It’s fairly obvious at this point that I like to sew for Louis.  In fact, I love to sew for Louis.  And when I saw that Sewing With Boys was releasing a new e-book, with four brand new patterns and a ton of extras, specifically geared toward boys, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.

Although, I must admit that “back to school” is a hard pill to swallow.  Didn’t summer just start?  Are we really at the beginning of a new year?  :: my poor momma heart ::

As much as I would have loved to stitch up a new blazer for Louis, I know that he would never wear it.  I have a very particular child and he doesn’t like to dress in layers.  So I picked the Quadrilateral Tee and the Radical Raglan Hoodie for this “S is for Sewing” Blog Tour.  (But seriously, I would die to pair that blazer with a bowtie.  Cuteness heaven!)

Let’s start with the Quad Tee first, shall we?

Basic shirts for boys are the best thing ever.  Because what else do you really need?  But then when you take a basic tee and add little fun elements to it, like color blocking, funky angles, and a hidden pocket (of which I left out)…the “basic” part is taken to a whole new level.

I went back and forth on which size to sew a lot.  Louis is skinny and long in the torso and I like a good slim fit shirt on him.  But I also was feeling lazy and didn’t want to figure out mashing the sizes together…so I just went with a small.  (Small? How is he big enough for a small??)  The tee ended up fitting just fine, but I think next go-round I will most likely make it a little slimmer and keep the length.  But at least I know he’s got a good amount of time in this shirt, with lots of room to grow!

There were two things I did differently than the pattern called for.  

1. I used a woven fabric for the front, bottom panel.  I had this monster fabric that Louis had picked out with me on a JoAnn’s trip a while back and it just called to me for this shirt.  I made no adjustments on the sizing at all and the shirt fits like a charm.  (In case any of you ladies also want to use a fun woven fabric and don’t have an idea for a use for it yet.  I do this all the time with my shirts for Louis.)
2. I omitted the hidden pocket that goes on the front, center.  And instead put a regular ole (and crooked, whoops!) pocket on the top.  I thought with how busy I made with fabric choices, it was needing a balancing element and the pocket did it for me.  

The second thing I made from these patterns was the Radical Raglan.  I am dying over this shirt for Louis.  He was SO. STINKING. EXCITED. when I showed him what I made.

Again, the designer took a basic tee idea and added a bunch of fun elements to it.  A lined hood, a placket (which I didn’t use), and awesome pockets.

I had just enough fabric in my stash to make this shirt happen.  Louis has been really into wearing this Batman shirt that we got him that has a cape on it.  Such a simple idea: dressup clothes that are actually just regular clothes.  Captain America was my obvious choice, being that Louis is head-over-heels with the guy.

I love the fit of this shirt.  I can picture it being incredibly adorable and comfy in a sweatshirt knit…although, I’m not sure Louis would wear it.  Because it would be a layer of clothes that might hold him down.  Haha.  Turd.

My favorite element of the entire piece would have to be the pockets.  Who doesn’t like a good pocket?  I love that they are patch-pockets, too.  So in another fabric combo, they’d be super obvious and extra fun for color blocking.

I also really love that the hood is lined.  Because when it’s down (which is where these tend to spend most of their time when on Louis), you get to see this awesome fabric peeking out.

Things I did differently with this pattern:

1. I omitted the placket element.  As much as I love the added part of design, it didn’t work with Captain America.
2. Because of said omission, I had to cut the neck down into a v (and then I left it unhemmed because I wasn’t sure I’d like it any other way) so it would fit over his head.  I don’t “love” how low the v is but I didn’t think it all the way through until I tried to put it over his head and it wouldn’t budge.  You live and you learn, right?

Disclaimer: I received this e-book for free, in exchange for my review.
All opinions are, and always will be, my own.

The “S is for Sewing” e-book is on sale during the extent of this blog tour.  So you probably want to move quickly and get your hands on it!  You can find the patterns and more info about the book [HERE].

Run, don’t walk!

Want to be a better blogger but don’t know where to start? Head over to the Be a Better Blogger page for daily prompts to help get the creative juices flowing! Oh, and use #beabetterblogger on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook to keep the fun going even after you hit Publish!

ALSO don’t forget to check out the rest of the awesome-sauce women and their take on these great patterns on the “S is for Sewing” Blog Tour!

July 13th
Pattern Revolution |
Sewing Mama Raeann |
Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts

July 14th
From-a-Box
| Lulu & Celeste

July 15th
Huisje Boompje Boefjes |
The Berry Bunch |
FABulous Home Sewn |
House of Estrela

July 16th
Mae & K |
Oh Sew Boy! |
Wild & Wanderful

July 17th
create3.5 |
Call Ajare
The Wholesome Mama |
Rebel & Malice |
Handcrafted by RED