Showing posts with label Pattern Testing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pattern Testing. Show all posts

Friday, March 28, 2014

Basic Leggings for Boys!

This post should have been posted a few weeks ago, but life precedes over any other obligation –so here i am.

Refashioninng Long Johns using Basic Legging Pattern


It has been a long cold winter here in Michigan. It actually snowed yesterday! Usually we make it a point to get outside most days, but this winter has been so cold, we have been cooped up indoors.
On the days we have ventured out to play, I found myself wishing that we had long johns (or long underwear) for the boys.

*I understand long johns may not be a common thing, they are tighter fitting waffle knit clothing worn under regular clothes to add warmth.

Mama Nene to the rescue. If you don’t know, Mama Nene is the woman behind Serger Pepper. The blog is full of useful sewing tips, tricks, and tutorials. She has also started writing/publishing sewing patterns. (Remember my Sheer Top?) I am so fortunate to be on her pattern testing crew.

This time around she needed testers for Basic Leggings. I almost passed on this one because the boys in this house don’t wear leggings. But then the wheels in my head started turning…leggings look a lot like long johns!

I started by digging through my refashion pile.

Refashioning Long John's

I found a few castoffs that the older kids have outgrown.

Long John Refashion

I used the Basic Legging pattern. I choose a size 4, in hopes that they will fit the boys next winter too. (Because winter will end soon, right?) The pattern is sized from size 3 to size 14, so this is another pattern that will grow with your child.

This pattern was so easy to cut out and sew, and Mama Nene’s instructions are very clear. This pattern would be a great confidence builder for a beginner.

Basic Leggings, Boy Version

This pattern has two features that I feel make it a must have to any pattern library.

#1 Long leg length. I love that my boys can run and play (in the huge mountain of snow we still have) without the legs riding up. This feature also makes this pattern perfect for comfy pajamas.

#2 High waist. My boys hate when their butt is falling out of their pants. And honestly, while I’m talking about it does it really cost that much more to add an inch or two to the waist height? Too many of our store bought pants barely cover the boys’ tushies. I couldn’t imagine if they were still in diapers. Okay, I’m done ranting.

This pattern covers their rump, and keeps it covered while they are playing.

Head on over to Craftsy and get your pattern. New to Craftsy? It is quick and easy to sign up, then grab your Basic Legging pattern!

pattern was given to me to test, but all opinions are mine
Craftsy links are affiliates, I receive a small bonus if you sign up or make a purchase through my links.

What would you make with this pattern? I have plans to whip up some pajama pants from my t-shirt stash. There were so many cute girl versions too. The possibilities with the pattern are endless.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Sheer Plaid Top Review

At the beginning of January I was asked by Mama Nene to be a part of the Serger Pepper pattern testing group. I was beyond excited, because the first pattern was a woman’s top. (This mama needs a few additions to her wardrobe.)

The pattern, Sheer Plaid Top, is simply amazing. For starters, it is extremely beginner friendly. Secondly, it features professional finishing techniques (French seams). Third this pattern is so versatile.

sheer top pattern test

The first top I made was in a jersey knit from my stash. I almost backed out. Seeing the fabric laying on the floor waiting to be cut, all I could see was an adorable maxi skirt or dress. Obviously I rose above my fabric cutting fears and dove in.

No regrets, I have wore this top once a week since I finished it. Here’s a glimpse at the hi-lo hem (and my stripes match!):

Knit Top

The top is designed to be a loose fitting and flowing top (which is perfect for me, since i have been eating my stress away…). The kimono sleeves, a cowl neck, hi-lo hem, and oversize fit make this one of the most versatile tops in my closet. It can be worn over a long sleeved top, a turtleneck, or a tank in the summer.

I loved this top so much, I had to make another.

Floral Sheer Top by theresastodos.blogspot.com

First, I want to explain why the first top was not sheer. One of the first sewing projects I tried to tackle was curtains. Sheer curtains. It didn’t go so well. Every time I pushed the foot pedal, my beautiful sheer green fabric disappeared. My borrowed machine was eating my fabric! After many swear words and fighting with the machine, I packed it up and promptly returned the machine to my mom. “I’m buying my curtains!”

Recently I went to Jo-Ann’s. They had fabric 50% off of the clearance price. That is bad, real bad. (If you haven’t realized, I am a fabric hoarder, and a clearance junkie.)

I found this beautiful sheer fabric for $2.00 a yard, and 50% off that is…$1.00 a yard! That my friends is when I made the commitment to sew sheer. I was only losing $2.00 if things went the same route as the curtains, right?

Sheer Floral Top Belted

(So sorry for all of the awkward remote pics.)
I beat the sheer!

I omitted the cowl on this top, and did rolled seams instead. I added three inches to the length, and kept the front and back hems the same length.

I also timed myself. About one hour, start to finish, French seams and rolled hems. You can’t beat that!

Mama Nene is offering the pattern for only $2.90 right now. So I suggest you head over and get your very own Sheer Plaid Top pattern quick!

What have you been creating? Leave a link, I would love to check it out.

Posting my project here:
Do Tell Tuesday