Pretty and Precious Clothing: December 2014

I had the privilege of being part of the naughty and nice blog tour! Green Style and EYMM are releasing two wonderful patterns just in time for some quick pre-Christmas selfish sewing. I have decided that I love sewing for myself. Let's face it as a mother of five kiddos shopping for myself just doesn't happen. Last time I had the ridiculous idea of shopping for myself it went like this...me in the fitting room with a 2 and a 3 year old. My son "ewwww I see your butt" in the loudest voice possible, my daughter "mommy you have cute underwear, I don't have a bra, you're naked" me, "no honey I'm not naked I'm just changing clothes" then sword fighting with hangers starts and before I have even tried on one complete outfit my daughter, "mommmmmmy I have to go PEE!" and that was the end of my shopping. So I have found "selfish sewing" to work a lot better for me. I can pick the colors of what I'm making, get the fit right and stitch it up when the kids are in bed. In fact that is what I did with these two patterns. They are both incredibly fast to sew, I stitched up both of these last night.

First I made the Norah nightgown by Green Style. This was my Christmas present to my husband. Yay for multitasking -blog done and Christmas present done! When I tried it on he couldn't believe that I had made it including the panties (which fit so perfectly). He's always nagging me to sew more "practical" things, I think this might qualify as practical enough for him ;) I used a very light weight knit with a burnout pattern on it, making it comfortable and sexy all at the same time. This is can be made in three different lengths and has a boyshort or thong pantie version. It's available in sizes XXS-3XL. There's something pretty exciting about making something so special for yourself. If I have enough time my husband wants a red stretch velvet one with white trim for Christmas hehe.....
A lightweight knit that is not see through could also be used to make this more of an everyday nightie.

Next I stitched up the Off the Shoulder Dress Peplum by EYMM. I had the opportunity to test this pattern so I have already made a couple for myself, check out my blog for those versions. I also made a beautiful one for my mom. Since I've made this pattern a few times I decided to alter this one a little this time around. I went down one size to make it more fitted and lengthened the bodice portion. This resulted in a drop waist look. I used the circle skirt and just finished the edges with my serger. I wanted it to look more casual and comfy. I used a french terry so that it's pretty warm and perfect to throw on for last minute Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, or sipping on coffee Christmas morning while watching my crazy kids create a tornado of wrapping paper.
This pattern is availabe in sizes XS-5X and has the option of a circle or gathered peplum or skirt.

The one I made for my Mom out of a sheer light weight sweater knit.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and don't forget to take care of yourself! It's such a busy time of the year that it can be easy to forget about taking care of ourselves as wives and mothers but if we don't then believe everybody around us suffers. A happy mom and wife equals a happy home :)

Make sure you check out the other stops on this blog tour for some more selfish sewing inspiration.

"http://calmandcarrion.blogspot.com/2014/12/naughty-and-nice-double-pattern-release.html
"https://boutiquebirdie.wordpress.com/

"http://www.hattieluhandmade.com/
http://www.graciousthreads.ca/

I love EYMM patterns the directions are very easy to follow and the designs are always right on trend. Kymy, the designer of EYMM patterns, definitely did not disappoint on her latest creation, the off the shoulder cowl neck dress or tunic. You know you have a winner when you're husband loves it and your mom, sister and brother's girlfriend all see it and ask for one.
Let's start with the basics: the pattern is available in a broad size range XS-5X, it's designed for knits although the skirt/ flounce portion can be made from woven. Options, the best part, you can make this in either peplum or dress length.
Don't be scared at the thought of a peplum, I was at first. Personally, I usually avoid peplums, love the look but hate the way they look on me. With the beautiful cowl neckline and the length of the bodice to flounce portion this peplum works! No longer do I look like a pear in a peplum :)
Anyway, I digress, back to options....the peplum flounce or the skirt portion can be made either as a circle skirt or a gathered skirt depending on the look you want. In addition the bottom portion can be made from a variety of fabrics making the looks you can get from this pattern endless.
I chose to do one in all knit and another one with a knit bodice and chiffon flounce. I really want to do a dress version in velour and another shirt version in french terry, oh if only I had all day to sew......
A couple of the testers did the dress version and then put a pettiskirt under and oh my goodness it was amazing looking! Perfect for holiday parties.
If I haven't convinced you yet that you need this pattern then this might help-this gorgeous pattern is part of the Sew Fab bundle available here. You get 10 brand new, previously unreleased patterns for only $29.95, that's an amazing deal!