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.****

Made for Mermaids- Mommy and Me- Sommer Dresses

Made for Mermaids- Mommy and Me Sommer Dresses

I'm over on the Pattern Revolution blog reviewing the Made for Mermaids Mama Sommer Dress. Love a fun, summer maxi!

****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.****

Sponsored Post by Riley Blake Fabric- Simple Life Pattern Co.- Blog Tour

Simple Life Pattern Co. and Sew Caroline Blog Tour

Hello and welcome to my stop on the Simple Life Pattern Co. and Sew Caroline Blog Tour! I'm sewing up a fun, summery Mommy and Me set of Tammy Tulip shorts for myself and my Lil' Miss.

The Tammy Tulip Shorts is one of the first collaborations between Simple Life Pattern Co. and Sew Caroline. Simple Life Pattern Co. drafted and designed the girl's pattern and Sew Caroline drafted and designed the women's patterns. I have sewn patterns from both companies and loved them! So, a Mommy and Me collaboration between the two was definitely my cup of tea!

For a point of reference, I sewed up a size seven girl's Tammy Tulip Shorts and a women's small/graded to medium waist Tammy Tulip Shorts. Riley Blake Designs was gracious enough to supply the fabric (from the "Gingham Girls" collection) that I used for both shorts. Thank you so much Riley Blake Designs!

Simple Life Pattern Co. Tammy Ruffle Shorts- SIDE

Simple Life Pattern Co. Tammy Ruffle Shorts- BACK

Here's the 411 on the Tammy Tulip Shorts:

-Includes sizes 2t-12

-Includes ruffle -OR- tulip hem options

-REVERSIBLE! (My favorite!)

-Charts for size, finished length, fabric requirements, cutting and pattern layout are all included in the tutorial..

-Includes layered pattern pieces- i.e., print only the size that you need.

-Tutorial includes color photographs for each step.

The women's Tammy Tulip Shorts include the following:

-Sized for XS-XXL

-Trim -OR- Bias tape hem option

-Charts for sizing and fabric requirements are included in the tutorial.

-Layered pattern pieces- i.e. print only the size that you need.

-Tutorial includes step-by-step LINE drawings/diagrams.

Simple Life Pattern Co. Tammy Ruffle Shorts- REVERSIBLE

My favorite part about the girl's version of the Tammy Tulip Shorts is the fact that it's reversible. I love anything that is reversible- it's like two outfits for the price of one! Plus, inside and outside are nice and neat- makes the shorts feel very polished.

 Sew Caroline- Tammy Tulip Shorts- FRONT

For the women's version of the Tammy Tulip Shorts, I modified the pattern slightly by adding a comfy cotton lycra waistband (opposed to the included encased elastic waistband). While I graded out the waist to a medium, the pattern has plenty of ease built in and I would have been fine with a small. The 3.5" inseam was plenty long enough on my short stature (I'm 5'-0" tall) and I didn't think they were "too short" at all.

 Sew Caroline- Tammy Tulip Shorts- WAISTBAND

 Sew Caroline- Tammy Tulip Shorts- SIDE

 Sew Caroline- Tammy Tulip Shorts- BACK

The Tammy Tulip Shorts are a fun, summery wardrobe staple! My seven year old loves to "match" me and I'll do it as long as she'll allow. Sew much fun! :)

Simple Life Pattern Co. and Sew Caroline Blog Tour





Check out these other wonderful bloggers on the Simple Life Pattern Co. and Sew Caroline Blog Tour!



May 15

Pattern Revolution

Call Ajaire

May 16

That's-Sew-Kari

Blue Wren Handmade

Stitches by Laura

May 17

Rebel & Malice

All Things Katy!

Sewn at Seams 

May 18

Adventures With Bubba and Bug 

Idlesunshine

Tina Sew Tiny

May 19

Pear Berry Lane

Pattern Revolution

Ruby Rue Creations

Handmade Boy's The Fighter Tee *St. Jude's Hospital Fundraiser*

Handmade Boy's The Fighter Tee

One of my sew sisters, Kelly, is running in the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital marathon. As part of of her fundraising, she designed the Handmade Boy's The Fighter Tee pattern. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this pattern will go toward St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. That's right, 100%!! I love when creativity, passion and good will all come together for something awesome- this is something that I can 100% support!

