I am so excited about today! The amazing designers at Pattern Anthology have just released their next collection, the Just Add Jeans collection, and it is all women’s patterns!!!! Awesome, right? You know I’ve been on a sewing for myself kick, so I was especially interested in this new collection.
As part of the pattern tour, I was asked to sew one of the tops from the collection. I wasn’t sure which I wanted to sew, so I printed all four of them out and taped the patterns together to see where inspiration would strike. I sewed the first one and it went so smoothly, I decided to do a second. And then a third. And then, because I couldn’t resist and I still had plenty of time to spare, I sewed the fourth! And now I practically have a new wardrobe. Let me show you the different pieces I created!
The City Girl Frock + Top by See Kate Sew is a relaxed fit tunic or dress with an A-line design, a yoked bodice, and an optional cowl collar. I used a super silky sweater knit that I picked up for a couple bucks in the L.A. fabric district last year. I love that you can totally alter the look of this top/dress with your fabric choices. A heavier sweater knit would give you that nice bulky, winter look, while a lighter weight knit still allows you to add the cowl collar without all the cozy up around your neck.
I kind of love this sweater. It was the first piece that I sewed and the fit was perfect from the start. I followed the sizing recommendations and gently curved out the hip line to conform to my shape. The sleeves and top are loose fitting, but I think the cowl collar makes this a comfortable piece that also has some great style. Because I used such a thin sweater knit, my collar folds down around the neckline, which is fine. I am on the hunt for a nice chunky sweater knit so that I can make another one of these tops with some more structure. Please disregard my one sleeve up, one sleeve down look – every. single. picture. – oh well.
Next up is the Parisian designed by Go To Patterns. This top has a Peter Pan collar, lightly gathered sleeves, and a banded hem and cuffs. I had a harder time envisioning fabric combos for this pattern, but I thought that it would compliment my wardrobe so nicely because that collar makes it a standout. I pulled knit after knit off my shelf and knew this silver dot cotton spandex knit was the one as soon as I threw it up on the table. I held up a few different contrasting fabrics for the collar, but when I tried the lace, it was like sparks flew. Yep, this is perfectly me. I looooove this top. It’s stylish, yet so comfortable.
I love tops with banded cuffs and hems. It makes the finishing so quick, so easy, plus I don’t have to worry about busting out my twin needle and getting the settings just right. I sewed most of the top on my serger. The collar? I should have used interfacing on the collar. It would have turned out much crisper; a collar always needs interfacing, I don’t know why I thought I could just skip it this time. Nevertheless, the top is still gorgeous, I think. And, not that I have any experience with bust adjustments on patterns, but the pattern does include instructions for a full bust adjustment, which I would imagine would be very helpful for a lot of people. This metallic pindot cotton spandex was from Girl Charlee a few months back. I didn’t see it in stock right now, but keep your eye out – if they ever get it back in, it’s a dream fabric. Here are some of the cotton spandex knits they have in stock currently.
To compliment my look for the Just Add Jeans tour, I got to choose a piece of jewelry from Jacaranda Designs. I had the hardest time choosing – she has the prettiest feather earrings, all kinds of stones and beads and hair pieces. I finally settled on this flower necklace (actually, I didn’t settle, I sent in two choices and made someone else choose – ha!) And I just clicked over there to see what’s new and oh my goodness, I want everything. If you love vintage inspired jewelry, you’ll love this shop! (Plus, she ships everything in the cutest little box with a pretty pink bow – love!)
Alrighty, moving on to the third pattern. This is the Day Tripper by Shwin Designs. This top has a relaxed fit with dolman sleeves, a hi-low hemline, shoulder tabs, and optional pockets. The pattern is also designed with a slimmer hip. So, I adjusted the pattern to accomodate my not-so-slimmer-hips. A cotton spandex knit is recommended, but I was anxious to use this interlock that I ordered from Girl Charlee. The peacock interlock is thicker and feels so comfortable, but I can actually see how a cotton spandex would compliment the pattern better – experiment with different fabrics, but always pay attention to the recommendations in the patterns – these designers know what they’re talking about!!
I like the originality of the shoulder tabs on this pattern – they take a relaxed tee and give it an extra punch of style. Like the Parisian, the Day Tripper has banded sleeves and hemline, so that was a big plus for me. I added the optional pockets into this top, because, well, who doesn’t love pockets? My husband was especially impressed with the pocket feature – I guess he appreciates pockets, too. With this interlock, the pockets add a little extra bulk where I don’t need extra bulk, but still. I love the potential of this pattern – it feels very relaxed beachy to me. Also, I’ve seen a few of the tester and designer pictures of their versions, and I can’t WAIT to make more of these.
