Ororo Bralette - Rad Patterns

Can I just say that I love Rad Patterns?! Stephanie is such an awesome designer and she is so real and down to Earth. I love it. I was able to help test the Ororo Bralette and it was just released today, which is a day early! You can get it on sale for 25% off, along with the panel undies and camisado cami until June 3rd. No codes needed!

The Ororo Bralette has light to medium support and is for the adventurous beginner and beyond. It has three cup size options, two neck line options, adjustable straps and an option for nursing! Boom! And it's perfect for using up all those scrap pieces that end up laying all around the sewing room...or the rest of the house... (Am I right?!) 

This bralette is super comfy! Power mesh can be used as the lining or added in addition to the lining if you need more support. Next baby, I will definitely be making a few with the nursing option since nursing bras, camis, tanks, etc. are stupidly expensive!

The only real modification I did was with the waistband and that is mainly because the easier the better! And I'm lazy sometimes and since it's for me, I don't quite mind if it doesn't look amazing underneath, as long as it was easy peasy! I also try to use my serger for as much of the construction as possible because it just looks so much cleaner!

So, you sew the entire bralette as instructed until you get to the waistband. Sew your waistband in a loop as instructed. I then take my waistband and bralette, mark quarter points on both and pin them RST (right sides together). Stretch slightly and add a few more pins and then serge in a round! Boom! You want the seam to go upwards, toward the bralette. If you really want to, you can topstitch the seam down with a little zigzag so it won't fold over the wrong way. (>>> There is the inside of my bralette) And there you go!

 

(Photo cred goes to my wonderful hubby! <3 Love you!!)

Notions!
4-way stretch fabric with 50% stretch and good recovery! (3/8-1/2 yards for lining AND main)
O-ring and sliders
Bra strap elastic (1/2" is what the pattern calls for but you can modify with thinner or thicker elastic)
Waistband elastic
Nursing clips (if making the nursing option)

You can find an Ororo Bralette supply kit (not including main fabric) here!

Don't forget to link me your makes in the comments or tag me on instagram!


Cheers!

Murph 2018

Is it seriously already Memorial Day weekend?! Where has the time gone? This year is FLYING by and I'm not ready! Mainly because my little man is almost a year old and that just blows my mind. But more on that later.

With it being Memorial Day weekend, it means its time for MURPH. The MURPH is a CrossFit Hero WOD (workout of the day). Hero WOD's are created by CrossFit to honor the men and women who have fallen in the line of duty. MURPH is specifically to honor Michael Patrick "Murph" Murphy who was killed on June 29th, 2005. He was a United States Navy SEAL officer who was awarded the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the War in Afghanistan.

People all over will participate in the MURPH at some point during the weekend. Pretty neat, huh? Now, what is this so called "Murph" that you speak of? (It's pretty terrible and supposed to be done with a weighted vest. No thanks!)

Murph
1 mile run
100 pull ups
200 push ups
300 air squats
1 mile run

This is the first year that I did the full! 2 year ago when I first started CrossFit, I did the glorified half (mile runs but half of the reps). Last year I was SUPER pregnant (8 months), so I did the real half, but my running was more like a waddle.

Since my son, Max, is just about 20 lbs, I decided I might as well do my air squats with him strapped on. Great idea, right?! It actually wasn't that bad, but 200 push ups and 300 air squats just take so long to do!

I'm pretty proud of myself and super grateful to have a body that can do so much! I was even able to convince one of my good girl friends to come do it with me! I completed the Murph in 72:25 (probably the longest workout I'll ever repeat). My first mile was about 9:15 and my last mile was about 10:15. Not terrible. I also hate cardio! 2 years ago, my first mile was 8 min and my 2nd mile was 12...haha. My consistency was much better. Hopefully, next year I'll be pregnant, so I doubt I'll end up doing the full, or maybe I will. Who knows! Maybe next year you'll even find a CrossFit gym and experience the Murph!

