Jersey Lovin' (and a giveaway!)

Welcome to CraftyHour for my stop on the Jersey Love Tour! I was super excited for a chance to be part of Bonnie's tour and try out one of her great new patterns. AND also try Riley Blake's new line of  Jersey Basics!

I had a hard time choosing which pattern to try. The Runaround Pants looked like they'd be great on one of my boys, but I know just how hard they are on pants. I also loved the Carnival Skort (keep scrolling! ;] ). Finally I chose the Beachcomber Dress - picking out fabrics for it was a treat!

The pattern: As with every one of hers I've used, Bonnie's pattern was perfectly detailed, printed out properly, and was easy to understand. There were a good amount of tips and pointers for working with the fabric that really made it easy. I decided on the size 18 months because Abigail is still wearing mostly that size in ready-to-wear.

The fabric: I have sewn with knits before, with varying degrees of success - interlock, rib knit, jerseys - but never anything like the RB jersey! It's mostly cotton with 5% spandex, giving it a great recovery. When the fabric came I was in awe of the soft and smooth feel, but sewing it was even better. I don't have a walking foot on my machine and sometimes have to rely on spray starch to be able to sew knits. With this, I just lessened the presser foot pressure and it fed through beautifully! The best part was not worrying about finishing anything or hemming!

The BEST part about this wonderful jersey - washability! While I was taking photos in the backyard, little missy snitched a baby tomato from the garden, and right after this next photo, sprayed it all over her front! I was horrified, but with a pre-treatment, it washed right out! Then the next day my husband spilled coffee (don't worry, not hot) down the front, so in the laundry again. The stains came out and it still looks great!

It was a great sewing experience and we now have a gorgeous quality, hand-made garment that gets lots of comments when we're out! She loves her soft and "pitty" dress and I definitely love how easy to clean it is!

The only modification I made from the pattern was to add a back neck reinforcement/size tag. 

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...and then... I had enough left to make a Carnival Skort too!

Again, great detailed instructions with colour photos of each step. The only twitchy bit was getting my head around sewing the shorts, waistband and skirt together. Stretching the waistband to fit while stitching it all flat was a bit tricky, and then when I turned it right side around I realized the shorts were wrong side out! Durrrr... A bit of stitch-picking later, and rereading the directions and then it worked out properly.

The fit is great! I love that the skirt did not need elastic in the waistband, which sits comfortably on her and doesn't sag or droop at all.

The little shorts attached underneath are the best! I may just have to do this for skirts in the future. The diaper/panties are covered at the same time as they keep the skirt from twisting around.

And just because she's so cute smelling "fowers":

Be sure to have a look at all the previous stops on the Jersey Love Blog Tour, as well as the stops for tomorrow - the last day!

Tuesday, 8/13: Call Ajaire & Rock the Stitch
Wednesday, 8/14: imagine gnats & Busy, Beautiful and On a Budget
Thursday, 8/15: Shaffer Sisters & Blue Susan Makes
Friday, 8/16: Rooibos Mom & Mama Says Sew
Tuesday, 8/20: Designs by Sessa & Hopeful Threads
Wednesday, 8/21: Making More with Less & Sew Can She
Thursday, 8/22: Crafty Hour & Winter Wonderings … Wanderings & Whatnot
Friday, 8/23: Little Kids Grow & Max California

Now - how would you like to try one of these patterns? Bonnie is very kindly giving away your choice of either the Beachcomber Dress pattern or the Carnival Skort pattern! Just enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway