Seaforth Pants by Hey June Handmade

Timing was everything for this pattern test with Hey June Handmade. I couldn't help but speed through my Seaforth Pants tester version, so I could photograph them by the sea.

This is the wide leg elastic pants pattern I've always hoped for without fully realizing it. There are just enough details to take the style from pajama pants to daytime or even evening pants. All without loosing any of the comfort. 

There is another view for the Seaforth Pattern two! View B includes the same front and back pockets, but features a slimmer leg with elastic at the ankle. It makes the perfect woven jogger look.

The zipper welt pockets steal the show. Using a metal zipper gives the perfect finish. I found matching brass eyelets for the drawstring in my stash too. The brass zippers come in a huge variety of colors from Wawak. I used the triple stitch on my machine to make the topstitching a bit more dramatic, a little trick I learned from Melissa.

Linen blends were highly recommended for the Seaforth Pattern, so I used Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed Linen in black. The peach Biscayne Blouse I made last year completed the vacation look, relaxed yet put together.

I made a size 10 in the waist slimmed down to a 6 just below the hip. Other adjustments include reducing the rise 1/2", plus an additional 1/2" in the front only, and lengthening the leg by 1 1/4".

The Seaforth pattern by Hey June is on sale through today, so be sure to grab a copy. I can't wait to make a View B!

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Taos Top by Threadbear Garments

When one of your sewing and styling idols posts a testing call, you only debate for half a second if you have time to participate. Then, you wait on pins and needles for the acceptance email. Needless to say, I am thrilled Threadbear Garments has joined the pattern designing industry. The new Taos Top is a simple yet stylish design. 

The pattern includes two views with options that you can mix and match. This view includes the mock neckband and curved hem. The pattern also features options for a cowl neck and mitered hem. 

The fit of the princess seam style is fitted at the bust and more a-line toward the waist and hips, so it skims all the right places. I made the size 8 adding 1.5" in length. The only adjustment I feel like I may need to make is one for a forward shoulder. I haven't needed this before, but I think it may eliminate some of the drag lines around the neck I see in the photos. This is a midweight knit, but I'm not entirely sure where I got it. I really need to find a better way of tracking my stash!

I can't leave this post without noting the quality of the pattern. I was basically blown away by Leslie's attention to detail, beautiful layout (yes, a pattern layout can be beautiful), and overall intentionality of the pattern. Leslie didn't skimp on her first pattern to hit the market. The Taos top checks all of the boxes for easy to follow instructions, detailed illustrations, and polished product.

Summer Day Top in Linen

Two posts in two days!?! I think this just shows how enthusiastic I am about the Summer Day Top by Made Everyday. My first version in gingham is summer perfection, but this linen blend stripe with embroidery is my favorite thing to wear. 

The only trick with the border embroidery was making sure I cut the back first to leave adequate room for the lower hem. Then, I aligned the front pattern piece and marked the location of the border to make sure it would match when I stitched up the sides. 

 I scored this fabric when the linen blends were on sale at Joann Fabrics. If you love a good deal like I do, you will appreciate that it was regularily $20 per yard on sale for $7.99. Plus, I had a 20% off coupon. This was my first time sewing with a linen blend, and I am a huge fan. I went back to Joann's to buy another print very soon after. I find so much linen inspiration from Knee Socks and Goldilocks. 

I lengthened this top just a smidge more than my first and I think I prefer a little extra length with the additional drape.

Today is the last day of the introductory sale for the Summer Day Top. I think everyone's wardrobe could use one or two!

Summer Day Top in Gingham

These photos have been sitting on my desktop since pattern testing in June, so I am beyond excited to finally share them. Dana from Made Everyday just released her new Summer Day Top pattern. (I am happy to add another fellow Austin-ite to my pattern tester list.) This is one of those woven styles I will turn to again and again.  I already have, in fact, since I have two in rotation. Gingham and summer were meant for each other, so a gingham Summer Day Top was first on my list. 

The neckline is finished with bias binding; no guessing the length required as the the binding pieces are included in the pattern. The top version includes a subtle high in front, low in back hemline.

The style is a bit boxy in shape especially sewn in fabrics with less drape like this shirting. The shoulder is dropped with a short, cap, or cuffed sleeve. This is the short sleeve version. I have to give a shout out to Dana and her assistant, Susan, for a beautifully illustrated pattern. Kudos!

 I would be remiss if I didn't send you over to the Summer Day Top post at Made Everyday to check out the other variations including a peplum and tunic option. The pattern is on sale until 7/17, so snatch it up!

Chalk and Notch Joy Jacket Pattern

The Joy Jacket from Chalk and Notch Patterns released this week! Not only are you going to love this pattern, but you will also love the story behind it. Read more here. This is just another reason that the sewing community is the greatest!

I'm not going to sugar coat it; this was one of my more challenging makes. It is listed as an intermediate pattern. Nothing is particularly difficult, it is just a bit more time consuming. But don't let that deter you!! The end result is well worth the effort!

The Joy Jacket pattern calls for medium weight woven fabric with a nice drape. I was dying to order some lovely pink tencel twill for a spring jacket, but I couldn't justify the expense for a tester version. I ended up finding this olive denim look modal shirting at Jo-Ann Fabrics, and the weight turned out just right.

