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Call Ajaire

You can always Call Ajaire.

Monthly MashUp (4) Bess Top and Lady Skater

If you’re looking for the details of this monthly series you can check out the introduction post.

Monthly MashUp - with Call Ajaire

With Selfish Sewing Week coming up next week and Mother’s Day in the U.S. less than a month away, I thought April’s Monthly MashUp should be geared toward us ladies.  The patterns I chose are favorites of mine and the marriage between them makes me even more happy!  It’s the Bess Top by Imagine Gnats and the Lady Skater Dress by Kitschycoo.

The Bess Top (*affiliate link) is one of Rachael from Imagine Gnats‘ most interesting patterns.  The pleated yoke with wrap around sleeve is such a cool feature and really makes it stand out from your average store-bought top.  Her instructions make it easy to sew with step-by-step pictures.  It’s amazing how good you feel when you’ve put the crazy pieces together exactly how she says and then wow you’ve made something that looks so complicated and yet this is one of the fastest tops to make.  There’s definitely some genius at work there.  The pattern has lengths for a tunic and dress as well and covers women’s sizes 2-20 so odds are there’s a size in there that fits you.

The Lady Skater Dress from Kitschycoo is a stylish yet comfortable knit dress that uses the high waist measurement to really flatter your figure.  The way the skirt falls over the waist and hips is great for many shapes.  The pattern includes cap, 3/4 length, and long sleeves and though Kitschycoo uses their own sizing numbers, there are 8 sizes that range from a 30″ to 44″ high bust and 24″ to 38″ high waist.  The best part of this pattern is that Amanda has extremely detailed information about how to adjust the pattern to perfectly fit your shape.  She is dedicated to perfect fit and there is almost no pattern alteration that could need to be made to her dress that she doesn’t cover.

I’ve been wanting to MashUp these two patterns for quite some time.  The Bess top is so cool that I needed it to be a dress.  Since I wanted to use knit for the skirt I immediately had to use my favorite knit skirt shape which is of course the Lady Skater.

This MashUp was more complicated than the others I’ve done and not just because it’s a women’s pattern instead of children’s.  The top was designed to be used with wovens and the skirt was designed to be used with knit so there is ease to factor in.  I have all the details and pictures, but I don’t want to jam up this post so I will post next week about the specific alterations to make.

For now I recommend getting the fit for each pattern right for you.  Make a muslin of both in their true forms and then come back next week to see how to use those perfectly fitted patterns to make a perfectly matched up dress.  I honestly recommend doing this with any MashUp so that you know the fit is correct before you change anything.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention that Imagine Gnats has a fabric shop that carries my favorite double gauze fabrics ever and Kitschycoo has a fabric shop that is basically THE place to get amazing knits with the coolest prints around.

And lets not forget about the giveaway!  Of course if you’re going to be making your own MashUp, you’ll need the Bess Top and the Lady Skater Dress patterns which Rachael and Amanda have generously offered to giveaway to the winner!

Just follow the instructions in the rafflecopter below to enter the giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want to MashUp your own, but don’t want to wait until the giveaway is over?  You can purchase the Bess Top pattern here (*affiliate link) and the Lady Skater Dress pattern here.

Be sure to follow the Monthly MashUp Pinterest board if you’d like some more inspiration on garments to mash.  And remember, if you do a MashUp I’d love it if you would share it in the Call Ajaire Monthly MashUp Flickr group!  There are a few great ones out there in the group already and I’ll feature a few with the giveaway winner announcement next week.

Call Ajaire Monthly MashUp
<a href=”http://ajaire.blogspot.com/search/label/Monthly%20MashUp” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://callajaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/MonthlyMashUpgraphic600px-1.png” alt=”Call Ajaire Monthly MashUp” width=”125″ height=”125″ /></a>
**the patterns for the giveaway have been generously donated, but all opinions are mine and I purchased my own patterns or put in the work as a tester before contacting the designers for this giveaway.

April 17, 2014 2:11 pm Ajaire Leave a Comment Filed Under: Uncategorized

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. 1

    Shaffer Sisters says

    April 17, 2014 at 3:43 pm

    It looks beautiful on you! The colors compliment your coloring gorgeously.

    Reply
  2. 2

    J W says

    April 17, 2014 at 3:44 pm

    I really like the lady skater dress. I don't think I've seen a material I've liked before but something about the example here really intrigues me. And is that gauze on the bottom of,your mashup?

    Reply
  3. 3

    Amy mayen says

    April 17, 2014 at 8:17 pm

    I can't wait to find out what you have to say about using knits for woven patterns & vice versa. I have several patterns that I love, but i know I'll only wear in a knit!! I think this is the first time I've really seen you, who knew you had a sexy little foot tat? Love the dress!

    Reply
  4. 4

    Rachael Gander says

    April 17, 2014 at 8:40 pm

    holy hell, lady! you're absolutely amazing! it's SO SO great!!! XO

    Reply
  5. 5

    Karly says

    April 17, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    I just love those colors together! You look gorgeous!

    Reply
  6. 6

    Emily Wall says

    April 17, 2014 at 9:05 pm

    Looks great! I love the double skirt.

