The Dreaming of Spring Blazer | day 2 of the Sew along

Welcome to day two of the blazer sew along. Yesterday, we have assembled our pattern, cut and tape what needed to be taped. Check day 1 here.

When we're done today, we will have the outter piece of our blazer almost done.

We will work with the main fabric and interfacing today. So start by fusing them together. You won't  have to interface two of the front center pieces. Put them aside, we'll work on them tomorrow. 

Pin and sew center and side front pieces, right sides together. Clip round seams. I didn't in the previous blazers I made, but my interfacing is too thick this time so I needed to. Press seams to the side, turn to right side and top stitch if you like to (optional and was never used in the previous blazers). Press it again if needed. 

Pin and sew center back pieces, right sides together. Turn around and press seams open.
Start pinning back sides to the center pieces, first a pin on the bottom and a pin on top. Pin along the seam, sew it and press towards the side.

Turn it to the right side. Top stitch if desired, again it's optional.
Pin front and back sides, right sides together.
Press your seams towards the back.

Pin shoulders, sew and press seams open.

Fold sleeves lenght wise, pin and sew them on the side. 
Insert sleeve (right side) into the arm hole of the blazer (wrong side towards you).
Match seams, pin all around and sew. You'll have to gather it slightly.

Clip around your sleeve seams, careful don't cut the stitches. Turn the blazer to the front side. You're done for today. 

The Dreaming of Spring Blazer |FREE PDF Pattern| day 1 of the Sew along

EDITED: You have until the 30th of November to link your blazer to the flickr group to have a chance to win a free pattern for the Bubble Shorts pattern by DoGuincho. Read more about it here.

If you are new to my blog, you might not know that I have promised to share a pattern for the blazer I made my daughter when I competed in the Sew Off. If you were following already back then, well, I am sorry I kept you waiting for so long. If you haven't yet, you might want to check out the blazers my friend testers made. You'll love them, I'm so sure!

It was about time to give something back, since I've been getting so much from this wonderful sewing community, and keep up with my word. After all, I've always heard it's better late than never, right? And it's FREE so: please don't complain.

This pattern will fit a 18 months to 2 year old, but I believe it has space to grow - especially on the sleeves department. I guess it really depends on your child. Mine was about 21 months when I made it for her, she's now 27 months and still fits!

Today I'm finally releasing the PDF pattern (size 2T) for the blazer. And the first steps to its construction. If you want to make one for a little girl you know, then make sure to sew along with us. By the time you finish, share your creation in the flickr group. We all would love to see it.

So, do you want to make one?! 
Here's what you'll need:
1 yard main fabric
1 yard lining fabric
1/2 yard interfacing
30" of ribbon
eyelets and punch (optional)
1 big button (optional)
PDF pattern, which you can get HERE

Today we will prepare the pattern. What should you know about it before you print?
- make sure you select "Print at 100%" or "No scaling"
- the pattern can be printed out on A4 sized paper
- there's a 1" square to test if you've printed the right size on page 4
- 3/8" (1 cm) seam allowances included in the pattern (except for the button placket, it has no seam allowances included)
- some of the pieces didn't fit entirely on each sheet, so they were cut out, you will have to tape them back together.

Example: for the centre front piece, you will have to tape "centre front piece A" to "centre piece B"

When you're done printing and taping your patterns, you will have 8 pieces to work with.

Start by cutting your main fabric. For this blazer I chose pink with polka dots. 

Then, cut your interfacing pieces.

And to finish for today, cut your lining pieces. 

I know, it doesn't seem like a lot when you read it here, but these are a lot of pieces to cut, so you'll be done by the time you get them all cut. Just like I did. 

SEW ALONG
day 1: assemble pattern & cut fabric pieces
day 2: finish outter blazer
day 3: finish lining, add collar and pockets
day 4: sew main fabric and lining together, add button placket & finish

Dreaming of Spring Blazer Pattern Preview

Oh gosh! My little miss was in a posing mood that day! That never happens!!!

I am really proud of this. The first pattern I've drafted for others to use. I've been drafting my own patterns for a while, but this was the first time I had other talented seamstresses trying one of my patterns. They were all quite helpful, and you're getting a better pattern and instructions thanks to them. I can never thank them enough. 

There were 5 ladies testing it and helping me out. What to say? I adore every blazer they made, and I was so happy that they all loved it. I was nervous, and excited all at once when I first contacted them to test it for me. 

So, today I am going to share those beauties they made out of this pattern. In the same order I got to see their creations. SO, first on the line is Suzanne Winter from Winter Wonderings (...), with her flower blazer, made out of old curtains... how clever is that?! Suzanne skipped the pockets, and it still looks adorable. I love the colors and how that button stands out.

Check it on her blog HERE. 

