Sunny Days call for a Sunny Halter Top!

The 2014 Seamingly Smitten Summer Pattern Tour is underway!  Keep reading for your chance to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway and a Coupon Code to the Etsy Shop.

Its Day 2 and I'm taking a look at the Sunny Halter Top for Women.  This pattern was released in 2012 and I asked to give it a try, opting to bring back an "oldie but a goodie" for the tour.  

Here's a few photos 

of the Sunny Halter Top from the Etsy Shop:  

And here's what I made using this pattern:

The Sunny Halter Top is, as your sewing magic allows, a versatile pattern.  You can make a pillow case style dress/shirt to coordinate with your daughters; a halter top/tunic or dress with or without a bow; a nightgown or "around the house" day gown; a lunch with friends outfit (I made that!) and, the elastic casing can be placed wherever you'd like as well!  Next one I make will have a tie inside of the casing instead of elastic.  I think that'd be cute!  

I started out with a yard and a half of an embroidered batik (found in my stash -- another clearance table find at Hancock Fabrics about 4 years ago . . . it got lost in the closet).  

I started to cut out my size top then decided to just go with the entire length of the fabric I had and see what happens  . . .

I decided to make a day dress!  I love the bow at the front side!  You can tie your straps into a bow or not, at front, back or even in the middle of the top casing . . . that's up to you.  

I used single fold bias tape on the armscye, opting to not press it in just yet -- I wanted to wait until I completed the casing and then sew up the side left open as per the instructions.  

I drew the horizontal line for the casing inside my dress and proceeded to stitch it in place.  This is a chance for you to move that needle if you haven't already tried it yet!  

Use your presser foot to help stabilize the bias tape on your dress/top.  Move your needle to the furthest point allowed on the side closest to the edge of your bias tape.  Stitch away!

Flip your garment around, and start sewing on the other side of the bias tape.  You shouldn't have to move your needle this way.

Once your casing is in place, don't forget to move your needle back to its original position!

I love how this looks!  I did cut this dress in a straight line instead of the slight grade in the pattern piece.  Decided where I wanted the bottom hem to lay and . . . . 

. . . added a big belt and voila!  Its cute and comfy! 

Now I wonder what it would look like in knit . . . . (searching enormous fabric hoard . . . . )

Found a cute cute pink & white knit.  I had a yard.  And, I decide that I want to have my elastic sit at the waist instead of the hip.  

I measured up 4 more inches from the recommended casing placement.  I took advantage of the stripes -- I simply marked the center point on the stripe that was to be my guideline, cut a piece of elastic at the measurement of my natural waist.  After securing the elastic in a circle, and marking the quarter points, I pinned it to the inside of my halter.  

I decided not to make a casing since the stripe would be a great guide as it was.  

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Stretched the elastic to fit, and stitched away.  

I also cut a piece of FOE, put it through the top casing, and decided to cut it, stitch it together, and hide the seam.  I don't have to tie anything!  It sits around my shoulders perfectly!

And as always, the chickens have to sneak into the photos . . . :)

And so I have another comfy shirt to wear this summer!  I actually wore it the rest of the day to do yardwork.  Super comfy and its my shirt the way I want it to be!

And just one more incentive for you . . . . 

Football Season is fast approaching . . . . 

Think of those matching game day dresses you can make!

GEAUX TIGERS!

Make a Sunny Halter Top for you, 

to match those pillow case dresses 

you made for your daughter!

Here's a Coupon to help you start 

sewing your summer wardrobe:  

and the Etsy Shop link here.

A previous post in my blog HERE shows several other items I've made with Seamingly Smitten Patterns if you need some help deciding what patterns to choose!  (and a couple how-to's)

Now hop on over to the other Bloggers on the Tour to view some more Seamingly Smitten Sewing Patterns for Summer!

Monday, July 21st - Jamie from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

and Pattern Revolution

Tuesday, July 22nd - ME!!! and

Jenny from Uku Chic

Erin from Crafty Biggers

Wednesday, July 23rd - Jen from Eat Sleep Make

Emily from Lady and the Gents

Sabra from Sew a Straight Line

Thursday, July 24th - Lynn from Bebelambs

Ula from Lulu and Celeste

Friday, July 25th - Rebecca from Our Busy Little Bunch

Jessica from Snickerdoodle Stew

Enter the Giveaway below for your chance to win 

5 Seamingly Smitten Sewing Patterns of choice (a $40 value)

Winners will be announced Saturday July 26th on the 

Seamingly Smitten Blog, 

Facebook Page

 and via Email.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Good Luck y'all!

Happy Sewing,

gloria june

Patterns for Pirates High Low Tide Top for Girls

Ahoy Girl Mateys!  

