Sewing for Fall with Raspberry Creek Fabrics

September 2, 2021September 1, 2021 aschildmeierLeave a comment

I am so excited to be on the promo team for Raspberry Creek Fabrics this quarter! For my first post I am on the blog bringing you Fall inspiration for sewing with rib knit.

I love all the CLUB fabrics I have purchased from Raspberry Creek Fabrics (especially the French Terry!) and was so excited to see new bases available for CLUB prints. Rib knit is quickly becoming one of my favorite bases to work with so I knew I had to try RCF CLUB rib. For those unfamiliar with RCF, CLUB fabrics are the in house exclusively printed designs that are released seasonally.

I have been swooning over the Teal Watercolor Floral print in the Forever Collection and it has the perfect coloring for Fall sewing. This fabric is available in both the rib knit I used and in the double brushed poly base. Both of these fabric bases are a 9 oz weight and have 4 way stretch. I find the rib knit to be more breathable and a little lighter for clothing than the double brushed poly base.

I wanted to sew up two completely different looks with this fabric to show just how versatile it is! First, I sewed an Aaronica Romper from Made for Mermaids for my oldest daughter. This pattern offers so many options including shorts, capri, pants and skirt as well as multiple sleeve lengths. The pants option make it perfect for transitioning to Fall but the short sleeves and back cut-out keep her cool enough in the waning summer heat as well. It is always a little tricky to sew for her since she’s so tall (same height as me now!) but so thin. I graded this pattern into a size 10 chest, size 8 waist and hips and a size 14 length. It was easier to grade than I expected but I did need to adjust the back elastic to be smaller for her. Once I adjusted the back elastic the romper fit her perfectly and is just so flattering on her!

Next, I sewed a leotard for my youngest daughter. I chose the elbow length sleeves to make this a staple piece this Fall with knee socks and boots or a pair of skinny jeans. I used the Juliet pattern from Petite Stitchery for her leotard. She is so petite at 3.5 years old that she is just now fitting into the 2T size on PSCO patterns! I did not need to do any grading for her leotard and can’t wait to layer it this Fall and Winter. Since this fabric would be a bit warm lined I opted for the leg and neck bands instead of fully lining it.

I loved being able to feature rib knits over on the Raspberry Creek Blog today and I hope you are inspired by these looks and can’t wait to see what you sew up with CLUB rib knits! Don’t forget to share in the Facebook group as well😊

*This post was sponsored and does include some affiliate links but all opinions and views are my own*

Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Petite Stitchery Eden Dolman and Ivy Lounge Pants

January 22, 2021January 22, 2021 aschildmeierLeave a comment

Petite Stitchery just released four new patterns in their lounge collection and they are so comfy! I was able to test two of these in kids sizing and can’t wait to share all the details with you! The Eden Dolman and Ivy Lounge Pants are available in kids, baby and women’s sizing.

Let’s talk about all the options on the Eden Dolman first. This top is the ultimate in comfy and casual without feeling like pajamas. You can choose from tunic, top or crop length with simple v-neck, faux button down v-neck or crossover tied bodice. Sleeve choices include short, long or bishop and an optional pocket as well. The kids size range is huge ranging from 2T up to 17 and is drafted for knit fabrics with recommendations of rib, waffle or sweater for the best fit.

Next, let’s go over the Ivy Lounge Pants options. This pattern has the same extensive sizing included above and is also drafted for knit fabrics. There are optional pockets and lace-up front along with a variety of waistbands including elastic, yoga, or drawstring. The women’s pattern also includes low or high rise options. These are a relaxed fit casual pant perfect for lounging!

My oldest has hit yet another growth spurt and needed new clothes that fit. She lucked out and got the ultimate in comfy attire with these. First, I sewed up a pair of Ivy Lounge Pants in French Terry that I have had in my stash forever from Knitpop. I used the elastic waistband and pockets on this pair. Her measurements put her into a size 8 width and size 13 length and I had no problems mashing these sizes together for a perfect fit for her. I paired these pants with a bishop sleeve top length simple v-neck Eden Dolman in waffle knit. This top has NO HEMMING as it is banded on the hem and sleeves so it is super fast and easy to make. I used the same size grading on her top with no issues at all. The top also pairs great with high waisted jeans so I included photos of both to show the versatility!

For the next pair of pants I wanted a pair that she could use for everyday wear instead of just pajama or lounge wear. This pair is also an elastic waistband with pockets but in a mystery knit that has texture similar to a Liverpool. I paired it with a ribbed sweater knit (also from Knitpop) this time in a regular long sleeve with simple v-neck and tunic length.

I am always impressed with PSCO patterns from the fit to options and these patterns are no exception. I will be sewing both Ivy and Eden up for myself next week and can’t wait to share them with you. Grab all the new patterns on sale for a limited time now and check for bundle discounts on the website as well!

I’d love to see what you create:)

I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THESE PATTERNS AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS

Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Petite Stitchery Arlo & Birch

October 24, 2020 aschildmeierLeave a comment

Petite Stitchery just released four new patterns in their vintage collection and they are all so good. I was fortunate enough to test two of these in kids sizing and can’t wait to share all the details with you! The Arlo Turtleneck and Birch Jumper are available in both kids and women’s sizing. And as an added BONUS the kids patterns include baby sizing files as well!

First, let’s go over all the details of the Arlo pattern. This isn’t the turtleneck that you will cringe over like I did as a kid. It has been revamped and made modern and trendy. And, as usual, PSCO packed this full of options and the size range is huge ranging from 2T up to 17 (and don’t forget those bonus baby sizes included at 6 month-24 months) drafted for knit fabrics. You can choose from midi, dress top or crop length with banded bottom, flare or slim fit and traditional or split hem. Sleeve choices include tank, short, mid, long or bishop and neck choices include crew, mock neck or full turtle neck (simple or foldover). Check out the line drawing below for the full range.

