Duds for Dudes! Featuring Mabel Madison Fabrics

It's no secret that I love sewing for my boy child - he gets super excited every time I make something new for him, and wears his handmades proudly.  As an added bonus, I've got a 2-year-old nephew who gets equally excited about the hand-me-downs. AND, that nephew has a little brother on the way, so the boy clothes are getting a lot of love in our family these days. That's pretty good incentive to make sure I use quality fabrics that will withstand a lot of wear and activity.

I've been a fan of Mabel Madison fabrics since I discovered them last year, and their selection of Euro designer (and assorted US designers more recently) fabrics is worth the expense. To be honest, if you've ever ordered a yard of custom knit, you've likely spent more on fabric already. I find myself using the Stenzo knit stars pretty frequently as coordinates for my little guy's clothes, and I really love some of the other knit prints for myself - MM has a great variety of prints and plenty that are grown-up worthy too.

When Emily asked if I was interested in participating in this blog tour, I jumped at the chance. I've actually had this corduroy in my stash since the fall, planning to make a jacket for A, so this was the perfect opportunity to set a deadline for it. It didn't get done in time to be a fall jacket (obviously lol) so it landed on the spring wardrobe list instead. The corduroys that Mabel Madison stocks are a nice fine-wale and super soft. They're fairly lightweight and with a knit lining, they make a great lightweight jacket for cool weather.

I used the Starboard Jacket from Peekaboo Patterns, which is in my file of oldies but goodies. I've made it several times before, and it's a pretty quick and straightforward sew for a fully lined jacket. I love that the elastic at the wrists and in the waistband means I can leave plenty of room for growth but the sleeves and waist will still stay in place.

I made a size 4T for A, as he's nearly 4 and is moving into 4s in most of his tops now. I knew this was a roomy fit, so I didn't need to size up further. The fit was great with a long sleeve tee underneath, and I think he'll probably be able to wear this in the early fall, too. The pit stop print was a huge hit with my racecar-loving kiddo, and I love the finished look, too. Please make sure to check out the other bloggers who are joining the tour this week - so much fun inspiration for our boys!

Thanks again, Emily, for having me!

Blog Tour Time - the EYMM Capsule Skirt!

Miss P and I tested the Capsule Skirt pattern for EYMM last year when it was released, and it was a summer staple for both of us. The fit is fantastic, the drape is flattering, and it is a super quick and easy sew - what more could a pattern offer?

When I made skirts for P last summer I mainly used cotton lycra knits, and I've been itching to try something different. For these, I used a layer of glitter mesh over a slinky knit blend that served as a lining. I used cotton lycra for the waistband so it would still have great stretch and recovery - I wouldn't recommend using anything else, honestly.

Miss P's measurements put her in a size 5 for width and a size 6 for length, so I cut the size 5 waist and waistband, and then cut the size 6 length for the outer (mesh) fabric. The tutorial is very thorough and includes clear instructions for how to blend sizes if that's something you haven't done before. (Also, make sure to take advantage of the layered printing and the no-trim pages - it makes it super quick to assemble!)

I cut on the size 5 hemline for the lining, so it would end up a little shorter than the mesh. I didn't hem either fabric, so I just made sure the side seams were finished and tacked down at the hem.

The girls pattern includes a doll size, so Miss P's American Girl doll got a matching skirt. There's really no easier way to get a good quick photoshoot done - the matching dolly outfit works every time. ;)

We paired the skirts with storebought tees, and both of us loved the finished look. It's glittery and sparkly for my fancy girl, but still plenty casual for everyday wear. She's already asked what other colors of mesh I have in my stash so we can make more, and I'm hoping I can convince her to do a two-tone one next. Wouldn't it be cute to mix and match hues, like aqua and purple, or teal and navy??

Thanks to EYMM for inviting me to join this parade of skirts, and please make sure to check out the other stops on the tour - there's so much inspiration with this versatile pattern!

Make sure to check out all the other stops on the EYMM Capsule Skirt Tour. (Note: The links won't be live until the day they're scheduled, but feel free to click through and check out other blog posts any time.)

Wednesday, April 6

Connected by a Thread, Sugarplum Cuties, The Wholesome Mama

Thursday, April 7

Sew Far North, Lulu & Celeste, Pattern Revolution

Friday, April 8

SewSophieLynn, Welcome to our Crazy World, EYMM

Saturday, April 9

handcrafted by RED, Pretty and Precious, Capture, Craft, and Cook

Sunday, April 10

create3.5, Sewing the Seasons, HattieLu Handmade

Monday, April 11

Creative Counselor, Rebel & Malice, Blessed x 5

Don't forget to pick up your copy of the pattern while it's on sale!  Use coupon code PERFECTSKIRT to save 25% on the Women's Capsule Skirt, Girl's Capsule Skirt, or Capsule Skirt Bundle until April 12 at 11:59pm PST.

