My Beautiful (not) Batwing is done!!

Hi everybody- you may remember me grousing on an on about how I messed up so bad on this top. But hey- I think it's pretty cute! Decide for yourself... Here's the shots from my recent photo shoot, photographed by my best friend and awesome twin Anna!!! :)

WriterChick's Request: Tank/Tank Dress

  Hi everybody! Recently, I was sent a pattern request from "Writer Chick". After searching for free patterns, eventually I found a tank top that I know everyone will totally love! It has awesome braided details, and, as usual, is absolutely free! Here's the pattern URL: http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/braided-neckline-tank      

By BurdaStyle member clairesophie

Over the course of the past summer though, I have seen quite a few "tank dresses pop up. Do make a tank dress, I would suggest making the braided neckline tank, and the basic elastic skirt. Here are the alterations that I would suggest:
1. Instead of adding the elastic casing to the skirt, simply gather the hem of the tank and attach the skirt to the gathered edge
2. This outfit would look cute with the tank being made out of a bright, solid knit, and the skirt being made of a cute patterned cotton.

Here is a tutorial and pattern for making a tank dress: http://go.tipjunkie.com/hm/1043/icandyhandmade.blogspot.com/2011/06/tutorial-three-part-harmony.html


~Happy Sewing, Lilly

Catastrophe Adverted

 OK, I have to admit that I was getting a bit melo-dramatic in that last post. Luckily though, I called in my grandma, who just happens to be an AWESOME sewer. Let's just say, she got me out of my predicament in no time.  Thanks SO much grandma! :)
So, I'm back on the way to an awesome bat-wing! Woo-hoo! I will definatley post pics when I am finished. It looks so awesome! (Now that I have it fixed haha)

~Your not frustrated (now) sewing buddy, Lilly

Frustration- Urgh!

Sometimes I think that I just can't do anything right. I mean, when have I not messed up, whether it be small, or large? Well, this time it's pretty big. I started to sew my Back to School Batwing, and I did everything right- all I had to do was sew one cuff one. ONE CUFF onto the whole garment. . But, with my luck, I put the cuff on wrong, and because I used a double overlock stitch, can't take it out. I'm going to have to cut off the cuff (they were a little uneven to begin with, the one I messed up being the longer)- but, I guess it is better than a hemmed cuff or a cuff with raw edges. What do you think I should do? I want to get the top done by Sunday, so please vote between now and tommorow. Should I:
a) Cut the cuff off
b) hem the cuff
c) do nothing
d) Your Choice
Write the letter of your choice in the comment box. Thank you so much for your help!!
~Lilly, your sad and frusturated friend. :(

Tired of searching for the perfect bag in the perfect print? Search no longer- a whole new pattern, a whole new look. And the great thing is that the entire bag only uses 2 yards of fabric. Download the instructions and pattern at http://fabricworm.blogspot.com/2010/09/patternless-messenger-bag-tutorial.html !

~ Lilly

What patterns do you want to see on TeenSew?

 The range of free patterns out there, is, as you can see, near endless. I don't always know what to search for- but I'll bet you do. If you want to see a specific pattern on Teen Sew, simply drop by, and add a comment to this post. I'll be sure to fill your request within the week! Let's see what patterns we can come up with together!
~ Lilly

Cute to the Max

 Yah, I know that summer is almost gone. (Tear) but hey, what better time to get a great sale at the local fabric store? Here's a cute and, as usual, FREE pattern for a maxi dress I found. URL: http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/dots-invasion-dress
I haven't been real good with sizes, but on most patterns it says what sizes, especially on Burdastyle. If you have any questions about sizing, email me at this address: teensew@gmail.com . This dress fits US sizes 6 & 8 (most patterns feature sizes 0-12+) but hey, whats a little sewing without alterations? :D

This is a drawing of what the end product will look like, by burdastyle member anajan.


Here's some finished products

kapuscin

timi55

From Ordinairy to Extra-Ordinary!

This pattern is relativley easy to follow, and the results are so, so cute! The great part about it is, it all depends on the fabric you choose! This pattern, is SO up there with my "To Sew" List. It's called the "Chickadee". How cute is that?  It features flutter sleeves, a sloped hem, and a cute scoop neck! Here's the URL: http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/chickadee
And, as usual the finished pics, all accredited to the website above.
The captions are the finished pieces Burdastyle User Names.


rachaelemily87

 

prudencerabbit



   

 

This BurdaStyle User, Maldrich, even added cute floral details to the neckline!

Dolmans

I don't know about you, but I am in love with dolmans! I think they are really, really, cute. So, I found a pattern (duh). Because who am I, if not pattern surfing!
Here's the URL: http://happylife-taeco.blogspot.com/2011/06/roomy-dolman-t-free-pdf-pattern.html
Here's the picture of the finished product, accredited to here: http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/star-t

 

Want to see other sorts of patterns on TeenSew? Want to share your own pattern? Simply post a comment or just email me at teensew@gmail.com!

Ralph Lauren Fans

And now, for all you Ralph Lauren fans, a East Coast-inspired Blazer Pattern. And no, it does not come with the cute Polo Applique! :) Here's the pattern: http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/jorinde
Here's the finished product  photo, by , and the accredited photo URL:  http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/black-linen-jorinde-one-of-my-favorites

New Pattern

I have a friend who is very in to dresses- for every occasion, her go to look is: you have it, a dress. American Eagle has some very cute ones, and so I looked over the web to find a look alike. And it seems I have found one. The style isn't for me, but I am sure that some of you readers will like it!
Here are pictures of the completed dress from the pattern: http://dressesonaclothesline.blogspot.com/2011/07/poppies-are-all-grown-knee-deep-by-now.html

Here is the dress that I tried to find! Unfourtanatley, it doesn't account for the cute eyelet hemming!

