Patterns for Pirates- Fabric for Pirates- March 2022

Patterns for Pirates- Free Tulip Tee

Since it's March, I signed up for a(nother) one-time Fabric for Pirates monthly box- why not? I was feeling lucky. ;) You may remember my first Fabric for Pirates monthly box, back in January (what can I say- they had me at "fabric"...).

In case you're wondering what Fabric for Pirates is all about, it's a monthly (or, a one-time purchase!) subscription to a box full of sewing goodies mailed directly to you! The box includes two yards of mystery fabric, a special sewing swag (this month was a handy needle threader), and a discount code to purchase a(nother) Pattern for Pirates pattern. Sew, sew FUN! ;)

This month's two yard cut of fabric included a beautiful green and white tie-dye thermal knit. Since NC weather in March can sometimes be mercurial (freezing one day, sweating the next), I decided to sew up the Patterns for Pirates- Free Tulip Tee (plain front, 3/4 sleeves, banded hem). I've got a confession to make- this was my first time sewing up this FREE pattern.... what took me so long?!! This easy pattern was so quick to sew up- I literally cut and sewed it up in the time it took me to simultaneously watch a show! (and, did I mention that this pattern is FREE?!)

Now, the question is, "How long until my next Fabric for Pirates monthly box....?" ;)

Patterns for Pirates- Free Tulip Tee

Patterns for Pirates- Fabric for Pirates- January 2022

Pattern for Pirates Sweater Weather in Fabric for Pirates

I'm kicking off the New Year with a little something special just for ME!! I signed up for a one-time Fabric for Pirates monthly box. In case you're wondering what Fabric for Pirates is all about, it's a monthly (or, a one-time purchase!) subscription to a box full of sewing goodies mailed directly to you! The box includes two yards of mystery fabric, a special sewing swag (this month was the ever-handy Bodkin for threading elastic), and a discount code to purchase a(nother) Pattern for Pirates pattern. Sew, sew FUN! ;)

In this month's Fabric for Pirates, I was completely spoiled with this luxe cashmere sweater knit in a warm winter white- BEAUTIFUL and CLASSIC! This warm, stretchy sweater knit has a solid hand, a beautiful drape and is opaque.

Since we've received not one but TWO actual snowfalls in the past week, here in the Carolinas, I just *knew* Sweater Weather would be the perfect pattern to sew up! I sewed up a size Medium, low side slit, regular sleeves, turtleneck Sweater Weather. I did take off some length in the sleeves and body length to account for my 5'-0" height. 

Pattern for Pirates Sweater Weather + Fabric for Pirates- It's like wearing a warm hug!

Pattern for Pirates Sweater Weather in Fabric for Pirates

Sewing Pattern Testing- Patterns for Pirates- Boho Babydoll pattern

Patterns for Pirates Boho Babydoll Dress

Hello, Readers! Today, I'm here to share a recent sewing pattern test, the Patterns for Pirates Boho Babydoll Dress. This is a fun dress to sew AND wear!

First, let's talk about the Patterns for Pirates Boho Babydoll Dress pattern. This pattern is written for sizes 3m-14y. It includes multiple sleeve lengths and hemlines. The pattern pieces are layered and trimless (save a tree by printing only the pages you need/want- yay!). Step-by-step pictures accompany written instructions. Size chart, finished measurements and fabric requirements are all included in the pattern.

Patterns for Pirates Boho Babydoll Dress

I sewed up a size 10w/8l mash, high/low, maxi-length, ruffle sleeves Boho Babydoll Dress. Aqua cotton lycra bodice fabric is from the Purpleseamstress Fabrics. Tropical print skirt fabric is a very thin jersey knit from a Sincerely Rylee mystery box. *Note* When doing the maxi version, I found it best to use a thinner knit material for the skirt because it can weigh down the bodice. The Boho Babydoll Dress went through several iterations throughout the testing process (that's what testing is all about!), but I think the ladies behind Patterns for Pirates got it JUST right in the end. :-) (Note, my pictures may differ slightly from the final pattern because of this).

The curved empire waist on the Patterns for Pirates Boho Babydoll Dress is flattering on my daughter and she LOOOVES the maxi-length! The ruffled sleeves are a fun feature and they aren't so long that they interfere with regular eight-year-old play ;-P. 

