Announcing! The Re-launch of the Lou Box Top pattern

Hi sew-friends! Today I’m very happy to announce the re-launch of the Lou Box Top pattern. I first released this pattern in 2015 and it has been steadily popular ever since. All the things that made the pattern great remain the same. This is just a bit of a makeover.

The biggest change is to the sizing. The original pattern contained only four sizes while this new pattern has 17 sizes. The armhole opening is a little bigger and the length of the top is 2 inches longer than the original as Sew DIY has decided to start drafting for a height of 5’10”. (We’re going all in on #sewingtall and couldn’t be happier with the decision. As always, the pattern has lengthen/shorten lines to make it just the right length for your personal measurements and preference.) In addition, the pattern booklet has had a redesign and small tweaks have been made to the instructions for the sake of clarity.

Below is a video recapping the changes and why we made them, plus a few of our sample garments so that you can see some versions in motion.

What if you’ve already purchased the pattern?

There’s no need to repurchase the pattern. I really appreciate the love that people have shown the LBT over the years and want everyone to enjoy this new version.

If you purchased the pattern directly from Sew DIY, expect an email in the next week or so with a link to the pattern. If you purchased from another retailer, email sewdiyblog@gmail.com with your order confirmation and we will send you a copy of the new pattern. If you don’t receive an email with the new pattern, email us and we’ll send you the link.

Lou Box Top PDF Pattern

$14.00

What’s next?

First off, you can expect blog posts and videos about how to select your size, how to make an FBA adjustment to the top and a few tutorials about construction methods. There is already a sewalong for this pattern with lots of info but to supplement and fill in a few holes, we’ll be doing a few additional tutorials.

You can also expect more pattern updates. Next, we’re planning to update the Baseball Skirt pattern and then the Lou Box Dresses patterns. For now, I encourage you to check out the #louboxtop hashtag on Instagram and stay tuned for the tester roundup post tomorrow. And, if you do not already own this pattern, it is currently $2 off until midnight Sunday, May 12, 2019. No code required.

Thank you so much for your support. I truly appreciate it.

New in the shop! Introducing the Ali Sweatshirt PDF Pattern

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Today I'm very excited to announce the launch of a new pattern. I first started developing this pattern in January of 2017. I was looking for a casual and sporty sweatshirt that would be really easy to sew but also had some interesting style lines. The Ali Sweatshirt features dolman sleeves, a shoulder yoke and a cropped length that narrows to the high hip. It's the perfect addition to your me-made athleisure wardrobe. Whether you're working out or just lounging you'll love wearing this sweatshirt. You can wear it to the gym, to the beach or anywhere you need an extra layer of warmth. The roomy fit pairs well with jeans and leggings for everyday stylish comfort.

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This sweatshirt has some fun design features and lots of opportunity to play around. The yoke provides the perfect place to experiment with color blocking and the simple shape is a great basis for all sorts of hacks. There are two views, a traditional crewneck and a scoop neck plus the option of bracelet length sleeves or longer, slouchy sleeves. The instructions will walk you through an easy method of sewing and topstitching the center back yoke and sleeve seams. The topstitching is optional but provides a kick of visual interest and enhances the sporty vibe. 

I designated the skill level as Advanced Beginner but I think it really is simple enough for a beginner too. If you’re just getting your feet wet sewing with knits, you can keep it simple and not include any topstitching. But I encourage you to give it a try, because with a little practice it’s not too hard to master. Plus, I have a sewalong in the works that will roll out over the next month. The sewalong will include tips, tricks and photos to walk you through every step of making your own sweatshirt.

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And, until Sunday, Sept 16, 2018 at midnight Pacific, you can get 15% off using the code ALISWEATSHIRTLAUNCH at checkout. I hope you love this pattern as much as I do! 

New in the Shop! – Introducing the Lou Box Dress 1 & 2

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Today I’m very pleased to announce the launch of two new pdf sewing patterns – the Lou Box Dress 1 and the Lou Box Dress 2. I’ve been working on these patterns for a year now and I’m so excited to finally share them. They are both variations of my most popular pattern, the Lou Box Top, using the same sizing and the same guides to Mix & Match. Each pattern can be used on its own or combined with the Lou Box Top or the other dress for seemingly endless possibilities. These patterns are both easy to wear and easy to sew with lots of opportunity for variations to make it your own. 

When I first started thinking about expanding the Lou Box Top pattern, I was focused on adding sleeves, as they are one of the most requested hacks. Somehow along the way of making many, many samples, I ended up with two dress designs plus the sleeves! I had so many ideas, it was really tough to narrow it down but I’m really pleased with how both of these designs came out. I’ve been wearing both of them a lot this last year. Both patterns work really well in both woven and knit fabric and there are detailed instructions for sewing the dresses in both types of fabric.

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Lou Box Dress 1 All Views

Lou Box Dress 1, View A back

Lou Box Dress 1, View B

Lou Box Dress 1, View B back

The Lou Box Dress 1 is a loose-fitting cocoon style dress. Worn alone, it’s perfect for warm summer days. Paired with a sweater, tights and boots, it will take you through the colder months. Make it in linen for a casual and sophisticated look or use sweatshirt fabric for extra coziness. The blue and cream striped dress is View A sewn in a medium-weight knit fabric (similar to ponte in weight) from The Fabric Store. It features a medium scoop neck, 3/4 length sleeves with cuffs, in-seam pockets and a knee-length skirt. View B is sewn in a lightweight linen and features short cuff sleeves and patch pockets. 

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Lou Box Dress 2 All Views

Lou Box Dress 2, View A back

Lou Box Dress 2, View B back

Lou Box Dress 2, View B back

The Lou Box Dress 2 is a loose-fitting gathered waist dress with a ballet neckline, scoop pockets, a knee length skirt and dolman sleeves. The floral print is View A made in a lovely woven rayon fabric from The Fabric Store. View B is sewn in a light-medium weight knit fabric and features full-length tapered sleeves and a low scoop back. 

I have a sewalong in the works that will roll out over the next month or so. The sewalong will include tips, tricks and photos. (In the meantime, if you need a little extra help, check out the Lou Box Top Sewalong, many of the steps are the same.) The patterns can be purchased individually or as a bundle for a savings of 25%. Until Tuesday Jan 9, 2018 at midnight Pacific, you can get 20% the individual patterns using the code LOUBOXDRESSLAUNCH at checkout. I hope you love these patterns as much as I do! 

Lou Box Dress 1 PDF Pattern

$14.00

Lou Box Dress 2 PDF Pattern

$14.00

sale

Lou Box Dress 1 & 2 Bundle PDF Patterns

Sale Price:$19.00 Original Price:$28.00