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Category: women’s fashion

DIY Slouchy Tee Tutorial

posted in diy, sewing, tutorial, women's fashion by Sara on

If you can believe it, Oregon (at least where I live) received nearly 9″ of snow over the weekend! I grew up around plenty of snow, so it is nothing new to me but it was quite apparent that it is to Oregonians. There was not one snow plow in site, people where shoveling there driveways with flat head shovels, and businesses and schools where closing left and right! My husband’s school was also canceled on Friday so we took advantage of the snow and went sledding…at least we attempted to. After playing in the snow and a quick trip to the grocery store to stock up on food, we hunkered down for the rest of the weekend. For me that meant lots and lots of sewing! With some fabric that I got from Girl Charlee Fabrics, I whipped up another one of my favorite slouchy tees. This shirt is so simple to make and so comfortable to wear! Here is what you’ll need:

Supplies:
–  1 1/2 yard of knit fabric
–  coordinating thread
–  twin sewing needle
–  ball point sewing needle
–  pins
–  fabric scissors
–  measuring tape
–  custom made pattern

I made my shirt using a serger but any basic sewing machine will work great. Whether using a serger or a regular sewing machine it is best to use a ball point needle as it will make sewing with the stretchy knit fabric a breeze. Using a regular/universal needle may cause skipped stitches and create holes in your fabric. Also when looking for fabric to use look for knit fabric that has a four-way stretch (meaning that it will stretch both horizontally and vertically). I’ve used different types of knit fabric in the past and none seem to give as good of result as a four-way stretch fabric. The fabric I used has a nice drape plus great stretch and recovery.

After you have all your supplies, it is time to make your pattern. Don’t let this step scare you! Making a pattern is simple and can be accomplished with a couple measurements and a few simple steps. I drew my pattern on sewable tracing paper, but you can use whatever you have (newspaper, crate paper, muslin, etc.) Below is a little diagram and description of how to get the measurements you’ll need for your shirt and how to create a pattern based off those measurements.

A is the length of the shirt plus 1/4 inch for seam allowance and 1 inch added to the bottom for the hem. (Ex. I wanted my shirt to be 24″ so I made my pattern 25 1/4 inches in length)
B is the circumference of the shirt divided by 2. To find the circumference, measure the widest part of you then add an extra 4 inches. These extra 4 inches includes the seam allowance and gives the shirt a nice flowy drape. (Ex. My hip measurement was 38″ + 4″ = 42″. Since the pattern only portrays one side of the shirt I divided that number by 2 to get 21″)
C + F is the length of your sleeve. To get this measurement, measure from your collar bone to your wrist. Then add 1/4 inch to that for the seam allowance and 1 more inch at the bottom for the hem.
D is the circumference of your bicep. Divide that number by 2 and add 1/4 inch for seam allowance to get your measurement for D.
E is the circumference of your wrist. Again divide that number by 2 and add 1/4 inch for seam allowance. **Note that lines F must be placed on the fold of your fabric. Do not cut where the pattern says “Fold”!

Finally, cut out your neckline to your liking. If you are unsure of where to make your cuts for the neckline, grab a shirt that you like the neckline on and lay it over your pattern as a guide.

When your pattern is completed to your liking cut it out and lay it over your fabric. I folded my fabric in half so I could get the front and back of the shirt in one cut. Then line the sleeve patter up on the fold and cut out each sleeve. If you are not using a four-way stretch fabric, make sure to cut out your fabric so that it stretches horizontally across the shirt and sleeves. 

Now it is time to start sewing and in just 4 simple steps you will have yourself a custom made top! To get ready for constructing the tee, switch your needle on your machine to a ball point needle and adjust your settings to a stretch stitch. Again I used my serger for this part but I’ve highlighted above on my sewing machine which setting is a good stretch stitch to use if you are using a basic sewing machine. Most machines should have this stitch (the zig-zag stitch right next to the stitch highlighted is also a good stretch stitch to use).
1. First, line up your fabric with the right sides together and sew  both shoulder seams.

2. Next you will attach the sleeves to the armhole. To do this, open up the shirt with the right sides facing up. Match the bottom of the armhole with the top of the sleeve. Flip the sleeve over so that the right sides of the fabric are together, pin, and sew.

