Back to school - Retour en classe

Hello, We are slowly going back to normal in my corner of the world.  I have high hope we will stay away from the roller coaster of last year. The kids were back and forth between the in-class and virtual learning. 

 I started my back to school sewing with a pair of cargo pants from Love Notions.  I bought the Vanguard Kit when it came out in 2018! I made the t-shirt a few times but this was my first time trying the cargo pants.  

 

I really like the design features. The side pocket is designed in an angle and the cute fold at the knee.

The outfit also features the Jalie Nico raglan. This T-shirt pattern is a staple for my boys.  I used this pattern for swim rash guard and under layer shirt for hockey.   

I love the size chart from the Jalie pattern collection (kids to adult). The fabric for the raglan t-shirt is from Discovery Fabric.  It is a technical jersey fabric (polyester/spandex) and a great option for hot summer days. The fabric is moisture-wicking and quick drying.  

 

Journal notes:

Modification to the cargo pants, Vanguard kit pattern: I used a size 8 and modified the crotch length to match size 10.  I extended the length and moved the knee details.

Nico raglan tee #3669 : size N with extended length 

 

Fabric:

Cargo pants: cotton poplin, camouflage black from l'oiseau Fabrics.

T-shirt: Tech Jersey, Rust from Discovery Fabric (180 gsm, 4-way stretch 65% side-to-side, 35% lengthwise)

If you are looking to save money on fabric, I have reference program links on the resources page.

Take care,

Bonne rentré à tous! 

Nadine

George and Ginger - The Janis top

Hello,

I did some selfish sewing, a new fun piece in my wardrobe for the fall. I have this pattern since the release in spring 2019 and finally give it a try. 

George and Ginger has upgraded their sizes chart, you can find this pattern under the old school section (old size chart from tween size to adult 26). 

I had selected another fabric for this project. When it was time to cut, I realized that my fabric was not wide enough (width of 125cm). Instead,  I used a fabric with a width measurement of 160cm.

This pattern has only a few pattern pieces, but it took a little while to make the gathered sleeve and ties. Next time, I will maybe use ribbon for the ties similar to the cover picture of the pattern.

Journal notes:

Fabric Bamboo Jersey knit (250 gsm - 95% bamboo rayon, 5% spandex) Huckleberry from L'Oiseau Fabric (check the resources page for a discount on your first order)

Pattern The Janis* top size 6

Overall I think it is a perfect top for a date night! I love the gathered sleeves and the slimmer waist.

take care,

Nadine  

* affiliate link

5 Oceans Fabric - Round 11

Hi everyone,

We are currently in a heat wave in my corner of the worlds and I've been enjoying wearing my latest creations with the latest preorder from 5 Oceans Fabric- R11.

My first project I completed was the Bianca pullover from Greenstyle*.  This was my second attempt at the Bianca.  At my first attempt, I found the pullover too big for me. It was very boxy and oversized but my teenager though it was very trendy!  So I decided to give it another try. The fabric choice really made the difference.

Journal note

Pattern Greenstyle* -Bianca pullover:  size D with banded hem, hood and sleeveless.  I used the sleeveless hack from the Greenstyle blog, available here.

Fabric: Bamboo Spandex French Terry - Light blue faux denim from Five Oceans Fabric (280-300 gsm 95% bamboo fiber 5% spandex)

Project number 2 was a second attempt as well from a fail first attempt!  The Elevate is one of my favorite sport top pattern. I tried the overlay with a very light weight fabric and I found the back to drape too much and showing too much skin!  My lesson learned on this one was to try to add an elastic to help with the edge of the back piece.  For the version below, I used two front pieces and I like that a lot. 

Journal note

Pattern Greenstyle *- Elevate overlay: size D; used two front pieces

Fabric: Bamboo Spandex French Terry - Turquoise faux denin from Five Oceans Fabric (280-300 gsm 95% bamboo fiber 5% spandex)

For my last project, I used one of the latest release from 5 out of 4 patterns*.  The Maria tank and dress has a cute twist cross in the back.  I used the next size up to create more drape (less fitted look) for my beach cover (more going on a boat ride than beach!).

Journal note

Pattern 5 out of 4 *- Maria: size S, tunic length. 

Fabric: Bamboo Spandex French Terry - Amethyst faux denin from Five Oceans Fabric (280-300 gsm 95% bamboo fiber 5% spandex)

I'm very happy with the Bamboo Spandex French Terry, it is very soft and lots of drape!  The Round 11 is open until Aug 32 2021. If you are a Schitt's Creek fan you may want to have a look! 

take care,

Nadine

p.s. This post includes affiliate links to Greenstyle and 5 out of 4.

Rebecca Page - Picnic Blanket

Can you believe we're more than halfway through August already? Summer is flying by but we still have time for a few more outings.  Perhaps a trip to the beach, a hike along the river, or a summertime picnic?  No matter what we have planned, I got the perfect gear to take along. 

 

I adventured to try to the picnic blanket from Rebecca Page as part of the Ambadassor brand program. As being a member of the program, I received a free copy of the pattern to try it out.

 

The pattern was easy to follow, it's pretty much all just straight lines but it took a while to sew. The reversible blanket is quilted, yep this was my first attempt at quilting. Most of time was associated with the quilting process, which is less difficult than I was expecting.   It is not perfect but I am happy with the results.

 

The pattern is available in 3 sizes for the blanket (60X60; 60X80 and 80X80).  I completed the 60 inches X 60 inches based on the fabric I had on hand. You will require mid-to heavy-weight woven fabric. In addition, you will require polyester batting, bias strips, webbing and buckles.

