A blog of Sewing Sweetness. Pattern Reviews, Tutorials, and More.
A blog of Sewing Sweetness. Pattern Reviews, Tutorials, and More.
This year I spent A LOT of time combing the web for a short pattern that I could utilize in the capsule wardrobe I was planning for my girls. I wanted a go-to short pattern that was more practical than the Papillon Shorties that I […]
I’m kicking off a span of no posts with a detail oriented project. I stitched up this Thyme Vest by Paisley Roots to help kick off the new pattern shop on the Project Run and Play website. This shop with feature patterns created by past […]
Several years ago Katy at Wild + Wonderful started hosting an annual Sew Americana Tour. I participated the first year and absolutely loved my creation. I share it often when the day calls for a little patriotic nod. You can find that post here. Last year I somehow missed the tour, but I’m back on to celebrate in the fun again now.
I had a plan to create an Americana look that would be more flexible to extend the wear beyond just the need for a patriotic look. I also wanted to create a look that would go with my plan for the girls’ capsule which is still being worked on… sadly. Also, I have to make a disclaimer that I’m going to update these photos. I totally forgot I was heading out of town and had to quickly snap these on Monday morning (while it was raining) so I could have something to share. I’m actually sitting in my hotel room on Tuesday night typing up this post.
I used one of my favorite short patterns, the Papillon Shorties from Lil Luxe Collection. I’ve sewn these up so many times that I can practically do it blindly. For the top I used the Sis Boom Kelsey which I had printed and ready because I used it for my capsule with another fabric a few weeks ago. It’s a seriously quick sew and perfect for July heat that is on the way. I’m trying to get more use out of my patterns than printing it and only using it for one make. I’m reducing my paper consumption and saving time on taping and printing this way.
I hope you can see how I’m going a little bit Americana and a lot of any day casual. I feel like this combination is a perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July, but isn’t so overboard that my girls can’t wear it for everyday wear. I love that it worked out so well. The red fabric is a lawn from Penny Rose Fabrics. This was part of my Project Run and Play winning from Riley Black Fabrics. It’s light and airy and made a perfect pair of shorts. The blue fabric for the top came from my local shop, Let’s Sew and was left over from a dress I attempted to make for myself but it never turned out.
I hope you will come back and scope out updated photos at the end of the week. I paid out good cash on Monday morning for these photos with the understanding that we would have to do some extras because the rain was putting a damper on our pictures. The terms were agreed upon by myself and this little model, so keep and eye out.
Don’t forget to hop over to Wild and Wanderful and link up your Americana look. It’s a great way for us to all see your work. Then, be sure to check out the rest of the tour. I’m always inspired by great bloggers during this tour.
Monday, June 25:
Wild + Wanderful | Marvelous Auntie M | Handmade Boy
Phat Quarters | Call Ajaire
Tuesday, June 26:
Musings of a Seamstress | Sea of Estrogen | Sew and Tell Project
5 out of 4 Patterns | Little Heart Threads
Wednesday, June 27:
Middle River Studio | Elli & Nels | SewSophieLynn
Pear Berry Lane | The Eli Monster
Thursday, June 28:
Auschick Sews | EYMM | Mama & Leia
Seams Sew Lo | Stitched by Jennie
Friday, June 29:
Stylin’ Stacy | Rebel & Malice | On Wednesdays We Sew
FairyTale BT | That’s-Sew-Kari | Very Blissful
I wanted to enter Candice Ayala’s Upcycle challenge, so I went out to the Goodwill and grabbed a men’s button down shirt for a new upcycle project. You can read about another upcycle here. I just could pass up the awesome prizes from Michael Miller […]
I was completely excited to find an email in my inbox from Audrey of Skirt Fixation inviting me to join a tour celebrating and showing off the latest fabric line from Bari J. for Art Gallery Fabrics, Indigo and Aster. I actually met Bari […]
As part of the summer capsule I’ve been working on, I was on the hunt for woven top patterns. I particularly wanted several with thin, spaghetti-like straps because I know my girls choose clothing based on comfort and they are already complaining about the heat. In a pattern search, someone suggested the SisBoom Kelsey. I love when people suggest patterns that I already own, but have forgotten about! It’s like I’ve got something new without paying for it. 🙂
I actually tested this pattern back in 2016. The photo above was the only picture I could find and my blog post seems to have been lost in the transition across WordPress platforms. Ugh. I wish I knew where more of these photos were.
Yesterday I came across a post in the SisBoom facebook group for a contest. All you have to do is share a photo you’ve made of a pattern for a change to win some new fabric. It motivated me to whip this up. I already had the pattern printed and this is a seriously quick sew if you bypass including the ruffle on the bottom. So this Kelsey is my entry. Fingers crossed on that. Today is the last day to submit.
Kelsey features a cross over front bodice and an elastic back. The directions are very clear and offer some techniques that you could use on other patterns that you may not be utilizing currently. The only downfall to this pattern in my opinion is the 1/4″ seam allowances. I have talked to Jeanine, the designer for this pattern and I know that is her personal preference so I totally understand that. I’m more of a 3/8 seam allowance kind of girl myself. What do you prefer? I probably dislike 1/2″ even more than 1/4″ seam allowances to be completely honest. 🙂 It doesn’t keep me from sewing patterns.
I used some lovely fabric from Jennifer Paganelli’s Color Brigade. I’m a total sucker for florals and she pretty much nails it every time. You can see another color brigade color way featured in this post for more inspiration. What are your favorite JP lines?
The best part about this top is that it fits in with the capsule I’ve been working on. Here I have the Kelsey paired with the Satya shorts from Jennuine Designs (affiliate link) in navy with white polka dots. I have several other neutral bottoms that this top will be able to be paired with and still look great. It’s beginning to make me feel a sense of accomplishment. Yay!
I’ve been working on several projects while also trying to pack up my sewing space to do some room swapping with the girls. For this post I’m sharing some makes from Oliver +S with fabrics from Riley Blake Fabrics, but I want you to know that […]
Have you been following the recent videos and posts about The Great Upcycling Challenge? To kick off this challenge I’m partnering with Candice Ayala, SewingPortfolios.com, and some of my friends to share some tips and tricks we utilize when we upcycle. Michael Miller Fabrics […]
I’m beginning to tackle sewing through my prizes from the awesome package I received from Project Run and Play. Part of my package was a bundle of 8 patterns from Violette Field Threads. How amazing is that?! It was like Christmas! Thanks to Violette Field Threads for the awesome bundle!! When selecting my patterns, I knew Peyton had a musical coming up where she was going to be needing a “pioneer girl” type dress, so I made sure to put the Zoey pattern on my bundle list.
Well my friends, it has been a busy blogging week if I do say so myself. I’ve had quite a few posts and while I’m typing this out I’m printing a pattern to make a costume for a school musical. I’m almost to the end […]