3. With the sleeves attaches it is time to sew together the side seams starting at the one end and continuing to the other end. Again make sure right sides are facing each other and lines are matched up if you are using striped fabric.
4.  Now we will finish off the neckline by adding a neckband (if you prefer another finishing method feel free). First, roughly measure the opening of your neckline then subtract 3-4 inches off that number depending on how stretchy your fabric is. Making the neckband smaller than the actual neckline with allow the neckband to lay flat. I cut my neckband 1 1/2″ wide and 17″ long. Once you have your neckband cut out, sew the ends together with the right-sides of the fabric facing one another. Then fold the the fabric in half with the right-side facing out and iron. Now you are going to pin the neckband to your shirt opening. Remember that the neckband is smaller than your actual opening so you will have to stretch the neckband as you pin and then sew. To finish it off, simply iron the neckband so it lays flat.

5. Lastly, hem the sleeves and bottom of the shirt– this is where your twin needle will come in handy. Once you’ve measured and pinned your hems, sew using the double needle on the top side of the fabric. If you don’t have a twin needle that stitch I highlighted above on my sewing machine is a great one to use.


Linked To:
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2014/02/inspire-me-monday-week-110.html
http://watchoutforthewoestmans.blogspot.com/2014/02/watch-what-im-wearing_9.html
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/02/09/sunday-best-linky-party-3.html
http://www.sewcando.com/2014/02/craftastic-monday-link-party-magazine.html
http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/2014/02/making-monday-27.html
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/02/craft-o-maniac-link-party-6.html
http://diyshowoff.com/2014/02/09/diy-party-time-2/
http://www.niftythriftythings.com/nifty-thrifty-sunday-142/
http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/02/link-it-or-lump-it-party-no-25.html

Comfy Color Block Top

posted in inspiration Monday, sewing, women's fashion by Sara on
It has become of dream of mine to design and construct my own fashion collection someday. Nothing too crazy, just stylish and comfy clothes made for real women. Almost all of my sewing has been self-taught through reading books, articles, and online tutorials– and of course through lots and lots of practice. It’s a skill that I’m continually striving to learn about and develop, but for now I enjoy simply experimenting and creating. This comfy color block top is my latest creation. 
I’ve had this green cotton blend fabric for while now, which I actually pulled from my mom’s fabric stash. I’ve looked at it many times but just haven’t been all that inspired about what to do with it. Finally, I saw a top posted on Pinterest and all of the sudden the wheels started turning. I wanted something that would give me the comfort of a sweatshirt but look stylish at the same time. Comfortable, yet put-together is what every woman/mother strives for isn’t it? Well, I think this chic combination of green and grey managed to do the trick (at least for me anyway)! I’m telling you guys, this is probably my new favorite top!
Comfy Color Block Top // by Stripes and Polka Dots

Comfy Color Block Top // by Stripes and Polka Dots
Comfy Color Block Top // by Stripes and Polka Dots
Comfy Color Block Top // by Stripes and Polka Dots
Comfy Color Block Top // by Stripes and Polka Dots
color block top: Handmade (pattern to come) // jeans: JC Penny //  flats: Target // necklace: Charlotte Russe // bag: JC Penny
I’m working on creating a pattern to share with all of you in the [hopefully not so distant] future. 
And in case you were wondering, I purchased the grey fabric from Girl Charlee Fabrics. This was also the fabric I used to make leggings for my daughter. You can view the full tutorial HERE.
Linked to:
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/01/26/sunday-best-link-party-1.html
http://www.sewcando.com/2014/01/come-get-crafty-at-craftastic-monday.html
http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/2014/01/making-monday-24.html
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/01/craft-o-maniac-monday-link-party-4.html
http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/2014/01/share-it-link-party-99.html

Friday Finds #2: Cold Weather

posted in Friday Finds, home, inspiration, shop, women's fashion by Hanna on

We may not love the cold weather so much, but we do love some of the things that go hand in hand when it’s chilly outside. What’s better than some cozy layering pieces to stay warm, a great read while you’re stuck inside and an oh so delicious cup of hot cocoa to go with it?

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 

Hope you’re staying warm! Have a great weekend!

Linked to:

How to Clean Out Your Closet for Good

posted in home, inspiration, lifestyle, organization, Wardrobe Basics, women's fashion by Sara on
Find out how to finally say good-bye to those clothes you never wear and purge your closet of all that negative clutter.