    Reply
  7. 7

    Stephanie - Swoodson Says says

    April 17, 2014 at 10:16 pm

    I love seeing the bess top in a solid color – the detailing is easier to notice! Gorgeous mashup! I need to put it on my calendar to play along next month ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
  8. 8

    Darcie Griffin says

    April 17, 2014 at 10:20 pm

    So cute! Nice work. Love this mashup idea!!

    Reply
  9. 9

    Raphaelle (deuxsouriceaux) says

    April 18, 2014 at 1:27 am

    You're gorgeous! That's a great dress. And I'm happy to see you mash up for yourself! I was just wondering about that the other day (I'm so sick of sewing for my kids right now).

    Reply
  10. 10

    Shelly Morgan says

    April 18, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    Yay for mama sewing! It looks totally awesome on you and comfy too with the knits!

    Reply
  11. 11

    Amy Macdonald says

    April 18, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    I love this series! The dress looks great on you – I'm seriously considering copying it!!

    Reply
  12. 12

    Magda Estrela says

    April 18, 2014 at 9:47 pm

    This looks so good on you! I won that pattern (the Bess top), in a giveaway but am I yet to try it… this mashup is inspiring!

    Reply
  13. 13

    OnceUpona Sew says

    April 18, 2014 at 10:00 pm

    Love it! Looks great on you and I love the fabric on the Bess top part. You are brave to mash womens patterns.

    Reply
  14. 14

    Kathy says

    April 19, 2014 at 12:16 am

    what a fun series! The dress looks great on you.

    Reply
  15. 15

    Libby Hunt says

    April 19, 2014 at 1:16 am

    This series is super awesome. Love your dress! And you look remarkably like my friend Missy~

    Reply
  16. 16

    Amy Watkins Pellicer says

    April 19, 2014 at 2:58 pm

    Hi There! You look GREAT! Nicely done!

    Reply
  17. 17

    Meagan Buch says

    April 21, 2014 at 6:38 pm

    I have plans to make a maternity bess top by using knit in the front – I bet I could also just put the skirt of the lady skater up at the empire line to make this mashup work!

    Reply
  18. 18

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 11:56 am

    Oh Meagan that'll be a great top! Will you post pictures when it's done? I'd love to see how it turns out.

    Reply
  19. 19

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 11:57 am

    Haha Cindy yes I'll be back soooooon with the full post. It's been a crazy few weeks and I want to make sure to do the mashUp justice. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  20. 20

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 11:57 am

    Thank you Amy!

    Reply
  21. 21

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 11:57 am

    Haha Libby I get "you look just like" ALL THE TIME. It's so funny. I must just have one of those faces ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  22. 22

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 11:58 am

    Thank you Kathy. The fit instructions for the Lady Skater do wonders for your figure ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  23. 23

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 11:59 am

    Rachel I was so nervous, but it worked out perfectly the first time. Maybe I'm getting good at these MashUp things haha ๐Ÿ˜‰ Really it's just two great patterns. And the fabric for the top is a double gauze from Imagine Gnats (of course hehe).

    Reply
  24. 24

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    Oh Magda you'll love it! The pleating at the shoulder is such a neat feature. I'd love to see how you put your spin on it ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  25. 25

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:27 pm

    Thanks Amy! You should definitely try one out for yourself. I'll have the details up later this week. And if you make one I'd love you to add it to the flickr group! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  26. 26

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    Oh Karly me too! I think they are so springy together ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  27. 27

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    Thank you lady!! I love the Bess Top even more in this double gauze ๐Ÿ™‚ As you know it was supposed to be used for the girl, but what can I say….. I was feeling a little "selfish" hehe.

    Reply
  28. 28

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    Thanks ladies!! I think this is a great intro to the May series! I'm getting excited about it ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  29. 29

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:46 pm

    Amy she's such a fun lady! You'll love reading her blog. You're welcome ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  30. 30

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    Thanks Stephanie! I thought it'd be a fun way to get them involved ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  31. 31

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    Oh thank you Carin! It's definitely one of my favorite patterns. I've made a ton of them ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  32. 32

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:48 pm

    Haha well lets hope she's not wearing it when they have the markers! That might make for an interesting photo shoot ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  33. 33

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    You're totally welcome Kat! It was so worth it to see how excited you were. It's a big thank you for bringing so many smiles to my face with your projects. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  34. 34

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    Thanks Marigold! I was channeling Kat when I thought of it ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
  35. 35

    Darcie Griffin says

    April 22, 2014 at 4:15 pm

    I edit most patterns I sew in some way or another, but I can't recall any time that I've put two together like this!

    Reply
  36. 36

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 5:24 pm

    Hehe thanks Jill! I was so happy that fabric turned out. With all that scrappy mess it could have turned into a disaster ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  37. 37

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 5:25 pm

    Thanks Melissa! I'm glad you like the idea! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  38. 38

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 5:26 pm

    Isn't it fun to read a blog that's not your normal aesthetic? I love popping over there for something I know will always bring a smile to my face. And the way she thinks about what her kids will truly want out of a garment is something I think about all the time. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  39. 39

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 5:27 pm

    Thanks Karly ๐Ÿ™‚ I love how it turned out!

