Spring/Summer Sewing Plans for 2018

 

Since spring in Colorado can keep you on your toes, I feel pretty good about using a mix of my existing wardrobe to fill the needs of the day.

Where I do need to add to my options is in the pants department, so I’m planning on making a pair of Lander Trousers in a rust colored woven I have in my stash.

I’m also considering making the Ladies Caroline Dress in a turquoise cotton for Easter.

I’m more excited to get to sewing my summer capsule. A lot of this may look familiar from last years summer plan.

First up  will be Simplicity 8386.  I have a cute jersey with zebras that would make it fun. I see this one going all wrong fast, so I’ll definitely be making a muslin first on this one.

My wardrobe is missing woven tanks, so McCalls 6751 is back on the list. I’m not sure how to pull this off with a bra. I think I’ll need to make a bandeau to wear with it.

 

and the Tortola from Sis Boom Patterns

I’ll be making one more pair of the Chi Town Chinos shorts.

I may give the Lander Shorts a try too.

The Rose Circle skirt became a fast wardrobe staple for me last year, so I’ll be making one in burgundy DBP to pair with the S8386 top.

What’s on your sewing plan for spring/summer?

As always, thanks for reading today.

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Fall Favorites 2017

Let’s dream big, shall we,

and pretend we can sew up all that our hearts desire this fall.

You’ve seen that I’ve already started my fall sewing, but there are still quite a few patterns I’m dreaming about for this fall.

Some interesting necklines please.

Isabella Jacket from DG patterns

McCalls 7628

Do I need more knit dresses for winter? YES

B6494

B6455

I think I can modify my Toaster Sweater pattern to achieve this look.

B6476

Something for the bottom?

B6481

Lander pants from True Bias

Finally something to top it all off.

Kerry Capelet from Designer Stitch

 

Please share with me what you’re dreaming of making this fall.

As always, thanks for stopping by the blog today.

 

You can follow me on instagram, Bloglovin, or by entering your email in the right side bar.

 

Summer sewing plans on mahlicadesigns

I usually plan out my sewing schedule ahead in three month bursts. It helps me to prioritize what I want to make for the next season and keeps me on track in many ways. Instead of my typically well planned out and detailed sewing schedule, the last months I have really struggled to put my sewing plan together.

I’ve just accepted that my typical method is not going to happen right now and I should give this just winging it thing a try. I do have some very loose ideas to use my pattern and fabric stash for summer. Maybe you’ll see these this summer maybe you won’t.

Summer Tops & Blouses:

I’m most excited to sew up Simplicity 8386 that I just picked up. I have a cute jersey with zebras that would make it fun or maybe I’ll keep it more sophisticated in a solid color.

A few woven tanks would be great and I have several stash patterns to try.

McCalls 6751 but not sure how to pull this off with a bra. I think I’ll need to make a bandeau to wear with it.

The Tate Top from Workroom Social

or the Tortola from Sis Boom Patterns

Summer Bottoms:

I’m in need of shorts in some basic colors. The Chi Town Chinos are my favorite shorts pattern right now. I’ve already made up a pair in mustard and oat this month, but want a few more pairs.

What’s on your sewing plan for summer?

As always, thanks for reading today.

You can follow me on instagram, Bloglovin, or by entering your email in the right side bar.

Ch- Ch- ChiTowns for the Ch-Ch-Changes blog tour

The  Ch-Ch-Changes tour (hosted by Sewing by Ti) is all May long and my fellow bloggers and I are talking about changes to our sewing. Whether the change is a transition for the season, getting more organized, trying new things, reconsidering old things, or styling things.

At the begining of April my sewing plans and schedule reached their end and I’ve really struggled with putting together my next three month plan. It’s mid-May now and I still have almost nothing planned and find myself in a new place; finishing a project and then deciding what to do next. For this very organized and it’s fair to say regimented sewer, this is very strange and unsettling territory.

