Sew what do I wear? {Holiday Edition}


The holiday season is revving up and if you are anything like me, you are already thinking about what you are going to wear.  There are work parties, gatherings, family dinners, school parties.  The list goes on and on.  Finding something to wear always seems to be a chore.

Thankfully, Patterns for Pirates and Made for Mermaids always deliver!  These sister companies, run by 2 awesome sisters, are two of my favorite pattern companies in the world.  I've been a fan since the beginning because their patterns are easy to understand and the finished products are always {GORGEOUS}!
I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the Holiday Edition of "Sew What Do I Wear?" because I vowed to have a stress free Holiday season, at least when it comes to clothing!

 I knew I wanted something cute and comfortable, but also something functional.  As a Mom of 4, I need to be able to get down on the ground and play, and it needs to be something I can nurse in.

I tend to make something and wear it once.  This time I wanted these pieces to be something I would wear often!  After scouring through my patterns, I decided on the M4M Mama Mya Top and the P4P 
Pirate Pencil Skirt.

 Both patterns are beyond flattering, on all body types, and this is another reason I adore these pattern companies.

What I really love is how a few accessories and easy changes can give a totally different look, taking your outfit from casual daytime to evening party!



Pair your Mya with jeans and you are ready for all those school parties and impromptu coffee dates with your bestie.  So comfortable while still looking put together.  The rounded front and back hem is oh so flattering.


For a different casual look, try a side knot.  This is a look I don't often attempt, but decided to give it a try and fell in love with it!  It is so easy and really gives a cute look.  It also helps accentuate the smallest part of your waist, so it's super flattering!

If you are looking for something on the dressier side, pair your Mya with the Pirate Pencil and you have a knockout look!

I went with the high waist midi pencil.  This is way out of my comfort zone, but I've gotta say I am so glad I went with this skirt!  Don't get me wrong, I do love a good pencil skirt, but high waisted anything is not always flattering on me!  



Tuck you Mya in to show off that high waist skirt.  You will be amazed at how flattering this look is!  For a dressy look, I adore this paired with tights and booties, just make sure your tights and boots are the same color!  This will be my go to look for holiday parties this year!  


Change it up and add in a cute jacket.  I decided on a cute jean jacket.  This is a great way to make it a little more casual, but still appropriate for family photos or even a holiday party!  Plus, you are still super comfortable!


Take the jacket off and try that side knot again.  This is quite possibly my favorite look out of all of them!  I'll be honest, this side knot grew on me and I can see myself doing this often now to give a top a totally new look!


 These pieces are so versatile.  I love how many different looks you can get with just a few garments!  I will be wearing the heck out of these all holiday season!

I'd love to hear what your favorite look is!  Leave me a message below!  A special thanks to Made for Mermaids and Patterns for Pirates for hosting this fantastic blog tour!  Make sure to check out all the other amazing bloggers and see what they will be wearing over the holidays!  

One Thimble Magazine Review {Issue 13}


Every time One Thimble announces a new release, I feel a little giddy!  It is by far one of the best sewing publications available, chocked full of amazing patterns, fantastic articles, and tons of sewing info you can't get anywhere else.

One Thimble just released {Issue 13}, can you believe it??  I was beyond excited when I was asked to once again be part of the OT blog tour!  I have been so busy with work and kids, but I knew I needed to make time for this!  

 If you aren't familiar with One Thimble, it is an digital sewing magazine for sewists, featuring patterns for both boys and girls, business info, articles, tips and tricks, and much much more.  You can purchase the full magazine, or you can purchase individual patterns, the choice is yours!

Why don't we get started and dive right in!  When I took a look at the patterns included, 2 stood out to me immediately.  I knew I needed to show the versatility of this magazine. 

I love One Thimble because the patterns are so varied, it can take you from day to play!  Let's start with day.  The Raglan Party Dress from Call Ajaire is the perfect dress for everyday or that special party.

My daughter was so excited for this one.  She loves a good dress, and for some reason has become increasingly excited when she see dresses with zippers.  Perfect!  This dress has an invisible zip, so to say she was pleased in an understatement.

The instructions were so easy to follow.  I love a pattern with good line drawings to follow each step!  While I made this dress over a few days, it can easily be done in a single sitting!


I chose to leave off the shoulder details and used the lining pieces as the main front and back bodice, since I wanted my fabric to the the main focal point.  I adore how it turned out, but will definitely be adding in the shoulder pieces next time!

The pleated skirt directions were great and the finished product is so lovely!  I was pleasantly surprised with how well my pleats turned out!

I've gotta say, the size range, from newborn to 12 years, is beyond amazing!  I cannot wait to sew a matching baby dress for my littlest love!

I adore the bodice details!  Such a pretty neck and back!  This dress is a real winner!  I know you are going to love it too!  

