Recent makes for me!

I've made some really nice clothes for myself lately.  This Lisse Cowl from Terra's Treasures was one of the first patterns I've made for myself that I truly LOVE the result.  I can't believe how much I like it and how flattering it us.

 I made it again in sweater fleece.  I actually found the hoodie too confining around my neck because this fabric is sweatshirt fleece--very little stretch and thick too.  I went back and cut off the hoodie and used a normal band neckline. Still one of my favorite patterns.

 So this is what happen when I try to get my husband to take photos.  He can't quite figure out flattering angles! This is my first version of the Stitch Upon a Time Goldilegs. I really love this pattern. 

 I ended up making two other versions with various alterations, my third is my favorite. You can't really see the pants in this picture, but I included it because you can see the Hey June Lane Raglan I made. This shirt needs some alterations for full bust, but I still wear it all the time because it's so comfy.

 Back of the pants.

 I can't find my picture of my second pair, they are teal though, which is a departure for me from my normal neutrals. Speaking of departure, I went kind of flashy with this third set of Goldilegs.  I saw a tester with this fabric, and then saw it at Joanns, so I had to get it!  I made the perfect amount of alterations on these and they are my favorite pants.  I wear them as often as I can get away with it!  Maybe a little too much--I wore them with the gray raglan above once and forgot, and ended up wearing them to my kids' school--too many rectangles!

 This shirt is also one of my favorites.  It's the Shwin and Shwin Carolina Tee. I enjoyed this pattern a lot.  I did have to make alterations for full bust and because the arm was really tight.  Trust me, altering the armscye on a pattern with irregular seams isn't a picnic!  I like this result, though.

 This was an earlier version of this pattern.

 And this is the Peekaboo Pattern City Chic top.  I don't like it, can't recommend it.

 This is another pattern I simply love.  The Cashmerette Washington Dress. It's a fairly new pattern company designed for plus-size, curvy women.  I like the design, and additionally, it's nice for my self-esteem to be on the lower end of the offered sizes as opposed to the high end! I simply love this teal lace too, and the yoke is a flocked scuba knit that I also love.

 This pattern was a surprise.  It's a German pattern, the Alegra from Das Milchmonster. I had to use Google Translate, but the pictures were pretty clear so I didn't need to use it much.  I love everything about this pattern.  I fully lined it for warmth and I love the result.  It's incredibly flattering on me.

 If I look sickly and out of it in these pictures, it's for good reason.  I was sick for much of December and finished this on a day my husband was out of town and my kids were driving me nuts. It's the Harbor Hoodie by Terra's Treasures.  So comfy and perfect for lounging around the house.  I wear it all the time.

I did mostly kid sewing for several weeks, and then finally got to use my new serger from Christmas on an item for myself! This is the Irena Sweater from Itch to Stitch.

I love it. It's so comfortable.  There are a few problems--I started doing alterations but couldn't remember everything I did once I actually got around to cutting and sewing.  If I make it again, and I'm thinking I probably will, I need to make a dart on the sides of the bust to get rid of those wrinkles.  But I feel like it's comfy and flattering, and I have some great knit fabrics I bought recently that I need to use while it's still cold!

Some recent makes--kids

I've really been on a clothes-making spree for awhile.  It pretty much coincides with the release of my two frame clutches! I finally had time to devote to personal projects and then went a little crazy.  First, I'll show off some of my the things I've made for my kids, then the clothes for myself.  Most of these photos are mediocre quality--I get too impatient to set up nice photos! But one of my next posts will be devoted to just one pattern that I tested, and I took some incredibly cute photos of my kids (not that I'm biased...)

First off, here are my kids' Halloween costumes.  I made these cloaks from the Big Little Unisex Cape Bundle. I bought the patches and Gryffindor ties.  My kids loved these costumes so much.  My husband and I bought Ravenclaw costumes and we went as a bunch of Hogwarts students--we got a lot of compliments!

I made my daughter two tunics from the Heidi and Finn Tulip Tunic and Dress pattern. Honestly, I don't think she's worn them more then once or twice each.  For one, I didn't measure her, I just went by what I thought her size was.  It's too big, but the band at the bottom makes it rise up to her hips. 

 I made her these patches with my embroidery machine.

 This is the Tulip tunic as well.  She likes it because of the sparkle fabric, but it has the same riding up issue. If I made this again, I would do away with the band.

 This is the Bimaa Sweater by LouBee Clothing. I made this a little big as well, but it's a slim-fitting pattern and the fabric doesn't have much stretch, so it works out well.  She wears this shirt about every other day! I really like this pattern.

 And this is the same pattern.  She loves the cowl, and this is a really soft sweater fabric, so it's another favorite.

 My kids caught me in a weak moment, they had to wear certain colors one day at school as a part of Spirit Week, and I agreed to make them each something. This is the Library Cardigan by Little Lizard King.  Now, here's a confession: I find the most of the example cardigans in the listing absolutely hideous.  So much so that they almost kept me from buying it. I think they do not do justice to this pattern.  It's actually really cute.  I'd make it again.  I did fully line it, because it's a thin, see-through knit, and I'm really happy with the results.  You can't see it here, but I did excellent stripe-matching. :)

 Whoops, really blurry picture here.  My son is very bouncy.  This is the ADVTee from Sofilantjes Patterns.  This was a new designer to me until recently and I really like her patterns.  This tee has a fun Option B that I'm going to be making this week for my daughter.  My son just wanted a simple red shirt with white neckline, and this was perfect.

 I made two shirts from her Omni Tempore pattern. My son chose these fabrics.  He likes orange and green, and the brighter the better!

