It’s getting serious over here. A few months ago I started a crusade to update my wardrobe and make it a little more classy since baggy jeans/cutoffs, t-shirts, and flip flops were pretty much all I wore.
I went through and thought about things that made me default to a t-shirt and the decided to create pieces that fit my lifestyle AND how I would ideally dress. I started with this cute top and cardigan, then kept on working on coming up with patterns that would fit the bill. And you’ll remember my most recent Ravenna Top. Then Lauren from Baste + Gather put together this tour of momiform MAKEovers, and it was exactly what I was doing so I had to join in.
Over the last month I’ve taken sewing for myself seriously and I’ve added several more pieces that really have made a difference. And while I’m sharing them all together today, there’s way too much to talk about in one post, so I’ll be giving more detail on these patterns in the coming days (affiliate links included).
Let’s start off with the Everyday Elegance Top from Patterns for Pirates. It’s loose, flowy, and cute belted. I tried it with both the Colette Juniper pants (which I altered a TON so they don’t look like the pattern anymore) and with a pair of fitted jeans I already had for two different looks. I made it from a navy scaly silky print from Jo-Ann Fabric. The shorts were made from a kelly green essex linen from Michael Levine.
The jeans are transformed when I pair them with the top, cardigan, and fun colorful shoes.
Next is the Natalie Top from Liola Designs (provided by Go To Patterns). This one is also looser, which is good when you need to be able to move freely with kids. I made the Natalie in a dreamy Nest Berries cotton voile and it’s been perfect for warm days and will also layer really well. I made some alterations, but I’ll share those in another post.
Then I made the Jacole Skinny Pants. Confession–these are the first skinny pants I’ve ever made or worn and I really only made them to wear with boots. But I kinda like them with heels. They were super fast to make too, so I’ll be sharing another version soon.
(Never you mind my facial expression–my elderly neighbor decided to take a seat across the street and watch me take photos, and I was clearly watching him watching me.)
I also found this McCalls 7199 pattern for a cowl neck asymmetrical jacket that I just had to have. I made it from this Charcoal Ponte de Roma, and it’s so snuggly to wear and I love the details all throughout the jacket. I pull it on all the time in the mornings when its still chilly and can’t wait to wear it all day. I already have another one of these planned–its perfect for my lifestyle.
So what do you think? That was a lot of sewing for one post, but I love that each morning when I get dressed I look a little more put together which makes me feel better.
Are you MAKE-ing over your Momiform? Join the fun on Instagram with hashtag #momiformmakeover
I have that same navy scale fabric, only I hated how dark the navy is compared to the white so I used the wrong side. And I totally wear mine with some capris that are Kelly green color!
I have a Sew Much Ado pattern, the Seafarer top that I love. But I have looked at the Winter Wear Designs Jeans more than once trying to decide if I am brave enough to sew me some jeans!
I hadn’t thought to use the back. Since I have some left over, perhaps I’ll try it that way for one of the girls. I haven’t done jeans yet, but I love Winter Wear Designs patterns, and would trust her completely with guiding me through the first time. Good luck!
I love how you have shared lots of garments together:) We get to see how it all works together. I could do with transforming my wardrobe, but get out off by how I end up in thick woolly jumpers all winter!!
Thank you Vicky. Originally the shorts were going to be aqua pants, but that project got derailed. The aqua will just happen a little later, and they would have tied everything together even more, but oh well!
You’re a machine!!! I love them all. I’ve had two of my self-made tops die because of a dear husband trying to help with the laundry, so I hope yours fare better than mine 😉
I’ve never sewn so much for one post, but its been fun. Which ones died? I keep thinking about your sugar pop top
Ha, one WAS my cute Sugar Pop top- it got totally mangled in a load of towels (!) and the collar was frayed to oblivion. I cried, and I’m not ashamed to admit it! The other was a hi-low top, it shrunk really badly, even with two pre-washes. SO: hand wash or gentle cycle only for delicious, buttery fabrics!
Good thing I do all the laundry. 😉
Love the asymmetrical sweatshirt. I might have to pick that one up at the next McCall’s fire sale!
