Finally, the Sewing Studio is here!

November 23, 20201 Comment

The sewing studio Is finally here! This is a major game changer for me! I cannot express how incredibly stoked I am. I have waited and waited for this for so long! Y’all, I’m such a fabric hoarder! My husband who is my number one supporter is always instigating me to purchase all the fabric that I want! He loves when I make him things and obviously knows I love sewing so much. Could I have gotten any luckier? He lives by the saying “happy wife happy life”! Smart man I tell ya! The She Shed, or Sewing Studio has been a dream of mine and he made it possible for me.❤️ Obviously, sewing is something I incorporate into our unique lifestyle of homesteading. It’s another avenue for supplemental income. We have a small home that we absolutely love. So, moving things out of our home is a better option than purchasing a larger home! It just made more sense to get something like this and move my craft studio out of the home.

It’s going to be some time before it’s built out but this is such a huge step! We’ve been waiting for delivery since September.

The cabin has two lofts for storage and a nook where there are three windows. That’s where I plan to set my machines up. It’s just perfect! I still can’t believe it’s here and I’m so anxious and ready to get started on the build out. Ken and I have been throwing ideas around but haven’t settled on anything yet. One thing I know for sure is that the nook is where my machines desk will go! There’s lots of natural lighting and the view is going to be pleasant while I sew.

The nook where my machines will go and one of the lofts above it.

I cannot wait to share the process of building the interior out. If you have any ideas or tips for storage or shelving I’d love to hear them! This is going to be my personal space for my creativity to go wild. I feel so blessed to have this and I think of how far my sewing journey has brought me.

I’ll keep you posted on progress with this! Please follow us for the next blog post and update!

Much love,

Cristina

Calliope Pattern: a comfy cardigan

November 16, 2020November 23, 2020Leave a comment

Life has been pretty hectic recently. We have a small farm and are transitioning to become full time homesteaders. We also have a lot of outdoor projects we have to get done before winter plus a gazillion other things. We purchased a cabin to convert into my sewing studio so I had to prepare for the delivery of that! All while simultaneously testing this pattern! (Blog post for the sewing studio is here)

Ok, so I tested the Women’s Calliope for Made For Mermaids! It’s a cardigan that has a multitude of options. It’s super comfy and if you choose certain options, you can sew this right up with just a serger! I don’t know about you, but that can be super convenient at times.

This is the cocoon version with banded fitted sleeves, pockets and hoodie. For this version I only used my serger!

I have a ton of fabric for this pattern and plan on making a couple more. I absolutely love this style of cardigan for me. It can be dressed up or down, depending on the type of fabric and options you choose.

In this version I used an animal print Rayon Spandex that I got from Sew So English last year. The brown and white striped version was made using a ribbed knit cotton from Fabric Mart. I think I paid something like $2.50 a yard, so I have 10 yards of it!

This version has relaxed hemmed sleeves.

In both, I’m wearing me made tees. The pink velvet is a modified Mama Mya and the Brothers Osborne shirt is a band tee I purchased at a BO concert and turned it into a Patterns for Pirates “Wiggle Tee”. I have a tutorial that I haven’t published yet on how I made it. The concert was super special for me, as it was a gift from my husband to go with a friend. It was the first concert I had been to since we moved away from Texas (6 years ago). My friend and I had such a great time. I love the way it came out and it’s one of my favorites to wear!

This pattern gives me all the comfy feels. It’s just so cozy!

This was also my first time using my new Juki Serger! And second time using my new Juki Sewing Machine!

Even though I have a cover stitch machine, sometimes I just use my sewing machine for hems. I don’t have much desk space for it right now. I am very impressed by the neatness of this machines stretch stitch! My old machine was very sloppy with this particular stitch and it didn’t stretch very well neither.

This is the best stretch stitch I’ve ever seen!

I hid the serge chain using a crochet hook.

It makes the band ends look neater!

I love cardigans, so this is going to be a new favorite for me. I’ll be whipping up a few more now that the weather is colder! Overall, this is a quick and easy sew. It’s comfortable and warm. It has optional lengths, pockets and hood. The sleeves can be relaxed or fitted, banded or hemmed.

Grab this pattern here! Check out the many options it offers and the beautiful versions the other testers made.

The Wiggle Dress, Tee, and Crop Topp

September 17, 2019September 17, 2019

Hey y’all! I’m back! It’s been one whole year since I haven’t sewn anything for myself or for anyone other than a custom dress I did for a good friend. I have a completely legitimate excuse though; I was away from home for 7 months AND I have lost 42 pounds! I was trying my best not to make anything for myself until I got down a whole size in which I did, and some!

So here is what I decided to make first. THE WIGGLE! Patterns For Pirates has had this pattern out for quite some time. I remember when it released, in the Facebook group there were hundreds and hundreds of women posting their beautiful wiggle makes. At the time, I just didn’t see myself ever making one, because most of the makes were for fancy occasions. I’m telling you, the women in this dress were just absolutely stunning. I would see comments on how this pattern was for every shape and size, it was just that good! Unfortunately, we can be so harsh on ourselves, stuck in our ways and image of ourselves. So I never purchased the pattern, until now! Let me tell you! If you want to feel sexy as ever, THIS IS THE PATTERN. I can’t believe how sexy this top makes me feel and it literally fits like a glove.

