Be My Valentine

The funny thing about tweens is that they still are very much kids.  But they are starting to develop some more grown up tastes and definitely don't want to look like 'babies'.  And that can make theme outfits a bit tricky.  Like Valentine's Day outfits.  When kids are little, they are much more into having cutsie Valentine's shirts made for them.  But as a tween, they want the shirt, but don't want it to be too over the top or obvious.

So, I have collected a bunch of tutorials that either are a more grown-up version of a valentine's Day shirt or could easily be adapted to be so.

And, I just have to say that I am amazed at the creativity out there.  These ladies have taken simple projects and made some very cool embellishments.

Fabric paints can be a great way to add embellishment to a RTW or hand made shirt.  I love this tutorial for it's detail and simplicity.  I think it also could be adapted for nearly any holiday or mood.

The Pleated Poppy

Fabric applique is another way to embellish a shirt with all sorts of shapes and textures.  Of course, for Valentine's, we usually rely on a heart shape, but really you have other options too.  And you can try some reverse applique for a slightly different look.  Here are some ideas:

Uber Chic for Cheap

Make it Love it

form*work

Another way to add images is to use some sort of iron on material.  Some of you lucky ladies have Sillouetes or cricut machines that can cut out all sorts of images.  But if you are like me and don't, there are other pre-cut products out there or you can go back to the stand-by of fabric paint and freezer stencils.  Here are some fabulous ideas that I think a tween and quite possibly a tween boy could like.

Just Another Day in Paradise

Just Another Day in Paradise

And these next too I really like for their originality and texture.

Uber Chic for Cheap

WobiSobi

And what did I make for my tween?  Well, I actually did not use any of these tutorials, though I still may  in the future.  She had some flannel catch her eye at the fabric store so I made a button down shirt for her to wear on Valentine's Day and any other day she feels like it.

Lumberjack Shirt

It has hearts and definitely will feel like a theme shirt in February, but for the rest of the winter, it will just be a fun and cute shirt.  I think that really is the key: it needs to be fun enough to wear any day and not just February 14th.

The shirt is the Lumberjack Shirt by Patterns for Pirates and we will be reviewing it later in the month.  So stay tuned...

So, do you sew holiday themed shirts for your tween???

Color of the Year: Marsala

Every year Pantone, self described as "the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries" announces the color of the year. Basically, it is the company that says what the colors are and which ones are IT. The last few years of colors have been bold and bright, but 2015's color, Marsala, is more subdued and deeper.

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Marsala looks to me like a wine color, but not quite.  It appears to me as a creamy, rich color and I hope to sew something in it this year.

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If you google marsala on the runway, you can see an amazing variety of looks created in this color.  Trends this year include slim cut suits, crop tops and moto jackets along with feminine pops of tulle and organza and they all can be seen in marsala.  

I especially like it on pants.  I simply love a colored pant in order to escape the constant blue jean.

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And I guess I am not the only one that feels that way.  Here is a look worn by Taylor Swift that gives an idea of how to wear marsala off the runway.

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And since we cannot have a wardrobe completely of one color, what colors can be paired with marsala?  Clearly Miss Swift picked navy blue.  And I loved the bright teal up in the runway look picture.  Pantone recommends cooler and softer hues for spring/summer 2015 and has an extensive list of supporting colors and how to wear them (click HERE to see them).

Color Pairings (source)

Here are several other options of palates to play with.  So, will your tween be receiving a hand made garment in marsala this year?  And what colors will you pair it with?

Bubble skirt et all

There is nothing quite so easy to sew as a skirt. The fitting is fairly simple and you can often get away with two side seams and a waist band.

And when you want more variety, there are a ton of great tutorials to help you create this wardrobe staple. 

Project Run and Play is doing something different this year by having a linky party each month for a pattern remix. January is Alida Makes' Bubble Skirt/Dress.  When I saw the theme, I thought it was the perfect time to review the tutorial and highlight other great skirt tutorials. 

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In order to avoid the shirring requirement in Alida's skirt, I used a knit (an old shirt belonging to my son before he out grew it.). I simply stretched it while sewing it to the main fabric the way you would ribbing on a tee shirt. 

For the waist band I used the technique described on Made in this great circle skirt tutorial.

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On our Pinterest site we collect all sorts of tutorials we like that you can check out but here are a couple other great skirt tutorials for you to try:

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The cardi that is in this picture is from last year. She actually has barely worn it because she was not a fan of the ruffles. Tweens can be so fickle. But I think they pair beautifully and much better than the jeans she insisted on wearing with the skirt. 