The fourth pattern is The Wild Flower by Blank Slate Patterns. I took the most liberties with this pattern and altered it to create some evening wear. The Wild Flower is a top pattern, but its A-line design was simple to convert into a dress. The pattern also includes an underbodice with a scoop neck that is supposed to be layered under the deep V front. I got a little daring and omitted the underlayer, figuring that I could wear a cami underneath. For this dress, I used a Ponte de Roma, also from Girl Charlee, and the drape of this fabric is perrrrfect for this pattern. There are several sleeve lengths and styles included in the pattern, but I used the bell sleeves and love the flowy-ness of them.
This pattern also includes instructions for bust adjustment and I checked all the measurements to make sure that the pattern was going to fit me right. This bodice is a little more complicated with pleats at the shoulders and at the bustline. I was a little intimidated going in, but it was actually simple to put together, and the fit is great. Once I tried on my dress, I decided that it might be great for a date night or other evening-wear type event. A little risque for your every day photo shoot in the rain, but I kind of love that I now have a sexy dress that I made!!
So! I have to add a few more tidbits. First of all – about the photos – I thought that I was down to the wire. It had been raining for five days straight and I knew my post had to go live on Tuesday morning. So, on Sunday afternoon, my whole family went with me on a photo shoot mission. We went to several different spots and the girls ran around while my husband held an umbrella over the camera and I tried to get in some shots before the next downpour of rain. It was kind of a crazy, frantic afternoon trying to get the pictures. I came home and started editing the pictures, at which point I realized I was a week ahead of schedule. Ack! Well, better a week early than a week late!!
Also, a few more details about the Just Add Jeans collection:
- The Just Add Jeans collection is the fourth collection by Pattern Anthology and the first women’s collection.
- It will be on sale as a collection March 10-24th for $29.95 ($50 value).
- After that point they will be available individually at full price.
- The patterns are all available in sizes XS-XL (30″-44″ bust). Some patterns have a wider range.
You can purchase the Just Add Jeans collection of four PDF sewing patterns here.
Each pattern in the collection took me just a few hours to sew. These are quality PDF patterns, friends. If you’re making a more concerted effort to sew for yourself, picking up this collection is a GREAT place to start. There are long and short-sleeve options on all of the patterns. There are a variety of lengths, optional collars, pockets, and places to accent the pattern and make it your own. Each pattern includes instructions for altering the pattern pieces to fit YOUR measurements. I know that sewing with knits can be a little intimidating if you’ve never worked with them, but it really does make learning to sew for yourself (or quickly accenting your wardrobe) a satisfying process. These patterns are forgiving and focused on fitting a variety of body types. Now that I’ve sewn them all, my brain is spinning with possibilities.
Find more inspiration by following along on the Just Add Jeans tour:
March 11th: Stef – the Girl Inspired
March 12th: Delia – Delia Creates
March 13th: Merrick – Merrick’s Art
March 14th: Julia – Julia Bobbin
March 17th: Liz – Cotton and Curls
March 18th: Katy – No Big Dill
March 19th: Caroline – Sew Caroline
March 20th: Suzannah – Adventures in Dressmaking
March 21st: Jessica – Craftiness is Not Optional
March 22nd: Dixie – DixieDIY
A special thank you to Girl Charlee Fabrics and Jacaranda Designs for sponsoring the Just Add Jeans pattern collection and tour. And thank you to the amazing Pattern Anthology designers – you created four new patterns that are stylish and make me feel beautiful. You rock!
Melissa says
You are gorgeous, dahling! I may have to try your dress version of the Wildflower.
girlinspired says
You definitely should try it, Melissa. I am in love with how it turned out. The pattern is perfection! I can’t believe how perfectly it fits. I’m making another one, um, tomorrow, hopefully.
Shannon C. says
Love that last one, Stef. You look amazing!
girlinspired says
Thanks, Shannon! Now I need to schedule a date night so I can wear it out on the town! 😉
Alida says
I just bought that same Ponte De Roma! It looks lovely on you!
girlinspired says
Thanks, Alida! Have you used it yet? I kind of want to order more, but that’s the fabric hoarder in me – surely there are alternate Ponte de Romas to buy??!
Alida says
I am going to use it this weekend to make a Sew Caroline Out and About Dress! Sooo excited!