Get up and move! :)

 

2017 Murph 

2018 Murph

#bcrbuilt

Cheers!

Five Beginner Sewing Patterns For Knits

Are you new to sewing? Or maybe new to sewing with KNITS and are wanting to give it a whirl?! I'm going to provide you with some good beginner sewing patterns to get you started sewing with knits! (Wovens still make me nervous, ha!) These are all PDF patterns where you will need to print and tape/glue the pages together before cutting out your desired size. Most PDF patterns use layers where you have the option to only print the sizes you need, or print them all!

I love PDF patterns way more than paper patterns found in places like Hobby Lobby or Joanns because the ease within the PDF pattern is the actual correct ease. All you have to do is pick the size to your actual body measurements (Bust, Waist and Hip measurements, grading if necessary) and it should fit how the pattern is designed to. Some of the Simplicity patterns I've gotten, sometimes there is a 4 in ease for a fitted shirt. That is ridiculous! It makes it a lot harder to determine the correct side. Drives me loco! So...I haven't attempted a paper pattern in years...

When I first started sewing for REAL (I bought my own sewing machine in early 2014 and went to town!), I definitely wasn't all that great. Let's be real. I tried making a bag and I sewed the flap on the wrong side (Oops!). 

If at first you don't succeed, throw it in the corner 

and sew something else! 

I've looked back at some of the clothes I've made within the first year and I have come a looooong way. Thank goodness too! Once I got more comfortable, it made it easier to branch out and try new things (like swimsuits and jeans!). So keep practicing and keep sewing because it does get better!

• Day Tripper Top by Shwin Designs

This was one of the first PDF patterns I successfully made (and it is fairly straight forward with NO hemming, yay!). It has dolman sleeves instead of the traditional inset sleeve, which can get a little tricky if you haven't done it before. It even has options for pockets! The neckband is attached more like binding than traditional shirt neckbands. It also has short or long sleeves and is a little bit of a high/low. I tend to forget about this shirt since I have way to many patterns now (I also don't seem to have enough patterns or fabric!), but I do love it! All of it can be done with a sewing machine, as long as your machine has stretch stitches, and it's even easier if you have a serger!  

• Seafarer Top by Sew Much Ado

Another super simple pattern! This one also has dolman sleeves like the Day Tripper, but you can hem it or cuff it. Same thing with the bottom, you can finish it with a hem and top stick or and a band. There even is a girls version so you can match your little! 

• Green Tee by Greenstyle Creations 

This is a pretty basic/standard women's t-shirt pattern. It also has an option for a v-neck if you are ready to be adventurous! (V-necks are still a little tricky for me). The best part about this pattern is you can get it for FREE if you join the Greenstyle Creations Facebook Group. If you have any troubles attaching the neckband, see my video HERE. I've only made the v-neck and LOVE the fit and will be sewing up some scoop necks once my fabric comes in the mail! (Holla!)

• Peglegs by Patterns for Pirates 

I absolutely love this legging pattern! It is a really good start to sewing bottoms since it is only 3 pieces! Right leg, left leg and waist band. There is even an add on pack for color blocking, maternity and pockets! It's also a pretty quick sew and one I make constantly, because I live in leggings! They also have multiple cut lengths; shorties, knee, capri and ankle.

• Lane Raglan by Hey June 

Raglan patterns are another good starting place, along with anything with a dolman sleeve. Raglans basically have all straight lines for the main construction, which is great because those sleeves can be tricky at a first go around! This is a comfortably fitted shirt and will definitely be a staple in your handmade wardrobe! 

Notions you may need!

1. Double needle. If you don't have a coverstitch machine, a double needle is a must for hemming knits. it allows for 2 rows of stitching on the front with a little zig-zag in the back for a little stretch
2. Rotary cuter and mat makes cutting out fabric a BREEZE. 

If you try out any of these patterns, link me in the comments or tag me on instagram (@tmcreates) and let me know how it went! Also, keep an eye out for more links to patterns that I love, ranging in all sorts of sewing difficulties. 

