Introducing: Clever Charlotte!

How was your Father's Day?  Ours was low key, but included some of the below, Nigella's recipe, although we've had better, and some lovin' on the papa of the house.  Those are his weaknesses ;)

But, I know I promised a show & tell & giveaway...

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I'm a details kind of gal.  Did you know that about me yet?  For some odd reason, I like the tedious handwork and the extra little somethings that take more time, but add the perfect subtlety that sets it apart just so.  So, when I find a pattern that I like, I take advantage of using someone else's hard work of trial and error of size and fit so I can focus on the details.

Recently Erin Wagner, the creator of a new pattern line called Clever Charlotte, contacted me and asked if I would try out a couple of patterns from their spring/summer line.  Twist my arm!  It was fun to delve into her designs for two of my girls. 

I made the Sandpiper capri & top as well as the Finch top & shorts.  I made them in coordinating colors, and glad I did because we ended up switching them around according to the sizes of my girls.  [In fact, it was Azure I made all these for, and they ended up on her sisters :( Must remedy soon.]  I will share a few modifications and simple additions I made to mine.

On Olive is the Finch top. [by the way, don't you love the clever bird names?]  I omitted the shoulder bow, and used an oversized shell button instead.  The necklace?  Olive made it from shells she strategically [ones with holes] collected over the weekend...that's my girl!

Aren't the lines simply sweeping?  The racerback design is not one I've seen around and it is perfect for little girls on the go in the heat of the summer.

She's wearing the Sandpiper capris.

I love the lines on these as well.  You have the option of using a contrasting band or keeping it monochromatic.  I omitted the bows.  Originally these were on Clover, but I recommend them for older girls who are not in [potty] training.  The front panel ties in the back and the back panel comes around to button in the front.  I think I might consider adding elastic instead of ties for an easier, more comfortable fit, but when Olive had her turn at wearing them, she commented how comfy they were.  I like the sailor-esque look, but with an Asian twist.

Here they are on Clover.  They fit in the waist, but are longer in the length, so do your measuring as you may want to combine two sizes, depending on the look you want.  

And did I mention they're reversible?  What kid doesn't love a secret switcheroo?

And on to little Cloves: the Sandpiper Top.

This took me mere minutes to whip up [minus the machine embroidery I added].  It is a perfect project for a beginner.  It's easy and straightforward.

It is also reversible, but I made mine with a sheer on one side and the pattern of the lining showing through.  I love how it turned out so much that I doubt I'll be flipping it over.  You could also see my seam allowance [scandalous!] that might or might not bother you, but I saw it as an excuse to use my favorite machine decorative stitch: the scallop.  I positioned it right along the seam allowance, so the edge appears darker, but you can't differentiate the exact seam allowance.

She's wearing the Finch shorts on the bottom.  They appeared to me to be relatively simple, but are actually rather involved.  An advanced seamstress would enjoy this challenge, as you are working with 24 individual pieces cut out, and I didn't even add any! ;)  BUT, I wholly adore this little number almost as much as the girl in them.  They are perfect for any age because, while there is a smooth waistband in the front, the back has elastic in them.  No buttons or closures, just easy up and easy down.

I made some fabric covered buttons for the tabs out of the orange top fabric and used a chain stitch to add my brand in some silk embroidery thread.  I also sewed a tiny pin tuck along the crease of the 4 front pleats as well as had my pleats on the outside of the shorts instead of facing inside.

Those buttons?  A thoughtful, kind reader sent them to me because she knew my infatuation with buttons and thought I could use them.  Those are the best types of gifts, no?  Random, but thoughtful!  She found them at M&J Trimming. 

When using a decorative machine stitch, be careful to go at a consistent speed without pulling or pushing your fabric to get an even stitch.  The rounded parts were tricky, but I just moved slowly and pivoted at the dips in the scallop.  I am in love with sheer over pattern!  You may be seeing more of that here soon.

My Cliff's notes version review of Clever Charlotte Patterns:

• Love the simple, clean lines
• Love the innovative designs
• Take care when assessing the sizes to make, as they are generous
• The instructions are thorough, but there is more reading/less diagrams than a big name pattern
• They are classy pieces that can easily be mixed and matched and won't go out of style
• Love that sizes 2-8 are included, so you can make them for 6 years in a row if you want! ;)

You can also buy Clever Charlotte Kits with fabric and notions included for those who have a hard time deciding on what fabrics to coordinate or don't enjoy dragging little kids to the fabric store [my kids usually dread it].  They include all the sewing supplies down to the tracing paper!

SO!  I am giving away 2 Clever Charlotte patterns, one each to 2 readers.  OR if you're the type of person who never wins you can just go ahead and buy your patterns, sewing kits, and notions at 20% off [use code: nobigdill] now through Wednesday, the 22nd [so act fast!]


How to enter:

• Leave a comment.  Easy Peasy.
• Please leave your email address if it is not linked to your profile.  If, for some reason you cannot comment, shoot me an email to let me know: sewapropos [at] gmail [d0t] com, and I will lovingly add you to the drawing.
• Open until Wednesday 11:59 PM EST, if you want to get all technical.  Good luck!  Closed.