The Month of Free Patterns

During the month of September 2019 the team at Phee focused on free patterns. The only rules were that the pattern had to be free and utilize Phee Fabrics.

Here’s the thing, the team at Phee works extremely hard behind the scenes to bring everyone all the best of their work. Now, we know the quality at Phee is consistent, so you know what you’re going to get. Pattern designers work hard also and a lot of designers draft with their body shapes in mind and adjust the sizing based on their size block. There are very few designers that take multiple body shapes into account. One of the most challenging things for new and frustrating for experienced sewists is to adjust a pattern to their body. Dealing with an awkward fit and then comes in the concept of making a “muslin”. Typically muslin is a type of fabric but it can also be used to refer to the first one you make, a trial of sorts. Through multiple places I see people asking about using a different fabric as a “muslin”, a cheaper or different base. That will result in a different fit (be forewarned). Another thing that draws people in is FREE! The idea of getting something for free is appealing, it gives you a chance to try a pattern designer before purchasing other patterns from them. These are some of the free patterns our dedicated sewists have worked up for you.

Crystal is wearing the Halla Slim fit Dolman with the Poveglia Ribbing. She made a size 6/8 but says that it’s loose and should have made the size 2/4

Jessica is wearing the Harper Cardigan by Sinclair Patterns with the Light Gray Heathered Cozy French Terry.

Stephanie is wearing the Peg Legs from Pattern for Pirates in olive supplex

Mala is wearing the Magnolia Tee by Sonia Estep Designs in Dark Bisque Rayon Spandex. She graded from a size 22 to a size 26

Elizabeth is wearing a Durango Tank by Hey June in the 13 oz. Cherry Rayon Spandex

Addy is wearing the Verona dress by Little Lizard King in Orchid Rayon Spandex. This pattern is drafted for woven but was made in the same size. While slightly larger it will be good for layering a shirt and/or leggings underneath, as well as next spring/summer.

Joelle is wearing the Thankful top by George & Ginger. This is not available on their website and only can be found in the files of their facebook group.

The slouchy beanie was a free tutorial by Bernina
Due to the ease of the pattern and not wanting the shoulders way too wide, she made a size 8, graded to 10 waist and 6 hips. 

Removed an inch above bust and an inch above hem. Size 8 sleeve, removed .5” in the head and an inch at the short sleeve mark.

Nicole is wearing the Agnes Dress by Halla using the navy rayon spandex

If you have any other free patterns that you have used with Phee please email us at customer.service@pheefabrics.com to be added to this blog

October 6, 2019June 14, 2020 by Melissa Cipriano Categories: Free PatternsTags: 13 oz. rayon spandex, Cozy French Terry, Dolman, George + Ginger, Halla, harper cardigan, little lizard king, Patterns for Pirates, peg legs, Pegs, Rayon Spandex, ribbing, Sinclair, Supplex, thankful top, verona, Women Leave a comment

Sewing Into Fall

With August coming to a close, my anticipation is building. Summer is almost gone, and that means Fall is right around the corner! While the temperatures are still reaching well into the 100s, I am preparing (more like dreaming) of the cool days and cozy clothes. Some perfect new fabrics were recently introduced including Ribbing, and my personal favorite, Cozy French Terry. Ideally, what I would’ve done was go and plan out all of my pieces, chose fabric, order fabric, and sew.

Yea right! So what really happened, I got so stinking excited when the Ribbed dropped in store that I ordered about a yard of almost every color. Shortly after, I repeated with the French Terry. Ok, so materials before patterns, no big deal. Spoiler alert though, it worked out and I am so happy with what it all came out as!

The first piece in my capsule was a Valencia Top from New Horizon Designs. I have had this pattern for awhile now and just never quite got around to making it. I did the color blocked version with Navy Ribbing and Navy Rayon Spandex. This top is perfect for lounging around the house or dressing up cute. As a bonus, its perfect for showing off cute sports bras or bralettes!

Next up were a couple of sweatshirts out of the Oatmeal and Light Heathered Gray Cozy French Terry. The “go-to” for sweatshirts in our house is the Greenstyle Creation’s Hudson Pullover. This is a men’s raglan, but that means its super comfy and my husband and I can share sweatshirts! Plus, it is a super fast sew. For the Oatmeal I did a simple pullover with a band and no hood or pocket. For the Light Heathered Gray I did banded, hooded, and a pocket. Also, check out how fuzzy the inside of this is!

After this I started to fill out my capsule with a couple more. Next I grabbed my Light Heather Gray Rayon Spandex and made a Coffee and Tea Cardigan from Annelaine. I did the Short Coffee option with wide bands/

Next I added a Marbella Tank from New Horizon Designs out of Oatmeal Ribbing and 6″ White Stretch Lace. It is the perfect layer tank and the lace is a beautiful detail.I had forgotten how easy sewing lace really is and will be continuing on sewing lace now that I have sorted through my stash and need some new undies.

