Jarrah Sweatshirt and Dawn Jeans with Stylish Fabrics and D & H Fabric Co.

Posted in Fabric Finds, Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Hello, friends! I’m back with another fantastic pattern and fabric mash-up. This is a pretty loaded post involving three awesome companies, and I’m so excited to tell you about them all!

I was lucky enough to be asked by Megan Nielsen to review her new pattern collection and of course I instantly said yes. Tammy of D & H Fabric Co also invited me to be part of her first ever blog tour and the non-stretch chino twill in pumpkin from her shop was a perfect match for Megan’s new Dawn Jeans pattern. I’ve paired her other new pattern, the Jarrah Sweater, with my pants that I’ll talk about a bit further down; I used this buttery soft french terry knit from Stylish Fabrics.

The chino twill fabric is awesome! It has really great structure, and was really satisfying to work with throughout the course of making my Dawn Jeans. I love the pumpkin color too, it’s so fun for fall. This fabric also washes up really nicely and the weight works really well with the Dawn Jean pattern. It also comes in three other great color ways, including this red brick option!

As far as the Dawn Jeans pattern goes, I sewed up a size 4 in the waist and graded down to a size 0 in the hips. I took in the side seams and inseam about another ¼”. The fit is fantastic! I love the wide leg, and super high waist. This look is so my vibe right now! Next time around (and yes, there will be a next time!!) I will opt for the zip fly and shorten the back yoke by ¼-½”. I don’t know what it is about button flys but they just don’t seem to hold me in as well as a zip fly. Other than that, these pants are perfect!! I can’t wait to try the straight leg option as well.

I’ve been wearing these pants a lot lately and this chino twill really holds up well. The pants haven’t stretched out and hold their structure. This fabric is so good! Check out Meg’s post for some more pumpkin chino twill goodness!

Now, let’s talk about my Jarrah Sweatshirt! This pattern comes in 4 different views, and I really love them all! I opted for view A because I really love the simplicity of a basic sweatshirt pattern. This top is the kind of thing I live in during the winter! I sewed up a size 2 with no other modifications. It is fabbbbbbbb!

For the fabric, I used this super soft french terry knit fabric from Stylish Fabrics. This fabric contains 87% Polyester, 9% Rayon, 4% Spandex but don’t let the poly throw you off! The weight is lighter than a traditional french terry and also so much softer. It washes up great, and is a dream to sew with. Best part? It’s $5.90 a yard. You can’t beat that! I also picked up some of this magical stuff in the blush color way for yet another Jarrah sweatshirt. It’s seriously so good. It comes in lots of other great prints and colors too.

I especially love this fabric because it is great for layering. It’s not too heavy or thick and works great with a cardigan or jacket on top for an extra layer of warmth without looking too bulky. It pretty much feels like wearing a cloud, seriously! Head on over to my stories on Instagram today for a live view of this fabric.

I can’t wait to get my second Jarrah in blush french terry spandex sewn up, and also another pair of Dawn jeans in denim! I can’t decide between the straight leg or wide leg maybe with an unfinished hem. Decision, decisions….

Thanks for reading along and happy sewing!!

Indiesew x Dan Lehman x Spoonflower Blog Tour

Posted in Fabric Finds by The Sara Project

I have a really fun post for you all today! I was invited to be part of Indiesew’s newest fabric collaboration with artist Dan Lehman and Spoonflower! Together they created Fool’s Paradise, a fabric collection featuring carnivorous plants that comes in two color ways and two types of fabric substrates: a flowy poly crepe and a more structured cotton poplin. You can find them all exclusively on Indiesew’s online shop.

Head on over to Spoonflower for an insider’s look into how this collaboration came to be, including a really fun video interview with Allie and Dan. You won’t want to miss it!

When Allie first showed me the two prints, I had a really hard time deciding which one to use! I loved them both! I decided to go with the lighter color way: Fool’s Paradise Light in Poly Crepe. I immediately pictured a flowy, boho style blouse and of course, my mind went straight to the Roscoe Blouse by True Bias. I’ve sewn this shirt up once before, also in Indie Sew fabric. I wear it all the time, and knew I needed another one in this fun, whimsy botanical print.

For my second Roscoe Blouse, I decided to size down one size, and shorten the bodice by about 2″. I also raised the neckline by 1 1/2″ for extra coverage. I love styling this top tucked into a pair of high waisted jeans, and boots. I’m wearing my FAVORITE madewell jeans in a size 25, the fit is so so good. For colder days, I plan to throw a camel colored cardigan over it.

