• Arlington Sweater
• This one OR this one from Olga’s Closet

Thank you, Secret Sewist!  I love this fabric so much, and you were right—I love to wear Teal. I chose one of the patterned teal fabrics you sent in Double Brushed Poly for my Arlington.  Plus, I noticed that they had exact match solids, so I also was able to get enough for a pair of Sabrina Slims to match!  I couldn’t be more thrilled with my new outfit.  Thank you to my sweet sewing sister and Love Notions!

~Kim (Dorothy’s Daughter)

• Arlington Sweater and Sybil Skirt
• Depending on the pattern, this one or this one or this one

Dear Secret Sewist,

The combination of your moodboard and proposed fabrics to match gave me so much inspiration. I’m surprised how you can feel my style and my color palette so well.

For now I went for the Arlington & Sybil combination seen on the moodboard in the right corner. One of the recommendations was this beautiful pink knit; perfect for an Arlington. 

The printed viscose was a perfect addition to it for my Sybil.

Huge thanks my Secret Sewist and Love Notions for this treat!

Love Ilse

• Sabrina Slims
• This one or this one or this one

This was the perfect challenge for me and you are absolutely right, these are great for leggings that aren’t too tight. I loved the teal but was a bit nervous about the plaid in the fabric – but sometimes, you gotta try what others are suggesting. They see you differently. And you definitely did see me differently – I love the french terry and the plaid (even if they don’t line up). I will be wearing my new Sabrina’s all the time now!  Thank you Secret Sewist! ❤️

• Rhapsody, Metra, Arlington, Lincoln, or something similar that’s comfy and stylish at the same time!
• https://califabrics.com/red-pink-and-teal-flowers-on-navy-rayon-challis/
• https://califabrics.com/lily-pond-on-light-pink-rayon-challis/ https://califabrics.com/heather-grey-shimmer-fuzzy-sweater-knit/
• https://califabrics.com/moody-rose-floral-on-navy-double-brushed-poly-spandex/
• https://califabrics.com/hunter-green-and-ivory-whimsical-large-floral-double-brushed-poly-spandex-knit/

This has become such a special tradition to me and I’m so grateful to Tami for her generosity and to my Secret Sewist partner for how well they know the way to my heart! It means so much to have a chance to sew something special that I can wear and enjoy during the holiday season. I loved all of the fabrics and patterns that were suggested for me but I settled on this sparkly grey sweater knit for a casual Metra Blazer and a black rib knit for a cap sleeve Classic Tee to pair with it. I finished the outfit with my much-loved pair of Legato Jeans and I’m ready to celebrate allllll the things! Happy holidays, all!

• Ravinia Skirt in the midi length. If needed, use a fabric with better stretch and recovery for the waist.
• https://www.streetoffabrics.com/poly-rib-tricot-grof-zwart
• https://www.streetoffabrics.com/poly-rib-tricot-grof-jeans
• https://www.streetoffabrics.com/french-terry-new-jeans
• https://www.streetoffabrics.com/french-terry-light-navy

Thank you Secret Sewist,

I love your pattern choice!  You were right about the Ravinia skirt, it is indeed a stylish wardrobe essential.  I will wear this skirt often and with pride.  I also made a matching Arlington sweater to complete my outfit.  

Thank you, sewing sister and of course also thank you Love Notions for all those great opportunities!

X

Annick

• Juliet Top
• https://www.melanatedfabrics.com/product-page/cotton-spandex-purple 1.5 yards
• https://www.melanatedfabrics.com/product-page/copy-of-printed-t-shirt-knit-camo-yellow
• https://www.melanatedfabrics.com/product-page/double-brushed-jersey-knit-multi 

This was my first time participating in the Secret Sewist event for Ambassadors hosted by Love Notions.  I was pretty excited about the process and someone choosing something for me to make in a suggested fabric.  I admit, I was a little nervous about what may be chosen for me, but I knew I could add my own spin on whatever was chosen.  My Secret Sewist chose for me the Juliet Top and offered an inspirational look and color scheme, in PURPLE of course – LOL!  I’ve never made the Juliet top, but I loved all of the options for this top.  The fabric would need to be a knit and I chose this GORGEOUS glitter knit from Melanated Fabrics and it was a PERFECT MATCH.  Based on the inspirational look and my own search on inspiration looks, I did a little hacking to make the sleeves quarter length with elastic and add very long waist ties.  I LOVE how this final look came out and I want to thank my secret sewist for the selection, this was so much fun!!!