Blog tour time - featuring the Naples Dress by Jennuine Design!

When Jenn from Jennuine Design asked if I'd like to join the blog tour for her recently released Naples Dress, I didn't even ask Miss P before saying yes. We tested the tunic version of this pattern and even though it's not our usual casual knits-and-leggings style, we both LOVED the finished look. A huge size range (starting at newborn and going all the way up to girls 12), multiple sleeve options (including butterfly and bell sleeves), and a-line or gathered skirt options make this a truly versatile pattern. Add in a doll sized pattern, and Miss P is sold, too. ;)

I hadn't sewn up the doll pattern until now, and it is soooo cute! I can't believe that I enjoy making these teeny little creations as much as I do, but they really are pretty fun to sew. A little fiddly at times, but totally worth it to see Miss P's excited reaction when she discovers another matching set.

That neckline is just the sweetest, even on a doll! I think the next time I sew the doll version, I'll probably extend the placket into the skirt since it was a little difficult to get onto the doll. I had the easiest time by sliding it up over her legs and waist, but since my kiddo isn't always the most gentle or careful when dressing her dolls, I'd like to give her a little extra ease to work with. 

We've had a bit of wiggly tooth drama in our house recently, and between that and the rapidly fluctuating weather, it's been tougher than usual to grab quick pics of my best girl. Apparently she's not a fan of losing teeth (I can't say I blame her, blech) but she's only lost 3 so far so she's got a ways to go. That top one is just daring someone to yank it out, but alas, it is still taunting all of us. 

Luckily for me, Miss P is a sucker for a sweet new dress and an even bigger sucker for a new PINK dress, so I'll put this one firmly into the win column. Art Gallery Fabrics was extremely generous with their sponsorship of this tour, and gave us our choice of fabrics from several upcoming lines. When I saw the Intertwill print in the Essentials II collection, all I could see was bias tape! Yards and yards of awesome, geometric bias tape. *swoon* Miss P loved it too, but wanted it for the main print, so we added a pop of the Floralism print (also in blush) for the bodice and used the Intertwill for the sleeves, skirt, and also the bias trim. We played around with the bell sleeve a bit, and although I was temped to gather the sleeve hem and add a cuff, my practical girl asked for a nice fluttery short sleeve. I used the bell sleeve, shortened it to the appropriate length, and simply hemmed. I used a chunky hem for the skirt to give it a cute vintage feel, and Miss P is ready for spring! 

Want to win a FQ bundle from AGF and your choice of 3 patterns from Jennuine Design? Enter the rafflecopter below - and we'd love it if you check out the other stops on the tour, too! Thanks for stopping by. :)

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3/21: A Jennuine Life * My Sweet Sunshine * Chelise Patterson
3/22: Rock the Stitch * Taylor Made Creates * Élégantine!
3/23: Handcrafted by RED * Lily Shine * Pattern Revolution * Sew Sophie Lynn
3/24: Sew Shelly Sew * 2 Little Hooligans * Handmade Boy
3/25: Filles à Maman * While She Was Sleeping * That's-Sew-Kari * Czarina's Project

(Of course) Boys Can Wear Pink (if they want to!)

Last year, my boy and I participated in the first (annual!) Boys Can Wear Pink blog tour - you can see that post HERE. Kelly of Handmade Boy has brought us back for more fun (thanks Kelly!), and the kiddo and I had a good time trying to come up with our post for this year.

It was a bit of a challenge for us, I'll admit. Not because it's a stretch for us to let him wear pink (ahem, he takes ballet and still has an undying love for Skye from Paw Patrol) but because he really doesn't like it very much!

He's pretty firmly in blue and green territory these days, and is really starting to share more preferences about what he'd like to wear. I thought if I made him a shirt that had pink in it - as opposed to one that was predominantly pink - he'd like it a bit more. This guy is a big sweetheart and loves mama-made clothes, and will usually wear anything I ask him to. The challenge for me was creating something that he would WANT to wear and select himself.

(Ok, the challenge was also taking indoor pics of Mr. Perpetual Motion. I need a 10 ft x 10 ft backdrop to merely contain his limbs. At least.)

