The Fen Dress with Indie Sew

Posted in Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Hey Everyone! I’m back with another great pattern to add to your fall sewing list. I was recently invited to become a member of the Indie Sew Blogger Team. If you don’t already know, Indie Sew is a fabulous website with a great selection of indie patterns and fabric! Their website is such a great resource when looking for inspiration. I was provided with a pattern and fabric of my choice, and I chose to sew up the Fen Dress by Fancy Tiger Crafts with this beautiful bold floral crepe de chine fabric.

I’ve had my eye on the Fen Dress ever since it came out. It’s a loose fitting dress, with a drop sleeve. I love the simplicity of it. It’s a really great garment to take your wardrobe from end of summer through winter. I’m excited to layer this dress with cardigans and tights as it’s gets cooler out. I also want to make some kind of a black choker, bow tie type thing to go around my neck paired with this dress and black tights. I think that could be a really fun look.

The pattern was easy to put together, I was finished after just two nights of sewing. (That’s how I plan out my projects, by calculating how many nights its going to take to finish because that’s usually my only time to sew). I made the size 2, and I did make a few alterations to the original pattern. I added 4 1/2″ in length to the front skirt pattern piece, and straightened out the hemline. For the back skirt pattern piece, I added 3 1/2″ to the length, and kept the original hemline. (These are the measurements that lined up the side seams for me, so just make sure your side seams line up with added length because they aren’t the same for both front and back).

Here’s how I straightened my front hem:

Something I would do differently for the next time around is change the neckline. The neckline is great, but I would probably bring it in a little from the shoulders. My hair is kind of covering it up, but it’s a bit wider than I would like. Just a personal preference.

All in all, I really love how my Fen Dress turned out. I know this dress will be worn a lot though the coming months. I want to try making a linen short sleeve version for the spring on my next go with this pattern. Really lovely!

Okay, now can I talk about how much I love this fabric!? The color! The print! Too many good things to say. I noticed Allie posted this print in her Instagram story and I instantly knew that this was the fabric I wanted to sew my Fen Dress with. It’s even more gorgeous in person! I just love it. *(I’m sorry to say this fabric is now sold out).

I have to stop and talk about my lipstick. I love wearing lipstick and I was recently introduced to Lip Sense. If you haven’t heard about it before, it’s a lip color that lasts through out the whole day. Being a mother of two little ones, it’s not always smart to wear lipstick on the daily. It rubs off all over my kids sweet faces from all the kisses I give them, or on their clothes when they sit on my lap, etc. Lip Sense is really great because it doesn’t come off, and it lasts through out my whole day. It’s my new favorite, and I had to share! I’m wearing the color Brick in these photos. Head over to my friend Madeyln’s facebook page and message her for more info. She’s also offering all of my readers 10% off your order using the code ‘sara10’ until Friday September 23rd at 9pm MST. Check it out!

Thanks again to Indie Sew! I’ll be back soon with more Indie Sew inspiration for you!

17Sep2016

Faux Fur Coat with Fabric.com

Posted in Pattern Reviews, Sewing Tutorials by The Sara Project

Happy National Sewing Month! Recently, I participated in a really fun collab with fabric.com! I’ve noticed fur coats everywhere for Fall 2016, and so naturally, I wanted to make my own. Faux fur is so easy to work with, and it’s a whole lot more affordable to make your own coat!

*The faux fur I used from fabric.com is now restocked on the website! You can find it here!

For my lining I used this fabric, also from fabric.com. It looks like a dark green online but it’s really a slate grey.

Before you get started, head over to fabric.com to read my tips for sewing with faux fur. Don’t fear the fur! These tips will have you sewing up your own fur coat like a pro. At the bottom of my post (on fabric.com), you’ll find all of the fabulous faux fur options they have to get you inspired and started!

I made this coat using McCall’s Pattern M7257. I strictly followed the pattern, but I did shorten my coat a few inches. I only used about 2 yards of fabric total, costing about $60. I was really inspired by this coat I found on Nordstrom.com, and it’s going for $348. See guys, it may be a little pricey, but it’s totally worth it to make your own!

I’m really excited to pair this coat with skinny jeans and boots for a casual vibe as shown, but also style it with dresses and heels for all those fun holiday parties coming up on the horizon. I really love my new coat!

5Sep2016

McCall’s V9201 + Les Fleurs

Posted in Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Happy National Sewing Month everyone! I’m excited to share one of my recent makes, using McCall’s Pattern Vogue V9201 and Cotton + Steel’s Rifle Paper Co. Les Fleurs Rayon fabric.

This pattern is so perfect for Fall with it’s beautiful collar (2 options in one dress, the navy collar pictured is a detachable collar) longs sleeves, and cuffs. I’m obsessed with the hidden button placket, I’m seeing it everywhere for Fall 2016. This pattern is fun in that it has so many features to sew: collar, cuffs, plackets, fly placket, side invisible sipper, darts, pleats, gathers, back yoke, buttons and buttons holes. It’s not challenging, just a lot of steps. I had a a great time putting it all together!