*If you haven’t checked Patterns For Pirates out I recommend you do! They have free patterns you don’t want to miss out on. Join their pattern support group too!*

I was looking for some different styles to sew for my new wardrobe because everything is fitting me so loose. Also, I feel much more confident wearing tighter fitting clothes now. I looked at all their tester photos and saw the Tee and was so shocked that I never saw it before, or maybe I did and just thought I wouldn’t look good in it? Anyway, I bought it, immediately printed it out, pieced it together and got to cutting my first one! I have this leopard print Ponte from So Sew English that I have now made 3 things out of! A cardigan that I modified into a jacket from GreenStyleCreations, a Super Sleeve tee by G+G and now a Wiggle Tee by P4P! I had to work it good because I only had cut pieces left over and it was just enough to squeeze this baby out! I’ll definitely be getting more of this fabric if they ever bring it back. The Wiggle pattern was so fast and easy to sew up. I was so surprised on how easy it was….seriously! I was expecting a much more complicated pattern, but nope, super fast to sew up! So fast, I had two more cut up right after I finished this one.

Hellooooo sexy! This top makes me feel so incredibly sexy. I’m not even wearing spanx ladies!

I used my Juki Coverstitch machine for the first time since I got it a year ago and it is such a game changer! Look at those hems!

Next I made a black one, and now I need to make one in a dress version.

I’m so in love with this pattern. I have around three more planned to make of different patterns and colors. I would really love to make one with sweater knit or ribbed knit for Fall! And I know I’m super late in the Wiggle game but better late than never!

Last but not least! I made this with leftover fabric from my friends custom dress. There was just enough to get this out and I have a bit from a part of the skirt that I had cut too short, so I can pair it with the pencil skirt once I modify it to fit my measurements! FYI it’s not even hemmed yet! Lol

Do I recommend you get this pattern? Absolutely YES! I want to make so many different versions AND I want to make the fancy dresses as well. I have a wedding to attend in November that I want to mash the crop top version with a high low circle skirt. The possibilities are endless with this pattern. It’s casual, chic, sexy, to drop dead gorgeous roll out the red carpet!

This is not an affiliate post. Just my honest review of this pattern 😊.

You will be seeing many more pattern reviews, I got my sewjo back! So follow the blog or my Instagram for more @Sewcurvysewfabulous.

The Classic Tee FREE PATTERN ALERT

June 25, 2018June 27, 2018Leave a comment

This post contains an affiliate link. Any purchases made through the link provide me with a small commission at no extra cost to you, and are greatly appreciated as they help fund my sewing addiction and this blog. Thank you in advance!

Love Notions never fails to deliver. I have been wanting a comfortable non tummy hugging tee since like FOREVER. Also, one that would not take more than a yard to make, which seemed so unrealistic for my size. I buy PDF patterns like crazy, and even though I have some great patterns, I usually end up modifying them in some shape or form so that they fit me better AND they always take up more than a yard of fabric. We just finished testing this Classic Tee from Love Notions and OH EM GEE! For one, I CANNOT BELIEVE I can get a shirt out of a yard and even a smidge less than a yard! Yes, I am an XXL and I thought that would be impossible. But its not! ITS NOT! I have a hoard of one yard cuts of the most beautiful fabric that I thought were only ever going to become pencil skirts or underwear. NOT ANYMORE! So like I said, Love Notions never fails to deliver! This Tee has a variety of neckline and sleeve options and is drafted for a relaxed fit. Also has a full bust adjustment pattern piece for you ladies who need it! Its already done for you! 😉

I have what I like to call the “twin mommy tummy”. Ive always had a tummy but my boys really did a number on me. Im totally fine with it but I do my best to hide it and I NEVER find shirts that do the trick. I am literally ridding my closet of ALL RTW clothing at the moment. It’s been a slow progress but I’m happy to say that as of right now about 80% of the clothes hanging in my closet are ME MADE. Im really proud of myself right now for that. And here is another pattern thats going to flood my closet! I have tons of ideas and plans for future makes!

This was the first time I used my twin needle to sew. Ive had such terrible luck with twin needles, not going to lie! Ive broken so many that the last time I asked my sweet hubby Ken to pick me up some from Joanns, he came home with everything they had on the shelf…no, I’m not kidding, he really did that and I have the needles to prove it! So I took them out of hiding and tried again. To my surprise, it wasn’t hard to use them this time, but ill have to pick up some different ones to sew my double brushed poly as these were only good on my Rayon fabrics. Still have to practice on sewing straight with them but Im pretty happy with how quickly and nice the hems sewed up!

