13th Avenue Co.

Greenstyle Inspire Tights Pattern Review

**Disclosure: This blog and the posts on it may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small compensation when you make a purchase using my links at no additional cost to you. This allows me to help my little family, and I appreciate your support in doing so!**

I’ve been sewing a lot of these workout leggings lately, and wanted to hop in and give a quick review! They have quickly become my go-to pattern when I need a pair of workout leggings in a hurry.

The pattern is brought to you by one of the best athletic PDF pattern makers out there- Greenstyle Creations. It features 5 different hem lengths- shorts, Capri, cropped, long, and extra-long. You can also choose to add a gusset, which is a triangular shape, or make them with no gusset.

There is an optional hidden waistband pocket as well. As if that weren’t enough to make it a great pattern, you can do inserts on the front, or in the back of the knee, or both! Or you can just leave them as plain leggings. Sometimes when you have fabric you want to really showcase, the plain option is best. That’s what I opted to do with this striped fabric, pictured below.

(This is striped supplex from The Styled Magnolia Custom Fabrics. )

I’m 5’7″, which is what the patterns are drafted for- lucky me! I made a pair out of nylon spandex (also from The Styled Magnolia) and used the extra-long cut line so I could do a fun split hem.

One modification I do when making these is to increase the waistband height. After having 3 kids, things are not as tight as they once were around my midsection, and raising the waistband helps to hold everything in, especially when using compressive fabrics. I typically add 1-1.5″ to the normal height.

The pattern has very detailed and easy to follow instructions, so whether you’re a beginner or a pro, or somewhere in between, this is a great pattern for you. You can snag it with my link here.

If you end up sewing yourself a pair, or 5 of Inspires, I’d love to see them!

Happy Sewing!

❤ Kayliegh

My New Wardrobe Staple

Greenstyle Staple Tank Pattern Review

You know those old ratty layering tanks you have in your closet? The ones with the stitching coming apart on the left side, or holes in the front where you’ve pulled it over your belt countless times, or the worn out color that doesn’t resemble the one you bought? Or is it just me that has those in my closet? (Insert embarrassed smirk here). Either way, I am excited to tell you about the latest pattern from Greenstyle! It’s the perfect staple for your wardrobe- so the name “Staple Tank” is spot on!

The Staple Tank features a slimmer strap, but has enough of a strap to cover your bra straps. You can also choose to bind the neck and arms, or use bands. I made two with bands and two with binding. For this style of tank, I think the binding is my favorite. It takes a little longer to do binding, but it is so worth it and I find that I’m getting quicker each time I do it.

I lengthened mine by 1.5″ at the lengthen/shorten line on the front and back bodice pieces, because I like to have my bottom layer a little longer so as not to show my mom tummy. I also graded from a size SM bust to a MD waist, since these love handles just keep holding on. It fits so well! The four I made in testing have already been in heavy rotation.

I used a couple different types of fabrics for these. The pink is a cotton blend that feels like a rayon spandex. I’ve had it in my stash for quite a while, so I don’t remember where it’s from or the exact fiber content. It is lighter weight and curled a lot when I sewed it, so I had to go a little slower on the bands and hem. The black with white Deathly Hallow symbols is from Joann’s. They have some awesome Harry Potter knits! The fiber content is a cotton jersey, and it was great to see with. The gray is an athletic brushed polyester from Amelia Lane Designs Fabric. ABP is a moisture wicking fabric, so it’s great for a workout tank, as well as for layering in the summer time! My solid black is a cotton jersey that was in my stash.

I typically always have a tank on underneath my shirt- I guess I’m just from the layering generation (think stretch lace hemmed tanks that peeked out from under your shirt!) . So you can bet that I’ll have a closet full of these tanks!

Purchase your pattern here and get to sewing the perfect staple for your wardrobe!

Happy sewing!

❤ Kayliegh

Greenstyle Studio to Street Top

Hello sewing friends! It’s time again for another pattern review. I just got done testing this top for Greenstyle and it released today! You can get it HERE.

The Studio to Street top is a top with dolman sleeves. It has a few different neckline options, as well as different sleeve and hem length options. And it really is a fast sew! I say that a lot I know, but you can get a crew neck style done in 1-1.5 hours, cut to finish. The v-necks do take a little longer, but are so worth the time!

I know there are a lot of dolman patterns out there, but I think this one has a unique style and stands apart from what else is out there. Plus, you can never have too many patterns! 😉

At first I wasn’t sold on the top, as I am used to wearing form-fitting tops and anytime I have tried to wear something more flowy in the past, I felt it made me look larger than I was. But after about the third STS I made and seeing the other tester’s versions, I was sold on the style. It is so comfortable and can be dressed up or down. And Greenstyle patterns are always well drafted and have very thorough instructions. It’s one of the reasons why it’s my favorite!

Now for my favorite part- showing you what I made!

This top is pictured above as well, and is a crew back with V-front. I also joined the band at the sides, rather than doing a split band hem. I used a double brushed poly fabric from Raspberry Creek Fabrics for this one!

I loooove stripes and couldn’t resist using them for at least one of these tops. This is the crew back and crew front version with the split band hem. It is sooo cozy and warm in this baby French Terry fabric from So Sew English.

And that’s all she wrote! I mean literally, all I’m going to write about it.

Until next time, happy sewing!

❤ Kayliegh

The Organized Sewist: Project Planning

Happy New Year, friends! 2018 was an awesome and eventful year, full of some pretty amazing completed projects for me.

A goal of mine for 2019 is to get more organized. The saying is true (especially for me, ask my dear sweet husband) “creative people are rarely tidy.”

But it feels SO MUCH BETTER when I have a clean space to sew in, and I know where all of my supplies are without having to search. It’s going to take a constant effort, but it will be worth it.

With all of the amazing projects I got to do last year, I found that I really need to write things down. I used a little notebook to keep track of my clients measurements, as well as plan out each project. I.e. which fabric, pattern and sizing to use for each. I am a very visual person, so I also liked to sketch this out next to the rest of the data.

See my cute notebook?

This was working okay for me, but I knew my process could be a little, shall we say “tidier”.

So I decided to come up with a better way. Without further ado, I give you “The Sewist’s Planner”.

I made it into a PDF file, so that I could print multiples for each page. I have a measurements chart for women AND men, a fabric inventory sheet (let’s be honest, I may NOT have printed enough pages for my stash), a weekly tracker page, a monthly calendar, project planning page, capsule planning page, and a page for doodles in the back. I printed multiples of the pages, based on what I thought I’d use this year, and added a few more on top of that to be safe.

I printed the covers on card stock and off to my local copy shop I went. They did the nice, thick laminating on the front and back cover, and then spiral bound the whole thing for me. I paid roughly $4 for them to do this, and now I have a sweet planner for my sewing this year.

Here are a few peeks at a few of the pages:

Doodles Page

I just listed the PDF file on my Etsy Shop! It’s listed for $7.50, but my blog readers can get it for $4 with this code: ISYM13.

And because I am excited about it and want to share, here is the FREE PRINTABLE: women-men measurments for the women’s and men’s measurement sheets. I hope you enjoy!

Here’s to another great year of creating and sewing- and being more organized while doing it!

Happy Sewing, Friends!!

❤ Kayliegh

Faux Knot Headband Tutorial

A couple of years ago, I was looking for a specific headband pattern–one that featured a knot but was continuous and didn’t have to be tied. I scoured Pinterest, and to my surprise, there was nothing out there like what I was looking for. So, I went to work trying to figure it out on my own. After a few prototypes and some tweaks, I succeeded in recreating the image in my head.

I’m excited to share this tutorial with you! This is my own pattern, and I’m sharing it with you for free– so I’d love if you could give me credit for my design by directing your friends to this post. Thanks for supporting me and my family!

Supplies: Here’s what you will need!

1/4 Yard of knit fabric- you’ll want light-medium weight fabrics, as the heavier weights don’t yield as good of results, in my experience!
- My favorites to use are Cotton Lycra (also sold as Cotton Spandex, Cotton Jersey, and Rayon Spandex
- I also like double brushed poly for a warmer headband
- For athletic headbands, you can use athletic knit fabric i.e. athletic brushed poly
Fabric cutting scissors (I LOVE my Ginghers: Gingher Dressmaker Shears)
Sewing Machine and/or serger (serger is nice, but not necessary)
**OPTIONAL Double needle for knits (I like these!)

Cutting Steps:

Cut a rectangle 20″ wide by 9″long. Since 1/4 yard is 9″, your width will be cut already. (With a less stretchy fabric, cut the width at 21″) I can usually get 3 cut out of the entire width of fabric, since most knits are 58-60″ wide. My last one might be short, so I usually make kids sized headbands out of those pieces. Note: You want your fabric to stretch with the width of fabric.

Sewing Steps:

Fold the fabric with right sides together- hot dog style.

2. Stitch with a serger or stretch stitch along the raw edges on the long side.

3. Turn right side out, centering the seam in the middle of the headband.

4. Fold the headband in half with right sides together, lining up the raw edges and seam on the short sides. Offset the top layer so that the side of the top meets the seam in the middle on the bottom.

5. Wrap the left side around so the side meets the center on the bottom. Wrap the right side of the bottom around to overlap the top layer. It will create a sandwich!

**See video for step 4&5 here!

6. Stitch through all layers at the short end., about 3/8″ from the raw edge. I like to use my double needle here to give it a nice finished look, even though you won’t be able to see this part.

