sewmona – Page 3

Pattern Review: V Neck Hoodie

*This post contains affiliate links.

I recently tested the new Vivacious V Neck Sweatshirt Dress & Hoodie pattern from Winter Wear Designs.

The v-neck is a nice change from the normal neckline for hoodies. Getting the v-neck just right took me a couple tries. I normally shy away from anything other than scoop necks because v-necks look bad if they’re even a little bit off. I’m glad I gave it a shot! I definitely recommend basting it first to make sure it’s right. Basting is so much easier to remove and redo!

DD was thrilled to have a shirt with thumb cuffs….not that we need them very often here in SWFL, but she does love her warm clothes when we have “winter.”

Our foster kitten loved the kangaroo pocket.

Such a cozy place to watch the world go by.

On a completely different note – My daughter has recently discovered ear wraps. This dragon is her current favorite. Sometimes she wears one, sometimes two.

The fabric I used is a french terry from Peek-a-boo Fabric Shop. I couldn’t decide which color to pair the print with, so I ordered the mauve pictured and I also ordered a sage green. Either one would’ve worked, but this color combo was her choice.

Buy the pattern here while it’s on sale and then come back and let me know what options you would choose.

*This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more details.

Pattern Review: Skylar Pants/Shorts

I recently tested the new Skylar Pants/Shorts pattern by Made for Mermaids. I wasn’t sure about it – they are a low drop style. DS said he was willing to try them.

They were a super quick sew and I love the way the pockets are finished – they’re just serged, but it such a neat look.

In the end, DS wasn’t in love with them. He said they would be good sleepy shorts, but he wouldn’t wear them out. I had to convince him that taking pictures in the backyard was OK.

The pattern also comes with a pants option, but for us I don’t think it would’ve made a difference. He’s just not a fan of the low drop style. Maybe the shorter shorts length made it feel more like a girly style?

However, if this is your kids style, this pattern is for you! Like I said, it’s super easy and it includes options for front and back pockets as well as shorts or pants. Get it here.

Pattern Hack – Making Lined Shorts (Part 2)

If you missed part 1, check it out here. It includes the link to the free pattern I’m using.

For this pair, I’m using a cotton lycra for the inside layer and athletic knit for the outer layer. I’m using the Tupelo shorts by Sew Like My Mom again. It’s such an easy pattern! I cut the green layer about an inch shorter than the pattern (DS doesn’t want the shorts to be too long). The gray layer is cut to the pattern.

For this pair I sewed the inseams first.

I decided to hem the legs at this point. It seemed like it would be easier to do it before assembling the shorts. You can use your double needle or zigzag for a different finish.

Slide on lining (the gray) inside the main fabric leg (a green leg in this case) making sure that the right side of the lining is on the wrong side of the outside. In this case, the right side of the gray is against the wrong side of the green. I clipped them together to make sure that everything lined up.

Repeat on the other side. You should now have two mirrored pieces.

Turn one leg set inside out – in this case the gray is on the outside now.

Slide the leg with the right side showing (green in this case) inside the other leg. You should now have four layers – lining, right side, right side, lining.

Basically the outside fabric (the green) is now sandwiched between the lining.

Note that the right sides of the green are together. The right side of the gray is against the wrong side of the green. Sew the seam.

Turn them right side out and breathe a sigh of relief when all the layers are where you want them!

Attach the waistband per the directions. I put elastic in mine because the fabric doesn’t have great recovery.

Make sure that you get all four layers in your seam.

Admire your work! It really isn’t that hard and now that you know how to do it, the next pair will be easier.

Pattern Review: Noelle by Made for Mermaids

I recently tested the Women’s Noelle pattern by Made for Mermaids. I searched for pictures from when I tested the girls version. It was three years ago! It’s part of their Dreamy Collection and it is definitely dreamy!

We even made her Christmas dress from the Girls Noelle pattern.

She was thrilled to get a new dress in one of her favorite patterns.

I made the dress with both the peplum and the long skirt. Since my fabric is a bit heavier, I used clear elastic to reinforce the shoulder seams, side seams and the waist. It will help the fabric not stretch out so much with wear.

The cowl neck is one of the main features of this pattern. For this version, we folded it down like a turtle neck, but you could leave it unfolded and add a drawstring to make it a little more casual.

The other feature is the high-low hemline. It adds to the dreaminess of the dress.

The best part of this pattern is definitely the full circle skirt – you can twirl & twirl!

It’s also available in baby sizes and girls. There are bundles available too. Go check it out here and then let me know what version you make.

Cucumber Salad

This super easy, delicious salad is perfect for summer or any time really. It’s light and refreshing – just what you need for these hot, hazy days (which according to my hubby is everyday here in SWFL). The original recipe calls for seedless cucumbers, but I’ve used regular cucumbers and it still tastes delicious! It’s super simple.

2-3 medium cucumbers, sliced
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup white vinegar
2-3T dried dill weed

Slice the cucumbers to desired thickness

Slice the cucumbers as thin or thick as you want them. I usually like them thin so they absorb lots of the flavor!

Mix the remaining ingredients in a 2 quart container with a tight fitting lid. Shake until mixed. Add cucumbers. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

If you missed part 1, check it out here. It includes the link to the free pattern I’m using.

Enjoy your salad!