Patterns for Pirates Boho Babydoll Dress

So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and grab your copy of the Patterns for Pirates Boho Babydoll Dress! Plus, there's even a matching Ladies version...! #mommyandme ;-)

P.S. I just had to add the following picture (tester version)- action shot! ;-P

Patterns for Pirates Boho Babydoll Dress

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to review this pattern for Patterns for Pirates. The opinions expressed here are my own."***

****This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small percentage of the sale.****

Made for Mermaids and Patterns for Pirates- Sew What Do I Wear- Vacation Edition

Hello, lovely readers! Thank you for joining me for my stop on the Made for Mermaids and Patterns for Pirates, "Sew What Do I Wear- Vacation Edition" Blog Tour!

My summer plans include a big family cruise to the Caribbean! Grandparents, sisters, borthers, cousins and nieces and nephews- Woohoo! That means that I need a wardrobe full of fun, summery clothing to wear poolside, formal dinners, port excursions and more! Plus, Missy need some fun cruise wear, too!

Let's "dive" right into what I sewed up for the tour/cruise! (pun, intended ;-)

First, I sewed up the Made for Mermaids, Mama Lea Dolman Top. The Mama Lea Dolman pattern is one of my favorites! If you remember, I sewed up a maxi version in red for my stop on the Made for Mermaids and Patterns for Pirates, "Sew What Do I Wear- Valentine's Edition" Blog Tour back in February. I really like the Mama Lea Dolman pattern, can you tell?? This versatile, flattering pattern uses minimal fabric, has no set-in sleeves (thus, no extra pattern piece to print and assemble) and is a breeze to sew up. Speaking of fabric, I used this fun "anchor" fabric from Birch Fabrics, purchased online from Punkin Head Threads. I sewed up a size "pink," top version modified slightly for my height (5'-0"). Tell me this top doesn't scream, "CRUISE!"?!

Made for Mermaids- Mama Lea Dolman Top and 

Patterns for Pirates- Cross Your Heart Cami

Next, to jazz up my Made for Mermaids, Mama Lea Dolman Top, I sewed up a Cross Your Heart Cami by Patterns for Pirates. This was my first time sewing up the Cross Your Hear Cropped Cami. While I love most Patterns for Pirates patterns, this particular pattern intimidated me because of ALL.THAT.DARN.KNIT.BINDING!! If you sew, you know what I'm talking about! ;) However, once I started sewing and following through the tutorial, I had nothing to fear- designer Judy holds your hand and walks you through each step with pictures, tips and "how-to." For reference, I sewed up a size small, b cup, high front X, low back X (not shown) cropped cami. I have to say, the fit is spot-on- snug in all the right places, flattering in all the rest! The navy cotton lycra fabric was purchased online from my favorite source to get solid-colored knits, Purpleseamstress Fabrics.

Made for Mermaids- Mama Lea Dolman Top and 

Patterns for Pirates- Cross Your Heart Cami- DETAIL

Now, as an avid cruiser, I know that there will be some formal nights on my upcoming cruise- two to be exact. I sewed up this Mama Isabel during testing awhile back but it's always been a touch too low to wear without a cami for my comfort level. Patterns for Pirates, Cross Your Heart Cami to the rescue! It's just perfect for keeping things modest, yet fun! So, whether you dress up the Patterns for Pirates Cross Your Heart Cami for formal night, or dress it down for day wear, you simply can't go wrong!

Made for Mermaids- Mama Isabel Wrap Dress and 

Patterns for Pirates- Cross Your Heart Cami

Made for Mermaids- Mama Isabel Wrap Dress and 

Patterns for Pirates- Cross Your Heart Cami- DETAIL

Now onto Missy's cruise wardrobe....!

First, I sewed up this fun, summery Made for Mermaids Sommer Dress. This is a size seven, knit empire bodice, woven skirt dress length with the following modifications- a) Instead of fixed straps, I just lengthened the single strap option and tied them in the back, halter style (or, as Missy refers to it as, "Neck Tie."). b) I subtracted and inch and half from the bottom hem of the dress length and added a small one inch ruffle. 

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Dress (modified halter ties)

I want to take a moment to talk about the skirt fabric for this dress. My parents recently moved/retired and through the course of their packing/unpacking, my mother came across a tropical batik print sarong that she had gotten on one of her own travels to the Caribbean. Thinking that I could create something out of the rectangle of fabric, she mailed the fabric to me. I, in turn, thought it would be fun to make something to wear on our family cruise (so my mother could see my new creation out of her old sarong). Mission, accomplished! ;)

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Dress (modified halter ties)- DETAIL

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Dress (modified halter ties)- BACK

Last but not least, here is my final sew for the blog tour- another Made for Mermaids Sommer Top (bathing suit hack) and Bonny Shorties. Both items are size seven. This Sommer Top is empire waist, sewn in swim fabric, double straps, bodice ruffle. I modified as follows- a) I lengthened the back bodice piece to hit my daughter at high hip. b) I but the front top skirt to be 1.5x the width of the bottom bodice width (resulting in a slightly gathered front skirt) c) I cut two bodice ruffles- one of which was 1/2" shorter than the pattern-specified height d) I added swim elastic to all straps and where the bodice and skirt meet. All spf 50 fabric was purchased from Peek-A-Boo Pattern shop, last year. Girlfriend is ready for to CRUISE!

