Little Roots Fabrics - Last Round

The final preorder is now up for Little Roots Fabrics. It's bittersweet for me. I love Little Roots Fabrics, Leah the owner, the ethics and determination that has been put into making Little Roots what it is. But Leah is a fellow spoonie, and I can understand with every fiber of my being, why she is doing this.  The last preorder will be open until around June 12th - it depends on when some final samples arrive. Order HERE.

 There is a wide variety of prints available in this round. I'm wearing Funky Floral. It's a super cool graffiti style print with flowers and butterflies.

When I saw this print, I knew I couldn't pull off wearing an entire shirt if this print and told Leah I would love a fat half to make sleeves for a Raglan top. I chose the Duck Butt Designs Offside and think it was the perfect pattern to pair with the Funky Floral.

Leah offered to make an HTV design to go with the Funky Floral that I could add to my shirt. The body of my shirt is the Lilac 12 oz cotton lycra solid from Made Whimsy.

 Leah designed the perfect HTV file for not only the Funky Floral print, but for me. Live Happy - something I try to do every day not matter what. It doesn't matter how much pain I'm in, how tired I am, I am going to try my best to Live Happy. 

The Live Happy cut file will be available on Etsy in a few days. It's getting slightly tweaked.

 Also available in this preorder are some adorable Viking prints. The summer print is also being offered on a Yoga Swim Spandex based printed through Zenith & Quasar. This is your last chance to get Little Roots Fabrics.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Duck Butt Designs TNT Twist 'n' Tuck Top

I love Duck Butt Designs patterns and was thrilled to test the newest ladies top  - the TNT for Twist n Tuck. This pattern is sponsored by Sincerely Rylee fabrics and I used some sweater knits I bought from there previously in a mystery box. The pattern is currently on sale for $7 through May 25! It's a great bargain since you basically get two patterns for the price of one.

Here is the Twist version.

The Twist has a twist style knot in the center front. There is a center front seam on this version.

Here's another Twist that I made. This one is made with a loose, open weave sweater knit.

And another Twist! This pattern is amazing for lightweight/semi sheer sweater knits. I have a tank under this one that you can see peeking out from under my knot.

This sweater knit may look like a plain off white from a distance, but up close, you can see it has fluorescent yellow and pink flecks. I even matched my threads.

The TNT pattern comes with two very different looks. Both use the same back piece and sleeve, but you have two different fronts. This gives so much versatility to the pattern. Shown below is the Tuck version.

It's a little hard to see, but the front has a small section that is extended and looks as if it's "tucked" under the bottom band.

You can see the folded edge of the Tuck a little better here.

Below is the second Tuck that I made. It's important to get the length correct on the Tuck or it will not look great - at least for me it did not look good very long as it made the Tuck very floppy.

This version also came out too long for me, but not as bad as my first one. How much vertical stretch your fabric has, also plays into this.

I'm 5' tall and I found that I needed to remove 2 inches from the length to get the Tuck to look proper on me. The purple paisley version above was made with the 2" removed. This sunset palm tree version was made per the pattern. I just used a sweater knit with less vertical stretch to see if it helped. It did - but not enough.

I still find this slightly too long version to be good enough to wear. I had selected this sunset palm tree sweater knit to wear on my next cruise. This sweater knit is lightweight and will be perfect for a day at sea.

I love the versatility of the Twist n Tuck and can't wait to make some in a heavier sweater knit for fall and winter. Right now Sincerely Rylee has summer friendly lightweight sweater mystery boxes available for only $3 a yard! Buy it HERE! It's an amazing deal and these are perfect for making the TNT.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Itch to Stitch Nottingham Top

I love testing for Kennis Wong of Itch to Stitch, but it's been awhile since I've tested for her since her tests kept conflicting with my travel schedule. I was so happy that I was free to test the newest pattern, the Nottingham Top. 

The Nottingham Top is perfect for a wardrobe staple. It can be dressed up to wear with slacks and skirts, but also can be worn with jeans for a casual look.

  

There are 3 sleeve options in the Nottingham Top pdf pattern. I made the butterfly sleeve, but there's also a long sleeve and an elbow length short sleeve.

 

 The knot on the Nottingham Top is offset. The top has a relaxed fit and a crew neck.

 

 The knot is super easy - but make sure you pay attention to what you are doing. When done correctly, it looks great!

 My sewing BFF Sharon (Sweet Mama) was also a tester for the Nottingham Top. Be sure to check out her blog to see both of her tops. 

 Sharon went for a casual look with her Nottingham Top pairing it with distressed jeans and converse. Perfect for when she's chasing 5 kids around her house. 

The Nottingham Top below was the first one I made. It's made with a rayon jersey. I've been making an effort to bring more solid items into my wardrobe and this top should go with some of my colorful and wild palazzo pants.  I messed up the knot on this one - but I'm not going to tell you what I did, because - I really don't know and didn't notice until after I went to hem it.

I wore both of my Nottingham Tops with a pair of pull on slacks that are RTW. I threw on a necklace with this one. This is likely how I'll wear it most often as it's likely to become a staple in my work office wardrobe.

I already have a gorgeous emerald green variegated Nottingham Top cut out. I just need to sew it up. I'm certain to make many more for fall in sweater knits and french terry.

The pattern is on sale for $8 for one week! This pattern goes together pretty quick and is perfect for an adventurous beginner. The backside of the fabric can sometimes peak out at the bottom of the knot and from the butterfly sleeves, so it's best to use a knit that doesn't have a very obvious backside.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Sinclair Patterns Lily Classic Cami

Sinclair Patterns next Sew Along is for the Lily Classic Cami.

The Lily Classic Cami has two options - fashion and classic. I decided to make the fashion version.

