Tag Archives: Love Notions Constellation

Sewing For Spring & Summer With Love Notions Patterns

………….The Big 40% Off Sale Is Here! (45% off if using my code!)

Today, March 23 through Friday-3/27, 2026, all Love Notions digital patterns and sewing courses will be 40% off! This doesn’t happen very often, so I highly suggest grabbing any patterns(and courses) you really want to sew up soon! The only pattern excluded is the new Muse Blouse. If you use my code 10MACSEWS  you can get an additional 5% off the sale prices for a total of 45% off!!!!

What Patterns Should You Grab?

Need help deciding which patterns to grab during this sale?

First, I recommend buying the recent new releases that you didn’t buy during the release sale. Patterns typically don’t become a $6 pattern until one year after they have released. Patterns such as the Opus Vest, Bridget Trousers and the Palmer Dress are good ones to buy. These patterns may have released during the fall and winter months, however they can work for spring and summer too!

This is also a great time to pick up any of the recent $6 Feature Friday patterns that you may have missed. Patterns are only featured for $6 once a year, so if you missed one~ now is the time to grab it! 

The 5 Patterns I’m Sewing This Spring~

1. Constellation Pullover

Why?

  • Perfect Summer Pullover!!
  • Half-zip front makes it so easy to put on and take off(much easier than a hoodie!)
  • The half-zip makes it breast feeding friendly too!
  • Great alternative to a hoodie
  • Comfy as a hoodie~ but looks so much nicer
  • Can be color blocked
  • Huge front pocket! No worrying about your phone falling out! I ride my bike with my phone in that pocket!!
  • Available as the North Star for men, or the Navigator for kids so you can make them for the whole family!

Many times someone might think of the Constellation as a something you’d sew for Fall or Winter. However, sewn in the “right” fabric, this pullover is PERFECT for cool spring and summer mornings or evenings! . I love the longer zipper, which means you can lower the zipper if you get a tad warm.

My newest Constellation is one I just sewed up in a brand new fabric from Raspberry Creek Fabrics called Verona Active Stretch Poly. For all the details on that fabric, visit this “Weekly Stitch” blog post. Although the Constellation is designed for knit fabrics, I have made it from Sweatshirt fleece that has very little stretch, so I decided to modify it to work for this woven stretch fabric and it worked out beautifully!

I absolutely LOVE this pullover and I can’t wait to wear it! This fabric is simply amazing to sew with! It’s fast drying, lightweight and has 2 way mechanical stretch! It is available in various solid dyed colors, all the prints in the RCF current Swim Collection and even is available for custom printing. My husband actually said this was one of my favorite makes! (Check out last week’s “Weekly Stitch” to see his Band Camp shirt in the solid French Blue Verona Active Stretch.)

Changes to made for a Verona Active Stretch Woven Constellation~

  • Added 1/2″ to all side seams (upper and lower bodices, pocket)
  • Added 1/2″ to the sleeve seam at the underarm while grading it out 2″ at the wrist (on both sides). This was for fit and comfort while wearing.
  • Used cotton/lycra knit for the cuffs and pocket bands.
  • Used tricot knit interfacing along the center front edge for more stability when attaching the zipper.
  • Finished the center front edges of the upper bodice after applying the interfacing. (Since this fabric is woven & will fray unlike a knit)
Loop French Terry

This time of year, I LOVE sewing up the Constellation in Swim Fabric. Above you’ll see my newest Swim Constellation. The Navy Lobster is part of the 2026 Swim Collection. I just had to throw in a picture of the Swim Constellation that started it all many many years ago!! Other fabrics that work great for the Constellation this time of year are French Terry and Loop French Terry.

My Constellation plans for this spring/summer are another Loop French Terry in coral and one more swim knit. I’m also going to be working on altering a couple of my favorites from the past year or so to fit me better.

If you’ve been reading my blog you know how much I love sewing every day clothes in swim fabrics.  You can read more over on this blog post. There you might find some helpful tips for sewing with swim.

You can read all about my Constellation collection HERE.

Purchase the Constellation Pullover HERE.

2. Aria Button down

Why?

  • Great layering piece
  • Long Sleeve version is perfect for cool evenings or chilly air-conditioned stores
  • Perfect when worn open over the LBD or a Summer Basics Tank
  • Short sleeve version is great for hot and humid days(when sewn up in a linen or cotton voile)
  • Sleeveless dress version is a great summer staple!

If you can only pick one pattern, then it has to be the Aria button down. A classic button down is always a staple in any classic wardrobe. I also love to use the Aria pattern as a vest or “jacket”.