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Top (bathing suit hack) and Bonny Shorties

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Top (bathing suit hack)- DETAIL

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Top (bathing suit hack) and Bonny Shorties- BACK

Made for Mermaids- Sommer Top (bathing suit hack)- DETAIL

I still plan to add a couple more items to our cruise wardrobe, but this definitely helped me get a jump start! After all of the sewing included in this blog post alone, I think I deserve a vacation..... say, how about a nice, CRUISE vacation....? ! ;-) Bon Voyage!

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to review this pattern for Made for Mermaids. The opinions expressed here are my own."***

****This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small percentage of the sale.****

Mother's Day Blog Tour featuring Patterns for Pirates Sweetheart and Me Hearties Dress

Patterns for Pirates Sweetheart Dress and Me Hearties Dress

Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas, mamas-to-be and the mamas of the heart, out there! Welcome to the last day of the Connected By a Thread Mother's Day Blog Tour.

First, please indulge me a moment while I get a little sentimental. You see, today, May 6th, holds special significance for me personally. 33 years ago I was adopted from South Korea. May 6, 1983 (also Mother's day weekend, that year), was my "Gotcha Day." Though, we didn't call it that back then- "Gotcha Day" wasn't really a thing, yet- it was just the day that I came home. <3 p="">

My mother and I on the day of my arrival in the US, May 6, 1983.

I love my family and I can honestly say that we're pretty close. My parents were always very open about my adoption and it was never a taboo subject (thanks, Mom and Dad!). However, I grew up the minority in a mostly Caucasian world- nobody ever looked like me.  Fast forward to February 2010 and I became a mother. I became a mother to a perfect little girl... that LOOKED.JUST.LIKE.ME!!! Dark hair, almond eyes, petite nose. I cannot express how much that has meant to me- to have another person out there in the world that looked like me, that was a part of me! Happy Mother's Day to me!

February 2010

So, back to the task on hand- The Connected By a Thread Mother's Day Blog Tour...!

For this blog tour, I sewed up the Patterns for Pirates Ladies Sweetheart Dress and girl's Me Hearties Dress. I love Mommy and Me outfits and, for the moment, so does Lil' Miss (I'm just going to go with that for as long as she allows! ;-).

For the Patterns for Pirates Ladies Sweetheart Dress, I sewed ups a size medium bust (graded out to large in the waist) and back to the medium for hips peplum top. I also alter the pattern to accommodate my height (I'm 5'-0") by taking an inch off the bodice and half an inch from the skirt portion. I did short sleeves with lingerie elastic finish. The neckline was done with traditional knit neckband. And, because this pattern's signature look is the sweetheart, I did the color blocked, sweetheart neckline. I have to admit that I had my initial doubts about the cut of this pattern- I wasn't sure it would be super flattering on my short, square frame. However, after sewing up a Sweetheart dress of my own, I was very pleased with the end results- the waist hit just right and the neckline wasn't too low, or too high. 

For the Patterns for Pirates Girl's Me Hearties Dress, I sewed up a straight size six dress. Lil' Miss' dress includes short sleeves finished with lingerie elastic and traditional knit neckband. I chose to do the regular, plain bodice (aka, not the sweetheart).

Fabric for both dresses were purchased online from Purpleseamstress Fabrics. Both patterns included multiple sleeve lengths and dress lengths. As shown by our outfits, you can either create the signature sweetheart neckline, or the plain bodice. I love the versatility of these patterns! You could literally make this pattern in long sleeve for the winter and sleeveless for the summer! Yay! Lil' Miss, on the other hand, just loves the twirl factor of the full circle skirt of the Patterns for Pirates girl's Me Hearties Dress!!

So, whether or not your baby looks like you, agrees to matching mommy and me outfits... Happy Mother's Day 2016!

***Disclosure: "I received a free pattern in order to participate in this blog tour. The opinions expressed here are my own."***