• Tidal in knee or maxi with short sleeves. Alternate of Olympia with knee length and short sleeves.
• https://knitpop.com/collections/compliant/products/new-black-96-4-double-brushed-poly-spandex
•  https://knitpop.com/collections/shop-favorites/products/avelina-black-floral-double-brushed-poly-spandex

The Secret Sewist Event is  always a thrill of mystery as you never know who will be your secret sewist and what they will pick for you. 

I thank Love Notions for coming up with this awesome event as it really does showcase how we can all create a one of a kind sewing masterpiece. 

I also want to express my happiness to my Secret Sewist for choosing the perfect fabric and sewing pattern for me! Your keen eye and great taste were  thoughtful to my needs which resulted in an absolute sewing joy!! I truly enjoyed this sewing journey!

• I was thinking of two pieces, separate from each other. First, I chose a beautiful suede for a Metra. Short or long, the choice is hers.
• Second, I chose a festive dress with a beautiful neckline like the Lenox. Here I liked luxurious fabrics like velvet and satin (choice between woven and stretch).
• Metra: https://www.hoofs-stoffen.nl/scuba-imitatieleder-suede-paars.html
• Lenox hack: https://www.hoofs-stoffen.nl/fluweel-stretch-donker-rood.html or in black: https://www.hoofs-stoffen.nl/fluweel-stretch-zwart.html https://www.hoofs-stoffen.nl/satijn-crepe-doubleface-rood.html 

Thank you so much for your fabric choices and pattern suggestions! You sure knew the way to my pattern-hacking loving heart! 😉 I followed your instructions to the letter and had fun fun fun! 😄

The lilac Metra (shortened and with an added zipper) is a fun addition to my wardrobe, and the red velvet is so yummy and lux, made it for a perfect Holidays dress. I hope you like my Olympia hack as much as I do! ❣️

A big shoutout to Tami and Tessa for organizing this awesome event, being a part of this creative team adds so much joy to my sewing experience!

• Canyon or Boyfriend Cardi and/or Resolution bottoms joggers. Challenge sew would be an Allegro/Largos mash for a cargo joggers
• https://surgefabricshop.com/collections/hacci-sweater-knit/products/winter-sage-brushed-waffle-sweater-knit
• https://surgefabricshop.com/collections/montego-slub-stretch-woven/products/dusty-olive-montego-slub-stretch-woven

I had so much fun participating in the Secret Sewist event! I love surprises so the idea of
shopping secretly for someone, and having someone shop for me, was too exciting to pass up.
I have just completed my first year as a Love Notions Ambassador and have really enjoyed
reading about this event from previous years. So, I couldn’t wait to sign up this year! My Secret
Sewist knew that I needed some elevated casual wear and challenged me to be creative and
combine some pattern features for a unique set. They also chose fabric in the perfect shades of
my favorite color green that coordinate perfectly! The patterns that I chose to sew were the
Boyfriend Cardigan and the jogger version of the Allegro Pants. I used an amazingly soft
brushed waffle for my cardigan and a stretch woven for my joggers from one of my favorite
shops, Surge Fabrics. To add a little bit of interest to my joggers, I used the cargo pocket from
the Largo Cargos. I am so happy with my new set. Thank you so much, Tami and Tessa, for
this fun event!!

• If you want to go woven – I’m thinking maybe a Lyric/Rhapsody mash, or a Tempo/Summer Caye mash?. Or your own twist on the Sonata…
• If you choose to go knits- a Willow Wrap inspired romper or maybe a romper take on the Lenox? Definitely go for something YOU love. Whatever you choose, I know it will be fabulous!
• https://milymaefabricshop.com/collections/woven/products/chandy-on-airflow
• https://milymaefabricshop.com/collections/rib-knit/products/watercolor-floral-wide-rib

I love the secret sewist event! My secret sewist picked this cute pink fabric which I completely adore. She gave me the best ideas for what to sew and suggested maybe a jumpsuit hack of the Lenox!!! It’s like she was reading my mind!!! I have been dreaming about doing that since the pattern released. Jumpsuits are my most favorite but when it came down to it, I wanted to be able to wear this cute fabric as separates so …. I went with a faux jumpsuit instead. I used the Tinley shorts and the Lenox square neck top. It’s just too cute and I can’t thank my secret sew sister enough for the suggestion!!! Check my blog for all the details on how I made this cute, versatile outfit!