7. Trim the excess threads and fabric, so that it’s about 1/8″ away from the stitching. Be careful not to cut through your stitching line!

8. Turn the headband right sides out, so that the seam is on the inside of the band. This will flip out the knot you created. You can pull on each side of the knot until it sits the way you want it to.

ANNNNd with that, we are finished! I love wearing these headbands when my hair’s up in a bun. They are also great for working out! I like wearing them with the wide side on the top, AND the knot side on the top. It’s fun to switch it up!

If you need further help, check out the video I did: Faux Knot Headband Video Tutorial

Not ready to sew your own yet? That’s okay! I have some available for purchase in my shop .

Let me know how yours turn out!

Happy Sewing, Friends!

❤ Kayliegh

Greenstyle Warrior Pants

Pattern Review

Greenstyle has just released their latest pattern- and it does not disappoint. The warrior pants join an awesome lineup of workout pants patterns on the Greenstyle site. But they are not your ordinary workout pants!

The pattern was designed with yoga in mind, but you don’t have to hold the tree pose to enjoy the comfort they offer. You can dress them up or down!

The pattern features 3 lengths- capri, ankle and full. I made a Capri version and a full length. The full length brushes the floor when I’m wearing them. They also have a yoke, two waistband height options, and the best part: an open leg design and pockets.

The pocket construction was a slight learning curve, but with any Greenstyle pattern, the tutorial is well laid out and easy to follow. You just have to take it slow and go step by step! My second pair was much quicker, and a lot of fun to make!

Overall, the pattern is well drafted and the fit is awesome.

I’d highly recommend grabbing a copy of the pattern while it’s on sale!

Here are a few more photos of mine:

Happy sewing, friends!

❤ Kayliegh

Greenstyle SoLo Tank

Pattern Review

One of the things I have enjoyed sewing in the last couple of years is my own workout clothes. Having clothes that fit well and help me feel good while I’m working out is actually one of the things that motivates me to workout. So I’ve been working on perfecting some techniques so I can amp up my workout gear!

I had the awesome opportunity to test this tank top pattern for Greenstyle Creations. If you’re not familiar with these patterns, well then say a big hello. Not only do they offer some amazing and fun everyday wear patterns for women (and some for men and kids!), they also make the best athletic patterns around. The site features workout tights, different style of tanks, and even sports bra patterns. I also love the fit of every Greenstyle pattern I have sewn. The owner and pattern designer is and engineer by profession, so these are very well drafted patterns!

The SoLo tank accompanies a handful of other tanks on the site, but is unique in the design. It features a lowered armscye, narrow racer back and a more roomy hem (which you can make to tie for a tighter look). This design allows for optimum movement when working out. No restricting armholes with this one!

It’s always an awesome time to test patterns for Greenstyle. I’m glad I have 3 new tanks to add to my workout wardrobe! And the SoLo is a quick sew. The longest part of the process is adding the binding to the neck and armholes, but the end result is worth it.

BINDING NOTE: I used 3 different fabrics to make mine.. and had to adjust the binding length a tad for each.

The cotton jersey I used needed no adjustments to the binding, as it was structured enough to stretch like o needed it to.

I also used an athletic brushed poly fabric for one, and I should have added 1/4″ to the bindings, (1/2″ total). Fabric source: Surge Fabric Shop

My last one was made from a lightweight triblend fabric, and I added the most to the bindings- about 3/4″ total. Fabric Source: Sly Fox Fabrics

So I think the key that I learned was: the lighter the fabric, the more tendency it has to curl when attaching to the neck and armhole. It just doesn’t stretch as well, so adding extra will help alleviate that (and a lot of headaches!) when sewing it in.

Grab your copy of the pattern while it’s on sale through Sunday!

Happy ATHLETIC sewing, friends!

❤ Kayliegh

Sew A Little Seam- Once Upon a Pattern

Testing the Pattern

Halloween season is upon us, and with three little kids, costumes have been a hot topic at the dinner table for quite some time.

So when the testing call came up for this pattern, it was perfect timing. I signed up to do the harem pants with sweetheart top option.

I made my tall, skinny girl the size 5, but on the top I did an 8 length. The pants are a straight 6, though I probably could have gotten away with doing the same as the top: a size 5 with more length. They still fit pretty good!

This pattern is well designed, and there are so many options. You can do a princess dress, mermaid tail, harem pants and so much more. It was so fun to be in a group with such creative people.

One of my favorite parts about this pattern is that it is drafted for both knit and woven fabric. This is so that you can stretch it over a child’s head to get it on, and eliminates the need for closures like zippers and snaps.

My daughter requested to be Jasmine for Halloween, and thanks to this pattern, I was able to deliver on that. Grab your copy of the pattern now!

