Between the cute tester tops\dresses I saw blogged and this shirt at ModCloth, I just had to purchase Kitschy Koo‘s latest pattern, the Comino Cap last week. For my first version, I set out to remake the ModCloth shirt – sans dotty mesh since I knew I wouldn’t be able to find any locally. Instead, I used a gorgeous tricot that I picked up awhile back from Gorgeous Fabrics and a mid-weight 4-way stretch jersey. The results? Well, let’s just say that I like it better than my inspiration top!

The pattern went together easily and I loved that the instructions gave you tips on sewing the perfect point on the sweetheart neckline. The fit is perfect on the upper bust, but I think I could have taken in the sides a bit more (putting my hands on my hips drew them in a bit more in the photo to the right). The two things that I did not think about when sewing this top: 1) all the trimming I would do to keep the exposed seam from showing through the mesh (I should have used my serger) 2) that I would need a strapless black bra to wear this top.

The Bottom Line: I really like this top. A lot. My oldest loves this shirt as well and has even ‘claimed it’ for one of the first days of school… so it’s definitely a winner! Toss in the fact that it’s versatile (you can make this pattern as a one piece top\dress too) and easy to sew and I think I have a pattern I may use quite a bit!

We have had an unseasonably cool summer around here. Originally, I had planned lots of summer (and swimsuit) sewing, but the temperatures have left me unmotivated to sew most of them. With only a month left until school starts, I thought that I had better pick back up some of those projects that I had intended to work on and finish them up. First up? Peek-a-boo patterns Cowabunga Board Shorts.

While I own several of this designer’s patterns, this was a first actually sewing them up. When I measured Easton, his hips put him in the 4T range (he’s 6)! I opted to cut a 5 instead because there was no way he could be that small. Good thing I did because when I test fit him, the 5 looked to be too snug in the hips for a pair of board shorts (or maybe we just wear them really loose around here). The design is cute and the instructions were fine, they just need to be a bit looser. I’m not sure if I’ll attempt a larger size this season or not – I may see how many other projects I finish up first and then see where I’m at.

This week I have been sharing patterns that I have sewn up for the latest Pattern Anthology collection, Make Believe and today I present the final project, the Imagine Jacket! This is a close-fitting, almost bomber style, jacket that sports two different shoulder details and sleeve styles (I adore the girl’s gathered sleeve), welt pockets, and ribbing around the wrists and waist. Now I know what some of you are thinking, a jacket? That’s way too hard, shirts are so much easier! But I’m here to tell you, this one comes together easily – even an advanced beginner could tackle this one with good results!

I chose to make my version in a mid-weight denim with black leather accents for the shoulder details, under sleeve (the sleeve is constructed in 3 parts), and collar and a fun mustache print for the lining. When making this jacket, I went with 3 welt pockets (two on the jacket sides and an upper breast pocket) – yes welts. Normally that’s a word that makes people shudder, but I have to admit these were surprisingly easy because they are more like a faux welt (think large bound buttonhole with pockets attached) with great instructions! In fact, these are so easy to sew and turn out so ‘clean’ that the next time I’m making a Rigel Bomber for myself, I’m using this technique!

The fit on this jacket is closer fitting – so while it’s spot on for my 6-year old, you may want to flat pattern measure the pieces if you intend on using heavier fabrics than what is recommended or if your child plans on wearing bulkier winter clothes underneath to be sure that it’s not too snug (you may find that you will have to go up a size if that’s the case). In any case, I think you and your child are going to LOVE this pattern. I know E does – in fact, as soon as he put it on he told me that he “felt like a cool high-schooler”!

Missed my other projects in this collection? Be sure to read about my versions of the Adventure Tee, Bookworm Button-Up, and Explorer Hoodie.

You know what’s better than one sundress? Two (in one)! Learn how to make a reversible tunic for your little girl here.

A good excuse to use those wild GirlCharlee prints – easy to wear and sew summer shorts!

Go back to school in style when you carry a pretty covered notebook.

Gearing up for fall sewing can also mean making a new bag. Why not try the Not So Big Messenger – the perfect sized purse for fall.

Have no fear taking your favorite necklaces with you when you go out of town, this eight-pocket traveling jewelry pouch will keep all your baubles from getting tangled.

Learn how to make 4 yards of 1/2″ double fold bias tape from just one fat quarter!

Make yourself the perfect summer skirt in under an hour…. plus it has pockets!

Protect your laptop when you travel with a pretty, padded bag.

If you’ve purchased a pair of yoga pants from VS recently, you probably have noticed a very nice feature – a secret pocket waistband. Learn how to add this to your shorts\yoga pants this season.

Create a sexy halter wrap that perfect for the beach or pool – without sewing a stitch!

This aptly named, it can carry just about everything!

For the past two days I’ve been showing you the patterns that I made up from the latest Pattern Anthology collection, Make Believe… and today I have a third: The Explorer Hoodie! This jacket sports a front pocket and hood (there’s a ruffled version for the girls), two half-zipper options (angled or straight) with an optional tab. Although the main body of this hoodie should be made in a stretch, the bands of the cuff, hem, and hoodie can be made with a woven for endless options.