• A couple of ideas! I’d love to see you in a Lyric Dress in the gingham gauze, perhaps hacked to a maxi with gathered tiers borrowed from the Tempo. Or a Metra with shawl collar in the gingham ponte strikes me a a fabulous laying piece to wear now.
• 3-4 yards for a hacked Lyric Dress https://califabrics.com/black-and-white-plaid-reversible-double-gauze-26654/
• 2 yards for a Metra: https://califabrics.com/black-and-white-gingham-brazilian-4-way-stretch-double-knit/

My favorite thing about the annual Secret Sewist event is that it never fails to push me to try new things and this year is no different.  When I saw the fabric my Secret Sewist recommended I use I knew immediately what I needed to do. My pinterest is full of black and white checked skirts for inspiration but I have always talked myself out of it.  Are they too bold?  I am not really a skirt person.  Oh the excuses I could make but I knew that the time was here so while I stared at it for a few days trying to talk myself out of it, I finally just took a breath and jumped in.  I am so glad I did because  I absolutely love my skirt!  Thank you Love Notions for giving us this gift of encouraging each other and thank you to my Secret Sewist friend for inspiring me to try.   And that’s what I always am hoping to share with others too…just try!  You never know when a new favorite is about to be created!!

• Melody Dolman – check pocket or two; Rhapsody- Blouse length, Full bishop sleeve, no tie
• Melody – https://www.budgetstoffen.nl/flanel-dark-petrol.html, https://www.budgetstoffen.nl/flanel-cobalt.html,
• Rhapsody – https://www.budgetstoffen.nl/viscose-aqua-06.html, https://www.budgetstoffen.nl/viscose-evergreen-11.html

I love the patterns & fabrics my Secret Sewist picked for me and looking at her awesome moodboard I got all excited to sew every possible combination but I had to choose one. In the end I went with the Rhapsody Blouse because it’s the very first Love Notions pattern I ever bought and it’s still one of my favorites! I made the Rhapsody with the long Bishop sleeves in a gorgeous Hunter Green Viscose fabric as suggested by my Secret Sewist and I couldn’t be more happy!  Thank you Secret Sewist and thank you Love Notions for organizing this.

• Metra blazer with any love notions dress for a secret pajama look!
• https://www.bohofabrics.com/products/pre-order-heavy-black-ponte-knit This would look and feel amazing in a metra- 2-3 yards
• https://www.bohofabrics.com/products/watercolor-ombre-sweater-knit-sweater-knit 2-3 yards

Ahhh, huge thank you to my Secret Sewist! A black Metra has been on my to-do for a while but there is ALWAYS something else to sew! This was the perfect opportunity to bang it out and I couldn’t be happier with it! And I loved stripes, so this sweater knit was a great choice for me. I planned on making a Forte but didn’t want to recreate a look from a few years back, so I went with LBD instead. This will definitely keep me cozy all winter long! Thank you, SS and Tami and Tessa for the opportunity! Love being a LN Ambassador! ☺️

• The boyfriend cardigan in the thigh length with the shawl collar.
• 2.5 – 3 yards https://surgefabricshop.com/products/rose-stucco-banff-ultra-thick-1×1-rib-sweater-knit
• https://stylemakerfabrics.com/products/soft-cable-stripe-sweater-knit-rose
• https://stylemakerfabrics.com/products/soft-brushed-sweater-knit-heather-pink-1
• https://surgefabricshop.com/products/navy-brushed-waffle-sweater-knit
• https://surgefabricshop.com/products/navy-brushed-sweater-knit

One of the highlights of the holiday season for me is participating in the Love Notions Secret Sewist exchange!  My SS did an amazing job of selecting the perfect fabric/pattern combination for me!  Since I had mentioned that I needed to add more layering pieces to my wardrobe ~ she took the time to look at my previous makes and selected a beautiful sweater knit to coordinate with one of the Rhapsody blouses I made last Spring.  The beautiful Banff Ultra thick sweater knit she selected from Surge Fabrics  sewed up into the cuddliest Boyfriend Cardigan.  I’ve been wearing it nonstop!  Thank you so much Tami and Tessa for making this exchange so fun.  Thank you to my SS for selecting something so perfect for me!

• My suggestion is the Willow Wrap Dress as I’m sure it will look amazing on Megan. I’m visualising a dress option, Flutter sleeves for the coming sunny days of Australia, and whatever neckline depth Megan feels more comfortable in (but my vote is for the lower one 🙂 )
• Digging a bit deeper I see she has sewn Willow before (and it does look amazing on her!), so if she prefers something different, here’s another suggestion: Olympia, sleeveless, knee length.
•  https://www.wattlehillfabrics.com.au/tygdrommar-gots-organic-ribbed-knit-vera (3m as it’s only 110cm wide)
• https://www.wattlehillfabrics.com.au/european-viscose-jersey-knit-oeko-tex-hibiscus (2.5m)
• https://www.wattlehillfabrics.com.au/tygdrommar-gots-organic-ribbed-knit-nelly-rusty~7773 (3m)
• https://www.wattlehillfabrics.com.au/tygdrommar-gots-organic-ribbed-knit-adele (3m)

Thank you to my Secret Sewist for their suggestions! I chose a gorgeous bright floral for our Aussie Summer and made one of my faves, the willow wrap, but chose to add a flounce which I haven’t done before. I love it!

