Road Trip Pattern Club!

It’s summer!  For most people that means vacations and family fun.  For seamstresses it means all of that PLUS some awesome sewing.  If you haven’t heard about the Road Trip Pattern Club, you’re about to.  It’s FIVE awesome patterns for one low price ($35) all designed and geared toward vacations. One new pattern releases every month for 5 months.  They’re all a big secret until the pattern is revealed.  All you know is the designer and then it’s like HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  So far there has been The Road Tripper Duffle bag by Betz White, then the Kimono Wrap by Modkid, and today is the Tortola Tank by Sis Boom.  I was lucky enough to be able to test 2 of these patterns and I’m sharing them with you.   Get ready to want to leave town....  

Aren’t they summer funneriffic? That’s a word I made up just because I can...my post, my words.

First up is the Kimono wrap from Modkid!  This pattern literally comes in EVERY SIZE because it is made completely by using your own measurements.  There are no pattern pieces; you make your own using Patty’s guide.  It’s not hard AT ALL, so stop your sighing.  Anyone can (and should) make this.  I think it’d be great in terry for a pool robe, in cotton for a little coverup, or in satin (like I have) for getting ready for a night out- great for keeping powder, makeup and hairspray off of your pretty fancy dress.   I also think that with a little embroidery, these would make the cutest bridal party getting ready accessory. 

The second pattern, The Tortola Tank by Sis Boom, is more day to day whether you’re going shopping, riding in the car, or even going out at night.  This tank in sparkles or shimmer paired with skinny jeans and sexy shoes would be awesome for a karaoke night with the girls!  It’s designed to be made with WOVEN fabrics, but when cut on the bias makes a pretty drape and adds a little stretch for getting it on and off.  The size range is from XS (0-2)-3X (24-26W).  You get to pick your length, too!  I didn’t make this one on the bias because I’m a rebel!  Actually, I just wanted vertical stripes.  It still fits great and is super comfy, just doesn’t have that draping that it’s designed to have.  If you like tanks, this is a great pattern for you. By the way...45 minutes to sew TOPS from cut to finish.  No lie.

Anyway, I hope I convinced you to buy a member ship to the club.  There are still 2 surprise designs waiting for you and the previous 3 will get to you too.   YOU NEED THIS.  Your vacation wardrobe is waiting to be made. you can buy HERE:

Click here to view more details
 

All of the patterns will be available to purchase separately from the individual designers starting October  1st, but your chance for the best deal is now!

Still not sure? 

And how about now?

And here’s a backstage shot of my muslin for my Tortola.  I felt it needed something...and I had just learned how to use my embroidery machine, so.....

 -Crystal-

Pleated Skirt Tutorial

Have you heard of Skirting the Issue?
The really amazing charity event that Simple Simon & Co. are doing?
They are having bloggers post simple skirt tutorials that people can make for girls in Foster Care. I am so excited to be a part of it.
So, on to my tutorial so you can start making some skirts for some amazing girls!

Sewing on the cheap

I don't know about you but lately my sewing budget has been in the red and doesn't have any hope of being in the black any time soon so this summer I'm making do with what is in my stash and upcycling things us grown ups in the house are no longer using.

On top of my upcycle pile are a bunch of Mr. Viever's t-shirts that have a lot of life left in them but he just doesn't care for the color or there is a hole somewhere or a break in the seam.  I used my tried and true t-shirt pattern (you know the one you've see a million of from me, Figgy's Tee for Two) and cut the shirts along the seams for my working pieces.  I cut both the front and back along the bottom edge so that I had no need to hem.

Underneath it All- An Undergarments PSA

I’ve really been thinking for a while about the topic I’m going to write about today. With the BundleUp sale going on right now, it's been even MORE on my mind.  It’s something that I think every womenswear seamstress NEEDS to read.  The more I’ve been sewing for myself and sharing, the more I hear “Crystal you have a great body for this.”  The response to that is “Nope”...that is “not without the correct UNDERGARMENTS”.  I cannot STRESS enough to you the importance of the right undergarments. Wearing the right supportive underthings make a world of difference and takes you from “liking” the things you make to “MOTHER EFFING LOVING” them.  You should totally love every single piece of clothing you make for yourself.  You’ve earned it and it’s time you start feeling your best by looking your best.  Here we go!

I used to never wear the things I sewed for myself and very rarely showed them to anyone because they just never looked right.  Then one day I was given something by my mother-in-law: A push-up bra.  That sounds weird, but she bought it for herself and it didn’t fit her so she gave it to me....AAAAAANYWAY.  Every woman who has had babies, had a major weight loss, or has fallen victim to the evil Lord Gravity needs a push-up bra.  These bras are not for a skanky girls’ nights in Vegas or for a romantic evening of looooooove.  They are PUSH-UP bras...they push the boobs up to where they are supposed to be.  If you have the perfectly perky chest God gifted you with at the beginning of puberty, I envy you. Perky boobies use normal bras.  Saggy boobies use push-up bras. Most of us have had our bodies put through the ringer and the headlights point down.  It’s nature, but we CAN do something about it. At first I HATED my push up bra.  It felt so...not comfortable.  But one day when all my bras were dirty, I grabbed the push-up bra.  My mother-in-law happened to come visit that day and she immediately asked “Have you lost weight?”.  Lord, no I hadn’t.  IT WAS THE BRA.  I ordered 2 more and never looked back.  I ended up getting used to them within a few days.  GET A PUSH-UP BRA!

BundleUP, Yo! Citron Twist Shrug by Candy Castle

I have been doing a LOT of mama sewing lately.  A.LOT.  So why not do some more?  Onward! I was asked to give a little review post about the Candy Castle Citron Twist Shrug which is now available for purchase when you BundleUP, so I did.  And I’m so glad I did!  This is my first Candy Castle pattern and I am super impressed.  Just look at it! (I kind of look like a Beverly Hillbilly’s version of Maryanne from Gilligan’s Island).

When I first saw this modeled in sneak peeks, I immediately thought of a camping trip.  I’ve seen this dressed up, too, and it totally works, but for me it just screamed CAMPOUT!  I don’t have the figure for a crop top...NO WAY BLUEJAY, but this gives that feel without having to expose the flub.  Now,  I have never been camping, but I am going soon, so this was like YES.

Sis Boom Jenny SKIRT tutorial. Say WHAT?!?!?

When I WON the Jenny Craft-off because I’m a winner, I thought “Wow, craft-off winner, you should do something nice for the people that made you win.”  I thought that because I’m a winner....because I won.  So here it is, folks...The Jenny Skirt Tutorial (By Crystal, The Winner)

*If you have made a Jenny with a successful fit, use your existing pieces.  If you have NEVER made a Jenny before, PLEASE make a muslin for the waistband. PLEASE.  This will ensure that you make something that works.  Here’s a tip from me to you:  The Jenny is intended to fit perfectly like a glove.  It may seem like it’s too small, but more times than not it’s fine.  So grab a small cheap zipper and make your muslin WITH a zipper so you get accurate sizing.

Fro Yo Pops!

Hey there TWSCers! Hope you are all having a great start to summer!