Thanks Katie, you really should. It’s so stinkin’ cute and comfy.
Fabulous job on all the new garments. You will love all these new pieces and thanks for some new-to-me patterns.
Thank you Lori! I love trying new designers, and several were new to me this time.
You are so lucky to have the skills to be able to make your own custom wardrobe. No one could ever guess that you didn’t take a trip to the mall and buy all new clothes. LOVE those yellow shoes, by the way!
Aww, thank you. Hugs!
Love it all- especially the jacket/cardi details.
Thank you Emily. Yes, the jacket is seriously my favorite ever. And that says a lot.
I think it’s super cool that the Janome has 170 built-in stitches!
Yes–although I would probably only use a handful. Oops!
I would love to make the Everyday Elegance top and the Jocole Skinny Pants.
They would work well together too.
Great pieces! I love the Everyday Elegance, but I have to admit that my favorite is the McCalls jacket you made. Perfect uniform.
Mine too. I love that thing.
Very Cool! Lots of versatile pieces!
That was the plan–it was derailed a little with the green shorts, but I love them regardless.
I love that jacket! As for the Janome Machine – I love the idea of a 7 part feed dog!
I’d love to make the everyday elegance top by P4P!
It was a fun sew!
Thank you! I love the idea of the whole machine in my house…ha!
Such cute outfits! You are an amazing seamstress!
That Janome machine looks wonderful but I could never afford one. The automatic thread tension control system sounds fantastic. The tension is something that has frequently given me problems on other machines. I also like the feature of those six LED lights. Thanks for the opportunity to win one!
Thank you so much–that means a lot to me. And fingers crossed for you!
And now for the second Rafflecopter … I loved the patterns from the Mouse House. The Norah dress and tunic pattern is so sweet, and I would also love to try the Julia women’s cardigan.
I’ve sewn both the Norah (twice) and the Julia (twice)–you’ll love them!
Okay my oldest daughter read this blog and made sure I read it (even tho I subscribe to you !LOL). She absolutely hates my jeans & tshirt style, and is always trying to get me to wear dresses, dressy shirts etc. BUT daughter dear I work outside in the garden, around my roses (I have 15 of them), and I help with the lawn mowing, fire wood cutting: so that would just ruin a dress or a dressy shirt Well that didn’t go over very well, its the truth and I am sticking to my tshirts and jeans around the… Read more »
OOps I forgot as to why I was commenting !LOL Brain overload today … I really like the bobbin item on the machine !
Guess I need to read both rafflecopters before I reply !!
So sew easy would be my choice .. Thanks for your patience
Hugs!
It happens to me ALL THE TIME.
You and your daughter are awesome. I love the banter. And thank you for always being so sweet!
I am totally in the same position you were in – shorts, tees and flip flop uniform. But it’s time for a change … mostly because winter is coming! I love all of the items you have made. The Janome Skyline S5 looks amazing! I would love to sew with it! I imagine it would be a lot of fun trying out all of the stitch options!
Isn’t it funny how we get stuck in a rut so easily? I’m not going to lie–I’d love to sew with the Skyline too!
Wow, oh Wow, oh Wow. this is simply amazing. I love each and every outfit!
Annika, you just made my day–thank you!
Gorgeous work! I love both of your tops. I’m going to check out the patterns now.
Aww, thank you Abby! They are great tops.
The Everyday Elegance top looks great! I think I would need to include that and the raglan from P4P in my mumiform makeover. I really want to give the Hudson pants a go too.
Those sound like great patterns! I’ve only sewn the Everyday Elegance though.
I love how all your looks are interchangeable! The zip jacket is my favorite!
Thank you! The jacket is my favorite too. 🙂
These are all so great! Love the skinny pants and the tops especially. You’ve inspired me to do a bit of selfish sewing!
[…] let’s talk about the skinny pants. I first showed them to you in my Momiform Makeover post, but didn’t get the chance to really tell you about them. Once again, they’re a […]
[…] Jumper designed by Jenn from Jennuine Design in an aqua linen that I bought a long time ago and used on these pants. But it was perfect for this jumper. This pattern has the option to make pants, shorts, or a skirt […]