Modkid Modified // Zoey Top with Shoulder Ties

You know I love the Zoey Summer Ensemble!! Today, I'm bringing you one more option for the Zoey Top!

 

I sewed this top in knit, but the process is exactly the same for woven fabrics. This is view B without the side elastic casings. To get started, cut all of the pattern pieces for view B except the casings and tabs. (Certainly add the casings if you wish!) You will also need (4) 14" pieces of 1/4" ribbon. I've actually used 1/2" bias tape sewn closed.

After sewing the shoulder seams, baste the ribbons right side down on either side of the seam very close to the seam on the wrong side of the fabric at the neck opening. Attach the facing pieces as you normally would catching the ends of the ribbons.

 When adding the bias binding around the arm opening be careful not to catch your ribbons in the binding.

After the arms are bound, pin the ribbons parallel to the shoulder seam.

Fold the facing down wrong sides together, so the shoulder seams are aligned and the ribbons are sandwiched between.

From the right side of the top, stitch in the ditch of the shoulder seam. Then, sew two casing rows on either side of the shoulder seam about 3/8" from the seam. Go slowly, so you don't catch the ribbons in the seams. If it catches, just grab your seam ripper and try again a little further away from the seam. (Not that that happened to me. :) )

 

 

Cinch up those shoulders, tie and bow, and enjoy your new detail!!

 

Be sure to check out our Zoey Summer Ensemble Sew-Along if you would like more step by step photos for sewing the Zoey. 

Home Dec for Apparel

When you think about home decor fabric, does your mind automatically turn to curtains, pillows, and maybe the occasional tote bag? I'm hoping to help you branch out of that box maybe just a little bit today. Home dec fabric actually has a place in the apparel world. All home dec fabric may not be created equal, but Riley Blake's Home Dec fabric has just the right softness combined with sturdiness to suit the right apparel pattern. 

Pants, shorts, and skirts are ideal pieces in which home decor fabrics might be used. Here, I've used Patty Young's Vivid Lattice in Navy for a pair of Zoey Shorts.

The body of the fabric yields a very clean pair of shorts that will stand up to lots of toddler play. I would also suggest Riley Blake home decor patterns for a Pleated Skirt and Sophie Pants.

I've also paired the shorts with a modified Zoey top made with Patty Young's Vivid Knit for Riley Blake. So, have a little fun with mixing prints and experimenting with unexpected fabric choices for apparel patterns.

Stay tuned for another post about the modification I made to the Zoey Top.

 

If you are looking for a cooler weather apparel option, the Paige Hooded Blazer might be the perfect thing!!

There is only one stop left on the Home Dec Love Blog Tour, but be sure to check out all of the previous inspiration!!

6/15 - Riley Blake Designs

6/16 - Jina Barney Designz

6/18 - Rae Gun Ramblings

6/19 - The Happy Housie

6/22 - Choo Choo Skadoo

6/23 - A Bright Corner

6/24 - Tea Rose Home

6/25 - Pie Plate Patterns

6/26 - Life After Laundry

6/29 - Sew Like My Mom

6/30 - Simple Simon & Co

7/1 - Smashed Peas & Carrots

7/2 - The Stitching Scientist

7/3 - Heart Zipper

7/6 - Quiltscapes

7/7 - Fearlessly Creative Mamas

7/8 - Diary of a Quilter

7/9 - Jedi Craft Girl

7/10 - Freetime Frolics

7/13 - Modkid Boutique

7/14 - Riley Blake Designs - Giveaway

Zoey Sew-Along // Results and Winners

We've had quite a fun group of sew-along participants for the Zoey Summer Ensemble!! From pattern hacks to sister sets, these ladies outdid themselves! 

The first participation prize of 5 Modkid PDF patterns goes to Carrie Simpson. The second participation prize of 3 Modkid PDF patterns goes to Jacqueline Johnson. Congratulations!!

I've collected all of the sew-along posts in the Modkid Zoey Sew-Along Page, so you can access these posts at any time through the links in the sidebar of the blog. We love what you make, so keep sharing and creating!

Zoey Sew-Along // Day 5

Can you believe you will have a whole outfit complete after you finish today's sewing?!?  Note: All seam allowances are 1/2" unless noted otherwise.