Are you gearing up for back to school outfits?  Here's a pattern for you to get a head start on your fall wardrobe.  (The entire pattern collection of Patterns for Pirates can be found here or here.)

The High Low Tide Top is a knit top for girls in size 3 mos. - 14 years.  Two sleeve lengths (mid and long), and two options to finish the sleeve (ruffled or cuffs).  

There are 15 pages to print, color coded with cutting guide for cuffs and ruffles included on a pattern piece.  The pages for pattern pieces line up on top of each other -- no need to cut while assembling the pages.  

I found the pattern easy to assemble and the sewing instructions clear and easy to follow.  It was fun and a pleasure to sew up quick top for my little model matey, Fiona.  Isn't she adorable!

I found this Fashion Knit on the Hancock Fabrics clearance tables at 60% off, plus I had a 15% off my total purchase coupon!  For the size 8 shown in this post, I purchased 1 1/2 yards.   

I used my ruffler foot to gather the hi-lo portion of the the top.  Its just so much easier now that I know how to adjust my ruffler foot.  I bought the Bernina foot for my Bernina Sewing Machine.  I did not want to take the chance with a bargain foot.  It was worth the money!

For the neckline binding, I used a Girl Charlee knit ponte de roma with spandex that I had in my stash.  (you can find it here)
I usually mark my quarters with an iron instead of a pin or marker when its a neckline.  

Lined up perfectly!

And Fiona said, "I think its Pretty!!"

I enjoyed testing this top!  The size 8 was perfect and I did not have to change anything at all so this top is good to go for Fiona!  

Get your copy in the Patterns for Pirates Etsy Shop or the Crafty Shop.  Enjoy!

Happy Sewing,

gloria june

PS:  The Mannequin used in this post is reviewed here and includes a link to purchase the pattern.  

Greenstyle Creations Taylor Shorts for Women PDF Sewing Pattern

Yay!  Its here!  You can now purchase the Taylor Shorts for Women (size 0-18) here!

Previously part of the Womens BundleUP offered by Pattern Revolution, the women's Taylor Shorts are now available as a stand-alone purchase from Greenstyle Creations.  

There are three length options, flat or pleated front, and a contoured waistband.  There is a zippered fly, but no worries, a video tutorial is provided by Greenstyle Creations on their website here. 

This pair of shorts is made with duck fabric . . . isn't it a fun print!
You can find the seahorse print at Hobby Lobby!

I love the comfort of the shorts, and the fact that I can "Taylor" the pattern to fit me using my sewing skills and tailoring knowledge.  Now you can make your own pair of shorts for the summer, in a rainbow of colors and prints to suit your taste!

Since we are all shaped differently (I make a smaller size waistband and take in the back darts a bit more to make my perfect fit), Greenstyle has some helpful guidance for the waistband. If you're a little nervous about making a contoured waistband, watch the video tutorial here.

Here are a couple of pairs I made while testing the pattern.  

I used a lightweight Twill above and a Cotton Duck below.

And here is a seersucker pair for my daughter. . . . you may recognize this pair of shorts . . ..

They are the shorts you see in the piping tutorial on Greenstyle Creations website here.

I often take pictures along the way while testing a pattern . . . it helps the designer see how we understand the directions he/she are drafting; and,  in this case, it helps you if you're looking for some guidance for to add piping to a garment!

LOVE my piping foot!

Get started on your personalized pair of summer shorts!  

I went to Hobby Lobby and grabbed some of that seahorse duck fabric for ME!  

I went shopping wearing my Lille Racerback (Maxi) -- a review of that pattern is here and the pattern can be purchased here.  

Happy Sewing,

gloria june

Make your own Mannequin with a PDF Sewing Pattern from Lily Pig Designs

This is a pattern review I provided to Pattern Revolution, posted on their website.  I'm cross-posting here for my readers.  Enjoy!




I'm Gloria Richardson, the blogger behind gloriajune.  I have been dabbling in sewing for more than 30 years, but I have never received proper training in the art of sewing.  I have many self-taught skills, which  may or may not be good (!), but I make myself happy with what I sew, and in the last few years, I've been sewing for our grandchildren and myself.

I have made lots of children's clothing and have just laid them out on the floor or have taken pictures of the garments on hangers.  At one point, I even turned a tomato cage upside down, padded it, and manipulated dresses and whatnot over it just to take a picture.

But not anymore!

I have just made my own Display Mannequin, 

with the PDF tutorial and pattern of the same name, by Lily Pig Designs. 

Don't be scared off by my less-than-perfect stuffing skills!  This Mannequin rocks!  

I made the size 5-6, the perfect size for our oldest grandchildren, a boy and girl. 

