One of the new Jalie releases that I was most excited about was the Loulouxe skort. This seems like a great alternative to shorts this summer and reminded me a lot of Lululemon’s brand of skirts – so it’s trendy, but without the $68 price tag!

For my first version I used a Paisley Performance Apparel print (for the skirt) and a black wicking knit (for the shorts) both from Joann’s… between sales and coupons I made this skort for under $20!

So let’s talk construction. This project was a lot simpler to put together than what I anticipated. The pieces came together nicely and I was able to sew this one up in a day. The shorts have several ‘options’ including side pockets and an optional hem band. I went with both and a really happy that I did – the pockets will definitely come in handy and even my bulky cell phone fits into it. I also like that the waistband has both the stretchy band itself and a bit of elastic across the top to give it some added support to keep the skirt fitting nicely across the waist.

As for the fit. I love it. When I measured myself, I was a bit in between two sizes, so I opted to go with the larger of the two (I have thick thighs and thought that would assure that the shorts weren’t too tight too)…. and I am glad I did. The fit on this one is great, the waist doesn’t slide down and the shorts aren’t too snug. And gosh darn it, it’s cute on. I can see a lot more of these in my future – especially in a mix and match print. Now I just need some new tops to go with it.

Easter is right around the corner. If you’re looking forward to dressing up your little man, then be sure to check out how to sew your own tie. Looking to sew for a little girl instead? Check out these fun Hip Hop leggings (inside the MeSewCrazy mini magazine)…. and don’t forget to sew a little something for yourself, like this pretty Circle Skirt.

I absolutely adore this travel tote (with lots of pockets). If you’re making this bag, don’t forget to whip up a new (matching) wallet too.

Forget Easter Bunnies…. I want a sloth sock doll instead (or maybe this cute, paper pieced turtle).

Have you found the perfect shirt design, but were wishing it was a V-neck? Then be sure to check out this tutorial on how to alter your new tee.

Forget store bought bunny ears, this version is the cutest I’ve ever seen.

Little girls would love to carry this sweet bunny purse, but this cat tote is novel too! Looking for something for yourself? Be sure to check out this circle top reversible tote.

Don’t forget to decorate your home for Easter too. This floral bunny dishtowel is the perfect addition to your kitchen. Want something less holiday themed? This patchwork potholder is a great way to use up scraps with pretty results.

It seems as if I go through spurts of specified craftiness. Sometimes it might be sewing, sometimes the Cricut, and sometimes it’s embroidery (or apparently it is this week) .

Even though this is for one of those “behind the scenes” sewing projects that I can’t show you just yet, I couldn’t help but snap a picture of this design. I’ve had my eye on Urban Thread’s Briar Rose for quite awhile and was excited to finally find a good excuse to use it. In my typical fashion, I changed up the thread list because I wanted to roses to pop on the black background. This also meant I had to stitch this one out a couple of times before I was happy with my color mix.

I have one more of these that I plan on stitching out today (this design\size combination is roughly 120 minutes of embroidery time) which I suspect will take up the rest of my morning (because if I walk away from my machine, it is guaranteed to either stop for one reason or another)…. maybe I’ll even get the opportunity to trace out another pattern while it works!

Last week the bundle of patterns that I had ordered from Jalie arrived. My original intent was to start tracing off the Loulouxe Skort  and the Charlie Bomber (in fact, I have fabrics already picked out for these patterns, too…. but more on that in another post). Unfortunately, spring break kept me from being productive, so I decided to tackle a project that looked to be quick and easy – their new Nico Raglan Tee.

Since I hadn’t planned on working with this pattern right away, I didn’t have fabrics set aside. But after a quick search of the stash, I settled on a Minecraft faces print (this was a remnant from the Perfect Polo from quite awhile back) with contrasting black sleeves. For this tee, I traced off the short sleeves with the straight hem) in a size M.

Sewing on the Nico was straightforward… in fact, I never read the directions for this pattern. With that said, the pieces did go together beautifully and the shirt came together without a hitch. As for the fit, it’s spot on. However, with the way Easton is growing, I don’t think he’ll be wearing this shirt for too much longer. I definitely have plans on making this one again, but in a solid (so I can use my Cricut to make an iron on transfer) and possibly trying out the 3/4 sleeves and curved hem.

Have a new baby (or know someone who just had one)? Looking for a quick baby shower gift that you can sew? If you haven’t visited WeAllSew today, then you’ll definitely want to check out my latest tutorial for a hooded towel!

This project is perfect for upcycling beach towels and just the right side for machine embroidery designs at the hood. It sews up quickly and is a great way to gift a matching layette set for newborns. Plus it’s a generous fit so it can easily grow with your infant and be used into toddlerhood.

This woven fabric basket is perfect for Easter treats or for home decor storage. Looking for something less complicated to sew? Try this fabric basket with handles instead.

Eating at your desk never looked so cute – The Chubby Lunch Tote.

This high-low shirt doesn’t just hide your panty line, it is darn cute, too.

Love yoga? Sew your own mat for your next class. Then try this tutorial to make a pretty carrying case for it.

