Category: Blog

Measure Fabric-Tartan Plaid Atlas Wrap Dress

Measure Fabric and Atlas Dress Pattern by Masin

Hello friends, It’s been awhile since I’ve been on here. Normally, you can find me on Instagram but today I am jumping back on here to share my latest. I’m SUPER excited to be collaborating with Measure Fabric on this post. I’ve been a huge admirer of the fabric shop for quite some time.

When it came time to decide on which fabric to choose, it took me forever because I loved so many print in the shop. I decided to start with the pattern and then choose the fabric. The fabric I decided on was The Rebecca Taylor – Italian Rayon Navy & White Tartan Plaid Twill . I love the simplicity of the print, drape and the weight of the fabric. For the pattern, I had been wanting to remake Atlas Dress by Masin since I made it the first time last year. They pair so well together! Together they give a casual vibe, an everyday kinda dress vibe and I for one can’t wait to wear it a lot!!

Rebecca Taylor – Italian Rayon Navy & White Tartan Plaid Twill

As I said before, I first made The Atlas Dress late last year and loved the fit and style. When I finished, I immediately knew I wanted to make another as soon as the weather started to warm up this year. Well, had the weather warmed up? Not really, we have been unseasonably cool here in the west coast. But, I am going to will it that way with a sleeveless dress. That usually works, right? HA!

Ok, here are some detail about the Atlas dress: Comes in sizes A-J, bust width 35″-54″ and waist 25″-46″. This pattern would be great for a confident beginner and up. It’s an easy to fit dress, as with this style of dress. There is also plenty of ease built into the garment. The dress comes with sleeves however, I choose to leave them off and use bias tape around the armhole. It’s a very simple hack using 1/2″ double bias tape. I hope you get the chance to make the Atlas Dress pattern!

Here are a few more fabric that I have been admiring from the Measure Fabric shop…

Deveaux – White Dobby Jacquard, Sally Lapointe – Blush Heavyweight Ponte Knit and NYC Designer – Swiss Dot Mesh 

I was truly honored to be asked to join the Measure Makers, as I high admiration for all the previous makers!! I am very grateful!!

Until next time

-Alexis

Marsha Style, Alexis Pants and Discount Code

Sewing the Alexis Trouser Pattern by Marsha Style.

When Taree reached out to me and told me she wanted to call her next pattern, The Alexis Pants, my first thought was why? Hahaha, kidding! I was on complete shock and was truly honored!!

On top of the great name is that are FREAKING SO CUTE!! Not to mention very on trend! I see slouchy pants in every RTW store and every fashion magazine.

I still can’t believe I am sewing pleats in my pants. I used to cringe when I saw pleats in pants. HA!

Little bit about the pattern before I share the 3 pants I. made… Available in sizes 2-22 (waist width 24″- 44″). The pattern calls for 2.7- 3.3 yards of 56″ fabric. The pattern is best for intermediate sewist. The pattern is best for woven fabrics like cotton, linen and wool.

As mentioned above, I made 3 pairs of pants. In each I made slightly different sizes.

The first pair of pants I made, I started with a size 8 in the waist and a size 6 in the waist. After my first fit check I took in the waist about an 1″ (basically a size 6). This was my very first pair before testing had started. My waist is 30″ and hips 36 1/2″.

WASHED LINEN – OATMEAL From Blackbird Fabrics

The 2nd pair I made I did cut a size 6 in the waist and hips.

Minerva Core Range Stretch Woven Viscose Twill Suiting Fabric

Last pair I made, I cut a size 6 in the waist and a size 4 in the hips for a tailored fit.

The Green Linen is from Terra Textilia.

