knit patterns

🎵Oh I want to take ya to Brooklyn, Bahamas…🎵 on a fitting experiment

/ jotdesignsusa / 3 Comments

In this installment of the Fitting Experiment, we are all sewing up versions of Sonia Estep Designs’ Bahama Bottoms pdf pattern (aff) and most are also pairing it with the Brooklyn top pdf pattern (aff).

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We all started with the Bahama Bottoms, which offer so many options that it was hard to choose which I wanted to sew up.

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Since it is still scorching hot outside, I went with the 5″ inseam elastic waistband with front and back pockets in rayon challis. These shorts proved to be lightweight, but not see-through, thanks to the fabric that I chose. They are breezy and so comfortable in these summer days.

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The pockets are just the right length to throw my cell phone in, and not have to worry about it popping out when I go to sit down. (That’s a HUGE plus in my book! LOL) There are also back pockets and flaps that can be used, but since I am in the “I hate ironing camp”, I chose to leave the flaps off this particular pair of shorts. If I had done a solid color pair or a denim pair, I would have placed the flap on to level up the chic factor for myself.

These are a US size 16, and they fit me beautifully!! I love that they included plus sizes in their full range at Sonia Estep Designs! My Brooklyn Top is also a US size 16, and I love the comfort of it, and well as the extra cute features that make it feel so luxe for a knit top!

To show a variety, I chose to do the straight hem with dolman short sleeves (as I knew that some of my fellow bloggers were doing the tie and the tank/sleeveless versions). As you can see, there are SO many lovely options that make this pdf pattern SO worth grabbing a copy for yourself!!

I used Dark Teal solid double brushed poly from Knitpop (aff) for my Brooklyn top, and buttons from HobbyLobby.com. With this pandemic, I source most of my supplies online. It is SO soft and lush!! One tiny change that I made was the placing of the buttons. I decided that since I intended to wear this as my top, as opposed to a layering piece, I wanted extra coverage higher in the top. I moved the top 2 buttons closer to each other so that I don’t have to worry about any gaping or accidental “wardrobe malfunctions”. Then, I measured the remaining length on the neckband/placket and divided that by the 4 remaining buttons to get them spaced evenly.

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Since these patterns are available in sizes 00-30, so many people would be able to enjoy these patterns. Not only that, but the options are mind-blowing! With this additional versatility, you could dress this pattern up or down and create different looks for every day of the week with just these 2 patterns!

(But Sonia Estep Designs also has other amazing patterns, while you are shopping there. #Enabler!! hahaha But seriously, they have freebies!! Join their Facebook group to learn more!

Thank you to Sonia Estep Designs for sponsoring The Fitting Experiment creators with patterns. Please check out others’ makes:

Follow us on our New Facebook Group, Friends of the Fitting Experiment to keep up to date with all of our adventures with patterns!

Itch to Stitch 2019 Blog Tour

/ jotdesignsusa / 17 Comments

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It’s one of my favorite times of the year again: Itch to Stitch Blog Tour!!!! (aff.) This year, I had the privilege of sewing up my copy of ITS North Point Trousers (aff) and Irena Knit Top (aff).

I have owned both of these patterns for quite some time, and I love how easily they are to sew up, and how clear each set of instructions in the tutorials are.  I decided that since we are quickly heading into fall, that I would sew up a warmer version of each of these very versatile patterns.

I used floral French Terry for my Irena Knit Top, with my bands in double brushed polyester in a nice wine color.

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Then, I focused on what kind of pants that I wanted to sew up. The North Point Trousers are amazingly versatile, and I had a hard time deciding on which of my stretch woven fabrics that I wanted to use for them. I decided that I wanted another pair of jeans, but as trousers this time. When I was done and slipped these pants on, I was immediately struck by how comfortable they are and how ready I would be to head to work, to a date, or just to run errands. I am very pleased with how well they fit and look on me!

This pattern was easy to follow, as well!