When you make your own jacket, you have the opportunity to play with a fun lining fabric. This is a very light, almost cotton lawn feeling, gingham shirting I had in my stash from my great Aunt. Gabriela wisely suggests you use a slippery fabric for the sleeve lining, so I switched to a rayon challis for that portion. The slippery fabric allows for more movement and ease in sliding your arm into the sleeve. I can't believe how easily this fully bagged lining came together. You have to sew it to believe it for yourself! Bonus, there are no seams to finish!

The pattern comes with two versions, one with a hood and slant pockets and one without the hood and patch pockets. I opted to use the slant pockets without the hood combining the two versions. Be sure to check out the other tester photos for the grommet and drawstring options as well!

I am a sucker for raglan sleeves, and these fit the bill plus they are easier to sew than setting in a sleeve. I highly recommend sewing a quick muslin before diving into your special fabric. The pattern is designed for a 5'-7" height. Being 5'-9", I anticipated needing to add some length, but after trying my muslin, I stuck with the original length. As per all Chalk and Notch patterns I have tried, instructions for customizing the fit are included. 

Gabriela also takes care of all of the details in the pattern, from plenty of notches for alignment to beautiful topstitching.

My zipper is also from Jo-Ann Fabrics. When I sew the next version I will definitely opt for a pretty metal zipper. In fact, I've already made the purchase! 

With the lighter weight fabric suggestions, this jacket makes for a fantastic transitional piece. It may not be ideal for most winter climates, but perfect for fall and spring. Of course, here in Texas during a typical year, it will likely be perfect in the dead of winter.

Are you ready to stretch yourself and take on a jacket project? This is the pattern to learn a new skill or two and take your handmade wardrobe to a new level. Grab the Joy Jacket pattern on sale this week.

Schooner Tee

Are you ready for a treat!?! Jennifer of Jennuine Design just released the sweetest little knit tee and dress pattern!!

The Schooner Tee and Dress features a special sleeve detail without a separate sleeve pattern piece. The tee is slightly a-line with standard or high-low hems, and the dress includes a fuller a-line with a subtle high-low hem. The pattern is only 3 pieces: front, back, and neckband. I told you those sleeves were special!! Pocket pieces are included, but optional.

The tee length in size 5 was perfect for Tandy. I dusted off my rusty lettuce hem skills for the sleeves, but a regular hem is fine too. Side note: I posted my rolled hem notes on Instagram the other day. Do you keep track of your steps and settings to refer back too? These sure came in handy. 

Tandy thought it was super funny to throw leaves at me while I was trying to get photos of her. Playing along with her games results in the best smiles ever even though it takes twice as many photos to get a usable shot. 

Big thanks to Jenny of Sew Pretty Dresses for this fabric by Lillestoff. What had become to babyish for her daughter is perfect for my little elephant lover!

The Schooner Tee and Dress sale price for release week is $5 - no code needed. Take 25% off single PDF patterns with code SCHOONERRELEASE now through 4/9/17 in the Jennuine Design Pattern Shop. (affiliate link)

Modkid Aubrey

The dress that first appeared in my Signature Style post for Project Run and Play has inspired the latest pattern from Modkid.

Today, we are introducing the Modkid Aubrey!!

 

The Aubrey is a simple knit dress with special details including the curved seams and a hidden kangaroo pocket. 

Pattern features include two neck binding styles and three dropped shoulder sleeve lengths; short, elbow length, and long.

Here is the extra special pocket design. Kids love the surprise when they didn't even know it was there! Both fabrics shown here are by Art Gallery Fabrics.

These fabrics happened to be scraps from my good friend Jenny! Thanks Jenny! It just goes to show that this fun design only requires minimal yardage!

You can get the Aubrey an any other pattern your heart desires for an amazing price! Coupon code AUBREY2016 gets you 40% off your entire order on our Etsy store.... this makes this and any other full-price pattern only $5.99!!! But, hurry, the coupon code expires exactly 24 hrs from now. Go ahead and stock up for the Fall! Pattern link in the comments.

Just in case you thought their modeling went unrewarded, I'll leave you with this!!

Linville Romper and Dress

Adrianna of Hey June just released a new juniors pattern that is as multifaceted as it is cute!! The Linville Romper and Dress options include cap sleeves or sleeveless tops, a short skirt, maxi skirt, shorts, or pants.

Avery is at the bottom of the size range, so I love collecting these juniors Hey June patterns for sewing into the teen years. I ended up sewing Avery the size 6 in width, but lengthened both the bodice and the skirt. I love that Adrianna includes lengthen and shorten locations on the pattern pieces. 

I have a bunch of this mysterious green trim from my grandmother's stash. I don't think I could have found anything more perfect in a store. I love how the green picks up the green flecks in the bodice fabric. 

The bodice fabric is part of the Wee Wander collection from Sarah Jane Studio. The skirt fabric is Michael Miller Cotton Couture in Malibu.

The simple back button and loop closure is the perfect location for a special vintage button. The exaggerated opening is particularly helpful when slipping on the romper version.

I am still extremely challenged when it comes to photographing white. Any tips are welcome!!

The fit of this dress is what makes it special. It really is perfect! Avery has already requested a pants romper version. She'll be getting plenty of wear out of this in the meantime!