Here's the breakdown:

• A beginner+ can rock this pattern! (one who has used a sewing machine, and is comfortable pinning and sewing lines and easy curves);

• 5 color-coded pages to print for sizes 6-12 months through 5-6; (also included as a second PDF File are sizes 8 - 14 years);

• Two pattern pieces to cut out;

• Options for displaying the mannequin for dresses and/or pants; (I used both casing options on my mannequin because they are separate from each other and do not disturb each other in placement.)

• Woven fabrics are best for the beginner (an experienced sewist may get creative with burlap, decor fabrics, etc.).  I do not recommend a lightweight broadcloth--I used it for my mannequin and I would prefer a heavier weighted cotton that would withstand the stuffing phase.  I'm not good at stuffing!    

• Depending on your skill level, it can take up to an hour (stuffing the mannequin may take time if you are a perfectionist or wanting to achieve the best look to display clothing for sale).

The designer is from the Netherlands, so you will find that her word choices are different than what we use in the United States.  You will see phrases like "stick the pieces together," which I know means to piece together or to lay on top of each other.  And, "turn out the right way," which I know means right side out. You can figure out the word choices!

The Fabric Requirements are given in centimeters.  You can easily access a measurement converter on the internet to convert to inches if necessary.  Round up is the rule of thumb!

There is no mention of how much polyfill or stuffing to buy -- it will vary upon the size you make.  I bought 20 ounces for my Size 5-6 Mannequin and used only 1/4 or so of the bag.

The directions are clear and pictures are included along the way.  Suggestions and photos for poles/stands are provided.  My husband used scraps from our wood collection.

I added a logo with my embroidery machine.  I think that would be great for those of you who wish to display your garments for sale!

This is where I chose to embroider a logo.  I don't sell clothes, but thought this may work for those of you who do!

A shirt for my grandson!

A dress for my granddaughter!

You can get closeups of details easily with the mannequin!

You'll be happy with this pattern!  I am glad I finally made one!   You can buy a copy of the pattern from Lily Pig Designs here.  Use code "review" for 20% off your purchase price!

Happy Sewing!

gloria june

One more . . . My favorite bundleUP item is the SPRING LILY from Ellie Inspired!

I just couldn't end showing you what I made for the bundleUP.  I have to show you one of the garments I tested.  

The Spring Lily is my FAVORITE garment from the bundleUP.  Its smart and stylish! And -- yes, its true -- EASY to construct!  

There are four pattern pieces (sleeve is optional, so I used only 3 pieces), and measurements for your skirt piece.  

Princess seams make up the front bodice -- its simply sewing two pieces together that are sort of on the concave.  You just shape the pieces together as you sew.  Don't be scared!  If you need a little more encouragement, Craftsy has a little help for you here.

The skirt is completed by making box pleats.  Don't be afraid of that either, it is much simpler than you think!  I'm not a pinner, so you can imagine watching me fold my pleats as I sew . . . probably not a good thing to watch because you are already scared, so I'll let you watch a little video here to help you get started.  
You can also pin and iron as you go, to help hold the box pleats. And then stay stitch to hold them in place before you attach to your bodice.  

The arrow points to the marks I made to guide me while making the box pleats.  I took this picture during the testing process to show the new kids on the block one way to do the pleats.  I did my pleats at the machine as I sewed.  I know, that probably makes you squeamish.  I am lazy and that was a quick way to get 'er done!

I used my lining piece as my muslin.  I have a much smaller waist (I am built like a woman, not a rectangle!) so I knew that I would have to take in the waist area, as I do with everything I sew.  

This is my lining, used as the muslin in the testing of the Spring Lily.  I was halfway there since I used the lining as a fit guide!  When I started sewing my fashion fabric, I knew exactly where I needed to increase my seam allowances or how much/less deeper to make my darts.  

I have a mannequin!  Do you?  I love to use it for projects like this! I usually put my favorite bra on the mannequin to make sure everything hits where I want it to . . . 

And it does!

No one was supposed to ever see these photos . . . they were taken during testing.  

My daughter removed the mirrors from the guest bath and put them in her room.  

Here comes Mommy!!!!!




The Spring Lily does have a zipper in the back.  The instructions are clear and pictures help along the way. . . come on, you put a zipper in your Taylor shorts, didn't you?


The design of the Lily shows my curves wonderfully.  


I'm ready for photos now!
  

Had to wear the pearls for this!

What in the heck can I do with my arms so that I don't create wrinkles
because my arms are funky . . . .
I sew, I'm not a photographer!

Mad Men -esque?

Now, these were taken well after testing and when I got my new camera!  

Please step out of your little girl panties and into the wonderfully magical world of self-care sewing and add the Spring Lily to your BundleUP!

Happy Sewing y'all,

gloria june