I turned to my old standby, upcycles, and found a cool graphic tee that my husband had put in my pile. It is navy blue and had blue and green screen printed graphics along with an embroidered overlay of hot pink palm trees. This was PERFECT - I love upcycling and my kiddo adores his dad so I knew he'd be thrilled. The Moto Maxx pattern from Love Notions is one of my all-time faves, and it was a great base for this project. Even the back of the original tee had cool elements that could be upcycled. (The pants were sewn previously using heavy weight supplex from Zenith and Quasar Fabrics and had the perfect vibe for these tops.)

I also looked to Euro fabrics and design, since I find that other parts of the world can be less constrained by gender norms than we are here in the US. The robot fabric was part of a remnants box from Jumping June Textiles, and was a perfect fit for this post as well.

I love that it has pink robots and portions of the background are bright purple, but it still has a pretty
masculine feel to me, too. For this one I used the Boardwalk tee from Peekaboo Patterns (another much-used favorite) with a single layer hood, and embellished the colorblocked bodice with silver heat transfer vinyl.

This face. <3

 In a few short hours, my kiddo's wardrobe got a much-needed boost - and some boldness, too. I love that I was able to work the pink and purple into his beloved blue and branch out a bit while still creating clothes that he was excited to wear. Thanks again to Kelly for having us, and please make sure to check out the other stops on the tour. Oh, and don't forget to enter the giveaway, too - awesome prizes up for grabs!

February 22 Wild & Wanderful  Handcrafted by Red Made by Jack's Mum 

February 23 Friends Stitched Together Phatquarters Blog   Mae and K Free Notion 

February 24   Doodle Number 5 Pen Seb Rox Pattern Revolution 

February 25 Beri Bee Designs The Kisses Co Rebel and Malice 

February 26 Paisley Roots Max-California The Wholesome Mama

February 27  Squishy Face Collection Bunch o Berries Adventures with Bubba and Bug 

HattieLu Handmade

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With love from Mabel Madison - a blog tour for Valentine's Day!

Two posts in one week! I'm back with another blog tour that was too cool to pass up - and this time, my sweet boy got a new outfit from the project.

I've been a huge fan of Mabel Madison since they opened shop, and have used their awesome Euro fabrics for a variety of projects. I love that Emily stocks prints that are great for adult clothing, since I find that's a bit harder to come by than the more juvenile prints and colors. I've also ordered a few different Stenzo poplins for my little guy, and I've ordered this particular one (in both colorways) several times. I'm hoarding it, people. It's A's all-time fave, and I love that I can use small patches to embellish other clothes (even RTW tees for a super quick project).

For this tour, I really wanted to make an oxford shirt for him, and I used Kelly's tutorial for modifying it to be more of a camp shirt style. How's this a V-day ensemble? Well, it honors two of my little guy's loves: cars and his mom. (He loves lots of other stuff too, but they can write about it on their own blogs. And design their own self-promoting vinyl. Ha,) Two years ago for Valentine's Day, I made a freezer-paper stencil of this design, and painted it onto the sleeve of a raglan tee for him, like a bicep tattoo. He wore the heck out of that shirt, and I've been meaning to do something similar again.

Look at that face. Such a mama's boy, and I love it.

Jeans: Old Navy skinnies High Tops: See Kai Run

He's also a total ham these days, and I knew he'd be willing to take a nearly infinite number of pics if I made a shirt for him with his favorite fabric. This poplin was seriously a perfect match for the oxford. I used the Classic Oxford from Peekaboo Patterns, which has become a staple in my pattern stash. I used Kelly's modifications to the hem and the collar stand, and used snaps instead of buttons on the placket. The fabric was a dream to sew - it holds its shape so well, and still has just a hint of stretch that makes it a cinch to ease in those sleeves.

I'm not always known for the same level of attention to detail as some of my sewing friends and inspirations, but can I brag for a minute about the pattern matching on the placket??! (Might not repeat that feat anytime soon.)

His t-shirt is a Classic Ringer (also from Peekaboo) sewn from cotton/lycra (purchased locally), reverse coverstitched for the hem detail, and vinyl-fied with HTV (heat transfer vinyl).

Happy Valentine's Day!

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Be sure to check out all the awesome series participants to get lots of inspiration!

Handmade Boy | Friends Stitched Together | Beri Bee Designs | The Kisses Co
Handcrafted by RED | create3.5 | Pattern Revolution
Free Notion | Mabel Madison

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Are you crafting for Valentine's Day? Join the fun on Instagram with hashtag ‪#‎mabelmadisonmakers‬. Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a $10 Mabel Madison Gift Card. It's the perfect way to be a ‪#‎mabelmadisonmaker‬!
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