Sweet Julia Boutique

As I make progress sewing with knit fabrics, I often dreamed of finding a super quick, instant gratification kind of piece and I found it: The Talor Tank by Made for Mermaids!

Megan, the creative genius behind Made for Mermaids, called for testers and I was quick to volunteer. The time frame was very short and then I understood why: It REALLY is an easy sew! It took me about 1 hour - 1 hour and a half from cut to finish, is that quick or what?

This wonderful pattern comes in sizes 1/2 to 14 and has three different lengths: Tank, Tunic and Dress. The fit is perfect and it really makes for a comfortable piece to wear during the hot months of summer. I tested a tunic length for my 2 year old and loved how quickly it came together, definitely a beginner friendly pattern.
I made two tunics during nap time so it is really, really quick. The pattern offers recommendations on fabrics and notions to use and step by step instructions sure to please any skill level. There is also a mommy version created by Megan's sister Judy, from Patterns for Pirates, so if you are looking for a mommy and me quick sew, it is available.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and make lots for summertime. The pattern can be found here:

Made for Mermaids Talor Tank

So, as I was getting better at sewing all sorts of woven fabrics, there was still a type of fabric I was dying to work with: Knits. I saw them everywhere, from beautiful tops and woven knit combinations, to leggings and shorties. My first attempt at doing anything with knits was a Blue Ribbon Dress by Little Lizard King. I still chickened out a bit and did the up-cycled version, meaning I would use a store bought shirt for the top part, but that's a start right?

The great thing about the Blue Ribbon pattern was that it included detailed instructions and recommendations on working with knit fabrics, such the use of a ball point or stretch needle, knit interfacing, etc. I loved the look so much, I was hooked and wanted to try more! It really is nothing to fear, it just takes practice and patience. So from that point on I tried some more Blue Ribbon dresses and more, I even tested a wonderful pattern for Made for Mermaids just recently! Here are some of my Blue Ribbon Attempts, getting better with practice. I just regret waiting so long to give knits a go.

This awesome and versatile pattern can be found here:

Little Lizard King Blue Ribbon Pattern

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!