This fabric is slightly sheer, I am wearing a white tank underneath my top. If you decide to make a dress with this, you might want to consider lining it.

I just really love the colors chosen for this print! The design of the carnivorous plants are so unique, and fun to look at. I can totally picture this blouse in Anthropologie. (Does anyone else try to imagine their future handmade garments in their favorite shops when project planning? If I can see them in certain shops, I feel like I’m on the right track. Pairing fabrics with patterns is an art all in it’s own!).

Go check out this unique and one of kind fabric line! The options for these fabrics are endless. I’m especially loving Allie’s idea of using it as a lining for a jacket! So fun! Special thanks to Allie, Dan Lehman and Indiesew for having me on this fun tour!

Fabric for this post post was provided by Indiesew, but all opinions are my own.

24Oct2018

Toaster Sweater with Measure Fabric

Posted in Fabric Finds by The Sara Project

Hello hello!

I’m in the thick of fall sewing this month with lots of fun things going on. First up is my third Toaster Sweater, pattern by Sew House Seven from Indiesew. You can see my other versions here and here.

The story behind this Toaster Sweater is, well not very interesting actually but goes like this. I picked this really pretty Matelasse Honeycomb Pattern from Measure Fabric thinking it was a knit. My plan was to make a cozy sweatshirt with it. When it came in the mail I noticed it had zero stretch. Not a knit. I kind of started to panic, I ONLY order fabric if I have a pretty immediate plan for it. This fabric is heavier, structured, and 100% cotton. I mulled it over for a week or so and could not wrap my mind around this fabric not being a knit, and what to make with it. So many of you offered some really great ideas, but after a weeks worth of mulling I decided a Toaster Sweater would be the safest bet. No bands, wide neckline, the only problem I saw was the sleeves being too tight/stiff.

3-4 weeks later I finnnallly get around to sewing it up. To my credit I had other deadlines to meet so I wasn’t technically putting it off. Does anyone else put things off they aren’t entirely sure about? So anyways, literally two days ago I sat down to sew it up. (The whole thing came together in a day, super fast sew). I basted the sleeves first to check the fit and they were perfect.

Yesterday I put it on with some skinny jeans, and the matelasse became softer and less stiff with wear. I was quite comfortable in it too! It’s saying a lot if I kept it on all day, I’m usually in my lounge wear/pjs by 4 pm. (I wish I could wear lounge wear/athleisure wear during the day but I just can’t, what is wrong with me?). Anyways.

As I was walking out the door yesterday morning with my kids on our way to preschool and ballet, I had the genius idea to grab my camera. In my brain I pictured backing my car up to an old wall, opening the back hatch and propping my 5 year old there to snap some photos for me. It totally worked and she did a pretty awesome job.

I love the look of this structured top! Its warm, comfortable, and lavender! I don’t have anything lavender in my wardrobe, and I’m loving this feminine color. Sadly, this color is currently sold out, but the light green color is still available. I added 1″ in length to this version, with no other alterations.

I think this fabric would work great for an overcoat type pattern, maybe like the Berlin Jacket by Tessuti or even a structured Inari Tee Dress? It’s a really unique, and equally gorgeous fabric. Just keep in mind it is a bit stiff (think structured) and heavy.

I’m wearing my FAVORITE madewell jeans in a size 25, the fit is so so good.

Thanks for reading along, and stay tuned for many more things in the near future! Happy sewing!

8Oct2018

Hinterland Dress with Blackbird Fabrics + Arrow Mountain

Posted in Fabric Finds, Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Hello everyone! We’re about half way into the #hinterlandsewoff and I’m finished with Hinterland Dress #2! (See one post back for all the Sew-Off details!). This pattern is designed by the amazingly talented Meg of Sew Liberated. This Hinterland Dress was made with Raw Silk Noil from Blackbird Fabrics. (Unfortunately this fabric is sold out, but they have lots of other great options for this dress). The handmade wooden buttons are from Arrow Mountain, and they are so fun! I’m very happy with this dress! The spruce green silk noil is amazing, and the buttons really add some charm to this dress.

I sewed up the size 4 with added length to the neckline and waistline. I cut the neckline out along the size 14 cut line, and added 1.5″ in length to the bodice. I think 1″ would have been better, but the waistline hits right above my natural waist, and that’s what I was going for. The darts don’t fit quite right on me. My last Hinterland had about 1″ taken out of the bodice by omitting the front placket, and it fits really well. Add the placket and the fit is a little off. I took in the side seams about 1/4″ on each side, and I was hoping that the waist ties would take care of the rest. I think I need to tie it slightly tighter next time. I also added one extra button to my half placket because of all the added length.