He didn't want a pocket, and is still kind of fixated on the fact that I put one in there anyway.  He likes it though.

I also made my son a suit for his birthday. These are both patterns from Peekaboo Patterns.  Here's another confession--I don't really like her patterns anymore.  There are several reasons, and these two patterns are a large part of it.  Unfortunately, this seems to be the only boys suit coat pattern out there.  If you want to make a suit, I'd read up on welt pockets elsewhere and be prepared with a lot of patience.

 The pants.  Wish I had read the zipper instructions elsewhere too.  These weren't that great.

 Anyway, he likes it and wears it all the time.  Of course, a month after he got it, he skinned a hole in the knee, and I told him I wouldn't make him another pair of pants, but I may need to eat my words, since I don't want to patch them and I have plenty of extra fabric.  I don't think I will use this pattern though.

 

 These pajamas were one of my best Christmas gifts to my kids.  They like a tv show called PJ Masks, about three kids who turn into superheroes at night, dressed in their pajamas.  I used the Bimaa pattern for my daughters and Omni Tempore pattern for my son.  For all of them I used the Fancy Pants Leggings pattern by Titchy Threads. I bought the masks off of Etsy.

Releasing Today: The Curvaceous Clutch

 

 

Introducing, the Curvaceous Clutch, by Toriska Bags!  This is one of two framed PDF sewing purse patterns I am releasing today.  Check out the Flourish Clutch as well.

 

The Curvaceous Clutch is a classy, simple clutch with beautiful lines and a round frame.  Don't be intimidated by the frame!  The pattern gives instructions on both sew-in and glue-in frame. The pattern also gives instructions on altering the pattern to fit your frame if you have a frame that's not quite the recommended sizes. My testers had no problems with the sewing, I'd say a confident beginner would have no problems.  There are three sizes and instructions on a gathered variation and lace overlay. (Below, the red purse is a lace overlay, the white is the gathered version, and the black is the normal version.)

 

Not only is the pattern on sale today through Sunday for $6, ($8 normally), but I am also selling kits in my Etsy shop! You can purchase the necessary interfacing for each size of purse, as well as frames in a limited selection. At the end of this post I give a list of places to buy these frames.

I also sell this pattern on Craftsy.

 

With no further ado, my testers' clutches and their feedback!

 

 

Gathered version, Medium size by Liz Gilmartin. "This is just BEAUTIFUL! It's so unique and will floor anyone when you tell them you made it! It looks pretty tricky at first, but it's actually a quick sew. I made the medium which is so elegant and yet still big enough to hold my phone, small wallet, makeup, and still have space!"

 

Medium size, by Cherita. "Truly a brilliant pattern.  The finished product is beautiful & the sewing was a real pleasure!"

 

Mini version, by Gwen Lockwood. Gwen used a very small frame but resized the pattern to 70% to fit. It worked great!

Small size, by Casey White.

 

Small size, by Sandie Larsen. "Wonderful instructions~ very clear steps and illustrations.  The added actual photos in the pattern make it very easy for a beginner to be successful."

 

Small size, by Nicole Wall. "Wonderful, easy to follow pattern that creates a beautiful end result. The photos are super helpful and the directions are easy to understand."

 

Small size, by Tiffany Ranta. "The Curvaceous Clutch is quick sew that produces a fantastic looking framed bag. This pattern, with its multiple size options and your own fabric choices, the possibilities are endless. "

 

Small size, by Saar Mertens. "A super cute, easy to sew clutch with a lot of possibilities and a professional look!"

 

Small size, by Lori Peoples. "The Curvaceous Clutch is a great pattern for someone who wants to make their first purse with a frame.  The step by step instructions take the uncertainty out of trying a new technique and the picture tutorial help insure success."

 

Medium size, by Maxine MacNeill. "Wonderfully easy pattern."

 

Large size, by Rajyalaxmi Pradeep. "A must try for sewist of every level. I found the instructions to be very clear and the diagrams and photographs very helpful. Very easy to put together. For a first time, fitting in the frame was not bad. I was intimidated by the frames but not anymore! I recommend this pattern to everyone!

With every new pattern, Toriska is proving to be a pattern label that makes complex patterns simple for sewists of all levels!"

 

Small size, by Helen Wilson.

 

Small, by Ana Cristina Machado

 

Small, By Anupama Rao.

 

More feedback:

Jacqueline Buie: Very awesome designer pattern are very enjoyable to work with . I will be buying some of Ms. Tori's  patterns to sew again .. looking forward to her being a mentor in the bag and pattern world."

Karen Thomas: "Love this pattern, this bag will make a wonderful addition to any wardrobe.  Highly recommended."

 

Thank you to all my testers, they make my pattern look great, huh!

 

To end, here is a list of places to buy these clutch frames.  When searching online, search for round or half-round frames. For Small frames, search for 15cm or 6", for medium search for 20cm or 8", for large search for 23cm or 9".

 

U.S.-based: Tantalizing Stitches, Pacific Trimming

 

Asia based:  Bagpurseframe, 3DANsupplies, Yeahshop, Vivianzakka, lacecrafted, Factory Guy Online, Ahwokbuckles. There are doubtless others I've missed, but I've ordered from all of the Etsy shops listed.

 

European-based shops: Frameyourbag, Stoklasa,  Bag Clasps LTD, Guthrie and Ghani, Creativ Company

 

For Indian buyers, my tester recommended Riddhi Kapoor as a source for frames and interfacing.

 

For Australian buyers, Stitches in the Bush. (Search "frame" in the search bar.), Shamrock Craft, MIY Art Crafts.