Last month on our blog, we shared a collection of tween dresses, showcasing how Oliver + S patterns can be adapted for older kids. We’re excited to keep expanding on those ideas and today, we’re thrilled to introduce Stacy, a mom of two tweens, who’s generously sharing how she customized a couple of tops for her tween daughter to create a layered look perfect for fall and winter. While this style was designed for a tween (typically ages nine to twelve), these tips and techniques can be applied to various sizes, making them versatile for other age groups as well. Thank you so much for joining us today, Stacy! Sewing for a tween can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope—there's a delicate balance between pleasing their sense of style and keeping things practical. Tweens often have strong opinions about what they want to wear, and they’re heavily influenced by trends they see among their peers. To ensure my creations meet their expectations, I involve my daughter in the design process: 1. **Fabric Selection**: Before starting any project, I ask for her input on fabrics and patterns. 2. **Adding Bling**: I incorporate some sparkle—whether it’s a touch or a splash—to make the outfit pop. For today’s project, I showed my daughter a catalog from a popular tween store to spark some inspiration for fall fashion. She was particularly drawn to denim shirts, so I used the Sketchbook Shirt pattern as a base and tailored it to her preferences. The resulting top is a personalized twist on a classic design. Since my daughter is slender, I wanted the shirt to fit snugly without being overly boxy. To achieve this, I omitted the back pleat and opted for a stretch woven chambray fabric, which offers flexibility while maintaining structure. Additionally, I lined the yoke and the inside of the placket, cuffs, and collar with a contrasting cotton fabric. These small details transform a standard button-up into something truly special. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this project was customizing the collar. Instead of using the original pattern, I created a separate collar stand and collar. This approach gives the finished product a more polished appearance, though it requires a few extra steps. First, I used the existing neckband as the collar stand and cut the collar along the red lines indicated on the pattern piece. After interfacing the pieces according to the instructions, I sewed the collar together on the sides and top, then topstitched it. Next, I sandwiched the collar between the layers of the collar stand and stitched everything in place. Once assembled, I turned the collar right side out and attached it to the neckline. A final touch of topstitching along the neckband completed the look. For the button placket and cuffs, which are initially combined into one pattern piece, I split them apart and added a 1/2-inch seam allowance to differentiate the inside and outside fabrics. If desired, you can adjust the inside fabric slightly larger, fold it down, and secure it with topstitching to reveal a subtle hint of color. To add a touch of flair, I incorporated iron-on rhinestones—a trend that’s widely available nowadays. I purchased mine from a local Michael’s store, but they can also be found online or at other craft stores. I embellished the yoke seams and pocket with a rhinestone strip, creating a ready-to-wear vibe that my daughter absolutely adores. When laundering these pieces, I recommend washing them on cold and turning them inside out to preserve the rhinestones. Building on this theme, I also crafted a Field Trip Raglan T-shirt with lace detailing on the sleeves. Lace is currently trending, and this pattern is both easy and versatile. I chose a stretch lace overlay for the sleeves, paired with a complementary knit fabric beneath. Given our colder climate, I ensured the body of the shirt provided adequate warmth by cutting it to size 7 for width and size 10 for length. Adjustments were made to accommodate my daughter’s slim frame and preference for fitted clothing. By grading the arms from size 10 at the hem to size 7 at the armscye, the final result is a perfectly tailored fit. For added visual interest, I used a stencil cut with my Silhouette Cameo to decorate the front of the shirt. Other methods I’ve tried include freezer paper stencils, art transfer paper, and iron-on rhinestones. These personal touches not only enhance the shirt but also make it uniquely meaningful for my daughter. I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my customized versions of Oliver + S patterns. Tweens are constantly evolving, and adapting patterns to suit their tastes ensures their wardrobes remain stylish and functional. Let me know if you try any of these ideas—you might just inspire another parent-child sewing adventure!

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