Hi there! It’s my time again to bring a new blog post to you. Today I want to talk to you about something new and upcoming: using a projector for sewing! I am really happy I discovered this possibilty and today I want to show you how this would work, with the use of a Sofilantjes pattern of course!

So this is my projector pictured above.  I have one with a permanent setup, attached to the ceiling of my sewing room. But there are also all different kinds of projectors and setups. There are projectors you can put on the table, which can project on a large scale over a really short distance. There are also setups possible for if you need to be able to put the projector away (for instance when you are sewing on your kitchen table and don’t want a projector hanging on the ceiling over there ;)). Since I have my own sewing space, for me it works best to have my projector hanging on the ceiling. My husband made something to attach it to, but there are also all different kinds of mounts available to put your projector on.

Here is another view of my projector. As you can see it hangs right above my cutting table. So what is it used for, this projector, you might wonder? A projector gives you the possibility to project your patterns directly from your computer (or in some cases tablet or mobile phones may be an option too) on to your fabric. This will save you the time and efforts of printing your pattern, taping and tracing your pattern, because there is no need for that anymore!

To me, this sounded like music to my ears. I really disliked the printing/taping/tracing part of sewing, haha. So I was so glad with this invention! All the credits to the one who came up with this!

Sofilantjes recently started adapting all the A0 files into A0 files with layers. This is definitely something you might want in a pattern when using a projector, because this way you can select only the size (or sizes if you want to blend) you need and project only that size onto your fabric. In the picture above you can see a projection of the Brevis pattern on my cutting table, to give you an idea of how this looks like. You can also use a A0 file without layers, but this is definitely more convenient. Also, the new patterns are coming with even special “projector files” with is even more useful!

So in this picture you can see a pattern piece of the Brevis projected onto the fabric. You can see that this way you don’t need a paper pattern piece anymore.

Also with a projector it’s really easy to trace all your markings. You can see very clearly where they need to go, like the marking for the back pocket as pictured above.

When you’ve placed your pattern piece on the right spot, all that’s left to do is to cut it out! This is most easily done with a rollerblade. You will also need a cutting mat for this. Pattern weights can be useful too, but I just use things laying around to put on my fabric to prevent it from moving. After you’ve got all your pattern pieces cut out, you can sew them together as per instructions and that’s it! Your new item is done and you did not even had to use any paper or ink on it!

Here is a picture of the Brevis I made with the help of my projector. Once again another versatile pattern with some lovely options for nice details to get creative with.

My boy is happy with them too! I’m for sure gonna make another one for his summer wardrobe! Want to make a Brevis of your own? You can get a copy of this pattern in Dutch, English, French or German (aff)!

But to finish the story about using a projector for sewing, tell me… Did you already know about using a projector for sewing? Do you use one or want to use one? I love to see your comments, and feel free to ask me any questions! You can also find a lot of answers in these two pattern groups: Projectors for sewing (international group) and Naaien met een projector/beamer (Dutch group).

I’d love to hear from you!
Happy sewing and until next time!

Cindy
“Miss Maakt”

When I found this super cute lemon fabric I knew I had to have it for my little girl! After some browsing through Pinterest I saw some dresses with little bows on the shoulders; I wanted to recreate that look. So the next step was finding a pattern. I already knew about the Advena bodysuit, but wanted a dress, so lucky me, there was the Advena dress!

I wanted to combine the bodysuit with the dress so she doesn’t need to wear a normal bodysuit under the dress. And I didn’t wanted to use sleeves but create little bows on her shoulders. Also I like the color block on the side of the dress, so that had to stay as well. So then the drawing began.

I started with tracing the front and back bodice of the bodysuit pattern. I then put this pattern piece on top of the dress pattern and matched the shoulder seams and center line. I traced the new side seam and marked the dress line. I also used the armscye of the dress pattern, to make sure the side panel would fit. On the side panel I also marked the dress line, as I needed a seam in this panel as well.

To create the little bows on the shoulders I extended the pattern from the shoulder seam and rounded off the edges. To be able to attach the skirt on the bodysuit, I cut all pattern pieces on the dress line I marked. Don’t forget to add seam allowance when you’re cutting!

Then I cut all of my pieces and first put together the top part of the dress. As I had extra seams I couldn’t use the written pattern. So I started with attaching the side pieces to the bodice pieces and then used that completed piece to create a lining. As I didn’t wanted to use bulky ribbing on those small bows, I opted to line the body. I sewed the main body and lining together, but not along the bottom.

After finishing the top body I constructed the skirt. Before gathering the front and back piece I sewed the side panels on. Then I gathered the skirt (only the front and back piece) to the width of the body pieces. I attached the skirt (right sides together) to the body. I nested the seams to make sure the color block is straight.

At that point I sewed the side seams of my bodysuit bottom and attached the ribbing across the leg opening. Followed by sewing this bottom piece with the right side against the wrong side of the skirt piece.

To finish it off I hemmed the edge of the skirt with a twin needle and attached snap buttons to the bottom piece. I had to use four, instead of the recommended three, as there was a little bit of bulk in the center as I made a loop before attaching the ribbing. I handtacked the body lining over all of the seams, so no raw edges are visible inside the dress.

I made size 68, so my little one has to grow a little bit more to fit it correctly (she’s size 62 now), but doesn’t she look super cute and summery! My little señorita 😊

Want to buy the pattern(s)? Follow any of the (affiliate) links below, to get you to the right pattern:

English:
Advena Bodysuit – Baby sizes
Advena Top and dress – Baby sizes
Advena Top, tunic and dress – Size 12M/80 to 14Y/164

Dutch/Nederlands:
Advena Romper – Baby sizes
Advena Tuniek en jurk – Baby sizes
Advena Top, tuniek en jurk –  maten 12M/80 tot 14Y/164

See you next time!
Milou

Want to see what else I sew? Check out my blog and Instagram:
Blog: https://aemilia-madebymilou.blogspot.com/
Instagram: @aemiliamadebymilou

We have been busy behind the scenes working on new patterns.  The babies need a new pattern right? We thought so too.  Introducing the Advena Bodysuit.

The Advena Bodysuit comes in sizes NB/50 – 2Y/9254, features the Advena envelope necklines, and has two sleeve options; short  and long.

Option A – Full Envelope

Option B – Half Envelope

Just because pictures (because who doesn’t love cute babies and dolls!):

The Advena Bodysuit is on sale for €3,75 (excl EU tax) from April 15 08.00 CET through April 20 08.00 CET.  You can get your copy using the links below.  These are affiliate links, so the author will get a small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.  If you aren’t a member of Sofilantjes Sew and Show, come join us to show off your Advena.

It is officially Spring and what a better choice  for a spring jacket then the Cicero Jacket? Although we live in South Florida and it’s hot a lot of the time, we do get some cold fronts and the temperature cools down.  Made out of the right knit fabric, the Cicero is perfect for our weather.

I love a pattern that has a lot of options and this pattern has just that.  The Cicero Jacket has 2 neckline options, two sleeve options and two bodice options.  The pattern instructions as very straight forward if you want to make the color block option and comes with coloring pages that contain the pattern style lines so you can plan out your fabric choices.

I did not go for the color block option this time around and decided on one main solid color.  I made my son’s jacket out of this beautiful Sky Blue Solid Cotton Jersey Terry Knit fabric from Girl Charlee.  I purchased it two years ago and unfortunately it’s sold out.  There are many other knit options out there.  I decided to give the jacket some contrast by making the collar, cuffs and waist band in Doodles Cotton Interlock Fabric Heather Gray from Joann Fabric.  I think that the gray compliments the sky blue terry knit perfectly.

I decided to go with the collar option because I made him a Velocitas Hoodie that you can read all about HERE.  For this jacket, I decided to use his waist measurement for the pattern size I would cut and I made a size 12.  I didn’t have to make any alterations to the pattern at all.  It is always best to go by the body measurements to cut your pattern since my big boy is only 9. lol

The Cicero Jacket is such a great sew and with the detailed pattern instructions, I was able to make this jacket in just one afternoon.  I love the fit of it and I just know my son will be wearing it all the time.  I think my next one will have the hood option and I will make it color blocked.

If you would like to see more of my makes you can find me here:

Blog: www.soveryjo.com

Instagram : www.instagram.com/soveryjo

Until next time!

Johanna

Two years ago the Regina Tunic and Dress was released.  Immediately, the requests for an adult version began flooding in. No more impatiently waiting, the Regina Adult is here and it’s great!

The Regina Tunic and Dress comes in sizes 32 – 54, features that signature Regina boatneck, and has two length options; tunic and dress.  The tunic has a gathered skirt, while the dress features both a gathered and 3/4 circle option. There are also three sleeve options including short, half, and long.

Tunic:

Gathered Skirt:

3/4 Circle:

We also had a couple of testers make Mommy and Me dresses.  We love Mommy and Me! Wouldn’t you agree that they came out super cute?

The Adult Regina is on sale for €6,50 (excl EU tax) from March 5 08.00 CET through March 9 08.00 CET.  The bundle price is €13,50 (incl EU tax). You can get your copy using the links below.  These are affiliate links, so the author will get a small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.  If you aren’t a member of Sofilantjes Sew and Show, come join us to show off your Regina.