This kimono jacket is perfect for keeping off the chill or just as a beautiful coverup.

Not matter if you wear this loose fit casual top dressed up or down, it will still look fabulous.

Crossbody bags are my favorite to wear out. This one looks quick and simple to make.

Learn how to create an eye catching pillow with this Strawberry Fields Forever Lattice Pillow pattern.

This trendy lace up shirt is the perfect no-sew project that gives great results (even my daughter is making this one).

A cute, sleeveless dress pattern for girls just in time for spring… or Easter!

Looking for a fun way to hold your easter treats? Then be sure to check out these bunny bags. Looking for something with less calories? Try this bunny hand puppet instead.

Change up the look of your favorite shirt by adding a lace yoke. Learn how to make your alterations in this blog post.

It’s day 3 of Spring Break and I don’t really have any sewing to show for it.  We did go to our  wildlife park and visited the Pioneer Woman’s Mercantile yesterday too (if you don’t live close, but want to see what types of stuff she carries her online store, which looks to be about everything we saw). Here are a few photos from our trip:

As for sewing, my Gorgeous Fabric arrived yesterday and my Jalie patterns are set to be here later today. Unfortunately the snowstorm delayed both packages. I also did some ‘behind the scenes sewing’ over the weekend which I can’t show you just yet: one is a tester pattern for a soon-to-be-released Betz White project (I think you’ll like this one a lot) and the other are some alterations for my sister-in-law’s wedding dress.

Now that the big trips are over, it’s time to recuperate, drink coffee, and plan out my next projects!

Sew a dress in just 2 hours. Looking for a dress for a little girl instead? This one looks just as easy.

Show your love for your pet with this fun applique pillow (plus it’s a great introduction into photo quilts).

These pocket size bunnies are perfect for gift cards and money (or just a cute stuffie to carry around).

Don’t toss those fabric scraps! Use them to make beautiful decoupage eggs this Easter (and no sewing involved).

Enter to win a bags and baskets Craftsy class and charm squares too!

Missed Pi Day on Wednesday? Make up for it with this cute Cherry Pie Potholder.

Harem\drop crotch pants are still popular in ready-to-wear. Learn how to make yourself a pair here.

Skip the plastic eggs and stash your candy into these adorable Carrot Treat Bags.

Does someone you know love Tsum Tsums? Then stitch them up this adorable quilt!

Remember the color wheel basics I pointed out last week? Now you can make a fabulous pincushion based on this theory.

This toiletry bag is the perfect size for traveling and hangs on the door for easy access (and tiny hotel sink space).

Yesterday I had mentioned that I was inspired to make a shirt that I had seen in a store…. and today it’s sitting on my dressform.

It’s hard to believe that I used the same pattern as what I did the other day, but the Jane as the basis of this top, but with several modifications:

• Most noticeably, I made the keyhole insert in the neckline and added binding around it to finish the edges. I sort of ‘winged’ this part and in retrospect, I wish I would have made it more of a teardrop shape instead of a ‘U’ cut.
• The original pattern instructions has you inserting the neckline like a ribbing, but since the raw edges of it would be exposed if sewn way, I needed to create a binding instead. To do this, I trimmed off the seam allowance along the top edge of the shirt and cut neck band 2 1/2″ wide. Then I folded the neckband in half (wrong sides together), opened out the band, then brought the raw edges to meet the crease, then folded it in half again. When it came to sewing, I simply attached it like you would bias tape.
• I lengthened the top by 1 1/2″, but shortened the sleeves by almost as much. I think I could have shortened the sleeves even more, but I was afraid that they would hit at an odd spot on my arm so I was a bit conservative.
• I also created a somewhat less boxy shape. I brought in the bust a smidge to make it more fitted across the chest and flared out the bottom edge to make it more billowy. I would have liked to make it more noticeably flared, but I just didn’t have enough material to do it.

For those interested in the fabric, it’s from…. Joann’s. I stumbled across this one while shopping for notions the other day and it seemed like it was the perfect print for this project. It was surprisingly easy to work with but the yard that I got was just barely enough to make it (I would consider this a ‘one way design’ so you would need to use the ‘with nap’ type of pattern placement).

While I was out shopping, I spotted a shirt that I decided I wanted to recreate myself. While I knew whatever I selected needed modifications, the base pattern needed to be a tee that was loose fitting. That’s when I realized, all the patterns that I own are fitted. So I searched around and found Jane, which appeared in January’s Seamwork, and decided to give it a go.

I settled on a fun, Paris skyline print that I picked up this fall (and never found the right pattern to use with it). While I had plenty of material for the body of the shirt, I couldn’t eek out enough for sleeves so I decided to do them in a contrasting color along with the neckband. The end result? I’m pretty sure it’s something you would find in the men’s section of PacSun. Between the boxy shape of the shirt and the longer, contrasting sleeves, this tee definitely has a masculine feel (the print doesn’t even look that feminine now either) and I can honestly say I’m disappointed with my end result. Fortunately, Taylor decided that she could put it to good use with a pair of boyfriend jeans so at least this isn’t a wadder.