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How are we already at the last day of our Kaitlynn Sew-a-Long?!?!?!  This went by way to fast!  At least we know in a few weeks we will be back together again for next month's SAL!  Today is a quick day.

It's already Day 4, and today is a big sewing day!  We are going to be busy busy busy, so let's get to work!  This is probably the step that gets the most questions.  Make sure you go slow and pay attention!  Grab your bodice that we worked on yesterday and turn it inside out.  Make sure your straps are pointing up.

Day 3 is here and it's time to get to work!  Grab your drink/snacks/music/netflix and let's get to sewing!!  

Day 2 is here and it's time to get printing!  Are you ready to work??  From the comments in our fb group quite a few of you feel the same way I do about assembling patterns.  If only there was a magical elf that acme and did this all for us!!!  Maybe I should bribe my kiddos to do it for me?!?!  hahahaha

When I saw the new Alice halter dress, I absolutely loved it.  But, my daughter refuses to have something tied behind her neck. So, I tried to think of a way to change the straps so that she would love the dress as much as I do. I came up with a very simple little modification that changes this dress from a halter, into a dress that has straps that cross and tie into loops over the back bodice (similar to the Cairo dress). If you haven't picked up the Alice pattern because maybe your daughter is picky with halters as well, now you have no excuses to add this adorable little pattern to your library and get to sewing! 





With this mod, I also thought of another little something extra. I've added tassels to the ends of the ties and the end result might just make your boho chic loving heart flutter.



To begin, you will want to cut out all your pieces from the Alice pattern, except for the shoulder straps. 

Instead of using the cut chart included in the pattern, you will cut 2 strips according to this chart for the shoulder straps:

2 - 1.5" x 22"
3 - 1.5" x 23"
4- 1.5" x 24"
5 -  1.5" x 26"
6 - 1.5" x 28"
7 - 1.5" x 30"
8 -  1.5" x 32"
9/10 - 1.5" x 34"

You will also want to cut 1 (ONE) strip of fabric according to this chart below for your loops:

sizes 2 - 5 cut 1.5" x 8" 
sizes 6-9/10 cut 1.5" x 12"

Follow steps 1 - 9 in the pattern. 

When your main bodice completely done, and your shoulder straps basted in, you will want to grab your one piece for the loops and create them the same way you did the shoulder straps.

Fold both edges in towards the center, and iron, then iron in half again.  



Stitch down the open edge of the strap. No need to back tack either edge.  


Iron your loop to ensure it lays flat, and then cut it exactly in half. This will give you two pieces. For sizes 2-5 you will have two, 4" pieces. For sizes 6-9/10, you will have two 6" pieces. 


You will then fold each loop piece in half again and crease. 



Return to your main bodice and measuring from the raw edge, create a mark according to this chart, and then repeat for the other side of the bodice: 

2 - 3"
3 - 3.25"
4 - 3.5" 
5 - 3.5"
6 - 3.75"
7 - 3.75"
8 - 4"
9/10 - 4.25"



Lay down one of your folded loop pieces and angle it about 90° towards the raw edge. Make sure that one of the raw edges of the loop is flush with the top raw edge of your bodice, while the other tip will be hanging over just a bit. Pin in place. 


Repeat for the other side. Ensure the loop is facing towards the raw edge where the button will go, or your loops won't be the right direction. 


Baste the loops in place if you desire. 

At this point, you will pick back up at step 10 in the Alice pattern. One tip when stitching the lining to the main, is to back tack over each loop once or twice, and I even back tack over the seam that is sewing down the shoulder straps, just for some extra added durability. 

Your finished dress should look something like this :) 

How to create tassels - 

I have found a wonderful video that explains how to make tassels!  Here is the link to watch: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rjYOmBJhZc

Here are also some photos to follow. 

You will want to cut a piece of cardboard to the length of tassel that you want. I wanted 2" long, so I cut my cardboard 2". And then some regular embroidery floss, and scissors. 



Start wrapping the embroidery floss around the cardboard. Don't wrap it as tightly as you can, just make sure it's nicely wound on there. I used about half of the embroidery floss for one tassel. Make sure it's nice and thick once wound onto the cardboard.

Make sure both raw ends of your embroidery floss end up at the same end. Either both on the top, or both on the bottom.  Cut a piece of floss about 10", and fold it in half. 

Thread in the piece you folded in half, insert it at the top and tie a couple knots and make sure it's nice and secure. 


Slide your tassel off of the cardboard carefully. Cut another piece of thread 12-15" long and tie it onto the tassel about 3/8" from the top to start to form the "bulb" of the tassel. Tie a couple knots, and then wrap the thread around the bulb until it's almost used up. Make sure to leave a tail out (like I have done on the right side of this photo). Once you've wrapped all the floss around, use both tails to tie off a couple more knots to secure. 




Trim off the extra. 


use scissors to cut each loop at the bottom of your tassel so it will start fanning out.



You can leave your embroidery floss together in strands, or you can comb it out like I have done on these. Using a fine comb, gently brush out each strand so that all the larger strands break up and look more fluffy. (Hint, a clean wire hair dog brush works really well for this! )




ATTACHING THE TASSELS TO THE STRAPS:

Using the top string, tie it around a pen or pencil to create a loop. Tie 2-3 knots. 


Grab your dress, and make a crease in the end of one strap about 3/4" from the end. 



Thread the loop of the tassel onto the end of the creased strap and sew across where indicated with the black dots in the below photo: Trim off the threads that are sticking out past the strap. 



Repeat for the other side, and you are done! Now you have some beautiful tassels on your garment. They should wash up fine. You may need to brush them out after a wash to freshen them up again. 



Here is some inspiration for you of the finished product. 












I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and I look forward to seeing your amazing creations! 

XOXO, 

Ashley

Hello to all of you wonderful ladies of VFT!!! It's Leah here a new designer of Violette Field Threads!!! It's such an honor to be apart of this wonderful, extremely talented, design team!!! I have been a part of VFT for about 3 years now. I started out doing styled photo shoots for Violette Field Threads and that evolved into becoming a member of the test team. My passion for this company and desire to design lead me to learn the design process and eventually become a VFT designer!

Without further ado I introduce to you my first VFT design: the "Kaitlynn Romper and Dress"!!!! 

Kaitlynn, is a sweet off the-shoulder-look with or without ties!!! Kaitlynn features a high waisted Romper version with asymmetrical leg ruffles or a dress version which both include a optional waist sash!!! It is such a chic, trendy, classy, feminine look!!! 

The inspiration behind Kaitlynn.....is my Kaitlynn, my 7 year old daughter. She loves detail and fashion as much as her mama does!! She is always searching to see what is on trend and has a keen eye for design. This mama has been super impressed with her coordinating fabric skills and eye for detail and knowledge of what's in style!!! Her whole heart and soul fell in love when her mama designed Kaitlynn and she felt this design was made with her in mind. Boy was she right!!! I too love to search for what is on trend. After walking through stores and searching online, Kaitlynn was sewn up. Now it was time to put her on paper!!! 

After carefully drafting Kaitlynn, she was ready to be shared!  I hope all of you wonderful ladies and your beautiful children enjoy creating your own beautiful, stunning versions of Kaitlynn and show the world your priceless garments!!!

Here are a few of our AMAZING testers versions for inspiration!!!

Kaitlynn makes her debut on Friday, June 30th 2017!!!

Thank you wonderful fans for making my dream come true!!! I deeply appreciate you all!!!

xoxo,

Leah Pitkin

Summertime means sleeping in late, playing outside all day and relaxing as the sun sets late in the evening...unless you are a mom of young kiddos!! You may feel like your sewing time has gotten a little slim as your family adventures during the summer months, kids have activities all over town and the fresh air is calling your name.

With that in mind, we have released the second round of Resort Wear named the Land Collection! 

