Pier 7

I got the pleasure of testing Terra's Treasureshttp://terrastreasuresdesigns.com/ new Pier 7 top pattern (which is also part of the Bundle Up Salehttp://bundleupsale.com/!)  Like all Terra's patterns is unique and cute!  

(you'll have to pardon my photos.  My photographer is the size of most 5 year olds and I didn't think to get her a stool!  lol)

It's hard to tell in my pictures/with the fabric I chose but there are 5 cute little pleats/pin tucks in the center of the bodice.  The bodice neckline has a facing that super easy to put in and several testers left off the flutter sleeves if those aren't your thing.

The bodice skirt can be gathered with shirring or with elastic and I think this would be totally adorable as a maternity shirt too!!!

The pattern is written for light weight, flowy woven fabric but I know at least one tester used knit fabric and her top was adorable!  

Women's Bundle Up Take 2!

It's Bundle Up time again!!!  The Bundle Up sale consists of ELEVEN brand spanking new patterns that are perfect for the rest of Me Made May and all that self care sewing you've been meaning to do.  

With the Bundle Up you can pick and choose which patterns you actually want and get some rocking good prices!  You have to buy at least 6 patterns to be able to bundle up but the more you buy...the more you save!!!  

PRICING DETAILS

•$4.50 each for 6-7 ($27-31.50 total)
•$4.25 each for 8-9 ($34-38.25 total)
•$4.00 each for 10 or more ($40- $44 total)

 I got the pleasure of sewing up Greenstyle's Jillian Tank and Love Notions Bluezette dress.  (Be sure and stop back later this week when I'll be sharing my take on Terra's Treasures Pier 7 top which is also in the Bundle too!)

First, let's talk about this Bluezette.  I made one of the most simple versions but this pattern has sooo many options you could probably make a dozen or more and never have two alike!  Three different sleeve options (tank, cap, and this 1/2 length), 5 different skirt options (maxi, tulip, half circle, high low, knee length), and two different bodice types (fitted and more full so it looks like it's been tucked in) make this one of the most versatile patterns I've seen in a long time.

I choose the fitted bodice with the knee length skirt and the 1/2 sleeves.  I'm already itching to make another one with a circle skirt.  The bodice is a comfy knit and the instructions for lining or doing facings are incredibly clear and easy to follow.  One thing I LOVED about this pattern was the fact that it has hyperlinks between different options!  It makes jumping from one spot to other as simple as clicking your mouse button.   It comes in sizes XS to XXXL and has no trim pages, layers so you can print only the size you want, and lots of ideas and inspiration for great dresses!

Next up is Greenstyle's Jillian tank. Here's what the pattern description says - "The Jillian comes with so many options! An outer, layer tank, an inner tank, a bandeau, and a sports bra are all included in one great pattern. The outer tank can be made with a dressy chiffon and layered over the inner tank for a night out. Or, you can make it sporty by using your favorite performance knit for your trip to the gym or out for a walk."

I used a lightweight burnout knit for my outer tank.  The binding instructions push this over the top making it incredibly professional looking.  You can also use a lightweight flow-y woven fabric for the outer tank.   

The inner tank can have a build in sports bra and there are instructions for making your own binding for the straps and using 1" FOE.  I chose to go the FOE route and omitted the built in bra and this tank was incredibly quick sew up!  The fit is great and the back is super cute!  I see a lot more of these in my future!  Once you have the pattern cut you can probably whip up both the inner and outer tank both in under an hour!

If you want to check out some more reviews be sure and stop by all the other bloggers on the tour!  

Compass Sweatshirt

I had the pleasure of testing for Michelle from My Little Plumcake again this past week.  I've only made a few of her patterns at this point but I'm always impressed by her attention to detail and her vast knowledge of sewing technicalities.  Don't let that scare you though!  She doesn't assume we know everything she does and she walks you through it all.

Ok, so, first off, my pictures aren't stellar...my husband and my camera aren't always the best of friends.  I really have to get my remote working!  lol, secondly, the pattern has been tweaked a bit since I made this one.  This thing is CRAZY comfy but the one I made is just a bit too big.  It will be perfect to make this size in a thick fabric like sweatshirt fleece for winter (I LOVE my hoodies!!) but if I use a thinner knit again, like this one, I'll size down so it doesn't make me look bigger than I am, amiright?  :p

Anyway, the Compass Sweatshirt has this great hood (that I didn't get any pictures of on!  Oops!) that will keep you extra toasty and the neckline when it's down looks a bit like a cowl neck.  Keeps your neck warm even without the hood!  I love it as a breeze blocker on my neck.  It's also a pretty darn quick sew.

It has two different pocket options, as well as regular cuffs or extended cuffs with thumb holes.  I LOVE me some thumbholes!!!

Have I convinced you yet?  Oh!  I forget to mention that it comes in sizes xxs-xxl!!  That's a pretty darn big size range!  