I added 2″ to the sleeve length for a slightly longer 3/4 sleeve.

I also added 3″ in length to the skirt (already cut at the longer version). I did a thick hem of 1/2″ and then 1.5″. I might redo it for a smaller hem so it lays a little nicer. (Sometimes you don’t notice these things until you are reviewing your photos!).

Other than these adjustments, everything else fits pretty well. I love how easy this dress is to wear. It will go great with some tights and a cardigan thrown over when the weather gets colder in the coming weeks.

Now, don’t forget to post your Hinterland Dress to enter the contest! Also, make sure to check out all of the great discounts many of our sponsors are offering during the duration of the Sew-Off. I can’t wait to see all of your gorgeous dresses!!

If you’re interested, I made a sew-along for the Hinterland Dress saved to my highlights on Instagram if you need any help figuring out how to sew this dress together. Good luck and happy sewing!

24Sep2018

Hinterland Sew-Off!!

Posted in Fabric Finds, Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

It’s finally here! I am so excited to finally announce this fun project Tori of The Doing Things Blog and I have been working on for the past few months. We give you… The Hinterland Sew-Off! We thought it would be fun to bring the community together and host a month long sew-off. We have so many amazing sponsors and prizes. Head down to the bottom of this post for all the details about this fun event!

Tori and I decided to sew up the Hinterland Dress to launch our event. Blackbird Fabrics very generously agreed to be our fabric sponsor! The fabric I chose to use (this amazzzzing raw silk noil in spruce… no brainer, right?) is literally in the mail on it’s way to me as we speak, and couldn’t be here in time for our big launch day. (Today). So, I decided to sew up a different Hinterland Dress, and I had actually been planning this one before we even started thinking about doing the Sew-Off, so it worked out really well.

My fabric should be getting here any day, and I’m so excited to sew a Hinterland Dress right along with you during the Sew-Off. I’m also planning on doing a super casual sew-along too. Head to Instagram for all details on that, see my Hinterland Sew-Off highlights for all and any info.

So, let’s get to it!

How I hacked my Hinterland:

Bishop sleeves are where it’s at. You can find them everywhere right now and I decided to add them to this version of the Hinterland Dress. I really love how it turned out. My next Hinterland will have a slightly lengthened bodice and a longer skirt. I ran out of fabric with this one, and I’m sad the skirt didn’t end up being a few inches longer to really give this dress that “pioneer look” I was truly going for.

I used exactly 3 yards of a rayon/linen blend fabric I found at Joann’s. It’s heavenly and now I need it in every color. I made the size 4, and the fit is really good for me.

These are the main adjustments I made to the pattern:

-I decided to make this version of the Hinterland without the button placket. I simply cut the front bodice pattern piece on the fold line of my fabric, without adding any extra seam allowances.

-I cut two of the back bodice pieces instead of cutting one on the fold.

-I sewed in a 20-22″ invisible zipper into the back of the dress. Make sure to cut the back skirt piece in half, and add seam allowances. I also added 4″ in width to my skirt piece for added fullness.

-I brought the neckline slightly higher and the shoulder seam slightly over die to personal preference. I think I’ll keep it like this for my next one too, but with the placket.

-I used pre-made single fold bias binding to finish off the neckline to save some time. The pattern walks you through how to make your own bias binding if you prefer.

-And lastly, I drafted my sleeves into bishop sleeves with an added sleeve ruffle. You can easily do this yourself. Find the whole tutorial for how I did this on BERNINA USA’s blog weallsew.com.

Back to the Contest! Keep reading below for everything you need to know!

Hinterland Sew-Off Contest Rules:

What is the Hinterland Sew-Off?

The Hinterland Sew-Off is a 4 week long Instagram sewing event hosted by Sara of The Sara Project and Tori of The Doing Things Blog! Make your own Hinterland Dress and share it for a chance to win a prize. Anyone (US or International!) is welcome to participate and can enter to win!

How do I participate?

Make your own Hinterland Dress!
Take a photo of your Hinterland (must show the whole creation, so ask a friend to take it, or there’s always the mirror selfie!).
Post your photo on Instagram before October 22, 2018 at 11:59pm PST.
Use the #hinterlandsewoff hashtag in the caption or comments.
Tag Sara (@thesaraproject) and Tori (@thedoingthingsblog) in the caption or comments to make sure we see it!