    Reply
  40. 40

    Ajaire says

    April 22, 2014 at 5:27 pm

    Thanks for including me in the Kat love group. I loved being a part of it ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  41. 41

    Annette Bell says

    April 23, 2014 at 12:08 am

    I was dreaming of a dress with a woven top and a knit skirt! Awesome. Now I don't have to figure it out. It is normal to dream of sewing…right?

    Reply
  42. 42

    rollerrinkstink says

    April 23, 2014 at 5:23 am

    yay! thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
  43. 43

    Meriel Aho says

    April 24, 2014 at 2:41 am

    What a cool mashup! It looks great on you!

    Reply
  44. 44

    sorahart says

    April 24, 2014 at 9:06 pm

    This is a fun series and I'm glad to have discovered it! It's fun to bring new life to favorite patterns by mashing them up!

    Reply
  45. 45

    Gina Arnold Johnson says

    April 24, 2014 at 10:11 pm

    Great job! I love mashing patterns! iact2 (at) hotmail (dot) com

    Reply
  46. 46

    Chelsea B. says

    April 25, 2014 at 2:34 pm

    What a great combo. Loving that skirt. The whole thing looks very comfy!

    Reply

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callajaire

Mother. Wife. Sewist. Not necessarily in that order.

Ajaire Parello
You guys, this girl is having a real hair moment. You guys, this girl is having a real hair moment. After waiting literal years for her hair to grow in, itโ€™s now turned into an 80โ€™s rocker look with how spikey it all is on top and the extra length in back๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿ˜† 
But we LOVE this Journal Jumpsuit from @jennuinedesign and she LOVES wearing it to jump on the couch. ๐Ÿ˜ฌ๐Ÿ˜ฌ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜Sheโ€™s a real talker these days so I had to use the Story Teller cut file, also from the Lounge Library collection.  Check out @projectrunandplay for the details on the sale on this pattern this week only!
Fabric is a lush French terry from @knitfabricdotcom and the contrast is a solid from @wolfandrabbitfabrics 

#projectloungelibrary #projectrunandplay #journaljumpsuit #jennuinedesign
Have you seen the mini season of @projectrunandpla Have you seen the mini season of @projectrunandplay details yet?  Iโ€™m super excited about everyone sharing more of the Project Lounge Library collection and the freebies weโ€™re offering!  First up is this perfectly sized book tote from @jennuinedesign. My girl LOVED the one I made from the second she saw it Christmas morning!  The cut file design is also from the collection as well as her nightgown ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜
Thereโ€™s a whole Percy Jackson collection inside there along with three other (heavy) books, so itโ€™s a nice sturdy tote that holds plenty!

https://projectrunandplay.com/product/book-bag/
#dbcanininoni #designsbycallajaire #jennuinedesign #projectrunandplay #freepattern #pdfpattern #projectloungelibrary
One of my favorite things is giving and receiving One of my favorite things is giving and receiving Christmas cards. ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•
Well itโ€™s not as many books as Iโ€™ve read in pa Well itโ€™s not as many books as Iโ€™ve read in past years, nor did I reach my (what I thought was an easy) minimum goal of 50, but then again all that was set back in January before I knew Iโ€™d have very little time to myself for 3/4 of the year ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿคช 
I read lots of different genres, including a few oldie juvenile favorites to preview for or read alongside my daughter. ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•
Some were book club reads and some were suggestions from Instagram friends, but I really enjoyed them all. Of course the new Louise Penny was my favorite ๐Ÿ˜

#goodreadschallenge2020 #goodreads #readingchallenge2020
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜
Just a reminder that 2020 wasnโ€™t all bad ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿฅฐ #topnine2020 #bestnine2020
We had a really nice Christmas with lots of cuddly We had a really nice Christmas with lots of cuddly fabrics and family. And this baby figured out how to ride her new scooter right away!  Looking forward to what 2021 has to bring! ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•
Happy Christmas Eve everyone! ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿฅ Happy Christmas Eve everyone! ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•๐ŸŽ„๐ŸŽ„๐Ÿฅ๐Ÿฅ
I made a last minute Christmas present hooded towe I made a last minute Christmas present hooded towel for the baby using this pretty floral C3, sparkle Cuddleยฉ for the binding, and the super luxe feeling @shannonfabrics waffle terry. Itโ€™s a quick sew and the baby needed a hooded towel so now sheโ€™s all set. ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’• 

Also our baby is two years old now ๐Ÿ˜ญ๐Ÿ˜ญso I made the squares 1yd x 1yd instead of 28โ€ x 28โ€ in the pattern. Otherwise itโ€™s the free pattern from the Shannon Fabrics website ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜

#shannonfabrics #shannoncuddle #shannonfabricscuddle #shannonfabricsterry #waffleterry
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I've always loved making. At an early age I started cross stitching and sewing and I taught myself to knit and crochet during college. When our seven year old daughter Bean was born I was filled with all sorts of inspiration, so now I find ways to manage my crafty time and treasure those moments. Though sewing is what I'm most passionate about these days, there's something about the portability of yarn crafts and embroidery that keeps drawing me back in.

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