New swimsuits.

I recently made swimsuits for 4 of my kids, meant to do 5 but the baby's will have to wait, ha!

Abby is at that hard stage, she's very particular on what she likes and what she's willing to wear.  She LOVES rash guards and boy shorts, so I figured this combo was sure to win her over.  She also chose the main fabric, so that didn't hurt either.

For the rashie I used my favorite shirt pattern for her.  I have bought a rashie pattern in the past and realized it was basically a slim tee with a taller neckband.  I usually choose not to do the taller neckband because I don't like the look of the way it flops, but if you want more sun coverage you can just add some height.

The Hey June Camden Raglan was perfect for the task.  I did add a partial lining to the front that goes a little below the armscye, I just layed the wrong side of my main fabric and wrong side of my lining together and treated it as one.  I probably could have figured out a way to add some elastic to the bottom of the lining to keep it down, but for now she didn't seem to mind. She says it's very comfortable and her favorite rashie yet.

The bottoms are the Jalie Swim Shorts.  The pattern has a great value, with 27 sizes included in one pattern.  But  that also came at a price so to speak, there are no layers and at times it was difficult to discern my size line.

Once it was cut, though, it was smooth sailing.  The instructions are well written, very to the point which I really like.  The shorts are lined with a bikini style bottom, again she said she really likes these and would want another pair in the future.

I made this adorable little set with the Boo Designs Swimmers.  This is definitely a favorite swim pattern of mine, I've tried many, many swim patterns and this one gets my highest recommendation.  It's drafted well, instructions are great and it actually tells you to use elastic in the straps and other places it needs it, unlike other patterns.  There are also loads of views included.

For this one, I chose the tankini and boy shorts.  The bottoms come with an optional lining, that I always choose to use because no one wants unsightly camel toe, not even a kid.

The palm fabric from this top, the starfish and sharks (boardshort) below are all from Raspberry Creek Fabric, she just got in to the swim fabric game and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations.  It is nice and thick and as easy as swim knit can be to sew.  My machine hates the shiny swim for whatever reason, ha! I have bought from other custom swim places and the base is thin, this one is nice and thick and so I chose not to line the top even though it is white.

I have been eyeing this Jalie Racerback for quite some time.  Again, it has 27 sizes in one, so fabulous value.  This one at least has the adult and kid sizes separated in to two separate files, which made it a little easier to cut my size, but still no layers.

This pattern did not disappoint, I was very, very happy with my end result!

If you're interested in any Jalie patterns, on their website you can download the instructions and take a peek before you buy a pattern, I thought that was pretty cool.

I actually went out more than once, maybe more than twice (shhhhh!) to try for photos, that's what I get for not wanting to wait for the golden hour.  So the last time we went out (all the photos above) George and Izzy wanted to switch suits, hence the child changing in the suit.

I just love the lines on this suit, It would be adorable in two fabrics to show them off even more.

This pair, I hesitated to include it.  I chose the Gracious Threads Swim and Surf Shorts for my shark obsessed boy.  As it turns out, they ended up too tight because they are drafted for girls.  There was no indication of that on the website or pattern listing, so I was quite disappointed.  The only way I found out was through a post on Facebook where the designer confirmed it.

The pattern itself went together alright.  I really like the way the bias tape is done, it makes it less bulky as it isn't overlapped except for a very small part where you hide the raw edge. I liked the lining, I used regular swim knit instead of lining (I think she mentions to in the pattern, can't remember) because swim lining is very thin and doesn't give any support.  I actually line all my suits with regular swim. I had major problems with the waistband elastic, though.  You're instructed to sew 1/8" from the top, then 1/2" down and 1/2" below that.  I chose to follow the 1/8" but then split the difference in the remaining waistband at 3/4".   I used 1/2" elastic and could barely thread it through, my hands were so sore by the end, ha!

So I grabbed some more of these sharks and the other boardshort print offered by Raspberry Creek and am on the look out for a better boardshort pattern.  Maybe just a regular short with a lining?

This post was written to be a part of the Suit up for Summer Blog Tour, but all opinions are 100% my own and I was going to make them all suits any way, haha! But if you want to check out other posts that review other swim patterns, check out the links below. And rumor has it, the giveaway is pretty rad.

Hosted by Sew Sophie Lynn & Paisley Roots

Monday: Pear Berry Lane / Inspinration / It's Liesel / Sewing For Four

Tuesday: Harper Lu / Call Ajaire / Stylin Stacy / Skirt Fixation

Wednesday: Sewing By Ti / Sewing With Sarah / Sew & Tell /  Me Made

Thursday: Made By Melli / Life Sew Savory / That's What She Crafted / Auschick

Friday: Rebel & Malice / EYMM / Stitching & Making / Lilliepawillie

City Park tees and Linville rompers.

For this City Park Tee I made a size 16 as that's what she measures in to and followed Adrianna's gathered dress tutorial but kept it at peplum length, per her request. I love the tip to nip it in at the waist, it gives it such a nice fit. This is actually her favorite thing from my recent Abby binge, it is made from brushed poly and she says it is soooooo soft.

