Rise and Shine PJs // Pattern Testing

I "met" Rachel from Once Upon A Sewing Machine when I made her son this hangout hoodie as part of the Peek-A-Boo pattern clothing swap.

She and her mom, Donna, sew and blog about all the cute things they make for Rachel's kids. They just released their Ruffled PJ pattern and I had so much fun testing this pattern.

I was going to make a cozy plaid version but Miette had other things in mind. A friend have me this chicken, rooster and egg fabric and I had no idea what I would ever make with it. It's not something I would normally chose. But Miette found it and wanted me to use it for the PJs. So I named them her Rise and Shine pajamas! 

I omitted the optional ruffle, since the print was already so busy. The bodice is fully lined, the sleeves have elastic (based on feedback, they updated the pattern to have the sleeves a bit shorter), the skirt portion is gathered (so it twirls!!) and I used snaps instead of buttons. She absolutely loves these and even though its been in the 80's, she insists on wearing these!

They are definitely a fun, fancy pair of pajamas! And so easy to sew. I plan to make her a few more pairs for this Winter!

Guest Post at I Seam Stressed

Hi! Today I'm guest posting at I Seam Stressed talking about this cute knit dress. Come on over and say hello!

Draped Cardigan // Selfish Sewing Week

I have a stash of women's patterns. Adorable dresses, shirts, vintage patterns. Mostly purchased, on sale, from the fabric store. But have I cut into any of them and sewn with them? Until recently, no. I also have a handful of patterns by independent pattern makers and I've used quite a few of those.

I just started sewing for myself and it is so much fun! Harder than sewing for kids but so rewarding. I even have two patterns that I plan to sew for my hubby!

My go-to clothing item is the cardigan. I love blazers and sweaters but I always reach for the comfy cardi.

Seamingly Smitten is about to release a new pattern--The Draped Cardigan. And I was able to test the pattern. I wanted it to be a little on the loose side so I sewed a Medium. The fit is great but the next time around I will lengthen the sleeves and the overall length. I just prefer my clothes on the long side.

I picked up the floral knit at M&L Fabrics. It's such a lightweight fabric and so comfy. 

I have a few other things in mind to sew. Hope I can get around to them for Selfish Sewing Week (hosted by imagine gnats).

A little plaid // PR&P Week 3

I had this idea in my mind for awhile. I came across an adorable blue plaid dress paired with an infinity mustard colored scarf while browsing on Pinterest. I knew that was the color scheme I wanted to go with.

I fell in love with these Daphne knickers from Violette Field Threads. I wasn't planning to buy and new patterns or fabric for PR&P but I broke my own rule and bought the pattern. And I'm glad I did!

I searched through my stash and found these plaid shorts I found at an estate sale for $2. Blue, gray, white and a little mustard. Perfect! There wasn't enough plaid fabric for the waistband or ruffle but I had some solid gray lying around and it was the perfect complement to the colors. These just fit her so hopefully she doesn't have a growth spurt anytime soon!

I had a hard time deciding on the color and style if the shirt. I've been using lots of prints lately and knew I wanted a solid with the plaid. But what color? Gray, mustard, blue? I started making a mustard colored shirt and it just wasn't working for me. I still plan to make it so she can have a few shirts to wear with these shorts. So I decided to make another Skipper top (by Sew Much Ado). I cut up an old t-shirt and and kept the original hem.

Then I used the mustard fabric for the infinity scarf. When M tried it on, she started giggling like crazy!

I was going to leave it with just those items but when we made plans to go apple picking, I decided to make a cardigan! She needs one and it was going to be chilly so win-win! 

I found some blue and gray knit and I like the simple colors. I used the Greenpoint Cardigan by Hey June! Also, it's unisex so if it lasts long enough I can just switch out the flower buttons so Henri can wear it! Hmm, why did I use white thread instead of gray? Silly me...

It's a different color pallet than I normally go with for my girl. And it's pretty gender neutral, but I love it! And she loves each piece as well!!