knit patterns

🎵’Cause I’m Free Fallin’🎵 in LOVE with RP’s Toronto Tee

/ jotdesignsusa / 52 Comments

 

I am SO excited to be a part of the Sew Free for Summer, Rebecca Page Blog Tour!!! This Blog Tour is all about fun, fresh, and free Rebecca Page patterns; as well as tips, tricks, and hacks to help inspire you to make your own amazing creations!

I chose Rebecca Page’s Toronto Tee, and I decided to hack it to be able to color block the top and add a pop of lace in the yoke and the pocket for funsies. I started off by assembling all of my pattern pieces. Then, I knew that I wanted to create a yoke appearance, so I measured where I wanted the yoke to end on the front piece. I decided on 1/4″ above the pocket position. 

vp5h0ah1Rv6vd6N+8D2KNw

I marked this on the pattern piece before I cut it on the marked line.

XT1IpPB0S0egH29iVmH4hw

Next, I marked where I wanted the yoke to end on the back piece, marked it, and cut along the marked line, just like I did with the front pattern piece.

wY6BArLPQ%CZbyK%+AGtyw

Then, since I knew that I was about to create another seam, I added in a 1/4″ seam allowance. I added it in by slicing a piece to match and taped it straight on, but an easier way is to use tracing paper and just add the seam allowance on your tracing at the bottom of the new yoke pieces and at the top of the new bottom back and bottom front pieces. 

xXd3g2IcSXWI4e1tKhA8bw

This was where I was adding the seam allowance to my newly created hacked front bottom bodice and front yoke pattern pieces. 

7Czy71Y9RNSuKKsaw65IUQ


I decided to line the lace with solid RS (from Amelia Lane Designs), both in the yoke, and in the pocket for a touch of modesty, but you can color block with whatever knit fabric, and create your color blocks wherever you choose to draw your new seams in the pattern. You can even choose to only color block the front, or just the back.

The Toronto Tee is a more relaxed-fit top, meant to be comfy and cool while you wear it. So, if you are looking to create a more form-fitting top, try sizing down a size or 2.

fullsizeoutput_45fbfullsizeoutput_45fdfullsizeoutput_45fefullsizeoutput_4601

More Inspiration

Please visit all the stops on the Rebecca Page Sew Free for Summer Blog Tour for more great inspiration:

Prizes

We will be giving away a pattern bundle of choice each day PLUS an overall grand prize of a $50 pattern credit. To stand a chance to win, all you have to do is comment on each blog, each day so stay tuned to the Rebecca Page Sewing group for updates from our bloggers!

Breaking Ground with Phat Quarters Patterns

/ jotdesignsusa / 25 Comments


I was so lucky to be a part of the Breaking Ground Blog Tour this year, hosted Mahlica Designs and sponsored by Phat Quarters Patterns!

Inspired by Phat Quarters’ adorable patterns, I decided to break ground by hacking two of their patterns into adult sizes, as they currently only carry children’s sizes and patterns.

The first that I took from children’s sizes to an adult size was the Alderwood. It’s an amazing and unique pattern that has a cowl or hood option and lots of scrap-busting color blocking and piping opportunities.

Here is my finished plus-sized Women’s Alderwood:
fullsizeoutput_3d55fullsizeoutput_3d54fullsizeoutput_3d53

I used a brushed waffle knit for the majority of the bodice, and accented with quilted faux leather.

The process involves a few moments of math and resizing of each pattern piece, while taking into account things like women’s bust, waist, and hip differences from a child’s typical shape. Then, the fun begins!!

A note to all that seek to upsize a hack on a children’s pattern, remember that bodice adjustments need corresponding sleeve adjustments for shoulder width and armscye changes. Also, not every difference is a giant one. The piping on the Alderwood, for example, was almost the same size as the children’s pattern piece…but almost was still a change.

Next, I worked on the Camas, an AMAZING knit top that only seems like a basic T, until you see the opportunity for all of the bells and whistles that come with the pattern. I chose to mock one up with DBP from Amelia Lane Designs, and the fit was lovey and relaxed. I am going to do many more to cover all of the variations of the pattern, as each makes me giddy with anticipation.

fullsizeoutput_4378lii1eV2JRxCgp8fxmr6CAw

I can’t wait to break ground and sew up the rest of the Phat Quarters’ catalog in my size!!! (and to finally reveal a project that I’ve been working on for a few weeks! I am so excited! Stay tuned for exciting news and a giveaway!!)