 

So I’ve been addressing the immediate. I’ve been filling wardrobe holes by sewing up some additional shorts for spring and summer. Sewing for the transitioning seasons isn’t a noteable change for me, but being less organized about it is a big change for me.

On  a whim, I joined the tour and decided to make up another pair of Chi Towns to go with the Onyx shirt I made last year. I’ve had this mustard yellow linen I received from Sew Vagabond Shop in my stash waiting to make these. I sized down and made a few fitting tweeks to the pattern and viola. I’m thankful for another summer outfit and think I can use these mustard shorts with a lot of my existing tops.

With a trip coming up to warmer weather, I very quickly decided to make another pair of Chi Towns using a putty colored linen/blend from my stash. Other than having to fix the same spot on my topstitching 4 times, the second pair went together very quickly. I can see the benefit of sewing multiples of a pattern in succession. Perhaps I need to consider this when I get back to my normal routine.

Do you have any Ch- Ch- Changes going on this spring?

You can see what other bloggers on the tour have been talking about on the Ch- Ch- Changes themes. Please pay a visit and join the conversation.

Monday, May 8- Sewing By Ti
May 9th- Sewing By Ti
May 10th- Sewing By Ti
May 11th- Lilliepawillie
May 12th- Sewing By Ti

May 15th- Anne Mari Sews
May 16th- Mahlica Designs
May 17th- Ma Moose
May 18th- The Fairy Dust Bin
May 19th- Harper + Lu

Monday, May 22nd- Margarita on the Ross
May 23rd- Very Blissful
May 24th- Creative Counselor
May 25th- Doodle Number 5
May 26th- Ade Says

Sunday, May 28th- Sew Like a Sloth
May 29th- Anne Mari Sews
May 30th- Stitching and Making

As always, Melissa

You can follow me on instagram, Bloglovin, or by entering your email in the right side bar.

Finding your inspiration– Sew Your Zierstoff

I’ve been spending a lot of time looking around the Zierstoff Patterns website while getting the Fun with Zierstoff events ready for this month and I keep finding more and more patterns I want to try.

Since I can’t barricade myself in my sewing room and shirk all responsibilities for two weeks to sew all I want. I’m going to share what I’m thinking about and some fabric inspiration. Maybe you’ll make one of these and I can live vicariously through you.

The biggest surprise to me is the HENRIKE. I always imagine jumpsuits working best for the tall and lanky and therefore NOT me, but I cannot stop looking at this one.

Dare I try it in some black brushed poly or this Navy & Pink Chevron?

I already have some leggings in this chevron, so I know it is awesome.

I’m a big fan of hoodies, though I rarely pull the hood up. The EMIL hoody has a snap/button front opening for extra room and opportunities for added color.

 

Go classic with the Nautical Stripe French Terry paired with the Pearl Rayon knit as lining from Sew Vagabond.

Go feminine with the Vintage Aviary French Terry paired with the Coral Pink rayon jersey as lining.

For the boys, I keep coming back to the DAVID.

I think my little guy would like this Black Heathered french terry and Spider Web jersey from Raspberry Creek Fabric.

And oh my, I love this new EVERY DAY bag.

This pink version is so cool, but how about a yellow microsuede paired with tanned leather handle and corners.

 

 

 

 

 

That’s what’s been on my mind this week.

Have you started sewing something for the Sew Your Zierstoff sewing contest? Participating will be fun and there’s a prize (details here)

To help you along, Zierstoff Patterns are 40% off with code VALENTINE40 until 2/28/17

As always, thanks for stopping by today.

Fun with Zierstoff -Giveaway Week

Welcome friends, I’ll be your M.C. for fun with Zierstoff Patterns over the next few weeks. We have some giveaways lined up and then a really fun event.

 

To start things off this week, Zierstoff is giving away two 10 Euro vouchers to Etsy. Oh the the goodies you’d be able to choose from: fabric, patterns, notions, or you know…anything.

One of the giveaway options is to complete a survey. The gals at Zierstoff would really like you to take a look around the Zierstoff site and share what you think, so I’m giving you extra entries for doing so and my sincere thanks too. Don’t be shy, take a good look.

