handmade wardrobe // #sewfrosting

When Closet Case Patterns and True Bias first announced the #sewfrosting competition, I didn’t really plan on contributing. I have so many other projects on my to-do list right now. But I’ve been obsessively following along with the hashtag, and honestly, I couldn’t get this butterfly fabric out of my mind and how it would be perfect for the challenge.

You see, the style of this dress isn’t exactly crazy for me. I wouldn’t hesitate to make multiple versions of this dress in linen or something really light and floaty, and wear them all summer long. It’s definitely my style. It’s the fabric that makes this dress frosting. 3 Years ago, this was the type of fabric I bought all the time. Crazy, unique prints on specialty fabrics. I made fun garments that onl got worn once or twice a year. But I’ve trained myself not to jump to buy fabrics like this and instead shifted gears in the last couple years. I’m more focused on creating wearable, practical garments that can be worn any day. And it’s good. I’ve found my sewing groove and narrowed in on my style. I’ve been building my handmade wardrobe base. been building my cake. But every cake still needs a little frosting, yes? Even a sensible, wearable closet still needs some of those fun pieces to make it sparkle. That’s this dress for me.

Is a heavy, voluminous, butterfly print scuba knit trapeze dress technically a super crazy dress? No. But it’s definitely a statement piece for me. It won’t get worn a lot. Maybe once a year. Maybe less. I mean, how often will I actually have an occasion to wear something like this? you guys, I’m a stay at home mom lol.  But I like seeing it hanging in my closet. And when I do finally get another chance to wear it, I’ll be pretty excited.

pattern: Simplicty 1105 with added ruffle hem

fabric: scuba knit from Mood Fabrics

Handmade Wardrobe // Style Maker Fabrics Fall Style Tour

I’m so excited to be a part of Style Maker Fabrics Fall Style tour! I feel like I have been back on top of my sewing game lately, so It makes it extra special to be a part of something that I’ve watched from a far the last couple of seasons. Style Maker fabrics has become my go-to for online fabric shopping lately. Seriously, the first place I look when I’m in need of something. Michelle stocks some of the dreamiest fabrics.

For this project I chose two fabrics - a super slinky and soft navy rib knit, and the most perfect navy and ivory striped sweater knit. I was immediately drawn to the striped sweater knit and could not get my mind off of it. I knew I wanted to make a Rowan bodysuit (of course), and the little stretch and recovery of the sweater knit wasn’t going to work for a close fitting bodysuit. The navy rib knit worked perfectly, though. But I was still determined to use that perfect navy stripe in some way, and the idea of sweater knit jumpsuit to go over top was born. A bit of an unconventional choice for a sweater knit, but I took a gamble and love how it turned out!

So let’s break it down.

The jumpsuit is a Closet Case Patterns Sallie Jumpsuit. The style is perfectly me - especially with those tie straps. I also added a small sash belt, because I can never have too many bows. I actually didn’t have to make any adjustments to the pattern. The fit was perfect! And the textured sweater knit was a dream to work with.

And of course, the top is a Megan Nielsen Rowan bodysuit - my go-to pattern lately. Especially for fall! So easy to wear under jumpsuits, dresses, and with jeans without having to worry about it coming untucked.

As I have to with all my bodysuits, I had to add 1” in length (I have a pretty long torso). I then wanted to add a dramatic bell sleeve, so I used another Megan Nielsen Pattern, the Dove blouse. I cropped the Rowan sleeve at about elbow length, pretty much right at the same spot as Dove. And because the Rowan sleeve is not as wide as the Dove sleeve, I had to eliminate a little bit from the bell pattern piece as well. I didn’t do it very mathematically. I just kind of eyed it. But it worked out fine!

And did you think for a second think that Penny wasn’t nearby in a matching outfit? Haha. The turban, tee, and leggings she is wearing are all new Nelly Lou fall items that I plan to have ready to list by mid October.

Make sure you check out all the other stops on the tour. Follow along with @stylemakerfabrics on Instagram to keep up to date on everyone. Love You Sew is up next!

** Fabrics provided by Stylemakerfabrics.com

Shoes are from Target

Handmade Wardrobe // My new favorite jumpsuit

This feels like the most “me” me-made outfit I’ve made recently. It’s all I want to wear and I read for it every day. An easy throw on, comfy jumpsuit and a cozy tee (with ruffles of course)? Yes, please. This is me in outfit form.

Jumpsuit is a pattern from Mimi G Style (from one of her Sew Def issues) with added tie straps, in a double gauze from https://www.blackbirdfabrics.com.

Tee is a Papercut Patterns Kyoto tee in a rayon slub jersey knit form Fabric.com

Booties are from Target.

Some added Penny cuteness for your enjoyment….

snapshots: sunflowers at Colby Farms 2018

Two flower field posts in a row! We're getting flower crazy over here!

Because of the heat wave we're had this summer, the sunflower field at Colby Farms bloomed earlier than usual. I love going here every year (even if it gets crazier and busier every year, too), and this year was extra special because Gramma and K-pa were here with us! Penny loved walking through the tunnels of the rows of flowers and saying she was "flower hiking". I hope she looks forward to this tradition every year like I do <3.

