When the SYSL assignment came about, I didn't immediately volunteer -- kids, life, lots of obligations & little time...then I realized that's exactly why SYSL is important. Every year, I make a New Year's resolution. Every year it is the same one. I'm sure you're thinking that I must not be very good at keeping this resolution if I have to repeat it every.stinking.year! And you're right...and to be honest it will always be a work in progress. Five kids, working mom, all the usual household & wifely things...why does that matter?
My resolution? To take time for me. To make time for ME. To do for me, and not just everyone else. To make the time to exercise, sew, read a fluff fiction book, sit in the sun instead of doing the dishes, take a hot bath & lock the door & make my husband deal with the "mom!!" when I'm needed the minute I do - whatever refreshes & recharges! And in doing so I have more to give, my tank doesn't hit empty, and I'm setting a good example for my children that being a parent doesn't mean losing yourself. Some days it does, to be realistic, but that is why I keep making that resolution - and it's ok to pick nice quick sews & versatile pieces to get the most out of your precious time!
I made the Pattern for Pirates raglan and Winter Wear Designs Aviator Pants (no pockets because these were a wearable muslin). And I'm in love with the pieces - I can still be a mom, but more pulled together than my usual jeans & hoodie! And did I mention quick? I made all three pieces in just an evening - from printing to finished pieces.
I originally paired the black & tan stripe (banded version) with the stretch denim that is black with a brown undertone to it. My teen daughters said "I think you need more color". It only took me a second of hesitation before I pulled out the hot pink print that I'd debated using. I just needed that push! (I knew they'd like it, so I used the other for myself...but they gave me that nudge. They're watching & learning!) And I now have two totally different looks from three pieces. And I'm proud that I took the time for me. Because I'm worth it! We all are. #sysl
Friday, February 20, 2015
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Bottoms Up Pants
Hello! I'm Melissa, mom of 5, and woman behind the scenes at Sassy Fras. https://www.facebook.com/sassyfrasdesign. Today I am reviewing the Bottoms Up Pants by "If Only Designs".
If we're honest, pants patterns for children are pretty plentiful. But patterns that are great for boys (these are unisex) aren't as prevalent. And ones designed for use over cloth diapers? Like hen's teeth! (and if you're not midwestern, or it was only my father who used that saying, chickens don't need dentists!)
I would rate this pattern as suitable for a beginner. You can do a plain pant, with no options, and the only skill needed is being able to sew a straight line! If you're a little more adventurous, you can add front pockets & also faux welt back pockets for added interest and either add a cuff or not. I did the front pockets, with a solid front instead of both pocket pieces the same, so they'd look most like his big brothers at that big brother's request. I added cuffs to break up the monotony of tan, but didn't do the welt pockets.
Other perks to the pattern: It can be made using wovens or knits, making it very versatile. Great size range - newborn to size 6 with 11 sizes total in that range. I made the size 6 mo. for my 8 mo old per the measurement chart(he was a preemie, so that's about right). Next time I'll make a size 9 mo with 6 mo length. The pattern gives great directions on how to customize the sizes to fit your child's build.
Directions are given for sewing machine or serger, there are no assumptions made about equipment or skill level, again making it suitable for a beginner. But, there are enough fun design elements & options to make this a good pattern for the more experienced.
The pattern is nested, and 14 pages of pattern pieces total. It includes a table to indicate which pages to print if you want just one size (which knocks it down to 6 pages of printing in many cases). I love that option!
Back to the cloth diaper part - they really do fit great over a fluffy tushy. They'd also work well for children who need a little more room in the booty for diapers or due to their build. The fact that they are designed with extra booty room means their construction is a bit different. As an experienced seamstress I went "really?" when I got to that part of the directions as it was a bit different than typical pants, but if you nod & agree, follow through, you end up with a pant that fits great, like intended. There is a reason for that difference!
Overall difficulty of the pants? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being "pull your hair out" hard, I'd rate it about a 2 or 3. If only capturing a shot of a mobile, yet not able to stand little one was that easy!! This is a pattern that produces a great result in a naptime, even if your child is a quick napper!