Now let’s talk about this fabric. It is simply stunning! The drape is amazing, the touch is so soft, and it sews up beautifully. The color is so vibrant, and I love the large floral print, (another style I’m seeing everywhere for fall). This fabric also comes in light blue, and navy in rayon. Personally, I just love this print in red!

Head over to BERNINA’s blog We All Sew for a little tutorial I posted all about sewing collars and cuffs.

I love the front pleat details pictured above, and look at that drape! I couldn’t be happier with how this dress turned out. I can’t wait to pair it with tights in the winter. Head over to Cotton and Steel to see the whole Les Fleurs collection! Happy Sewing!

8Aug2016

Everyday Blouse

Posted in Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Hey guys! I’m really excited to tell you about this new pattern out TODAY designed by Rachel Pinheiro of House of Pinheiro and UpCraft Club. I’m already in Fall mode when it comes to my current projects, and this pattern is such a great transitional piece. I love the sleeve length for one. There’s also a great side exposed zipper detail, and gathering on top of the shoulder on the neckline.

At first I wasn’t sure how I would like the fit of this top, it looked a little too fitted for me. I was so wrong!!! The fit is right on! Fitted enough, but also loose in all the right places. I feel really good in this shirt, it’s a very flattering fit.

The pattern itself came together quickly. The instructions are easy to follow. It also forced me to do something a little different by using an exposed zipper. (Side note: the hems are supposed to be the same length and not a little off like mine, like I said I could use some practice putting in an exposed zip). I sewed up the size small, and didn’t make any changes to the pattern. You can purchase the Everyday Blouse pattern here through UpCraft Club.

This fabric!! I purchased it WAY back in December when I went on a little fabric shopping trip to LA, and I’ve been holding out for the right pattern. The Everyday Blouse came along and it was like they were meant to be! It’s a woven ikat I purchased at Michael Levine Fabrics. The exact print I used is currently unavailable, but here’s a very similar print, and the same print in grey. Great fabric for this project, and I’m still obsessed with all of their wovens. If you’re ever in LA make sure to stop in, it’s a really fun store.

A little side note, the back neckline was raised a bit higher, mine is the first version of the pattern. It has since been perfected! My shoes are from Love Winnie James. I absolutely love them because they go with EVERYTHING!

You can see the cool shoulder gathering detail here made with elastic. Like I said above, Rachel had her pattern made with the help of UpCraft Club, have you ever heard of them? This company is really cool, and I hope to work with them again, maybe even with my own pattern. They offer a full service starting with design concept, grading, digitizing, etc. using your own design for a sewing pattern (and they also have specific services if you don’t need help with everything). They will be releasing their pricing sheets soon for all of their services they offer. I’m realizing that a lot of people find help when putting together a pattern, and you don’t have to DO IT ALL yourself. You can find out more about UpCraft Club here, and don’t forget to check out all the fabulous patterns sold on their website!

3Aug2016

Stylish Fabrics Blog Tour: Sew Ready for Fall!

Posted in Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Who’s ready for fall? I’m always sad to see summer go, but I sure love fall. I was asked to be apart of the Stylish Fabrics Blog Tour “Sew Ready for Fall”. Even though I’ve lived in Utah for 7 years now, the California girl in me still has a hard time transitioning into colder seasons (including my wardrobe!). So, I was excited to jump into this tour, and make something to add to my wardrobe as we get ready for cooler days.

The challenge of this blog tour was to make something you could ear now in summer, but also take into your fall wardrobe. I think this top works great for summer nights, or cooler summer days paired with sandals and will become a staple for my fall wardrobe layered with a scarf, jacket and boots-so many great combos with this one!

So first of all, this fabric! I chose a pink/mauve french terry slub fabric. It’s soft and cozy, but also light and airy. I really love it so much! It washes up beautifully too.

I decided to go with the Halifax Hoodie Pattern I picked up from Indie Sew. It is so good. I made view B in size small, and sewed the whole thing up in about 2 hours. It’s a very easy and quick make, I will definitely be making more. My husband also seemed to be quite impressed with it, saying it looked “store bought”, and that’s always the goal!

I did take out about 1″ out from my neckband. If you use this fabric I would suggest doing this because it is a little bit slinkier; otherwise your neckband will fall over the neckline edge, and not sit up straight as it should.

I wish you could see what’s on the other side of this photo above. My photographer (brother) moved out of the state last week (so sad!!), so I asked Nicole of @nf_merritts on Insta if she would be up for a photo swap sesh. Behind the camera she’s got my 18 month old in one arm (a very hard feat) and our two 3 year old kids corralled behind her somehow, keeping them from jumping in the picture with me. So this photo deserves an award, or Nicole deserves an award! Thanks Nicole!

There’s a HUGE giveaway going on as part of this blog tour, and it’s a good one guys. You can enter here!

