A blog of Sewing Sweetness. Pattern Reviews, Tutorials, and More.
Welcome to the Rushbrook Blog Tour! I don’t know about you, but recently my sewing feeds started to fill up with versions of the Rushbrook Dress and Top from Titchy Threads. Shortly after, I was contacted to see if I would be interested in …
It’s almost 7 weeks into the school year and I’m still trying to get caught up in my creative world. Somehow I managed to hop on a few tours this fall to try to get back on track with my blogging. So, today I’m sharing …
I enjoy finding new fabric designers and creating just for the sake of creating. Today I’m sharing this post as a part of my involvement with SewingPortfolios.com. Sewing Portfolios is a free network that helps to connect bloggers, pattern testers, etc. with businesses within the sewing community. I was selected to be an Ambassador for Sewing Portfolios to help build knowledge about this community. Michael Miller fabrics has really jumped on board with SewingPortfolios.com and because of this partnership I was given the opportunity sew up some fabric from newly released lines to show off.
I was sent fabric from the In Bloom Line -Turquiose by Sandra Clemons for this post. This line has two colorways, Blossom (pink vibes) and Turquiose (blues and greens). I was able to incorporate the Linger, Sunburst, Summer Fern (all from the Turquiose colorway) for my project. I used the Sunburst and Summer Fern for the bodice and inserted the Linger into the skirt with the Sunburst. I enjoy sewing fabrics within one line because I know they will work together. However, I wasn’t quite sure how I felt when I received these three fabrics to pair together. There wasn’t a lot of contrast between the colors and that made me slightly nervous. I’m happy to say I think they work great together. The Summer Fern offered just enough pop of color to pull this look off. I would totally pair these fabrics together again. Sandra must have knowledge about colors and patterns that I have not yet mastered.
I was given creative freedom for showing off these lovely fabrics, so I opted to use the opportunity as an excuse to purchase a new pattern. Who doesn’t like an excuse to buy a new pattern?! I grabbed the Pixie Top and Dress pattern from Violette Field Threads. It’s a fairly simple sew with a cuffed dolman sleeve. I’ve sewn up two dresses with this pattern and have a third version cut, just waiting to become something. For this particular project, I modified the skirt to be able to include the three fabrics sent my way. The pattern does not include information for the paneled skirt, but this was an easy modification. (If you would like detail on an easy way to do this, leave me a comment below.) This is a great dress pattern for beginners as you don’t have to set in sleeves and there aren’t any difficult closures. You can see in the image below that there is a simple back tie. This tie can be made from something you have purchased (trim, ribbon, etc.) or you can make fabric ties to match your dress. I had some suede trim, so I opted to use that as my tie.
I’m loving the look I was able to create with these fabrics. This dress has already been worn several times. It’s been a great hit. Thanks to SewingPortfolios.com for inviting me to join in on this project with Michael Miller fabrics. I look forward to continuing to build connections with businesses and other bloggers within the sewing community. I’m always amazed how supportive people within this community are with each other. I’ve built many friendships and love that I have these bonds with “my tribe” of people.
If you want to join this great network, check out SewingPortfolios.com, then join the group on Facebook group to interact with other members and build new relationships.
If you loved this make, please join me on my sewing adventures. Follow me on Instagram, like my Facebook page, and enter your email over on the side bar to subscribe to my posts. There will be more from me soon!
Thanks again to Michael Miller Fabrics for partnering with Sewing Portfolios and for looking for opportunities within the blogger community. I truly hope you were pleased with my creation from your fabrics.
One Thimble, Issue 16 has just released!! I’m very excited because not only did I get to sew up several of the patterns, but I was able to do a full review for this issue. I don’t know if there has been another issue I …
I’ve been dying to order some woven labels since I first started blogging almost two years ago. I don’t really sell a product as I am mostly a blogger, but I still feel like I have a brand and wanted to be able to put …
I’ve been needing a good excuse to get some tutorials up on my blog, so when Simple Simon and Co. asked if I would be interested in joining in on a post for Skirting the Issue, I knew it would be a great opportunity! If you aren’t familiar with Skirting the Issue, you can read all the details here. The short version: We are all putting together tutorials and inspiration for you to sew up skirts, quilts, and pillowcases to donate to a charity of your choice. You can link up your donations for some goodies for yourself too, do that at the link above and don’t miss out on doing some good!
For my contribution, I put together a tutorial for a flat front, reversible skirt. I love that this skirt is two looks in one and since it is reversible, there all no exposed seams. You don’t have to worry about needing a serger or finishing seams.
Let’s Get Started.
Materials:
Fabric: Main and Accent for each side of your skirt
Fusible Interfacing (Optional)
Sewing Notions: 3/4″ No-Roll Elastic, pins, coordinating thread, safety pin or bodkin
All seam allowances are 1/2″
Select your size based on the size chart below.
| Size | 2T | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Height | 34 | 37 | 40 | 43 | 46 |
| Waist | 19.5 | 20 | 20.5 | 21 | 21.5 |
Cut Skirt Pieces based on the table below. All measurements are in inches.