It’s a new year and it’s time to whip your wardrobe into shape and finally say good-bye to those things you’ve been holding on to for years. You know, those items just sitting in your closet that you see every day when you go to get dressed but never pull off the hanger for one reason or another? Maybe it’s your favorite pair of pants that don’t fit anymore but you hold on to them with the hope that one day they’ll fit again. Or perhaps it’s a shirt that doesn’t quite go with anything else in your wardrobe, but you can’t bring yourself to get rid of it because (even though it’s been years) one day it might magically go with something.

I’m as guilty as the next girl when it comes to this problem; and quite honestly, I’m tired of it. I mean really, why do we insist on keeping clothes that don’t make us feel good about our bodies?! These clothes, no matter what the attachment to them might be, are not doing us any favors. They’re merely clutter in our lives; roadblocks if you will, that are preventing us from truly embracing our bodies.
I’ve spent the past year striving to overcome these wardrobe roadblocks and build a new wardrobe for myself. You can read about my full wardrobe transformation HERE along with steps to create your own. I can’t say that I’ll ever be perfect at it but I am learning. I still make shopping mistakes and have trouble letting go of certain pieces that are more than overdue. With some of the lessons I‘ve learned, I want to share with you some tips on how to finally purge your closet of the clothes that are holding you and your style back. 
 

1. Get rid of anything that does not fit or flatter the body you have now (whether it be something from high school or a recent purchase)

 

2. What may have been your style 3 years ago may not be your style now

 

3. If you haven’t worn something for at least a year, chances are you won’t ever in the future.

 

4. If you have clothes that need mending but have been sitting in your “to-do” pile for months, either make it a goal to fix them this week or throw them out

 

5. Don’t keep something if you have nothing to wear with it (even if it is the most stylish skirt you own)

 

6. Don’t keep clothes that are uncomfortable to wear, that wrinkle easily, or that make you feel like you are always having to adjust or pull at them

 

7. Sentimental clothing can be hard to finally let go of, so allow a few minutes to remember the good times, take a picture of it, and either box it away or put it in the giveaway pile

Find out how to finally say good-bye to those clothes you never wear and purge your closet of all that negative clutter.

 

When cleaning out your closet, be truly honest with yourself. If an article of clothing falls into one of the categories listed above, get rid of it. Don’t allow yourself a lot of time to rethink your decisions. Cleaning out your closet can be hard in the moment; but believe me, it is so liberating when you are finished and you’ve freed yourself of all that negative clutter!

To reiterate what we have been talking about, let me share a few brief examples of clothes that were difficult for me to let go of and why I finally did.

 

Example #1: I bought this skirt almost 5 years ago. I fell in love with it the moment I saw and just had to have it. Before I thought much about it I bought it and took it home to hang in my closet. The problem is that it did just that…sit in my closet. I’ve always loved this skirt but have never really found anything I liked to go with it. I’ve worn this skirt a total of 6 times, none of which have been in the last 3 years. Needless to say it was time to finally let it go.

Example #2: This basic button-down shirt was a more recent purchase of mine. I bought it about 6 months ago because I wanted one I could wear and/or layer with other pieces in my wardrobe. I bought the first one I tried on in Target. It only took me several wears to realize that this was a big shopping mistake. First off, the shirt altogether was a bit too long on me which made it bunch up at the bottom when I walked or sat down. The sleeves were also too long so I could only wear it if the sleeves were rolled up. And lastly, the material was thin which caused it to wrinkle easily and loose shape when I tried layering it with other pieces. It was a literal fail; but I guess I kept holding on to it hoping that one day I’d try it on and it would magically be everything I hoped it to be. Instead I came to terms that is was a waste of my money but a good learning experience. This too is in the giveaway bag.

 

Linked to:
http://www.madetobeamomma.com/2014/01/hit-best-shot-link-party-2.html

Inspiration Monday: A Hint of Plum

posted in inspiration Monday, marriage, women's fashion by Sara on
Inspiration via Pinterest

Another weekend has come and gone. I can’t help but think that time is getting away from me these days. It seems like the older I get the more time seems to speed by! Anyway, to start off my weekend I came home from work Friday evening to a clean house, dinner in the oven and a babysitter lined up for date-night. Pretty amazing right?! After almost four years of marriage, I think my husband is starting to really understand my love language. Needless to say, it was just what I needed after a long week.

