Chalk and Notch Summer Farrah Tour

Posted in Fabric Finds, Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Hey everyone! I recently connected with Gabriela from Chalk and Notch Patterns while she was in town visiting a few months ago. We met up for lunch and did a little fabric shopping (along with Leslie too!). We had the best time! She is super talented and the nicest gal you’ll ever meet. When she invited me to be part of the Farrah Summer Tour, I just had to say yes! Kim of Sweet Red Poppy was so kind to take these amazing photos for me, and as great as they are, I just have to say that this dress is even more stunning in real life! You just have to see this fabric in person. I’m so excited to tell you all about it and this dress. Let’s jump right in!

So the Farrah pattern by Chalk and Notch comes with a shirt and dress option, both equally cute! I decided to go with the dress option for this post. I sewed up the size 4, and added 4″ in length from the shirt lengthen/shorten line on the pattern. Gabriela recommends lengthening from underneath the bottom side slits, but I didn’t want my slits to be longer. This worked just as I wanted.

I also decided to add a sleeve to my version. It started out as a flutter sleeve but ended up having too much volume so I shortened each sleeve about an inch. I love how the sleeves blend in with the ruffles giving me a little extra coverage, but not too much. I took a basic sleeve pattern and re-drafted it into a flutter sleeve. There are tons of tutorials online if you need help! I used this tutorial for mine!

Overall, the pattern instructions are easy to follow. The hardest part for me was inserting the gussets. It’s just a little tricky to get your points exactly right.

I used this GORGEOUS Nani Iro double gauze fabric from Miss Matatabi. I was a little nervous choosing a double gauze for this pattern. I wasn’t sure how the ruffles would lay, and I was worried the dress would be too stiff looking. I’m actually really obsessed with how the double gauze looks on this dress! It’s so soft and comfortable to wear, and I really like the added volume it gives to the ruffles and sleeves. Plus this print and color!! So good. (Like you have to see it in person, so good!).

I decided not to line my ruffles because the fabric is a little thicker and has less drape than a rayon, but next time around I would probably try lining them.

I used the border of this fabric for my two top yoke pieces and sleeves, and I love how it breaks up the dress a little bit. This was a really fun fabric to work with.

I really love the overall look of this dress. The ruffles are so on trend, and add a really fun feminine touch to this dress. I love the style of the dress itself with the yokes and gathered back, and mitered hem! It’s a winner in my book!

Comfort level is a big one for me, and I could wear this dress all day long!

Sooo, as I mentioned before Miss Matatabi generously provided the fabric for this tour, and she is also giving away a $50 gift card to her shop! You can enter the contest here!

You can grab a copy of the Farrah pattern for yourself at 15% off this week using the code “sara” at checkout!

Make sure to check out all of the other gorgeous versions of Farrah made by the other bloggers of this tour. These ladies are all so talented, and I’m obsessed with all of their versions!

CHALK AND NOTCH FARRAH SUMMER TOUR

JUNE 19: HELEN’S CLOSET

JUNE 20: ME SEW CRAZY

JUNE 21: GINGER PEACH STUDIO

JUNE 22: GROOVY BABY MAMA

JUNE 23: THE SARA PROJECT

Please note: the pattern and fabric were provided for this post. This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

13Jun2017

Key Largo Top with Stylish Fabric

Posted in Fabric Finds, Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

I’m back with yet another PERFECT summer top: the Key Largo Top by Hey June Patterns. It’s a basic t-shirt pattern with a seam down the two bias cut front pieces, finishing the hemline with a tie front. I lovvvvve it.

I made a size 2, and added 1″ in length. I’m not sure if I’m happy with adding an inch, I probably would have been fine leaving the pattern length as it is. I top-stitched down either side of the front seam for a little added detail (this option is presented in the pattern). The bottom hemline is finished with a facing, giving this little top a clean and professional finish.

This top came together in 2 hours, I actually started and finished it before my kids woke up for their nap… win! The instructions are very clear, and I learned how to finish a neckline with a self made binding out of the same fabric as my top. (I usually cheat and use store bought bias binding).

Okay now this fabric!! It’s a sand-washed rayon challis in sage from Stylish Fabric. It has a great thickness to it, it’s totally opaque, and has a really pretty matte finish. I’m convinced I need some in every color now. It washes up really well, and was a little more sturdy to work with compared to most rayon fabrics, but still has really great drape. I totally recommend this fabric!! I’m loving this sage color for summer.

This is another knock-out top that I’ll be wearing all summer long, and into the fall! Thanks for reading along, and happy sewing!

This post contains affiliate links. The fabric for this post was provided by Stylish Fabric, all opinions are my own.

6Jun2017

Willamette Shirt

Posted in Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

This past weekend I was lucky enough to hang out with some of my favorite sewing ladies and literally spend the whole weekend at my sewing machine. It was a dream! I also realized marathon sewing takes a lot of out of you and I’m still catching up. BUT, while I was there I was able to finish two projects, one of them being the Willamette Shirt by Hey June patterns.

