Straight Stitch Designs // Capitol Hill Pattern Test

I had the chance to test my second pattern for Straight Stitch Designs, and like the Ballard top I tested, it is amazing! This time we were testing Kimberly's new design, the Capitol Hill dress/tunic. This was one of those tests where we went from version 1 to 6, stuck with it and got amazing results (plus multiple garments!!). I had so much fun doing this test, and really learned a lot. I learned what not to do for certain things, what to do and above all some new techniques like double pleats that look hard, but are surprisingly easy with the amazing instructions.

Originally this pattern was made as part of a Sew Fab Bundle, but the pattern is now available through Straight Stitch Designs here.

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I am working really, REALLY hard to sew from my stash (it is hard being that I work in a fabric shop, which is where most of this fabric originally comes from), but I have been telling myself not to cut anymore off until I use what I have. All 3 of these versions were made from knits we once sold, but are now sold out of. I took the end-of-bolt remnant pieces home and got creative with my cutting! V1 is made with a nice ponte knit and both V3 & V6 were made with jersey knits. Even though V6 was the final version, I love all 3 versions and wear them constantly.

The Capitol Hill dress is described as style meets comfort, which is the perfect description!

Straight Stitch Designs // Ballard Top Blog Tour

Hi! My name is Shawna, welcome to my stop on the Ballard Top Blog Tour. 

My goal lately has been to sew more for myself & finally use up some of my *cough* insane garment fabric collection... addiction.... hoard... whatever. I find that the more I sew for myself, the less I want to go out and buy clothes in the stores, and I am loving all the indie pattern designs surfacing lately. I grew up surrounded by fabric and sewing as part of our family business and have longed for the day when patterns are modern & something I would actually want to sew/wear. 

I came across Straight Stitch Designs via Facebook and connected with Kimberly. I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful pattern testing group for the amazing Ballard Top! The Ballard Top is available exclusively through IndieSew at the moment, but will soon be available through Straight Stitch Designs. It is Straight Stitch Designs’ second pattern release, a tunic-length top designed for all knits.

My fabric is from my fabric shop, Jean Marie's Fabrics -- we have a great selection of one-of-a-kind knits including; sweater knits, sweatshirt knits, ponte, jersey, rayon, poly blends, spun poly, Aztec, tribal, floral & more. Check out our Etsy shop, (online at www.etsy.com/shop/jeanmariesfabrics). 

I am offering a special blog coupon code good through the end of the year: HANDMADE15 at checkout in our Etsy shop for 15% off all orders!! (Cannot be combined with other offers or codes). 

This is the perfect top for fall, and it is so comfy. I made mine with a 4way stretch sweater knit that is so soft, and I could seriously live in this top. I am a leggings girl and am always looking for longer tunic-length shirts and patterns because I am in the "leggings are not pants" club, and the Ballard is perfect. It can be dressed down with leggings for a more relaxed look, or dressed up with other pants and heels for a dressy look, it is definitely a versatile staple of any wardrobe. 

Don't mind the umbrella photos, fall has officially settled in here in Oregon and I couldn't be happier! I opted for the mid-long sleeve option as I love to layer and find that this is the perfect length for me.

This pattern is great for sewers who want to dive into knits. I would say it is for intermediate sewists. The directions are clear and everything goes together so fast and easy. There are several style options to choose from as well! 

One of my favorite things about this pattern since the very beginning is the neck. I am almost impossible to fit in the shoulders/neck and for the first time in my life I did not have to do any altering to the pattern! I love the simple gathers and the way it fits around the front. The neckband went on perfectly and lays great, something that doesn't always happen with knit patterns. 

For my sleeves, I decided to change things up a bit for a different look and reversed my fabric and love it. It was such a fun, simple twist that didn't involve any pattern changing. 

And now onto the best part........ the back! This is initially what made me fall in love with this top. I saw a preview image on the Straight Stitch Design Facebook page where just the back was shown. The back was so easy to sew, and I just love the sassy twist on this basic top. I always feel a little sassier when wearing the Ballard. 

I mean seriously..... the back! LOVE!

My goal was to make a few tops for the blog tour, but alas, life happened and needless to say I have 4 cut out on my sewing table in my "to do" pile..... I am sure no one else has one of those?! Right? While I did not get them made for the tour, I am planning on making them in the next couple weeks and will be posting again!

I absolutely love that this pattern can be made using a variety of knits. I think almost everyone on the tour used a different kind of knit from sweater knits to activewear and they are all so amazing, great work everyone!

Thank you Kimberly for allowing us to test your pattern and for this opportunity. I am currently pattern testing another pattern for Kimberly from Straight Stitch Designs, and while details will not be released for awhile, I have to say it is amazing and you guys will want to stay tuned!

Check out everyone else's designs on the blog tour, here.
View everyone's amazing creations on Indie Sew, here.

Quick, Easy & Simple // DIY Infinity Scarves

There are so many DIY infinity scarf tutorials out there, I am not going to add another so I followed a super simple one I found on Pinterest. I have made infinity scarves several different ways, but I recently found a tutorial that I like best, on Pinterest here. 

One of my most recent swaps on Instagram was the #kittyminiquiltswap. For those of you not familiar with Instagram swapping, let me tell you, it is an addicting && fun social culture. I am currently a part of 5 including Harry Potter & Disney ones! Basically you make a main handmade item (usually a mini quilt) and then you add in other handmade items, goodies & gifts! The swap partners are kept secret and you don't necessarily have the same person who has you. It is so fun! 

To go along with my mini quilt (cat themed as well), I made my partner this KOKKA Sketched Cat Voile xx Kaufman Chambray Union Indigo Dot infinity scarf. It was so soft and dreamy that I just had to have one too! 

With the holidays just around the corner, infinity scarves are quick & easy gifts for all those girls in your life. I have about 10 more to go for various family & friends.

Tutorial: Two Sided Infinity Scarf // Decor & the Dog, found here.

Fabrics: KOKKA Sketched Cats Voile // available here.

             Robert Kaufman Chambray Union Indigo Dot // available here. 

Willow & Co // Senna Tote Bag

It has been awhile since I have found "that perfect bag pattern", but a few weeks ago I made the Senna Tote from Willow & Co Patterns and I am loving it!

I had so much fun selecting the fabrics for this bag. I finally decided to use some old Pat Bravo Carnaby Street fabric I had stashed away waiting for the perfect project. I paired it with a solid teal Mochi Linen from Moda not only because it matched, but to add some extra weight/body to the bottom and straps.

The pattern is well-written and everything went to together smoothly! I really like the curved zipper aspect and the fold-over slouch is too perfect. The only change I will make on future ones is to make the straps a tad longer as it sits right under the arm currently.

I have a feeling a few lucky friends will be getting Senna Totes as gifts this year! ;)

I am pretty happy with my first one, and have been using it everyday // it even went on its first trip to Vegas and was the perfect size carry on travel bag && it fit everything with room to spare, which means there really is a first time for everything!

Pattern: Senna Tote by Willow & Co Patterns available here.

Fabrics: Go Go London Powdery // Pat Bravo - Carnaby Street for Art Gallery Fabrics
               Mochi Dot Linen Solid Turquoise // Moda Fabrics available here.