New Horizons has a great new pattern out - the Tawsha Dress. There's a women's and kid's version. You can buy them individually or as a bundle. All are on sale through December 31st.
This dress has some really great options you give you many different looks. I did the simplest version. There are options for a contrasting shoulder and a faux button back with a ruffle.
First of all - My husband took the following photos with my phone and, well - he's truly horrible at taking photos.
The Tawsha Dress is an above the knee dress. It's drafted for 5' 5" tall. I'm 5' tall and removed 2" from the length. I made this version with a brushed poly I bought off the remnant table at Wherehouse Fabrics.
It was literally freezing the day these photos were taken and jeggings and boots were necessary. Which, I personally think this style of dress looks great over jeggings and leggings.
I have a testing fail to share with you - only because I really loved how it turned out. You see, I was in a hurry to finish this test on the timeline given. The Tawsha pattern was posted promptly, but without the instructions. I printed the pattern, taped it together, and checked to see if instructions has been posted. They were not. If I had any chance of meeting the deadline for fit photos, I had to start ASAP. I saw that there were two different lines for the hem. I incorrectly assumed that the pattern had 2 different lengths, and proceeded to cut my pattern on that shorter line - since I'm short.
I was so wrong! So, I ended up with a cute top/tunic. I got my fit photos posted by the timeline and NO ONE commented on how short my dress was. I did these photos as my "final" pics, and when I posted them, the designer asked me if I shortened the dress. By this time, the instructions had been posted and I realized my big mistake.
The neckline on this is a bit wider than the final pattern. The hemline on this initial version was also a bit more curved. But I really love it and think I'll make a few more "mistakes".I also did the contrast shoulder on this version and used some faux stretch leather.
I really like that the shoulder contrast is all one piece that goes over the shoulder. It looks so sleek. You can get away with using a non stretch fabric, like a pretty woven, for the shoulder accent. The brown & black stripe I used for this version is a poly knit that I found in my grandmother's enormous fabric stash that she left behind when she passed.
So after my huge mistake, I had to quickly make a new Tawsha Dress and have my husband grab photos first thing when we arrived at my mom's house for Christmas. Hence the crappy photos at the beginning of my post. Grab the Tawsha Dress while it's on sale, and if you are adventurous, try my mistake.
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Halla Felicity Dress
Halla Patterns are amazing. They are so easy to get the perfect fit with the rule guides at all the important places (bust, waist, and hips). They also come out with so many options, that it's always hard for me to pick which to try first. The new Felicity Dress is fabulous! Since we are going into winter, I opted to make a peplum version with the plain bodice and long sleeves. I can't wait for Summer to make a few maxi skirt versions.
The Felicity Dress has 2 bodice options, plain and gathered. You can also finish the neckline be lining the bodice, using a facing, or a band. I did a band since I used a scuba knit and thought a band would give me the sleekest finish.
There are also two options for the waist band, a foldover waist band, or a double layered gathered band. I went with the foldover waistband. I'm 5' tall and found the foldover waistband to be too tall for me as I had to fiddle with it to get it to look right. If I do the foldover band again, I'll definitely make it shorter.
I also took 4" out of the sleeve length. I added the cuffs at the height in the pattern and it gave me a perfect length for my sleeves. In addition to "regular" sleeves, there is also a Bishop sleeve. I cannot wait to try the Bishop sleeves!
The peplum skirt is gathered a the waist and the gathers are hidden by the foldover waistband. In addition to the peplum, there is a pencil skirt, and a full length gathered skirt, and a knee length gathered skirt.
I also love the back. The lower neckline in back is an interesting detail. In addition, you can mix and match the bodice and skirt with the Carefree and Bliss Dresses for even more options! All digital patterns are on sale for 20% off with the code FELICITY. Halla Patterns now has the option to purchase printed patterns, but these are not included in the sale.
UPDATE! Halla Patterns is having a Christmas Sale and all patterns are 40% off with the code Jolly through December 25th at midnight PST!
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The Felicity Dress has 2 bodice options, plain and gathered. You can also finish the neckline be lining the bodice, using a facing, or a band. I did a band since I used a scuba knit and thought a band would give me the sleekest finish.
There are also two options for the waist band, a foldover waist band, or a double layered gathered band. I went with the foldover waistband. I'm 5' tall and found the foldover waistband to be too tall for me as I had to fiddle with it to get it to look right. If I do the foldover band again, I'll definitely make it shorter.
The peplum skirt is gathered a the waist and the gathers are hidden by the foldover waistband. In addition to the peplum, there is a pencil skirt, and a full length gathered skirt, and a knee length gathered skirt.
