handmade Wardrobe // Floreat in purple

And heres Floreat number 3! This is view A - dress length with long sleeves, slit back opening, and inseam belt. I made it in a floral rayon crepe from Harts Fabric. It is so light and airy and floaty - I just want to spin and dance in it all day! This style and fabric combo is a little dressier than my every-day style, so I don’t know how much wear it will actually get. But wouldn’t it be dreamy for a fall/winter/spring wedding? Now, anybody getting married soon that wants to invite me?

Stay tuned to Design Diary for the Floreat sewalong later this month! 

Handmade Wardrobe // Floreat in Blue

pattern: Megan Nielsen Patterns Floreat dress

fabric: crinkle linen from Blackbird Fabrics

Another Floreat done! I had to squeeze in one more post before the end of the year (although i do have one more complete, I just wont get it posted until after the new year). This variation is the sleeveless dress version with center back zipper, pockets, and sliiiiightly raised hem. I also made a separate tie belt for when I want to wear it belted - love the option! But I think I really like it loose like this. I think I’ll especially like it when summer comes - the breathable linen and lose silhouette will be so airy and comfortable in the heat. And yes, I’m crazy for trying to photograph a sleeveless linen dress in the middle of a New England winter. I know.

handmade wardrobe // Floreat and Ash

Today I’m sharing the first of my four Megan Nielsen Patterns Floreat tops and dresses! This is a knit version in a cozy mustard rib knit from Fabric.com. I made this one in one nap time sewing session- such and easy sew! I chose the cropped top version, and while I probably should’ve lengthened it a taaaaaad bit in the back (long torso problems), I’m still happy with the length. I’ll just only be wearing it with high waisted bottoms (worn here with my previously made Ash jeans).

If you want to make a knit version, too (or any version of Floreat), keep an eye out at Design Diary next month for the sewalong tutorials I’m working on!

handmade wardrobe // Jarrah mashup

As promised, here’s a look at one of the other Jarrah sweaters I made for the sewalong. This one is a mashup of views B (curved hem) and view D (funnel neck). I really love the split sleeve on these views. It’s meant to cover half your hand is so cozy!

Pattern: Jarrah sweater by Megan Nielsen Patterns

Fabric: light weight french terry from Style Maker Fabrics (it’s been in my stash for awhile now, though, and is no longer available)

handmade wardrobe // Jarrah and Dawn

I’m so excited to share this outfit! It turned out exactly how I was picturing it.

Sweatshirt: Megan Nielsen Patterns Jarrah sweatshirt in a sweatshirt fleece from Harts Fabric

Jeans: Megan Nielsen Patterns Dawn jeans in a denim from Style Maker Fabrics

booties: Target

Penny’s Sweatshirt: Simplicity 8754

As you may know, Megan Nielsen recently released 4 new patterns, including Jarrah and Dawn! And as usual, I’ve been busy helping create the swellings for her blog - Design Diary. You guys, these patterns are so good. I’m a tad obsessed with Jarrah. This is actually my 4th (I’m behind on posting. I’ll share the theres here soon). I chose the most soft, comfy, cozy minty sweatshirt fleece for this one. It is soon soft on the inside. And I got the ribbing from the Etsy shop FabricMade.

I’ve also been a bit sew-on patch obsessed lately. I’ve been collecting some really cute ones, and knew I really wanted to add one to this Jarrah. I put up a poll on my Instagram stories, which was no help because it was pretty much even among al four options lol. So I went with my original instinct, which was this Mother patch from Strawberry Moth. It ended up being perfect, because I was able to make Penny a matching sweatshirt out of my fabric scraps. It just worked perfectly!

Oooooh and the jeans. I love these jeans. They are my second handmade pair, the first being my Ash jeans. And while I love my pair of Ash, these are just…. perfect. Maybe it’s because I felt more comfortable being my second go at it. Or maybe these are just so my style at the moment. But I just love them. I chose the wide leg version this go-around, but want to eventually make a taped leg pair, too!

I took a chance with some white denim even though we are heading into winter here. And even though this is a rigid denim jeans patterns, this denim actually does have a tiny bit of stretch to it (shhhh). But I made a call and went for it anyway. I figured it would still work because its still a heavyweight denim and the stretch is minimal. And I was right. I think it still worked so well! I also took about 3/4” off the width at the hem and tapered it up towards the thigh. While I love the super wide leg look (I want to make another pair in something not as heavyweight. maybe linen?), I wanted something just slightly less wide for these. It’s just what I was picturing. And I couldn't be happier with the result. Other than that, I didn’t have to make any other adjustments. I cut my usual size.

So if you love these and want to make your own, head over to Megan Nielsen and snag your own patterns. The Jarrah sewalong I created is live on Design Diary this week and next. And the Dawn sewalong will follow closely after that!

handmade wardrobe // #sewfrosting

When Closet Case Patterns and True Bias first announced the #sewfrosting competition, I didn’t really plan on contributing. I have so many other projects on my to-do list right now. But I’ve been obsessively following along with the hashtag, and honestly, I couldn’t get this butterfly fabric out of my mind and how it would be perfect for the challenge.