Welcome to the Breaking Ground Blog Tour 2019 hosted by mahlicadesigns. This year over 25 bloggers from around the world are joining together to break new ground by trying a pattern designer that is new to them, try new techniques, new styles, or whatever way they want to push themselves. (Read on for Giveaway info)

The Full Tour includes all these creatives… we hope you’ll visit us each day:

Monday March 11– That’s Sew Lily, Sewing A La Carte, Mijn 11jes & ik

Tuesday March 12– mahlicadesigns, Embrace Everyday, Jot Designs, auschick sews, Raising Stripling Warriors

Wednesday March 13– Musings of A Seamstress, Very Blissful, Sew4Five, Just Sew Something, Hazelnut Handmade, Crafting Through Time, Tales From A Southern Mom

Thursday March 14– Make It Sew with the Bear and Pea Atelier, Ronda B Handmade, SequioaLynn Sews, Sewing with D, The Sewing Goatherd, OOYAmade, My Golden Thimble, Custom Made by Laura

Friday March 15– Sew Cute Couture by Kathy, Sewing Novice, Ronda B Handmade, Momma Bear Sews, MeMade, My Golden Thimble, Lulu & Celeste

Breaking News: our tour sponsor Phat Quarters is offering 2 patterns of choice from her pattern shop to one lucky winner.

Enter Here!

***

We’d love to see how you’re Breaking Ground this month. Share with us what you’re working on by using the hashtag #BreakingGround2019 across social media.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

🎵I’ve Got a Placket, Got a Placket Full of Sunshine🎵

/ jotdesignsusa / 4 Comments

51231752_10218931829986684_2174675614231953408_o

I was fortunate enough to be selected to participate in the ReSEWlutions: Plackets Blog Tour from Winter Wear Designs (WWD) (aff), alongside a number of other very talented sewists and bloggers. This first blog tour of 2019 focused on the placket, one of many sewing techniques that can often feel daunting to a new sewist. *SPOILER ALERT* It’s actually much easier than most assume that it is!

I chose the lovely Hepburn Henley from WWD to sew up in a couple of different fabric bases. I wanted to compare and contrast what the fabric influences the finished look of a placket (and really, of any project).

First, I chose a lightweight double brushed poly (DBP) from Love Adore Knit Fabrics (the daisy and polka dotted fabric), and yellow bamboo lycra for the sleeves and the back.

To achieve this look, I followed the instructions in the tutorial, which led me to folding the placket  and sewing in the placket on top of the mostly-finished bodice. Topstitching the x onto the bottom of the placket helps add stability and allow for easier buttoning and unbuttoning of the top.

fullsizeoutput_367bfullsizeoutput_367d

The next Hepburn Henley that I did, I selected to do the faux placket option. I sewed it up with a bodice out of ombré hacci knit and DBP sleeves, faux placket, and neckband all from Seweird Fabrics. I doubt that I will ever do a henley out of hacci again, as it was a bit looser of a knit that I was wanting, but it was very warm, comfortable, and stylish. Regardless, I still love the finished look. The scoop neckline gives the Hepburn Henley that little something special, and having the option to have functional buttons on a placket or having a faux placket was lovely.

Make sure to pick up your copy of the Hepburn Henley either by itself or in the incredible Back to School for Teens and Women Bundle!

dsc_0016dsc_0018dsc_0020img_0835

Make sure to visit all of the other stops on this blog tour!!
January 29
Aurelie of Maglice&So (guest posting at WWD)
January 30
Kristen  (guest posting at WWD)
January 31
Jessica of Jot Designs USA
Feb 1
Livia of Liviality
#wwd #blogtour2019 #resewlutions #plackets

IT’S Time to Sew with ITS (Itch to Stitch) Blog Tour

/ jotdesignsusa / 10 Comments

fullsizeoutput_3723

Life is so crazy, sometimes, that I just need to make time to sew to clear my thoughts, get out of my head, and be productive, rather than to stress over the little things. This Time to Sew with Itch to Stitch blog tour was the Perfect opportunity for me to do just that, and the timing couldn’t have been more ideal.