Thank you for taking the time to read the blog! I have a special treat for you all! A 20% discount to use on your own Alexis Pants Pattern. Used code: ALEXIS20

Until next time,

-Alexis

MOOD SEWING NETWORK COLLABORATION- 3RD

Fabric from this months collab:

Mood Exclusive Garden of Earthly Delights Black Cotton Voile. SKU: MD0293

Fibremood 15 is now out and I had the opportunity to sew Pipa! Pipa is a pleated bodice sundress and so so good! It maybe one of my very favorite dresses in my closet. The pairing of the MOOD fabric and Pipa were made in sewing heaven.

Love this moody floral Voile!! Dark black background with deep earthy colored florals.

If you heard pleated bodices and decided this was not for you, hold on! It’s so much easier than you think. It’s drafted in a way that the construction is so simple. Yes, it’s not a super fast sew but it’s faster than you would think.

I made size 4 for both bust and waist. My only modification was lengthening the shoulder straps so that they will tie on the shoulder. No other changes then that!

This dress can easily be dressed up with heels or down with sneakers and a baseball cap.

I feel so lucky and thankful to have been apart of the Mood Sewing Network and being a Mood Insider. Be sure to check out all the great advantages to the Insider Program on my previous blogs and on Mood website.

Before I am done, I have one more fabric that I will be sharing next month.

DISCOUNT CODE:

10% off Coupon Code for moodfabrics.com: MSNAW221

  • Coupon fine print:  Offer valid online only and expires per customer with use. 10% off your order, discount applied at checkout. Not be combined with any other offers, coupon codes, etc. Excludes items beginning with PV, SUN, and AWG.

Mood Sewing Network Collaboration- 2nd Month

Mood Sewing Network Collaboration

I have had these looks in my head since my 1st month so now it’s time to share my looks with you all and I could not be more excited!!

Let’s first dive in…

FABRIC:

  1. Ivory, Meteorite and Metallic Silver Pencil Striped Stretch Delave Linen and Rayon Woven

2. Mood Exclusive Linear Transcendence Natural Linen and Rayon Woven

Dress Inspiration:

I spotted the Vali dress by Pattern Fantastique a month or so ago and it really spoke to my need for an everyday dress but with a flare of style. It’s loose without being too baggy, stylish yet everyday, retro yet modern.

I choose to make the lower neckline with inseam pockets. The fabric has a raw, earthy feel and is made from a rayon linen. It paired perfectly with the style of the Vali dress. The fabric is a medium weight with some structure and no stretch.

Fabric colors: Navy, mustard, rust with a creamy natural background.

I made the size 8 and I found it true to size and I would not make any changes other than I may shorten it an 1″- 1 1/2″ for my next dress. Not because I thought it was too long but just to have a bit shorter dress. So a personal decision!

2nd Mood Fabric Make…

Blouse Inspiration:

For the next Mood make, I choose to The Anthea blouse pattern. I almost made another Vali dress with the black and white stripe fabric but then the Anthea blouse came out and I knew I needed to make that! It’s a gathered sleeve, button down, collarless blouse pattern that also includes a dress length version. The fabric is a rayon linen with structure with the prettiest silver thread running through the black stripe. As soon as I got it, I knew I needed more to make more garments!!

Fit: I made a size 2 and found it true to size. It does have a generous ease but would not size down. I did have to adjust the sleeve width due to the weight and structure of the fabric. I took in 4″ of sleeve width. After sewing in the sleeve for the first time, with the original sleeve width, I found it to be overwhelming poofy. So, I seam ripped it out and then adjust the sleeve pattern by cutting and slimming it by 4″.

Do you see the bunny behind me?

I paired the blouse with Persephone shorts!

I want to also go over a couple more great advantages about joining the Mood Sewing Network and being an MOOD INSIDER…

Last month we chatted about one of my favorite advantages of being a Mood Insider, the free shipping, this month let’s chat about 3 more advantage…

  • Dollar swatches
  • Early access to new arrival
  • Exclusive access to remnants

I have several swatched now and it’s been super helpful in deciding which fabric to work with each month. They arrive quickly and then I am back on the website finalizing my decision.

