Sew and Tell with the Bailey Tunic

Hi everyone!  Who's ready for another Sew and Tell?  Today we've got the Bailey Tunic from GreenStyleCreations.  We know y'all are probably pretty darn excited about that because GreenStyleCreations is one of the most talked about pattern lines right now.  Designer Angelyn Bennett creates gorgeous patterns made for knit fabrics that are perfect for school, play, and everyday wear.  Her collection also include plenty of designs for women, so go pick out a few and do some selfish-sewing, ladies! 

 

We love the Bailey Tunic because:

 A.)  Look at it. It's stinkin' adorable! 

B.)  It's a super quick sew. 

C.)  It's made of knit, so it won't wrinkle easily, plus it's comfy and easy to wear!

D.)  The whole tutorial is only 13 pages long!  That includes the pattern pieces, too!  So if you are one who likes to print out the whole thing, you won't be using up a lot of paper and ink.

This pattern can be made in sizes 12m- 12 girls.  It comes with an optional short-sleeve template if you prefer to add sleeves.  You can get as crazy with the embellishment on the bib as you like, or you can keep it sweet and simple, if you prefer.  Don't be afraid to jump in and try a knit sewing project :)  This was our reviewer's first time using knits, and she did a great job!  If you're still feeling a little nervous, take a look at our Knit-acular, Spectacular post from a few months back that will help give you a little more confidence when sewing with knits. 

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Let's take a look at the review Neila sent in!  You can see her work at Speckled Pup Originals on Etsy.

Hello!  I recently completed the GreenStyleCreations Bailey Tunic.  I am somewhat of a new sewer, having only done wonky hems on my Mom's 50 year old Singer until Christmas of last year, when I received a new sewing machine from my sweet hubby.  Ok, basically, he said, "Go buy what you want, and I'll pay for it," which is really the best of both worlds!  Since then, I have been sewing a few dresses, completed a couple of sew-a-longs, and most recently made some purses.  I have been a little afraid of knits, so I decided to "just do it" and give this pattern a try. 

 

This pattern was very easy to follow and not too many pieces to cut out/tape together.  This pattern took about 2 hours, start-to-finish.  That included the front trim and buttons, which I am a little slow at.    I like that there were options for the front trim.  I chose to add rick rack and buttons to match.

 

I chose a fuchsia knit from Hobby Lobby (thin) and a turquoise zebra print from Hancock Fabrics (much thicker and nicer).  I'm new to the knit world, like I said, and didn't know what I was looking for.  However, I will say, both were easy to work with.  I dreaded working on the neckline, but a good rule of thumb is to cut the neckline 25% smaller than the neck opening, so it doesn't look stretched out and wonky (and trying the neckline over your model's head before attaching to the shirt helps too!)  I was quite proud of how my neckline turned out! 

 

I made the 5/6 size for my daughter, who is in 6/7's now.  Based on the measurements, however, I added a couple of inches where it says "lengthen or shorten here," and it was just right for my daughter.  So it tends to run a little on the bigger side.  If you are making it for someone who is between sizes, I would choose the smaller size to make, then just add length as needed.

I LOVE this pattern, and will be one of my go-to patterns for tanks from now on!  Best of all, my daughter LOVES it!!  

 

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I am a huge zebra print fan, so this top gets major kudos in my book!  And y'all, this was her first knit project!!  Isn't that awesome??  Doesn't that make you want to go give knit a try, lol?  I've really and truly decided I like sewing with knits recently, and it's especially easy with my serger.  Why don't you try out this pattern since we've got it for 25% off right now?  It will only be on sale for a few days, so make sure you get your hands on it NOW!! 

 

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Pair it Up!

Take a look at these super sweet finds that will perfectly compliment your Bailey Tunic!

 

 

The Bella Bubble Skirt from Laurence & Carmine Australia is a new addition to our shop.  It's a gorgeous bubble skirt that would be perfect for cooler weather!  Can't you just see it with some thick tights, furry boots, and a cardi over the Bailey Tunic?  You can sew this one up in either knits or non-stretch fabrics- both work great!  The size range is 3-6 years. 

 

 

The Little Big Pants pattern from LilyGiggle is not only fun to say, but it's also a great pair of cropped pants.  The wide legs and flat-front waist (elastic in back) give these pants a lot of personality.  These are perfect for up-cycling those vintage sheets or curtains that have sweet lace edging!  These can be made in sizes 12m- 10 years. 

 

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Make sure you go to the website and purchase your copy of the Bailey Tunic for 25% off while it's still on sale  :)  Also, we'd love for you to join us as we kick off our 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest!  Simply design a Halloween costume around one or more of the over 800 patterns we carry on our website.  We're giving away over $300 in awesome prizes from some awesome vendors!  Find the details by clicking on the banner below :)

 

 

 Go sew something magical!

 



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Sew and Tell with the Casey Unitard

Hi everyone!  Welcome back for another Sew and Tell!  This week we are flippin' out over the Casey Unitard from Mountain Ash Design!  My daughter is as bouncy and energetic as they come, and I know it's only a matter of time before she wants to take gymnastics.  How cool is it that I'll be able to make her leotards one day?  And lucky for you, if you need to invest in some dance wear, swim wear, or gymnastics patterns, Mountain Ash Design has you covered!