This Summer Mini collection features three super simple and quick sews that will help you build a fantastic handmade wardrobe in little time and supplies! We designed fresh and fun pieces that can mix and match to effortlessly fill your girls' closets. To give you some inspiration and motivation, I put together a Capsule Wardrobe using the Clover, Lennon and Marlee patterns. If you haven't picked up the new mini collection, head over to the website and shop (check our Facebook Group for a sale code first).

Capsule wardrobes are all the trend right now- using a few staple pieces to mix and match to create as many outfit combinations as possible- and the new patterns will help you achieve that goal in a few quick hours of sewing!

The Marlee pattern will help you create a *reversible* swing top that is perfect for those hot summer days and looks adorable layered for a great fall transition look!

The Lennon bubble shorts feature an elasticized side waistband that will stretch comfortably as your child runs through a growth spurt before school starts. The shorts also have a modest length that will follow well with school dress codes. 

The Clover pattern includes a blouse *and* a skirt for a really on-trend outfit! The Clover blouse is relaxed fit with a simple button closure. The skirt has a comfy elastic waistband and a gorgeous hi/low hemline.

Putting these three patterns together took me about 4 hours of sewing time. The big payoff is that these items can mix and match to create ***SIX*** unique outfits! 

Let's take a look at all six, fantastic combinations:

Clover Blouse with Lennon Shorts

Marlee Top (Side B) with Lennon Shorts

Clover Blouse and Skirt

Marlee Top (Side A) with Lennon Shorts

Marlee Top (Side B) with Clover Skirt

Marlee Top (Side A) with Clover Skirt

Is your head spinning with ideas and fabric pairings to create your own Summer Mini Capsule Wardrobe?? Join us in our Facebook Group to grab the 15% off coupon code and share your amazing Summer Mini creations!!!! 

If you didn't shop our Resort Wear: Sea Collection, be sure to check that out here. With the entire Resort Wear series you can sew: two bathing suits, a mermaid inspired skirt, a swimsuit cover up, a casual dress, a blouse, a hi/low skirt, a reversible top and bubble shorts! WOW! Now that sounds like a pretty incredible handmade wardrobe!

Happy Summer and Happy Sewing!!!

XOXO.

Day 5 of our Sew-a-Long starts today, and if I'm going to be honest with you all, this is my most favorite SAL to date!  I LOVED sewing swimwear because not only was it a challenge, but I learned so many new sewing tricks and techniques!  I can't wait to sew more of these suits.  A girl can never have too may swimsuits, right?!?!

If you sewed up a one piece Bridgette, bravo!  You are sitting back and enjoying a day off!  I will say, you can sew a super simple 2-piece version in under 2hrs, so maybe you should just make another suit!  I honestly woke up this morning and decided to rewrite today's post because my little lady {NEEDED} another suit. HAHA

Our Tankini sewers, skip to step 21 in your pattern and grab your bodice.  I decided to modify my version a bit, so my top is shortened to the same length as the Pippa bathing suit.  Finish the bottom raw edge of your bodice, then fold the bottom edge towards the lining 1/2.  Sew this with your preferred stitch.  

Your bodice should now be done!!  YAY!!!  Are you so excited?!?!  Can you see the finish line?!?!  Let's get those bottoms done!

I was inspired by the ladies in our VFT Gathering Place, so I modified my bottoms to have a vintage higher rise!  This was super easy to do.  I measured my daughter to see how how high I wanted the bottoms to come up, and subtracted the folded waistband measurement from that number.  I measured my pattern piece and added the above number of inches to it.  Does that make sense?

Now, take you bottom fabrics and place RST.  Clip along the side edges ad the crotch.  Sew along the pinned seams and repeat with the lining fabric.

Turn you main fabric RSO and slide you lining inside the main, so the wrong side of the lining will be touching the wrong side off the main fabric.  Pin along the top edge.

