Tag: handmade

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

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

Sonata Showcase

Sonata Showcase

What? I blogged?!!!! Hello, blogging world. It’s been awhile since we meet.

First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Today is my stop on the Sonata Showcase and I am very excited to share my make with you! Amy Sinibaldi, one of Art Gallery Fabrics Designers, recently released her 7th collection and this is maybe my favorite. I love the airy, bright and sweet look she infuses to each of her collections and Sonata is no different. 

Sonata is designed from Amy’s love of classical music, particularly Ludwig van Beethoven. 

aaaEH4A0585

The hardest part of this make was not only deciding who to sew for , myself or my daughter, but which print or prints to use. I decided to sew for myself  because I am working to grow my handmade wardrobe as well as adding new Spring pieces. This collection is chalk full of beautifully bright colors and floral prints. One of them has the most adorable strawberry accent ever. 

aaaEH4A0719

I chose to use Ink Night for the skirt.  To go with it I made two tops.  I used Floral No 9 in Bold for one and the other was made with Pastoral Rayon in Crescendo.   

All 3 pieces are amazingly beautiful and Spring ready!

The patterns I chose to compliment the Sonata fabric for the skirt is the Justine pattern by Ready to Sew.  For the top I chose the Ogden Cami from True Bias. 

aaaEH4A0627

My favorite part of this skirt is the pockets! HUGE HUGE pockets!

aaaEH4A0816

I am so happy to have made the skirt with the simple black and white print. I can match it with so many different prints or a simple solid.  I plan to wear this on Easter Sunday.  Now to decide which top to wear, maybe a mid-day switch-a-roo??!!! HA! 

aaaEH4A0684

I totally dig that low back! Eeeek!

aaaEH4A0711

Well friends, I hope you enjoyed my stop on the Sonata Showcase! Hope you have been able to follow along so far but if not, catch up on Amy’s IG page!

Until next time

-Alexis

SonataShowcaseMakers

Bountiful Holiday Blog Tour

Sharon Holland’s Bountiful Holiday Blog Tour…

Are you ready for the Holidays? Ok, admit it, you have already been listening to Christmas music!! My kids (I guess I can’t blame the kids) put it on the day after Halloween.

Buying Christmas gifts is one of my favorite and most stressful things to do this time of year. I am always striving to buy the right gift for each person but I always feel like I never hit the mark. Some of my favorite gifts our family has given to our friends was our homemade presents. This is year I told myself more homemade then store bought! Well I am off to a great start. This first gift is for my Niece, she is almost 2 and I think will love this little bunny!

This adorable bunny is made with Sharon Holland’s Bountiful fabrics in…

Perennial Renewal- Sweet Floral Print

and

Plain Weave Thatch- The perfect accent print

anewEH4A9554

The Perennial Renewal print maybe my most favorite print from all of Sharon’s Collections. That is saying a lot since I love so many! It sweet, fresh and delicate!

anewEH4A9491

Pattern comes from:

Violette Field Threads- Blushing Bunny

anewEH4A9541

anewEH4A9611

anewEH4A9622

anewEH4A9627-Edit

anewEH4A9563

Another great gift is a bag! Everyone needs a bag! Especially now that we need them at the grocery store. This one was made by my good friend Sue at Needle in a Fabric Stash.

anewEH4A9484-Edit

anewEH4A9451

 

To see more inspiration check out all the projects from these amazing creators!

11-01  Mathew Boudreaux  Mister Domestic

11-02  AnneMarie Chany  Gen X Quilters

11-03  Brooke Sellmann  Silly Mama Quilts

11-06  Blair Stocker  Wise Craft Handmade

11-07  Silvia Sutters  A Stranger View

11-08  Peta Peace  She Quilts A Lot

11-09  Sharon Holland  Sharon Holland Designs

11-10  Heather Andrus  Quilt Story

11-13  Maureen Cracknell  Maureen Cracknell Handmade

11-14  Anjeanette Klinder  Anjeanettek

11-15  Alexis Wright  My Sweet Sunshine Studio

11-16  Katie Skoog  The Simple Life Company

The FUN is not over yet!! Jump over to Sharon’s Blog  and Instagram page  for details on how you could win some Bountiful Fabric from Fat Quarter Shop!!