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And Itch to Stitch’s generous designer has decided to offer a special 25% discount on BOTH of these awesome patterns for TODAY ONLY (from 8am Eastern time on September 18th, 2019 to 8 am Eastern on the 19th) using the code: “918itsblogtour25“. This is Such a great reason to grab your copies of these AMAZING patterns today!!

Don’t forget to visit the other stops on the blog tour, enter into the rafflecopter giveaway below, and take advantage of the daily super deals during this blog tour!


Here are the Bloggers for the ITS September Spotlight Itch to Stitch Blog Tour

September 16th 
September 17th 
September 18th 
September 19th 
September 20th 

And a special thanks to all of this year’s blog tour’s sponsors!!

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Visit our Sponsors and enter our Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of 2 amazing prize packages:

Prize # 1

Itch to Stitch: 3 PDF patterns of choice

Raspberry Creek Fabrics: $100 Store Credit

D&H Fabrics Co: $50 Store Credit

Simply By Ti: Prize of $20 Store Credit

So Sew English Fabrics: Prize of $40 Store Credit

Sly Fox Fabrics: $25 Store Credit

Prize #2

Itch to Stitch: 3 PDF patterns of choice

Beautiful Textiles: $100 Store Credit

D&H Fabrics Co: $50 Store Credit

Surge Fabric Shop: $20 Store Credit

Knitpop: $50 Knitcoin Credit

Rafflecopter begins Monday September 16th and will close at 11:59pm ET Sunday, September 22nd. 2 winners (1 per prize package) will be drawn and announced Monday, September 23rd.

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It’s Time for Sew Fab Patterns’ Summer Blog Tour!!

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How exciting is it to learn about the Sew Fab Patterns Summer Blog Tour?? This week, there will be an amazing offer on 12 patterns for $26.95 (retail value of $113)!

I had to try out a couple of the adult patterns in the sale, and I was blown away at their versatility, ease of sewing, and stylishness!!

First, I sewed up Tie Dye Diva’s Mermaid Maxi. I chose the flared version, as I wanted that full mermaid look. I chose a metallic jersey knit fabric that would go from day to date night in a flash. It turned out so beautifully, and it made me so happy to twirl for the camera.

I sewed up a size 18 in the flared maxi version.

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This skirt is not only lovely, but also so much fun to bust out in a little dance to move the skirt. And, it wasn’t tight nor confining as some other mermaid maxis can be.
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The wind and my twirling really allowed this skirt to sing and swirl for the camera.
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This Mermaid Maxi is PERFECT for your back to school wardrobe or your next date night. Don’t hesitate to grab up this amazing offer today!!

Next, I sewed up Cucicucicoo’s Simple Leggings, and although the sew was simple, the possibilities are ENDLESS, making them far from simple!

I grabbed the cutest swim fabric that I had and sewed up a brand new pair of workout leggings in the 3/4 or capri length in a size 18.
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They were so comfy that I didn’t want to take them off! fullsizeoutput_4a62

Not only are the Simple Leggings great for workout capri leggings, they will be great for full length or shorts length leggings for athletic wear, for underneath skirts for modesty, dress codes, or fun fashion ensembles. You can also sew up fun base layers for the colder weather months, or a pair with a trendy tunic for back to school looks.

No matter how you style your sews, they will be amazing because these patterns are great! Don’t forget to get your Summer Bundle before the sale ends on August 26, 2019!!

Visit Sew Fab Patterns Summer Blog Tour to buy your bundle today!! And don’t forget to visit and share the love with all of the other stops on this awesome Summer Bundle Blog Tour!!
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Pockets…for Snacks!!!!

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Like most of us, I find a lot of activewear to be pricey and often ill-fitting, or perhaps not passing the squat test. Even though I am plus-sized and disabled, I do work out to maintain my fitness levels and live my healthiest life. And like many, I use monitoring apps on my phone for fitness tracking, and also for providing distraction by listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks.  I love nothing more than a good fitting pair of squat-proof workout leggings with pockets to hold my phone.  Also, pockets can carry very important items: SNACKS!!