Ok, call me silly but I also love being the first to know about the new and latest fabric. As an Insider getting to see the new arrivals first is a happy plus!!

Just about every other day I search through the exclusive remnants page looking for all the treasures. There are some great fabrics and amazing prices!

MOOD FABRICS CODE:

First of all, thank you for reading! So as an appreciation here’s my Mood Discount Code:

10% using code: MSNAW221

  • Coupon fine print:  Offer valid online only and expires per customer with use. 10% off your order, discount applied at checkout. Not be combined with any other offers, coupon codes, etc. Excludes items beginning with PV, SUN, and AWG.

Until next time

-Alexis

Mood Sewing Network Collaboration

Mood Fabric Collaboration

I am so excited, I think I may burst from excitement, to share with you that I will be part of the Mood Sewing Network for the next few months. Mood Fabrics has always been a huge inspiration in my sewing journey. From their beauty and unique fabrics to their educational information on their blog and Instagram page.

Before I get into it, make sure to read to the end because I may have a coupon code linked. Wink, wink!

For my first month, with Mood Sewing Network, I choose a super popular trend that I have seen in every RTW store and all over Pinterest.  It is of course The Blazer! It’s not just made for Fall or Winter anymore, it can easily be worked in at Spring and even Summer, depending on the fabric chosen.

INSPIRATION:

FABRIC:

  1. Wide Ostrava Oatmeal Linen Woven
  2. Black Hemp and Organic Cotton Canvas

PATTERN:

I choose Friday Pattern Co new pattern, The Heather Blazer to pair with the Oatmeal Linen and True Bias Lander shorts to pair with the Black Hemp Canvas.

I have made the True Bias Lander shorts/pants many times and they are a tried and true favorite. They were the first real pants I made in my sewing journey and now 2 years later they are still on the top of my list to make. The pattern is great for an intermediate and above sewist. The Hemp Canvas was a breeze to sew with and I love that the fabric is a natural fiber making it a sustainable material. The fabric has a stiff drape that nicely keeps the shape of the shorts. I recommend using a Jean needle

The Heather Blazer is a new pattern from Friday Pattern Co and I am beyond thrilled with how it turned out! The tutorial was easy to follow and there is also a sew-a-long video for extra help. I mainly watched the sew-a-long video since I am a visual person. This pattern is also perfect for an intermediate and above sewist. It paired perfectly with the Ostrava Oatmeal Linen. The Linen is a medium weight fabric with great structure for this jacket. Great fabric for Spring to Summer linen projects. I wore the jacket to my kid’s soccer games during a breezy 75-80 degree day and felt perfectly comfortable.

FIT & MODIFICATIONS:

Let’s first chat about the Heather Blazer and the fitting and my mods. The fit is oversized in both length and width.  Knowing this I decided to size down as well as decreasing the length by 1”.  I decreased the length on every piece other than the sleeve pattern pieces. What I did forget to do was decrease the length of the pockets. It worked out ok this time but next time I think I will shorten them as well. I was very happy with the fit and I am already planning to make more!

Next up were the Lander shorts. They are designed to be fitted at the waist to semi fitted to a relaxed fit at the hips and legs. Honestly fitting pants/shorts is personal to each person. Our bodies, especially our lower half typically fall all over the size chart. We aren’t just one size and that’s what makes us so beautiful!! For my Lander’s I start with a size 6 at the waist and hips. Usually with pants I grade down a size or two at the hips but with these shorts I wanted to keep them flared away from my legs. After my first fit check I did go back and bring in the waist about ¼” on each side along the waist, prior to sewing on my waistband.  I am very pleased with the final fit, so I plan to make a few more for Summer!

FINAL THOUGHTS AND A BIT ABOUT THE MOOD SEWING NETWORK.

