Regaining My Sewing Power

Why does 2020 seem so long ago? Two years ago I was busy sanitizing groceries, making sourdough, homeschooling my child, etc. I always told myself that it was temporary, a couple weeks. I would get to sew “tomorrow” and tomorrow never came. The hobby that I enjoyed so much started to feel like another chore. It didn’t matter if I sewed something for myself, I was living in sweatpants. My sewing was consumed with masks, repairing masks, and the occasional make for my growing child. I was mentally exhausted. I didn’t realize that I was in ‘Groundhog Day’. Fast forward almost two years to the day and I decided that I was sick of feeling this way, I needed to think of something that would make me feel like myself, not something that I was sewing for someone else, just something for myself, that was NOT a mask.

I started with the Rain City Pattern Company Tight Tank with Heavy Rayon Spandex.

From there I moved on to a few new sports bras. I like the FREE Hyacinth Pattern from OhhhLulu. I used Tricot and Powernet and I added a band. Do you know what started to happen? Putting on something that was new, basic but new, gave me that quick boost of confidence that I forgot that I missed. It felt sooo good to wear something that wasn’t just that same pair of sweatpants. To be fair, I was alternating between two pairs of sweats.

Alas, the joyous spark was ignited. Then I started to think about what I could make that wasn’t so “casual”. At the same time Chalk & Notch released the Wren. I like that it is drafted for different cup sizes and has a shirt and dress within the same pattern. I used Rayon. One technique that I always use is French Seams . I love the finish of them. Yes, it takes longer but I do sew for longevity and it is worth it.

Next on my list is:

  • This gorgeous top from True Bias. It’s called the Roscoe Blouse and includes a dress in the pattern also made by Jasmine Macias, made in Rayon

I hope this blog inspires some of you to also reignite the creativity. I didn’t realize how much was missing til I started it again. What is something on your list to make?

Melissa

SWIM WEEK 2021

The time has come for Phee Fabrics annual swim week! It will run from Monday, July 5th til Sunday, July 11th. There will be daily prizes, discount codes and giveaways! All entries will be submitted through the Phee Fabrics Facebook page.

We are so lucky to have collaborated with the following sponsors:

Discounts offered:

All promotions cannot be combined with any other sales or discounts from sponsors

  • Phee Fabrics Tricot and Stretch Twill : 20% off with code SWIMWEEK21. Valid from 7/4 – 7/15
  • Swim Style: 20% off 20% off with code phee20. Valid from 7/1 – 7/11
  • Rad Patterns: 30% off anything in the swim category with code RADLOVESPHEE. This is only available on their website and valid 7/1 – 7/11
  • Edgewater Ave: 20% off with code PHEE20. Valid from 7/5 – 7/31
  • MIKO Patterns: 21% off with code PHEExMIKO21. This is only available on their website and valid from 7/4 – 7/11
  • Bikini Design Club: 10% off with code PHEE10. Valid from 7/5 – 7/11. Only one per customer with a minimum purchase of €7
  • Sew Swimmingly: 15% off with code SSSWIMWEEK15. Valid from 7/4 – 7/11

Prizes:

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To find out the winners please read this blog

BAG MAKING WITH PHEE

For well over a year Phee Fabrics has been sourcing and trying out bag hardware to find ones that are high quality and durable. If 37 years of experience has taught me anything, it’s that you can’t compromise on the quality of fabric and hardware. The kits allow you to purchase all the hardware for a bag without having to go crazy trying to organize. The kits can be found HERE.

Free Sewing Patterns Review

During the month of March we focused on free patterns. We find that free patterns can be a blessing and a curse. It gives you the ability to try out the drafting and instructions of a specific designer. Overall, these patterns have had positive feedback. We look forward to adding more to this blog in the future.

PATTERN: Hey June Durango

FABRIC: Heavy Rayon Spandex in Emerald

“This was my first make from Hey June, the instructions were clear but the armholes were too large so I had to modify them. I’m excited to try a paid pattern from them.”

PATTERN: George & Ginger 40k Sway

FABRICS: Left – Pixlefly Eden AGF Cotton Spandex. Right – Oatmeal Ribbing

“I loved the 40K sway, the instructions were super straightforward and it even included hip and bust grading mark points which I thought was really great especially for a free pattern. It came together in less than an hour and looked great”

PATTERN: DIBY Anything but Basic Tee

FABRIC: Left – Striped Away Sky AGF Cotton Spandex Right – Light Gray Rayon Spandex

PATTERN: Grainline Studios Hemlock Tee

FABRIC: Chora Winds AGF Cotton Spandex

“This boxy tee had great instructions and the sizing was accurate”

PATTERN: Striped Swallow Cloud 9

FABRICS: Top – Royal Blue Rayon Spandex Bottom – Foliage Escape Lapis AGF Cotton Spandex

PATTERN: Violette Field Thread London Dress

FABRIC: Roses & Letters, Raspberry Rose, Tranquil Waters

“I LOVED it! And plan to make more! My daughters love them and won’t stop wearing them”

PATTERN: Misusu Rowan Tee

FABRIC: Gecko Trails AGF Cotton Spandex

“Loved the Rowan tee for ease, quick sew, and projector friendly”

PATTERN: Hey June Racerback Dress

FABRIC: Fields of Silene AGF Cotton Spandex

“The pattern is pretty awesome and turned out super cute. I’ve had the pattern for like 3 years and has been on the top of my list but this is when I finally made it”

PATTERN: Little Lizard King Galena

FABRIC: Serein Branchlet AGF Cotton Spandex

“I’m all about the puff sleeves, and with a half circle skirt, it gives twirl while also not using up so much fabric like a full circle skirt. I can see myself using it again!”

PATTERN: Swoon Dakota Tablet Clutch

FABRICS: Endless Paradise Denim and Breezy Blossom Lemonade

PATTERN: Bagstock Designs Sunshine Crossbody Pouch

FABRIC: Snowing Night, Tracery Floralia, and Tender Green

Happy Sewing

Art Gallery Rayon Inspiration

Phee Fabrics is now stocking Art Gallery Rayon. During the month of April we worked up some of the patterns listed below to show the versatility and drape of this gorgeous rayon. The reasons we love this base is:

– Rayon is abrasion resistant

– Rayon is made from natural fibers, like bamboo and beech trees and the process makes it a semi- synthetic fabric

– Rayon has a “fluid drape”, meaning that it hangs and moves in a flowy way, similar to a liquid

– Rayon is more absorbent than cotton and is cool and breathable

– Our rayon is machine washable

– Oeko-Tek certified

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PANTS

KIDS

SHIRTS & DRESSES

We can’t wait to see your favorites and creations. Make sure to share them and tag #pheefabrics

Let’s Get Cozy

Does anyone else feel like cooler weather just shows up and you are scrambling for something to wear? I feel ya. A cool weather warm-up and the patterns to go with it.

Cozy French Terry

We used different shades of Cozy French Terry and patterns from:

Rebekah Sweater from Sonia Estep
Lakeside Joggers from Sinclair

Lisse Hoodie from New Horizons
Lexi & Lou Loungers from Made for Mermaids
True North Hoodie from Max & Meena

Tania Coatigan from Jalie
Raglan Sweater from Lowland Kids
Going Home Sweater from Ellie & Mac
Merry Mittens from Max & Meena

Let me know what you want to make with Phee Fabric’s Cozy French Terry

Happy Sewing

Melissa