Pattern and Tutorials for the Ulyana Sergeenko Challenge!

I hope everyone is getting pumped about making some awesome clothes based on Ulyana Sergeenko!

If you're participating in the challenge, we have until the middle of April to knock out some clothing. If you're not sure where to start, then perfect! I'm posting some tutorials and patterns I found to help get you started. If you can think of any more, let me know in the comments and I'll add them to list.

If you're looking for simple sailor that doesn't scream costume, I found a few options for you! I'm sure you could draft the top yourself, but if you're not into that, I love Tilly's Coco top as an option. The skirt is from Burda and it's free! If pants or shorts are more your thing, I found another free pattern on Burdastyle for you.

Ulyana designs and wears a lot of circle skirts (right photos). Luckily, they're easy to make! Liz from Cotton and Curls (left) shows you how to easily draft a midi circle skirt. If you want a little more detail on circle skirts, check out this great post by Diary of a Renaissance Seamstress. The ladies over at By Hand London have even created a circle skirt calculator so you have to do less math.

Underneath some of her skirts, I'm sure she has crinoline slip or petticoat. If you don't have one handy, check out this tutorial for making your own.

Let's talk tulle! I wasn't really into these skirts when they started popping up, but now I think I want one for date night. Liz from Cotton and Curls (right) has a great tutorial for tulle skirts on her blog. Go check it out!

I'm madly in love with this cocoon coat. My main problem: do I make it a luxurious robe at home or do I make it to be worn outside the home? Pattern on the right from Ralph Pink.

This would require a bit more drafting, but if you want to go for something like this, I found a free pattern from PatternVault for you! I would add a tie, shorten the sleeves, and rotate the side detailing. If you look at Ulyana's design (left), it looks like she just cut open the back of a skirt and added a train. Very do-able!

She also designs a lot of modern and structured outfits that I'm having problems finding tutorials for. So let me know if you're familiar with a tutorial or pattern for her longer skirts, her shorts, or this amazing dress.

Also, I want to point out that I didn't link any patterns for her shirts or her pants (seen here and here) because I feel, pants especially, that those are more personal and harder to draft and fit. If you want me to change that because you know the perfect pattern, comment below and I'll update.

Patterns: Swimsuit Time!

This weekend was supposed to be a great time of relaxation and sewing because I had a 4 day weekend. Alas, it was not meant to be as my freelancing job called me up and needed gobs of work done. Well, it ended up being gobs of work because I didn't do anything Wednesday or Thursday. It backed up pretty quickly.

Last weekend I started working on the Jasmine bra from Ohhh Lulu (PS- did you read the interview with her? Get the coupon code?), and I'm almost done! I just need to attach the straps and I'll be able to wear my very own handmade bra. That's easier said than done, of course, as I need to find the time. Hopefully I'll have it finished in the next few days. I can't wait to show you because I am so excited about it! Spoiler: It's amazingly comfortable - so far.

Remember my contest? Congrats go out to Cait from Cait {Makes} Things  on winning the contest. Can't wait to see some skivvies!

Over the weekend, Ashley posted Sew Free: Skivvy Edition, a round-up of some free patterns, including undies, swimwear, robes, PJs, and slips. Check it out for some great options if you need more skivvies in your life - and really, who doesn't?

So in addition to the bra I haven't completed, I still haven't started my swimsuit! I wanted it done and on the beach this past weekend, but it was not meant to be. If you've been slacking like I have, here are some of my favorite swimsuits that I've spotted floating around. Some free, some self-drafted, and some that'll cost you.

Ginger Bodysuit & Separates

First up is the one I'm making! It's the Ginger bodysuit, and I'm making the 2 piece, probably with more ruffles.

Grace and Jasmine bikini

But really, you can turn any of Ohhh Lulu's patterns into a swimsuit! Check out Sarah's post here on turning the Jasmine Bra and the Grace Panties into a swimsuit. (And, ahem, did I mention 15% off - get the coupon code!)

Alison swimsuit

I'm more than a little in love with the Alison swimsuit, which I thought about making and probably will some day.

Bombshell Swimsuit

Of course, there's the Bombshell swimsuit that everyone's making. I love it, but it's almost identical to the one I currently own (that doesn't fit me well, argh) so I'm skipping it this year. Maybe next year!

Bow Tie Bikini

This one's a freebie! I love the bow-ties. I may need to incorporate those into mine. Hm...

Basic Swimsuit

Ralph Pink has some basic swimsuit options - the coolest thing about his website is that you can enter your measurements and the pattern adjusts accordingly. I haven't tried it, but it sounds incredible!

Wednesday Swimsuit

If you want to channel Wednesday Adams, check out this swimsuit I found on Kollabora! Another swimsuit I want to make, Kanin said she based the pattern off a tank top and some bloomers. Amazing!

Drafting Your Own

Naomi from One Avian Daemon has a 7 part series on how to draft your own swimsuit, whether it's a bikini or one piece. Check out the series if you don't like your options!

I hope you're inspired, and I hope to have a swimsuit to show you next week - finally! Let me know if you have any favorites I left off.