I also love the back. The lower neckline in back is an interesting detail. In addition, you can mix and match the bodice and skirt with the Carefree and Bliss Dresses for even more options! All digital patterns are on sale for 20% off with the code FELICITY. Halla Patterns now has the option to purchase printed patterns, but these are not included in the sale.
UPDATE! Halla Patterns is having a Christmas Sale and all patterns are 40% off with the code Jolly through December 25th at midnight PST!
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Zenith & Quasar Florida Charity Fabric!
Lilly, owner of Zenith & Quasar is from Florida. So after Hurricane Irma struck Florida, she knew she wanted to run some fabric celebrating all the wonderful wildlife and nature that Florida has to offer. It so happens that a loyal customer, Shelly - who is a graphic designer, is also from Florida! So with the help of member of the Zenith & Quasar Facebook group - they developed a print, 2 panels, and some fun stripes as coordinates.
I made the 5 out of 4 Ninja Pants. These are a great leggings pattern when you want very little negative ease. Which for lighter colored prints is the best. Best part is they are FREE with a code from the Facebook Group.
I had to do a few close ups of my legs to show you the amazing detail and gorgeous colors in this print!
I think the mangrove trees and anole lizard are my favorite images. The manatee is pretty cute too.
I also got the Adult panel of the Manatee. I love the panels - they are a full yard! The panel comes as a fat half of the design and a fat half of the background. I love that it makes it so easy to make a top that has a back that perfectly matches the front.
For my top, I used another free pattern. This is the Uvita top from Itch to Stitch. It's a great relaxed fit drop shoulder top with two sleeve options. I did the 3/4 sleeves. My sleeves happen to be a yarn dyed stripe cotton lycra I picked up at Fabrictopia. Also - Itch to Stitch has all patterns on sale for 20% off through December 19th with the code bye2017!
10% of all sales from this round will be donated to Fishing for Families in Need (F4FN), a South Florida charity. F4FN teaches marine conservation and fishing skills to socioeconomically disadvantaged children, as well as providing fish to local soup kitchens. Originally, Lilly intended to donate to relief efforts, but at this point decided to donate to their general fund so they can use the funds as needed.
This preorder is open through December 31st. As usual, all prints are on the most amazing and soft athletic brushed poly. It's breathable, moisture wicking, colorfast, and has way better stretch and recovery than cotton lycra. It has a bit of drape so it's perfect for making just about anything. If you have never tried it - you should.
Lilly sent me the large scale post cards. I knew as soon as I saw the print that I wanted to make leggings with it!
I made the 5 out of 4 Ninja Pants. These are a great leggings pattern when you want very little negative ease. Which for lighter colored prints is the best. Best part is they are FREE with a code from the Facebook Group.
I had to do a few close ups of my legs to show you the amazing detail and gorgeous colors in this print!
I think the mangrove trees and anole lizard are my favorite images. The manatee is pretty cute too.
I also got the Adult panel of the Manatee. I love the panels - they are a full yard! The panel comes as a fat half of the design and a fat half of the background. I love that it makes it so easy to make a top that has a back that perfectly matches the front.
For my top, I used another free pattern. This is the Uvita top from Itch to Stitch. It's a great relaxed fit drop shoulder top with two sleeve options. I did the 3/4 sleeves. My sleeves happen to be a yarn dyed stripe cotton lycra I picked up at Fabrictopia. Also - Itch to Stitch has all patterns on sale for 20% off through December 19th with the code bye2017!
I'll be making a trip to Florida in April this coming year and can't wait to wear this outfit there. But I'll be wearing this a lot no matter where I am. I have a few other tunics in my wardrobe that will go great with these legging too since it has a wide array of colors. Preorder closes on December 31st!
Itch to Stitch Uvita Top
Kennis Wong of Itch to Stitch has a Christmas/Hanukkah gift for everyone! It's a free pattern that is quick and easy. It's also a great scrap buster! It's simple design is a versatile staple for your wardrobe.
Check out the Uvita top! Named after Uvita Beach in Costa Rica. Kennis often names her patterns after locations in Costa Rica where she resides. They always make me long for a tropical vacation.
Since this pattern is named after a beach, it has a bit of a nautical design with a boat neck, dropped shoulders, and loose fit. This top would be perfect for a day at the beach or for working in an office.
I really love this version that I made using a poly rayon jersey I picked up at Wherehouse fabric. I loved the color and the pattern, but it was designed in large squares (like scarves). I'd been stumped on what I could make with it. Many patterns I had tried laying out on it, would have be end up with lines from the square boards in weird places. The Uvita fit into those squares perfectly and I think it makes for an interesting top.
