Stepping Into Fall In The Velocitas Hoodie

I am so excited to introduce myself to you all.  My name is Johanna Ali and I am part of the Sofilantjes Blog Team! You can read a little about the rest of the team HERE.  I started sewing 5 years ago when I saw Mimi G Style wearing this fabulous skirt, the Regal  Maxi Skirt.  It’s a long maxi skirt with a sash and pockets and I needed to have it! I then found out that she did not sell the skirt, but sold the tutorial on how to make it.  I was determined to have it and purchased my first sewing machine. I learned how to sew from watching sewing tutorials on YouTube and other sewing bloggers.  I mainly sew for myself, but I also love to sew for my son whenever I can.

The Velocitas Hoodie

I chose to make the Velocitas Hoodie as my first Sofilantjes pattern because it’s the perfect fall piece to have in South Florida.  The weather doesn’t really get too cold until December or January and usually doesn’t last too long.  Having a hoodie always comes in handy.

I decided to use this cable knit sweater navy fabric from JOANN that I purchased last fall.  I also used a Rib Knit 1 x 1 Fabric in Heather Grey fabric as my accent fabric.  If you are going to use more than one color, I would suggest you decide which pattern piece is going to be what color and label your pattern piece accordingly so you know which fabric to cut.

I love that this pattern comes with two different bodice options.  You can also make the Velocitas Hood all year round because the pattern comes in a long and short sleeved option.  The pattern grows with your little starting at 12 months to 14 years so that you can make them a new hoodie every season.  The wide range in sizing is also great if you have more than one child.  I decided to make my son a size 12 based on his body measurements and the only modification I made was to cut off 2 inches from the sleeves as they were a little too large.  Other then that, I thought the pattern instructions were very simple to follow and this hoodie really came together really quickly.

I really hope you enjoyed my Velocitas Hoodie as much as my son did.  He wore it to school right after photographing it.  He loves when I sew for him and he couldn’t wait to show off his hoodie to his friends at school.  You can purchase the Velocita Hoodie by using my affiliate link found HERE.

My goal is to share a new make with a different Sofilantjes pattern each quarter and I hope that you join me and sew up your own.

Until next time,

Johanna – @soveryjo

New Release: Via Top, Tunic, and Dress

Today is homecoming day! We received the Via back from Project Run and Play and it is now also available in Dutch and French.  It’s been so long since you’ve seen the Via in action, so we’re going to give you a refresher.  So you can make your quick decision, because the Via is only on sale from November 7 08.00 CET through November 11 08.00 CET.

The Via comes in sizes 12m-14y.  It has three lengths; top, tunic, and dress.  There are also three sleeve lengths; sleeveless, short, and long.  Our favorite part?  The really cool color blocking down the sides.  You can go wild and use different colors and prints or you can make it all one color.  The possibilities are endless.

As usual our testers are amazing.  Let’s look at some of their pictures. Shall we?

Sleeveless:

Short Sleeves:

Long Sleeves:
So much information…  So we’re going to wrap this up.  The pattern is on sale for €5 – ex taxes (€6,05 incl EU taxes), no code needed. After the sale it will be €7,85 excl taxes.

Once again the Via is on sale from November 7 08.00 CET through November 11 08.00 CET.  Hurry up and get yours before the sale ends.

Use the affiliate links below to get your copy.

English – https://www.sofilantjes.com/product/via-top-tunic-and-dress-pdf-english/?affiliates=53
Dutch – https://www.sofilantjes.com/product/via-top-tuniek-en-jurk-pdf-nederlands/?affiliates=53
French – https://www.sofilantjes.com/product/via-top-tunique-et-robe-pdf-francais/?affiliates=53

 

Once you sew up your Via Top, Tunic, and Dress come join us in our Facebook group, Sofilantjes Sew and Show, and show it off!

An Otium with a cool side.