Since it’s been an unseasonably chilly summer around here, I thought I would make my Explorer Hoodie in jersey so that Easton can wear it as a long sleeved shirt. I used a white for the main body and hood, a striped cotton (you may recognize the print from my recent Cake Tee) for the pocket, hood band, and cuffs, and a solid, coordinating green for the sleeves. The result? A quick to sew, fun to wear style that’s going to be a “go-to” when school starts in a month!

One suggestion if you opt to use a thin knit such as the jersey that I sewed with, be sure to add a bit of knit interfacing in the area that you plan to insert your zipper. I think you’ll find that you’ll have a much easier time installing your zipper and have more professional results by doing this. Otherwise, I think you’ll find construction of this jacket sews very much like any other shirt and should come together without a hitch!

Since tomorrow is Linky Thursday, I’ll be rounding out the collection with my version of the Imagine Jacket on Friday. In the mean time, be sure to check out how I made up the Adventure Tee and Bookworm Button-up!

Yesterday I shared one of the latest designs from the Pattern Anthology Make Believe Collection, the Adventure Tee. Today, I’d like to show you another one – the Bookworm Button-up!

This is another unisex pattern that has several different design options for pockets, sleeves, and hems. It also has some great features such as a back yoke (perfect for contrast fabrics), button placket, a collar with stand that, when completed, has a professional looking finish on the inside of your garment. Even if you’ve never made a shirt like this before, the instructions and photos were very helpful at guiding you through the construction process. The fit was spot on as well – this design works well stand-alone or with a tee underneath (I’m thinking we need a simple version of the Adventure Tee next time).

Even though the name says “Bookworm”, I think our finished shirt says anything but! Easton and I collaborated on this one and selected a fun, flame print (I will admit, I buy this material a lot when I am at the store, I’ve found so many uses for this fabric) for the lower pockets, placket, collar, and back yoke giving it a retro rock & roll vibe (or something Guy Fieri might wear). This has easily become his favorite shirt to wear and I see lots of miles coming out of this pattern.

Be sure to check out all the patterns available in this package (along with the fun Make Believe e-book full of patterns and activities you can do with your kids) and then come back tomorrow and see what we sewed up next!

Even though my sewing pace may seem a it slow, I’ve been up to some very fun projects behind the scenes. This morning Pattern Anthology launches their new collection, Make Believe, and I am thrilled to share the patterns that I sewed up to test this grouping!

Today I’m showing you my version of the Adventure Tee. This pattern has lots of options (several sleeve styles, 2 different hemlines, button placket, and a zippered pocket just to name a few) – I chose a design that incorporated a looser fit and higher neckline, placket front, rolled sleeve, and pocket then paired it up with a ‘boy-ish’ stripe and a white jersey for a bit of contrast. Not only did the end result look great, but went together quickly as well… but of course, the true test is how much my son loved the shirt. I can definitely see more of these crossing my sewing table.

For a glance of all the patterns available in Make Believe, be sure to check out the look book below and check back all this week for my version of the collection:

Prices for this group has 3 options: Just the Make Believe Collection is $19.95. Adding the optional (ebook) activity book + collection, $24.95. You can also add the 4 previously released pants pattern to your ebook and collection for only $34.95.

The second muslin for the Jocole Skinnies went much better…. I could actually get this pair easily over my hips! Going up one size helped tremendously as well as using a material that had a bit of stretch to it as well (ignore the clown stripes).

Even though I hadn’t attached the waistband in this photo, the most noticeable issue with this pair is the gaposis in the back – it will need a pretty substantial dart to fix this issue. The legs are also not quite as skinny as I would like, so I think I’ll try taking in 1/4″ on each leg to start with and go from there. The third, and not surprising finding: I am a petite sizing. I went ahead and cut the regular length and wound up tucking in several inches in the photo to get them to the correct length.

Keep the sun out of your eyes and look fashionable doing it with this fun, floppy fedora (now try to say that 10 times real fast).

In a little over a month, kids will be heading back to school, get ready for them to start in style with a fun little backpack. Pair it up with a cute little pencil case and you’ve got yourself a great set!

Need something for yourself to carry? How about this fold over messenger? It has the same vibe as today’s Sew4Home Tutorial: The Fold Over Purse.

You may have noticed that Christmas has arrived in stores. Get a jump start on your holiday sewing with an Anthropology inspired deer pillow.

Transform a long sleeve shirt into an adorable retro Halterneck Top.

I know that this is labeled as an ‘organizer basket’, but it looks like a cute little tote to me. This would definitely make a great gift for the crafter in you life.

Have an upcoming vacation? Make sure you can identify your luggage. Make a pretty, personalized luggage tag!

It seems like summer brings lots of scrapes and cuts. Never leave home unprepared when you carry around this portable first-aid kit.

I love pouches, but don’t always remember what I’ve stored on them. These vinyl versions aren’t just cute, you always know what’s inside!

This may be one of the cutest quilt blocks I’ve seen – Undies! Pair it up with this bra template and you’ve got a spicy little quilt!

Did you win a copy of the book, Craft It Now? Be sure to check this post to see if you were the winner! Didn’t win this time? No worries, we’ll have another giveaway soon, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, what’s on your sewing machine? I’m gearing up to make a second pair of Skinny Pants…. although I have to admit, all the Comino Cap Top\Dresses that are popping up makes me want to give this pattern a try (I also want some of that awesome sprinkle jersey fabric, too)!