HarvestBountiful-FQB-Front

xoxo

-Alexis

April Rhodes, OBSERVER Fabric Blog Tour

Finally… I have been planning the photoshoot for the Observer Blog Tour for 2 months and I am so excited to share it TODAY!!! Our family visited this National Park earlier in the summer and I knew it was the perfect location!  I am pretty excited to share but before I do lets talk OBSERVER!!!!

newneweh4a2440

April Rhodes’ has done it again! Every single collection is earthy perfection! I have always been attracted to her natural organic esthetic in her fabric collections and the Observer collection is no different. This is April’s 4th collection with Art Gallery Fabrics and each is just as BEAUTIFUL as the one before.

qtct9499

The collection has navy blues, mustards, metallic and calm gray/blues. It is a collection that I would use to make clothing projects for myself, for my children and in home décor!!  The color palate is gorgeous beyond my wildest dreams!  I mean look at the metallic texture!!! Swoooon!!!!

observer-swatches

Besides Cotton the collection offers Knit, Voile and Canvas options to pick from in selected prints.. I choose the YUMMY Voile in Indigo Window in Crystal for the main portion of the Maxi Dress below…

newneweh4a2423

For the second dress I used this AMAZING calm blue/gray print called, Overshot Haze. For the main portion and for the collar I used, Speck Bronze. Ooooh, BRONZE!

newneweh4a2465

newneweh4a2277-copy

newneweh4a2022

Can we talk about this Voile and Indigo Window in Crystal again! When I received it in the mail. I pulled it out and may or may not have danced with it! Hehehehehe, totally normal right?? Just say yes! lol

newneweh4a2157-copy

newnewe11h4a2153-copy

newneweh4a2420

Pattern used for the Maxi dress:

Madison- I modified the dress by lengthening the skirt.

Pattern used for the Collar dress:

Pepper- made per instructions

Both patterns are by Violette Field Threads

newneweh4a2478

Isn’t this location MAGAICAL especially with OBSERVER FABRIC!!!??!! If you are ever in San Diego I highly suggest visiting Cabrillo National Park. 🙂

NEWNEWEH4A2432.jpg

I have already used Observer in other projects like this one below for my sewing bestie, Cassie’s next pattern!!

neweh4a4931-copy

neweh4a5051-copy

Thank you April for creating Observer making our projects even more beautiful!!!

*The next stop on the tour will be Colette – colettepatterns.com, IG – @ColettePatterns

See you later

-Alexis

 

Amy Sinibaldi, Playground Showcase

Well, happy first day of Fall!! Ironically, when I was planning out my project for the showcase I wanted to incorporate Fall into my garment and photos. Little did I know the first day of Fall was also my day to share on the Showcase Tour. Too perfect right!!?!

 

Playground-Showcase-Banner

Amy Sinibaldi’s newest collection with Art Gallery Fabrics , Playground, released a couple months ago . She is also the creative talent behind the Paperie Fabric collection. Amy did such an amzing job capturing childhood memories. Don’t you remember palying hopscotch with your best friend or praying for a gust of wind to lift your plastic kite. I mean seriously I tried so many times to fly that kite!

neweh4a4078

For the Showcase I choose the He Loves Me Plum VOILE fabric for the main portion and Posy Chain Freshlilly for the collar. I have become infatuated with Voile fabric lately!

neweh4a3980

I modified the Pepper pattern by lengthing the skirt and creating a Maxi and also leaving off the sleeves. The Pepper is my 6th pattern with Violette Field Threads and I am pretty excited to be adding Tween Pepper soon!

neweh4a3915

 

neweh4a4031

This Plum floral was the perfect color to start the Fall Season! This was a vast difference from the Playground outfit I made for Art Gallery Fabrics Lookbook….

new1eh4a5417-copy

To see more inspiration check out the Lookbook…

To see more inspiration check out these amazing creators…

Calendar:

SEPT 14: Katie Skoog ~ thesimplelifecompany.com/blog

15: Michelle Curtis ~ chellesquilts.com

16: Peta Peace ~ shequiltsalot.com

17: Minki Kim ~ minkikim.com

19: Jemima Flendt ~ tiedwitharibbon.com

20: Tara J Curtis ~ tjaye.com

21: Alexis Wright ~ mysweetsunshinestudio.com

22: Melissa LeRay ~ ohhowsweet.com

23: Ali Brorsen ~ becauseofbrennaclothing.com

24: Angie Wilson ~ gnomeangel.com

26: Rachel McCormack ~ woodenspoonquilts.blogspot.com

27: Stacy Olson ~ stacyolsondesign.com

28: Shannon Fraser ~ shannonfraserdesigns.ca

29: Cristi Cooper ~ whimsyquilts.blogspot.com

30: Guiseppe Ribaudo ~ instagram.com/Giucy_Giuce

OCT 1: Kristyne Czepuryk ~ prettybyhand.com

3: Amy Sinibaldi ~ nanaCompany.typepad.com

neweh4a4276

See you all later…

-Alexis

 

Boardwalk Delight Fabric Blog Tour

BWD 8

We started off and ended our summer with Dana’s, from MADE, first fabric collection with Art Gallery Fabrics. We had a photoshoot to kick off the summer for the Boardwalk Delight lookbook and now bring the summer to a close by blogging and sharing even more photos from that great day!! Boardwalk Delight fabric should be the official fabric of summer! Funny story, when I was sewing with this collection for the first time I was starring at the I Scream, You Scream so much I had to take a break and take the kids to get some ice cream! Nothing wrong with that right?

I had the opportunity to spend time with Dana, she is exactly how I envisioned her. She is creative, inspiring, kind heart and energetic!  I have been a HUGE fan of Dana’s blog for years now. It was actually the first blog I ever followed.

For this photo shoot I had the opportunity to collaborate with Cassie from Little Lizard King. Our families have become closer over the last few months so we will cherish these photos for a lifetime.

 

NEWEH4A7029 copy

(Dress pattern: Violette Field Threads Madison Top Pattern: NewHorizonsDesigns  Offbeat Oxford)

Fabric on Her:

Eat it all and Ice Cream Shop

Fabric on Him:

I scream, You scream and Eat it all

The kids had a blast playing on the Boardwalk and riding all the rides!!! I don’t blame them they got to eat ice cream and jump on all the rides!

Fabric from left to right:

Sprinkles and Busy Beach

I scream, you scream and Eat it All

Twinkle Lights and Eat it All

(Top Pattern: Cali Faye Valley Blouse and MADE Kid Shorts)

Fabric on Her:

Flavor of the Day and Soda Straws

Fabric on Him:

I scream, You scream and Eat it Al

BWD 5

Just look at all those yummy colors and prints! If you are looking for more inspiration check out MADE blog and Art Gallery Fabrics Lookbook.

NEWEH4A6984 copy

NEWEH4A6918 copy

(Look closely into his sunglass! What do you see?)

NEWEH4A8178 copy.jpg

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the last few days of hot weather!!!

xoxo,

Alexis

Sarah Jane, Magic Fabric Blog Tour

NEWEH4A2591 copy

Hello, I hope everyone’s summer has been incredible and full of lot of adventures! Don’t you feel like summer is becoming shorter and shorter? Time flies by! My kids head back to school in a week!

Anyways, I got a little side tracked, I am excited to share a new fabric collection from Sarah Jane and Michael Miller.  Way back in March, while traveling back to GA to see family, Sarah’s new line popped up in my Facebook feed right before we boarded the plane. So obviously that meant for the rest of the plane ride all I could think about was all the amazing things I could sew with that fabric and then of course that started my pattern designing juices going!  I envisioned a summer sundress with little girls dancing in the beautiful sun. After the 5 hour plane ride I came up with Lauren, a summery sundress full of pleated details.  Isn’t it incredible how one person’s creativity influences another?!