Enter the GIVEAWAY here.

Make sure you’re following the mahlicadesigns blog so you don’t miss out on the fun that’s happening next.

Watcha’ Wearin’ January Layers

Welcome back to Watcha’ Wearin’ January, a blog tour all about inspiring you to get your sewjo back after the holidays. Our host, Sewing by Ti has bloggers lined up for almost everyday this month to help you along.

January is cold here in Colorado and I hate to be cold in general, so I’ve been wearin’ LAYERS.

I’ve been wearing my Melissa Cardigan from Zierstoff Patterns a lot. It’s the perfect fit for me and the collar gives me just a little extra coverage on the back of my neck.

Melissa Cardigan paired with a tee and skinny pants.

Melissa Cardigan paired with my Tonic Tee hack and Liana Jeans.

I’ve worn my new Paro Cardigan from Itch to Stitch four times since I made it a couple weeks ago.

Paro cardigan paired with rtw sweater and my Birkin Flares. This is not my favorite outfit honestly; the flare of the cardigan and the flare of the jeans are just too much.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/51456715@N04/32337781305/in/dateposted-public/

Much better with skinny jeans.

Last Sunday, I  wore my Capitol Hill dress from Straight Stitch Designs, tights and boots for church. Once we got home I layered on these hand knit slipper socks that I got in Kyrgyzstan years ago and really never worn. I’ve been afraid to mess them up by wearing them, but collecting dust on the shelf is no good either.

Yeah, we still have our Christmas tree. It’s coming down this week.

Typically I just pile on the layers with little care about making an outfit, but the pink flowers on the slipper socks go nicely with the dress so I’m counting this a combo that works.

Want more January inspiration? Please check out what this week’s bloggers have prepared for you.

Oh, and add what you’re wearing this January to the link up for a chance at the big prizes.
Sunday, January 22nd: Sewing By Ti , Embrace Everyday
Monday, January 23rd: Sewing By Ti, Tenille’s Thread
Tuesday, January 24th: Robynne & the Bobbin, Harper + Lu
Wednesday, January 25th: Mahlica Designs
Thursday, January 26th: Sew Sophie Lynn, Creative Counselor, Crafty Like a Rox
Friday, January 27th: Everything Your Mama Made and More
Saturday January 28th: Sewingly Michelle, Sewing By Ti, Wild and Wanderful

 

As always, thanks for reading.

Wardrobe wishes for Watcha’ Wearin’ January

My wishlist for sewing is so much bigger than I can complete, can you identify? So I’m sharing my winter wardrobe ideas today in hopes that imagining them done and in my closet might trick my brain into being ok with not actually sewing them right this minute.

Let’s start with bottoms, as I am in serious need.

The Ultimate Trousers from Sew Over It.

I have this crazy (for me) stretch denim that would be so fun.

Alina Sewing & Design Company’s Chi-Town Trousers. In this exact blue please…

Blue Dot Patterns’ Ally Skirt in red corduroy. I’ve been looking for the perfect red cord for months.

To wear with all my new bottoms:

The Parisette Blouse from Blousette Rose.

Vogue 9227, I want this one badly.

The TSE pullover from OKI Style.

The Geodesic from Blue Prints for Sewing. Can someone work out a hack to make this into a dress?

And because my winter pjs are ridiculous in so many ways:

Butterick 6428

For the other people that live with me:

The Jedediah Pants from Thread Theory.

The Carl Hat from Zierstoff Patterns.

The Gero Jacket from Zierstoff Patterns.

Now that the Holiday crush has abated, what’s on your sewing list?

I’ll be back next week with Watcha’ Wearin’ January…in the meantime you can see what other bloggers are sharing right now:

Sunday, January 15th: Sewing By Ti, Embrace Everyday
Monday, January 16th: Sewing By Ti
Tuesday, January 17th: Sewing By Ti, Harper + Lu
Wednesday, January 18th: Tenille’s Thread, Mahlica Designs
Thursday, January 19th: Crafty Like a Rox, Sewingly, Michelle
Friday, January 20th: Creative Counselor
Saturday, January 21st: Wild and Wanderful

Day & Night Dress Challenge is coming for you!