Handmade Boy's The Fighter Tee

Handmade Boy's The Fighter Tee

I was able to test Handmade Boy's The Fighter Tee and it was so much fun! Handmade Boy's The Fighter Tee is a relaxed fit tee featuring fun accent panels on the body and sleeves. It is sized for 2-12 and it's just perfect for both boys and girls! During the course of testing, I sewed up two Handmade Boy's The Fighter Tee and both shirts have gotten lots of wear already! 

Handmade Boy's The Fighter Tee- Accent Side Panel

Handmade Boy's The Fighter Tee is the perfect shirt for running, playing and having fun!

Go, FIGHT, WIN!

Wordless Wednesday- My kind of Clorox Wipes

Pattern Revolution Review Team

The secret is out- I've been asked to join the review team over at Pattern Revolution! I'm honored and excited to be included in this diverse group of talented ladies from all over the world as we sew through various patterns, journeys, and, of course, all the pretty fabrics! So many pretty fabrics!

My first review, the "Be Fearless Dress" by Ellie and Mac is up on the Pattern Revolution blog- check it out!

Made for Mermaids- Sew What Do I Wear? Valentine's Edition

Happy February! I'm happy to be one of your stops on the Made for Mermaids Sew What Do I Wear? Valentine's Edition.

Valentine's Day in the Jones household tends to get overshadowed and pushed to the wayside because of our daughter's birthday four days later. She's going to be seven, this year. SEVEN! How is that even possible- didn't we just bring her home from the hospital....? What a smart, funny little lady she is becoming nowadays.... LOVE her!... but I digress... ;)

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress

This year, Hubs has already planned a nice dinner out for all of us to enjoy the weekend BEFORE Valentine's Day (because, let's be honest- how is it even possible to celebrate Valentine's day ON Valentine's day when it falls in the middle of the week- like it does this year- and there is school and work and homework to contend with??).

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress

We are going to the Melting Pot; a family favorite! In regards to attire, dining at the Melting Pot means two thing for me;

1) It has to either have no sleeves or sleeves that are not loose and flow-y. Flow-y sleeves + open flame + melted chocolate = disaster! (not to mention fire hazard!;)

2) It has to be easy to wear.... I.E. Elastic waistband... because of COURSE I'm going to indulge in that extra chocolate dipped brownie bite! ;)

Of course, I want to look cute, too..... After all, it is Valentine's Day, am I right...?!

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolmen Top/Dress to the rescue! It's quick to sew, fun to wear, has an elastic waistband... LOVE! However, I added my own little twist to the Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress.... I made the already-awesome Mama Lea Dolam Dress in maxi-length!

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress

Since red is the color of the season, I chose to use a super-soft, red double brushed poly fabric that I've been hoarding saving for just the right dress.... the Mama Lea Dolman Dress! I originally purchased the fabric from So Sew English Fabrics.

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress

To make the Mama Lea pattern maxi-length, I made the following simple modifications;
-I took the dress length skirt pattern piece and measured from the bottom of the pattern piece to the floor. Then, I added 1/2" for a seam allowance.
-Next, I added 1 1/2" to each side of the new bottom hem (to allow for walking and movement) and graded accordingly from the waist down.

Made for Mermaids Mama Lea Dolman Dress- BACK

After that, I went ahead and sewed up the Mama Lea Dolman Dress as instructed. Easy Peasy and I'm ready go go! Now, please pass the fondue! Happy Valentine's day! :-)

Jan 30 - The Do It Better Yourself Club/ Wild & Wanderful/ SewSophieLynn/ Vinyasew

Jan 31 - Argyle and Pearls / Ma Moose / Red Stitch Blue Stitch/ All sewn up by Stacey

Feb 1 - All Things Katy! / Sew and Tell Project / Sew A Piece of Joy / The Kisses Co

Feb 2 - It's Liesel / Sewingly, Michelle / Stitching and Making/ Rebel & Malice

Feb 3 - On Wednesdays We Sew/ The Crunchy Mommy/ Margarita on the Ross/ Lady and the Gents / Four Seasons and a Road Trip

***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.****