You see, the style of this dress isn’t exactly crazy for me. I wouldn’t hesitate to make multiple versions of this dress in linen or something really light and floaty, and wear them all summer long. It’s definitely my style. It’s the fabric that makes this dress frosting. 3 Years ago, this was the type of fabric I bought all the time. Crazy, unique prints on specialty fabrics. I made fun garments that onl got worn once or twice a year. But I’ve trained myself not to jump to buy fabrics like this and instead shifted gears in the last couple years. I’m more focused on creating wearable, practical garments that can be worn any day. And it’s good. I’ve found my sewing groove and narrowed in on my style. I’ve been building my handmade wardrobe base. been building my cake. But every cake still needs a little frosting, yes? Even a sensible, wearable closet still needs some of those fun pieces to make it sparkle. That’s this dress for me.

Is a heavy, voluminous, butterfly print scuba knit trapeze dress technically a super crazy dress? No. But it’s definitely a statement piece for me. It won’t get worn a lot. Maybe once a year. Maybe less. I mean, how often will I actually have an occasion to wear something like this? you guys, I’m a stay at home mom lol.  But I like seeing it hanging in my closet. And when I do finally get another chance to wear it, I’ll be pretty excited.

pattern: Simplicty 1105 with added ruffle hem

fabric: scuba knit from Mood Fabrics

Handmade Wardrobe // Style Maker Fabrics Fall Style Tour

I’m so excited to be a part of Style Maker Fabrics Fall Style tour! I feel like I have been back on top of my sewing game lately, so It makes it extra special to be a part of something that I’ve watched from a far the last couple of seasons. Style Maker fabrics has become my go-to for online fabric shopping lately. Seriously, the first place I look when I’m in need of something. Michelle stocks some of the dreamiest fabrics.

For this project I chose two fabrics - a super slinky and soft navy rib knit, and the most perfect navy and ivory striped sweater knit. I was immediately drawn to the striped sweater knit and could not get my mind off of it. I knew I wanted to make a Rowan bodysuit (of course), and the little stretch and recovery of the sweater knit wasn’t going to work for a close fitting bodysuit. The navy rib knit worked perfectly, though. But I was still determined to use that perfect navy stripe in some way, and the idea of sweater knit jumpsuit to go over top was born. A bit of an unconventional choice for a sweater knit, but I took a gamble and love how it turned out!

So let’s break it down.

The jumpsuit is a Closet Case Patterns Sallie Jumpsuit. The style is perfectly me - especially with those tie straps. I also added a small sash belt, because I can never have too many bows. I actually didn’t have to make any adjustments to the pattern. The fit was perfect! And the textured sweater knit was a dream to work with.

And of course, the top is a Megan Nielsen Rowan bodysuit - my go-to pattern lately. Especially for fall! So easy to wear under jumpsuits, dresses, and with jeans without having to worry about it coming untucked.

As I have to with all my bodysuits, I had to add 1” in length (I have a pretty long torso). I then wanted to add a dramatic bell sleeve, so I used another Megan Nielsen Pattern, the Dove blouse. I cropped the Rowan sleeve at about elbow length, pretty much right at the same spot as Dove. And because the Rowan sleeve is not as wide as the Dove sleeve, I had to eliminate a little bit from the bell pattern piece as well. I didn’t do it very mathematically. I just kind of eyed it. But it worked out fine!

And did you think for a second think that Penny wasn’t nearby in a matching outfit? Haha. The turban, tee, and leggings she is wearing are all new Nelly Lou fall items that I plan to have ready to list by mid October.

Make sure you check out all the other stops on the tour. Follow along with @stylemakerfabrics on Instagram to keep up to date on everyone. Love You Sew is up next!

** Fabrics provided by Stylemakerfabrics.com

Shoes are from Target

Handmade Wardrobe // My new favorite jumpsuit

This feels like the most “me” me-made outfit I’ve made recently. It’s all I want to wear and I read for it every day. An easy throw on, comfy jumpsuit and a cozy tee (with ruffles of course)? Yes, please. This is me in outfit form.

Jumpsuit is a pattern from Mimi G Style (from one of her Sew Def issues) with added tie straps, in a double gauze from https://www.blackbirdfabrics.com.

Tee is a Papercut Patterns Kyoto tee in a rayon slub jersey knit form Fabric.com

Booties are from Target.

Some added Penny cuteness for your enjoyment….

Handmade Wardrobe // Tania 2.0

I totally forgot to post this here! A little while ago, Megan released an updated version of her Tania culottes. The new update includes extended sizing, new variations, AND the edition of pockets. POCKETS, you guys. Game changer. 

I created a whole sewalong over at Design Diary, which is fully posted now (yeah, I'm pretty late with this). So if you're thinking about making a pair yourself (which you should), you can follow along over there. I also go over how to add the pockets on to the older version, too. 

top: Megan Nielsen Patterns Eucalypt top, crepe de chine bee print from fabric.com

bottom: Megan Nielsen Patterns Tania culottes, honey twill from fabric.com

shoes: Swedish Hasbeens

HandmadeWardrobe // Late Summer Make

Well hey there! Long time, no see. It's been a crazy busy summer, and I realized the blog here has been neglected.... again. But I have a bunch of posts now backed up to share with you. Some outfits, some adventures. 

We'll start with this romper! I had this all cut out and sitting on my sewing table for 2 months, and I wish I would've gotten around to making it earlier on in the summer. It's lightweight and airy, and the perfect leafy print. I've used this pattern 3 times before (this jumpsuit, this romper, this dress), and it has officially been added to my top five most used patterns. I used the jumpsuit version, and just shortened the pants to shorts length. 

pattern: Vogue 9075

fabric: tropical floral rayon crepe from Style Maker Fabrics