This is my favorite outfit in my closet right now! I have had this look in my head for a while and Mood had the exact fabric to bring my dream to life! As a part of my collaboration with Mood, I was gifted a 3-month access to the Mood Insider Program. Be sure to check out the page for all the details but I want to highlight one of my favorite perks and that is FREE SHIPPING. I hate paying for shipping so I always look for ways to not pay for shipping, especially if it’s from a place I often purchase from. Of course there are more perks then just free shipping (but that is a GREAT one) and I will be sharing more next month! You can join HERE!

For the Lining I used Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids in Sand

MOOD FABRICS CODE:

First of all, thank you for reading! So as an appreciation here’s my Mood Discount Code:

10% using code: MSNAW221

  • Coupon fine print:  Offer valid online only and expires per customer with use. 10% off your order, discount applied at checkout. Not be combined with any other offers, coupon codes, etc. Excludes items beginning with PV, SUN, and AWG.

Until next time

-Alexis

FibreMood 13: Marion Dress Pattern

FibreMood has released their newest edition, Edition 13 is chock full of great patterns. There was actually too many to choose from that it took me two days to decide! I finally choose to sew the Marion dress because I had the perfect tulle fabric that was in need of a pattern. I also loved the two tiered skirt with the top tier shorter then the bottom. I have made many two tiered skirts but I really love that this top tier is much shorter then the bottom tier. It’s a trend you can find in many RTW stores.

Sadly I have to tell you that the fabric I used was purchased from Blackbird Fabrics awhile ago and they do not carry it anymore. You can check out Mood Fabrics or Etsy for their embroidered tulle. The nice part about working with tulle is it does not fray. So no need the hem!

Overall, kept the pattern as is except for the skirt width and doing an elastic casing on the sleeves. For the top tier I added 3″ to the fold line (so 6″ total) and 4″ to the bottom tier (so 8″ total). I really wanted the skirt to be full especially since I was using such lightweight fabric.

I sewed the size Small which is my typical size. No size modifications.

The back is closed with an hook and eye. Super easy to get on and off and the ease of the bodice is comfortable. I wore a white slip underneath instead of lining the dress.

The Marion Pattern would be great for a confident beginner. The raglan bodice is very easy to construct as well as the skirts. The new skills for a new seamstress would be the waistband and sewing the neckline with bias tape.

If you have any question about Marion, let me know!

Until next time -Alexis

What I have been up to…

Sewing, Fabric and Patterns I have used so far in 2021.

It’s been a hot minute since I have blogged!! I am usually just posting on IG or posting on Minerva’s site. So what have I been up to? Well, mainly sewing, gardening and home schooling.

This won’t be a long post just wanted to pop in here and share a few of my favorite makes this year…

Dress details: McCall’s M7947 made with Nani iro Linen from Minerva

Added Delia Creates Carrie cardigan to the McCall’s dress.

Marlo sweater from True Bias made with Cotton Cable Knit in Rose Pink from Minerva.

Rya Coat from Fibremood, made with Wool from Metermeter.

Wiksten Shift Dress made with Jessica Swift Pollinator Collection.

Top details : True Bias Nikko top made with knit from Style Makers (Color: Sand). Jeans details: Dawn Jeans by Megan Nielsen.

Last but not least… gardening! HA, yes gardening. I started pre-seeding for all my Summer plants. Do you have plans for summer gardening?

Until next time,

-Alexis

Style Maker Fabrics Spring Blog Tour 2020!

Hi!!

Wow. It’s been awhile since I have blogged so I am very thrilled to be blogging about Style Makers Fabric Spring Tour today!

Floral
Swiss Dot Rose. Swiss Dot Sea Glass, Eyelet Denim

Spring is here!! Well here in SoCal Spring arrived a month ago. Flowers are blooming and the weather has been in the 70’s and 80’s (except for the day I took pics of course, it was pouring rain). So when Michelle asked if I would like to participate in the Spring tour I was more than willing to get started on my Spring Wardrobe.  Of course, the hard part was deciding which fabric to go with because there were several that I wanted. She also has many delicate Swiss Dots and Eyelet fabrics in the prettiest Spring colors, that are to die for! I decided to pick this beautiful blue (think Chambray), white and black floral shirting fabric to pair with McCall’s M8036 (Sasha).