I have fun news to share with you!

Elizabeth of Elizabeth Made This is hosting the Day and Night Dress Challenge in January and there will be a chance for you to participate for one of three cool prizes.

I’ll be participating in the blog tour (see more here) to start things off January 8 to January 14th.

The community challenge (see more here) takes place January 8th through January 28th.

Elizabeth has lined up an impressive group of sponsors and prizes for the competition. Check them out here!

I really hope you will sew along with us in the challenge and stop by to see what the lineup of bloggers has put together to inspire you.

Desert Isle Sew Tour with mahlicadesigns

Here’s this month’s thought provoking question from Sew20:

What one pattern would you want with you when stuck on a desert isle for a few weeks? Sewing supplies are unlimited.

I’m approaching from the perspective that I’m given an opportunity to spend a big chunk of time sewing while miraculously not needing to attend to food, water, shelter, or an escape plan. I guess all those episodes of Man VS. Wild won’t apply.

Initially I’m tempted by my stash patterns Simplicty 1430 or McCalls 6711. You can choose from tops, a dress, bottoms, and layering pieces. Big bang for your buck kind of patterns. I could stroll off that Desert Isle with a complete wardrobe.

I’ve already sewn up Cobalt Shorts, V Slit blouse, and charcoal shorts from S1430 and don’t feel I want to spend much more time with it right now.

But wait, here’s another idea. The next big step in my sewing progression is to learn pant fitting. Simplicity 2562 is a good starter pattern for the process. The pattern has a variety of cuts to fit different shapes and supposedly walks through some fitting. I’m pretty sure I’ll get sick of sewing all pants all the time …

Simplicity 2562

 

So, McCalls 6711 is the winner! I want to walk away from my Desert Isle Sewing experience with a small capsule wardrobe and I can practice with those pants too.

Do you know what you’d bring along? I’d like to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Please visit the other bloggers in the tour to see what they have to say about their Desert Isle Sew.

Use #desertislandsew on social media to play along!

7/18 Sew 20 Tour Launch | Very Blissful | Lulu & Celeste | The Wholesome Mama 7/19 House of Estrela | FABulous Home Sewn | create3.5 7/20 Beri Bee Designs | mahlicadesigns 7/21 Rebel & Malice | Sew Starly | The Berry Bunch | Sewing By Ti 7/22 Candice Ayala | PenSeb&Rox | Mae & K | Sew 20 Social Media Round-up 7/25 Sew 20 Tour Wrap-up

Real Life Real Sewing on mahlicadesigns

There’s a discrepancy between the posed, polished and styled presentations we see on a lot of sewing blogs (o.k. not mine, but others) and the real daily life of sewing and wearing handmade, aptly referred to as The Sham of the Perfect. To strip away some of the false layer, today I’m going to be answering a few prompts about my process as part of the Real Life, Real Sewing blog tour hosted by Sew20.

What do you look for when choosing a sewing project?

I have a long list of things I want to sew and they pretty easily break down into two categories:  1. garments I want to make because I think they look cool and 2. garments I make because they serve some utility. When making my sewing plans I try to strike a balance between working from these two categories so that sewing stays fun and creative. Sometimes I have a small victory when the two happily meet.

I’d like to look polished and cool wearing this funky jacket from BurdaStyle, but I reach for soft and comfortable like my Jasper Sweater from Paprika Patterns.

Is there anything you would like to (or wish you could) do differently when selecting projects?

I’m try to grow my blog followers by participating in a variety of sewcial activities; often when I choose to do these,  my sewing list gets rearranged and projects that I am excited about get pushed back. I took some time recently to reflect on how I’m approaching my sewing and hope to strike a more satisfying balance.

I’m also very guilty of making pieces without considering what I’m going to wear it with. I really need to focus on building outfits.