It’s late September, and that means that autumn is here, complete with Pumpkin Spice Lattes, changing leaves, and changing temperatures… unless you live in Texas like I do, and then the high temperatures just lower into the upper 80’s to mid 90’s. hahaha For Southerners, the fall means a time of curious temperatures and the need for truly transitional pieces like 3/4 length tops and longer skirt and shorts, or capris. It is often a bit too chilly to wear tank tops now when the sun is down.

Because of this, I sewed up the WONDERFUL Newport Top PDF Sewing Pattern and Emily Culottes PDF Sewing Pattern from Itch to Stitch Sewing Pattern Shop. I decided to really highlight the versatility of the Newport Top by sewing it up not only in a gorgeous DBP (double brushed poly) from Sly Fox Fabrics, but also the softest brushed hacci sweater knot from Love Adore Knit Fabrics. I am over the moon and so glad that I finally sewed up a top that I have been meaning to sew up for months! It did not disappoint! The shoulder details are my favorite bits on this garment. They add a touch of the “something special” without being too over the top. It is a very flattering and feminine silhouette, even in my size 16. This top can carry me from season to season, and the sweater knit will keep me warm all winter long!

fullsizeoutput_38ae

I also sewed up the Emily Culottes in denim from Knitpop. Not only are they comfortable, but they can be styled for work or play, and I can probably wear them for 10 months out of the year down here, with a bit of styling differences. In the summer, a pair of flip-flops are what I need, and in the winter, a pair of tights will add a bit of warmth and style to my outfit.

There is an optional pleated front look to the pattern, as well as a flat front. Both have an attached sash belt. If you do choose to do the non-pleated version, PLEASE read the tutorial’s directions first, before cutting your fabric (because the pattern need to be adjusted prior to cutting).

fullsizeoutput_38b3

I want to thank the amazing designer at Itch to Stitch, Kennis Wong, for making these amazing pdf patterns from which I was able to relax, unwind, and add to my wardrobe. I would also like to thank Sly Fox Fabrics for sponsoring some of the most amazing fabrics across this entire Blog Tour. Be sure to read and enjoy the other breathtaking creations from the other bloggers who had stops on this blog tour, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

The best news is that for all day today (September 21, 2018), the Newport Top PDF Sewing Pattern is on sale for only $7 and the Emily Culottes PDF Sewing Pattern is only $9! How awesome is that?!

Please visit the awesome sponsors of this Blog Tour and see the awesome and reasonably-priced offerings that each has!
fullsizeoutput_3722

Visit our sponsors and enter our Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win this unbelievable prize package:

Itch to Stitch: 2 PDF patterns of choice
Simply By Ti: Prize of $20 GC

So Sew English Fabrics: Prize of $30 GC
Mabel Madison Modern Makers: Prize of 3 yard coordinated bundle
Sly Fox Fabrics: $25GC
Raspberry Creek Fabrics: $50 GC
Surge Fabric Shop: $20 GC
Organic Cotton Plus: $25 GC
WarmCrochet: Pair of scissors

And make sure to visit the other stops on the blog tour!

Here is the line up of Bloggers for the ITS Time to Sew Itch to Stitch Blog

September 17th
September 18th
September 19th
September 20th 
September 21st

***Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win awesome prizes!!***
Rafflecopter giveaway link

Heading Back to School in Ellie and Mac

/ jotdesignsusa / 5 Comments

39883786_10156458004281006_5518048332632555520_n

Now that we’re past Labor Day, almost everyone is headed back to school, and that means that students, teachers, administrators, school staff, and mamas everywhere will need to dress to impress, whether it be for the lunch line, running across campus, or the drop off line! Luckily, Ellie and Mac have you covered!

I decided on a transitioning-seasons look with the Ellie and Mac Women’s Halter Maxi Top/Dress Pattern (aff). Not only does this pattern come with a top and dress version, but it comes with SO many different options!! I chose to do a full maxi dress with the non-halter version because with the changing weather, I wanted to allow for the extra bit of coverage (and let’s face it: school time means bra time. Hahaha).