| Size | 2T | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| Front Waistband | Cut 2 (One for Each Side) | 2.25 X 10.75 | 2.25 X 11 | 2.25 X 11.25 | 2.25 X 11.5 | 2.25 X 11.75 |
| Back Waistband | Cut 2 (One for Each Side) | 2.25 x 14.5 | 2.25 x 15.5 | 2.25 x 16.75 | 2.25 x 17.25 | 2.25 x 19 |
| *Optional Interfacing for Front Waistband | Cut 2 (One for Each Side) | 1.25 x 9.75 | 1.25 X 10 | 1.25 X 10.25 | 1.25 X 10.5 | 1.25 X 10.75 |
| Skirt Front/Back | Cut 4 (Two for Side One, Two for Side Two) | 8 X 30 | 10 X 33 | 11.5 X 35 | 13.25 X 37 | 13.75 X 40 |
| Skirt Band | Cut 4 (Two for Side One, Two for Side Two) | 3 X 30 | 3 X 33 | 3 X 35 | 3 X 37 | 3 X 40 |
| Elastic Length | Cut 1 | 7.75 | 8 | 8.25 | 8.5 | 8.75 |
1.After cutting you should have a similar looking set of pieces.
2. Take one set of waistbands and memory press the bottom edge up 1/2″. Fuse interfacing to center of both front waistband pieces.
3. Lay front waistbands and back waistbands right sides together. Sew along top long edge.
Press seams open.
4. Lay Front and Back waistbands right sides together with seams open. Be sure to open up the memory press along bottom edge when sewing. Sew short sides together. Press seams open. Set waistband aside.
5. Lay a hem band from side one and side two right sides together. Sew along long edge. Repeat for second set of hem bands. Press seams open.
6. With right sides together and matching fabrics, sew short sides together. Press seams open.
7. Fold waistbands up wrong sides together and press. Set aside.
8. Lay skirt fronts and backs right sides together. Sew along short sides. Press seams open.
9. Lay one skirt right side out. Match band raw edge to bottom of skirt raw edge.
10. Lay second skirt piece over skirt and band right sides together. This is sandwiching the hem band between both skirts.
11. Pin around skirt bottom matching side seam on skirt and hem band. Sew. Pull band out of skirt pieces. Press the skirt up so that wrong sides are together. For best results press from both sides.
12. Sew rows of gathering stitches along the top raw edge of skirt through both skirt layers with 1/4″ and 3/4″ seam allowances. Gather skirt to fit waistband.
13. Match waistband to skirt, right sides together. Align side seams of skirt and waistbands. Pin and sew.
14. Press waistband up.
15. Turn skirt to second side.
16. Fold waistband down to seam line. Edge stitch the back waistband ONLY.
17. Insert elastic through back waistband casing using a safety pin or bodkin. Stitch in the ditch to secure elastic at side seams.
18. Edge stitch front waistband to skirt to close casing. Remove bottom gathering stitch. Give skirt a final press, you are finished!!
I can’t wait to see all the skirts you make with this tutorial. Be sure to share your creations on my Facebook page and Instagram so I can see what you have made.
I’ve been loving all the circle skirt dresses I’ve been seeing recently, so I decided I would take a few Laela Jeyne Patterns and write a tutorial for how to Mash them into a dress. I’ve used the Emmy T-Shirt and Rosie Circle Skirt …
Every once in a while I just have to do something quick to have the reward of a completed project. I’ve been working on several things, but none of them are completed and I was feeling like I was in a slump. Enter Harmony from Simple …
It’s been quite a long time since I’ve written any posts over on the Itch to Stitch Blog, but I’m always following what new designs and creations Kennis is coming up with. I happened across her testing call for a knit dress pattern. I was so drawn to it that I applied before I realized it was right smack in the middle of the Summer Collection Tour I am hosting. I’ve been really good about not doing that lately, but I suppose I was just sucked in too quickly. This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing from a link on this page supports my hobby and clothes my kids. Thanks for you support. I would hate to have naked people running around my house.
The Oceanside Dress has a raglan style sleeve with a figure flattering waistband. I love how some testers made this dress look ready for a ball game while others were able to make it quite formal looking with great fabric selection. My fabric selection was based on three concepts. I needed to use what was in my stash, I needed to be able to wear it without needing a slip (because I don’t think I own one), and it needed to be comfortable enough I could wear it to school or church. If I can’t wear it there, it won’t be worn. Enter floral double brushed poly from Love Adore Knit Fabrics. I purchased this back in the Spring and it is absolutely lovely. So soft to the touch, yet easy to work with. For some reason the colors just work for me in this dress. I also had a pale mint green floral I was considering and I’m glad I went with the navy. I feel like the flowers just pop right out of the fabric.
The pattern also includes this front triangle inset and features to allow you to get a little creative and include an accent fabric to give your dress a little bit of pop. I used a striped Cotton Lycra for my accent fabric on the sleeves and the inset. I personally struggled a bit with the inset, but I think it came out nicely. I won’t mention the tiny buckle just below the point. It just did not want to lay completely flat and parallel to the ground. It was totally user error and selecting a striped fabric that shows very quickly if it isn’t level was probably not a choice I would make again.
For me the best part about this dress was the ease of size selection. I used my bust and waist and easily chose what size I needed to make and I had a perfect fit. I often have issues with dresses because they are too long for my shorter legs. The circle skirt was very easy to shorten and I ended up with a flattering length for my personal body.
The Oceanside Dress Pattern is currently on sale for $8, but you can get an extra discount with a coupon code in the Itch to Stitch Designs Group. Don’t miss that!
Summer is in full swing at my house and I’m struggling to stay above water with all the exciting things going on so far. One bit of exciting news in my sewing world is the Summer Collection release from Laela Jeyne Patterns. I’ve been following …