Recent makes from my utilitarian category that jumped the sewing queue. Not terribly exciting.

What is your most used/worn sewing project? 

My Jasper Sweater, Ann T, and Union St tee are what I reach for most. They are easy to wear but are also indicative of my wardrobe dilemma. I want to look polished, but I reach for comfy.

Do you have a project that you thought would be used/worn frequently but just did not end up working out?

When I created my reversible Pin Peg Mini skirt I thought I had nailed it with creating a piece that could work all year round and had that edgy look that I like, but I’ve only worn it once. The skirt is meant to be body skimming but the two layers of fabric feel thick and it’s a little loose at the waist. My plan is to take it apart, take it in, and separate it out into two better fitting skirts.

What is your favorite tip or quote that applies to sewing for real life?

Take your time and do it right! – I cringe at a lot of my early sewing projects because I took shortcuts to save on fabric or time and the results are sooo evident. Poor fit and poorly constructed are written all over them. These were not rookie mistakes, they were just bad decisions. Taking the extra time, using the right notions, and making test muslins have improved my sewing results more than I can measure.

Do you have any examples of Real Life, Real Sewing to show off?

You can play along by using the #realliferealsewing on social media. You can also win one of two $25 gift cards. More details at Sew 20.

6/20 | Sew 20 Tour Kick-off | The Wholesome Mama | Wild & Wanderful | Randoms by Rydz

6/21 | Daydream Believers | Sugarplum Cuties | Friends Stitched Together | The Inspired Wren | PenSeb&Rox

6/22 | Sewstarly | Very Blissful | House of Estrela | The Berry Bunch | Musings of a Seamstress

6/23 | mahlicadesigns | sewingbyti | Candice Ayala | Call Ajaire | Sunflower Seams

6/24 | Beri Bee Designs | Lulu & Celeste | FABulous Home Sewn | Mae & K | Sew 20 Social Media Round-up

6/25 | Sew 20 Tour Wrap-up

I’d like to be an Ambassador for Bernina

In the sewing community there are certain sewing machine manufacturers that are considered the best. I don’t own one of those, but you can help with that.

My dear ole’ Janome has served me well, but when I start to think about it, it has some flaws and shortcomings that are frustrating to try to work around. I’m just not at a point where I want to lay out the cash on a new machine or really even invest in comparison shopping, but trying something else out is appealing.

Thankfully Kollabora and Bernina want to solve my dilemma. Bernina is looking for brand Ambassadors and I’ve thrown my hat in the ring.

If you’d like to support my aiming high, hearting my Lane Raglan pic on Kollabora would be appreciated.  Heart here.

 

Fail February

Sometimes what we make is an utter catastrophe, so Rachel at Sew RED-y has declared it Fail February to pay homage to our failures, learn from them, have a laugh at ourselves, and give ourselves the freedom to move on from these mocking makes. Here’s just a few of my recent Fails. Enjoy.

When I think of Fail, my plum pjs are the first thing that comes to mind every time.

The top is snug under the arms, the sleeves are a tad too short and the bottoms poof in the front. So frumpy, so purple, and oh so warm. These are my warmest pjs, so they are staying in rotation until I make something else.

We also have the Wendy Top.

I struggled with making those corners on the inset. They don’t look sharp at all and it looks just a bit snug across the upper chest. This top was on my sew list for a long time and when I saw my pictures, I knew I should have left it there. This shape is just not me. Going to the giveaway pile.

After seeking some advice, I practiced making corners again with success and went on to make the Zircon Sweater.

Finally my Jasper Sweater Dress. Wrong wrong wrong fabric. This can happen when you buy online. I should have know better then to buy polyester, even with a  fancy name like quilted jaquard. There are fine fibers that feel like spider webs across the fabric and pill like crazy. The first day I wore it, it got two snags that I cannot work out. It’s a house dress for now.

This just reinforced that natural fibers are the way to go for me.

Do you have some fails you want to share? Leave me a comment so we can laugh or cry together. Links welcome.