Cheers!

Petite Stitchery & Co - Women's Yoggers

Free, free, free. I love free things, don't you? I also love me some joggers! Which is great because these cute little things are FREE! Officially released and ready for you to sew them up! ;) You can find these babies HERE (aff), but you will need to hop on over and join the Petite Stitchery & Co Facebook Group for the coupon code! (Also, check out the free girl's yogger pattern!)

I was able to help test these and I love them. I need to make more! They are super comfy. These blue floral Yoggers >>> were made with double brushed poly from So Sew English Fabrics, and seriously, it is LOVE. The pattern comes in multiple cut lengths; high or low waist, shorts, knee and pants. The knee and pants can be cuffed or hemmed and you can choose to add pockets or skip it for a quicker sew. Note that the high rise is a true high waist, like at your belly button high waist. If you don't love that, stick with the low rise!

I like my knee length shorts to hit right above the knee cap. During testing, I ended up shortening the pattern by a few inches. I honestly should have shortened these by another inch and a half since I didn't make my leg bands snug enough to keep them sitting right where I wanted. #skinnygirlproblems. So essentially, if I shorten my next pair a tad more, then I can keep the leg band the same width (since the bottom of the cuff will be right where I want them. win/win!). I also added 2" wide elastic in my waistbands and shortened the length of the band. Since these are a looser style jogger pattern (btw, don't size down if you want them to be more fitted. These are intended to be a loose fit and sizing down may make things a little weird and wonky), it took me some good effort to attach the waistband to the garment. There is only so much my fabric can stretch! I also like a snug fit, especially if I put my phone in my pocket. So the waistband elastic is a must for me! Also, if you sew these up and they look HUGE before you add the bands, DON'T FREAK OUT! It's all good! Once that waistband is attached, it makes all the difference. Seriously.

Another really nice thing about this pattern: inseams are included! So you can make sure the pants are going to be the correct length from the get-go without having to make any length adjustments. Yay! (well, unless you are super tall or super short...)

TIP: Use LOADS of pins when sewing on the bands if it seems to be a big contrast in size. It makes it much easier. Pin the quarter marks and then the halfway point between those pins. I'd suggest repeating that and adding another set of pins halfway between those pins! Too many pin is never a bad thing!

Tip: French terry and liverpool are a bad idea for the bands :) 

 

 

(Photo cred to my amazing friend Annie!)

Always keep in mind that different types of fabric will have a slightly different look! As you can see with these! <3 Love them both!

Blue floral - DBP (double brushed polly) 
Light green floral - Liverpool


My go to fabric shops!
So Sew English Fabrics
Raspberry Creek Fabrics

If you sew up some of these, be sure to link me below or tag me on instagram! @tmcreates

Happy sewing!

Cheers!

Sew A Little Seam - Mairin Swimsuit

Can you believe it's almost swimsuit season?! For the majority of the northern hemisphere, it's probably still a little chilly, but for us folks in Arizona, it's getting HOT, HOT, HOT! We've already hit a handful of 100 degree days, and they aren't going away anytime soon. Spring is officially over for us! I'm just hoping that summer moves along just as quickly as Spring did. I'm not ready for this Arizona heat! Though, we did have a little cold front this weekend...with a high of 88 degrees (ha!). Everything is going to start looking a little extra dead real soon...

In preparation for summer, Sew A Little Seam has officially released their new Women's Mairin Swimsuit (aff) pattern! (Thank goodness because I needed to make a swimsuit for the #sewswimsocial over on instagram!) And even better, they are giving out a discount coupon for the suit in their Facebook group, valid until 5/30!

The best thing about this swimsuit are all the different options! Bikini, tankini, one piece, wide strap, narrow strap, halter, open back, scoop neck, v-neck, flounce, ruffles, high/mid/low rise bottoms. Seriously everything! You can get fancy with color blocking and make it really something special and everything you've always wanted in a swimsuit!