I have like 3 or 4 orders I have to finish up and then I have BIG plans for a lot more of these for my fall and winter wardrobe!  Oh, and that amazing star fabric on the sleeves and pocket?  My sister-in-law dyed that for me!!!!  How much does she rock?

Hoodie for Me!!!!

I've talked before about how great Kymy's patterns are and I'm sure I will again.  The Zander Asymmetric Hoodie was first released in the Boy's Bundle Up sale (you can buy it alone now) and the adult version is SUPER close to being released!

I did make some modifications to mine because I wanted a tunic length that I could wear with leggings.  I gave it a slight hour-glass shape and lengthened it about 5-6".  (Sorry I don't have any good pictures of a more distant view!)

I used a great sweatshirt fleece that I dyed hot pink for the main body.  The lining is a Riley Blake fabric called Snapshots that I used colored Sharpies to make even more fun!

 I left off the front kangaroo pockets because I was planning to add hidden side seam pockets but I ran out of time.  Oh well...maybe next time!

This is the first of Kymy's patterns to receive an "intermediate" rating but don't let that scare you away at all!  It's a great sew, I LOVE the finished product and the instructions walk you through everything.  I'm pretty sure my kids are going to need these too.

Be sure to check out the rest of the blog tour if you haven't already!!!

Also, you can use the code HOODIESROCK at www.eymm.com for 25% the Zander's Hoodie and Hooded Vest, the Boy's Silhouettes Reverse Applique Pack, and pre-orders of the His and Hers Asymmetrical Hoodie (it's still in testing, being perfected but it will be out very soon!)  

Mommy and Me! Bebelambs Style

I had been eyeing the Berkley pattern for a while but hadn't pulled the trigger and gotten it yet so when I heard that Lynn from Bebelambs was having a Mommy and Me style blog tour I jumped all over it.  For a while I was planning on making myself and the girls' maxi dresses.  I even bought enough fabric to do them all in maxi length but then at the last minute I decided I'd rather have a tunic to wear with leggings.  I'm thinking there might still be another one coming in maxi length though!  lol

Both the Berkley (the ladies pattern) and the Labri (the girls' pattern) are supposed to be reverse knot dresses.  The Berkley included directions for making the straps stationary.  The reverse knot is super cute (and much easier to make and get the fit right with!  lol) but none of us like big bows or knots that dig into our backs in the car.  The girls even make me untie sashes before they get buckled in.  Soo...with that in mind I used the instructions for the stationary straps on all of our dresses.  

I color blocked the bottom of Kessa's and Grace's has a wide exposed ruffle on the bottom of hers.   

My girls' think it is SOOO fun when they can match...and if mom matches too?!?!  It doesn't get much better than that in their books!  ( I feel like I need a #blessed here or something!  lol)

Our cross backs (mine has the opening too but I have a black bra that covers up that part on.)  And how 'bout those tan lines?!?  We love summer around here.  I was just telling Tim the other day I needed to get a different suit to mix up the tan lines a bit.

I know I'm biases, but seriously!!!!  How cute are my girls?!?!?

And some more just for fun...the boys and Pirate Kitty photobombed when we were done.  

Yup, that right there ^^^ pretty much sums up most of my days!  lol

And how about some outtakes just for fun?  (because you haven't seen enough pictures of me yet, right?  Right.  I thought not.) 

That right there ^^^ that's going on a video when she gets married one day!  lol

So, did you like my mommy and me styles?  Join the Bebelambs Blog tour and you'll get loads more "Mommy and Me" inspiration and you can even share your own looks too!!!  And you can use the coupon code mommyandme to get 20% of anything in the Bebelambs shop!  

July 20th Theresa Taylor - Grammies Dolls July 21st Gina Arnold Johnson - BabyFish Designs (that's me! ;) July 22nd Faith Alexander - Sew Like That July 23rd Hannah Rorke - Hello Sunshine July 24th Kylie Roberts - Dribbles and Dots July 25th Amy Huber - How I Make Stuff July 26th Tish Corrales - Milileke a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ladies California

If you remember this post from a while back you'll know that I tested the Girl's California dress from Everything Your Mama Made and made Kessa a hi-low version out of this same fabric.  She loves it and wears it all the time!  

When I got a chance to test the ladies version I jumped all over it!  Kymy's patterns usually start at Newborn (in the children's style of course!) and go all the way up through 5XL in women's!!!!  I usually hover between a L and XL in her patterns which is about what I wear in ready to wear clothing as well.  

The Ladies' California has 4 different length options from a Maxi (which I've made now too and LOVE but don't have any good pictures of yet) all the way up to a peplum top.  I made the above the knee dress and shortened it just a few more inches (because I'm short and I wanted more of a tunic).

You can use knit or woven for the main pieces of this dress and it can be worn with the faux halter or the scoop in the front (OR you can use two scoops or two faux halters!)

It's also a super quick sew and majorly comfy!!!

So, I'd say this pattern is another winner from Kymy!!!!

(this post contains affiliate links but opinions are all my own!)