Nervous about sewing a button down shirt? No need to be! There is an awesome sewing course you can purchase that holds your hand every step of the way. The 40% sale include all the sewing courses too!!  You can find the Aria Course HERE.

One of my favorite things to do is to modify the Aria into a “jacket” or vest. For the “jacket” basically I’m tweaking the cuff and the hemline. The Kelly green linen Aria “jacket” I made last spring is one of my all time favorite makes. I wore is so often that I knew I needed to make another version this spring. I’m planning a Navy Blue linen version for this year.  Visit this blog post for all the details.

A few years ago I purchased the light blue floral linen online. When it arrived, I loved it but it was a tad too heavy for a shirt~ so I recreated the wool vest I had made a year earlier. You can get all the details for the vest on this blog post.

I LOVE sewing and wearing the Aria in linen! It may wrinkle, but the coolness of it totally makes up for the wrinkles. My FAVORITE Aria is still my color blocked linen version that I made over 2 years ago. On my to-sew list this spring is an another color blocked linen version and a lt. purple linen version. My favorite place to buy linen is GrayLines Linen in the NYC Garment District. If you don’t love the wrinkles of linen, seersucker is also a great option for the Aria in spring and summer time!

You can read more about my Aria Button downs at the links below:

You can grab the Aria HERE.

3. Compose “Cardigan”

Why?

  • Makes THE perfect gift! (as a robe or cardigan)
  • Easy to fit (another reason it makes a great gift)
  • 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.
  • Can easily be made into a cardigan!

This is the most worn cardigan in my closet. It goes on every vacation with me! And yes, I made it from the Compose Robe pattern. This pattern is a great option to use when you have a knit that may not have enough stretch to it for a traditional cardigan pattern.

My first Italian Boucle Cardigan fabric is one that I purchased from Kashi at Metro Textiles in the NYC garment district. I already know this will be getting packed for my Italy trip next year! I also have a second boucle Compose “Cardigan” planned for this blue boucle that I purchased at Chic Fabrics in the NYC garment district as well. I’m hoping that perhaps this week before the sale is over I will get it done!

Visit this blog post for all the modifications I made to the Compose Robe pattern to create my cardigan.

Yes, I have actually made several Compose Robes! To learn more about the Compose Robe pattern~ read this blog post.

You can grab the Compose Robe pattern HERE.

4. Caprice Skirt

Why?

  • Five skirt styles to choose from
  • Easy to sew and comfortable elastic waist
  • Beginner Friendly~ especially View C
  • Quick Sew
  • Optional Pockets!

The Caprice skirt pattern includes so many options! Made with different fabrics it can bring you through the spring and summer and then right on to fall and winter. It is all about fabric choice.

Two times I have chosen to use the Caprice to make a “Faux Dress”! I love dresses, but as a retired teacher I just don’t need that many in my wardrobe. This is the perfect option for me!! I made one version for fall and another last summer. I have worn all of these pieces together and separately.

For the Navy Double Gauze version I paired the 3 tiered Caprice Skirt with the Timbre Top. I added a touch of white rick rack for fun. Because, who doesn’t love rick rack? Want some tips on sewing with Double Gauze? Visit this blog post.

This Floral Caprice Skirt is made from the View A/B back pattern piece. I used that piece as both the front and the back so it has just a single bottom ruffle. It is paired here with a Long Sleeved Band Camp Shirt and a Boyfriend Cardigan “Vest”. You can read more about this outfit here.

My Caprice plans for this spring and summer include a denim chambray version to start with. I also would like to find a nice linen plaid or check and perhaps another double gauze version. I do have a piece of batik lawn that I ordered from Fabric.com years ago~ that I think I might sew up into a Caprice as well!

To read all about my Caprice Skirt Collection, visit this blog post. This blog post also includes directions on how to line the Caprice skirt as well as many sewing tips!

You can get the Caprice Skirt pattern HERE.

5. Tinley Skort and Skirt

Why?

  • Casual and comfortable~ I actually live in mine all spring summer!!!
  • Great alternative to shorts
  • Perfect for bike riding and hiking, when made in swim or athletic fabrics
  • Super quick sew
  • Pattern includes shorts and skirt options
  • Easy to get a custom fit with back elastic

My absolute favorite way to make and wear the Tinley skort is with swim fabrics from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I have been making them for a few years now and I simply still grab for them all the time.

On a typical spring or summer day I may wear one to the grocery store, out to lunch, for a bike ride around the neighborhood, for a walk or just relaxing on the porch with a book.