This shirt is going to be in full rotation all summer long, it’s perfection. I decided to sew mine up in this amazing blue and white striped rayon chambray I picked up from Indiesew a few weeks ago. The fabric is so drapey and light, and as you probably all know, I love all things blue and white. It’s a match made in heaven!

I made the size 2 and added 1″ in length to both front and back bodice pieces (and the facing too). I made view A, and extended the rise of the placket up to the button hole marked on the front bodice pattern piece for a little extra coverage.

I would say this shirt took me about 6 hours. It seems a little bit like a puzzle to put together, but comes together like magic thanks to Adrianna’s amazing skills. This shirt is fully finished on the inside making it beautiful inside and out!

I would definitely recommend this top! The fit is perfect, a little loose but just right. I love the cuffed sleeves and collar details. I went for a more contrasting front pocket by flipping the direction of my stripes, and I love the look. This pattern is a winner for sure!

This post contains affiliate links.

23May2017

Ebony Tee + Stylish Fabric

Posted in Fabric Finds, Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

I have officially made my new favorite, go-to t-shirt. I’m so happy with this shirt! I love a good blue and white combo for all things summer, so this rib knit fabric from Stylish Fabric was a must have. I like the idea of a loose tee, and the Ebony top came to mind. I love this fabric + pattern combination together, and I’m excited to tell you all about it.

First off, let’s chat about this fabric! I used an off white and blue 4×2 striped rib knit, 95% rayon and 5% spandex. Its a good medium weight fabric, and ever so slightly non-opaque, but still thick enough to not have to layer a tank over your undergarments. It’s a good weight. It drapes really nicely. I totally recommend it. Plus, you can’t really beat $6.90 a yard!

I have had my eye on the Ebony tee by Closet Case Files ever since it was released. I’m participating in Me Made May this month (a month long challenge of wearing only handmade clothing), and I’ve found I really need easy t-shirts to throw on with jeans. I tend to like to dress up more than dress down, so I don’t really like just wearing a plain t-shirt with jeans. The Ebony T-shirt is NOT your average tee. I love the swing silhouette + fluidity of this top. It’s super comfortable to wear but a little nicer than just a regular t-shirt. (But just as easy to make!!). I love this pattern! I sewed up the size 4, and subtracted 1″ from both bodice pieces to shorten. This fabric is super drapey, and the weight of it does pull the shirt down a little longer than the pattern is, so keep this in mind. I’m glad I took out an inch as I didn’t want it to be too long.

I’m really happy with this top, and I know I’ll get a ton of wear out of it all summer long.

I’m really excited to be sewing for Stylish Fabric’s once a month, and in addition to each post I will be doing a little fabric review of some fabric they choose to send me.

This month Stylish Fabric’s sent me this super fun white stretch knit fabric with gold metallic stripes.

It’s a medium- heavy weight knit fabric, with little holes within the thicker stripes. The ends are finished off with some ribbing which is really nice for a cuff or hem. With each review I want to offer some pattern ideas for the fabric I’m reviewing, that I would actually make for myself.

So for this one, I’m thinking a cardigan or a pull- over sweathshirt! I like the idea of these options because you won’t have to deal with lining anything.

Some cardigan options I have in mind are the Blackwood Cardigan by Helen’s Closet. I have one I have made previously and I wear it all the time. I think this fabric would be great for a more summery Blackwood Cardigan; perfect for layering over dresses and tanks when it’s a little chilly at night.

I also love the idea of a pull-over sweatshirt made out of this fabric. I love the Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studio for this. You could use the ribbing along the edge for the cuffs, neckband and hem for a really pretty finish. I picture this worn over a white tank and shorts, again really easy to throw on for a night out at the beach to keep you warm.

One more idea, it could be fun as a swim wear cover-up as a loose or form fitting dress. So many fun ideas for this fabric!

Hope you feel a little more inspired! Thanks for reading along and happy sewing, friends!

I paired my Ebony T-Shirt with my Ginger Jeans.

Amazing photo cred goes to Rachel of Hello Little Fish.

All fabric was provided by Stylish Fabric.

27Apr2017

Virginia Leggings + Minttu Swing Top

Posted in Fabric Finds, Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

I’m a little late, but I’m finally sharing my Megan Nielsen Virginia leggings for Sew My Style. I really struggled with finding the perfect fabric for this pattern. I originally made a pair out of a stretch faux leather in black, but they were not very flattering. I’m not a big leggings wearer, unless I’m lounging around my house.

After searching and searching, I finally found THEE perfect fabric for this pattern. A new addition to Stylish Fabrics, this Maxi-Dri & Micro Blok Neoprene Fabric is perfection. Its thick, but just the right thickness for leggings, super stretchy (4 way stretch) and super soft. There are also so many cool colors to choose from, I bet you won’t be able to pick just one.

For my leggings, I chose the Avatar Rain color way. I like that it’s multi-colored for optimal top matching. I also like that there’s some black blended in it too, you know, to match my black Nike’s. Also, these pants blend into EVERY wall. I tried to find a way to get these babies to pop, but I failed, and I apologize! I really love this color way; I promise it’s much better in person.