If we're honest, pants patterns for children are pretty plentiful. But patterns that are great for boys (these are unisex) aren't as prevalent. And ones designed for use over cloth diapers? Like hen's teeth! (and if you're not midwestern, or it was only my father who used that saying, chickens don't need dentists!)
I would rate this pattern as suitable for a beginner. You can do a plain pant, with no options, and the only skill needed is being able to sew a straight line! If you're a little more adventurous, you can add front pockets & also faux welt back pockets for added interest and either add a cuff or not. I did the front pockets, with a solid front instead of both pocket pieces the same, so they'd look most like his big brothers at that big brother's request. I added cuffs to break up the monotony of tan, but didn't do the welt pockets.
Other perks to the pattern: It can be made using wovens or knits, making it very versatile. Great size range - newborn to size 6 with 11 sizes total in that range. I made the size 6 mo. for my 8 mo old per the measurement chart(he was a preemie, so that's about right). Next time I'll make a size 9 mo with 6 mo length. The pattern gives great directions on how to customize the sizes to fit your child's build.
Directions are given for sewing machine or serger, there are no assumptions made about equipment or skill level, again making it suitable for a beginner. But, there are enough fun design elements & options to make this a good pattern for the more experienced.
The pattern is nested, and 14 pages of pattern pieces total. It includes a table to indicate which pages to print if you want just one size (which knocks it down to 6 pages of printing in many cases). I love that option!
Back to the cloth diaper part - they really do fit great over a fluffy tushy. They'd also work well for children who need a little more room in the booty for diapers or due to their build. The fact that they are designed with extra booty room means their construction is a bit different. As an experienced seamstress I went "really?" when I got to that part of the directions as it was a bit different than typical pants, but if you nod & agree, follow through, you end up with a pant that fits great, like intended. There is a reason for that difference!
Overall difficulty of the pants? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being "pull your hair out" hard, I'd rate it about a 2 or 3. If only capturing a shot of a mobile, yet not able to stand little one was that easy!! This is a pattern that produces a great result in a naptime, even if your child is a quick napper!
Sunday, August 3, 2014
I'm Melissa, mom of 5 kids, and woman behind the scenes at Sassy-Fras. https://www.facebook.com/sassyfrasdesign I'm also a lucky gal who was able to review the Lily Giggle Ruffle Skirt...A super fun skirt that even tweens will request.
The pattern includes sizes 2-12 all in one pattern, with sizes nested on the pattern sheets. As a mom of several kids, that means I can print once & have all sizes! As an added bonus, if you're only sewing for one child or reprint each time you sew, you can print just the size you need through the magic of layers. If you choose to print in the standard format with sizes nested, the sizes are differentiated by different colors with easy to follow lines.
My favorite feature is the abridged version of directions! For those who have been sewing a while, being told "Sew this, then that, and then this" is sometimes all you want to know without reading through pages of directions. Or, if you like to print & read, simply printing that version would save a lot of paper. However, the pattern does have very great step by step, expanded directions suitable for a beginner with helpful tips on how to sew knits and more!
The garment itself? HOLY RUFFLES! That is what gives it the fabulous look, of course... but if one is a "I just cannot find the rotary cutter love" seamstress like me, and sewing for a size 12 child, this can be a hair pulling out moment. Totally worth it, though.
It's also a great way to use up some knit that you love the look of but it's too tissue thin or curly to be used in other methods! Definitely a pattern I'll be making again (and my 16 year old - too cool for everything - daughter has asked if it comes in her size!)
The pattern includes sizes 2-12 all in one pattern, with sizes nested on the pattern sheets. As a mom of several kids, that means I can print once & have all sizes! As an added bonus, if you're only sewing for one child or reprint each time you sew, you can print just the size you need through the magic of layers. If you choose to print in the standard format with sizes nested, the sizes are differentiated by different colors with easy to follow lines.My favorite feature is the abridged version of directions! For those who have been sewing a while, being told "Sew this, then that, and then this" is sometimes all you want to know without reading through pages of directions. Or, if you like to print & read, simply printing that version would save a lot of paper. However, the pattern does have very great step by step, expanded directions suitable for a beginner with helpful tips on how to sew knits and more!
