Saturday, July 26, 2014

MAKE [BELIEVE] - The Imagine Jacket




Last, but certainly not least, from the MAKE [BELIEVE] collection is the Imagine Jacket. This is the first of the collection that I got to sew, yet the last I review. The latest Pattern Anthology Collection is only available until Monday, so get it while you can. It's totally worth it!




As for the pattern, it is a light jacket with 3 piece sleeves and 2 different options. I sewed version A, with cool side patches and three welt pockets. It was surprisingly easy and quick, considering that it had 3 welt pockets, 3 piece sleeves, and was fully lined. An advanced beginner could totally sew this one.







Even though this is intended to be a light jacket, I used thick corduroy and made it more of a thicker coat. I love coats; you know this.



This particular version was modeled after a jacket owned by one of Mr. Man's great grandfathers. He was a Hump Pilot during WWII. For the short time that I knew him, he would often wear an old leather bomber jacket.  Here's a link to a fascinating article about bomber jacket art, in case you're interested.





*Actually, 2 of Mr. Man's Great Grandfathers were Hump Plots during WWII, but I don't remember ever seeing my grandfather's jacket.*






Another fun fact for you, maps were often sewn into the lining of the bomber jackets in case they were shot down in enemy territory and had to navigate back. So, for the lining, I used this vintage looking map fabric. I think the lining ties the whole look together.



 I think that about sums it up! Enjoy a few more pictures and be sure to check out the MAKE [BELIEVE] collection before it disappears on Monday.

 

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

MAKE [BELIEVE] - The Explorer Hoodie

Warning! This post is PICTURE HEAVY!





Now for the third installment of my shameless promotion of this awesome collection. The Make [Believe] Collection is only available for a little less than 1 week, so you should get it while you can.




On to more adorable cuteness... BEHOLD THE EXPLORER HOODIE.




I sewed the version with the asymmetrical zipper, using scrap fabrics. It gives off a very 'cool' vibe. If you look closely, you might notice the shirt underneath it as being the previously blogged about See Kate Sew Recess Raglan. Honestly, I had just grabbed a matching shirt from his closet; I didn't realize the coincidence until I was editing the photos later on. Lucky you! You get a double dose of Kate today.



Back to the hoodie. I love it. I only wish it wasn't 100 degrees outside.

I see this pattern as being a Fall staple in my son's closet. It's cute, was quick and easy to sew, and Mr. Man doesn't hate it. Success!

And now I'll leave you with a LOT more pictures.



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Wednesday, July 16, 2014

MAKE [BELIEVE] - The Bookworm Button Up



And now it's time for me to share another pattern in the Pattern Anthology Collection. This is the Bookworm Button Up.





Warning: I may have bribed my child with a popsicle in order to get him to sit still. It totally worked ;)





This is the View A, short sleeved version. I used a mustached quilting cotton from Joanns, and bright green pearl snaps purchased from etsy. The buttons really make the shirt pop.







It's a really well drafted pattern, but there's a HUGE problem that I take issue with. I want View D in MY size. Sadly, it only goes up to a kid's size 8. I might attempt making it bigger to accommodate me.



In some of the pictures, you will see an awesome hat, also sewn by me. It's the Elegance and Elephants Fedora. It's one of this month's patterns. I cheated and posted it early, but it almost makes up for me not sewing anything from last month's patterns. It's made from leftover black felt that I had in the scrap bin.


 






And now, to begin my vacation. I will resume on Tuesday with the Explorer Hoodie.

Monday, July 14, 2014

MAKE [BELIEVE] - The Adventure Tee

Sorry I've been gone for a while. It was all for a good cause, I promise! For the past couple of weeks, I had the absolute pleasure of pattern testing for the latest Pattern Anthology Collection. It's only available for 2 weeks, so scoop it up while you can. Seriously, go check it out.





The first pattern item I will share with you is the Adventure Tee. There are 4 differnt neckline options, 2 different hem options 9 different sleeve options, and a cool zippered pocket option. SO. MANY. OPTIONS!!






I chose the "regular" neckline option with a button placket and the elbow sleeves (size 3T).










Even better, I only had a little over half a yard of the guitar print left, and was (barely) able to squeeze a shirt out of it. Woo Hoo! I'll leave you with a few more pictures. Stay tuned for more on Wednesday!