 

The Casey Unitard is great for little tumblers of all ages.  It comes in sizes 2- 14, which is a great size range.  And there are two strap/sleeve options offered.  You can make the unitard with spaghetti straps or with a tank-style top.  Don't think you need anything fancy such as a serger to stitch up a pattern like this.  A regular sewing machine will get the job done, too!  Just take a few minutes to play around with the stretchy fabric and get your settings correct regardless of the machine you are using, especially if you are new to sewing with stretch fabrics. 

 

We've got a great review sent in to us by Kristen.  Read below to find out more about the Casey Unitard pattern!

 

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HI!  My name is Kristen.  I can be seen on Facebook mostly at KristenKreates.  I am a SAHM/WAHM to 3 amazing little ones.  I first learned to sew in elementary school when taking home economics, and we were actually taught to cook and sew.  I still remember what I learned to make that year (Snickerdoodles, an elephant pillow, and a gorilla stuffed animal.)  As I was growing up, my mom had a sewing machine but she NEVER EVER let me use it.  I may have occasionally pretended to be sick so I could stay home and play with it.  SHHH! When I got pregnant with my oldest, I picked crochet back up and made her a few sweaters, but what's a sweater without a cute dress?  And I began to sew again after she was born and haven't stopped since.  I have sewn cloth diapers and nearly any type of clothing you can think of.  I find it very therapeutic.

 

 My oldest is a long lean little one.  If I measured her width, by most patterns she would wear a size 3, but she is 8 years old.  I was easily able to trace a size 6 width and a size 8 length.  Sewing comes in handy especially for her.  She is an active little one and is taking Gymnastics this summer.  Yes, she had a leotard or few, but being a mama that sews she needed more, of course.  I noticed the Casey Unitard pattern and fell in love with the style.  Through all of my pattern altering and drafting, I had yet to come up with the perfect unitard.  Was I ever in luck when I found the Mountain Ash patterns!

 

I found the pattern to be a quick sew.  I believe from start to finish this may have taken me an hour (if that) to print, trace, cut and sew the pattern.  It probably took us more time to choose our fabrics and fold over elastic than it did to sew.  I used a red tag dance/swim wear fabric I found at Joann Fabrics and a solid dance/swim fabric for the top.  Both are a cotton/spandex fabric.  I also happened to have a perfectly matching 5/8" fold over elastic for the straps.

 

I have mixed feelings about having to open each pattern piece individually.  The laziness in me was a little annoyed having to open each one I needed, but the frugal mom in me found it very helpful that I was able to print just the pieces I needed and not any extra.  Having sewn with knits previously, including dance and swim wear, I didn't have any difficulties at all.  The pattern pieces lined up perfectly, and the finished measurements were correct.  Another frugal appreciation is the options! Ask anyone who sews, the more options the better!!  This pattern had a tank option or a thin strap option, but there are options from there!  You can make your own binding, use FOE (fold over elastic) ect.  As a personal preference, I reinforced all the seams and topstitched the top to the bottom body.  I also crossed the straps in the back for her.  Makes the pattern well worth the money spent on it.

 

I found that the instructions were clear and easy to understand, and they provided more options.  For the experienced seamstress there were what I like to call the “cliff note” instructions, just a basic written step by step of what to sew in simple, short sentences.  For those visual learners, she included pictures to match with the simple instructions!  They really did make this a pattern for any level.

 

I liked it so much that I have actually already recommended it to a friend.  My daughter loves it, and we have received nothing but positive compliments on her unitard.  We are already trying to figure out which one to get next. I give Mountain Ash an A-!

 

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 That is one busy little girl!  You can tell she is a little ball of energy!  I'm impressed with how well the unitard is staying in place in all of these photos.  You certainly don't want your little one fidgeting, tugging, and pulling constantly, and this looks to be a great fit!  Plus, how fun is the leopard print fabric she used?  I bet all the little girls in her gymnastics class went home and begged their mommas to make them one, too! 

 

If you want to add performance wear to your repertoire, browse through our collection of Mountain Ash Design patterns available on the website.  And since we know you must be excited to try the Casey out yourself, we're offering it for 25% off for the next few days!  Take advantage of this great offer, and share some photos of your finished unitards with us on our Facebook page! 

 

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Pair It Up!

Here are some great options to help your little one get to and from practice or meets in comfort and style! 

 

 

   The Yoga Girl Pants, Capris, and Shorts pattern from Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop would be perfect to slip on over a leotard before you get in the car.  Cute, comfy, easy to wear, they're great for PJ bottoms or lounging around the house, too!  These can be made in sizes 3m- 12 years.




The Summer Tunic from GreenStyleCreations makes a perfect cover-up!  Whether it be for a day at the pool, gymnastics practice, or a trip to the playground with friends, this tunic the one you want!  Love the ruffle detail around the neckline!  This one comes in sizes 18m- 12 years. 

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Alright ladies, let's get ready to tumble!  Hope you have as much fun stitching up one of these unitards as your little one will have wearing it!

Go sew something magical!

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