The second blazer that got to me was RaeAnna's, from Sewing Mama RaeAnna. I was so sad it didn't fit her child anymore, because she was one of the first asking and encouraging me to share this pattern. Apparently her daughter grew much more than mine in the last few months, it still fits mine and will fit for a while, but it's too small for hers. So, that's the reason why there isn't a front placket in her blazer. But it still looks adorable. Again, I love the green from the ribbon standing out of the flower print. 

Check it on her blog HERE. 

I was so happy when I first saw Ari's version. Who doesn't know this creative lady blogging over Max California? As I said before, I loved every single one of them, but this one had one thing that just melted me and brought me that aowww feeling. Just look at those bow pockets? How can one resist to that? I think it's a great alternative to the eyelets and ribbon. And what about that lining contrasting the solid yellow from the main fabric?

Check it on her blog HERE. 

Al from the Shaffer Sisters, was also a tester for the blazer, and she was also the one who did the biggest changes to the pattern forced by the little fabric she had. Just like Suzanne, Al has recycled; a skirt in this case. You gotta love this 3/4 length sleeves version. She has also used a floral print for the lining... Isn't it curious that most of you all did? Did you all felt invluenced by my own floral lining, or was it just a coincidence? hehe

Check it on her blog HERE. 

My last, but not least tester was Shannon from Googgiemomma. Just like Al, she created a matching outfit, blazer and skirt for their daughter and, used the linning for the lapels too. Other changes Shannon did was finishing sleeves with bias, adding two buttons placket, and she finished her pockets with box pleats and piping. Again, here you have it, another alternative to the eyelets.

Check it on her blog HERE. 

Thank you all ladies, for helping me out, and for including little changes to the pattern. this will certainly inspire other to add their own touches. 

Curious to know how this pattern was born? Read all about it, since the first time I made and used it, to when I officially announced I'd have a free pattern to share.

Now the big question is Who's ready for a sew along? I first thought of sharing it all in one post (the how to for the construction of the blazer), but then I guessed it'd be fun to host a sew along, and share the different steps in different days.

The Sew along will start October 7th, when I'll finally release the FREE pattern, so get ready, take your time to choose your fabric, and come back next monday to join the fun. There will be a flickr group for everyone to share their blazers. Remember it is a size 2 pattern. 

Bubble Shorts by DoGuincho Pattern Tour |and some great news|

Today is my turn to show you my version of the Bubble Shorts; which pattern has been recently released by Marta from DoGuincho. I was really lucky, and feel honoured that Marta invited me for her blog tour.

Let me start by saying I really liked the shorts when I first saw them over at DoGuincho's blog, in their first version. And when I knew they'd make great winter shorts I even liked them best. But I always thought, that it was the kind of garment I most likely wouldn't be making for my child. I mean, I loved it on her kids, just didn't think I'd love it in mine. Does it ever happen to you?

... (and) Boy, was I wrong? ...

So, even though I thought that it would be a garment I would probably not sew for my kid, I was excited to be part of the tour and get my hands on it. In my mind, I was going to use it to make a few Christmas gifts. But then I started seeing all the versions other bloggers in the pattern tour were making. And weren't all of them so cute and different?! I had to rethink my goals. I changed my mind. I went to make one for my daughter. If I didn't like it, then I could always donate it or whatever. 

I carefully chose my fabric - black velvet (from my stash of course, this particularly one was given to me by my mother in law a couple of years ago). I wanted something different from what I had seen before, and I wanted something classy. If I wasn't so tight with a lot of projects I would have enjoyed making a matching jacket for those shorts and pair it all with a plain while top. But I had no time, and that will have to come later. 

I had problems getting a decent picture of the details. Turns out black velvet isn't that easy to photograph, being I  not-by-any-chance a professional, having a broken machine that only works half way, the weather being as grey as ashes, this, my friends, was the best thing I got.

So, for this photoshoot I paired it with a shirt she was offered a while ago and surprise... my new Dreaming of Spring blazer, in a winter edition. Go figure! And all together make for my PR&P signature look. 

How come signature look if I wasn't even so sure about the shorts?! Well, yes. After all, this pattern proved to be one of my favorite from the latest I've tried. Everything went together perfectly. It was easy to tape the pattern together, I used a size 2 and it fits my daughter perfectly, which doesn't always happen, the instructions are clear and easy to follow, and I just loved the look of it all and the attention given to details and the entire thing by Marta. Oh, and one great thing about it... they were so quick to put together! I love the velvet shorts on my daughter so much. Hubby or my mom, can't tell anymore... called her little Camões, which made my day. lol 

I don't think I have a signature style. Not yet at least. Or maybe I do, some people have told me they like my style, so there must be something that defines me. What? I still didn't figure out. If you know what that is, then please let me know, so I don't get so freaked out with every Signature look week every season of PR&P. I have mentioned I like to do knock-offs, often refashion... but I believe the thing I really stick to is making wearable clothes for my kid. Clothes that I know will worn over and over. 