They have also become my go-to for vacations! Perfect for hiking and more serious bike rides(20-30 miles)! The swim knit is cool to the touch and UPF 50 so it’s perfect for hot sunny days. I use cotton lycra for the shorts underneath. You could also make these in athletic knits. I purchase all my swim knits from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. I love having fun “Lilly P” type prints custom printed on swim fabric.

The straight skirt option of the Tinley is my alternative to shorts. I simply don’t wear shorts~ I don’t find them comfortable and I hate how they bunch up on me! To me, the Tinley straight skirt is cooler and more comfortable to wear. I love using midweight to heavier weight cottons for the Tinley skirt.

The floral faux patchwork skirt is a stretch cotton poplin(from the NYC garment district) paired with a La Bella Donna. The Madras Patchwork skirt is also from the NYC garment district and it is paired with a white linen Aria button-down. This was the perfect outfit for a lunch date in Newport (RI) with my husband last summer.

For more detailed information on the Tinley Skirt and Skort visit this blog post.

Visit this blog post for a run down on all the fabric types you can use for the Tinley.

Want to simplify your Tinley with a single piece of wide elastic? Check my hack our here.

You can get the Tinley pattern HERE.

Additional Pattern I’m Planning To Sew

Metra Blazer

I haven’t sewn up a Metra Blazer in a few years. Mainly because the pattern I have traced (yes I am team trace) was a size too small. But, luckily not that pattern will fit me again! I really enjoy how comfortable the Metro is to wear. My plans include a Navy blue Ponte and a Bright Pink Ponte with a linen look. The Metro gives you an elevated with the comfort of a cardigan!

Still need inspiration? Check out some of these other blog posts!

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!  On most Fridays I publish my “Weekly Stitch” blog with updates on what I’m sewing, pattern sales, fabric resources and sometimes random parts of my life!

Mary Anne 🙂

Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes!  @sewmarymac
You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account

Pattern Links~

NOTE: These are affiliate links. It costs you nothing to purchase from these links but they do give me credit for your purchase and provide me with a small commission. This helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to continue to test and review more patterns

You can purchase any Love Notions pattern HERE. Remember this sale includes the sewing courses as well!

Love Notions Constellation Pullover

Love Notions Aria Button Down

Love Notions Compose Robe (Cardigan)

Love Notions Caprice Skirt

Love Notions Tinley Skirt and Skort

To receive a total of 45% off the pattern and sewing course prices, use the coupon code 10MACSEWS. This coupon code can be used anytime on any pattern. This code will be updating on April 1st. Please visit my newest blog post in April for the new code.

I am currently a Love Notions Ambassador. I am given access to all new patterns for free. I purchased some of the patterns above on my own before becoming an ambassador. As always all opinions are my own.

The Weekly Stitch With Sew Mary Mac~ December 19, 2025

………….Welcome To My Sewing Room (and Where to Buy Zippers)

Feature Friday Patterns From Love Notions~

Today’s sale is amazing!!! Three patterns, all just $6 each! The Pullovers are the Feature Friday this week. I LOVE all of my LN Constellations! This pattern has really become a go-to for me. I wear them year round! I find it a great alternative to a “hoodie” or basic sweatshirt. It’s just as comfortable, yet looks so much more “polished”. It sews up so nicely in a variety of fabrics, which truly makes it suitable for all four seasons!

My husband loves his North Star so much that he is always asking when I’m going to make him another one! There is even a kid’s version too~ the Navigator!

 Be sure to use my code 10MACSEWS45 for an additional 10% off. If for some reason this code isn’t working, simply use 10MACSEWS instead.

French Terry
Swim Knit
Loop Terry

The Constellation is one of my most sewn Love Notions patterns! I wear it year round, and simply change up the fabrics that I sew it up in. My newest version is this navy blue “speckled” sweatshirt fleece I grabbed from Style Maker Fabrics last year. It’s so soft and warm and perfect for winter! I chose to use a gold metal zipper for this version. It’s one of my favorite zippers to use as it isn’t as heavy as some that you find (Coats & Clark version).

Where To Find Affordable Quality Zippers?

My go-to resource for zippers is SIL in the NYC Garment District. They have a great selection of zippers in hundreds of colors. They will also cut a zipper to any size that you may need. The GOOD NEWS? You can buy them online!

The zipper I used for my new navy sweatshirt fleece Constellation is the new EVERBRIGHT zipper. It is part of YKK’s new luxury line of zippers. It is highly polished and glides so smoothly. It comes in shiny brass or shiny silver. I prefer the #3 size but it is also available in #5. Both sizes are available in separating or closed end. Oh, and did I mention they are available in 107 colors? The zipper for my new Constellation was just $6,50. I feel this can zipper really elevate your Constellation to the next level. You can find these zippers HERE.