The perfect scrap buster for some of the left over Ribbing is the Cozy Toe Socks from Peekaboo Patterns. They go great under boots and are so soft. I did the crew sock option here.

 

The final addition to my Fall Capsule came after the realization that I didn’t own a pair of plain black leggings. So I ordered some Black Supplex and decided on the free Peg Legs from Patterns for Pirates and did the Contour Waistband from the also free Peg Legs Add-On.

It took me a while to get on the Peg Leg train, but these are a super comfortable leggings for me. Likely, they will not be for working out as the fit isn’t quite right for that on me, but they are comfortable for all day wear.

Overall this Fall Capsule was the perfect jumpstart into fall for me (even though its still in the 100s). It was fun trying some patterns that I have had for over a year (the Valencia, Pegs, Marbella and the Cozy Toes Socks) with the new fabrics from Phee.

Thanks for readying along! This post contains affiliated links, that at no cost to you, help fund my hobby of trying new fabrics and patterns. Thank you ❤

 

August 31, 2019June 17, 2020 by Melissa Cipriano Categories: Cozy French TerryTags: capsule wardrobe, Cozy French Terry, Rayon Spandex, ribbing, Supplex, Tanks, Women 1 Comment

My official mom uniform

When Melissa said that August was all about capsules, I was a bit overwhelmed. To be fair, I get overwhelmed easily. Here’s a little secret…..I’ve never sewn a capsule! I know, I know. How crazy is that?! However, what the heck do I make?! I’m a stay at home mom and don’t really dress nice very often. Then I realized that all moms need good basics that they can wear ALL. THE. TIME! Clothes don’t fit the same after having kids, so why not make our own? I live in leggings and tanks. And I always need something to keep me warm. So here’s the rundown.

Before I get into the patterns, here’s a little info on fabric. One thing I learned in my sewing journey, is to use quality fabric. Having good quality stuff, makes my work look better, last longer, and easier to make. Phee Fabrics has never let me down. The quality is always amazing! I love that the descriptions are accurate and the fabrics are sourced in the USA.

I bought the Clara pattern from Jalie months ago and finally made them. I have to say, I’m super happy with the fit. The only adjustments I had to make were height adjustments. I will take an extra inch next pair. I wore them to the gym the other day and they didn’t budge. I used black supplex and they feel like I spent a lot of money!!! Not to mention that I can dress them up or down. They can be worn with anything. Also this supplex is so lush, not to mention, durable. I live in leggings made with Phee’s supplex and this stuff lasts! Not to mention, it’s squatproof!

The staple tank from Greenstyle Creations is a pattern thats gotten lots of use. When I got this ribbing material, I knew I had to make one with it. This stuff is so soft, has amazing drape, and great recovery. I’m totally digging it!

The Harper cardigan from Sinclair Patterns Is a free pattern with a few options for length. I did the cropped length with black supplex. I can wear this with just about anything. I can honestly tell say that I will wear the hell out of this

Last but not least..:.The Jalie Julia has become a new favorite pattern of mine also. I love combining the top and the bra into one. I used Rayon Spandex, powernet, 3/8” picot elastic, bra strap elastic, rings and sliders. Oh and I used supplex for the band. I used picot instead of FOE and bra strap elastic instead of FOE for the straps. I cropped the length on this one.

First you’re going to go ahead and put your bra front and back together. I did French seams on this one. I omitted the darts so that I didn’t have to worry about that seam. It’s not that big of a difference. I wouldn’t omit it on the sports bra though. Attach the bottom band. Then we can put it together with the top.

Put the bra into the top so the wrong sides are together. You’ll notice the bra portion is a little smaller. I stretch it to fit, clip and baste. The other thing that needs to be changed is, that back point, where the two pieces of elastic meet….cut off about an inch so it’s a straight line and fold it over. That way you’ll have a clean edge and enough fabric for the picot to be attached and folded over.

Attach the picot like usual. Start with the front, chest edge. Flat side of the picot in line with the edge of the fabric. Attach with a zig zag. Then turn under and zig zag again. The elastic will be the same length in the front. When you get to the sides, you’ll want to add about an inch to the front, so that you can attach the rings. So attach the elastic to the one side, leaving an inch on the front and on the back. Then do the other side.

After than you’ll attach rings to each piece of elastic sticking up. Make your straps with the sliders. And then attach. Hem last and you’re good to go.

So there you have my idea of the perfect mom uniform. Let’s be honest, it’s the perfect capsule for anyone!! All 4 of these pieces will get lots of wear and they have me looking forward to cooler weather. Thanks for reading!

*Note: affiliate links may be used. By using these links, I gain a small portion at no added cost for you. I promise, it all goes to keeping my sewing habit going😊

August 11, 2019June 17, 2020 by Jhermansen Categories: Rayon SpandexTags: Activewear, Bras, capsule wardrobe, Hack, Jalie, Pants, Powernet/Techsheen, Rayon Spandex, ribbing, Sinclair, Supplex, Tanks, Techniques, tutorial, Women 2 Comments