This one is also a City Park made earlier in the summer from a rayon spandex.  It was made during testing and the v-neck has since been raised, combined with the fact that the rs pulls down more than a cotton lycra it made it lower than it should have been.  But she still wears it around the house and such.

This one, on the other hand, made from a cotton lycra has been one of her absolute favorite shirts.  It surprised me because I didn't think she'd like the floral, but she is actually the one who picked it out!

This is a modified Linville Romper, Abby has a couple from this summer but has gone up a size, so this time I wanted to try something different.  I lengthened the top to a tunic length and added a side split hem, per Adrianna's (aka, head boss lady at Hey June) advice.

There is a better shot of the hem, and a shot of her Conifer Jacket- I love how so many of her patterns pair so well together.

The top would have been better in a rayon or lawn, but I wasn't sure it was going to work out- so next time!

Here is a made to pattern specs Linville, I used a rayon challis for the top and a chambray for the bottom.

She loved it and got a ton of wear out of it over the summer.

We also tried out a Linville dress this summer, it didn't get as much wear due to her not loving dresses, but I like it.  I want to try a pants or maxi version this winter.

Laramie Shirt x2.

This pattern, ah how I love it.  This is the Laramie Shirt view b in a size 16.  The Laramie is basically the Cheyenne's adorable little sister, and it's just as good as the Cheyenne.  I wear mine waaaaay too much, so I figured I'd share the love with Abby.

And I love the way it pairs with the Conifer Vest, in fact this L was made specifically to go with the vest.

I also made this view A a while back, snaps at Abby's request.  The shirt includes french seams so it has a nice, clean finish, I really love the way it's done.

I also love Hey June's Junior's line because of the slight feminie shaping she gives the patterns.  I love that they aren't unisex but at the same time don't make her look too grown up because she's doing that one on her own (sob!).  Another shameless plug for her sale, I get nothing from it other than maybe she'll keep putting out more amazing juniors patterns, hahaha!  Anyway, until 11/27 use the code BLACKFRIDAY16 for 30% off all patterns:)

Conifer jacket and vest.

I love, love love Hey June's Junior's pattern line, Adrianna has done a fantastic job mixing staples with fun pieces, like this new jacket- the Conifer (link to come when it is released on Friday).  In fact, after I was finished testing I decided to sew up one view of each of the patterns in the line.  I had to limit myself to one view, because the little girls were complaining it hasn't been their turn for a while (I suck at keeping up the blog lately, mostly keeping to Instagram) and Adrianna rocks at including many views in each pattern so I could have spent a whole lot more time working my way through them.

So, the jacket.  This is one is a size 16, when did she grow so much?! I used the regular collar and chose to omit the optional zips on the sleeves.

There is a modified Linville Romper peeking out of this one.

I found this gorgeous raspberry quilted knit from Joann's and chose to use a gray thread for a little bit of a contrast and to match the zipper.  I am undecided on it, but since it was a pain to unpick I just stayed with it, hahahaha!

She really loves this outfit, in fact, it was hanging up waiting for a button on the Linville and she wore it to school the next morning using a wonder clip to close the back.  Ben usually gets up with her and makes sure she makes it to the bus, at first I was annoyed she wore it before pictures (she broke the cardinal rule!) but then I realized it just meant she really liked it.

This view is the vest (obviously) made this time in the cozy charcoal french terry from Raspberry Creek, I love this stuff so much and probably use it way too often.  Wait, no, there is never enough charcoal ft in my wardrobe.

For the vest I used the moto collar.

She is also a major fan of the vest, she has already worn it 3-4 times and I basically had to force her to wash it.

Underneath this one is a Laramie Shirt view b (that will be eventually blogged, haha).  When I made the vest this is the exact combo I had in mind, this is actually what started me down the rabbit hole of all the goodness that is HJ junior's.

All Hey June patterns are on sale at 30% off until Sunday the 27th, though I absolutely think they are worth full price ;)

Morrison Tee.

I have been working on Abby's back to school wardrobe (T minus 21 days until the kids go back) and the Morrison Tee came along at the perfect time.  

This view is hands down the quickest and easiest.  Cap sleeve, regular hem.  I think I knocked it out in twenty minutes, granted that didn't include pattern taping and cutting.

I bought this fabric because I loved it at first sight, but I didn't think I could pull it off, haha!  So I crossed my fingers Abby would say yes to it, it turns out she loves it and this is her new favorite shirt.

I love the boxy look on the profile of this pattern.

For my records, I made her a size 14 and that's exactly what she measured in to for chest and height.

The tie didn't grab me at first, but Abby wanted one with it, and I wanted to try out the genius facing Adrianna came up with for it.  It worked out perfectly and gave it a nice finish on the inside, too, because I know it wont always be tied perfectly and the inside is surely going to be seen.

Abby designed this one on her own, well, the fabric and view.  She requested the hi lo hem to go with the tie.