So, the big news?! I have created a pattern for this blazer. You might have heard about it, because I had 5 lovely and talented ladies testing it for me (thank you Suzanne, Al, RaeAnna, Max and Shannon), and helping me improving it before it is finally available here in the blog as soon as possible. I was actually hoping to share it today, but with all the sewing to do, and the Refashion Runway competition going, I'm sorry to say you have to wait just a few more days. Please be patient because once it is ready, you can have it for FREE! Size 2 only, sorry! 

Despite the original name, I made a winter version of this blazer jacket. When I first made the first, my daughter used it with a scarf and I really liked the look, even though it has a wide neck, meant for Spring weather. In this blue version, I used flannel inside to keep it warm. You will love the changes the first testers did to it, which I will be showing you pretty soon. 

Now, to the best part for you, and back to the shorts pattern, Marta announced on her blog that

Until September 30th the Bubble Shorts by DoGuincho will be for sale with a special price...Use code RELEASE1 to get 20% off. Grab it while you can!

You can buy the pattern on (my) Etsy Store and - good news - as it is a digital file, the pattern is immediately available for download after payment.

And if you've missed the rest of the tour, it's always time to visit each of the bloggers that have shared their own bubble shorts versions too. Let me tell you, you'll love it and you'll surely will feel the urge to make a pair too. So, visit them, buy the pattern, you're still on time to use the discount and share your bubble love too. 

Ashley e Emily, Dotta, Karly, Suz, Maria, Rachel, Ana Sofia, Marte, Venus, Constança, Janice, Magda, Sanae

Sorry, this turned out so long, but I really needed to say it all. I guess that's just me, anyway... 

Week One of THE SEW OFF < Dreaming of Spring Outfit >

Edited: This post was first meant for The Sew Off competition. Still, when I started refashioning this pants, I had The Sew-vivor sew along in mind, which theme was buttons. In the meanwhile I was informed I was competing for The Sew Off and immediately started thinking about making a full outfit for my entry on the kid's clothing theme. 

For the Project Run & Play sew along, I was hoping to make my niece a dress, with some flower details. I didn't know I would end up so short on time, and since I don't usually do much details, this outfit is pretty much the general detailed look I usually sew. 

I wasn't really expecting to hit one of the twelve. I was planning to sew along anyway, so as soon as I knew what the themes were, I started working on my kid's project. Spring just got in a few days ago, so I made a spring inspired outfit.

It is composed by three pieces: a blazer jacket, a top and a pair of denim pants. 

I love this picture! Can you notice her mini braid? ha ha 

too bad it was cold when we tried our first photoshoot, and she was wearing a long sleeved shirt under the top and a scarf... besides she was on a shell hunting, not very cooperative, but then again, when is she?!

The blazer is made out of polka dot cotton fabric and lined in white. I created the pattern for all the pieces, and for the blazer’s collar I have – on purpose – made it wide. It is a Spring blazer and it looks fresher this way. I added a single button (same as I used in the pants) and placket, and fluffy pockets with a ribbon on each. I made it a little bigger than G. is wearing now because kids grow fast at this age, and I'd like it to last a little longer - as I usually do with all her clothes lately. 

The top is made with knit fabric, with a ribbon detail on the front (same pattern I used here) and a central pleat. The fabric I used came from an existing woman's top that I deconstructed and turned into the new toddler top. Refashioning is my thing for sure. My G. calls it a dress - don't ask me why. I've told her it is a top not a dress, but she doesn't care. 

front & back

The pants are made of denim, which came from daddy's old jeans. I used red thread in all seams for contrast. On the sides of the pants, I sewed strips matching the blazer, or better, I made the blazer matching these, because the pants where my starting point for this project. On the back, I added placket pockets, large enough for her to stuff her favourite toys; and for the front I made a sort of sailor inspired button closure. I had done that before, so if you're interested there's a tutorial here. Another thing about this pants is that I added an adjustable elastic on the waist band for good fit. It was the first time I did so, and I guess I always will from now on. 

Just look: you have to bribe a child to have her doing what you want and still you suffer to get some nice shoots taken.

I love that fancy blazer, but I must confess that the pants are a favourite in our home. Even for G. She's a pants girl. I swear, this little lady has cried over me trying to put her a skirt on. She didn't want to, she said. Even dad is in love with the pants. So I guess, even if I don't make it to the second week, it is a win for us. 

Now, if you think I am worth it, go there and vote for me. If it happens that you think somebody else's deserves your vote better than I do, go ahead, I won't beat you up...he he he, Now seriously, go there and VOTE