Where can I get the Hinterland Dress pattern?

The Hinterland Dress is by Meg of Sew Liberated. Meg is offering 25% off if you use the code HINTERLANDSEWOFF. Head over to the Sew Liberated website to purchase the pattern!

Want to win the Hinterland Pattern for free?

Meg of Sew Liberated is giving the Hinterland Dress PAPER pattern away to THREE random winners who share about the Sew-Off! Find out how to enter by visiting our Instagram accounts and clicking on our Hinterland Dress photos (Sara’s & Tori’s)! We will announce the winners on Thursday, September 27.

Are there any other promotions during the Sew-Off?

Yes! Arrow Mountain is offering 15% off using code: HINTERLAND, and Blackbird Fabrics is offering 10% off using code: HINTERLAND10 off storewide (excluding gift certificates).

What if I’ve already made the Hinterland? Do I have to sew a new one?

No, you do not have to make a new one. Just make sure to add the hashtag #hinterlandsewoff and tag Sara (@thesaraproject) and Tori (@thedoingthingsblog) in the caption or comments of your photo to make sure we see it.

What if I make more than one Hinterland?

We are so glad you love the pattern as much as we do! Each Hinterland Dress you decide to make and post a photo of counts as one entry.

Do I have to sew the Hinterland Dress?

We’re not stopping anyone’s creativity and love to see you inspire others! This is a sew-off for the Hinterland, so it needs to be recognizable as the Hinterland Dress pattern. As long as your creation still looks like you used the Hinterland as a base, it will count. You are more than welcome to hack it!

What if I don’t have Instagram?

We invite any and all to participate in the Sew-Off, but if you would like to be entered to win any of the prizes, you do need to have an Instagram. Come on over and join in!

What if my account is private?

We completely understand the need for privacy. If your account is private, both judges will not be able to see your entry. To be entered you must have a public account between September 24 – October 22, 2018 (or whenever you decide to post your photo – until the end of the Sew-Off).

Why did you choose the Hinterland Dress pattern?

The Hinterland Dress pattern was recently released and it is a popular one in the sewing community. We both wanted to make the pattern and hadn’t yet, so we decided to make it a fun event for everyone to make and share theirs too!

How are you choosing the winners?

We will be choosing one grand prize winner and two random winners. Anyone (US or International!) is welcome to participate and enter to win.

What are the prizes?

Grand Prize Winner: (our favorite dress pick!)

$50 gift card to Blackbird Fabrics

Collette Sewing Planner

One pair of LDH Tailoring Shears

OLFA rotary cutter and seam ripper from BERNINA USA

One PDF sewing pattern of your choice from Hey June

One PDF sewing pattern of your choice from True BIas

One PDF sewing pattern of your choice from Helen’s Closet

Random WInner #1:

Collette Sewing Journal

One pair of LDH Tailoring Shears

One PDF sewing pattern of your choice from Hey June

One PDF sewing pattern of your choice from True BIas

One PDF sewing pattern of your choice from Helen’s Closet

Random Winner #2:

One PDF sewing pattern of your choice from Hey June

One PDF sewing pattern of your choice from True BIas

One PDF sewing pattern of your choice from Helen’s Closet

Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors for all of their contributions!

Good luck everyone! I can’t wait to see all of your amazing Hinterlands!! I’ll be back soon to share my second Hinterland Dress with you all!

17Sep2018

Burnside Bibs with Measure Fabric

Posted in Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Hey everyone! I’m back with my latest make, and boy is it a good one! EVERYONE has been making the Burnside Bibs by Sew House 7 lately. So, for this month’s collaboration with Measure Fabric, I thought I would finally try my hand at making a pair, and picked up the pattern from Indiesew.

As for the fabric, Measure Fabric had this awesome black jacquard/cotton fabric that almost looks like a suede. Unfortunately, this fabric sold out quickly and is no longer available. Some other great options for this pattern from Measure Fabric are this black non-stretch denim, or this linen denim.

As for this pattern! I reallly enjoyed sewing these up. It was smooth sailing and nothing was too hard to figure out. I made version 1 in the size 4. I did take in the side seams from the bottom of the pocket openings and down to the hem about 1/2″. The fit is great. There’s lots of top-stitching. Guys, top-stitching is my love language.