The first Uvita I made was with some scraps I had. My sewing room has a closet that I use to store all my "scraps". For me, anything less than a yard is a scrap. All my 1 yard and bigger pieces are neatly folded and stored within the shelving units of my sewing room. I often end up with 3/4 yard and 1/2 yard pieces when I finish a project. The Uvita is perfect for these pieces. The body easily fits onto a 3/4 yard piece. I am short with short arms, so I shortened the sleeves by 1.5". This allows them to fit onto a 22" wide piece of fabric.
My stripes are from the Dallas fabric district and apparently were flawed in the knitting process as the stripes are really wavy. No amount of ironing could get them to be perfectly smooth. I used a scrap of athletic brushed poly from Zenith & Quasar for the sleeves. I love this print and color combination and will wear this top with pride - despite the wonky stripes.
This is a wonderful top that is surely to be a favorite in any wardrobe. You will love the ease of wear and ease to make. Grab the Uvita - for free, and all other patterns are on sale for 20% off with the code "bye2017". Check out all the other tester's photos HERE.
Check out the Uvita top! Named after Uvita Beach in Costa Rica. Kennis often names her patterns after locations in Costa Rica where she resides. They always make me long for a tropical vacation.
Since this pattern is named after a beach, it has a bit of a nautical design with a boat neck, dropped shoulders, and loose fit. This top would be perfect for a day at the beach or for working in an office.
I really love this version that I made using a poly rayon jersey I picked up at Wherehouse fabric. I loved the color and the pattern, but it was designed in large squares (like scarves). I'd been stumped on what I could make with it. Many patterns I had tried laying out on it, would have be end up with lines from the square boards in weird places. The Uvita fit into those squares perfectly and I think it makes for an interesting top.
The first Uvita I made was with some scraps I had. My sewing room has a closet that I use to store all my "scraps". For me, anything less than a yard is a scrap. All my 1 yard and bigger pieces are neatly folded and stored within the shelving units of my sewing room. I often end up with 3/4 yard and 1/2 yard pieces when I finish a project. The Uvita is perfect for these pieces. The body easily fits onto a 3/4 yard piece. I am short with short arms, so I shortened the sleeves by 1.5". This allows them to fit onto a 22" wide piece of fabric.
My stripes are from the Dallas fabric district and apparently were flawed in the knitting process as the stripes are really wavy. No amount of ironing could get them to be perfectly smooth. I used a scrap of athletic brushed poly from Zenith & Quasar for the sleeves. I love this print and color combination and will wear this top with pride - despite the wonky stripes.
This is a wonderful top that is surely to be a favorite in any wardrobe. You will love the ease of wear and ease to make. Grab the Uvita - for free, and all other patterns are on sale for 20% off with the code "bye2017". Check out all the other tester's photos HERE.
EYMM Off the Shoulder Tour
Don't miss any of the stops by the creative ladies on the Off The Shoulder Tour this week! Each blogger is giving away a $20 gift card to EYMM! (Keep in mind that the links below won’t work until their scheduled date, but feel free to click through and check out their other blog posts anytime.)
Dec. 8 - Tour Kick Off at EYMM
Dec. 9 - Sewing Scientist
Dec. 10 - House of Estrela
Dec. 11 - With Love in Every Stitch
Dec. 12 - Blessed x Five
Dec. 13 - Tour Roundup at EYMM
Grab yourself a copy of the pattern while it's on sale during the tour! The Women's Off the Shoulder Dress & Peplum Top AND the Off the Shoulder Top & Tunic for Women or Girls are all 25% off (no coupon needed, prices as marked) in the EYMM shop until 11:59pm PST on December 14, 2017.
I love doing blog tours with EYMM! I was excited to see that this time it was for the Women's Off the Shoulder Dress & Peplum Top. I've had this pattern for awhile, but this was my first time making it.
I decided to use this gorgeous french terry from Sincerely Rylee. Sincerely Rylee has the softest french terry. I love it! It was perfect to make a casual and comfy version of the Women's Off the Shoulder Dress & Peplum Top.
But as you can see - you don't have to wear it off the shoulder. The collar is made so that the gathers are sewn into place with pleats.
I love how my top turned out and think this length will be cute with leggings or skinny jeans like I'm wearing here, but I'm not sure that the drop waist design flatters my figure.
I have some ideas for what I might do differently next time I make this pattern. I think I will raise the skirt to start at my natural waist and I think I might add elastic to the neckline.
Overall, I think this is a really cute pattern. I can imagine it looking very dressy and elegant if made in a velvet.
