Wild Flower Top

The boys and I stopped at Jo-Ann’s to browse the clearance section. Their clearance fabric was 50% off the clearance price this visit. I know I shouldn’t have stopped, but I couldn’t help myself. This is the only time that I buy knit fabric new, when it is 50% off the clearance price. $3.00 a yard is golden for me!

I have been buying patterns when they go on mega sale, but have not had the time to sew them. All of those sales, and packages get me every time.

This pattern is the Wild Flower Top by Blank Slate Patterns. (affiliate link) I purchased it through the last Pattern Anthology pack; Just Add Jeans. (Yes, that means I have three more patterns to sew up!)

I had planned on making myself some more clothing, so I picked out a few fabrics and had the boys pick which one they liked the most. They picked out this brown, purple, teal and gold fabric. Not really my favorite, but they liked it, so I obliged.

The colors and print are starting to grow on me.

The Wild Flower (affiliate link) has an inner bodice in the pattern (so you don’t have to layer it with a tank, perfect for summer). I choose not to add it this time, only because I didn’t have fabric to coordinate with this print. But I do have a few tanks that go with the fabric okay.

I made one more modification to this pattern. I sewed up the V about an inch. Now I can wear this top sans tank on date night with the hubby. (If we ever get a date night…)

Melissa includes instructions to custom fit the top to your body. I love this feature because I have a long torso, medium top, and large bottom.

This pattern went together very quickly. The only step that took me a little extra time was pinning the pleats, this fabric is a bit slippery, and I had to re-pin a few times.

I always enjoy sewing up one of Melissa’s patterns. She has a knack of simplifying the sewing process, yet yielding professional results. I always feel like a sewing rock star after sewing a Blank Slate Pattern. (affiliate link)

This pattern also features three different sleeve options, long, short, and bell. I already have dreams for future projects…solid top, sleeveless..or modify it to a dress, maybe bell sleeves?

Are you missing the boys? Here are a few photo bombs:

*Links are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through the links and make a purchase I receive a small compensation. Pattern was purchased by me, and all thoughts and opinions are mine.

Sewing For Mama; Centerfield Raglan x4

Good day! I have a few weeks off from school, so I figured now’s the time to get some sewing and writing done.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love PDF patterns? No, oops sorry- I LOVE PDF patterns.

I love the fact that you have the opportunity to connect with the designer on personal level (through their blogs, face book, twitter, etc.). This also means that you have a means to ask questions if any arise. I like that the patterns are designed for real people to wear, not a model or mannequin. PDF patterns usually cover a wide array of sizes. And my favorite feature; they usually have many variations. So you can be certain no two items will be the same.

A great example of a versatile pattern is the Centerfield Raglan by Green Style Creations. A while back I had the pleasure of testing this pattern. Let me tell you; WOW! These ladies have thought of it all; multiple sleeve lengths, different torso lengths, scoop neck or regular neckline, and optional elbow patches are a few modifications this pattern offers. This pattern comes in sizes XXS to 3XL, how’s that for size range?

The first Centerfield I sewed up was extra-long sleeved with a regular neckline…in March. (and I am just now blogging about it?)

This shirt sits perfectly at the waist, so no embarrassing muffin show when I play with the boys. It also features an extra long sleeve length. This is by far my favorite feature (I have monkey arms).

I have been seeing “Selfish Sewing Week” all over the web this week, so I decided to add a few more raglans to my wardrobe. These next three are all short sleeved, scoop neck.

This fabric has been in my stash for a very long time, like more than a decade. Have you noticed the 30+ pound weight gain? No (I’m hoping you said no)? That’s because the Centerfield has the perfect hourglass shape. Every top I have made seems to hug in the right place, and cascade beautifully over my problem areas.

This next one was the same fabric I used for the Sheer Top I sewed in February. Umm, I am glad this fabric is almost gone…I hate these stripes! I was so careful to match up the stripes, and they still didn’t match. I almost chucked this shirt right into my refashion pile. But I remembered a few testers tried ruching the sides, so I sewed about 3 inches of elastic on each side. I can still tell the mistakes, but nobody else notices. In fact my 12 year old step-daughter has mentioned a few times how much she likes this shirt. That’s a win in my book (or a lose, because I know she will be the happy recipient…)

Last but not least, my FAVORITE one:

Check out those sheer sleeves! I cannot take credit for the idea, my inspiration came from Melissa Esplin. The day I saw her post I happened to find myself at Jo-Ann’s. This cute little cheetah print chiffon was sitting in the remnant bin begging me to take it home. I have never been so glad to have such weak willpower in the fabric store.

The only thing I strayed from the pattern on was hemming the sleeves. I choose to do a rolled hem, to try and keep the sleeves a bit dainty. Otherwise, another successful Centerfield!

Have you been sewing for Selfish Sewing Week? If so, leave me a link, I would love to take a gander. I have plans for a few more tops this week and maybe a dress. We’ll see…

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.



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!):



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.



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?



(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: