Last month on our blog, we shared a collection of tween dresses using Oliver + S patterns, showcasing how versatile these designs can be for older kids. Continuing with that theme, today we’re thrilled to introduce Stacy, a mom of two tweens, who will guide us through customizing a few tops for her daughter. Her goal? Creating a layered look that's perfect for the cooler months ahead. While this specific outfit was tailored for a tween (ages nine to twelve), the tips and tricks she shares can easily be adapted for other sizes as well. Thank you so much for joining us, Stacy! Sewing for a tween can feel like walking a tightrope—there’s a delicate balance between pleasing them and ensuring the clothes fit well. Tweens often have strong opinions about what they want to wear, and peer influence plays a big role in their fashion choices. To keep things harmonious, I involve my daughter in the decision-making process from the beginning. For example, before I start sewing, I’ll show her fabric options and patterns to get her input. And because tweens love a touch of flair, adding some sparkle or embellishments is key. For this particular project, I showed my daughter a catalog from a popular tween retailer to spark some inspiration. She fell in love with the denim shirts featured, so I decided to recreate one using the Sketchbook Shirt pattern. I made a few tweaks to suit her preferences. The first change involved the fit. Since my daughter is slim, I omitted the back pleat to create a sleeker silhouette that hugs her frame. Instead of the usual non-stretch fabric, I opted for a stretch woven chambray, which gives the shirt a bit of flexibility without sacrificing structure. To add an extra layer of fun, I lined the inside of the yoke and placket with a contrasting cotton fabric. This detail adds a pop of personality, especially when the placket ties around her waist. To customize the collar, I decided to create a separate collar stand and collar instead of using the original pattern. This method ensures the collar stands upright and looks polished. First, I used the existing neckband for the collar stand and cut the collar along the red lines provided on the pattern piece. Next, I interfaced the pieces as directed in the pattern instructions and sewed the collar together on the sides and top. After topstitching, I sandwiched the collar between the collar stand layers and stitched them in place. Once everything was assembled, I flipped the collar right side out and prepared it for attachment to the neckline. A final step involved topstitching the neckband after securing it to the shirt. Another modification involved the button placket and cuffs. The original pattern combines these elements into one piece, but I chose to split them apart to achieve distinct inside and outside fabrics. By cutting them in half and adding a ½” seam allowance, I was able to achieve the desired effect. If you'd like the placket to showcase a bit of the inside fabric, simply make the inside piece slightly larger, fold it down, and secure it with topstitching. After completing the shirt, it was time to add some bling. Iron-on rhinestones are readily available these days, and I picked mine up at a local Michael’s store. For this project, I adorned the yoke seams and pocket with a strip of rhinestones. This small touch transforms a basic shirt into something special. When washing, I always use cold water and turn the garment inside out to preserve the embellishments. Next, I created a Field Trip Raglan T-shirt with lace detailing on the sleeves. Lace is currently trending, and this pattern is both easy and stylish. I added a stretch lace overlay to the sleeves over a soft knit fabric. Given our colder climate, I avoided making the entire sleeve lace for practicality. To adjust the fit, I took the body measurements from a size 7 and the length from a size 10. This approach allows me to tailor the design to my daughter’s proportions. Since she prefers her shirts to fit snugly, I graded the arm openings from size 10 at the hem to size 7 at the armhole. For the finishing touches, I used a stencil cut with my Cameo Silhouette to add intricate designs to the front of the shirt. Freezer paper stencils, art transfer paper, and even iron-on rhinestones are other techniques I’ve experimented with. Personalizing the shirt with elements she loves truly elevates the handmade aspect of the garment. I hope you enjoyed this tween-friendly twist on Oliver + S patterns. With a little creativity and customization, even the simplest patterns can become something extraordinary. * * * P.S. If you're looking for more sewing inspiration or want to share your own projects, feel free to join our community! There’s always room for more creativity and fun.

Flannel Bedding Fabric

Flannel Bedding Fabric

We specialize in producing all kinds of cotton.polyester.modal velvet series.rayon.bImboo fiber slub velvet series.stripe.sprout velvet series.stretch velvet series.Jacquard velvet series,printing.embossing.burn-out.ebroidery.embroidery.bronzing.wrinkle.crumple and other finishing velvet series.which are environmental.high color-fastness.bright color.fuliness.feeling soft.clear stripe.elasticity,elc;mainly made of men and women suits.casual wear and gportswear,shoes,hats,Children clothing and other apparel products.Decoration of KTV and hotel,sofa,curtain,bedding.cushion and other home textilc products and crafts.etc. Wc also specialize in warp knitting velvet.Their main materiaI are polyester,cation,rayon.Dyeing series mainly include ice flower faux velvet and down pile faux velvet.After finishing procedure have brushing.embossing,burnt out,bronving,printing,crumpling,embroidery etc;which are environmental.high color-fastness.1ight resistance. strong tear strength,stable pile fastncss.fullness.feeling soft etc,mainly made for Decoration of KTV and hotel,sofa,seamless wallpaper,curtain,cushion and other home textile products and so on.

Flannel Bedding Fabric ,Flannel Duvet,Pink Flannel Sheets,Red Flannel Sheets

Shaoxing Zhaofeng Velvet Co., Ltd , https://www.zhaofengvelvet.com