The garment itself? HOLY RUFFLES! That is what gives it the fabulous look, of course... but if one is a "I just cannot find the rotary cutter love" seamstress like me, and sewing for a size 12 child, this can be a hair pulling out moment. Totally worth it, though.
It's also a great way to use up some knit that you love the look of but it's too tissue thin or curly to be used in other methods! Definitely a pattern I'll be making again (and my 16 year old - too cool for everything - daughter has asked if it comes in her size!)
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Baby Suite review
What’s that little saying about plans & life laughing? Well, that is the inspiration behind my review. I should be happily miserably pregnant & waddling, and had PLANNED on sewing up a storm these last few weeks. Insert life chuckling... Instead I’m visiting this little guy who arrive almost 8 weeks early due to some medical needs.
So, now I’m spending this time trying to juggle normal life plus NICU baby life (since early May) and sewing hasn’t happened.
This I did in a very short time, in between 4 kids' activities, visiting a 5th in NICU & working full time (and having new-mom brain!) and life in general. I’m not Wonder Woman – or even close – it’s just THAT good of a pattern.
Things I love:
*Range of sizes. I had no idea how few & far between preemie patterns were til I had one. With sizes Preemie to 12 months, the patterns would be perfect for itty bitty babies or “lunkers” (like my previous ones born at over 9 lbs)
*Directions are divine. Everything is spelled out & in a logical manner. I love the chart for elastic/binding/etc is ON the pattern pieces so once the pieces are printed, I don’t have to scroll through all the directions to find those measurements, instead it is right in front of me! (It is also in the pattern itself for those who prefer to refer back to it) Very handy. If I can whip up items in a short amount of time in my sleep deprived state, it’s got to have fabulous directions. I LOVE that it covers types of knit that work best, as well as stretch required – all musts to make sure the project is not a masterpiece in frustration.
*Knit know-how. I’m no knit novice, and am very comfortable sewing knits, but I know they can be daunting when starting out. The instructions included should make it manageable for anyone, and I’d highly recommend this pattern to someone needing to get their feet wet in knits. And it’s not just for newbies...my binding has always left something to be desired. Like to the point that I’ve given up trying to make it look nice because it just won’t, and if a pattern calls for binding, I’m more likely to stray from the pattern & do an alternate finish. I knew I needed to try again & my results didn’t stink! (which is saying a lot!) I won’t be running up to point out my binding to strangers, but I’ll be happy to put this on my little one. BIG improvement!
*Logistics. I’m a huge fan of dressing babies in practical clothes that seem comfortable (no layers of ruffles, or zippers, etc) With this series of patterns you can get that, without sacrificing “cute”. You won’t make this, dress your baby in it and dread diaper change time because of the effort it takes to wrangle a little one out & back into it!
*Versatility. Long sleeves or short, cuffs or no cuffs, mittens or not...each pattern has multiple possibilities to fit various needs and allow for a more exciting wardrobe for little ones (and the sewists whims!)
* Knowledge. From sources of fabric to basic construction technique, the patterns are full of info. It truly covers it all - and not just for newbies. As mentioned above, I’ve been sewing for quite some time, but there were still new techniques or different ones, in the patterns, and I tried them & will add them to my bag of sewing tricks. The only wish I have is that for the pattern pieces that are rectangles, there were also pattern pieces. I know many hate that, as they feel it wastes paper, but I’d love the option so I don’t have to track down my measuring tape that is moonlighting as a “fishing pole” for a 4 year old, and try to cut straight lines on my own. I struggle a little with the more stretchy knit pants – they wanted to “grow” more than the waistband (you might notice a pucker in that area. argh!) and also sewing the cuffs on in the round – but taken slow, it works out just fine.
