Tag Archives: Indie Sewing Patterns

A Truly “Terra-fic” Pattern for Spring

…A Mini Pattern Hack Blog Post

So exactly what makes the Terra Tunic from Love Notions such a terrific pattern? Why do you need to add the Terra Tunic to your pattern collection? Keep reading to find out!!

The Terra Tunic is the $5 Feature Friday pattern for Friday 3/10/23.  So if you don’t own it, I highly suggest you grab it today! You can purchase the Terra Tunic HERE, and make sure to use my code SEWMARY10 for an additional 10% off.

Simply put…

  • This pattern is soooo versatile. It can be casual or work appropriate depending on fabrics and options chosen. Most of mine are casual~ I’m a retired teacher!
  • So many options: 6 neckline variations (and they are all awesome!), 4 sleeve lengths, elbow patches and welt pockets. My favorite sleeve length is the 3/4 sleeve.
  • Can be worn year round! (It even makes a great beach coverup come summer!)
  • The Terra is also a very “hackable” pattern.

First I want to talk about fabric choice. My pink floral version is made from a stable cotton lycra French Terry. The Navy version is made from a lighter weight rib knit that has a lot of drape. Both work well for the Terra, but as you can see they create very different looking tunics. Since the rib knit is lighter weight and has much more drape, you can see that the V-neck appears lower~ but they are actually the same. Remember, different fabrics give very different looks sometimes!

Visit my detailed Terra Tunic blog post for more fabric examples, fitting information, a funnel neck hack and some helpful sewing tips specifically for the Terra Tunic.

However, today’s blog post is dedicated to my favorite V-neck hack for the Terra. This is a V-neck with a facing rather than a neckband , which I feel gives the tunic a dressier look.

How to create a facing for the V-neckline:

  • Take your front body pattern piece, place a piece of pattern tracing cloth(I use Pellon Easy Pattern 830) on top and trace the v-neckline, shoulder and center front.
  • Measure 2″ away and mark. Use a French curve to connect the markings. This is your front facing.
  • Repeat the process for the back using the back body pattern piece.
  • Sew front and back facings together at the shoulder.
  • Pin and stitch facing to the neckline right sides together.
  • Clip at V being careful not to go through stitching
  • Press facing and sew allowance away from the body.
  • Understitch, then turn facing to the inside and press
  • I chose to topstitch 1.5″ away for the look I was trying to achieve.
  • I LOVE the look of Rick Rack on a tunic. It adds just the right touch of “coastal prep” which is just my style. You do NOT need to add this trim to yours. The top-stitching in the step above is sufficient.

Below is a picture of the V-neck without any trim. This was my tester version of this hack last year. This fabric was horrible to sew with and uncomfortable to wear, but I was able to tell that I liked this hack and wanted to do it again.


Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit!  If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts!  

Mary Anne 🙂

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You can purchase the Terra Tunic pattern HERE.

This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.

To receive an additional 10% off the pattern price, use this coupon code SEWMARY10. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $5 Feature Friday pattern. This code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working.

Fabric Resources

Fuchsia French Terry ~Raspberry Creek Fabric

Navy Geometric Rib Knit~ This fabric was purchased from Mily Mae Fabrics. It is no longer available. You can find many other ribs at Mily Mae, Raspberry Creek Fabric and Surge Fabrics.

Sewing Up Swim With Raspberry Creek Fabrics

…The New 2023 Swim Collection

DISCLAIMER: If you’re expecting to see cute swimsuits sewn up in beautiful Raspberry Creek Fabric swim fabrics- you won’t find them here.  BUT– you will see some other ways you can use this awesome swim fabric from RCF! Hopefully my blog post today will inspire you to grab some of these awesome swim fabrics and make something other than a swimsuit! Because we all know swim fabric isn’t just for bathing suits anymore!!! The fact that Raspberry Creek Swim fabric is UPF 50+ makes it great for any day/activity out in the sun.

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Dreaming of Spring with A Rhapsody Ruffle Sleeve

…A Mini Pattern Hack Blog Post

This is a mini blog post on how to create a Bishop sleeve with a ruffle cuff. For more detailed information of the Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse visit this blog post.

With the anticipation of Spring’s arrival, I am always anxious to add a few new Rhapsody Blouses to my closet. Add in new rayon challis prints available from Raspberry Creek Fabrics ~ and I am ready to get sewing.

I made a ton of cap sleeve Rhapsody Blouses last summer as my everyday tops. They were perfect for hot and humid weather, and looked so much cuter than a basic t-Shirt. When Fall came around, and we still had a few get aways planned- I decided to add a long sleeved Rhapsody to my travel wardrobe. I wanted something romantic and soft with full arm coverage. So came up with what I’m calling a Bishop Ruffle cuff sleeve! It’s a really simple hack that you could use on any long sleeve Bishop sleeve.

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Love Notions Lincoln Top~ Making it Longer

….A Mini Pattern Hack Blog Post

I don’t know about you~ but I’m ready to sew for Spring. I always like to add a few transitional pieces to my closet this time of year. Things I can wear now and right into the warmer weather. This time last year, I tested the Lincoln Top pattern from Love Notions. I fell in love with this pattern because of the cute button side detail and that it’s a pretty quick sew.