Let’s talk about the Virginia Leggings pattern. I sewed up a size XS using the high waist option. This is the fastest project you will ever make. INSTANT GRATIFICATION! I used my Brother 1034D Serger to sew these up, and it was so fast. In about 5 steps you have some brand new leggings. The instructions are awesome, and easy to follow. I need to make like 5 more. Love them! Perfect fabric and pattern combo.

Okay, now the Minttu Swing Top pattern! It’s brand new, and just released by Named Clothing. It’s also part of the Indiesew Spring/Summer pattern collection. I don’t wear sleeveless tops unless I’m working out and I thought this one would be great to pair with my new leggings. I really don’t like wearing tops that are fitted in my torso area (I had two huge babies guys), so I really love the loose swing hem on this one.

I used some rayon jersey knit in black from Stylish Fabrics. It’s a lightweight fabric, and not completely opaque when you hold it up to the light. I like this thinness factor for a workout top. It was easy to sew with and I’m really happy with the result.

The Minttu pattern itself put my brain through a loop a bit. I usually don’t have a hard time figuring out pattern steps, but the enclosed facing took me about 5 tries to figure it out. A tip would be to pinch the inside of the top and facing (like illustrated in the pattern instructions) as you would if they were sewn together. Hope that makes sense and helps a little! It’s a really innovative design, which I love! Other than the facing, everything else was super easy to understand, and it’s a really cool little tank top.

Now I have no excuses for not working out. I used to be a big runner (many years ago), so maybe it’s time to get back to it. We’ll see!

That’s it for today! Happy sewing, friends!

21Apr2017

The Indiesew Spring/Summer Collection Blog Tour

Posted in Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

You guys!! Indiesew has done it again! Another fabulous Spring/Summer Collection has been launched, and it is so, so good. There are five patterns within the collection + 5 amazing fabrics to go with them. (They are selling out fast!).

I’m so excited to be part of another Indiesew blog tour. I fell in love with Allie’s new pattern, the Highlands Wrap Dress, and I’m excited to share my version of it with you!

Isn’t it great!? So, first of all, let’s talk fabric. I went back and forth between a few fabrics for this dress (one of them being this amazing nani IRO that Leslie used! She showed me her fabric after I had chosen something different and I couldn’t believe we almost had twinning dresses for the tour, so funny). I finally made a decision and went with this amazing rayon chambray shirting dot fabric I picked up from Indiesew. (Sadly, it is now sold out, but this stripe rayon chambray shirting is another great alternative!).

This fabric is so soft, and drapey. I really love the look it gives to this dress. I really wanted to go for a Madewell inspired look, and I had a denim chambray pictured in my mind for this dress. It turned out better than I imagined.

Let’s talk about this pattern: the Highlands Wrap dress. I sewed up a size 4 in the midi length, with just a few minor alterations. I did NOT make a muslin, which is recommended for this pattern. I did cheat a little and asked Leslie what alterations she had to make from her muslin, and paid close attention to them while making mine. Thanks Leslie!!

Here’s what I changed:

I lowered the bust dart just under 1″. Here’s a great tutorial if you need some help figuring this out! Don’t pay attention to my cheater method in my photos below. It’s not the correct way to adjust a dart, but it did work, just saying.
I lowered the front armsyce by about 1/2″.
I added 1/2″ to the neckline on my front upper bodice to slightly raise the neckline a little. I graded at 1/2″ from the side seam and tapered off towards the neckline as you can see below.

4. I extended the side seams by 4 1/2″, so the side slit wouldn’t be quite so high. My pointer finger is showing where the original slit began.

I also ended up pinning the front together with a safety pin in these photos. I need to sew in a snap or hook and eye eventually. Because the fabric is so drapey, it does slouch a little. Others that have sewn it up in a less drapey fabrics have said that they didn’t have this problem. (It’s not really a problem, I think it’s supposed to do this but I need the extra coverage). That’s it! These were simple and quick alterations to customize this dress exactly how I wanted it to be. ANNNDDD that’s why I love sewing! Everything else fits great! I just love it!

The directions are very clear and simple to follow. I love the mitered finish on the hem, and the facing finish around the neckline and front of the dress.

I’m always a little nervous to make a wrap-anything because they can be a little tricky to wear around kids. This dress is NOT a problem! It keeps you well covered in any situation. Also, it’s so comfortable to wear. I wore it all day for Easter this year, and it was totally kid proof. I’ll be wearing this dress for years to come!

Congratulations to Indiesew for another incredible Collection launch! Make sure to check out all of the other amazing patterns included in their Spring/Summer collection. I’m planning on sewing up the Minttu Top this week for another post I’ll be sharing next week.

Also, don’t forget to follow along with the other CRAZY talented seamstresses who are also part of this blog tour!

Please note: the pattern and fabric were provided for this post. This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.

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This post contains affiliate links. The fabric for this post was provided by Stylish Fabric, all opinions are my own.

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All fabric was provided by Stylish Fabric.

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Ana provided me the pattern and fabric for this post.

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