I sewed up the maxi with Mily Mae Fabrics’ faux snakeskin velvet for the bodice and sash, and I used Pretty Posh Prints’ (aff) double brushed poly for the skirt. Both are so decadent and comfortable, while still be so stylish.

fullsizeoutput_36c5fullsizeoutput_36c6fullsizeoutput_36c2fullsizeoutput_36c9

By changing up the fabrics, I made the Halter Maxi a little bit warmer in the bodice area, and added coverage with the maxi length to keep my legs warmer in the windy colder air that’s about to head our way! Popping on a cardi, and I am set into the winter months! Plus, you can dress this look up or down. With this unique and exotic velvet, I could turn this look into a date night look or a Homeroom Teacher look. It’s SO versatile and comfortable at the same time.

The best bits about Ellie and Mac patterns are their great sales and unbeatable prices for such cute and relevant looks! Right now, not only can you enter to win the giveaway during this blog tour, but the Women’s Halter Maxi Top/Dress Pattern (aff) is 25% off! Don’t wait! Your closet needs this look that can go from the hottest summer day to crisp fall mornings!

Visit all the bloggers on the Back To School Sewing Patterns Blog Tour Featuring Ellie and Mac and enter the giveaway to win a $50 store credit below!

  1. August 20th: Seams Sew Lo (Intro)
  2. August 21st: Seams Sew Lo
  3. August 22nd: Momma Newey’s Makes
  4. August 23rd: Mama You Can Make It
  5. August 24th: DIYDanielle
  6. August 27th: Mijn11jes&ik
  7. August 28th: Tenille’s Thread
  8. August 29th: Make it Sew with the Bear and Pea Atelier
  9. August 30th: My Sewing Roots
  10. August 31st: SequioaLynn Sews
  11. September 1st: Mijn11jes&ik
  12. September 2nd: Crafty Curly Couture
  13. September 3rd: Sew 4 Five
  14. September 4th: Our Play Place
  15. September 5th: Fée bricolo
  16. September 6th: Jot Designs (USA)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Falling in love with Rebecca Page, a stop on the Turning the Page: Sewing for the Seasons Blog Tour

/ jotdesignsusa / 15 Comments

fullsizeoutput_35de

Welcome to one of the final stops on Rebecca Page’s Turning the Page: Sewing for the Seasons Blog Tour! Just because we are wrapping up our week of amazing fun, doesn’t mean that it stops here!! You, too, can enhance your wardrobe by being inspired by or recreating one of the many sophisticated, fun, flirty, and classic styles that you have seen along the way!!

When I was looking in my closet this past weekend, I realized just how low it was on comfortable and season-transitional pieces that I had. I have Plenty of summer looks, as I live in the southern US, but I needed to work on my fall transitional pieces and winter looks.

I immediately thought of Rebecca Page’s FANTASTIC outerwear, especially their cardigans. Cardies allow SO much freedom, as you can layer them on and remove them during the day, as temperatures fluctuate during our seasonal changes. I decided to sew up a The Circle Cardie – A Ladies Cardie Pattern (aff) for this exact reason!

The Circle Cardie allows for endless possibilities with regards to which knit to use. I chose a crushed velvet in Metal Crush (that I purchased from Mily Mae Fabrics), a sort of charcoal shade, which would drape me in softness and warmth and help ease my wardrobe’s transition into the colder months. It is just the first of many that I am going to sew up. I plan on at least 7: one for every day of the week! Since there are so many options on lengths, bands, ruffles, and sleeves, as well as the vast number of fabric options, my choices are nearly endless!

Next, I had to decide what should go under this cardigan. I decided on the The Emma Top and Dress – Ladies High Neck Dress Pattern (aff). Not only does the high neck on this top and dress block the cold winds of autumn, but also is stylish and a source of additional warmth, and it is currently in a sale bundle, the Summer Maxi Bundle. This pdf pattern really does allow for SO many options with the fabric choices and the lining options. Really, if it is super cold where you live, line it with a silk lining for a lightweight and VERY warm option. You could even opt for a superfine wool lining, as well. In the southern US, most of us just need cotton or maybe polyester, or as I chose: a gorgeous rayon (that I purchased from Mily Mae Fabrics), that has amazing drape and beautiful coverage, without being bulky or heavy.