Let me first start off chatting about the fabric. It is a light to medium weight fabric with a moderate drape which is typical for a shirting fabric. I washed it on delicate/cold cycle prior to cutting and I experienced the typical amount of shrinkage one would expect for a cotton fabric. The background has a Chambray look and goes right along with the Pantone color of the year, Classic Blue. I am thrilled to add more garments that are predominantly blue.  

Next up, let’s chat about the Sasha dress. This is my first McCall’s dress in about 5 years! I was so impressed with their new Spring patterns I was ready to jump back in and try again. Now, I have always had a hard time figuring out my sizing which is kind of the reason why I stopped sewing with their patterns. I did sew a muslin of the bodice prior to cutting out the delicious fabric. The muslin was pretty close to the right fit but still needed some small changes to the bodice. I have a 33 ½” bust but usually always size up to 34” because I feel I have a slightly broad back. I choose to make a size 12 however after making the muslin I modified sewing the bodice along the side seams. I started out sewing at the armhole raw edge with a 1” seam allowance and then graded out to a ½” SA at the bottom waistline raw edge (normal SA is 5/8″).  The back bodice was a perfect fit across the shoulder blades on me.

I did some additional hacks to the pattern to make it uniquely me! First off, I shortened the skirt pattern pieced by 1” and then hemmed the skirt with a 2” SA instead of 1 ¼”. I really did not want the dress to be too long on my legs.

The last modification I did was to switch out the original sleeve with the sleeve from the Brynn pattern, M8035. The sleeve has a smaller sleeve cap yet is still billowy. To duplicate the length of the original sleeve, I shortened the new sleeve pattern piece 5”.  I kept the sleeve band pattern piece from the original sleeve. So overall had a similar feel but the sleeve cap is not as full.

I want thank Michelle for asking me to join the Style Maker Fabric Blog Tour!!! I absolutely love the fabric and look forward to making more Spring items with the fabric I bought from the shop. Oh and guess what??? They are doing a special US shipping deal, only $5!!

Be sure to follow along with all the makers by checking out Style Maker Fabric Instagram Page each day!!

Until next time!

-Alexis

Everlasting Blog Tour

Good morning friends! Today is my stop on the Everlasting Blog Tour by my sweet friend Sharon Holland! I have been a HUGE fan and supporter of Sharon for the last few years. She has become someone I talk with often, sharing my ups and downs. I truly love her and her beautiful designs!!

Everlasting was created by Sharon as a tribute to her daughter’s wedding. The collection truly embodies a romantic, summery wedding.

This is Sharons 7th collection with Art Gallery Fabrics.

Being an apparel sewist I was very drawn to the collection as I felt they translated well to clothing as well as quilting. The first time I saw the collection I immediately pictured dresses and skirts on mannequins in Anthropology and boy do I LOVE Anthropology!!! So I was VERY excited to get sewing with Everlasting! Especially the Cherished Wishes and Flower Keeper prints. Ok, so what did I make? Actually the question is what did I not make with?!! So far I have made a maxi skirt, Cami, 3 girls dresses and 1 teen summer top. Have a look at these beauties… 🙂

Maxi Skirt:

Pattern:  La Boheme skirt by Vanessa PouzetPattern:
Fabric: Flower Keeper in Rayon

Girl’s Dresses:

Pattern: Blake
Fabric: Cherished Wishes
Pattern: Blake
Fabric: Summers Dance
Something Blue
Cherished Wishes
Pattern: Blake
Fabric: Cherished Wishes
Flower Keeper in Rayon
Summers Dance
Something Blue
Pattern: Blake
Fabric: Summers Dance
Something Blue

Tween Top:

Pattern: Blake
Fabric: Cherished Wishes

Cami:

Pattern: True Bias Ogden Cami
Fabric: Flower Keeper

So clearly I am a HUGE fan of Sharon’s Everlasting Collection!!!!

