Browsing Category

Sewing

Good Golly Miss Molly!!

Sallie Tomato is Relaunching Molly!

Molly is a great bag by Sallie Tomato that I recently tested for her relaunch and she is a beauty!! I never made the original bag under its original name Union St. Satchel so I can’t compare but I can say this bag is a pretty easy make with big style!!

Molly is a great tote bag that has a really cute feature that allows you to clip the sides in to make a fun new shape. Coupled with the snap closer I feel this also helps with the safety of this bag that does not have a zipper closer. I like the extra security. The bag is 19 inches wide, 12 inches high, and 7.5 inches deep.


My Make, I must admit I was a little worried this bag was not quite my normal style but I truly love it now that is made. I made it with Terrarium by Jason Yenter purchased at The Fabric Candy Shoppe.

I used a shiny black croc embossed vinyl for the handles. It took me forever to figure out my fabric choices  and was a bit nervous if this would work but now I love it!! Even my husband commented on much he likes the look!!  “It’s very Springy!” was his exact comment.


Now that I have carried the bag for couple weeks I can say it is such a fun bag to carry! It is  perfect for the summer and to wear with fun solid summer dresses. It also pairs well with jean shorts and a tank top I am living in to survive the Texas summer heat. Overall this pattern is a real winner in my book. A pretty quick make and I would say good for even a confident beginner. The only thing I would change for my next one would be to not put on the side strap D ring and clip and just attach it all the way up. Definitely not a flaw just a choice.


What do you think of this bag! It you would like to try it head over the Sallie Tomato and grab a copy!

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Sinclair Moon Pants: Out Of This World

 
Too cliche’?? I don’t care. First Sinclair’s pattern drafting is excellent. I have tested a few items for her before the moon pants and hope to test more. I always go into testing with a critical eye and give pattern makers as much feedback as possible but Sinclair patterns never need much! Again these are great.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I also love that she makes all her patterns in petite, regular and tall. My 6’ thanks you!! I never have to worry about adding even though sometimes I still do but it makes it an option versus a necessity like with most patterns.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The style of the pant is wonderful for a casual stroll on the beach or shopping in town or could easily be done in a more subdued fabric and jazzed up with some heels and accessories. I made mine in this lovely black flower challis. Sorry I don’t remember where I got it.  It is a dream to wear. I could live in this fabric.
 

Until Next Time! Please follow me on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/lovelyforlife1 and https://www.facebook.com/Lovelyforlifedesigns

Lovely

Tropical Summer Look: McCall’s 7757

I love patterns that seem to be made for me. I am a Texas girl who loves fun summer looks and I needed a few nice and easy sews after a few weeks of sewing handbags. I had Mccalls 7757 on my list to make since I saw it!! A fun off shoulder crop top and elastic flowy pants. Perfect for lounging around the house, pool or beach or shopping the day away.

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

The top, View B, is an easy make and so fun. I think a beginner that has basic pattern understanding can make this piece. The pants are a basic elastic pant with no fitting needed so again a great beginner project.

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

This fun and super soft double brushed poly is from Pretty Posh Prints . If you have never bought fabric from there before you should I have never been disappointed in her fabrics.

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

I want to make this set again in a solid for a more elegant look that will go into an evening. I would like to make one in a white to wear with a cotton box pleat skirt. I may not get that done this year but for next summer it will be perfect.

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

So if you have been on the fence of McCalls 7757 go for it!! Also, checkout Pretty Posh Prints Fabric.

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

Formal Pattern Review:

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

Pattern Description: McCall’s

Pattern sizing: I made a size 14. Here is the sizing chart.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern when you were finished sewing?

Yes!

Were the instructions complete and easy to follow?

Yes!

Fabric used: (Did you use the recommended fabrics in the pattern)

Double Poly Knit! Yes!

Did you alter the pattern in any way?

No!

Was there anything you disliked or would change?

Nope! Easy Peasy!

Would you sew it again?

Yes!

Would you recommend it to others?

Yes!

Do you consider the pattern beginner/intermediate/advanced?

Beginner

Does the pattern include layers for easy printing?

Print

Seam allowance used in the pattern

5/8ths

Is the pattern cut or no cut pages?

Paper pattern

Lovely!

McCalls 7757

McCalls 7757

 

“Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers.”