Everbright
Vislon

The color chart is very accurate, as when I don’t have time to run into the city to shop in person, I have ordered online. Shipping is fast too! There is even an option to change the zipper pull for an additional charge.

If you prefer plastic zippers, my favorite zipper would be the YKK, #3 Vislon zipper. You can find these zippers HERE. These zippers come in lengths of 4″- 28″ for just $3.50 in 146 different colors. You can also have them custom cut a zipper for you. These zippers are also available in #5 and #8 sizes and in closed, separating, and 2-way separating(limited colors). Again, the color charts are super accurate and shipping is fast! There is a YKK color chart available for $38. You can find that HERE.

I highly recommend these zippers for any of your Love Notions patterns. I buy all my zippers from them for my Oakley Vests, Clef Coats as well as my Constellations. I am much happier with them than any I used to pick up at Joann Fabrics(RIP).

For all the details on my Constellations, including sizing, fabric choices and sewing tips~ visit this blog post. You’ll see many Constellations in this blog post but you can also search the Love Notions Facebook group to see many more from over the years.

The Details

  • Perfect for Layering!
  • Hood or Collar options
  • Optional Thumb-hole cuffs
  • Two Hem Options: banded or curved
  • Half zip Front
  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Breast Feeding Friendly
  • Great Alternative to a Hoodie
  • Great for Color Blocking
  • Huge Front Pocket ( where you hands can tough each other!)
  • Can Make One for the Whole Family!
  • *** The pattern tutorial includes AWESOME video links for installing the zipper!!!!

The Men’s North Star Pullover

My husband LOVES his North Star Pullover. He wears it constantly, and I’m always having to tell him to change when he goes into the garage to work on some “project”. I really need to make him another one. I have a few pieces of fabric I’ve picked up with him in mind. Perhaps this winter I’ll actually sew him another!

What I Wore Last/This Week~

I was away all week on vacation up in Newport, RI and Boston. The “feels like” temps were below zero up to the teens. Since we spent so much of our time there outdoors and bundled up I didn’t get photos of my outfits most days. I did however wear an LN Oakley Vest almost everyday! The first picture was taken in my driveway before we left on Sunday morning. Yup~ we drove through snow to get to Newport, RI. It took much longer than usual~ but we made it to the Sparkling Lights at The Breakers Mansion on time! In the bonus photos at the end of my post, you’ll see how I was dressed most of the time (LOL).

  • LN Oakley Vest (this is the one I wear the most!) in a fleece from Joanns
    • LN Aria Button down in sweatshirt fleece over a La Bella Donna in rib knit
  • LN Oakley Vest in a sweater knit over a RTW sweater
  • LN Constellation in a speckled sweatshirt fleece from Style Maker Fabrics (2024)

What I’m Sewing (Not Sewing) This Week ~

Perhaps I should say, ” What I wish I was sewing this week”. I’ve been away all week, just arriving home last night. So I quickly typed up the Weekly Stitch~ but then I need to decorate my Christmas tree (because you don’t want to leave a decorated tree with 2 cats alone in the house~ ask me how I know). Then I need to move on to cookie baking, because my grown daughters will be down next week and would be soooo disappointed if their favorite cookies aren’t waiting for them!

If I get a few minutes here and there these are my plans~

  • Sew up the Constellation I cut out last week. (See photo above)
  • Sew up a colorblocked sweatshirt for Raspberry Creek Fabrics~ new Valentine’s Club Fabric that has just released. If I can’t get it sewn up I at least hope to get it cut out. See photo below.

My Fall Sewing Plans~

I’m really happy with how I’ve been able to stick to my sewing plans list~ and with how much I have actually completed! I have my 2 Clef Coats to sew, which I will begin right after the holidays! The only other think left is my Coda Coat, but this was actually always planned on having this done for late winter/early spring! In January I will be compiling a new sewing plan list for the Winter/Early Spring.