Last year, one of the testers made a longer version of the Lincoln Top and I’ve wanted to make one ever since. Have you made a Lincoln Top yet? Use my code SEWMARY10 to get an additional 10% off.

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Cuddle Up in the New Coda Quilted Coat

A New Pattern Release from Love Notions Patterns

The newest pattern from Love Notions is here and it’s a good one! The Coda Quilted Coat is the perfect piece to add to your outerwear collection. I’ve made mine from a bed quilt from Home Goods! The possibilities are endless!

The Coda Coat is the perfect pattern that helped me create a “Coastal Grandma” style coat for my wardrobe. I must warn you though, this pattern is dangerous. Ever since I made mine, I spend hours of dreaming different ways to make another one. And yes, I will be making another one! The Coda is addictive~ you can’t make just one!! Be sure to grab my code at the bottom of this post to get the 10% off the pattern.

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Big News ~ The Metra Blazer Course Is Now Available!

There are 2 great things happening at Love Notions Patterns today! First, the Metra Blazer is the $5 Feature Friday pattern. (2/3/23). Second, the new Metra Blazer Course launches today!!

I now own 4 Metra Blazers, two I made last Spring, one this Fall and my newest French Terry version just yesterday! It is such a versatile pattern. Depending on your fabric choice it can be dressier or more casual. It is much more comfortable to wear than a traditional blazer but looks more polished than a cardigan. I always wear one of my Metras when I go into the city for the day. I’m comfortable for the commute in. yet I still feel like I’m dressed nicely for the theater.

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An Odds-On Favorite ~ The Love Notions Oakley Vest

I’m just gonna put this right out there. I bet that if you make a Love Notions Oakley Vest, you are going to LOVE it. I’ll also bet that you will immediately make another one! There, I said it! This is THE perfect make to add to your closet right now. I’ve been throwing mine on everyday since I made them, every time I get a tad chilly. And to top it off, the Oakley Vest and the Kid’s Acorn Vest are both just $5 today (1/13/2023) as the Love Notions Feature Friday patterns.

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Sewing For My Post-Holiday “Fluffiness”

Love Notions New Year’s 30% Off Sale (New 10%off code is SEWMARY10)

The holiday season is my favorite for many reasons: Family get-togethers, decorating for the holidays, holiday baking, my daughters coming home and so many other activities. My home is always full of love, happiness and good food. And it’s the good food that “gets me in trouble”. I love to bake and cook, and I love to eat what I bake and cook. Inadvertently~ I always put on a few pounds during the holidays. I’m not going to stress about it~ I will walk it off over the next couple of weeks. The problem ~ I’m just not comfortable in some of my clothing.

I don’t want to sew or buy larger clothing. What sense does it make to sew clothes that will fit me now and then be too big in a few weeks? What I need is to do is sew a few items that will make me feel comfortable now, yet still fit once I walk away those extra pounds. So, I went through my closet and looked over my Love Notions patterns and selected a few that will work perfectly for this “transitional” phase. Below are the 5 patterns that I’ll be sewing right now.

Love Notions Patterns are on sale 30% off between Monday, Jan 2 through Friday Jan 6, 2023. In addition you may use my coupon code (SEWMARY10) for an additional 10% off. Be sure to read to the end of my post to learn how you can win a free Love Notions pattern from me! (GIVEAWAY OVER)

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The Perfect Gift~ The Compose Robe

Looking for a quick and easy gift idea? The Compose Robe to the rescue! I just love my Compose robe ~ it is definitely the most worn me-made garment in my closet.

Today, 11/25/22 the Compose Robe pattern (Adults and Kids) is on sale for just $5! So go shop your stash and whip up some great gifts that everyone will LOVE! (Sale is over, but you can always use my discount code at the bottom of this post)

Details

Why I love this pattern:

  • Makes THE perfect gift! (I made one for my sister for Christmas last year)
  • Quick and easy sew.
  • Beginner Friendly
  • Can be made in knit or woven fabrics.
  • Banded or hooded options
  • 2 different lengths available: Knee and Calf
  • Hanging loop included in pattern.
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It’s Sloane Season Again!

…A Pattern Hack Blog Post

Every Autumn I am always excited to add a few new Love Notions Sloanes to my wardrobe. I’ll be honest, I already have about 50!!! Yes, I have been called the “Sloane Queen”. Since the Sloane Sweater is the Feature Friday $5 pattern this week, there is no better time to grab this versatile pattern! ($5 sale is over, but you can always purchase it with 10% off using my code listed at the end of this post.)

Last Fall I hacked the Sloane to have a funnel neck and I found I wore that version all winter! Then Spring came and I hacked the Sloane again to have a split hem. So naturally I decided to combine both of these hacks into one awesome sweater! I know this is going to get worn a lot this Winter!

If I’m being honest here, I typically don’t find apparel fabric that I love at Joann Fabrics. But, a few weeks ago I spotted this ribbed sweater knit that I really liked! Then it went on sale 40% off and I had an additional 20% off coupon~ so it came home with me!

This blog post is going to be short and simple with directions on completing the funnel neck and split hem hacks, If you want more details about the Sloane such as sizing and alterations that I make to fit me, visit this blog post HERE. This post also includes a ton of information on the different options , fabric types to use and ways to color block this pattern. It’s worth a visit~ there is a ton of detailed information there.

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