If you used yesterday's pressing tip, you just need to touch up those hem folds at the new seams. If you didn't already press the hems, press them now 1/4" to the wrong side then again 1/2" to the wrong side. Stitch the hem close to the inner fold.

View C: Bring the tab to the right side of the shorts and pin in place directly over the previous stitches. Secure in place along the topstitching.

View C and D: Place the front waistband and back waistband right sides together and stitch along the two short ends. Press the seam open.

Fold the entire waistband in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press. Along the back waistband only, stitch exactly 1" below the folded edge to create a casing. Optional: Topstitch very close to the top folded edge. Make sure you leave enough room for your elastic!

Pin waistband to shorts right sides together with raw edges and side seams aligned. Stitch from side seam to side seam along the back waistband only. Starting 1" from the side seam, stitch along the front waistband stopping 1" from the opposite side seam.

Using a safety pin or bodkin, maneuver the waistband elastic through the opening at the side seam, into the casing, and out the other side. Be sure the end of the elastic doesn't get pulled into the casing. Pin the elastic at each side seam.

Secure the elastic ends in place from the right side by stitching along the side seam. Stitch the gaps in the waistband closed.

Finish the entire waistband with a serger or zig-zag stitch.

Press the seam down and topstitch.

View C: Place each button tab right sides together and stitch all the way around leaving a small gap for turning.

Trim the seam allowances and clip the curves.

Turn the tab right sides out and press well. Topstitch close to the edge closing the gap.

Pin the tab in place centered on the front waistband of the shorts. Secure in place by attaching two decorative buttons.

These are such great pieces for a summer wardrobe! We can't wait to see your finished product!!

Be sure to add your photos of the completed ensemble to our Facebook Group before Monday, March 23rd to be entered to win the prizes. You can share photos on Facebook and Instagram tagged with #zoeysewalong. We will announce the winner next week!

See the rest of the Zoey Sew-Along here:

Announcement

Supplies

Schedule and Prizes

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Zoey Sew-Along // Day 4

It's time to move on to the shorts!! Note: All seam allowances are 1/2" unless noted otherwise.

View C and D:  I always like to mark the back pattern pieces to keep everything straight. Also, mark the tab/pocket location. For View C, mark the tab location on the wrong side of the fabric. For View D, mark the pocket location on the right side of the fabric.

Place one shorts front right sides together with one shorts back. Sew the straight side seam and finish with a serger or zig-zag. Repeat with the other front and back shorts pieces.

View C:  Place two tab pieces right sides together. Sew along two long edges and one short edge. Clip the corners and turn right side out.

Press well and topstitch along the 3 sewn edges. Finish the raw edge with a serger or zig-zag stitch.

Place one tab wrong sides together with with a shorts side piece. Center the tab on the seam and place the sergered/zig-zagged edge at the mark. Stitch in place. Repeat for the other tab.

View D: Place two pocket pieces right sides together and sew around all four sides leaving a gap open at the bottom for turning. Clip corners and turn right side out through the opening. Press well. Topstitch along the top edge only. On the right side of the shorts align the bottom edge of the pocket with the mark centered at the side seam. Topstitch the pocket in place along the sides and bottom reinforcing the top corners. Repeat for the second pocket.

View C and D: Here is where I apply my tutorial on How to Avoid Pressing in the Round. Go ahead and press your hem, 1/4" to the wrong side then again 1/2" to the wrong side. Do NOT stitch yet! If you like to save the pressing until the end, that is fine too!

Place the two shorts sides right sides together. Stitch along the front and back curved edges. Finish the seams with a serger or zig-zag stitch. Press the seams to the right.

Turn the shorts right sides out. Topstitch both center seams.

Turn the shorts inside out again and unfold the pressed hem. Pin the front to the back right sides together at the crotch lining up the center seams. Sew the crotch seam and finish the edge with a serger or zig-zag stitch. 

We will have just a few more steps to finish these up tomorrow!

 See the rest of the Zoey Sew-Along here:

Announcement

Supplies

Schedule and Prizes

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

We’d love to see your progress!! Show us your photos in our Facebook group. You can also share photos on Facebook and Instagram tagged #zoeysewalong.

Zoey Sew-Along // Day 3

If you are sewing View B of the Zoey Ensemble, you will have a few more steps today, but is should be a fairly quick sewing day.

View B only:  For each of your casing strips, fold the long edges to the wrong side 1/4" and press. Press the short ends to the wrong side 1/4".