Sew A Little Seam: Once Upon A Pattern

Happy Halloween! 🎃🎃

❤ Kayliegh

2018 Summer Sewing Roundup

Can you believe how fast the summer can and went!? Now we are planning Halloween costumes and drawing Christmas names.

I didn’t want to get any further in the year without giving my summer sewing projects some due credit. I like to look back and see how far I’ve come, so I’m documenting this for the future!

13th Avenue Handmade

One thing I did this summer that kept me busy was re-branding my small clothing business. I’ve got a group on FB with some amazing clients that I see for when I have the time. I’ve set it up to be flexible, so I can pick it up when I have time, or take a break when I need it. It is a blessing in my life to have the support from these awesome family members and friends! They send me pictures of something they want, and I get to turn that dream into reality for them. You can join my group here!

The main thing I sewed for my group this summer was shirts, though I did do a few shorts as well.

I’m including the patterns I used as well! Take a look:

Mommy and Me Dresses

I also got to make some Mommy and me dress sets. I love to mix and match styles to make these sets.

Check it out:

Headbands

I went to a local event on the Fourth of July as a vendor. I had over 300 of these headbands with me. They were a hit! I designed them myself!

Flower Girl Dresses

My brother got married in August, so I got to make my two girls and my two nieces matching dresses! They turned out so cute. They were simple, but oh so elegant.

Want to make your own? Here are the links to the pattern sites I noted on the pics (*some are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase using my link, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me support my sewing and my family. Thanks!)

Greenstyle Patterns is awesome. They have a lot of athletic wear as well as casual. They are one of my favorite companies, because of how well the patterns are drafted and how well they fit me and my clients.

Patterns for Pirates (P4P) have patterns for the whole family! They are also well drafted Patterns and fit my family well.

Made for Mermaids (M4M) have mommy and me Patterns that are sooo cute on any size!

Do It Better Yourself (DIBY) Club these guys have a lot of awesome patterns, including jeans!

Peekaboo Patterns (PAB) I love these patterns for my kids! The Gloria dress is probably one of my most-sewn Patterns!

Simple Life Pattern Company (SLPCO) they have gorgeous dress patterns for girls. The Aria that I pictured above, has enclosed seams inside and out. It is a very well made pattern that makes a very well made dress!

If you try out any patterns from these companies, send me a pic of what you’ve made. I’d looove to see!

Projects not included above are altering 2 wedding dresses, and some fun projects for an awesome pattern company.

That’s a wrap! It was a fun and busy summer that I won’t soon forget!

Happy Sewing friends!

❤ Kayliegh

The Making of a Dream Dress

Jessica’s Dream Dress

Jessica dress3 — Look at this gorgeous bride!

I had the great opportunity to make a wedding dress for a friend this summer. After testing patterns in the spring that helped my skills to grow, I felt confident that I could give this friend what she was looking for.

My process went as follows:

I found a pattern that was closest to what I knew I needed for the style. I am pretty confident in altering patterns, but I still wanted to find something as close as possible- saving myself some work! I also knew I didn’t want to try to create a different size, so I found a pattern that had the size (s) I needed. The pattern is the Upton Dress by Cashmerette Patterns. They have the option to get PDF or a paper pattern. You all know how much I LOVE my PDF’s, so that is the one I got. (I also ended up getting the sleeve expansion pattern for the dress. I used the cap sleeve for the lining and used the same cap to draft a longer sleeve for the lace overlay.)
I ordered fabric from Fabric Wholesale Direct. I got 15 yards of poly silk lining, 10 yards of white chiffon, and 5 yards of gorgeous Victoria stretch lace. (I knew I wouldn’t have any stretch in the bodice, but I loved the style of lace. It worked great with my woven lining.)
I took Jessica’s measurements and was able to place her in the pattern sizing (the body measurement chart and the finished garment measurements helped with this!). I had to grade out for the waist and hip, but it was easily done with this pattern.
I made a mock-up of the dress using a bleached muslin from Joann’s. This allowed me to have her try it on, and make sure the pattern alterations I had done were accurate. I was excited that we only had to make a few modifications at this point.
Once the practice round was done, I got to work on the actual dress. Because I had to join the lining with the outer fabric, I was only loosely able to follow the pattern directions. 3 layers of chiffon, 1 layer of lining and a gorgeous lace bodice later, and the result was stunning. I added a ribbon in Jessica’s awesome red wedding color, and a brooch from Hobby Lobby, and it pulled the whole thing together.

I am SO grateful for the opportunity to make this dress for Jessica, and I am still stoked that she loved it so much. I learned so much throughout the process. The biggest lesson is- trust in your skills and dive in! But also take your time, haha!

Check out these stunning photos from the wedding day:

Jessica dress2