Tag: sonia estep designs

A new pattern and new fabric…yes, please!!!
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A new pattern and new fabric…yes, please!!!

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I know that I am usually here talking about bags but I just had to show you all this make! This skirt is the newest release from Sonia Estep Designs, Jessica (aff) https://soniaestepdesigns.com/products/jessica?aff=8! The beauty of this pattern, however, is that it has options…crossover skirt or dress, asymmetrical hem skirt or dress, crop top, plus dress it up or down with fabric choices!!! It is so good and ridiculously easy to sew! This adorable Jack fabric is in round 110 at Oh So Pretty Custom Fabrics https://ohsoprettycustomfabric.com/ and as soon as I received it, I knew it wanted to become a Jessica. My only issue was that I only had a yard and that is not enough if your fabric is directional. The dilemma…do I make the not crossover option or do I stick with my original crossover plan but use a coordinate to make it work??? I opted for the 2nd option and do not regret my decision!

This pattern is a bodycon dress, and I have made that option, but I wanted people to realize that it is also perfect for casual wear! I used cotton spandex (I’m basically wearing pj’s) and paired it with a Summer tank (also from Sonia Estep Designs). You probably noticed that the tank is the same pink I used on the skirt! Something awesome about this fabric…Oh So Pretty stocks the solids in retail!!! They ship super fast, tons of colors available AND they are around 70″ wide…this is huge, my friends! I made this entire outfit out of 1 yard of pink and 1 yard of Jack PLUS I still have scraps big enough for a bag or color blocking another top!!!

Sonia Estep Designs is, by far, my favorite pattern company ever! They are all so well drafted and tested…even before they get to the testers! The fit is spot on every time and the instructions are easy to follow! Oh So Pretty Custom Fabric has become my favorite for fabric! They offer a huge variety of bases during preorders and carry a lot of retail, including solids, vinyl and tons of custom print options! I highly recommend you check both of these fabulous shops out…you won’t regret it!

*some links in this post may be affiliate links, and I receive a small commission. I appreciate your support!

Happy Sewing! ~Christy~

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Penelope Pants

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Hi friends! Life has been crazy and I have been gone for way too long! But I am here today to share my new favorite pattern with you! Sonia Estep Designs just released the Penelope Pants and they are just amazing! Options include joggers, yoga pants, pockets and drawstring. They are based on the fit of the Iris shorts pattern and are every bit as awesome!

The thing I love most about SED patterns (besides the fit) is the instructions…they can make even the beginner sewist feel very confident! The tutorials are all very detailed, have very clear photos and teach you how to adjust for your body. If you look at tester photos, the garments look great on everyone because we all know how to personalize them!

FT from Purple Dragon Fabrics

The first pair I have to show you is made from a custom cotton french terry from Purple Dragon Fabrics https://purpledragonfabrics.com/. This french terry is thick, warm, soft and stretchy…making it the perfect fabric for joggers! I have also used the cotton spandex from this shop (just no picture proof) and it is amazing as well!!!

Pair #2 is the most dreamy lounge pants! I used Oakley sweater knit from So Sew English Fabrics and I could just live in them! What’s Oakley, you ask? Oakley is a sweater knit that is tightly knit, breathable, easy to sew, ridiculously soft and does not pill…you really need to try some! https://sosewenglishfabrics.com/products/copy-of-silver-pink-blush-lilly-floral-oakley-brushed-sweater-knit-by-the-yard-1?_pos=85&_sid=06ec9664a&_ss=r

Oakley from So Sew English

Pair # 3 is the yoga pants version and pair #4 is the jogger version, both in a jacquard double knit from Surge Fabric Shop https://surgefabricshop.com/. I love that the same lounge pants pattern can also be used for “real” pants!

Yoga pants and joggers in jacquard double knit from Surge!

And the last two might be my favorite!!! I mean, look at how cute my baby girl is! I made us both joggers using this beautiful tie dye french terry from So Sew English fabrics https://sosewenglishfabrics.com/products/navy-blush-tie-dye-french-terry-by-the-yard?_pos=4&_sid=efa4e2d4d&_ss=r. I just love it that she actually wanted to twin with me and now we both have an amazingly comfy outfit for movie time!

Joggers fabric is french terry from So Sew English. My girlie’s top is the Rio raglan from So Sew English in ivory dbp and my top is Sonia Estep Designs Tennessee in blush french terry from So Sew English.

I hope you love all of my versions of Penelope but mostly I hope you make your own and love them just as much as we do! If you are interested in supporting my sewing, feel free to use my affiliate link to purchase any patterns https://sonia-estep-designs.myshopify.com?aff=8. My link doesn’t cost you anything extra but I do receive a small commission every time it is used…so thank you for your support!

Happy Sewing! ~Christy~

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Hannah just got even better!

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Sonia Estep Designs Hannah was already perfect as a quarter zip hoodie! Then Sonia gave us the neckband option for the perfect basic top that is super quick to sew! Then there was a kids version for the mommy and me outfits! But this week she really outdid herself with the hood add on…for women and kids!!!!