With Veteran’s Day now upon us there were some pretty amazing sales over the weekend so a friend and I went out to find ourselves some great deals. Really we just hit up JC Penny because I’m addicted to their clothes and prices. They were having their biggest sale ever (which I believe is running through today) with almost everything on sale plus an additional $10 off when you spent $25. My wardrobe is pretty much complete but I needed a few more items to finish it off for fall/winter. The plum colored opaque tights and gray sweater are among my most recent buys from JC Penny. And I’ve got to say, I’m loving them…especially with my new ankle boots that my amazing mother-in-laws spoiled me with when she was here a couple weeks ago!

Sweater: JC Penny
Colored Opaque Tights: JC Penny
Pencil Skirt: Gap Outlet (old)
Boots: Gift

Linked to:

Leopard Print and A Pumpkin Patch

posted in family, women's fashion by Sara on

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! As you can see, my weekend included a pumpkin patch. Can you believe Halloween is just four days away and we are just now getting our pumpkins! We’ll see if we get around to actually carving them.  I am usually lucky enough to simply make it through the week. Last week we had the dreaded car problems where our car wouldn’t start. I wish I could say it wad a simple battery issue but turns out we actually needed a new starter. With it being our only car it could have been a much more stressful situation but our good friends were gracious enough to lend us rides and even their car until our car was fixed. To them it might have seemed like no big deal but to me it meant the world! l’m so grateful for good friends, especially when I’m so far from family! While I’m forever grateful for their help I’m glad to have my car back. My husband’s mom and brother were also here over the weekend and we sure had a lot of fun with them! It is always so great to see family and hard to see them leave!  
I’m sure you also noticed my slight obsession for leopard print has spilled over into my daughter’s wardrobe as well. There is nothing quite like stretchy leopard print leggings…if they made them in adult sizes I might have myself a pair as well. 
While they are not stretchy, I’m kind of digging these leopard print pants from Gap. I love leopard print but I am still a fairly conservative person when it comes to my wardrobe which is why I love the subtlety in these pants. I have honestly had mixed feelings about printed jeans but I really can’t find anything not to love about these pants, they’re even on sale!  What are your thoughts on printed jeans? Hate them or love them?
Linked to:

Wardrobe Basics: Mix and Match

posted in Wardrobe Basics, women's fashion by Sara on

Step 2: Make a List {Part 1, Part 2}
Step 3: Shop
Step 4: Mix and Match
Step 5: Accessorize

I think it is about time for the next step in Wardrobe Basics…sorry to leave you hanging there. Anyway, you should have all had plenty of time to clean out your closet, discover your style, and start your shopping. Once you begin to add those basic pieces to your wardrobe you will find your wardrobe to be a lot more versatile. But in order to get the most versatility out of your wardrobe it may require you to think out side of the box a little and try new combinations. This might mean layering different pieces that you might not have before or mixing together new and exciting color combinations. You still want to feel comfortable in your clothes and remain true to yourself; but you never know, sometimes trying new things will bring a greater confidence in your wardrobe and better idea of what your true style really is.

Above are all the clothes I have purchased since starting my wardrobe overhaul almost nine months ago (minus my shoes and accessories). I was pretty much starting from ground zero since half of my wardrobe didn’t fit. In total I have spent about $400 over the last nine months building my wardrobe and have got 18 different pieces (not counting shoes). Disregarding the articles of clothing I kept from my previous wardrobe, with the 18 pieces I have bought alone, I can create over 50 different outfits! That is almost 2 months worth of outfits!

In this step of Wardrobe basics I hope to show you how to mix and match your wardrobe for maximum wear and versatility. I am still working on getting pictures of all the different outfits…because 50 really is a lot of outfits to photograph… but for now, here is a small example.

In this example, I’ve taken 2 pieces from my wardrobe (my black skinny jeans and striped tee) and created 4 different outfits. I could even create 4 more outfits with these pieces if I was to replace the striped tee with my white button-up shirt. Get the idea?

Linked to:
http://www.themrsandthemomma.com/2013/10/the-best-of-friday-style-link-up_25.html
http://www.muchadoaboutsomethin.blogspot.com/2013/10/tell-us-tuesday-13.html
http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/2013/10/blog-stalking-thursday-117.html