Swim Fabric:
Raspberry Creek Fabrics
The Fabric Fairy
So Sew English Fabrics

Swim Cups and Elastic:
Sew Sassy Fabrics

Also recommended is wooly nylon for the bobbin.

Introducing the MAIRIN Swimsuit! There's even a matching girls version for your mini! (Taking pictures at the splash pad wasn't as awkward as I was expecting haha. Probably because I made Scott and Max join me!)

#flexappeal ;)

(Photo cred to my amazing friend Annie!)

If you sew up one of these babies, be sure to link me in the comments or tag me on instagram! @tmcreates

Happy sewing!
Cheers!

Orchid 201

May 2, 2018

I think I have FINALLY figured out my Orchid!

So, a little back story. Whenever my husband buys my flowers, it's usually something I have to keep alive. I do well with my garden outside, but not particularly all that well with indoor flowers, that most likely need to be repotted if they are going to survive a tiny bit longer than a week...Anyway, in March or April of 2014 (I can't believe it's been four years!), Scott bought me an orchid. I've almost killed it at least twice, but I have always managed to bring it back to life. I've repotted it at least 3 times and have never seen in rebloom.

But guess what? It's still alive!! Thriving actually. It recently grew a new leaf and another one is growing! It is also growing a lot of new roots that are trying to grow through the pot...literally. I'm crossing my fingers that it will produce a shoot this fall so we can see some flowers. (I honestly don't even remember what color they are. I think maybe yellow/purple?) You can check out Orchid 101 here and see what this baby looked like back in February of 2015. (Took me long enough to figure it our, right?!)

Since this orchid of mine is growing and doing so well, I did some googling. According to Google, Orchids go through their growing season in the spring/summer and then after the main growing season will hopefully produce a shoot! Though, I don't know how this will work since they typically grow new shoots from old ones and mine hasn't bloomed since I got it...I guess we will see!

Here are the tricks that are currently working for me:

Adequate Light Source (not too much and not too little):
Orchids are fickle. Seriously... when I first almost killed my orchid, it was because it was getting WAY too much sun and the leaves were burning. (I also may have been over watering..) 

My orchid currently resides on my front room windowsill, facing east. Our window also has a shade screen on it, which helps with Arizona's bright and very hot sunshine. It resides here indefinitely, unless it's in the kitchen after getting watered. This is perfect for my orchid. Morning sun and then bright light the rest of the day.

Watering:
Too much water and it will rot and die. Too little water and it will shrivel up and die. Another happy medium! I water my orchid every Saturday, or once a week. I let the water run for at least 15-30 seconds on each side, making sure the planting medium is nice and wet. I also let the water run over any exposed roots. Don't forget to dump out any excess water! And don't get any water in the center of the leaves! If you do, use a paper towel to get it out.

Pot/Container:
Orchids need a lot of airflow, so you need a pot with holes. They also have plastic containers that you can put your orchid in and then place that in a decorative pot that doesn't have holes. The nice thing about that, is you can change out your pots/container as often as you'd like and it may be easier for future repotting.

My pot has holes and with how my orchid is growing, I may need to break the pot whenever I have to move it to a different one! (Some roots are growing out of the holes!) We will cross that bridge whenever we get there.


Planting Medium:
This may determine how often you water your orchid. My orchid is in this Special Orchid Planting Mix that I found on Amazon. I just repotted my orchid in March, so in a month and a half, it has already grown multiple new roots and new leaves. So, I am going to say this stuff must really be special! The bark is a lot bigger than I was expecting, but it works perfect! And it's growing, so we must be doing something right.

Sheesh! So much work for a silly little plant! But I love them. They are so pretty when they bloom! And I am determined to get mine to bloom again. I've had it for 4 years, so I'm committed. If you have any orchid tricks, please, let me know! I could use a little help!

May 10, 2018

Happy planting! Cheers!