  And, alas, here is the pattern!  http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/lace-strapless-dress

My Fashion Forward

I just finished taking pictures of my latest Fashion Forward ensemble. Feel free to comment, and don't forget to email me your own, so your fashion will be shown to the world! Here's the pictures:

Fashion Forward

What is Fashion Forward? Fashion Forward  is a page where you can show off your favorite fashion ensembles. Simply email me at teensew@gmail.com with your AGE APPROPRIATE fashion pictures. It can be any style- indie, boho, preppy, whatever. It doesn't even have to be handmade. It will be a place to show the world what you and your fashion are made of!

I can't wait to see what everyone is putting together!
~ Sincerely, Lilly

TeenSew Fall Showcase!

Hey bloggers! Have you come across anything cute and crafty? Want to showcase your own back to school collection? Now's the time to show it off! Simply add your link as a comment, and I will put it all together in TeenSew's first Fall Showcase! Your items don't have to be sewn either... They can be knitted, crocheted, whatever! The only rule is that it has to be handmade, by either you or a friend! Add your link, and see what other's needles and threads (or crochet hooks or paint brushes or knitting needles or other assorted crafty tools) have been up to!
Happy Sewing,
~Lilly! :D

What's Next?

     I have finally returned from my vacation, and now, it's time to get my sun burned butt back to sewing! Right now, I am working on my "back to school batwing". I am currently putting the pattern together (darn those paper patterns!) and I will start to cut out the pieces in a couple of hours. I don't think that I will do a summer sew-along episode, but I may do a tutorial or something like that. Meanwhile, I will still be scouring the web for cute patterns, making more run way ready outfits for my mannequins, and just being all-around crafty!
It's great to be back again!
~Lilly

Summer!

It's summer, and what does that mean? Va-ca-tion! At approximatley o'dark thirty, I will be leaving for the thrill of my summer. The only problem is, no electronics... Which means no blogging :( But feel free to comment, check out the site... And don't worry! I'll still be sewing!
~Lilly

Etsy

I saw the etsy link on many a sewing blog, and I've always wondered... Is it worth it? What are the pluses and minuses, the pros and cons, of using Etsy.
Thanks so much!

Episode 3 is HERE!!

After a long, long, wait, it's safe to say that episode three is finally here. This cute hat will definatley be a big part of my wardrobe next year! Check out the pics at the bottom of this post!

Back to School Essential Pattern

Over this past summer, I have wanted to familiarize myself with essential skills such as drafting my own patterns. I have been looking all over for a cute and easy pattern to try this out with, and wa-lah- in moments, I found it! For BurdaStyle's Amy skirt, all you will need is about 1 yard (more if you want to make a lining) of fabric and some elastic. Here are the instructions: BurdaStyle Skirt Pattern .

Happy Sewing!
~Lilly

Yep, Another New Pattern!

Hey Sewers- Lilly here. Just thought I'd let you in on a new FREE pattern: It's the Cute Tulip Skirt ! Here is some pics from www. burdastyle.com




It's perfect for the workplace or for school!!

Episode 3 of Summer Sew-Along!

YAY! Episode Three is on it's WAY! I know that the original release date was some time ago, but today, I finally took it upon myself to go get the elastic needed for the final few steps of the hat. And I have to say, it is turning out beau-ti-fully!!
Stay Tuned!
~Lilly

Pattern Search!

Hi everybody-Lilly here! After scouring my favorite pattern site, Burdastyle.com, I was insanely dissapointed to find that most all of the cute patterns cost money. OMG! Real Money! :)
 So, I am looking among other sites, checking if they have what I want. Here's where you come in. If you have seen patterns like this on any website, simply email me at teensew@gmail.com . Even if you find a pattern that isn't included in my pictures, email me anyway! I would love to hear from you-and my Back To School wardrobe would too! Here's some of the items I am looking for:
 Cargo Jeggings
 Crop Top
 This, Sadly, is a real pattern, but if you can find a cheap  free pattern, for it, great!


Jersey Knit Tops and Jeggings! Yah, Jeggings would probably be very complicated to sew:(

 Thanks so much for your help! All entries/finds will be posted under the "Patterns" Tab! Thanks again, Lilly :)

Love in the Afternoon Dress

In the search for the perfect Back-To-School look, I have been scouring the web for cute, downloadable, and FREE patterns. What can I say? I am a total cheapskate! This dress isn't really my style, but I thought that some of you might like it. Here's the Link :Click Me!

Here is the Size Chart for the Pattern:

Size 0: Bust-32", Waist-26", Hips-35"
Size 4: Bust-34", Waist-28", Hips-37"
Size 8: Bust-36", Waist-30", Hips-39"
Size 12: Bust-38", Waist-32", Hips-41
Size 16: Bust-40", Waist-34", Hips-43"

Here's what the completed dress will look like (Photos Accredited to http://www.craftstylish.com/item/62585/free-twinkle-sews-dress-pattern)

Shirred Mini Dress Pattern

I was searching the www when I came across this free pattern from burdastyle.com. The website is here: http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/52011-mini-dress-with-shirred-bodice .

Happy Sewing!
Lilly :)

Mannequin Makeover

I've decided to make Mannequin Makeover a permanent feature of this blog. It basically showcases my designs, only on a small scale figure. Here's another outfit I created! (What? I got bored!!)

                                                     A Romp in the Park

This Romper is made of blue knit fabric

Perfect for a day in the park!

The ruched details at the waist bring a more feminine touch!

The Bandanna and open arm holes make sure you stay cool!

Mannquin Makeover Part 3