Take your leg elastics and overlap 1/4in and sew into 2 loops.  Next, clip to your leg holes.  Make sure your bottoms are lining side out.  Clip the elastic around both leg holes.

 Sew the elastics in place.  Remember to go slow and don't worry if there are some spot where the elastic doesn't sit right at the edge of your fabric!  You will not see this one you fold it over!

Now take your bottoms and turn RSO.  Flip the elastic inside towards the lining and clip in place.  You are going to sew just like you did before.  GO SLOW and pull the fabric so it is taut against the edge of the elastic.

Grab your waistband elastic and overlap 1/4in and sew into a loop.  Then take your waistband fabric and place RST and sew the short ends together.  Trim the SA.

Fold the waistband in half so the wrong side are touching and slide t he elastic inside.  Baste the raw edge of the fabric to enclose the elastic.

Find the center front, center back, and sides of both the waistband and your bottoms.  Slide your waistband over your bottoms and match up the points your just found. 

Sew to attach your waistband, trim off 1/2 of the SA and finish the raw edge.  Flip the waistband up and you are DONE!

Can you believe we just made {SWIMSUITS}?!?!?!  Do you feel as incredible as I do??  You did amazing and should be so proud of the work you just accomplished!  Sewing with swimsuit fabric is not for the faint of heart, and you all deserve a pat on the back!!!

Now you get to take a photo of your amazing suit and add if to the Day 5 Album!!  If you are new to our SAL's or just joining us, at the end of each one we give you a few catch up days!  Take this weekend to get caught up or start a new suit!  Make sure to add a photo into each daily album showing you followed along with the blog posts!  

Monday we will start voting on {FAN FAVORITE}!  Wednesday I will announce our random SAL winner and our Fan Favorite winner!!!  Each winner will receive 3yards of amazing swimsuit fabric!!  This is not a prize you want to miss out on!  Thank you to everyone who sewed along with me.  I just love being able to do this with you all every month! 

Good morning my sweet sew-a-long friends!  I hope everyone is having so much fun and learning a ton!  I know I have learned some great techniques in this pattern!  I can't wait to get finished, so why don't we get started!

Grab your body binding and fold it in half, rst, and sew the short edge together.  Trim the SA.  

Take your elastic piece for the body and sew it into a loop.  Grab the binding and your elastic and mark the quarter points for both.  Now, place your elastic piece on top of your binding.  Your binding should be wrong side facing out.  Pin to the top raw edge and sew.

Take your main suit and put it wrong side out.  Slide your binding piece down around the top of the suit and match the side seam.  The right side of the binding will face the wrong side of the suit.  Pin around the entire top of the suit and sew with a 3/8 SA.

Once sewn, turn your bathing suit RSO and flip the binding up.  Take your binding and flip the elastic edge down all the way around.  Fold it down again to cover the raw edge of your ruffle and suit.  Clip in place all the way around.  Be careful to not twist your binding and to keep it as straight as possible! Sew in place and TAKE YOUR TIME!!!

Grab your pattern pieces and transfer your strap markings onto your suit. Pin your straps in and sew in place.

Take both of your leg elastic pieces and overlap 1/4in and sew.  Turn your suit lining side out and place your elastic at the leg hole.  Clip or pin in place, making sure you have both the lining and the main fabric. 

When sewing, I like to place my leg hole around the arm of my sewing machine.  I find it gives just enough stretch so my binding and fabrics stay untwisted.  Repeat for both legs.

Now turn your suit RSO and fold the elastic in towards the lining.  this creates your leg binding.  Clip or pin all the way around.  Sew just as you did earlier.  Do this for both legs.

You should now have a finished Bridgette one piece bathing suit!!  Stand back in admiration that you just created a BATHING SUIT!!!!!  Pretty incredible!!  

My sweet lady adores her suit.  It's going to be perfect for this summer and she is already asking when she can go swimming in it!

If you are sewing the tankini version, we will finish up those tomorrow!  Make sure to grab a photo and add it to the Day 4 album!  See you back here tomorrow!!