy twill.  I think it pulls everything together and I like the accent on the jacket especially.

Laundry Day Tee

I found out from one of my Facebook groups that for a limited time you could get The Laundry Day Tee Pattern for free.  I had never used any patterns from Love Notions before or for that matter ever even heard of them.  A free patterns was a good way to try out a new company.

The pattern looked cute on all the models and it was a good basic t-shirt style with a bit of flare.  I had some time on my hands so I decided to give it a try.  

I made the first one to wear with my leggings I sewed from my not so desirable fabric that came in my most recent KnitFix.  I decided it would make a good fabric to try out a pattern I had never sewed before.

I choose to make the leggings from Go To Patterns.  I made view A.  I have had this pattern for a while and just never got around to sewing it up. The Ponte De Roma Knits are a good weight for pants as they are a more substantial knit.  I don't like see through pants especially leggings.  And since I really didn't like the fabric I thought I could at least wear them around the house and they would be comfortable.  As it turned out I kind of like the pants.  While I would never wear them without a tunic covering my posterior they are very wearable.

So the Laundry Day tunic to the rescue!  I had this drapey black knit in my stash I think it was leftover from another project.  I thought it would work well with this pattern and my ugly leggings.  The tunic sewed up quickly probably less than an hour.  I love they way it fits.  I love the loose flowey  bottom and the way the shoulders and sleeves fit. And the neckline fits as well.  These are areas I usually have to adjust.

 

So I made another Laundry Day Tee with some leopard print knit I had in my stash.  This time I inadvertently cut two fronts.  The pattern is a printout that the front and the back are the same piece and you are supposed to cut your neckline separately as you like.  I guess I was in such a hurry that I cut both together.  But as it turned out i like the results too. A happy mistake turned into a cute scoop neck back on my tunic.   

Pattern Anthology

I bought the Pattern Anthology Unbiased Collection last week.  It is a collection of four patterns available as PDF downloads.  Each pattern has various design elements that give many options for making it your own.  The collection comes in a wide range of sizes from XXS to XXXL so almost anyone can use these patterns.

The web site shows pictures of many of the different versions that pattern testers came up with as well as people who bout the patterns and sewed them up for their selves.  Which is nice because you can get a good idea of what the patterns look like on real people.

I was able to sew up my own version of each of the four looks.  The first one I made was the Gwen top.

 For this top I used some of the heather sage green ribbed knit for the body of the shirt.  I used the mock raglan version of the pattern.  For the sleeves I used  the green red and mustard plaid cotton jersey knit from my September KnitFix from Girl Charlee.  I think it has a very retro kind of look.  It looks like fall to me and I even made it on the first day of Fall.

My second sew from this collection was the Adora Top.  I liked this one right away when I saw the pattern.  I liked the way it uses both woven fabrics and knit together.  I received the floral jersey knit in my September KnitFix and I had the coral eyelet fabric in my stash, I probably got it from JoAnn Fabrics clearance bin a few years ago.  I thought it looked really pretty with the floral.  I first cut out the XL because that is where my measurements fell on the size chart.  however I did need to alter the sides quite a bit after I sewed it together.  I probably could have cut out the Large and been fine.  Although I love the way this top looks after wearing it I realize I should have made the neckline in the front about an inch smaller and maybe even brought the shoulders up a bit too.  These are alterations I usually make on most patterns.  Next one I make I will do this before I cut out the fabric.

 Next I made the Diamond Dress with the flared skirt and short sleeves.  For the diamond panel in the front I used this stretch lace fabric I got at JoAnn Fabrics.  The skirt sleeves and the upper panels are made with my KnitFix yellow black and white jersey knit.  There is one more fabric I used that is hard to see in this picture.  It is the back panel that curves around to points in front at the bottom of the diamond panel. I had a 1/2 yard piece that I added to my Girl Charlee order so I could get free shipping a few months ago.  It is a black floral jersey with yellow and grey roses.  I also had just enough to make the side seam pockets which you can't see from the outside, but I know they are there.  I love how this dress turned out and I think the fit is great too.  I added the black belt that I had in my closet to finish off the look.















The final Pattern was the Denver Peplum Top.  I saved this one for last because I wasn't sure I like the look when I first saw the pattern.  I didn't think it would be a flattering look with those big pockets on my hips.  But to my surprise  I love the way this top turned out and I think it is very flattering on me.  I used three fabrics for this one.  For the front panel pockets and sleeves I used the same stretch lace I used for the front diamond panel on my dress.  This fabric though it is pretty and that is why I was attracted to it, is very easily snagged.  So I think I can only wear this on special occasions where I won't be rubbing up against anything.  I used a grey and black jersey print from my September KnitFix for the side panels and the back piece.  And then I used the black with silver pinstripe for the neckline sleeve edge and pocket edge.

I like all these Patterns and will definitely make more of each.  In fact I already have plans for the next Gwen.  I want to make one with the placket in the front.  And I love the way the Diamond fits and it is different than the usual top.  I want to make a few tops with this pattern.  I am tossing around some ideas for another Adora too.  And with the nice surprise of how well the Denver turned out I guess I will need to make more of these too.