I hope you enjoyed my post. Enter the rafflecopter giveaway below for a chance to win a $20 gift card to EYMM.
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The Tree and the Wolf Comfy Winter Blog Tour
I can't believe this is my first time using The Wolf and the Tree (TWT) patterns! I've been eyeing the TWT sock patterns for awhile now. So when I saw Saskia, the designer, post about looking for bloggers fr a blog tour - I signed up. When Saskia asked me which patterns I wanted to sew, I told her the Ladies Two Tone Tunic and a pair of socks. I didn't care which ones, they all looked great. So Saskia sent me the Adult Going Rogue Socks and Ladies Knockout Socks. All patterns are on sale for $5 during the blog tour. The sale ends on December 10th!
The Ladies Two Tone Tunic is full of options! I decided to make the high low hem shirt with the gathered skirt liner.
I used this beautiful creamy white sweater knit from Sincerely Rylee. Darcy, the owner, has these amazing mystery boxes filled with gorgeous sweater knits. She does them by color palatte and also does "Darcy's Pick" boxes. This was from a "Darcy's Pick" and I love it!
I looked through my stash of chiffon scraps and found this lovely floral. It was just a strip, but just enough to make the skirt on the Ladies Two Tone Tunic. I didn't go by the pattern measurements and instead, just used up what fabric I had. So my skirt is somewhere between the 2 length options and a little bit fuller.
I seriously love how the Ladies Two Tone Tunic turned out and can see myself making more. This sweater knit was a bit on the stiff side, and I'm thinking a lighter and drapier sweater knit would look even better.
I've always been intrigued about making my own socks. I have tiny feet at a shoe size 5.5, but I have fat calves at 16". Not many companies make socks by shoe size and I often find myself just buying kids socks, but then they are tight on my calves. So being able to make socks is a very interesting idea.
First I made the Adult Going Rogue socks. These are a simple sock and go together super quick. I just did the cuff band.
It's so hard to take a photo of your feet in socks. I love that they go right up to my knee.
Next, I made the Ladies Knockout Socks. These I made the top of toe seam version and again with a cuff band.
Here you can see the seam across the top of my toes. I find this style slightly more comfortable, but I think they type of shoe I wear also impacts how they feel on.
I wore both pairs for a day and both were quite comfortable. I did have to pull them up a bit during wear. I think I may try to make a pair with a smaller cuff and see if that helps. I avoid using elastic as I'm allergic to latex. I'm definitely thinking that a shorter length might fit better too. These go all the way to my knees.
12/7
And don't forget all The Wolf and The Tree patterns are on sale for $5 through the end of the blog tour!
The Ladies Two Tone Tunic is full of options! I decided to make the high low hem shirt with the gathered skirt liner.
I used this beautiful creamy white sweater knit from Sincerely Rylee. Darcy, the owner, has these amazing mystery boxes filled with gorgeous sweater knits. She does them by color palatte and also does "Darcy's Pick" boxes. This was from a "Darcy's Pick" and I love it!
I looked through my stash of chiffon scraps and found this lovely floral. It was just a strip, but just enough to make the skirt on the Ladies Two Tone Tunic. I didn't go by the pattern measurements and instead, just used up what fabric I had. So my skirt is somewhere between the 2 length options and a little bit fuller.
I seriously love how the Ladies Two Tone Tunic turned out and can see myself making more. This sweater knit was a bit on the stiff side, and I'm thinking a lighter and drapier sweater knit would look even better.
I've always been intrigued about making my own socks. I have tiny feet at a shoe size 5.5, but I have fat calves at 16". Not many companies make socks by shoe size and I often find myself just buying kids socks, but then they are tight on my calves. So being able to make socks is a very interesting idea.
First I made the Adult Going Rogue socks. These are a simple sock and go together super quick. I just did the cuff band.
It's so hard to take a photo of your feet in socks. I love that they go right up to my knee.
Next, I made the Ladies Knockout Socks. These I made the top of toe seam version and again with a cuff band.
Here you can see the seam across the top of my toes. I find this style slightly more comfortable, but I think they type of shoe I wear also impacts how they feel on.
I wore both pairs for a day and both were quite comfortable. I did have to pull them up a bit during wear. I think I may try to make a pair with a smaller cuff and see if that helps. I avoid using elastic as I'm allergic to latex. I'm definitely thinking that a shorter length might fit better too. These go all the way to my knees.
Please be sure to check in at the other tour stops:
12/3
12/4
12/5
12/6
12/7
12/8
12/9
12/10
And don't forget all The Wolf and The Tree patterns are on sale for $5 through the end of the blog tour!