The new add on is separate from the original pattern, so if you don’t already own Hannah you will need to purchase it. But not to worry, because there is a sitewide sale and all patterns are 40% off! Well, except for the hood add on..it is 50% off or you can get it free with purchase using a code in the Facebook group!!! The add on includes a standard hood and a crossover hood.

First, I will show you the Hannah’s I made for my son. This is the standard hood version using a triblend french terry.

Fabric is from So Sew English Fabrics! https://sosewenglishfabrics.com/

The next two are the crossover hood. He was so excited to have new hoodies (mom has really dropped the ball lately)!!! He told me ~and I quote~ “This is amazing…I have so many hoodies with pockets now!” LOL

This olive french terry was in a mystery bundle from So Sew English!
This is a brushed french terry that came from Knitpop! https://knitpop.com/

Now for mine! I LOVE the crossover hood, so I have not made myself a standard version yet. My first one is using a coral quilted knit from Surge Fabric Shop https://surgefabricshop.com/.

#2 is in a charcoal hearts quilted knit from So Sew English https://sosewenglishfabrics.com/

My last one is lighter weight and may possibly be my favorite…I think…but just by a tiny margin! They really are all so good!!! Oakley sweater knit from So Sew English Fabrics is my favorite fabric ever and how cute are the gnomes and dots?!!! Oakley is ridiculously soft sweater knit, but it’s also breathable without being too thin! https://sosewenglishfabrics.com/

I hope you love all of these but mostly I hope you make your own and love them just as much! Here is my Sonia Estep Designs affiliate link if you would like to help me out. Affiliate links don’t cost you anything extra, but I do receive a small commission anytime someone clicks through it…which just helps me buy more fabric!http://sonia-estep-designs.myshopify.com?aff=8

Happy Sewing! ~Christy~

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Danielle Cozy Cardigan…and a sale!!!

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Do you just love being snuggled up in a cozy blanket? That is exactly the feeling you get with the newest release from Sonia Estep Designs!!! Danielle is a cocoon style cardigan that is flattering on everyone! It is a very quick sew and takes less than 2 yards of fabric! I’m serious about it being quick…I can make it in about half an hour-cut to finish!!! You choose your size based on either your upper bust or hips (whichever is larger) and it has plenty of wiggle room! So what this all means is that it’s perfect for gift-giving! I mean, who wouldn’t want to get one of these for Christmas?!!!

Side note: I did not use any filters…the sky was so gorgeous when I took these photos!

Now, in case you didn’t notice, the title of this blog post also mentions a sale!!! Sonia Estep Designs is starting Black Friday early, so all of the other patterns are 40% off! Danielle is 50% off for the release. But let’s say you want Danielle and want to take advantage of the 40% off of other patterns too…You can get Danielle for free!!! Yes, I did say free. If you join the SED Facebook group and look in the announcement post, there is a code only for group members!

And since all of the patterns are on sale, I should tell you about the rest of my outfit. All of the fabric I used came from Surge Fabric Shop https://surgefabricshop.com/. My Danielle is in a coral/white marled hacci sweater knit and it is dreamy! I NEEDED a new top to wear underneath so I pulled out a charcoal french terry and whipped up a basic Mandy! Then for the pants…pants are hard to get a good fit, so once you find one you stick with it!!! I used the Iris shorts pattern because I love the fit on my thighs and backside! LOL. I used another pants pattern to determine the length I liked and lengthened my shorts, tapering in to the ankle. I made these in a knit denim so it looks like real pants but feels like pajamas!!!

Head to Sonia Estep Designs and take advantage of this very generous sale…trust me, you need all of the patterns!!! http://sonia-estep-designs.myshopify.com?aff=8 . This is my affiliate link, which does not cost you anything extra but it does give me a small commission that helps me to support my love of fabric! Thank you for being here and supporting my sewing journey!

Happy Sewing! ~Christy~

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Callie~ the cutest cardigan around!

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Sonia Estep Designs Callie cardigan has been around for a while, but she just got an update! A longer length and bishop sleeves were added plus it’s also now available in projector format! I have also made the vest version of this adorable waterfall cardigan but today I am just going to talk about this one.

I used red/blue Aspen stripe double brushed poly from So Sew English https://sosewenglishfabrics.com/products/red-blue-aspen-stripe-floral-double-brushed-poly-spandex-by-the-yard?_pos=3&_sid=5167c4590&_ss=r. I tried the long length and because I love bishop sleeves, I had to have those!!! Can we please just take a moment to appreciate the sleeves!

I wasn’t sure if I would like the longer length…but I do and will be making so many more in that length!!! It always amazes me that something this beautiful can also be a really quick sew! I made this in just a little over an hour…it could be even quicker if you don’t hem it, but I love the clean look of a hem! And because you can’t just have a new cardigan, I also made a new Maggie tank in this beautiful royal blue poly cotton jersey! Dreamy, right?!!! Maggie is also from Sonia Estep Designs and is free with a code in the facebook group!!! In less than 2 hours I was able to make both of these…and wore them the same night! I highly recommend all patterns from Sonia Estep Designs because the tutorials are so well written and easy to follow, but also because the fit is always spot on…as long as you take your measurements properly!