 

We have used the blanket a few times and it is big enough for a family of 4 or for a nap.

 

One of my goal with this blog is to keep an electronic journal of my projects and modifications. I've been keeping notes in a bullet journal, on the pattern pieces and some other places.  I haven't found a good system yet.   Below are my notes for my next picnic blanket.

 

I found the straps too long for the smaller version, next time I will reduce the length by a few inches.  But keeping in mind the thickness of the padding being used may affect the length of the straps.   If you are looking to explore the outdoors on a regular basis you could use a water resistant fabric for the back.   

 

Fabric – Fabricland & Club Tissu (I don't often use woven fabric, I had this butterflies fabric in my stash for many years!)

Supplies – Cleaner’s Supply (Polyester batting, bias strips, webbing and buckles)

Pattern – Rebecca Page (affiliate link)

 

Take care,

 

Nadine

Fabric matching Challenge!

 

Hi everyone,

The blog has been quiet for a little while but it was not because of the lack of sewing.  I'm hoping to share more frequently when the summer is over.  Recently, I was provided with some strikes from 5 Oceans fabric and I wanted to share my happiness with my fabric matching.  This was my first time working with border fabric and I really love the end result.

Fabric - French Terry from 5 Oceans fabric

Pattern - Rival Dress from George and Ginger (affiliate link)

See you soon!

Nadine 

Un beau bonjour,

j'ai eu l'opportunité de travailler avec un tissu bordure.  Une première pour moi et je voulais partager mon petit bonheur de perfection avec vous!   Je prépare du nouveau contenu pour l'automne, j'ai hâte de partager avec vous. Pour le moment, je profite de l'été avec la famille. 

Tissu : Cotton Francais 5 Oceans

Patron : Rival de George & Ginger (lien affilié)

A bientôt!

Nadine 

Happy New Year 2019 - Bonne Année 2019

Happy New Year, Bonne Année

2018 has been an amazing year filled with sewing projects.  Only a few made it to the blog, but I would like to look back at some of them.

L'année 2018 à été rempli de projet de couture.  Seulement un petit nombre de ces projets se sont retrouvé sur le blog.  Voici une revue des projets qui méritent une mention!

Rebecca Page* - The Riley Vest

Love Notions -  Luna Loungewear*

5 out of 4 - Agility Tank*

Apple Tree Sewing - Slouchie (Freebie)

Menta - Neckwarmer

Tie Dye Diva* - Copeland Cardi

New Horizons* - Summit Hoodie

Love Notions - Moto Maxx
Love Notions - Jam Jam Sleepwear
New Horizons* - 11th hour

Jennuine Designs - Pixel Pullover

Jennuine Design* - Schooner Dress

Whishing you all the best for the New Year.

Meilleurs vœux pour la nouvelle année.

Nadine

* affiliate links - Liens affiliés

Rebecca Page - Comfy Town Blog Tour

Welcome to Rebecca Page Comfy Town blog tour.  

I am very excited by this blog tour theme. In my corner of the world the snow has already covered the grass and the kids already built their first snowman. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we cannot stay cute and cozy.

I had so many ideas for this blog tour, I decided to settle on a few key pieces for my princess! 

The first item is the Child’s Pippa Pants* pattern.  This super comfy stretch pants was perfect for showing off this cute knit print. This organic relief knit jacquard (Polar Bears, taupe) is a little heavier than your regular cotton knit.  Perfect for those cooler days.

I love how quick sew those pants are, no side seams.  This is my third pairs of Pippa pants for my princess.  This time, I went up one size to get the comfy style I was looking for but I needed to do something with the waist band which was too big on her.  This pattern doesn’t call for an elastic but I inserted a 1.5” wide knit elastic in the waist band to adjust that. 

My second key piece is the Cora Cocoon cardigan* in a French Terry.  Another quick sew.  The Cora Cocoon is a fun cardigan to keep you warm and cozy during those cooler days.  I used French Terry for the sleeve as well, making them slimmer.  Keep in mind that French Terry has less stretch than jersey knit or ribbing.  You can find my cozy ladies version here.

The final piece of this outfit is the classic tee for girls from Love Notions*.  I was originally hoping to use the new Strappy cami but she's still too small. Hint Hint we need a girls version!

I used a modal jersey knit which drapes beautifully.  Modal fibers create a silky soft fabric making it the perfect choice for Comfy Town outfit.  All fabrics used in this project came from L'Oiseau Fabric.

This Pippa Pants and Cora Cocoon patterns are available in child, dolls and ladies version.  This project is perfect for beginner sewistas, I have another pair of Pippa Pants cut in the same fabric for me and I made a little surprise for my Princess that she has not seen yet, psst don't tell her!

Please visit all the stops on the Rebecca Page Comfy Town Blog Tour. Don't forget to comment on the blogs each day and enter the giveaway posts in our Facebook group for a chance to win some prizes from Rebecca Page*.

1. Monday, November 26: Rebecca Page (Intro), bigflynotions, Stitched by Jennie
2. Tuesday, November 27: Ropp Originals, Flaxfield Sewing
3. Wednesday, November 28: Simply Kyra, Seams Sew Lo
4. Thursday, November 29: Seams Like Style, Jot Designs, Sixth Snow
5. Friday, November 30: The Sewing Unicorn, PatchWitch
6. Saturday, December 1: Sarcastic Sewist, Bellephant, Princesse et Tresors
7. Sunday, December 2: Liviality, Soul Fed on Thread, The Scatty Sewer

Take care,

Nadine 

* Affiliate links