  • LN Aria Button-downs ~ ALL COMPLETE!!
    • Corduroy ~Woodland print that I purchased last fall from Style Maker Fabrics
    • Sweatshirt fleece, pink plaid that I ordered from RCF 
    • Jacket hack in Navy linen~ just received from Mood Fabrics~
      • I’m going to push this ahead to my Spring Sewing Plans list
  • LN Timbre Top long sleeved button front version ~ ALL COMPLETE!!
    • Block print cotton voile ~has in stash from Blackbird Fabrics.
    • Perhaps a Rayon challis version? Found perfect rayon challis in my deep stash (10 yrs old?)
    • Bonus Sew~ Green Double Gauze from last big Joann Fabrics haul
  • LN Constellation Pullovers ALMOST COMPLETE!
    • Navy Speckle Sweatshirt Fleece~ in stash from Style Maker Fabrics DONE!
    • Oatmeal and Fuchsia floral sweatshirt fleece~ in stash from Style Maker Fabrics CUT OUT!
  • LN Clef Coat UP NEXT!
    • Gray Sweatshirt fleece~ in stash from ????
    • Navy Boucle purchased a few years ago from Style Maker Fabrics
  • LN Oakley Vests ALL COMPLETED!
    • Two Quilted Sweater knits from stash (Sage and Plum)~ from Style Maker Fabrics(2023 & 2024)
    • Sage Quilted knit completed.
    • Added Gray Quilted Sweater Knit in place of the Plum.
    • Added Purple Quilted Sweater knit in place of the Purple Puff quilted fabric below.
    • Purple Puff quilted fabric ~Style Maker Fabrics from last year~ still trying to find fabric for binding I like!! Note: I’m not finding anything I like, so I’m rethinking my plans for this fabric.
  • LN Coda Coat ~ADDED 10/4 Will Be Making This For Early Spring
    • Update!!!! I found a quilt at Home Sense in the clearance section! A Draper James quit for just $30!
  • LN Sloane Sweater~ Added 10/20 / COMPLETE
    • Wearable muslin of the Sloane~ since I needed to make some size adjustments.
    • Rose Floral Reverse French Terry (Style Maker Fabrics 2024)
    • Teal Striped Ribbed Sweater Knit (Style Maker Fabrics 2024)
    • Houndstooth Hacci Sweater Knit~ Promo for Raspberry Creek Fabrics

Thanks for reading “The Weekly Stitch”! I’m so happy you took the time to “visit” my sewing room!

Mary Anne 🙂

Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes!  @sewmarymac

You can also follow my Facebook Page~ Sew Mary Mac. On this page you will find information on my makes from all pattern companies. If I know of any good sales(pattern or fabric) I will also feature this information. I have had many of my loyal followers send me friend requests on Facebook. I do post in the Love Notions group under Mary Anne MacLean, however this Facebook account is private. There is no sewing content on that Facebook Account.

Pattern Links~

Love Notions Patterns

To receive an additional 10% off the LN pattern price, use this coupon code 10MACSEWS45 .This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $6 Feature Friday pattern.  My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working. This code will be good through the end of 2025. (NOTE: This is just 10% off, not 45.)  If for some reason the above code does not work, use the code 10MACSEWS.

My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working. January 2026 my code will change.

Blog Posts~ These will give you more details on each pattern, my sizing and alterations along with sewing tips for each specific pattern.

Bonus Photos~ Newport, Rhode Island and Boston!

Here are some photos from our trip this week. We drove up (through a snowstorm) to Newport to see the Sparkling Lights at The Breakers Mansion. All the Newport Mansions look stunning during the holidays~ but this was the one I wanted to see this year! We then drove up to Boston for a few days. We stayed on the edge of the North End (the historic Italian section) and across the street from the Boston Gardent(TD Garden)~ where we went to see my husband’s beloved Boston Bruins play. It was a great trip and he was so happy being back on his home turf. He has lost his accent (he actually worked on losing it during his college/law school days)~ but it actually makes him happy to hear it!!! We spend some time at Snowport down at the Seaport in Boston. It was cold~ but so there were so many great booths with handmade items and great food! I almost bought this yellow “Buttah” sweatshirt~ but yellow really isn’t my color! (Although she does have an Etsy shop with a white or blue version which I just may buy myself!) The navy sweatshirt with the gingham “Boston” is one I hope to recreate!! We even got in a bit of curling!

Everyday Favorites For A Coastal Summer……

…. Love Notions Patterns I’m Sewing Dor summer

For this year’s Spring Sale, I decided to focus on the Love Notions makes that I reached for over and over again all last summer. Some of the makes I’m sharing in this blog post are ones I wore on repeat last summer while some of them were just made in anticipation of this sale and the arrival of summer. I hope I give you a bit of inspiration for your “Everyday Summer Sewing”. These are the things I am planning to wear every day all summer long…………….

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Sewing Up Swim With Raspberry Creek Fabrics 2025

…Swim Fabrics Aren’t Just For Bathing Suits!!

DISCLAIMER: If you’re expecting to see cute swimsuits sewn up in beautiful Raspberry Creek Fabric swim fabrics- you won’t find them here. (ok~ maybe at the very end.) 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.

Continue reading →
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