You can see all our other years visiting the sunflowers here (I love all of these photos so much!) - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 (not Colby Farm)

PS- my dress is very old H&M, Penny's dress and socks are June and January. Her turban is Nelly Lou.

snapshots : flowers and blueberries at Parlee Farms

For years now, we've made a tradition of strawberry picking in the summer and apple picking in the fall. This was the first time we decided to go blueberry picking, too, and it was a hit! Penny was picking and plopping blueberries in her mouth faster than we could keep up with her, and we picked enough berries to make 2 pies and smoothies for a month!

On top of that, Parlee farms also has a gorgeous pick-your-own flower field filled with zinnias and dahlias, as well as sunflowers. That one wasn't as much of a hit with P. Bee filled flowers + a bug terrified two year old + sweltering heat don't mix, apparently. But I was in absolute heaven. And it was the perfect photo op, of course! If you're from the Boston area, or anywhere in New England for that matter, check out Parlee farms in Tyngsboro, MA.

Not an ad - I just really liked this place!

PS, my dress is handmade - Megan Nielsen Darling Ranges dress extended to maxi length

Handmade Wardrobe // Tania 2.0

I totally forgot to post this here! A little while ago, Megan released an updated version of her Tania culottes. The new update includes extended sizing, new variations, AND the edition of pockets. POCKETS, you guys. Game changer. 

I created a whole sewalong over at Design Diary, which is fully posted now (yeah, I'm pretty late with this). So if you're thinking about making a pair yourself (which you should), you can follow along over there. I also go over how to add the pockets on to the older version, too. 

top: Megan Nielsen Patterns Eucalypt top, crepe de chine bee print from fabric.com

bottom: Megan Nielsen Patterns Tania culottes, honey twill from fabric.com

shoes: Swedish Hasbeens

HandmadeWardrobe // Late Summer Make

Well hey there! Long time, no see. It's been a crazy busy summer, and I realized the blog here has been neglected.... again. But I have a bunch of posts now backed up to share with you. Some outfits, some adventures. 

We'll start with this romper! I had this all cut out and sitting on my sewing table for 2 months, and I wish I would've gotten around to making it earlier on in the summer. It's lightweight and airy, and the perfect leafy print. I've used this pattern 3 times before (this jumpsuit, this romper, this dress), and it has officially been added to my top five most used patterns. I used the jumpsuit version, and just shortened the pants to shorts length. 

 

pattern: Vogue 9075

fabric: tropical floral rayon crepe from Style Maker Fabrics

Handmade Wardrobe // On The Fence

So. This jumpsuit. 

I don't love it. But I like it. It's M7756, and I do absolutely adore the silhouette. Overall, I like how it came out, I just have some issues with fit and fabric choice. 

I really should have raised the neckline an inch or so and removed some excess from the bust area. If you haven't noticed, I have no boobs. So theres just a little too much extra fabric hanging around that area. And combined with the daring low neckline, well, there may be a few people that got to see a bit too much of me that day. Nothing a little fashion tape can't fix in the future. But still. I don't love that idea. So small bust people - take note. 

That, and theres my fabric choice. I got a little too excited about the idea of using this mustard ponte knit for a jumpsuit, that I disregarded that the pattern called for lightweight fabrics. It works for the most part, but because of the lining and facing, it gets a little bulky in spots. It is pretty cozy, though. 

So yeah, just keeping it real. I know I usually rave about my makes and how much I love them. But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Some don't turn out exactly how I picture. Although, this one isn't a total lose, and I'll still be making it anaddition to my wardrobe. Just with tape always on hand. And maybe one day I'll get around to making a second version with the necessary revisions.  

Snapshots // Crawford Notch, White Mountains, NH

We spent a long Father's Day weekend on our first camping trip of the summer! We changed it up from our usual spot in Acadia, ME and headed into the White Mountains in NH instead. We started out with a quick mini hike the first day, survived a long 5.4 mile hike the second day (which included a railroad bridge and a waterfall!), and spent a lot of time hanging out at the campsite. 

Penny definitely takes after her daddy, and loves camping. She slept and napped in the tent like a champ, and thought it was the coolest thing ever to sleep outside. And she could play in the dirt all day. We still have more camping to do this summer, and I eventually plan on doing a separate post on camping toddler activities, but heres a rundown on what she did this trip: painted rocks, shoveled and sifted dirt, played with glow sticks, rode her scooter, looked at things through binoculars, "threw" a frisbee, and played hide and seek behind trees. I have a few more ideas for her for next time, so I can't wait!

I didn't include any pictures here, but we also crawled out of the woods one day to go to Story Land - an amusement park for young kids. It's such a cute park, and Penny LOVED that she could actually ride so many rides. Aaaaand She met Daniel Tiger (and gave him hugs!). If you are ever in the White Mountains of NH and have toddlers or small kids, you should definitely check it out!