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.

Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag

Mama Nene did it again…came up with the most awesome, practical, useable pattern!

The Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag pattern (affiliate link) has been released today. I have the pleasure of being on the Serger Pepper Testing Crew, so I have already sewn one of these babies up. First the eye candy:

When I hear about a new project at Serger Pepper I think of two things: refashioning and color blocking. As you can see, this pattern has the option of color blocking, or monochromatic. There is also the option to add piping.

One of the (many) things that makes Mama Nene's patterns stand out from the rest is the refashioning tips she includes in every pattern. Most of the time, she even sews up a few of each pattern using her refashion tips. These tips are gold to me(I have actually bought patterns just because of the refashioning tips included). I love having extra inspiration to reduce and reuse.

All of the fabric used for this bag has been in my stash for (too many) years.

The color blocking continues through the back.

This is by far my favorite feature; all of the pockets and compartments.

First I want to issue a disclaimer: all of these pockets and compartments are optional. But if you have the option for more pockets, why wouldn’t you?

So being a glutton for pockets, I made every.single.one. There is an elastic pocket on the outside of the bag, perfect for keys or a phone. The inside features two (2!) lined zippered pockets, customizable patch pockets, and a water bottle elastic.

The arrow detail on the strap is what makes this bag POP. I have received so many compliments on this bag.

Now my thoughts on the pattern and experience: Number one, I LOVE working with Mama Nene! She is such a creative and inspiring person. Every pattern and tutorial of hers I have tried resulted in a positive experience that let me wishing I had time for more.

Number two, the bag: This bag is awesome, but it is not for the faint of heart. This pattern is more of an intermediate pattern. But PLEASE, do not let this deter you from trying the bag. Every step and skill is broken down into step-by-step instructions (another reason why I love Mama Nene's patterns). She also links to tutorials throughout her instructions, so no guessing or googling when you are stumped on a step.

I found that for this bag, I had to break it down into a bunch of tiny steps. While it is possible to finish the bag in a day, I took several, doing one small step a night. This is how I manage to squeeze sewing projects into my busy schedule.

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Craftsy and get your Hands Free Asymmetrical Bag pattern! (affiliate links)

*Want to see more of my Serger Pepper projects?

Sheer Plaid Top

Basic Leggings