I finally decided to sew up the top version of the Emma, and it was love!! It’s just long enough to cover everything that I want hidden, but also loose enough to keep me cool with a nice breeze! I paired it with capri leggings, so I know that leggings in late fall would also be perfection! One thing that I LOVE doing with stripes is to either cant them and wear them on the bias or create chevron patterns by having two angled stripes meet at a center point. This allows me to not have horizontal stripes which might not be the most flattering on my plus-sized figure, but also it is fresh, fun, and fashionable (and so easy to do!).

Please visit all the stops on the Turning the Page: Sewing for the Changing Seasons Blog Tour with Rebecca Page. Don’t forget to comment on the blogs each day and enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win some fantastic prizes from our fabric sponsors!

  1. August 20: Rebecca Page (Intro), Sewjourns, Soul fed on Thread
  2. August 21: Sarcastic Sewist, PatchWitch, Flaxfield Sewing by Anca
  3. August 22: Princesse et Tresors, Bellephant, The Scatty Sewer
  4. August 23: BigFlyNotions, Stitched by Jennie, Millie’s Place Handmade
  5. August 24: Sweet Sprocket, Australian Sewing, Advice & Inspiration, The Sewing Unicorn
  6. August 25: LIVIALITY, Diskordia’s Curvy Sewing, Simply Kyra
  7. August 26: Seams So Lo, Middle River Studio, Jot Designs

fullsizeoutput_35dd

This Taylor is a Total Love Story!

/ jotdesignsusa / Leave a comment

If you follow my blog, you know that I have mad love for the Petra Taylor Ladies Tee, Tunic, and Dress (all in one) pattern by Pickle Toes Patterns. This back to school season, I decided to bust my scrap bin, and I found my fabulous fourth of July fabric from So Sew English. I realized that even though I didn’t have enough to make a shirt out of each, I Did have enough for a color blocked Taylor tee for myself!
fullsizeoutput_35c0fullsizeoutput_35c1fullsizeoutput_35c2fullsizeoutput_35c3

You, too, can grab your scrap bin and use as many or as few colors and textures to make this sure-to-please COMFORTABLE top/tunic/dress. One of the best parts is that you have 3 length options and you can also customize your sleeve length and whether or not you want to hem or use bands, all for ONE LOW PRICE!

I can’t wait until I have another 20 minutes to make myself another one of these awesome tops!

🎵Just Me and BSD Down by the Schoolyard🎵 (A Stop on the Bella Sunshine Designs’ Back to School Blog Tour)

/ jotdesignsusa / 3 Comments

38600522_10157689127553858_1283947071178539008_oIt’s August, and you know what that means: It’s time for a whole lot of people to head back to school. Whether you are sending your preschooler or high schooler or teaching the next generation, you can always look your best in stylish and comfortable looks from pdf patterns from Bella Sunshine Designs (aff).

Nearly my all of my family members are or were educators in the past, and this BTS season, I focused on them for inspiration as I made my BTS looks. I chose to sew up the Sansa Flare Pants, and to pair them up with a cute little peplum top, the Sahara top (also has a tunic And a dress option. What a steal! It’s like 3 patterns for the price of 1). I focused on a look that can go from high school student to faculty (or even a little, if you went with the girls’ versions of these patterns, which are totally available!!).

fullsizeoutput_3411

As you can see, the Sahara and the Sansa Flares can be dressed up or down. I chose to use Stitchin’ Pretties’ Tie Dye Double Brushed Poly, and a gorgeous Rayon Spandex from Pretty Posh Prints (aff). You can use most knits, as long as they have the required stretch and recovery listed in the individual pattern. Friends of mine had used stretch denim to make their Sansa Flares, and I have used stretch velvet before. The sky is the limit for your wardrobe with these patterns!!

fullsizeoutput_3413

The back of the Sahara dress is just as elegant and stylish as the front, and will be a great way to kick of a new school year’s wardrobe for your special student or faculty member!!
fullsizeoutput_3415

And for this Back to School Blog Tour, Bella Sunshine Designs (aff) is having an amazing sale, beginning on August 6th and running until Sunday, the 12th at midnight Eastern!! All girls patterns will be $6; all ladies patterns will be $7; and all bundles will be $12. No coupon code will be needed. How GREAT is this SALE??? You definitely Don’t want to miss it!!