Thank you for being here! And if you would like to purchase any patterns from Sonia Estep Designs using my affiliate link I would appreciate the support so very much! http://sonia-estep-designs.myshopify.com?aff=8 My link doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it does give me a small bonus.

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Mandy!

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We have all seen the super cute side tie tops and dresses on Pinterest. Well, Sonia Estep Designs has given us her take on the look…but better! The newest SED pattern is Mandy and I am thrilled that I got to test it. This pattern has tie or no tie options, dress or shirt length and short or long sleeves! The options are endless with this one.

My first version was a no tie, short sleeve, shirt length in a black/white polka dot single brushed poly from So Sew English Fabrics https://sosewenglishfabrics.com/ . I love the fit of this top, however I may go back and add a waistband to it. I have an average 8″ sidewaist that patterns are drafted for but I am 5’7″ so sometimes I have to add a little length to the bottom…usually I don’t know if I need to until I make the first one! This is one that I think I would be more comfortable with an extra inch at the hip, but it is super cute so I’m definitely not going to let it sit in my closet unworn!

Now, I don’t know if you can see it or not but this pattern has a seam down the back. What is the benefit of this? #1 is you don’t have to cut the back on the fold which makes it easier to save fabric! I was able to get this one from less than a yard! #2 and the most important is that it gives you a beautiful fit and a little extra shape at the waist!

For my second one I made long sleeve, dress length with the tie in a brushed hacci sweater knit from Surge Fabric Shop https://surgefabricshop.com/. I cannot even begin to tell you how soft and cozy this sweater knit is…you are going to just have to trust me!!! I will say that a sweater dress with leggings and boots in August will make you sweaty while you are trying to get somewhat decent photos! And can we just talk about that adorable knot!

Now to tell you the best part about this pattern…it is such a quick sew! I made the basic polka dot one in under an hour, cut to finish, and the dress only took me just a hair over an hour!!! I love patterns that look so fancy and complicated but really are just as simple as a basic tee! This is a pattern that I highly recommend…actually I love all SED patterns! The tutorials are so easy to follow and the fit is always spot on!

*If you would like to purchase this pattern or any others (they are all fabulous), I would greatly appreciate your support! My affiliate link doesn’t cost you anything extra but it does give me a little incentive to keep sewing! #affiliate https://soniaestepdesigns.com/?aff=109

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Oh, Lucy! You are a cute little tank!

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One of the things I have discovered that I love doing is testing new patterns! It is a lot of fun being one of the first people to try out a pattern but my favorite part is that it pushes me out of my box. Before I started making my own clothes, my wardrobe consisted of a basic top (that I usually bought in multiple colors) and jeans. I hated shopping because nothing fit me correctly which put me into a mindset of hating my body. It turns out that my body is not the problem…the problem is ready to wear clothes and their goofy sizing. *I got sidetracked~back to testing!* I have tried so many styles that I typically would not even try and it has forced me to try new techniques that I never learned! I have made rompers, dresses, shorts, cute tanks, learned to do buttonholes, learned about grading to get the perfect fit(I’m still learning though) and tried so many new types of fabric! I don’t always love every single garment but I do always love the way I feel after I have made something that fits me.

The newest pattern I got to test is Lucy from Sonia Estep Designs…isn’t it just adorable?!?! For this tank I chose an ity from So Sew English Fabrics and I really am in love! I love to be warm and snuggly, so I always choose dbp and it is so hard to get out of that box…and let’s face it, I will probably always choose dbp when I can! But sometimes it is hot outside and you need one of those cool, lightweight fabrics (and I am trying to push myself to try new things)! ITY is so easy to work with and has a beautiful drape. And what do you know, SSE has this exact fabric in stock: https://sosewenglishfabrics.com/products/royal-pink-blush-lilly-floral-bulgaree-ity-knit-by-the-yard?_pos=3&_sid=01ef10460&_ss=r

SED patterns are all drafted so well plus the instructions are very easy to follow, making them the perfect patterns for beginners and experienced sewists alike! Lucy is no exception…the only thing I struggled with is topstitching the binding, but that is not the patterns fault! Sometimes my machines like to fight me plus I have never been great at binding! But you had better believe that I am going to be practicing so that I can have that perfect binding next time around!!! Even fighting (re: seam ripping) the binding, this top still only took me an hour from cut to hem!

As an added bonus, this tank looks so cute with the Iris shorts I made using millenium woven, also from SSE! We all know that fall will be here soon, but don’t worry because Lucy looks super cute layered under a Juliette cardigan too! If I haven’t convinced you yet that you need this tank…it is also on sale for release weekend! Using my affiliate link does not cost you anything extra but it does help me to keep sewing: https://soniaestepdesigns.com/?aff=109

I hope you love Lucy as much as I do…and try to not be super jealous of my awesome tan lines! LOL

Let’s all sew something beautiful today!