Also, don’t forget to keep up with the rest of the tour for more great fabric, pattern and fall inspiration! Thanks Stylish Fabrics!
August 1st
Sewing By Ti and Rebel and Malice
August 2nd
Gray all Day
August 3rd
Wild and Wanderful and The Sara Project
August 4th
Doodle Number 5 and Sweet Red Poppy
August 5th
Paisley Roots and Dos Natural Sistas and My Crafty Little Self

August 8th
Made By Melli and Sew Far North
August 9th
Sew Sophie Lynn and Creative Counselor
August 10th
Frivolous at Last and EYMM
August 11th
Lulu and Celeste and Sprouting Jubejube
August 12th
Adventures with Bubba and Bug and All Things Katy and Sewing by Ti

25Jul2016

International Sanctuary + Purpose Handcrafted Jewelry

Posted in Uncategorized by The Sara Project

Hey guys! This post is a little different then my usual sewing posts. Today I want to share a company with you that I’v been working with the last few months, and you might have noticed some of their product in my photos.

Chevron Necklace

Purpose Jewelry is a non-profit handcrafted jewelry company, but not just any jewelry company. Also known as International Sanctuary, Purpose Jewelry sells beautiful bracelets, rings, necklaces and earrings handmade by women who have been rescued from human trafficking and are given professional opportunities, job training, education and medical care through this non profit group. 100% of the proceeds support these women in form of employment, paychecks and job training.

Isla Necklace/ Andiya Peach Bracelet

Horizon Earrings

“International Sanctuary empowers survivors with true freedom”. They have a few sanctuaries all over the world: Mumbai, India and Orange County, CA (my hometown).

Heirloom Necklace

Every piece of jewelry is handmade by survivors, and tagged with the individual’s handwritten name that made each piece.

Stella Necklace

It’s so special to wear this jewelry and know not only the name of the woman or girl who made it, but that I’m helping her, among others in a small way. And you guys, this jewelry is gorgeous!

Chevron Necklace

By purchasing Isanctuary jewelry, we are giving hope and dignity to the survivors. This is such a beautiful cause and I wanted to share it with all of you, I’ve linked direct links under each image of where you can purchase the jewelry, among lots of other beautiful pieces found on their website: purposejewelry.org

“Purchase with PURPOSE and join the movement to end slavery, and spread hope to women and girls around the world.”

18Jul2016

Helga Shirt Pattern with Digital Fabrics

Posted in Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Hey guys! I have a really fun post in store for you. This week I got to work with two fabulous companies out of Australia.

The first company is called Digital Fabrics. Known for their unique and beautiful fabrics, Digital Fabrics sells beautiful and unique product. The best part is that you can order a print you like in many different types of fabrics, from linens to knits. (They have it all).

They also provide the option to print your own designs by uploading your own image. The fabric I chose to work with was previously listed on their website under fashion fabrics; Ethnic in Cornflower in micro (and now that I look at it, I think i need it in lycra too for a swimsuit!).

You can also order a sample pack of all the different fabric types they offer to get a better feel for each one before you order your fabric. Digital Fabrics is such a cool company, and I really enjoyed working with them. I received my fabric super fast; their shipping is awesome. The fabric is so soft, and the print is bright and bold; really great quality! I love how unique my top feels in this fresh print.

And exciting news!! I’m giving away 2 yards of this gorgeous fabric to one winner. (Scroll to the bottom for more info).

The other company I had the chance to work with is Tessuti Fabrics. I’ve had my eye on this company for a few months now. Tessuti Fabrics currently own three shops, two in Sydney and one in Melbourne, and they have their online shop as well. I really like the style of their clothing patterns they design and sell. (They also have some great fabric options as well, what they are more commonly known for). They also offer some fun sewing classes in their shops if you’re local.

I have had the Helga Shirt pattern on my to-make list for a little while, and I thought it would be fun to sew it up using my new fabric from Digital Fabrics.

The pattern calls for linen, cotton, lightweight wool, wool crepe and firmer silks fabrics. My fabric is more of a crepe-like texture so it was a little tricky to work with. I made a few changes to make the fabric more manageable: I interfaced the front facing pieces, and top stitched around the two front edges for a crisper look around the corners. I made a size XS following along with the pattern measurements, but I’m thinking I could have gone down one more size. When choosing your size keep in mind that it’s a big, loose fitting shirt. No adjustments were made to my shirt except for bringing in the shoulder + sleeve about 1/4″ along the top shoulder seam.

Other than the fabric being a little tricky, the pattern is great! I would definitely say it’s more intermediate than beginner. It was really fun to put together, and came together pretty quickly too. (I’ve been binge watching ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’ while putting my Helga Shirt together. It motivated me to sew as perfectly as possible, almost as if I were in school again. I’m obsessed!). This pattern would be really cute in a plaid print for fall too.. hmm….

**GIVEAWAY**

I’m so excited to host one of my first big giveaways this week. One winner will receive two yards of the fabric I used from Digital Fabrics, as well as a hard copy of the Helga Shirt Pattern from Tessuti Fabrics. *To enter, head over to my Instagram account (@thesaraproject_) for more instructions. I will announce the winner in the original Instagram post of this shirt in one week from today. (7/25/16). Good luck!

Also, head over to @lovewinniejames for a chance to snag my cute Greta Clogs! (Another great giveaway!).

What I’m wearing: Chevron Necklace/Jeans/Shoes