pattern anthology’s alphabet collection
August 2nd, 2013
The talented women of Pattern Anthology have just released their fall line, The Alphabet Collection. I was honored when they asked me to take part in their blog tour. The coastal cargos I sewed for the spring pattern tour are still in heavy rotation around these parts, so I was excited to see what fall had in store. And it is pretty fantastic: four fall patterns, all designed for both girls and boys, and all a pleasure to sew.
Let’s start with the pants–the dancing pants! Actually they are the W pants pattern by Melissa Mora. These pants were a breeze to sew: the directions were clear, there were just enough details to keep it interesting, and I learned how to sew a zippered welt pocket! I used this lovely mocha chambray from Michel Levine that was sturdy enough for pants. The fabric definitely makes these pants a little dressy–for a night out dancing or the first day of school.
I chose the no-fly option, because honestly my son’s fly is usually down anyway :) Instead of leaving the front plain, I made a fake fly. To do this, I used the pattern for the yes-fly option. Then I sewed up the front, tucked in the weird fly piece, and sewed a few lines of topstitching to make it look like a real fly. Volia!
I made quite a few more changes to the Study Hall pattern by Andrea Pannell. Sometimes you have a vision in your head and can’t stop thinking about it until it’s made. I wanted a simple, straight coat with a bright contrasting zipper. And really, I think it’s the bright blue zipper (from coats & clark) that makes this coat!
Ok, the changes: I lengthened the coat a bit and left out the ribbing on the bottom. I also curved the hem slightly where it meets the zipper. The ribbing on the cuffs is gone too and I added some simple contrasting cuffs in its place. I made the collar out of matching fabric and lined the whole coat with this butter soft aqua cotton from Organic Cotton Plus.
In between the layers I added flannel, so this coat will be nice and toasty on chilly fall mornings. Oh and I added an inside pocket too. Mostly I did it to practice welt pockets, which I had never done before (I made the jacket before the pants). Good thing I did too, because I somehow managed to make the pocket upside down!
This shirt was so much fun to make. The pattern is the Recess Raglan by See Kate Sew. Holy cow, is it crazy quick to sew! The fabric is from Girl Charlee, who along with Michel Levine, Organic Cotton Plus, and Coats&Clark, is a sponsor of this amazing collection. I have been a fan of Girl Charlee for a long time. They simply have great knits at great prices.
I am kind of crazy for this mint color on boys right now. But in the end, it was a little too much mint and I slapped a freezer paper stencil on it. Now my son always has a disguise.
I couldn’t leave my other kids out! So I whipped up another Raglan Recess tee for my youngest. The knits are again from Girl Charlee. I could not resist this anchor print. Paired with the stripes, he’s like a little french sailor in training.
adorable, right?
The last pattern in the Alphabet Collection is the BBC Vest by Shwin Designs. This pattern was so much fun to sew. I love it when a pattern is like a puzzle and looks likes gobble de gook until the last step. Then, suddenly, you have a beautiful finished garment. And this is a beautiful garment. The curved hem in front, the box pleats in back, the shawl collar, and the racerback all make this vest a stunner!
My daughter is way into accessorizing these day, so a vest is perfect for her. When I saw this ikat fabric at Michel Levine, I knew immediately it would become the vest. I like the grown up vibe of the ikat and the kid vibe of the polka dot-ness. Just right for my almost 8 year old, who wants to be a grown up, but is still very much a kid.
That’s it! Four patterns and so many possibilities! The Alphabet Collection will be on tour for another week. All of these patterns can go so many different ways. I can’t wait to see what everyone makes!
Join us along the Alphabet Collection blog tour to see just how versatile these patterns are. Bloggers will be sewing up all 4 pieces from the collection at girl. Inspired., Shwin & Shwin, Sew a Straight Line, elsie marley, Melly Sews, Happy Together, see kate sew, Elegance & Elephants, I Still Love You, kojo designs, Petit a Petit and Family, The Train to Crazy, Delia Creates and Craftiness is Not Optional
The patterns, fabric, and notions were provided to me for this post. I am also a Pattern Anthology affliate, so clicking the Alphabet Collection links will support me and my blog. Thank you!
What a whopping load of awesome clothes! The fabric and the patterns look fantastic!
I love that mint shirt, too. Don’t think my boys would go for that color. :(
you never know…
Meg – for some reason, this post just made me say ‘WOW’. You are making just beautiful clothes for your gorgeous kids. They look just great!
aw, thanks Amanda.
Love it Meg! I bought the same mint for my son’s shirt, but then chickened out of using it and used the mint/gray stripe instead. Thanks for showing me it can look great on a boy!
it can! and does!
WOW Meg! I love your style, and LOVE what you did with all the pieces! What a great post. Thank you so much for sewing these up!
Stunning! Each piece is fantastic Meg. That ikat vest is perfect.
amazing, Meg! I love every piece, especially the shirt. Pure awesomeness!
Love these pictures – all the pieces are awesome – I love seeing the versatility in the collection. Also, I LOVE the chambray. Must buy more fabric. ;)
you will not regret buying more fabric :)
Meg, these are all amazing- I love the colors you chose…. That jacket is especially great!
i love the glasses and mustache did you screen print or stencil it on?
nicole, it’s a freezer paper stencil I made.
I’ve been thinking about these clothes since you posted this. That sailor raglan T! Those pants! That mint! Super duper well done and thanks for the inspiration.
[…] links to see all the posts from: girl. Inspired., Shwin & Shwin, Sew a Straight Line, elsie marley, Melly Sews, and Happy Together. They will blow your […]
I need that chambrey and the graphic you put on the shirt in my life!! It all turned out great, and I love that you included all three kids. You’re amazing.
NAILED IT, Meg. Love that you split the collection up among your kids, really shows the versatility of it all. Awesome work!
I love it when you participate in these group sewing thingys and how it introduces me to a fresh batch of sewist blogs! Thanks!
[…] Mint to be at elsie marley. […]
I just love your color palette- so fresh. And I am going to have to make a raincoat now- what a great idea! Everything looks so great.
[…] The collection includes four patterns, for both girls and boys, for 20 bucks. Not bad! You can see everything I made from the collection here and some of my favorites from the tour are pictured […]
[…] Elsie Marley […]