NEWEH4A2470 copy

(Shown here with Magic and Gauze from Sommer)

Sarah has always been a huge inspiration to me since the time I first started sewing! Every time I see Children on Parade fabric, I  have flash backs of sitting at my sewing machine cranking out tons of skirts made with that print. I keep a secret stash of out of print Sarah’s fabric in my fabric closet that I will only pull out for very special projects!  Did you hear they will be bringing back some out of print fabrics??!! How exciting!!

In May I had the honor of sewing TWO dresses for her Spring Quilt Market Booth.

The first one is Paige, which is designed by Bernadette for Violette Field Threads.

Fabric:

Unicorn Forest

Lucky Stars

NEW22EH4A5826 copy

The second is the pattern I mentioned earlier, Lauren.

Fabric:

Magic Parade- Double Boarder

Lucky Stars

Stars and Stripes

NEWEH4A3213 copy

Here are few (HA) more photos of Lauren and Magic Collection…

(Seriously, isn’t she a doll??!!!)

NEWEH4A2581 copy

“Lauren” baby fabric:

 Magic Parade Double Boarder

You are Magic

NEW1EH4A2985 copy

(Not sure how I got so lucky to get this perfect shot with everyone smiling but YAY!!!)

NEWEH4A3038 copy

NEWEH4A4129

Fabric:

Sommer Fabric Collection: Painted Gingham

Mermaid Magic

NEWEH4A4463 copy

What will you sew with Magic?

Thank you so much for hanging out with me and reading all about my adventures with Magic Fabric!

-Alexis

 

Extra photo (because I LOVE Sommer fabric also!)…NEWEH4A4685

Floral Radiograph Fabric Blog Tour-Skirt Fixation

Blog Tour Graphic

Hello and Happy Friday,

This month has flown by, right???!!  It has for me too! So it was nice to stop for a minute. grab my camera and my favorite little lady and head to my newly founded photo spot.   We had a lot of laughs and got a lot of pics with some beautiful fabric. Aubrey. from Skirt Fixation, has created a beautiful collection of fabric called, Floral Radiograph. What is Floral Radiograph you ask?? Well here you go:

Floral Radiography is the procedure of x-raying delicate flowers to create art.  Over 100 years old, this practice is almost as venerable as x-ray technology itself.  Because of the sensitivity of x-ray technology, composition difficulty, and the fragility of the processing method, most floral radiograph attempts do not turn out.  But the ones that make it to a finished product are so stunningly, hauntingly beautiful they make the endeavor worthwhile!  The tiny community of artists who make floral radiographs do not limit themselves to flowers either.  Whether it’s the ability to see beyond the naked eye, or the similarity to silhouettes and shadows, floral radiography translates beautifully to fabric because the owner of floral radiograph fabric can use it to create something that transcends the flesh of nature and touches the very bones.

Pretty cool, right??!!

NEWNEWEH4A6188 copy

I choose the Black and White Boarder Print in cotton. Which is super soft and flowy!! It was a breezy day thanks to a storm coming, which made the fabric drape like a dream. Lucky me!!

NEWEH4A6314 copy

I had envisioned making a skirt for the tour because every time I think of Aubrey I think of skirts! HA!  So I used the Gemma Skirt pattern by Violette Field Threads. I made the skirt with a few modifications, like using a gathered skirt instead of a circle skirt and I also adding length. The end result was a full, flowy midi skirt!

NEEEEWEH4A6216 copy

I have a thing for Black and White fabric, it’s timeless! BUT, she is also offering the print in several other colors…

Color Collage

Gorgeous, right??!!!!

Guess what, you can win a $50 credit for My Fabric Designs. See Skirt Fixation Blog for more information. The giveaway runs from April 25 to May 8.

NEWEH4A6275 copy

Thank you Aubrey for having me on your blog tour!!!

Until next time…

Alexis

NEWEH4A6165 copy 2