If play is more of what you are searching for, then take a chance on the Ultimate Suit by BOO! Designs. 

This pattern is super versatile, allowing you to make bathing suits and dance/gymnastics leotards.  I have been searching for a good leotard for my daughter, but often have a hard time finding one in her size since she is so petite.

This pattern made the PERFECT ballet leotard!  Using black spandex, it is not only comfortable, but will last a long time and hold up to lots of stretching and moving!

The Ultimate Suit also includes options such as a gathered or circle frill and spliced bodice.  I chose the circle frill and really love the sweet look it has!  And bonus, my daughter loves it too.

The scoop back is not too low, and the fit is amazing!  I have made a few leotards and bathing suits in my day, and this is by far the best fitting one ever!  I will definitely be making many many more!

The Ultimate Suit was a huge success!!  Much easier than you expect!  My daughter will be sporting hers at dance class this week!!

Along with these amazing patterns, I really enjoyed reading the articles!  I love the quality of all the articles.  From sewing tips and tricks to helping with FB marketing and photography, there is something for everyone.

 The Adventures in Bra Making was one of my favorites.  I have always wanted to make my own undergarments but felt overwhelmed with not knowing where to start.  this article who full of awesome info on how to get started!  I may actually take a leap and attempt making a bra one of these days!

 I also really loved the photography article, discussing how to nail your next photoshoot!  Photographing your handmade goods is often the hardest part.  Dealing with lighting and model issues{gotta love 4 year olds!} always seems to be the hardest for me.  Reading this article was the perfect little boost I needed to step up my photo game.  I look forward to putting into practice what I learned.


One Thimble once again more than delivers on it's amazing promise!  The best e-zine around!  

Thanks to everyone for stopping by and for Pattern Revolution and One Thimble for inviting me along!  Make sure to check out all the other amazing stops on the blog tour!!
11/10 Pattern Revolution, Beri Bee Designs, The Sew and Tell Project, SewSophieLynn
11/11 Create 3.5, GAAFMACHINE
11/12 Tales of a Tester, Little Cumquat, Call Ajaire
11/13 Happy Okapi, Sunflower Seams, Stitches by Laura
11/14 Made by Sara, Candice Ayala, Filles a Maman
11/15 House of Estrela, Snickerdoodle Stew, Swoodson Says
11/16 The Lady and the Gents, Lulu & Celeste, Pear Berry Lane
11/17 Finn's Door, Blue Wren Handmade, Once Upon a Sewing Machine, Just Add Fabric






Summertime and the livin is easy


It's almost summer.  School ends next week, the weather has been hot and sunny, and I am getting bigger by the day.  My pregnant self is ready for pool days and no commitments for a few weeks!

 Since I am {FINALLY} feeling somewhat normal these days, I have been testing patterns more!  I took a long hiatus from sewing anything not related to work but I'm now ready to take advantage of my final burst of energy until Baby #4 makes his/her debut!

One of my new favorite sews was the Sightseer Sun Dress from my dear friend Suzanne, designer and owner of Winter Wear Designs.

This pattern is a must have for lots of reasons.  First off, the size range is amazing, including sizes 1-16!!  Second, I like to have options and this pattern is chocked full of them!  



For my version, I chose the tunic length in a gathered skirt, with an exposed zipper.  I knew this would be perfect paired with all the shorts I made the little lady last summer!

My little lady is super petite and in between sizes 1 and 2 right now.  Next time I know to take a bigger SA when sewing and I think the fit will be even better!

I ADORE the back!!  I mean come one?!?!?  That deep v-back is {AMAZE}!!  I love the simplicity of the front mixed with the stunning back!  And that zipper!!  I found this in a box of sewing notions from my best friend's Grandpa who was an amazing tailor.  It is an amazing honor to be able to keep his memory alive by using these treasures!

I knew when I searched through my fabric stash that this Riley Blake Vintage Market fabric would be absolutely perfect!  I had been saving this fabric for the perfect pattern, and I knew this was the one! 



I love the extra "vintagey" feel the red and white polka-dot bias tape gives the tunic!!  Such a fun look.  And after sewing, I added a big wooden button to the bodice because who doesn't love a wood button?!?!?! 

This fantastic button is from Bethany Lane.  Their buttons are great quality and sew cute!!  I love to use them on my garments!

I love the details and helpful hints put into this pattern.  Suzanne does a fantastic job of walking you through how to make your own bias tape which is oh so helpful.  And the tutorial is easy to follow and includes both line drawings and color photos.

If you are nervous about sewing a zipper, don't be! the zipper instructions will have you feeling like a zipper pro in no time!

I really love this pattern and will definitely be making more.  My daughter loves her top and we get compliments on it everywhere we go!  You can't beat that!  Grab your copy of the Sightseer Sun Dress today!!  You won't regret it!  
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