These are so comfortable to wear! I will definitely be making a spring/ summer version in the coming months. I paired mine with a simple crew neck t-shirt. I’m excited to pair my roscoe blouse with it for a different silhouette, and also all the Nikkos and fitted turtle necks for colder days.

Thanks for reading along. Now do yourself a favor and go buy this pattern! Happy sewing!

Fabric was provided by Measure Fabric and the pattern was provided by Indiesew. All opinions are my own.

10Sep2018

Persephone Pants + Tabor V-Neck Sweater with Indiesew and Measure Fabric

Posted in Fabric Finds, Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Hey guys! Come august my mind switches from summer sewing to fall sewing. I love being prepared and working on things a littler earlier than I probably need to! First on my fall sewing list was the Persephone Pants by Anna Allen and the Tabor Sweater by Sew House 7. I’m super excited to share this Indiesew and Measure Fabric Collab with you!

I LOVE the Toaster Sweater, so the the Tabor Sweater seemed like an obvious choice. I love the chunky neckband of the #4 option in this pattern, the side vent, and the long sleeves for cold weather. This pattern was really fun to sew, and like most knit projects, pretty fast to make.

I used a really fun sweater knit fabric from Measure Fabric. It’s pretty thick fabric, and it’s going to be perfect for fall. I don’t love layering, but instead just wearing one super warm piece on top, so this will be great. This fabric is now sold out, but this sweater knit is very similar with it’s fun print.

Next up, my beloved persephone pants! I have been wanting to make this pattern ever since I randomly found Anna Allen’s account, and saw that this pattern was in the works. I was pregnant at the time and knew it would be a many months until I would be ready to try sewing pants. Time passes on, and I finally feel like my pre-pregnancy self is back, and ready for jeans making. I used a denim with a little stretch from Indiesew’s shop, unfortunately now sold out.

(I paired them with a more cropped length sweater below to show more of the fit, the sweater is old from a ready to wear store few years ago).

So these pants. I had very high expectations, and a great love for the way they looked on others. I had VERY high hopes. My waist sits a size 4, and my hips a size 0. Everyone suggested sizing down, or going with a straight size from your hip measurement. I ended up sewing a size 0, and the pants were too big. There was a lot of extra fabric in the crotch and inseam. Yes, that’s better than too small, but I was super bummed. I reached out to Anna Allen and she gave me some great tips. She suggested taking in the crotch curve 1/2″ or so. I ended up taking the curve in about 3/4″ of an inch or so, and the fit is pretty good. I didn’t change anything along the backside. I also played around with the inseam a little to get a closer fit. It was tricky for me to get the right fit without being able to play with the side seams at all. It seems like it worked out really well for others so I was surprised I had a hard time with this pattern.

I like my pants to fit tight, and I feel like these pants fit better when I have a shirt tucked in. My belly is a little rounded (just had a baby 5 months ago), so I think that might be why the fly pulls a part a little. I don’t think the problem comes from the size being too small. I would prefer them to be a little more snug around my hips than they are.

I hemmed these to be about 3/4″ longer than they show here, but one wash and they shrunk a little more length wise. (I promise I pre-washed!). It’s okay though, I still love them.

So, what’s my opinion of this pattern? I really love it. Do I have what it takes to try again? Right now, I don’t think so. Haha. I feel good about how these fit, but I know they could fit even better, and I’m not sure I have the patience to keep tweaking them to figure it out. One thing you should know about me is that I pretty much never make a muslin. I didn’t make a muslin with these, but I definitely should have. Take my advice, and make a muslin first with this pattern!

I’m really proud with how these turned out, sans muslin. They are super cute in denim, and I’m loving the wide leg trend happening right now. These will get plenty of wear!!

I’m finally getting into a good schedule with my kids, and feeling more myself. A few weeks after my baby was born I told my mom I wanted to quit all of my sewing commitments. I was so tired, and just wanted to make my own things at my own pace. Thank goodness for moms I tell yah! She told me I would get my energy back, my kids would go to school, and I would most definitely want to get back to it. Well, five months later and she was right. I want to sew all the things, and feel like I can start to manage more projects. THANKS MOM! I have a lot of fun things planned for the coming weeks, so keep your eye on this space!

You can shop my black suede mules here! I love this light tan color too. They are the perfect height to wear with jeans, and soooo comfortable.

Fabric and patterns provided by Indiesew and Measure Fabric, all opinions are my own.

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How I hacked my Hinterland:

Back to the Contest! Keep reading below for everything you need to know!

Hinterland Sew-Off Contest Rules:

Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors for all of their contributions!

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