Andrea says
Whoa. Hello there gorgeous! Wow, wow, wow. Those look amazing, as do you. Thank you so much for joining the tour!
girlinspired says
Whoa. Hello there amazing designer! Love love love this Parisian – how are you so awesome?
jeanine says
you make me happy I preordered the bundle! and that city girl floral is gorgeous!!
girlinspired says
aw, you make me happy, too, Jeanine! Have you sewn any of the tops yet? Show and tell please!
Becky Urquhart says
I am teaching myself to sew and haven’t tried any clothing for myself, but these look so pretty and maybe something I’ll consider when I feel more confident about my sewing. I’m enjoying it now and I know it will only get better. I love all the fabrics!
girlinspired says
Yeah! Way to go, Becky! These patterns have a lot of tips and techniques for sewing with knits – give them a try when you’re ready. You have such a great attitude – love it!
Lindsay Wilkes says
You look AMAZING!! Wow!!! Great job on all of the pieces 🙂
girlinspired says
Thank you, Lindsay! You always make me smile. What have you been sewing for yourself lately – you always inspire me!
Lisa McGriff says
I love everything you made and wow you are BEAUTIFUL!
girlinspired says
Oh, thank you so much, Lisa!
Ashley S. says
You look absolutely gorgeous! I too have ordered the bundle and just need to go for it and sew up something! I’m just so intimidated because I don’t feel like I’m thin enough to make one (had a little baby 7w ago) but the measurements are all in my range. This has inspired me to just do it 🙂 thank you!
girlinspired says
Thank you, Ashley! I’ve spent a long time intimidated by my less than ideal body, but I’m so glad to be sewing for myself. I’m excited for you to try out the patterns, too! And Congratulations on your baby – 7 weeks – awwwwww!
Amy @ Petmanent Kisses says
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for inspiring me. I am bopping over to purchase these patterns right now. I looked at them yesterday and thought. Hmmmmm. I might make 1 of them, but certainly not all 4. But your samples have convinced me otherwise. So again. Thank you.
girlinspired says
They’re so hard to resist, aren’t they? I’m so anxious to finish all these other things on my list and sew these patterns again! I’m so glad to have inspired you! Have fun!
mjb says
I love your version of the wild flower! That was the one I couldn’t see myself making, but now I’m glad I have it!
girlinspired says
Yay! I love how that one turned out so much, glad someone else likes my less modest version 😉 – I’d love to see what you make with the patterns.
laura versteeg - onthelaundryline says
Wow, look at you go! Ambition ambition! And almost a ‘workweek’ worth of clothes to show for it. Way to go! I’m so excited to start on mine, I’m starting at the same place you did.
You look fantastic in them all! Your sexy dress is just VA VA VOOM! And if you wanted to wear it around the kids with their hands tugging on the dress (lol) a lace bandeau would totally be cute and way easier than a cami, camis under dresses drive me nuts within the hour.
girlinspired says
A lace bandeau is SUCH a good idea! Thanks for all your sweetness – I can’t wait to see yours, Laura!
KellyK says
I love everything that comes from Pattern Anthology, and I really liked the tops, until I saw yours, and now I am in love with the tops and will most likely be buying either the complete set or one or two individually later on. I don’t have access to the same fabrics that you, subsequently I am never very inspired, now I am. Thanks for sharing your great creations 🙂
girlinspired says
Gosh, thank you so much, Kelly. You made my day! Where do you live?
Jen says
Just gorgeous, Stef!! I love all of them and your fabric choices are perfection!
girlinspired says
Thanks, Jen! I wish I could come down south for some more L.A. fabric shopping with you! (And some baby lovin’!)
Elizabeth says
I love all of these, especially your Parisian! Great fabric choice! I made a Lady Skater dress in that same fabric last summer and you’re right – it is a dream fabric. I can’t wait to make all these tops now after seeing yours!
girlinspired says
Thanks, Elizabeth! I haven’t made a Lady Skater yet, but it’s definitely on my list! Can’t wait to see your Just Add Jeans tops!
kristin says
well look at you sewing all the adult lady clothes now!! you look beautiful and you’re so inspiring! great work!!
girlinspired says
Thanks, Kristin! I’m determined to get a whole closet full of handmade! How’s your wardrobe coming along?
Julia Bobbin says
Wohh!!! These tops are stunning! I love how you made each pattern come to life. Perfection!
girlinspired says
Thanks, Julia! If I could just get your hot look with a pencil skirt, that would be heavenly. You look amazing in your Parisians!