This last one is a super soft knit I actually found at walmart for like $1/yard a long time ago.  I bought so much of it, hahaha!  So I took a chance on this color without asking her, but she loves it.

P.S. Not affiliated in any way other than selfishly wanting Adrianna to design allllll the junior patterns, but her whole junior line is on sale through the 25th, no code necessary. Here's the link to her line. I have made all of them so far and Abby has worn each of them to death.

Biscuits.

I made a bunch of graphics up last week, Abby promptly claimed this one as her own.  She loves the song and thinks the saying is hilarious.

She is on the verge of outgrowing her other pairs of City Gym Shorts so new ones were in order.  I was debating what to do, she is out of the kid sizing, but not yet in the women's sizes.  I taped both sets together to compare the biggest kid size and smallest women's size and noticed there wasn't a ton of difference, so I took a chance on the smallest women's.  The fit really well!  She is thrilled and has requested more for the summer.

The shirt is currently in testing, but it is excellent.  It is from Hey June and is basically the Union's little sister.  This is the size 12.

Santa Fe Tops.

I recently tested Hey June's newest top, the Santa Fe top.

I made a size XL.  I measured between the XL and 1X for bust, but per pattern instructions,  I sized down.  The hip and waist measurements aren't *as* important in this pattern being it is nice and flowy.

The top is perfect in rayon blends.  This one is a rayon spandex blend, it is so soft and the drape is perfect.

There are 6 views included in the pattern, two tanks with slim straps, two tanks with wider straps and two tees with dolman sleeves and a cuff.

This is a view C with the center seams omitted, per the pattern instructions.

This is also a view C, I made it exactly per the pattern and used the center seams with the optional topstitching.

The neckband was a new to me method, and I really quite liked it.  I was a little leery of it at first, but I really love it and plan to try it on the Union next.

This is a view F, the blue doesn't have the ideal drape.  I was in a hurry and didn't really think through my fabric choice.  But I absolutely plan to try again, the sides and back are really cute on this one, though I didn't get a picture of them... oops... but since this is where I document all my makes (eventually) it is being included.

Camden Raglan.

I got wind Adrianna from Hey June was planning to start a juniors line (sizes 6-16) and I started dropping not so subtle hints I was super excited for it.  So, she sent me an early version of the raglan pattern and I sewed up two versions (not pictured on the blog) then joined in with the testing group when she got that far.  Abby was so excited, she had long commented on my Lanes, I knew she would love this one.

The Camden Raglan is a more fitted and shaped raglan, ie, definitely not a unisex raglan.  And as much as I love my Field Trip raglans, I wanted a more fitted, less brother could borrow it kind of shirt. 

The pattern includes sizes 6-16 and lots of options.

The sleeve stripes are one of those options.  I had this HTV I had been sitting on for a while, not sure what to do with it.  Abby requested it because Taylor Swift.  22 is one of her songs and Red is one of her albums, so Abby wanted a red 22 on a shirt.  

By the time I made this, I wasn't sure if she'd get too much wear out of it.  She had already stopped wearing hoodies to school in the morning, but it ended up being perfect for our vacation we took last week to the beach.  She wore it on those cool morning walks on the beach, and I am sure it will be perfect for camping this summer.

These next two were made with earlier versions of the pattern, but since  I like to keep record of all my makes and she wears them constantly, I am including them.

Again, early version.  I love the long cuffs on the pattern, next fall I want to try them on my beloved Lane.

Rumor has it eventually there will be more mini size patterns based on some of Adrianna's adult patterns, I for one am crazy excited for a mini Union.

Cheyenne Tunic.

I recently helped Adrianna at Hey June test her newest pattern, the Cheyenne Tunic.  I absolutely love this pattern!

This is View A in tunic length and it was made from the final version of the pattern.  I used a nice chambray from the Gertie line at Jo-Ann, I had been holding on to it for way too long, it was time for it to be used.  The fabric worked great for the pattern.  I even found the perfect gray thread in my stash that blended in perfectly.

During testing Adrianna posted an up close shot, I think she was talking about the collar, but we all admired her perfectly straight stitching.  So the conversation of an edge stitching foot came up, I realized I had bought one probably a year ago meaning to try it on an Archer, but that Archer was never made and the foot never tried out.

I should have tried it sooner, the foot is amazeballs.

I am 5'4" and think this is the perfect length for the tunic.  I am not a leggings kind of gal, but I love wearing this with my skinny jeans.

The pattern includes a 5/8" seam allowance and has written the instructions to include french seams.  Of course the pattern can be made without FS, but seeing all these enclosed seams just makes my inner sewing nerd sing with joy.

The pattern also includes a collar with a collar stand.  This happened to be my first pattern to ever have a collar stand so I was a little intimidated, but it was so easy!

This is the shirt length and was an earlier version of the pattern.  Everything stayed the same, except an additional 2" ease was added to the hips. 

The pattern also has another view with different style collar and a partial placket, also included is a long sleeve with a placket.  I am excited to give another view/option a shot!  I love that there can be so many looks in the same pattern!