Unfortunately, these days, I am left with only one alternative in order to get my unicorn leggings with the bells and whistles that I want: I make my own. This way, they fit all of my plentiful curves, even in a grand plié or deep squat…and hold all of my necessary things.

My favorite-fitting leggings have been the Penny Leggings (aff) by Sinclair Patterns. Unfortunately, these awesome leggings do not come with pockets. So, I decided to hack them in.

Before the hack, the Penny Leggings fit me perfectly and work for so many different occasions and fabrics.

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Since it is SO hot here in the summer, I decided to hack the shorts and capri length of the Penny Leggings. I started by printing and assembling the pattern as it is. The Penny Leggings are written so that they are a single seam legging pattern with a waistband. Next, I label the front and back areas of the pattern, to make sure that I don’t lose my place, nor sew up the wrong areas together.

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Next, I measure on my body where the sides of my hip are compared with the layout of the pattern and mark that. I want this point to be the center-point of my newly created Side Stripe that will double as the back of the pocket. If this is a bit difficult for you to do, you can always do a muslin with a rough guess as to where you want the pocket to be. My measurements fell with it almost being directly in the middle of the pattern, but slightly a bit to the front (but every body and pocket placement preference is different). You can also choose to make your Side Stripe wider than the 4″ that I chose. Whatever size you choose, you need to then add 1/4″ seam allowances to each of the parts that are cut and next to the newly created Side Stripe (so that when you sew the Side Stripe in, you aren’t losing 1/2″ on the width of your leggings with the 2 new seams that have been created on the sides of the new Side Stripe).

Here are my markings and cutting of the Side Stripes:

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In this pic, I am also marking where I would like my pocket placement to begin and end.4w9E+nHyQxe22KG%sS4EmQ

Now, I made a pocket template that would be the same width of the newly created Side Stripe and approximately 7″ long. You can choose to make this pocket as long as you wish, but I chose my length, based on the size of my phone.

Next, I cut out a pocket that I will sew Right Side to Right Side with a cover stitch/zig zag/twin needle/stretch stitch to lock the pocket onto the Side Stripe piece (it might feel weird sewing the pocket in a way that feels upside down, but this it forming the bottom of your pocket, so when you flip it up, it actually forms the pocket area).  I chose for the pocket to sit on my mid-thigh area, but you can choose how high or low to seat your pocket.

Then, fold the pocket back so that the Wrong Side of the Pocket is facing the Right Side of the Side Stripe. Topstitch it in place to add more structure to your pocket and also to keep the pocket anchored while you sew.
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Then, fold down the top of the pocket and topstitch the very top to that your pocket has a finished top edge (Wrong Side to Wrong Side of the Pocket piece…to/from itself), making sure that you are not sewing your pocket shut by sewing the pocket to anything other than itself (NOT the Side Stripe).

Next, pin or clip the Side Stripe with the anchored pocket to each of the pieces of the pattern (Front and Back pieces with their newly added 1/4″ seam allowances), Right Side to Right Side. Then, sew each, sandwiching the new Pocket in between the Side Stripe and the Back or Front Piece, and then the other).
This is what it will look like when one side is completed. Then, complete the other side.
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Since the Penny leggings require one panel per leg, you will need to do this process twice, but they will be mirror images of each other.

When you are done, you are ready to move back to the tutorial for the Penny Leggings and follow the instructions for assembly. When completed, they will look like these:

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Please feel free to ask any questions, and I will do may best to answer them.

Thanks for joining me in my snack pocket hack of the Penny Leggings (aff) by Sinclair 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. 

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

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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.

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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. 

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

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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.

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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:
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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.

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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.

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

/ jotdesignsusa / 4 Comments

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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.

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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!

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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
Alyssa  of The Sewing Goatherd
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 / 11 Comments

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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!

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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).

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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!
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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

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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.

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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)

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

/ jotdesignsusa / 15 Comments

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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

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