Paisley Roots All Spice: Summer lovin'

Summer time.  A time for ice cream, water fights, breezy dresses and bare shoulders.  A season that if you haven't made an All Spice yet because of some irrational fear of sleeves you should hop to it.

Here we had to pretend there was a little bit of summer in between showers of mist as our rainy season begins to descend upon us (I'm told it doesn't really start until next month but here's day two of cloudy mist).  But you get the idea.  One cutie patootie in her sleeveless size 2T All Spice.  Oh and please forgive the stubborn creases.... I swear I ironed this before putting it on her but alas there was no steam left in my iron and it was quickly becoming nap time!

Tobago Babies

Hey everyone!  It’s still 9,000 degrees here and while everyone starts up their Autumn and Winter sewing, I’m still on the tank train.  Even sewing long sleeves makes my pits start dripping and my palms start warming up like little portable ovens.  We didn’t even hit long-sleeve temps in winter last year, so tanks are a fair option until about mid-November.  Luckily one of my totes fave designers (Carla with Scientific Seamstress and Sis Boom) came out with the best little tank ever about a month ago and the bonus is that it’s a fast sew.  WOO HOO!  Tobago, baby.  TOBAGO.

It’s taken me a while to write about the Sis Boom Tobago because they’re so easy to make that I didn’t even have that “I better freaking blog about this damn project that took half of my life” moment.  They just slipped into the girl’s wardrobe without stress or complications.  But they’re way too amazing to keep to myself, so you get to hear about ‘em.

The Tobago comes in lengths for top, tunic and dress which you pick by measuring.  There are two neckline options- curved and notched- and it also has a slit with button closure in the back for the smaller sized children, because toddlers have giant heads.  The sizes range from 3/6 months to 13/14 and then you have the women’s version (The Tortola releasing on its own in October.  It’s part of the road Trip Pattern Club now).  It’s a 30 minute project that anyone can sew.  The strap construction is GENIUS and if you join the Lab Group on FB, there’s a video to walk you through it.  This tank is made with WOVENS by the way.  It’s designed to be cut on the bias for drape, but I’ve made one with it on the grain and it’s still perfect.

I even made one for my boy...then he went and got all fabulous on me.

We’ll continue to bake here while you all wind down from the brief heat you’ve encountered.  I hate you all.

-Crystal-

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-

Guest Post: Mae with The Life of a Compulsive Crafter

Today we're lucky enough to have one of our good friends and one of our favorite bloggers grace us with her presence. Mae is from The Life of a Compulsive Crafter where she shares her amazing talent and cool style with the rest of us.  She also has an Etsy shop, Mae & Co., full of hip clothing for the littles in your life.  Check her out!  Thanks, Mae, for letting us show you off!

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Warm weather is finally here! This project couldn't have been finished at a better time - with winter over we were swept quickly into swimsuit season. Last years suit is good and all... if you like wedgies. I guess my long & lean girl has grown a few inches lengthwise since last year.  It's been a goal for the last couple of years to sew her a swimsuit, but each year I'm caught off guard + intimidated by the idea of creating swimwear.

I will be intimidated no longer!
I made my first swimsuit and there's truly no reason to fear.