As the other ladies, it’s my first time on the Sofilantjes blog and I’m so honored with it! Every quarter I’ll try to inspire you with ideas around a Sofilantjes ladies pattern. Today I’m showing you my hack with the Otium. And I think it became a stylish but tough hack.

The Otium can be a shirt or a sweater with quite some options and it’s suitable for every season of the year. Just adjust your fabric or sleeve length. Besides the low back with bow, you can sew the diagonal pocket. Actually you can choose if you want to make the pocket functional or not by doubling the front pocket or not.

What did I do? I sewed my Otium as per pattern and topstitched my pocket closed. I color blocked my khaki jersey with the black jersey. And then it became exciting, because placing eyelets requires some concentration, phew! I chose not to provide the entire length of the bag with eyelets. Only the top side, otherwise it became too much!

As you see on the photo I didn’t closed the side seams yet. This way it was more easy to install the eyelets. I’m so glad I recently bought a plier for press fasteners. It’s a great and essential tool! It speaks for itself that you have to interface the place where you want to put the eyelets on the back. I provided a long strip of 1″ wide on both sides.

It’s always exciting to make holes in your garment. You never know if it will go wrong and then you have to start all over again.

After installing I could close the side seams and add my cuffs, waistband and neckband.

At the local store I bought a lace ribbon to thread through the eyelets from bottom to top. I actually found a lot of possibilities on the internet to thread a ribbon. I definitely love my Otium how it looks now! Do you also have an idea what to do with the ribbon?

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed reading my post.

The highlighted #affiliate link brings you to the pattern.

Greetings, Ilse from @sewsewilse 

 

 

New Release: Beatum Bikerpants

All of you have been SO patient and now the wait is over.  The Beatum Bikerpants has released today! The Beatum Bikerpants are a biker style jogger.  They feature a plain front (option A) or a biker-look knee (option B). Both back options feature a back yoke. Back option A has in­seam pockets and back option B has patch pockets. With so many options you can make a really unique pair of joggers.

The Beatum Bikerpants release sale will run from October 17 08.00 CET through October 21 08.00 CET.
Let’s look at some of these option:
Plain Front (Option A)
Biker Knee (Option B)

Plain Back/ Patch and Inseam Pockets

Before you ask this pattern looks great on girls as well!

As usual our testers were very creative.  These knee patches look great!
We also have released some cool SVGs to go with the Beatums.
So much information…  So we’re going to wrap this up.  The pattern is on sale for €5 – ex taxes (€6,05 incl EU taxes), no code needed. After the sale it will be €9,50 incl taxes. The SVGs will be on sale for €3 – ex taxes (€3,63 incl EU taxes), no code needed.

Once again the Beatum are on sale from October 17 08.00 CET through October 21 08.00 CET.  Hurry up and get yours before the sale ends.

Use the affiliate links below to get your copy.

Dutch – https://www.sofilantjes.com/product/beatum-bikerpants-pdf-nederlands/?affiliates=53
French – https://www.sofilantjes.com/product/pantalon-motard-beatum-pdf-francais/?affiliates=53
SVGs – https://www.sofilantjes.com/product/be-cool-svg/?affiliates=53
Once you sew up your Beatum Bikerpants come join us in our Facebook group, Sofilantjes Sew and Show, and show them off!

Domi Sweat Pants Review

Domi Sweat Pants

Hey! This is my first post for the Sofiliantjes Blog Team and I’m so excited about it! I’m no stranger to their patterns, with the Solis Dress being a very big staple in my girls wardrobe, but this was my first time making the Domi Sweat Pants.

Domi Sweat Pants Front

As always, the patterns come together so well and the instructions are very easy to follow and understand. They also come in a large range (12m-14y). Perfect if you have multiple children (like me!) or if your child loves them so much that they become a staple in your wardrobe too!

Domi Sweats Front

The Domi Pants have 3 length options:

Full Length
3/4 Length
Bermuda Shorts Length

With the cooler weather pretty much here, I chose to make the Full Length version. I made the size 11 for my almost 11 year old, based off her measurements, and the fit is spot on! I made them out of French Terry, and they’ll be perfect for our desert winter!

Domi Cuff DetailDomi Pocket Detail

The pattern also gives you two choices for pockets. Round pocket or Square pocket. I chose to make the Round pockets for this pair. I love being able to use my cover stitch for some added detail!

Domi Pants Back

I love the fit of these. They aren’t super skinny, but they’re slimmer than your average sweat pants. Zoe seems rather comfy in them and has requested more, so that’s always a win! I can easily see these becoming a staple in my kids wardrobes too! Especially my Jude who loves knit pants.

Domi Pants Front

You can check out my Solis Braid Strap Hack here.

Until next time! -Karly

A New Kind of Foliis

Foliis Bell Sleeve Hack

Foliis Crop Bell Sleeve Sweater

Foliis is such a great pattern on its own, but I had an idea that I couldn’t shake when I came upon some super soft brushed French Terry. I went with my gut, and started hacking away, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Meet the Foliis cropped sweater with bell sleeves! Okay, maybe I’m a little too excited, but since this will go great over my daughter’s Solis and Optimum dresses this fall, it was exactly what she was needing. I know I’ll be making more with different sleeve variations.

Foliis Crop Bell Sleeve Sweater

Pattern Pieces Needed:

  • Bodice Front (option B)
  • Bodice Back (option B)
  • Sleeve (I printed her size and the smaller size to narrow the sleeve as it went down the arm)
  • Waistband height measurement (pattern piece not needed)

Bodice Hack

  • Trace out the bottom of your bodice pattern, from slightly above the armscye to the bottom of the bodice.
    Bodice Hack 1
  • Draw a line parallel with the grainline from the top of the side seam (at the bottom of the armscye) down past the waistline.
    Bodice Hack 2
  • Extend the waistline to the new side seam. This line may be curved slightly, if it is, continue the slight curve.
    Bodice Hack 3
  • Cut out the changes and tape to your original bodice front/back, and repeat for the other bodice piece.

When cutting out the front bodice, cut on the fold, eliminating the seam allowance from center front. For help, refer to this tutorial, this tutorial will also come in handy for the neckband length.

Sleeve

Use the 3/4 sleeve length to cut your sleeves.

I chose to slim my sleeves to the smaller size as it went down the sleeve, then as I was sewing, I made a larger seam allowance to slim it even more, so you could slim your sleeves more, so that you keep a consistent seam allowance.

Before cutting out the bell part of the sleeve along with the neckband and bottom band, you’ll sew the top together so that you can figure the measurements for the rest. Following the steps in the instructions, the following:

  1. Shoulder seams
  2. Attach sleeves
  3. Side seams/sleeves

Neckband

Refer to this tutorial, step 5 for your neckband. I chose to use the same fabric as the rest of my top instead of ribbing, and it didn’t have nearly as much stretch, so I used something between 85-90% instead of 80%. This percentage really depends on how much stretch your fabric has. Top stitch if desired.

Bottom Band

  • Measure the bottom of your top (hem area), add seam allowance to sew the 2 ends together, this will be the length.
  • Measure the height of the wasitband pattern piece.
  • Cut your bottom band using these measurements.
  • Sew the two short ends together and press.
  • Fold wrong sides together, and attach like the pattern instructions, although it will fit the bottom of your top exactly.
  • Press the seam allowance toward the top (away from the band) and top stitch if desired.

Bell Sleeves

I’m not going to pretend this part was really easy to figure out, instead of going through the headache I did, here’s what I suggest:

  • Measure half the sleeve opening measurement, basically if the sleeve is sewn, measure from the fold in the fabric to the sewn seam. Don’t include seam allowance here.
  • Measure the difference between the 3/4 length sleeve, and the long sleeve, and add your seam allowance to attach it to your sleeve as well as the hem.
  • Draw a rectangle using these measurements on a piece of paper.
  • Use the slash and spread technique, spreading the hem side until it’s to the fullness that you desire. My sleeves are about 1.5” extended on each side.