• I had 2 ideas for Katie that I’d love to see her pick from. My first pick for Katie would be a short sleeved Aria dress with a tie belt.
• My second choice would be a long sleeved shirt length Aria button down. The standard collar for either choice. I’d like her to select the one she feels she would get the most use out of based on her climate. If you feel the tunic would work best~ that’s a great option too! I know whichever you select it will be gorgeous.
• https://fabrics-store.com/fabrics/linen-fabric-IL019-meadow-softened-middle I loved the description of this color~ it sounds like Katie to me! or https://fabrics-store.com/fabrics/linen-fabric-IL019-wisteria-softened-middle

I couldn’t be more thrilled with this pattern and fabric combo! What a delight to have finally sewn my very first Aria, and in the softest, more gorgeous linen, no less. My secret sewist totally nailed a color I adore and a fiber I love to wear. Thank you! I will wear this shirt with so much joy.

• I’m going to suggest she mash several! The tops of Lenox and/or Olympia with the swing or pleated view of the Sybil Skirts – or the melody dolman with a Sybil skirt or a Lyric bottom made into a skirt!
• https://surgefabricshop.com/collections/liverpool-scuba/products/rosa-on-navy-liverpool Forest greet ponte. 12.99 (yardage will depend on choice) IDEA: Sybil Swing or Pleated or Gored skirt https://surgefabricshop.com/collections/ponte/products/forest-green-viscose-nylon-ponte Green linen 13.99 IDEA: Lyric skirt only.
• https://surgefabricshop.com/products/od-green-brussels-washer-linen-robert-kaufman?_pos=3&_sid=0c050f6ae&_ss=r Cream floral rayon challis 18.48 (this a 3 yd piece)
• https://surgefabricshop.com/collections/rayon-challis/products/melanie-on-cream-rayon-challis

My Secret Sewist had such good ideas. She came up with patterns with vintage vibes that I was very excited about. I chose the Melody dolman top and I hacked the skirt of the Lyric dress by making it a little wider and also adding a waistband with elasticated back for a skirt. I’m not sure I would have come up with this project on my own and so I’m really grateful for my Secret Sewist for thinking of it and giving me the impetus to try something new!

• Whitney looks amazing in everything she sews! I love the way she tailors everything to be such a perfect fit for her – I’d love to see her blend elements from two or more LN patterns, like the sleeves from Arlington with Cadence or Tessa, for example. Or, a jacket or layering piece would be fun to see with some of the pants she’s sewn already.
• I used your recent fabric haul videos for inspiration and wanted to push you a little further. I love the solids you’ve selected recently, and I thought a subtle print for bottoms might be nice, like this one: https://www.moodfabrics.com/mood-exclusive-emblematic-medallions-stretch-cotton-sateen-md0468
• If you’re in the mood for knits, I also LOVE these quilted knits and all of their color options would be gorgeous for you: https://stylemakerfabrics.com/products/soft-diamond-quilted-double-knit-terracotta or this one – https://stylemakerfabrics.com/products/plush-triangle-quilted-double-knit-ocean
• Feel like sewing a holiday blouse or dress instead? I loved this print for you: https://stylemakerfabrics.com/products/outline-vine-floral-rayon-batik-cranberry

I had so much fun participating in Secret Sewist again this year!  My Secret Sewist wanted me to combine at least two Love Notions patterns to create something new and I just loved that challenge.  Picking the newest pattern release, the Frankie Polo, was a no brainer as I love the neckline on that pattern.  Since I’ve really been into boxy, cropped sweatshirts lately, I thought popping the Frankie neckline onto the body of the Sloane would be a great pairing and I was so right!  The only adjustment I made was the shorten the body of the Sloane by 4” to give me the cropped look I was looking for.  As far as fabric, my Secret Sewist picked out some really dreamy knit quilted fabrics.  This petrol blue quilted knit from StyleMaker Fabrics was just perfect for a boxy sweatshirt.  With the addition of some Liberty scraps from my stash, I now have the perfect sweatshirt for the upcoming winter!  Thank you so much to my Secret Sewist!

• Breckenridge Henley either long sleeved top or dress.
• 1.5-2.5 yards of https://www.thestyledmagnolia.com/product-page/fire-giraffe or https://www.thestyledmagnolia.com/product-page/feathered-fusion-blue

I have thoroughly enjoyed the ambassador secret Santa tradition the past few years and am over the moon to be able to participate this year! My secret ambassador chose this stunning print called feathered fusion from one of my favorite fabric shops, The Styled Magnolia. They provided a mood board for inspiration and suggested the Breckenridge Henley, and clearly they know I have been wanting to try this pattern forever!! The only downfall was there was only one yard in stock of the suggested print-which is not enough for this pattern. I do love a great stripe/print combo, so decided to go that route using a double brushed poly fabric. I contemplated, for way too long, how to combine the two and decided to bring the stripes around the front for a unique look by blocking the front shoulder. I am totally in love with the finished top!! Thanks to my secret Santa for the great suggestion and Tessa and Tami for their generosity!

• Canyon Cardi, To go with this, a few basics like:
• Resolution bottoms with this yummy French Terry in Marsala: https://sincerelyrylee.com/collections/french-terry/products/new-french-terry-solid-knit
• And an Arlington turtleneck in this rib knit in Cream: https://sincerelyrylee.com/collections/rib-knit-fabric/products/solid-yummy-rib-knits
• My main inspiration fabric for this look was this double brushed poly vintage floral print, and I though any of the Love Notions cardigans would look great with this fabric. Maybe the updated Canyon Cardi. https://sincerelyrylee.com/collections/brushed-poly/products/fall-vintage-floral-brown

It’s always such fun to participate in the Secret Sewist event! This year my SS envisioned a cardi/top combo inspired by a gorgeous fall floral DBP from Sincerely Rylee Fabrics. The popular print sold out in a blink, so I opted for another beautiful DBP that had a similar vibe – which was also the personal favorite of Darcey from Sincerely Rylee! I love how the colours are just perfect for the transition from fall into winter holiday season. I made the Juliet Top with a funnel/cowl neck hack for the cooler weather, and paired it with a gathered Canyon canyon Cardi in the softest heather hacci sweater knit. This cozy and delightful combo feels like a warm hug from my SS and I’m so grateful for her picks! Thank you Tami and Tessa for this fun event!

• I was thinking either the Fraser or Boyfriend Cardigan. You said you wanted to build up your basics again and I can imagine you in a lovely fraser cardigan wrapped up nice and warm with hood, by the fire. Or a long/duster length boyfriend cardigan, with or without hood, perhaps 1 size bigger for that oversized comfy, wrap yourself up tight, winter vibe.
• https://raspberrycreekfabrics.com/products/rust-and-grey-boho-stripe-brushed-heathered-hacci-sweater-knit-fabric-by-kim-henrie-for-club-fabrics – 3yards
• OR https://raspberrycreekfabrics.com/products/sage-olive-dusty-blue-and-heathered-grey-multi-stripe-brushed-heathered-hacci-sweater-knit-fabric-club-fabrics-raspberry-creek-fabrics – 3 yards

I love the Secret Sewist tradition and always look forward to seeing what fun suggestions I get!  This year, we moved across the country and it’s been tough adjusting to so many new things and are facing a long cold winter.  My secret sewist suggested a cardigan out of a cozy sweater knit.  When I picked up my fabric, I happened to see some new corduroy fabric that had just come in and I fell in love with it next to the sweater knit.  Then I loved how cozy the sweater knit was that I picked up another piece to coordinate with the stripe – and before I knew it I had 4 fabrics for a mix and match capsule of cozy winter pieces that I absolutely love.  I decided to go with a cropped Sloane Sweater instead of a cardigan.  Then I added a pair of corduroy Largo Cargos, a pair of sweater knit Tranquil pajama bottoms, and a ribbed mash of the Breckenridge henley and classic tee.  Thank you to my secret sewist for getting my creative juices flowing and for picking out a fabric I never would have picked on my own and thanks to Love Notions for their generosity.  Happy Holidays!

• Breckenridge Henley Dress Option: Either long sleeve with a hack to add volume to sleeve or shorter sleeve depending on the weather.
• Depending on if you go with longer sleeves like inspo or shorter sleeves, you’ll need anywhere from 2 1/2 – 3 yards for the dress.
• 1. Milly Mae Fabrics: https://milymaefabricshop.com/collections/brushed-poly/products/fall-floral-brushed-poly
• 2. Sew Dynamic: https://www.sewdynamic.com/collections/brushed-jersey-retail/products/brushed-jersey-us-mixed-floral

I absolutely adored the project my secret sewist picked for me. The mood board gave me the immediate idea of adding a flounce to Breckenridge which was a simple and satisfying hack. The colors in the vibrant print you picked for me were right in my wheelhouse. Thanks for seeing me and inspiring me!