Hiiiiiiiii! It's definitely been a minute since my last post and I've had a major change in my life. If you don't already know from following me on Instagram, I'm pregnant. Despite a lack of blog posts, sewing still has been happening behind the scenes (or in front of the scenes if you follow me on Instagram, but whatever), however, I have been more thoughtful about where my time is being spent in regards to sewing patterns.


One factor I always think about when making something is "will this get worn?" If the answer is "no" or "maybe, once in a while" then the pattern usually isn't purchased/sewn. Yes, there are some special exceptions, but 95% of the time that's how my mind works. Time is very precious and making clothing that is useful is really important to me. And when your back hurts, it's hard to get comfortable, and breathing normally is a luxury then time is extra precious.


So, what I'm trying to say is that I was able to sew this Seamwork Almada robe in an old school pre pregnancy Erin sewing session that was completed in an afternoon. I wanted to make a robe to wear in the hospital, for nursing, for this maternity photoshoot, and even out and about in the summer. This robe is the definition of multi use to me.


The fabric was purchased from Hart's Fabric in Santa Cruz last month and it's a lightweight cotton voile in my favorite color (or non color if you want to go that route), black. It's sheer, so if this is going to be worn out on the town then I'll probably wear a tank underneath and leggings. But isn't the black so good? Yeah, this is going to get worn a lot for sure.


The Almada Robe was released a while back, maybe a two or three years ago? It's one of those patterns that I slept on and am confused why I didn't make much sooner. Directions were to the point and easy to understand. I omitted the snap on the front and it doesn't seem like it shows too much boob when tied correctly, interfaced the sleeve cuffs and waist ties for more structure, and used store bought bias tape which was kinda stiff in a good way. Still kinda in awe that this was all sewn in a day since that hasn't happened in a long time. Maybe the fact that the photoshoot was scheduled that afternoon put a fire under me haha.


Shoutout to the wonderful Kacie Jones for taking these photos. I met her through my BFF Ariana and have had the opportunity of working with her a few times now. She gets my style and vibe and Luke and I just adore her. I'm posting some photos that are more artsy and less focused on the garment, so deal with it 😀

This tank adds to the Tom Selleck garment situation I have going on in my closet and I'm not mad about it. If you lurk back in my blog you will definitely notice the Hawaiian vibe I've had going from the beginning. My first ever wearable garment was a pencil skirt made in a plumeria print and a leopard print for the facing and today I'm posting a Hawaiian inspired fabric tank with leopard shoes. Some things never change 😂 I guess I know what I like!


I don't know if I've ever blogged about anything sleeveless, as I don't usually wear anything that shows my upper arms. At work it's always long sleeves and on the weekend I get wild and go with short sleeves. For whatever reason I have always felt weird about showing my arms, but the temperature is rising and it's almost summer, so I decided that I just don't care anymore. Since coming to this conclusion a whole new world of patterns has opened up. Tank top season is here and I'm going to get ready for it.


Or maybe you think I'm trying to show off my sickkkkk tat? That honestly doesn't have anything to do with it, but I will talk about it for a sec since it's in your face and I like giving shout outs to people and places that rule. My friend Gary (who owns Sink or Swim Tattoo in Grover Beach, CA) came up with the concept/drawing and tattooed me several weeks ago. Gary is my bud, I've known him since I was a teenager and actually used to work for him in his shop (bet you didn't know I used to work in a tattoo shop back in the day), so I feel like I've known him for forever. We even have friendship tattoos! I know first hand that he keeps his business really clean, he's very talented, his employees are all down to earth and super chill, and he let me watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer (tv show) while I got my first tattoo in 2004. So he's a solid dude and I highly highly recommend him if you're looking for some work.


Ok, back to my Seamwork Addison. Technically this should have been sewn in a light weight fabric like linen or rayon, but I really wanted to use this Blend Fabrics quilting cotton. It gives a vintage vibe to the fabric that I'm into. Hawaiian fabric can go really right or really wrong. And fast. This fun print paired with the pussy bow add on bonus collar for Seamwork subscribers just worked like peanut butter and jelly. Or coffee and donuts. Or Tom Selleck and wild Hawaiian fabric 🌺🌺🌺🌺. That said, the print itself is great, but the quilting cotton is definitely a little bulky around the neckline. Maybe I should just follow the fabrics that patterns suggest in the future idk.


As with all Seamwork patterns I have sewn, Addison was a fun and uncomplicated garment to make. No pattern adjustments were made and I don't think that any need to be made for my second version. I might tack down the facing in "the ditch" (that's my quilt talk coming out) to minimize the chances of it riding up, but that's probably the easiest "adjustment" ever. Speaking of the facing and all hemming on this tank, I didn't follow the directions and serged the bottom to keep it from unraveling, folded it up a half inch, and then stitched. That's me being lazy and keeping it real.


The exciting construction bit would be the burrito method for attaching the lining to the main fabric pieces. I've only burrito-ed once and it was a longgggg time ago. Thankfully the directions/diagram for Addison made total sense and created such a nice finish. And the fit! I'm stoked on the fit. My bra straps aren't hanging out, the arm holes aren't super baggy or digging into my armpits, and the bust is fitted without being uncomfortable. I'm going to make another version with the pointed collar soon. And of course I need a version in all black because that is my life.

Mahalo!

My husband Luke has always been really good about working out on a regular basis. Me, on the other hand... not so much. I enjoy taking yoga classes from Niccola Nelson (and if you live in the San Luis Obispo area I highly highly recommend her!!!!), but other than yoga there wasn't a workout class or routine that I was totally sold on.