Magazine Spread!!! Vintage Made

I am sooooo excited to announce I was in a magazine spread!! It is not like my old modeling days but just as exciting. I was a tester for Designer Stitch for the Rockbilly Halter Dress that was just featured in Vintage Made magazine. I am so excited. It is online and it should be out in the US at Barnes and Noble now or soon. I need to stop by there and get my hands on a hard copy. Here are some of my pics and pics of the spread!!! Stop by Designer Stitch Facebook page and also check out her patterns on her website.

Look at all those lovely ladies in this fabulous retro halter dress!!!

 

“Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers.”

Pretty Betty: Betty Faux Wrap Dress by Sinclair Patterns

There is something super sexy about a wrap dress.  “It’s hard to deny the wrap dress’ icon status — for 40 years, it’s been one of the hardest working garments in any hard-working woman’s wardrobe. Invented by Diane von Furstenberg in 1974, the frock is flattering, versatile, and easy to wear, pack, and style.” states Connie Wang in her article The Weird, True History of the Wrap Dress.
I only have one criticism of the wrap dress other than not having enough of them and that is you can feel a bit overexposed at times depending on how it wraps and how much under wrap fabric there is. That is why I was excited to try out Sinclair Pattern’s Betty Faux Wrap Dress pattern. I thought this may be a perfect solution to not having enough fabric to wrap and I was right!!
 
This pattern is an easy sew but gives you big style. Again one of those styles that goes well on most body types. It is also super comfortable and easy to wear. You can dress it down with a sweater or denim jacket or dress it up with some sexy strappy heals and sparkly earrings. As always the pattern is wonderfully drafted and instructions are superb. If you ever want a pattern brand that has quality in every pattern they produce you will not go wrong with Sinclair Patterns. This pattern also comes with a faux wrap top. I was actually torn on which to make but since I live in dresses I chose the dress but the top is on my list to make!
For this dress I wanted something casual to wear during the day in the summer but something supper cool for the Texas heat. I found this pink floral rayon spandex named Ardent from Sly Fox in my stash and it did not disappoint. They do not have this particular fabric still but here is the link to similar fabric.
 
 “Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers.”

Dahlia: Femme Fatale

Dahlia is a vintage name that reminds us of a mysterious, tough femme fatale or a glamorous silver screen legend and the this Dahlia  dress pattern is all glamour and drama too!
OK I will just admit it! I am a sucker for a good dress. Why? Because they are comfy, easy to style and can be made out of the softest fabric. I don’t understand why ladies shy away from them. I think you should try at least one this year. And this one would be a great one to try. It is a great shape for most if not all body shapes. For tiny girls it accentuates a feminine waist and hip for curvy girls it will conceal our hips!
This is the Dahlia( love the name too) by Golden Thimble!! I made two versions that I have been living in. It is a princess cut bodice with a semi-circle skirt and there are so many customization options! 5 sleeves, 2 necklines, 3 skirts, 3 lengths.
Your imagination and knit stash is really your only limit here.
This was the first time making a Golden Thimble pattern and it did not disappoint. Instructions were easy to following and it had great pictures! I mean REAL pictures which I love.
I made my first Dahlia out of a navy french terry from Knitpop.  The black floral knit from Sly Fox called Stardust. Sorry its all out. I did my usual lengthening to both. I think I added about 3 inches as I’m 6′ tall. However I would like to make some shorter ones. I can even see making a maxi version as well.

Serious Comfort and Style….WIN!!

If you read my blog posts you probably know I am a sucker for a comfy dress that is stylish!!! Well my last one was from pattern company New Horizons Designs and today I have another one!!! I can’t get enough. I had the pleasure of being in the test group for the Tawsha dress by New Horizons Designs and it is love. This pattern as all of hers are is a no cut pdf pattern. I am not quite sure why all pdf pattern companies are not doing this yet. I mean come on!! It comes in two versions, the plain dress and one with a cut back button, pleat detail. I went for the plain but was a bit jealous of some of the other testers makes. I will need to try one of those later. But the plain is a great basic to add to your wardrobe. You can do completely plain or add the shoulder detail.

For my version I wanted to use one of my French Terry’s I picked up from KnitPop recently! It is snuggly soft and not too thin so it was perfect! I added a little floral  from Sly Fox Fabrics for the accent and it was perfect. It left it plain enough to make it still work as a basic but added a bit of accent. I knew I had to go for a bit of a bohemian vibe with this shoot so I made a quick headband and threw on a necklace my niece made for me for that bohemian chic look.

Again New Horizons Designs for the win on this dress!!! I am sure you will see more in the coming weeks from me from this pattern brand….hint hint. Leave a comment below on what fabric you plan on using for this make!!! I need more!!

Lovely!

 

“Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers.”