There is also a very fun event at Friends Stitched Together; a series called CraftingCon and this month's theme is Dr. Who. My daughter loves the show and I thought I could style her up as a tardis for a photo shoot. But she was not in the mood. 

Pattern Review: Sleeping Bear PJs

Name of the pattern: Sleepy Bear PJs by Ellie Inspired.

 The pajamas include a “V”-neck t-shirt to be made of knit and pants/shorts with an elastic waistband that can be made from woven fabrics.  A hooded robe with a belt is also included and that is what I will be sharing today.  I have not yet made the pajamas but will review them when I get a chance to try them out.

Clearly, PJs and robes are unisex and thus a pattern you can use for boys and girls.

Pattern Source:  The Sleepy Bear PJs are a pdf downloadable pattern that you can buy at DIY Crush and other PDF pattern retailers.  I don't know why, but I could not find them at the Ellie Inspired website.

Sizes available:    The pattern will fit all your kids because it includes sizes 1-16 and 15″ & 18″ doll pattern.  So, if you tween is still into American Girl dolls, you can make matching bedtime outfits.

Special materials required:  For the robe, I used fleece, but I think if you want a lighter version, flannel would work.  And for a luxurious model, minky would be ideal.  I lined the hood with satin to keep her hair from getting to much static build-up.

Skill level required: Beginner.  There are no fancy closures ... actually no closures and this great pattern to learn to sew on. The instructions are easy to understand and there are a lot of pictures to guide you through.  Honestly, the pictures were enough to guide me through the whole robe.

I added the pockets.

How you came to choose the pattern:  I bought this pattern as part of the boy pattern bundle at Pattern Revolution.

My daughter has been begging me to make her a robe for years.  Yes, years.  I made her one when she was a size 5 and she out grew it a long time ago.  So, when I saw the great sale at the Pattern Revolution, I had grab it up.

Good:  As I said, the robe was a quick and easy sew.  The hood had a nice shape and size.

Bad:  I the robe runs a little short for my tastes.  I made a size 12 and it hits above her knees.  I thought it was too short, but then I looked at the pictures and it is supposed to be that short.  But if you want a below the knee robe, cut it longer according to measurements of your child.

Ugly:  Nothing

Overall pattern rating:  I give this pattern 3 bolts. 

Pattern Review: Skinny Jeans

Today we have Mona from SewMona giving a review for the Skinny Jean by Peek-a-Boo patterns.  This pattern comes in the lower tween sizes, but since good pant patterns are few and far between, we thought we would share.

My name is Mona and I blog at sewmona.com about sewing, homeschooling, camping, and living in Florida.  I also have an etsy shop where I sell footie pants.  I started sewing for my Barbie dolls when was a little girl around 10 years old.  My mom sewed and she taught me.  I’m pretty good if I do say so myself.  I made my prom dress in 12th grade and four years later, my wedding dress.  Few things have stumped me.  I love making clothes for my kids and occasionally my husband (I can make casual button-up shirts) and myself.  I made my first pair of two piece footie pajamas for my daughter when she was about 4.  When they wore out, I made her another pair.  At that point I realized there might be a market for them, and SewMona was born.

Name of the pattern: Skinny Jeans

Pattern Source: Peek-a-boo pattern shop (affiliate link) sells this .pdf pattern for download.

Sizes available: 12M – 10 years, 18” doll

Special materials required: Buttonhole elastic if you choose to do an adjustable waist or just regular elastic (you can make your own buttonhole elastic too), a button, denim needle if you’re using denim

Skill level required: Some sewing experience helps, but the directions and pictures are excellent.  There’s also a Facebook group that’s very helpful if you get stuck.

How you came to choose the pattern: I was looking for a jean/pants pattern for my kids that wasn't just a basic elastic waist pull-on style.  I also didn't want something too complicated!  This pattern was just what I was looking for.

Did you deviate from the pattern?  If yes, how? The front is low rise, I made it just a little higher (she likes her pants just under her belly button).  I also cut them a little long and a little bit bigger all around (I made a size 10) as my daughter seems to be sprouting up!

Good: I love that these look like jeans!  Five pockets, a “fly” with a button, the top-stitching.  There are so many options here so you can customize the look – adjustable waist or not, belt loops, small pocket in the front pocket, the button can be working or just for looks (mine is just for looks).  I also love that all sizes are included in one pattern. 

Bad: Even though it’s a faux fly, it was still a little confusing to me.  After looking at the pictures and a pair of my jeans, it made sense.

Ugly: Nothing!

Overall pattern rating:  4 bolts

Thank you Mona for giving this review!  We love to hear new voices and share experiences.

affiliate link