I sewed up the Comfy Caterpillar Easy Knit Pants in size preemie and newborn, and the Bitty Beetle in long sleeve bodysuit in newborn and also in t-shirt length. In just using those two patterns, I have the options of 4 outfits by mix & matching. Throw in short sleeves, gown and uncuffed versions of these patterns that I didn’t sew (yet!), plus the other patterns in the suite (Roly Poly pants & TiddlyWink Toppers) and you’d have a full wardrobe that any baby would love to be styling!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Hi! I'm Melissa (of Sassy Fras) & I had the pleasure of sewing up the Fishstick Designs Pajama Party PJs for my tween. Finding something that is a hit with a tween can be a challenge, but these met her approval (so much so that she didn't take them off & slept in them after the photos were taken!) I sewed up a size 12 for my almost 12 year old & the fit was great - a little long in the arms, but we're a little on the short side at the moment (the next growth spurt will fix that!)
They're perfect for a boy or girl, and come in a nice extended size range. You can do buttons or snaps on the front (I chose snaps).
In our house, we seem to have lots of little traditions - ones that we've kept from our parents, grandparents & great grandparents, passed down through the generations. And ones we've created on our own to make memories within our immediate family. Some of our most special ones happen closer to Christmas & therefore couldn't be displayed in this post...The one that my kids love: we all pile in the mom-van & go look at Christmas lights around town, and then to a HUGE outdoor display a 20 min drive away. One that is special to me is making my grandmother's pfeffernusse recipe (her family was Danish - and if you haven't had it, results are about 50/50 on whether you'll love or hate it - my kids are NOT fans, but part of the process is rolling out dough, which is similar enough to playdough that they think it's fun) Again, not created for the shoot because if I'm the only one in the house that eats them, I do NOT need to polish off the entire batch - they'll be made right before Christmas Eve so we can share with extended family.
Something that is MY "tradition" is "letting go" during the holiday season. Someone has to be an under-achiever. It's a work in progress. No perfectly wrapped presents under the tree, I'm the mom who is hurrying to wrap at midnight on Christmas Eve - and I'm ok with that. Sugar cookies get made, with help from the kids, so they're delicious, yet sloppy (let's face it, even without the kids helping, they'd still be sloppy!) And, I'd love to have the picture perfect, photo shoot ready tree where all the ornaments color coordinate. This is our tree....
And this is why.....
It's about the making memories, not the perfection - which I try to carry over into everyday life, and sewing! This pattern is a quick sew some details that give a final look more involved than what it is - so it fits my life. Little brother will have his sometime by Christmas...or New Year's...or...any other "under achiever" moms or those whom life gets in the way know what I'm talking about! So whether your Christmas is picture perfect or more like this:
wishing you all the best this holiday season!
They're perfect for a boy or girl, and come in a nice extended size range. You can do buttons or snaps on the front (I chose snaps).
In our house, we seem to have lots of little traditions - ones that we've kept from our parents, grandparents & great grandparents, passed down through the generations. And ones we've created on our own to make memories within our immediate family. Some of our most special ones happen closer to Christmas & therefore couldn't be displayed in this post...The one that my kids love: we all pile in the mom-van & go look at Christmas lights around town, and then to a HUGE outdoor display a 20 min drive away. One that is special to me is making my grandmother's pfeffernusse recipe (her family was Danish - and if you haven't had it, results are about 50/50 on whether you'll love or hate it - my kids are NOT fans, but part of the process is rolling out dough, which is similar enough to playdough that they think it's fun) Again, not created for the shoot because if I'm the only one in the house that eats them, I do NOT need to polish off the entire batch - they'll be made right before Christmas Eve so we can share with extended family.
Something that is MY "tradition" is "letting go" during the holiday season. Someone has to be an under-achiever. It's a work in progress. No perfectly wrapped presents under the tree, I'm the mom who is hurrying to wrap at midnight on Christmas Eve - and I'm ok with that. Sugar cookies get made, with help from the kids, so they're delicious, yet sloppy (let's face it, even without the kids helping, they'd still be sloppy!) And, I'd love to have the picture perfect, photo shoot ready tree where all the ornaments color coordinate. This is our tree....
And this is why.....
It's about the making memories, not the perfection - which I try to carry over into everyday life, and sewing! This pattern is a quick sew some details that give a final look more involved than what it is - so it fits my life. Little brother will have his sometime by Christmas...or New Year's...or...any other "under achiever" moms or those whom life gets in the way know what I'm talking about! So whether your Christmas is picture perfect or more like this:
wishing you all the best this holiday season!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
I live in the Midwest, which means "you need a coat in the morning, shorts in the afternoon & air conditioning by 4 PM" at this time of year. The weather can be as temperamental as a two year old! (no offense to any prodigy two year olds who may be reading!) Dressing children for the day involves layers, and sometimes guess work.
The Aztec Hooded Vest by See Kate Sew fills a need in a little guy's wardrobe as it adds an extra layer, but not TOO much (and for those who live in warmer places - I'm jealous! do you have a spare room? - err...I mean, you can do this vest with two woven layers to keep heat factor down. Colder climates - you can sew with two warmer layers.) I chose a sweatshirt fleece combined with a cotton woven lining for our "in between" weather in the next months.
Nitty gritty: The vest comes in sizes 18 months-8, in one pattern. Pattern pieces are nested & black & white (no need to wear out that color printer cartridge!) Lines are easily discernible by use of varying dots & dashes. Pattern pieces print on 11 pages that are easily assembled.
I would consider this pattern an advanced beginner to concentrating intermediate pattern. There are options (welt pockets & extra stitching) that can be left off in order to keep the skill level towards advanced beginner. I did the welt pockets, but not the decorative stitching, just my preference!
A separating zipper, however, is not optional & may push the boundaries of comfort for a beginner. If you are not confident at zipper installation, you may want to find a tutorial or directions prior to attempting this step, as the pattern assumes some knowledge in that area. If at first you don't succeed, grab the seam ripper, step away & eat some chocolate & come back to it - yes, I speak from experience.
The welt pocket is a bit of a leap of faith as it definitely is hard to wrap your brain around just how that is going to work - but if you follow the directions you will be rewarded with some fantastic pockets just right for little hands, or rocks, legos & other treasures that need to be stored safely. Huge hit in our house.
Fit: I made the size 4 based on my child's measurements & also lack of availability in separating zippers locally! I happened to have a 14" zipper on hand, which was adequate for the 4T size, while 5T called for a slightly longer zipper. When you are zipper shopping, too long is ok, as you do cut off the top ends, however too short just won't do. The fit is great, right on for measurements and I found it to be very true to size (however, I will be making one or more in a 5T to allow for more wiggle room for him, when I get my hands on longer separating zippers!)
Total time from printing to tracing, cutting, sewing and completing item was a couple of hours - I'm estimating because I have faith that you won't have the aforementioned zipper fiasco. If you face distractions, I would suspect this would take an hour or two here & there. This is not an item you make & go "that was so quick, I'm going to make 5 more today!" but it IS one that you make & pat yourself on the back saying "Yes, I made that!" Still easier to sew than it is to get decent photos of a whirlwind of a 3 year old! The result? Well worth it in my opinion, AND a preschooler who thinks this vest is "awesome". It makes a great canvas with lots of possibilities for basic wear or fun & funky combinations. If you use a reversible separating zipper, you can even have a reversible vest!
The Aztec Hooded Vest by See Kate Sew fills a need in a little guy's wardrobe as it adds an extra layer, but not TOO much (and for those who live in warmer places - I'm jealous! do you have a spare room? - err...I mean, you can do this vest with two woven layers to keep heat factor down. Colder climates - you can sew with two warmer layers.) I chose a sweatshirt fleece combined with a cotton woven lining for our "in between" weather in the next months.
Nitty gritty: The vest comes in sizes 18 months-8, in one pattern. Pattern pieces are nested & black & white (no need to wear out that color printer cartridge!) Lines are easily discernible by use of varying dots & dashes. Pattern pieces print on 11 pages that are easily assembled.
I would consider this pattern an advanced beginner to concentrating intermediate pattern. There are options (welt pockets & extra stitching) that can be left off in order to keep the skill level towards advanced beginner. I did the welt pockets, but not the decorative stitching, just my preference!
A separating zipper, however, is not optional & may push the boundaries of comfort for a beginner. If you are not confident at zipper installation, you may want to find a tutorial or directions prior to attempting this step, as the pattern assumes some knowledge in that area. If at first you don't succeed, grab the seam ripper, step away & eat some chocolate & come back to it - yes, I speak from experience.