My bestie Ariana's husband is a personal trainer, so my husband and I have been working out with him. Matt is super knowledgeable, doesn't use "traditional" gym equipment, and mixes up our workouts so we aren't doing the same things every time we see him. His workouts are intense and I leave feeling exhausted, knowing that I gave it my all. I feel stronger, my anxiety chills out for a while as I focus on what I'm doing, and it's fun working out with my friends. At least, as fun as a workout can be haha

The point to all this rambling is to say that since I'm working out more I'm going to try and make some workout wear, starting with the Seamwork Shelly leggings. I've made leggings before, but never with a gusset and not without an elastic waistband. Wait, I take that back, I've made two pairs without an elastic waist and they wouldn't stay up during yoga and got banished to the pj drawer. So, I was curious to see how a different construction and a new pattern would hold up.


This fabric is a nylon spandex from Michael Levine. On their website it's listed under swimwear prints, but in the description it says, "perfect for creating designer swimwear and activewear separates." It might be great for laying out by the pool and drinking Mai Tais, but it's not ideal for yoga or anything super physical. There isn't four way stretch (which always makes fabric more comfortable in my opinion) and I don't like that. When I wore these on Saturday for my sewing day with my buddies I felt sweaty when I was sitting down and can't imagine what it would feel like after a one hour workout. Definitely going to wear them casually and not when I'm swinging a kettle bell around.

Can I just say that I am really pleased with how the fit turned out? I am in LOVE with this pattern. My husband and I both agree that these are the best fitting leggings I have sewn and the best part is that I didn't make a single adjustment to them. For my next pair I will have to make a little more room for my butt (I have a big butt) because the waistband dips slightly lower in the back. But even without that change I am super stoked on Shelly. Way stoked. Like, "I'm going to cut into the nice fabric I bought from Blackbird Fabrics" stoked.


The gusset was not hard at all to sew in, but the construction was different from the other leggings I have made, so I tried not to overthink things and trusted the instructions. The gusset ended up being longer than I originally realized, it reaches my knees. This fabric is super busy and it's hard to see unless you are looking for it, but just an FYI to you guys reading this in case you care. Oh, and another FYI, I'm considered petite and normally have to shorten patterns or omit cuffs to make garments fit better. The hem on these leggings are 5/8 inch as opposed to the 1 inch hem suggested in the directions. If you are on the taller side you may need to add some length.

Now I need to work on some tank tops for the gym. Do any of you have a favorite pattern that I should try out?

Some of you will probably disagree with me, but I don't really consider myself a trend follower when it comes to clothing. Yeah, there are sewing patterns out there that a lot of us sewists will use, but when it comes to styles and brand names I'm not easily swayed by what is "in style" at the moment. Take those shirts with the shoulder cut outs. NO. Lululemon leggings for $128.00? NEVER. And wearing a bra as a statement piece. NUH UH. I guess I try to think long term when it comes to sewing and I want to make garments that fit my taste and are timeless, in that they are things that I will wear for a long time, not for a "season."


Despite everything I just said two seconds ago, here is the trendiest thing I have worn in a while 😂 I've seen a lot of off the shoulder tops and dresses this summer, so I'm guessing this is very "on trend" right now. But this comment/fashion advice is coming from someone who has been wearing black Converse and band shirts for the last seventeen years, so feel free to take any "fashion tips" from me with a grain of salt, haha!


The tunic length pattern is version two of the Seamwork Loretta pattern, sewn without any fit adjustments. It was a quick one to make (it's a Seamwork Pattern, so duhhhh) with only a few pattern pieces (front, back, sleeves, elastic casing, belt, and belt loops) which is great for the instant gratification project I needed in my life. The only changes I made for my version were minor ones: I cut the elastic a few inches shorter than the recommended length for a snugger fit and I didn't add the belt loops. Honestly, I'm not a fan of how they look and since I wasn't sure if I'd be wearing it with the belt (it has since been confirmed that this will be belted at all times) I kept them off. For future version two it will be loopless, possibly have a longer belt, shorter elastic to keep it on the shoulder (Not sure I can rock an off the shoulder look. It looks cute, but might not be functional. Will have to wear version one a few times to determine), I will use bias tape along the hem instead of folding over and stitching, and it will have some sort of tag in the back so I can tell the difference between the front and back. One of my favorite things about sewing is that I don't have to have annoying and itchy tags on my neck, but I'll definitely add a small loop of elastic or fabric. Not itchy and functional FTW!


This dreamyyyyy fabric is the new chambray from Birch in black. I love that it comes in 58 inch widths and that it's organic. Well, all of Birch's fabrics are organic, so that's nothing new, but it is always a plus for me when I'm buying it. I buy organic fruits and veggies, so why not organic fabric? To clarify, Birch did give me this fabric to make a garment, but I do buy from their line already, which is why I say I'm a fan of buying organic. I also like buying local, which is convenient for me since Birch's storefront is forty five minutes away mwahaha!


Back to the fabric, it's lightweight enough for this blouse. Wait, actually, it's pretty perfect for this pattern. It would also be perfect for the most comfortable Archer too. You guys know I'm an Archerolic, right? So basically this situation is going to happen soon since it is now technically Fall and I'll be living in Archers. Also, just decided that Fall and Winter are now considered Archer Season in my world.

Happy Saturday! Happy Fall!
xo Erin