    Bell Sleeve
    This is my bell sleeve using a slightly different method of achieving the same effect as the slash and spread method.
  • Once you have it figured out, tape another sheet of paper to the open spaces, and add a seam allowance on one straight side of the bell, the other side will be cut on the fold.
  • Cut out 2 bell sleeves on the fold.
  • Sew the straight edges together and press.
  • Hem both using the amount you chose.
  • Attach the bell to the sleeve of your top matching the seams. Press.

Foliis Crop Bell Sleeve Sweater

All done!

Nivalis into Maternity Shirts

Here it is! The first official blogpost from the blog team! I’m the first one to start with a cute Nivalis hack! Want to know more about my fellow bloggers? Check them out here.

The Nivalis was my first Sofilantjes pattern and I’ve already made quite a few dresses with it. I’ve changed up the color block-option, but also the collar. The original pattern is already so versatile. But, let me tell you, there is more!

At the end of November we are expecting our first baby, and what is a better reason than that to sew up some new clothes? I was looking for shirts that were comfortable, but also fit nicely. So I choose the Nivalis as a starting point because I like the way the neckband sits as well as the fit of the sleeves.

I’ve chosen two make two versions, one with and one without sleeves. The one with sleeves is inspired by a peplum-style top I saw on Pinterest.

For that first model I’ve used the top part of the pattern, drawing it just below the waist. I chose to make it short-sleeved, as it was in the middle of summer at that time. The top part was sewn as described in the pattern.

For the peplum part I took 1.5 times my waist measurement and gathered it using clear elastic (framilon). The peplum was then pinned to the top, with right sides together, and sewn with a stretch stitch.

For the second top, again I used the top part of the pattern but now drawing until hip-height. Then I extended the front panel with 5 cm around the belly area, but in hindsight I would advise at least 10 cm.

The extended part was then gathered, again with clear elastic (framilon), making sure the side seam would match the back panel again.
The top was assembled as was written in the pattern. As this version didn’t have sleeves, I’ve hemmed it with a stretch stitch.

And now I have two tops I wore a lot during the summer. The autumn is almost here, so maybe a version with long sleeves isn’t a bad idea, who knows!

Love,
Milou

 

New Release: Arcus Skirt

Every summer we run an event called Summer of Sofilantjes.  This year for the last week Miranda chose to run a test.  Those that have never tested were afforded a chance to see what happens behind the scenes.  We had the largest test group we have ever had.

As a result we have the Arcus Skirt for you! The Arcus comes in sizes 3-6m/62-68 – 14/158-164.  An easy to sew, fun, color blocked, twirly skirt, perfect for scraps. The skirt is created from four panels.  Go bold with many fabrics or plain and simple, your choice.  The best fabrics to use for the Arcus will have a minimum of 40% stretch.  Medium weight fabrics will give the best results; cotton jersey, thin French Terry, or a stable knit like ponte.

Let’s see some Arcus skirts!

On the babies.  They are SO cute.

On to the toddlers.

And the older girls.  This skirt is perfect for all ages!

We’re not going to keep you any longer.  Go get your copy of the Arcus Skirt.  It’s on sale from September 12, 08.00 CET through September 16, 08.00 CET. The pattern is on sale for €3,50 (excl EU taxes – €4,24 incl EU taxes) no code needed.

You can get your copy here (affiliate links):

English – https://www.sofilantjes.com/product/arcus-skirt-pdf-english/?affiliates=53
Dutch – https://www.sofilantjes.com/product/arcus-rok-pdf-nederlands/?affiliates=53
French – https://www.sofilantjes.com/product/jupe-arcus-pdf-francais/?affiliates=53
Once you sew up your Arcus Skirt come join us in our Facebook group, Sofilantjes Sew and Show, and show them off!

Mix and Match

There have been a lot of questions about which patterns can Mix and Match.  So we made you a chart, so you can easily check.  Look at all of the different combinations you can make! We hope this helps!