The welt pocket is a bit of a leap of faith as it definitely is hard to wrap your brain around just how that is going to work - but if you follow the directions you will be rewarded with some fantastic pockets just right for little hands, or rocks, legos & other treasures that need to be stored safely. Huge hit in our house.
Total time from printing to tracing, cutting, sewing and completing item was a couple of hours - I'm estimating because I have faith that you won't have the aforementioned zipper fiasco. If you face distractions, I would suspect this would take an hour or two here & there. This is not an item you make & go "that was so quick, I'm going to make 5 more today!" but it IS one that you make & pat yourself on the back saying "Yes, I made that!" Still easier to sew than it is to get decent photos of a whirlwind of a 3 year old! The result? Well worth it in my opinion, AND a preschooler who thinks this vest is "awesome". It makes a great canvas with lots of possibilities for basic wear or fun & funky combinations. If you use a reversible separating zipper, you can even have a reversible vest!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Charlie by Zonen 09
The pattern includes sizes 92 (2T) through 134 (size 9) all in one pattern, with sizes nested on the pattern sheets. For two pieces, which are rectangles, measurements are given. It is translated into English, is easily understood, with lots of clear directions making it approachable even for the "knit-phobic". There is a short & long sleeved version making it a shirt that can be a staple year round. See, that makes a person happy!!
This is a European pattern (Belgium), so in true Euro fashion seam allowances are NOT included. As I've sewn from Ottobre & Farbenmix, this doesn't throw me, and don't let it throw you!! The beauty of this is that you just add what you what you are going to take off (except on waistband & sleeve binding, as noted, as it is included in the measurements). I added the 1 cm as suggested, by rubber-banding two pens together.
I trace my patterns on lightweight plastic (think plastic drop cloth from painters section) & use sharpie pens. I prefer Swedish Tracing Paper (you can also use wax paper, parchment paper, interfacing, tissue paper, or anything else you can find that is halfway see-through & you can write on) but as it's not readily available in my area, I work with what I have!
Let's be totally honest, if you weren't watching I'd trace the pattern as is, and then add the seam allowances by eyeballing as I cut it out of fabric. Do as I say, not as I do, but don't sweat too much over adding seam allowances - as long as you add them at some point (tracing or cutting fabric) you're set!This pattern is a fairly quick sew & I would recommend it for the advanced beginner or adventurous beginner. Lots of possibilities for color combinations - make the waistband & sleeve binding match the outer, or contrast fabric. Have the collar the same as outer, or the same as inner/contrast fabric.
The one problem I had with the pattern was tracing & adding seam allowances to the pieces that have little difference between sizes (sleeves & collar). It is rather difficult to follow along the line you are supposed to as they overlap or run very close together. Having those pieces un-nested would save my eyesight! (or, if you're a relaxed seamstress as I am, trace it the best you can & tell yourself that since the lines are so close, the slight difference surely doesn't matter too much!) For these pieces I traced as is, and then added the seam allowance.
Another point to be aware of, the designer has license agreements for items which will be sold from this pattern. Depending on your intended use and your belief in such agreements...just an item to be aware of.
I made a size 5 for my quickly growing 3-3/4 year old - he is between a 4T & 5T in most items. As I used jersey knit, this shirt is more close fitting, but fits perfectly. (Both he & my husband said "it looks small" - thee of little faith!) If I were making one for him to grow into, I'd use a knit with more "give" or size up. Still plenty of room to relax in.
Although I've been sewing for years, this made my husband say "Did you make that?" as he walked past the shirt...quickly followed by "that is really cool". Major kudos to the pattern & style for those comments from a usually oblivious spouse! I consider this t-shirt with lots of wow-factor. It's as comfy as a t-shirt (and nearly as quick of a sew) but with added details & styling to make it a very fun top.
Hands down, the most difficult part of this project was getting a picture of a not-quite four year old that didn't look like this. Apparently this shirt makes a guy want to do a "TAH-DAH!"
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