Shauna says
Hot mamma! You look so great! I LOVE each one and I love the changes you made! You did such a great job making them all work for you and I love the story about the photos 🙂 The things we do for blogging ha!
girlinspired says
Ha! Yes, the things we do… thanks for the awesome pattern, girl, I need just a few more hours in a day to sew up another Day Tripper – such a great pattern!
Merrick says
Holy cow, you are a rockstar! All four?!
I LOOOVE the lace neckline on the Parisian, and that last dress is drop dead gorgeous.
girlinspired says
I couldn’t stop, Merrick! Once I sewed the first one so fast, I was hooked. Love them all! Your Parisian is gorgeous!
Aspen @ little green orchids says
They’re all wonderful, but I gotta say…my jaw hit the ground when I scrolled down to your Wild Flower dress. Va va VOOM! Camisole shmamisole. You look fierce. And the pleated area of the bustline is so well done! Really flattering.
girlinspired says
Haha! Camisole shmamisole – that made me laugh! Thank you so much!
abby @ thingsforboys says
ooh, love that last one! Great job on all of them.
girlinspired says
Thanks Abby!
Charity says
I love these! My favorite is absolutely your version of the Parisian… that top is exactly my style. =) And you look lovely in every one of these photos.
girlinspired says
Thanks, Charity! I love the Parisian so much! I need to make a few more so I can rotate through! Have you made one yet?
Charity says
I haven’t yet…. I’ll probably end up mimicking the pattern with my knit foundation block instead of actually getting the pattern, so I don’t have to worry about altering it to fit. =)
Michelle says
That last one takes the cake! You are a knockout, Lady!
Beautifully done.
girlinspired says
Aw, Michelle, I’m blushing. Thanks girl!
Christie says
Stef these are all amazing and you are so beautiful!! Wonderful job and so inspiring:).
girlinspired says
Thank you so much, Christie. You’re amazing!
sorahart says
I got to be a pattern tester for the Parisian and I loved it! You are right–it comes together so quickly! I sewed mine in just a few hours on a Saturday morning with kids interrupting me every 5 minutes. :). Now you’ve got me thinking about the other patterns too…
PS. Your hubby takes great pictures!
girlinspired says
Thank you! I sewed most of these tops with my kids interrupting, too – that’s how you know it’s an easy sew – when you can do it with your kids calling for snacks every 3 seconds, right?
kate says
gorgeous stef! You look great in all of them!
girlinspired says
Thanks Kate!! LOVE my City Girl frock!
jean says
I just love the 4 top, just add jeans pattern, but there is no way I can affords that price. Is there ever a sale?
girlinspired says
Hey Jean, the 4 patterns are bundled right now at a sale price, but after the two week period, each pattern will be for sale individually, I believe. Hope you can get your favorite one!
Abby says
Stef you are stunning! I love seeing your sew for yourself, and you are so photogenic! And your tops and dress are all fabulous!
girlinspired says
Aw, thanks Abby. You’re too sweet!
Jessica says
I wasn’t sure about these patterns for me…being a curvy girl and all…but you’ve sold me! SO lovely!
girlinspired says
Yay! It’s so awesome to be able to sew clothes to fit our bodies! Can’t wait to see what you make, Jessica!
Kristie Clower says
Each one looks amazing on you! I especially like the Parisian on you. The fabric is adorable and the little pop of lace on the collar is perfect. The Wild Flower is also super cute and probably the only one that would work for me since I’m still nursing and need the milks easily accessible at all times.
girlinspired says
Thanks, Kristie! The Wild Flower would make a great nursing top!
EmSewCrazy says
Oh my, you are making it very hard for me to resist this collection.. I love your fabrics and all your tops are gorgeous! This was a fabulous first women’s collection!
girlinspired says
Thank you so much! It truly is a fabulous collection!
Tricia says
Love this! Your version of the qildflower is exactly what I am looking for. High necklines do nothing for my shape, and the deep v neck is perfect for me! As you say, you can always add a cami later.
Im buying the pattern now, after seeing your version! You might share how to turned it into a dress one day, is that is allowed(?) and you have the time!
Ash says
I’ve had this bundle since March but have been stalling when it comes to actually making anything – thinking of fall sewing when it’s hot hot hot summer here in Canada is depressing. BUT, this post has definitely inspired me. I have that very same grey metallic pindot fabric and would NEVER have thought to use it for a Parisian – I love your version! The floral City Girl frock is fantastic too. Actually, all of your makes are just plain gorgeous 🙂 Thanks so much for the inspiration!