Pin the wrong side of the casing to the wrong side of the bodice where marked. Topstitch close to the edge along the long sides.

Using safety pins feed the 1/2" elastic through the openings at each end. 

Secure the elastic by stitching through the casing at elastic at each end. Trim any exposed elastic.

View A and B:  Hem the bottom by folding the bottom raw edge to the wrong side 1/4" and then again 1/2". Stitch close to the folded edge.

Install snaps or create (6) 1/2" buttonholes along the wearer's right side where marked. Attach 6 buttons along the wearer's left side.

You are halfway to a complete Zoey Ensemble!!

See the rest of the Zoey Sew-Along here:

Announcement

Supplies

Schedule and Prizes

Day 1

Day 2

We’d love to see your progress!! Show us your photos in our Facebook group. You can also share photos on Facebook and Instagram tagged #zoeysewalong.

Zoey Sew-Along // Day 2

Today will be a full day of sewing!! This is a very long post, but I am covering both views. Note: All seam allowances are 1/2" unless noted otherwise.

View A and B: Place each front bodice right sides together with the back bodice. Pin and stitch at the should seams. 

Finish the seams and press toward the back.

Place each front facing pieces right sides together with the back facing piece. Pin and stitch at the should seam.

Finish the seam and press to the back.

Finish the outer edge of the facing with a serger or zig-zag stitch.

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View A only:  Pin the collar to the neckline aligning back notches and collar edges with notches. Baste in place.
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View A and B: Place bodice facing right sides together with bodice. Pin around the neckline and down the front edges. Stitch around the neckline with 1/2" seam allowance and down the front edge with 3/4" seam allowance.

Trim and clip the neckline curve. Clip the corners.

Turn right side out pushing out the corners. Press well and topstitch. Topstitch under the collar for View A.
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View B only: Fold each shoulder tab in half right sides together. Pin and stitch along the long edge. Trim the seam allowance to 1/4".

Press the seam allowance open and centered on one side of the strap. Turn the tube right side out and press well.

Topstitch along each long edge.

Place one tab seam side down over the shoulder seam. Align the raw edge with the raw edge of the arm opening. Wrap the tab over to the inside of the bodice, so the other raw edge aligns with the arm opening from the inside. Baste at a scant 1/4".

The pattern calls for double fold bias tape for the arm opening. I am going to show you how you can also use single fold bias tape. Consult the pattern instructions if you are using double fold. (Note: Using single fold bias tape will make for a slightly bulky seam at the tabs.) Cut your 1 yard of bias tape in half. Starting at the underarm, pin the bias tape right sides together with the bodice arm opening. Slightly tug the bias tape as you pin. Stitch the bias tape to the opening along the first fold. Press the bias tape over this fold, but do not press to the inside of the bodice yet. Repeat for the other sleeve opening.

Pin the font and back bodice right sides together. Stitch from the bottom of the bodice up to the raw edge of the bias tape. Finish the seam. Repeat for the opposite side.

Press the bias tape to the wrong side of the arm opening enclosing the raw edges. Stitch along the inner folded edge of the bias tape.

This is what it looks like from the outside.

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View A only:  Place two sleeve pieces right sides together. Stitch along the curved edge. Trim the seam allowance and clip the curve. Repeat for remaining two sleeve pieces.

Turn sleeves right sides out and press well. Topstitch sewn curved edge.

Pin the straight edge of the sleeve right sides together with the bodice arm opening. Align the sleeve ends with the notches and align the center notch with the shoulder seam. Stitch through all layers; sleeve, facing, and bodice. Repeat for other sleeve.

Finish the entire sleeve opening with a zig-zag stitch or serger. Repeat for the opposite side.

Close up the side seam by pinning the front bodice to the back bodice right sides together. Stitch from the bottom of the bodice to the arm opening. Finish with a serger or zig-zag stitch. Repeat for the opposite side.

Fold and press the sleeve seam allowance to the wrong side around the entire opening. Topstitch around the entire sleeve opening. Repeat for the opposite side.

That's it for today!

See the rest of the Zoey Sew-Along here:

Announcement

Supplies

Schedule and Prizes

Day 1

We’d love to see your progress!! Show us your photos in our Facebook group. You can also share photos on Facebook and Instagram tagged #zoeysewalong.