Also, the first time I tagged my own personal makes. Ive tagged stuff I made for friends and family but never my own. It felt so nice, I admit, to see my makes looking so professional! I made so many of these tees during testing that I have a bunch more to finish hemming and take pictures of. Im sure you will be seeing more posts of my Classic Tee’s! Head on over to Love Notions to get this pattern for free! Just take a quick survey then receive the coupon code when you finish and this wonderful relaxed tee pattern will be yours. Follow the directions in the patterns listing. I see so many possibilities with this pattern. Do you have a Cricut or Silhouette? I don’t, but I’m already thinking of all the witty and cute quotes I could add to these tees! AND I may just beg my husband to please go ahead and buy me one because I REALLY REALLY want one now. I added a pocket to one of mine and am thinking of making a lace one to wear over a tank top! See? Sew. Many. Possibilities! I can’t get over how great and comfortable the fit is.

I am really in love with that tie dye version but here are a couple of my other Classic Tees…

I love this tee pattern and I know you will too! Don’t wait until you can’t get it for free and scoop this baby up! Tag me with your version of The Classic Tee on Instagram @sewcurvysewfabulous as I would love to see it!

Click the picture below to the link just in case you missed it. 🙂

Happy sewing my friends!

Sonata Dress #100million

May 7, 2018May 14, 2018Leave a comment

I know there’s no way I could make 100 million Sonata Dresses, but that’s what it feels like I’m doing right now. This is actually only number 3 and I already have fabric lined up for number 4, 5, 6. This dress is so incredibly comfortable and beautiful that I want one in every color and every option the pattern has to offer!

My niece turned 15 on Saturday, so we traveled 15 hours to be there for her special day. The party was Hawaiian themed which I had no idea about! My fabric choice ended up being perfect for the party theme and I got many compliments on my dress! Everyone loved the pockets! I’m telling you, POCKETS PEOPLE! IT HAS POCKETS! 😆 I was only able to get a couple of pictures because, well, I have three toddlers and they were a handful to keep up with. Also, no one ever seems to know how to use my camera (sorry bro). This dress was perfect for the occasion. I never once felt restricted or afraid of bending over to pick up the kids off the floor when they were going through a little tantrum. I danced, I ran, I twirled, I had a wonderful time and felt beautiful. That’s what really matters right? How you feel in a dress is key! I wore it with heels until I realized I was going to need to not break my ankles running after my kids. Fortunately, this dress looks great dressed up or down!

I went with the flutter sleeves this time and absolutely loved the way they looked on me. I lined the dress with a knit poly interlock and used a stabilizer on the front neckline. The fabric I purchased some time ago at Joanns in there silky woven fabrics section. I can’t remember exactly what it is, but I’m pretty sure it’s rayon. I was in super hot and humid South Texas weather and didn’t feel hot or get sweaty. I even took a second dress just in case that happened but didn’t have to change! Hurray!

If you haven’t snagged this pattern and you are looking for a flattering and comfortable summer dress then you need to look no further! The Sonata is THE one!

Grab the pattern here 👇🏼

This post contains an affiliate link. Any purchases made through the link are at no additional cost to you and help support this blog and my sewing adventures. Thank you for your support!

Sonata Dress Pattern Review

April 29, 2018April 30, 2018Leave a comment

**This post has an affiliate link. Any purchases made through the link are at no extra cost to you. It will help fund my sewing obsession and this blog. I thank you for the support!**

I had the privilege of testing this pattern for Love Notions before its release and let me tell you! I cannot begin to describe how wonderful this dress is. Not to mention the designer is amazing and so talented! She did a spectacular job designing this dress and getting the perfect fit down. If you haven’t checked their patterns out you need to do it now! The Sonata Dress is designed for woven fabrics, the pattern does not need a zipper even though its bodice is somewhat fitted. It has darts, so if you are new to that don’t fret because it is fairly easy. The pattern has tutorials to help you through it. I’m not great with darts but I definitely got it down on this one! Love Notions Pattern Co. is one of my favorite PDF pattern companies. They have an organized template, step by step instructions, clear illustrations, and they have a Facebook support group where there are very knowledgable and helpful members! The link for you to join that group is here. They also offer free patterns with the code available on their pinned post in the group! The group has so many resources, if you are new to sewing and need a safe place to learn or ask questions, that is the place!

Back to the pattern review! The Sonata Dress has four sleeve options. Short, sleeveless, bishop and flutter sleeves. The neckline has different options as well and my favorite part about this dress is the pockets! Yes, this dress has side seam pockets for an easy sew! Whaaaaaat?! I LOVE the pockets! The pattern goes by your “high bust” and “bust” measurements. Figuring out your cup size for the dress is all in the instructions of the pattern!

I give this pattern ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’s. For me, personally, the dress could not have been a better fit. I love the a-line for my body type. Also, the bishop sleeves that cover my arms which I am very self conscious about. So that is an enormous plus on my end. Putting the dress on is not a hassle because of the elastic that is only on the back bodice. My experience finding non-stretch dresses has always been extremely difficult, so I’m going to make like a gazillion of these in every option! Watch me! I am currently working on two more Sonata dresses, stay tuned for those! Like I said, I absolutely love this dress, how it feels and especially how it looks on me. Its comfortable, modest but flattering, and can be dressed up or down in so many ways! I love that it can be so versatile with your fabric and sleeve options. I felt like a Bohemian Princess ready to go wild with this one.

Take advantage of this pattern release sale and click the Love Notions logo below! The sale ends on May 6th!