 

 

Meet Our Bloggers!

We put out a call for bloggers and boy did you respond. We are so excited to finally introduce you to our inaugural blog team! We really love their style and hope you do too.  You may recognize some of these names and faces, if not you will soon.

Without further delay, we introduce you to the Sofilantjes Blog Team!

  Stephanie Bracelin has been sewing since she was six years old. She has a passion for high quality fabrics, vintage design, garment construction, and small design details. Stephanie sews for herself and her daughter, as well as her nieces and nephews. She’s had articles published in various US-based sewing magazines, such as Sew News. Stephanie also blogs at https://s-renee.com.  She currently resides in her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa.

 

Hello, I’m Ilse from @sewsewilse and I’m so honored to be a member of the blog team from Sofilantjes! I’m a Belgian teacher, luckily married and I have two sons 16 and 21.  Testing for the last seven years takes almost all my free time and is perfect to achieve new goals like new techniques and a full wardrobe 😉 I learn every day and am open to new things. Just like blogging for Sofilantjes.  I’m ready to dive into these super fun patterns and make something beautiful out of it! I’ll see you soon!

Hi there! My name is Milou and I’m one of the bloggers for Sofilantjes this upcoming year! I live with my husband and two cats, in the Netherlands. This November we are expecting our first baby and we’re so excited! I think I’ll be sewing up some Sofilantjes baby patterns the upcoming months 🙂  My day job is teaching Forensic Biology at a local university, but when I’m home you’ll probably find me in my little sewing room.  I’ve been sewing since I was a little kid and my mom taught me all the basics. I hope my blogs will help you get inspired to try Sofilantjes patterns, the new and the old. They are very well written and easy to follow and if you want to be adventurous, try hacking them to create even more possibilities, you’ll see some of that in my blogs too!  You can also find me at https://aemilia-madebymilou.blogspot.com.
Happy sewing! Milou

Hi! My name is Cindy, I’m 30 years old and I live in the Netherlands with my husband and two kids, Ninthe and Milas. I’ve been sewing for something over 3 years now. I wanted to learn how to sew for my kids, to make them pretty and unique clothes and so I started taking sewing lessons. Actually, I wasn’t quite good at it and it really took me more than 2 years before I finally started to understand what I was doing.
Sofilantjes started my fire. After two years of struggling to sew with incomprehensible patterns from magazines with incomprehensible instructions, I found out there was a whole online sewing community with PDF patterns. My first ever PDF pattern was a Sofilantjes, the Vallis. What a game changer!! It was in this same period, a little over a year ago, that I wanted to share my experiences with others and started my own sewing blog “Miss Maakt”. Since then sewing really has grown into a passion, even a job, and I really do have Sofilantjes to thank for this.
I’m really quite pleased to be back here in the place where it all started and to get the chance to join the Sofilantjes blog team. I’m really looking forward to sharing my blogs with you and I hope you will enjoy them just as much!

My name is Johanna Ali and I live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  I started sewing 5 years ago when I saw a blogger on Facebook wearing this amazing skirt.  I later found out she made it herself and if I wanted one, I would have to make it myself too.  Everything that I’ve learned about sewing has been from YouTube and other sewing bloggers. I mainly sew for myself, but also enjoy making things for my son. I’m so excited to be a part of the Sofilantjes Blog team and I can’t wait to share my makes with you all.  You can also find me at soveryjo.com.

Hi! I’m Karly from Paisley Roots. I started my stitching journey 15 years ago, shortly after the birth of my first child. Being tall (6′  to be exact) and coming from a creative family, I was always intrigued with making my own clothing. I started blogging 7 years ago, mostly to document my sewing journey, and it’s something I just love doing! I’m very excited to be a team member of Sofilantjes and can’t wait to share my sewing journey with you!

We are thrilled with our choices and can’t wait for you to see what they have in the works.  Starting September 13th, every other week will be a new blog post (unless there is a pattern release) with something new for you. We hope you enjoy this first year with our blog team!