Blog Tours, Bottoms, Outerwear, Tops, Whatcha Want?

Turning the Page: Sewing Fall Layers + GIVEAWAYS!!!!!

Stephanie

I know it is cliched and I could not possibly care less.  FALL IS MY FAVORITE SEASON!!!!  The colors.  The crispness in the air.  Football.  Apples.  Hot cocoa.  Everything about this season makes me happy (except the overabundance of pumpkin spice).  One of the best parts of fall is dressing in layers.  Wearing layers means I’m prepared for everything.  A bit chilly, oh, here’s my jacket.  Warmer than expected, take off the sweater.  Plus all the cuddly, coziness.  Which is exactly what I’m talking about for the Turning the Page: Sewing for the Seasons blog tour.  This theme really gave me the opportunity to make some things I’ve wanted to sew for some time now.  AND to ask Virginia what things she wanted (rather than needed) and add some beautiful pieces to her closet.  Virginia asked for back to school clothes!  How fun is that?!

She has wanted a true wrap top for quite some time.  These are typically quite difficult to find with enough coverage for her preference.  Meghan Wrap for the win!  The gorgeous details and beautiful finishes bring me so much happiness!  This was a surprisingly quick sew and I could not be happier with how it sewed up in this beautiful Roosevelt SBP from Sincerely Rylee.  (If this fabric looks familiar, it might be because we loved it so much we accidentally bought it from two companies, so I used my cut from Sly Fox Fabrics and blogged about it here.)  Since she wanted a top, not a dress, I just measured how long she wanted her shirt and cut it there (with hem allowance).  This makes another sew I can squeak out of two yards!!  Who doesn’t want a gorgeous top, perfect for everyday wear, from a two yard cut of fabric?  But, if it is a dress you’re after, the Meghan Wrap Dress is on sale this month!!  It is a seriously amazing deal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, she obviously needs some comfy pants for sitting in classrooms, learning all sorts of things.  Maybe doodling.  Hopefully not texting.  But, she doesn’t want to look like she’s wearing jim-jams.  Why don’t we make some Pippa Pants in ponte?  We can use the Ultimate Patch Pockets because pockets.  We found this gorgeous chocolate ponte from Fine Fabrics.  It is a lovely weight and so soft.  Perfect for sitting behind a desk all night.

Great!  She’s comfy.  She’s cute.  Only one problem…her classrooms get cold as hell!!  So, I think she needs a jacket.  I gave her a few options and was thrilled she chose the Kingston Jacket!!  I’ve been wanting to make one since it came out!!  AND since the Kingston Add-on pack released, I can make my welt pocket dreams come true!  Yes, I said my dreams.  We typically fall into the same size range for most patterns.  So, if I’m making Virginia a denim jacket, I get to borrow it!!  I’m prepared to fight anyone who wants to argue about that.  We found a great mid-heavy weight denim at, you guessed it, Fine Fabrics and I was ready to go!!

Virginia has the best taste.  Have I mentioned that?  When I told her there were spots for personalization, she immediately said “WONDER WOMAN!!”.  She might have added to my to do list, and we had to run out and grab some amazing fabric from Joann Fabrics to really complete the look.  But, LOOK AT THIS COLLAR!!  How fun?!  Totally worth the extra step!  I love these little personal touches (ask me about my pants pockets).  They just really take an already amazing garment over the edge!  Plus, subtle nerdiness is my jam!!

The details of this pattern really make my heart swoon!  I chose to do the flat-lock seams for the very traditional look I think it was worth the effort.  Plus, I convinced Virginia to help a bit with the trimming seams and ironing bits.  I so appreciate when she has time to jump in and assist.  The final result is definitely worth the effort.