Next, let’s go over the Birch Jumper options. This pattern has the same extensive sizing included above, has several choices and is drafted for woven fabrics. I love the vintage feel of this in the skirt and jumper but especially the jumper dress. Both have either a button down front or no closures. There are two pocket options and two lengths included which are vintage or dress length. Check out the line drawing below for the full range of what’s included with this pattern.

Now, let’s go over all the fun pieces I sewed up for my girls! First, I chose a double brushed poly to make Arlo dresses for both of them. For my youngest I sewed the banded dress length with bishop sleeves and mock neck. For my older daughter I sewed the midi length split hem also with bishop sleeves and mock neck. I love the lettuce hem on the neck, it makes this pattern even quicker and adds an extra feminine touch.

I also sewed up top length Arlo for both girls to pair with the Birch jumpers I made them. For my youngest I chose the mock neck with bishop sleeves and for my older daughter I chose the crew neck with bishop sleeves. I used a rib knit for these tops and it’s my favorite fabric choice for this pattern so far! I used a non-stretch corduroy in dress length for both jumpers and added the pockets with some cute vinyl details to my youngest. This jumper is seriously SO FAST and simple to sew if doing the no closure choice. I love the total 90’s vibe these sets give me!

I just couldn’t help myself and sewed up one more jumper for my youngest. I paired this with the same top under and used a flannel fabric. This was a little tricky to turn out the lining using the burrito method because of the thickness so take your time and be extra careful if you use a thicker fabric. It turned out so stinking cute though that it was totally worth it!

I love all the options packed into theses patterns and can’t wait to try the adult Arlo in a flare dress for myself up next! These new vintage collection patterns are on sale through October 26 and are eligible for bundle discounts on the website as well!

I’d love to see what you create:)

I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THESE PATTERNS AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS

Pattern Reviews

Petite Stitchery Oversized Andy Raglan and Jessica Skirt Patterns

February 14, 2020 aschildmeierLeave a comment

I was able to test out a few new patterns for Petite Stitchery these last few weeks. The Jessica Skirt and Andy’s Oversized Raglan in Baby, Kids and Adult sizes all released this week and are great for mixing and matching!

First, let’s talk about Andy’s Oversized Raglan. This pattern is an oversized, loose, flowy fit. All sizes of these are designed to be unisex patterns with feminine details available as well to dress it up. The baby sizes range from nb-24 month and include options for a crop top, shirt length top, dress, onesie or bubble romper. The kids sizes offer a huge range from 2T all the way up to 17 and adult sizes range from XS-4X. Both the kids and adult patterns offer options for crop top, shirt length or dress. There are cap sleeves, short or long sleeves in all 3 patterns and a sleeve ruffle that is optional on the cap sleeve length. The long sleeve has an option of a flowy sleeve with elastic wrist or a more fitted traditional long sleeve. There is also an optional ruffle for the bottom of the crop top.

I sewed up a different option in each of these patterns! For the baby size I sewed a bubble romper with long sleeves and added the sleeve ruffle. The bubble romper has leg bands with elastic and a snap placket on the crotch for easy diaper changes. I blended an 18 month width with 24 month length and used an adorable fawn print I got ages ago from Girl Charlee that was perfect for Valentine’s Day this week! For my bands and ruffle I used double brushed poly from Knitpop and I paired her romper with the Opal Socks in thigh length worn scrunched down. I can not get over how stinking cute this romper is and plan to make her several more for Spring!

For the kids sizes I sewed up the dress length for my six year old who is in a dress only phase. The dress option features a drop waist and gathered skirt. I used the cap sleeve with ruffle for her dress. All of her measurements fit into the size 6 so no size modifications were needed. This fabric is from the Doodles line at Joann Fabrics and I paired it with a double brushed poly also from Knitpop for a pop of bright aqua. My daughter loves this dress and it will be great in those upcoming hot summer months!

Next up are both the adult size raglan and the Jessica Skirt. I made two different tops and made several of the skirts. These two patterns pair together perfectly and make me feel put together without much effort. All of my measurements fit into the size medium so no size modifications were needed. I made a top length and a crop length with ruffle both with ruffled cap sleeves and both are made with rayon spandex fabric. Now let me just say that this belly has not braved sunshine or the outdoors or the public in probably 10 years (hello 4 babies worth of stretch marks). I was terrified to try the crop option but also wanted to be open to the idea. Can I tell you something? I LOVE it on my body. The loose and flowy fit makes me feel confident and comfortable.

The skirt features either a fitted or a-line silhouette with multiple options including pockets, slits and different lengths. I sewed a maxi length fitted skirt with modest side slits (thigh length slits are also an option) and I also sewed up the a-line in mid-thigh length. The fitted skirt has a contoured waistband and the a-line skirt has an elastic waistband with optional drawstrings. Even better, the a-line skirt is perfect for a mommy and me set using the Lola pattern. Now, let’s talk fabrics. The sunflowers are a scuba crepe from Knitpop, the maxi skirt is a ponte and the pineapples are French Terry. Are you ready for picture overload?

These patterns are on sale for a short time and are eligible for bundle discounts on the website as well! I’d love to see what you create:)

**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THESE PATTERNS AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**

**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THESE PATTERNS AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**

**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THESE PATTERNS AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**

I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THESE PATTERNS AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS

I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THESE PATTERNS AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS

I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THESE PATTERNS AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS