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!

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.

23Jul2018

Kalle Shirt + Measure Fabric

Posted in Fabric Finds, Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

I’m super excited to share my Kalle Shirt with you all. To be honest, I was hesitant about this pattern at first. Now that high waisted jeans are huge, (and they finally it me again) I want all the cropped shirts to pair with them. I love the structure and classic look of a button up shirt. This pattern has a really fun hemline that adds a little flair and makes this shirt pattern unique.

To make mine work for me and my style, I added 2 1/2″ in length to this top and it’s just right. I was worried about the side seam coming up too high but it’s perfect. I ran out of buttons, so I didn’t add one to the collar, but I will most likely only wear it open so no big deal. Maybe I’ll add a button to it later.

Okay, let’s talk about this fabric and the play on stripes. First of all, this fabric is from Measure Fabric, a fabric boutique with gorgeous and unique fabrics. I chose this rayon blend sateen twill pinstripe suiting . It has really great weight to it and feels slightly heavier than quilting cotton. I love the structure it gives to this pattern, and the stripes add a classic feel. I’m calling it Madewell inspired.

I was originally planning on playing with the stripes, and I searched through #kalleshirt on Instagram to get some inspiration. When I saw Cotton Lining’s Kalle shirt, it was all over. Her stripes on her fabric are very similar to mine, and so I just copied what she did!

I also switched the stripe direction on the back yoke of my shirt.

I don’t know why I waited so long! I love this pattern! I paired my Kalle Shirt with my Levi’s and Steve Madden Mules, and I’m really loving this look. I’m excited to try adding the sleeve expansion pack to my pattern library to make a long sleeve version for fall.

Fabric for this post was provided by Measure Fabric.

26Jun2018

Myosotis Dress

Posted in Fabric Finds, Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Hello friends! It’s been a while, hasn’t it! Lately I’ve been focused on sewing things I really want/need in my wardrobe, and going slow. Free time is still unpredictable and it’s nice not to stress about getting something done when I don’t have any.

Ever since the day the Myosotis Dress was released by Deer and Doe patterns, I wanted to make it. While I was in the hospital with my baby, my husband had to go into work for one of the days and my mom was keeping my other two kids entertained so I had the whole day to myself. I spent a lot of time on my phone, and ordered this gorgeous fabric from Blackbird Fabrics while I was at it. To be honest, it’s pretty rare that I buy fabric just because I love it. I usually have to have an exact project in mind for it. I LOVE this fabric!! The colors are stunning, and I love the 70’s vintage vibe of the print. It’s a viscose crepe.

I held onto it for a while waiting for the perfect dress pattern to pop up. The Myosotis Dress did and the search was over. I needed a new summer dress, and I decided to make this one to wear on my baby’s blessing day a few weeks ago, and so it has really special meaning to it. (Being in the hospital and celebrating baby’s blessing day). It’s a special dress!

Okay, now to the dress pattern. It was easy to put together, and the instructions were great. I wish it was slightly more fitted in the waist. I did take a little off the side seams, but somehow it still ended up looser than I wanted. (But I still love it!).

I raised the neckline 1″ for more coverage, and lengthened the bottom ruffle by a few inches. I wish I had made it a few inches longer even, or added to the top part of the dress skirt slightly more. I used wooden buttons from arrow mountain.

I’m excited to wear this dress through summer and fall! I’m really happy with how it turned out. The fabric is even better in person, too. Thanks for reading along, and happy sewing!

28May2018

Charlie Caftan + Indiesew

Posted in Pattern Reviews by The Sara Project

Hey everyone! I’m super excited to share my latest make in collaboration with Indiesew. With summer practically here, I have been in need of a swimsuit cover-up. We have a little community pool that I foresee my three kids and I spending most of our time at over the next few months. With a new baby in tow, I probably won’t be in the pool very much, but more likely on the edge watching my other two littles swim. I needed something I could wear over my swimsuit that was cool and lightweight enough to wear while out in the sun and also functional for toddler/baby wrangling! I love the idea of a caftan, and I really love this slightly more structured version designed by the genius that is Heather Lou over at Closet Case Patterns. I give you the Charlie Caftan! I picked up my pattern from Indiesew.

This pattern is pretty quick to sew together. The hardest part was sewing in the front panel. I read a few reviews before making mine and most people suggested making a muslin first. (Whose got time for that!? Not me!). Let’s be honest, I wish I had time to make muslins but right now I’m lucky to even find 20 minutes of uninterrupted sew time. I pushed forward without a muslin and it wasn’t really that challenging. I would suggest using the sew-along to get a better visual of the steps though. Mine isn’t perfect but it works and I’m happy with it.

I sewed up a size 4 in view B with the ties and raised the v-neckline up by an inch with no other alterations. I used Indiesew’s Herringbone Rayon Navy Stripe fabric that is now sold out. I did have to do a little stripe matching on the front bodice (there’s not really a way out of it based on how the front panel piece goes in). Keep this in mind when choosing your fabric! This particular rayon had a looser weave and was super drapey making it challenging to get my stripes to match exactly. I took a tip from Allie Olsen (co-founder of Indiesew) and used starch to stiffen up the fabric a bit to get a better match. Thanks Allie!

I took this little cover-up along with me on a recent trip to Mexico. I loved wearing it and was hopeful in getting a few pictures of it for this post while visiting down there. I found this really cool tiled wall that worked great, but didn’t have as much success when trying to get some shots with the ocean behind me. Too much wind, sun, and bad angles haha. (It’s all about those good angles!!). I did manage to get this one my mom made me take with my seaweed crown, so there you go. Haha, thanks mom.

Thanks for reading along, and happy summer sewing to you! I’m really struggling to find time (and mostly energy) to get more sewing done right now. I want to really focus on sewing things I really need and want in my wardrobe, and at the pace that works best with a new baby and two toddlers (and a really busy husband). I do have a few things I’m hoping to find time for this summer, and I can’t wait to show you! I’ve spent a lot of time dreaming (both awake and asleep) of the things I want to make, and it’s really helped me focus and narrow down what items I really need in my wardrobe. In the mean time I’ve tried getting by on RTW items, but every time I go into a store to shop I really struggle to purchase things because I can afford to be picky about style, length, and fabric substrates used because I CAN make it exactly how I want on my own, and that feels pretty cool. So basically, time to suck it up, grab some caffeine, and make all the things!

Fabric and Pattern was provided by Indiesew for this post, but 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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