Also, you definitely don’t want to miss the other 2 stops on the Back to School Blog Tour for Bella Sunshine Designs today (or any of the others from this week-long tour)!! Make sure to visit Taish Bruton at http://www.bloomingskies.com for her Josephine Dress blog, and Nathalie Van den Bossche at http://nathaliesneedle.blogspot.be for her Sahara Dress blog!

I have an Itch to Stitch Another Nottingham Tee

/ jotdesignsusa / Leave a comment

Itch to Stitch’s designer has created the cutest top in the Nottingham Tee.  I had the pleasure of testing this new tee with a twist. It comes in sizes 0-20, and has 3 sleeve options.

I sewed up the some luxurious double brushed poly (DBP)  that I got at an AMAZING price from Love Adore Knits (Loveadoreco.com) for my long sleeved version of this adorable top in a size 16.

IMG_9786

I used Sly Fox Fabic’s (slyfoxfabrics.com) wonderful and vibrant DBP for my short-sleeved version.

IMG_9787

This pattern is another that you can dress up or down, and is a super quick and easy sew. The only thing to watch for is the sleeve attachment, as the designer had decided to slightly offset the sleeve for a better drape/ attachment to the bodice of this tee.

Don’t wait to make your first Nottingham Tee. You won’t regret it!

🎵Vacation [Romper] All I Ever Wanted…Had to Get [It Right Away]🎵

/ jotdesignsusa / Leave a comment

What fun it has been not only testing for Ellie and Mac, but being able to join in on their amazing Get Ready for Summer Blog Tour!!

32076093_10156171113391006_7537638884033691648_n

I decided what says “getting ready for summer” like sewing up Ellie and Mac’s new Vacation Romper? It is SO comfortable and cute and screams summer vacation!!

fullsizeoutput_29aa

I made one change to the instruction on the pattern to be able to achieve my chevron effect from the striped double brushed poly from Mily Mae Fabrics that I chose to use: instead of following the instructions of cutting one Front and one Back piece on the fold, I cut 2 pieces on the bias to create one Front piece and the same for the Back piece. I added in 1/4″ seam allowance to the cut line area to be able to accommodate the new center seam for the newly constructed Front and Back pieces. Then, I had my matched up stripes, forming new chevron-eque patterns for my romper. After that, I followed the tutorial, and voila! A comfy and fun outfit for vacations, or any time.

IMG_9527

To be perfectly honest, I didn’t want to be in vertical “prison stripes” nor to have horizontal stripes, so this chevron saved my fabric and my vanity. Haha AND it was so comfy that when I tried it on, I didn’t want to take it off, and I slept in it. It is Beyond comfortable and snuggly! Plus, as a higher bonus: I have the optional pockets sewn in!!!

It is a quick and easy sew, so if you don’t have this pattern, you should go and grab a copy at https://bit.ly/2rwazyz! And pick up 3-4 yards of delicious fabric at Mily Mae Fabrics!

Please visit all the wonderful bloggers on the Get Ready for Summer Sewing Patterns Blog Tour for some incredible inspirations.

  1. May 7th: Seams Sew Lo
  2. May 8th: Tenille’s Thread
  3. May 9th: Seams Sew Lo
  4. May 10th: The Sewing Goatherd
  5. May 11th: Aurora Designs Fabrics
  6. May 14th: Our Play Place
  7. May 15th: Momma Can Make It
  8. May 16th: Aurora Designs Fabric
  9. May 17th: QuiltsbyJoann
  10. May 18th: Liviality
  11. May 19th: Momma You Can Make It
  12. May 21st: Margarita on the Ross
  13. May 22nd: Sewing Blue
  14. May 23rd: Kathy’s Kwilts and More
  15. May 24th: Momma Newey’s Makes
  16. May 25th: Jot Designs USA
  17. May 28th: The Scatty Sewer
  18. May 29th: Granma Texas Sews
  19. May 30th: Fee Bricolo
  20. May 31st: My Sewing Roots

a Rafflecopter giveaway