Virginia has a new amazing, comfy outfit for fall.  Plus, they are versatile pieces that coordinate with so much of her wardrobe!  I’m super jealous.  Just kidding!!! Because I still have me to sew for!!  I have been wanting to hack the Cerena Romper into pants since I made one for a friend (post coming soon.  Just need pics!).  Now, I was planning on moving the zipper to the front and adding a button with a waistband.  But, I was chatting with a coworker about her new RTW pants that had a flat front and elastic back for the waist and realized that would be hella comfortable!  I’m not a shirt tucker, so the look of elastic back doesn’t bother me at all.  AND I knew of a technique to do this without too much work on my end.  I assembled the pant legs as in the pattern, omitting the back darts, then measured the top front and back pieces.  I cut pieces for my waistband at those lengths (plus seam allowance) and used the instructions from the Arabella Maxi Skirt to have a flat front and add elastic to the back!  They slip over my hips and rest comfortably, without gaps.  The ease is perfectly comfortable to sit at my desk all day.  Plus, they aren’t too thick, as I found this great fabric (might be crepe actually) from Fine Fabrics!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, I need a shirt to go with these pants.  Rebecca Page has so many gorgeous patterns for tops, I didn’t even know where to start!  I ADORE my Madison blouse (who doesn’t love a button down top that actually fits?!).  But, I had to stick with comfort and go with the Comfy Cowl Hoodie!  This top is cozy and comfy and the perfect pallet to make a couple small changes to really make it my own!  I don’t need an actual hood for work, but I still wanted the cowl!  So, I shortened it and cut it on a double fold, so I didn’t have a seam at the top of the cowl.  I also cut the sleeves to be just above elbow and added a band.  Plus, I added the cute faux bow to the cuffs and I LOVE them!!!  I was so happy to have this lovely sparkly sweater knit in my stash that I ordered forever ago from Fabric Mart.  It was the perfect fabric for the Comfy Cowl.  Drapey and comfy!!!  Plus, I always need more solids in my closet.  Double win here!

 

 

 

 

 

I have wanted to make the Taylor Trench since…well, FOREVER!!!!!  It is a classic trench coat, with all the detailing and gorgeous techniques that I expect from Rebecca Page.  I was expecting this to be quite a time commitment but I was SO EXCITED!!!  I picked up this amazing camel, water resistant canvas fabric from Fine Fabrics.  It is lightweight and soft!  Perfect for so much of the year here in Atlanta, but particularly perfect for layering in the fall!!  The thing is, I didn’t want to add an extra layer to this beautifully lightweight fabric.  So, I didn’t!!  I followed most of the instructions in the pattern, but since I didn’t want to line it, I made just a few changes.

 

 

 

 

 

I used the instructions from the Kingston Jacket for the collar, and tucked the facing up along the edge and into the collar to finish it off.  All seams are finished in contrasting thread on the serger for a pop of color and a more finished look.  The sleeves and hemline are tacked in place at all the cross seams.  I have used this technique successfully before, so I am hopeful it will hold up over time on this jacket.  If not, I’ll just hem in the matching thread and have visible stitches.  For now, I’m enjoying the light, clean lines of minimal visible stitches.  I lined the bits that needed lining with the same fabric from my Cerena pants.  AND I LOVE THIS COAT!!!!!!  It is comfy, cute, light, had ginormous pockets, and matches everything!!!  Also, I still can’t believe I made it.  What?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, both the sister and I are prepped with super cute new outfits, plus a versatile staple piece for fall.  They will last us well past the change of the season and I could not be happier with the end result!  If you are also prepping to sew for a new season, or you just like reading from interesting, talented seamstresses, check out the rest of the blog tour!!

 

Now that you’ve made it this far, you’re probably wondering why my title says giveaways and I haven’t mentioned those yet.  Obviously, I was saving it for the end!  So, we are trying out the ever-awesome rafflecopter!  You know how it works.  Lots of clicks to enter.  Some seriously amazing prizes to win!  Plus, we always appreciate comments, follows, and feedback!  Read on below for all the other blogs and the link for this wonderful giveaway.

stephanie <3 <3

Please visit all the stops on the Turning the Page: Sewing for the Changing Seasons Blog Tour with Rebecca Page. Don’t forget to comment on the blogs each day and enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win some fantastic prizes from our fabric sponsors!