Sharon is hosting weekly giveaways so be on the lookout on her website and Instagram page!

EVERLASTING BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, July 12 – Sharon Holland

Monday, July 15 – Marija Vujcic

Tuesday, July 16 – Carolina Moore

Wednesday, July 17 – Dana Willard

Thursday, July 18 – Lisa Ruble

Friday, July 19 – Dritz Sewing

Monday, July 22 – Eleri Kerian

Tuesday, July 23 – Marisa Wilhelmi

Wednesday, July 24 – Sharon McConnell

Thursday, July 25 – Morgan M.

Friday, July 26 – Alexis Wright

Monday, July 29 – Priscilla Geissler

Tuesday, July 30 – Maureen Cracknell

Wednesday, July 31 – Elina Temmes

Lugu Blog Tour

Hello friends! Today is my stop on Jessica Swift’s Lugu Blog Tour! This is her 3rdcollection since becoming a designer with Art Gallery Fabrics.   Just like her other collections, this one is bright, vibrant, playful and I love how she always incorporates animals into her designs. 

I had already made the Owl Stuffie using the Lugu Collection for Art Gallery Fabrics Lugu Look-book. The pattern I used was the Violette Field Threads pattern, Olive.  When this opportunity for the blog tour came up, I immediately thought of making a matching dress for a little girl. I mean how sweet is it to have a matching dress to go with a new stuffie. 

The Owl was inspired by her Sova Nightlight print and the ruffle around the Owl’s neck was inspired by the Sleep Tight print.  

For the dress and Owl Stuffie skirt I use the Odyssey Aurora print. The ruffle is made with Lumina Dawn and the wings and legs are made with Konstelacijja Maagia. 

I used my new pattern, with Violette Field Threads, Spencer to create the Lugu dress. I made the sleeveless version and kept to the original pattern with only one added detail; lace trim at the hemline.

Lace Trim can be found at Hobby Lobby.

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Please take time to check out all the makers:

Monday March 25 – Jessica Swift

Tuesday March 26 – Priscilla Geissler

Wednesday March 27 – Felicity Greiner

Thursday March 28 – Isabelle Selak | SouthBay Bella Studio

Friday March 29 – Katie Skoog | The Simple Life Company

Monday April 1 – Michael Caputo | Patchwork and Paper

Tuesday April 2 – Loni Jakubowski | Havin Sew Much Fun

Wednesday April 3 – Amista Baker | Hilltop Custom Designs

Thursday April 4 – Gwyn LaSpina | Clever Colleen

Friday April 5 – Becca Plymale | Sunflower Seams

Monday April 8 – Brianne Baxa | BriCrafty

Tuesday April 9 – Louise Waterfall | Textile Trolley

Wednesday April 10 – Neressa Bennett

Thursday April 11 – Amista Baker | Hilltop Custom Designs

Friday April 12 – Alexis Wright | My Sweet Sunshine Studio

Monday April 15 – Sarai Schuk | Sarai’s Hobbies

Tuesday April 16 – Cassie Massolia | Lily Shine Creates

Wednesday April 17 – Alex Sorensen | My Sew Bliss

Thursday April 18 – Jennifer MacWilliams | This Girl Is Sew Destructive

Friday April 19 – Betsy Harrahy | Little Pink Pamplemousse

Monday April 22 – Rebecca Ringquist | Dropcloth Samplers

Tuesday April 23 – Chantal Morin | CG Monsters

Wednesday April 24 – Danielle Gobel | Little Pink Peony

Thursday April 25 – Eve Gaddis

Explore the Lugu Fabrics collection: The Collection | On Instagram

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Until next time- Alexis