I really did not expect to love the Lily Classic Cami, but now that I made one - I need more! I love the high back of the Fashion version.

The Fashion version of the Lily Classic Cami has a slightly lower and wider scoop neckline. It's very feminine and flattering.

The Lily Classic Cami can be made lined or with a facing. My rayon crepe (at least I think that's what this is) is lightweight and slightly sheer, so I made the lined version and used a white poly lining.

It's hard to see in this photo, but the back of the Lily Classic Cami is slightly longer than the front.

The Lily Classic Cami has bust darts to give a great fit. 

 Determining the perfect strap length is the hardest part of the construction process. It just involves pinning in place and trying it on and readjusting the straps until you get a perfect fit. Then when you are done - you are ready to jump for joy!

The Lily Classic Cami is on sale through June 10th for $7.99 with the code SewLily
If you need the perfect fabric - head over to So Sew English TODAY and get your fabric for 10% off with the code SINCLAIRSAL. Then head over to the Sinclair Patterns Sew Alongs Group on Facebook and join in on the fun.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Ellie & Mac Memphis Top

Ellie & Mac have a $1 sale every Wednesday. About a month ago, I grabbed the Memphis Top during the Wacky Wednesday Sale. I'll admit I didn't read the directions or follow the pattern exactly. But - I'm definitely making another one.

The bodice is a cotton lycra from Elephant House Fabrics Happily Hogwarts Round at preorder now through May 16. This is the Sky Coordinate and it's just gorgeous!

I lined the bodice with a navy cotton lycra. I think that made the bodice a little to stiff for my liking. The skirt and sleeve ruffle are a black rayon spandex.

The back piece said to cut two mirrored, but there was no shaping to the piece. Instead, I cut the piece on the fold. I hate unnecessary seams.

The skirt back was also supposed to have a seam down the middle. I eliminated it as well.

The sleeve ruffle I cut on the longer line. I then folded the piece in half lengthwise and gathered the edges as one to give the ruffle a folded bottom. I also hemmed the skirt 1". The pattern did not call for the skirt or the sleeve ruffle to be hemmed or folded the way I did them.

I think the pattern isn't too bad for only $1. Yes there are things that I changed, but those are very simple and just to suit my personal preference. I do think I will make it again, and I'll be making a few more changes.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

The Fabric Geeks Coffee

I'm a coffee fanatic. I typically have coffee every morning. Sometimes several cups. And, I do love coffee in the evening with dessert. This Magic Beans print from The Fabric Geeks was perfect for me!

This Magic Beans print and the other fun coffee print and panels, and those gorgeous unicorns are at preorder through May 18 in the Magical Round!

I mashed together two of my favorite patterns to make this top. I used the neckline and shoulders of the Love Notions Laundry Day Tee and the body of the Halla Agnes. I really love how it came out.

Here's a close look at the fabric. It has coffee stains on it - so I don't have to stress about dribbling coffee on myself. It also has large coffee beans and miniature cups.

We have kittens for the first time in many, many years, and it's been quite the adjustment. This is my son's kittten Nia. She's a bit of a pest. I called her Nia the Nut. She's constantly in my business and tries to drink my coffee!

Too bad - I already drank it all!

Here's another closer up shot. This print is fun and would make an awesome robe or pajamas.

And here, Nia's brother decided he wanted to know what was going on too.

If you love coffee like I do (and the kitties), then you will love the Magic Beans print.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.

Arthritis Awareness Month and I'm Walking for a Cure!

May is Arthritis Awareness Month! As you may know from previous blog posts, I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. But, don't feel sorry for me! I'm not letting it slow me down and I'm determined to live life by #RedefiningRA ! I've signed up for the 2018 Walk to Cure Arthritis -North Texas on May 19. I've set a goal of $250 and have raised $85 so far between a Facebook fundraiser and on my event page.

One way I'm not letting RA slow me down, is by keeping it under control. One was I can do this, is by working with my Rheumatologist to make sure my treatment plan is right for me and is working to make me as pain free as possible. One of the tools my doctor uses is a blood test called VectraDA. See my T-shirt they gave me to wear?

T-shirts never fit me right! First off I'm short and they are always too long. Second, my hips are a size (or two) bigger than my bust. While this fits me a little loose in the hips, the shoulders are falling down making the sleeves even longer on me. One reason why I sew, okay primary reason I sew, is to make items that fit ME!

I took that T-shirt and used it to make the Duck Butt Designs RAWR (Really Awesome Women's Raglan). I didn't want plain grey sleeves. That is so boring, so I used a purple athletic brushed poly from Zenith & Quasar Fabric. I used the 190 gsm light weight for the sleeves and the neckband.

 After I made my shirt, I had to make a pair of matching leggings to wear. My leggings are the Penny Classic Leggings from Sinclair Patterns. This is my favorite pattern for leggings as it has little negative ease and comes in petite sizing. Plus, they have two waistband options - both of which are great. I used the regular band on these.

 With my shirt and leggings, I'm ready for my walk!

The back of my shirt reads "Vectra DA Disease Activity Test Know if your RA Treatment Plan is Working.

The front of my shirt read "Track your DA Disease Activity Vectra DA Disease Activity Test"

My Penny Classic Leggings are also made with Purple Athletic Brushed Poly from Zenith & Quasar.

I used the 265gsm heavyweight ABP for my Penny Classic Leggings. The heavyweight is thicker and makes amazing leggings.

If you would like to learn more about the VectraDA test, go HERE. If you are interested in making a donation to the Arthritis Foundation on my walk page, it can be found HERE.

Thank you!

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small compensation if you make a purchase using my link. There is not cost to you when you do this. My thoughts and opinions given in this blog post are mine.