Kitschy Coo Trifecta Top: Give me the RAWR shoulder!

Lest you think this Trifecta Top is solely for sleepytime, let me assure you otherwise! While still as comfortable as PJs, this pattern still ticks all the boxes for trendy and stylish.

It seems like every time I'm on Pinterest, I'm seeing another cute tee with shoulder patches - lace, sheer, neon - you name it, somebody is putting it on their shoulders.

The Trifecta Tee has this feature built right in! No alterations needed, Amanda has done the work for you, thankyouverymuch. I decided to make this version of the Trifecta Top out of ponte knit with the feature being the ocelot print shoulder patches.

Since my ponte knit is not very stretchy, I went up a size from my usual Kitschy Coo size 3 and sewed this one in a straight size 4 - no other alterations. And I'm very pleased with the fit.

With the shoulder patches, you get the look of a set in sleeve in front, but the shoulder shape of the raglan in back, which I find a very flattering combo.

Since I wanted a less casual look for this top, I decided to hem it, rather than use the band on the lower edge. As you can see, the finished length for the hemmed version is a bit shorter, just grazing the hip, which I think is just right for an unbanded top.

You may have also noticed that this version features the rounded scoop neck. This is the same neckline that graces the Lady Skater and Penny Pinafore, so if you've sewn either of those you know what a flattering shape it is. I hope I've convinced you already to go get your own Trifecta Top! If not, I still have a few more tricks up my sleeve. And hey, a sale!! Use the code TRIFECTA for 20% off any 2 Kitschy Coo patterns!! Hurry over to the shop! The code only lasts until Sunday.

Kitschy Coo Trifecta Top!!

The day you have been waiting for is finally here!! Kitschy Coo has released the Trifecta Top!!

I was so thrilled to be a pattern tester for this top, I made 4 during the testing period. But then I had a dilemma. Which one to show you first?? I love them all! After some peaceful contemplation, I decided to share the one I wear the most.

Because it is the top half of the most comfortable set of pajamas I have ever owned.

The Trifecta Top was so named because you get a trifecta of options for both neckline and sleeve as well as three "extras" - tiny pocket, neckline inset and shoulder patches. For my PJ top, I chose a warm and cozy long, cuffed sleeve paired with a ladylike V neck.

Can I wax poetic about this V neck for a moment? Seriously, how gorgeous is that?? The band is perfectly mitered. It's just the right length for a snug fit with no flopping around. And it isn't even tricky to sew.

The pattern includes an option for a band or plain hem at the bottom edge. There are separate cut lines so you get the perfect length either way. I chose the band for my PJs. No riding up while I sleep! And the red contrast is fun.

Here is a better view of the V neck. You can also see that the sleeves are comfortably long, and finish with a snug cuff.

In back, the fit is sleek but not tight. The raglan seams are so, so flattering! I really love the shape they have and how they sculpt the back.

This really is the perfect, comfortable top for lounging, relaxing or just chilling out.

Well, don't be caught napping! Hurry and grab your Trifecta Top pattern! And stay tuned for the other 3 versions. This pattern really has it all! And you can get it for 20% right now! Head over to the Kitschy Coo shop for 20% off any two patterns. Use the code TRIFECTA at checkout.

Ottobre 04/2013-12 Raglan tee: Mermaid style

When I bought this Mermaid fabric from the Kitschy Coo shop, it was for ME. So naturally, here it is on Myra...

Smug, isn't she?

Not really. This is actually the scraps left over from a project I shall soon reveal. Fortunately, there was just enough of this adorable Mermaid fabric for a half sleeve raglan tee. The white is a nice Chez Ami interlock.

The pattern is Ottobre 04/2013-12, which appears in several variations in the magazine. Other than shortening the sleeves, I made no changes to this one. It's a basic raglan with a breast pocket and bound neckline.

The pattern included this cute little ribbon detail at the neckline and I happened to have this perfect pink fish ribbon.

The pocket is just the right size for important things like Princess Twilight Sparkle's magic book. I love that the Mermaid fit perfectly there.

A straight cut raglan could have very easily veered over into "boy clothes", which Myra doesn't tolerate at the moment, but an injection of hot pink, Mermaids and cute ribbons definitely makes this all girl, and Myra loves it.

Simplicity 5755 and McCalls 658: One shoulder mini and bolero

I promise I've sewn for actual humans. Barbie is just more amenable to my photography schedule.

Still, I kinda love sewing for this girl. Patterns actually fit her, and she can wear all sorts of fun styles that don't work for me at all.

As much as I'd love to swan about in a leopard sweater knit, one shoulder mini... Well, real life. I'm pretty darn thrilled with this one though. The pattern is Simplicity 5755, which Kirsty was kind enough to grab from me at the Bay Area Sewist Pattern swap. Kirsty, you are the best!!

I made it in sweater knit left over from my Plantain tee. It's tricky to find animal prints in a scale small enough for Barbie clothes. I think this one is perfect. The only major alteration I made to the pattern was to add a lining. I really didn't want to topstitch this unstable knit. A lining was an easier way to finish the neckline and hems.

The bolero is from McCalls 685. I made it from a crushed velvet and it is lined in cotton batiste. I didn't make any alterations at all to this pattern and I'm thrilled with the fit!

I added some beading to the neckline, just for a bit of sparkle. It's amazing how little time hand beading takes when the clothes are small.

The belt was also made by me. I found these tiny rhinestone buckles at Hobby Lobby and stitched on a length of velvet ribbon. Since the velvet is 'grippy' the belt holds itself in place without a clasp.

Teresa is so happy with her outfit she had to snap a quick selfie during our photo shoot!

Monthly Roundup: February 2014

What to say about February? It was a productive month for me, although I did some sewing I can't share with you yet, so you'll just have to take my word for that. There are still a few winter projects I want to tackle, but here in the Salt Lake Valley, it's starting to act like Spring, and I'm having trouble getting inspired. We'll see...

So, for the month of February, I sewed:
1) Simplicity 6208 jumpsuit for Barbie
2) Ottobre 06/2010-15 tee shirt for Logan
3) Kitschy Coo Boy Cut Briefs x8 for Logan
4) Ottobre 01/2010-24 tee for Logan
5) Ottobre 01/2014-25 dress for Myra
6) Advance 9935 dress & coat for Barbie
7) Barbie gloves for Barbie
8) Iconic Sammy Cami for me
9) Ottobre 06/2010-14 pullover for Logan
10) Vogue 8919 top for me
11) Pattern in testing - to be revealed
12) Vogue 1378 pants for me
13) Batgirl Twirler for Emma
14) Barbie Retro Separates for Barbie
15) To be revealed...
16) Simplicity 5755 one shoulder dress for Barbie
17) McCalls 658 jacket for Barbie

That was a total of 26 items!! Of course, some of those were super quick pieces like underwear or Barbie items, but still. I'm happy. I sewed up 16.25 yards, which isn't a lot for me, but I managed to buy NO FABRIC AT ALL this month!!!! I'm pretty thrilled with myself about that. I'm hoping to keep up the trend, although I will need to make a fabric purchase soon, to get materials for a Queen Elsa dress.

Here's my February collage. I've blacked out a few things, since they are yet to be revealed, and I haven't yet photographed my last several pieces. They're coming up soon.

For March, I'm looking forward to March of the Shieldmaidens! I'm not sure if I'm going to make a dress for me or for Barbie. Those dresses take a lot of yardage in my size, but no so much for her. She also has a much more Nordic look than I do, and it might be fun setting up a more Viking-esque photo shoot for her. There are a few other fun things coming up in March, and I'm hoping to wind up my Winter sewing and maybe even start sewing for Spring.