  1. August 20: Rebecca Page (Intro), Sewjourns, Soul fed on Thread
  2. August 21: Sarcastic Sewist, PatchWitch, Flaxfield Sewing by Anca
  3. August 22: Princesse et Tresors, Bellephant, The Scatty Sewer
  4. August 23: BigFlyNotions, Stitched by Jennie, Millie’s Place Handmade
  5. August 24: Sweet Sprocket, Australian Sewing, Advice & Inspiration, The Sewing Unicorn
  6. August 25: LIVIALITY, Diskordia’s Curvy Sewing, Simply Kyra
  7. August 26: Seams So Lo, Middle River Studio, Jot Designs

 

 

 

 


This post contains various affiliate links.  Purchasing patterns using these links does not cost my readers more, but the designer does provide me with a small commission from any sales.  This commission helps to fund my fabric addiction and is greatly appreciated.

Published by Stephanie

91 thoughts on “Turning the Page: Sewing Fall Layers + GIVEAWAYS!!!!!”

  1. You are a sewing machine! I love the Kingston Jacket so much and I love the picture of the two of you with your Kingston and your trench. Well done. The trench is on my list!!

    Reply

    1. Pockets make everything better! Virginia ended up with 6 pockets on her Kingston!!! She was quite excited when I told her she could have that many. 😀

      Reply

  8. Stephanie I love the extra special touches you added to your sister’s Kingston jacket! And your Taylor trench is gorgeous. Both of these make me wish I needed jackets more often in Florida!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Lerinda!! I do miss real jacket needs from living in Wisconsin!! Layering is my favorite.

      Reply

    1. Haha! I know I’m in the minority there. But, I’ll stick to peppermint mocha and apple spice. <3

      Thank you! You're so kind.

      Reply

  13. Gorgeous! You two look awesome! So much talent! I love the jean jacket. I’m not a trench coat type person but you tempt me with the gorgeous one you made.

    Reply

    1. Oh yes!! It is perfect for the nip of fall! I hope you share yours in the RP group. I’d love to see it!

      Reply

  19. Fall’s my absolute favorite, too! I love the colors you used in your outfit, and that Kingston jacket is perfection!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Katie!! Fall colors are really bringing me joy this year. I’m excited to be fully immersed in them in all the fabric groups on facebook! 😀

      Reply

    1. Curvy sewing is my favorite! It provides many challenges, but is so worth it to have or give clothes that fit so well!!

      Reply

    1. The topstitching instructions in the tutorial really take it from an awesome jacket to an excellent one!! <3

      Reply

  28. Unlike you, I’m struggling with the thought that summer is almost over and don’t really want to stop making warm weather clothes but hey, you’ve reminded me just how much fun it is to make coats so Amsterdam Coat I’m coming after you!

    Reply

    1. So many of my friends aren’t ready for summer to end and I’m just over here wishing for cuddly sweaters and cute coats.

      You are going to rock that Amsterdam though!! It is a fun sew. <3

      Reply

    1. Thank you! I often let the ambition outweigh the available time, so I’m glad everything was finished on time so I could share them with everyone! <3

      Reply
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    1. It is so worth every stitch!! And there are a lot of them. I went through 3 bobbins while making it!

      Reply
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  39. You two are absolutely beautiful in your new outfits!!! I love everything about them, but especially that Virginia asked for Wonder Woman details… so awesome!!

    Reply
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  47. I don’t know which I love more, the Kingston or the Taylor. I want to make both, but need to get my nerve up to try either one. Which do you think is the easier one?

    Reply

    1. Ooo, I think Kingston is a bit easier. The flat fell seams are a bit of work, but not complicated. The vent on the Taylor is a bit trickier.

      Reply
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