Ever since I made my boys their first Elevation Hoodies (click for original blogpost) almost 18 months ago, my Husband has been pestering for one too!  In the beginning I had the excuse that the pattern only came in ages 6-12 months to 16 years, however a few of months ago, the mens version was released which took the available sizes right up to 3XL (up to 57" chest!) so I could no longer use that one! Then I had the excuse of it being Summertime soon so there wouldn't be any need for hoodies for a few months which seemed to pacify him a few more months, THEN, a couple of weeks ago, he saw me looking at this blogpost for a zipper front hack and I really couldn't think of any more excuses so figured it was about time I just made it for him, and what's a good outfit without matching mini versions for the boys? After all, they have both grown significantly since their original ones and could do with some bigger, warmer clothes too.

This Summer one of my sons broke his arm and needed it cast almost to his shoulder, this made getting tees on and off very tricky.  Inspired by the port access placket of the Pickle Toes Pattern Hope, I added a snap up placket to the shoulders of some of his tees.  I hope you never need it but I've put together a little tutorial for you just in case! A snap placket can either be done on ready made tees or as you are making a new one, this tutorial covers adding one to a new tee and I used the Pickle Toes Patterns Fried Pickles which is FREE with the code from their Facebook Group 

Some of you may have already seen these, especially if you read my Suit up for Summer blogpost from last week but I wanted to take a closer look at them and tell you a bit more about them.  So here is an entire post dedicated to these fab  patterns from New Horizons! PS.  Did you see there is a code for 30% off sitewide until the end of the day?! quickkk! 

It's the boys turn again with these super cute tees, with options for plain or colour blocked fronts, they have gained themselves 3 tops each during testing and have already chosen and pointed out fabrics for more of them so they must get their approval! The pattern went through almost 10 version during testing to ensure the fit of the end pattern was absolutely SPOT ON.  It's a great scrap buster, perfect for panels and also an all round classic essentials pattern. I loved how quickly even the colour blocked version went together.  Only the pink tees are from the final version of the pattern but I wanted to show you the awesome colour blocked versions as well.

My boys are all about the pockets, so these shorts with their kangaroo style pocket really appealed to them both! I had a quick rummage through my fabric stash and soon found something suitable.  I only had time during testing to make a pair for one, not both but luckily, there is only half an inch difference in their waist measurements and because they have an elasticated waistband, they can both wear the same ones until I can sew some more up! I teamed the shorts up with a digger 'On Your Marks' t-shirt for these photos.

I promised myself a little break from testing whilst my Husband had some holiday booked, then I saw a tester call for this, whoops!  It was just so me and I knew immediately which fabrics I wanted to make it in as well, I couldn't resist! It's as easy and comfortable to wear as a tank top but so much more than a tank! With optional neck ruffles and centre seam detailing it combines woven and knit fabrics to create a top which works well for both casual and smarter wear with the right fabrics.  I teamed mine with both the free Lindy skirt and some linen trousers and both looks worked equally well.

Are you all feeling energetic?! No, I'm not either but this collection of 3 pocketed t-shirts from Kelly J Designs is called the Race Day Collection! My boys love pockets and I've got a love for colour blocking at the moment so these were sure to be a hit all round.  So much so, I've made 2 of each final design during testing alone!  My personal favourite is the 'On Your Marks' what's yours?

Another of my upcycle challenge entries was made using the Elevation Hoodie Pattern* to make this age 2 short sleeved tee version in cotton lycra and interlock, upcycled from a ladies stretchy tee and a childrens tee and I did add some dinosaur cotton lycra fabric to this one as well.

Above are the two tops I used and below is what I made from them!

Right at the beginning of April, Terra's Treasures changed it's name to New Horizons and with it came a fab contest to get people sewing their patterns using up cycled fabrics!  At first I wasn't sure I'd be able to fit any entries in but right on the last couple of days I managed to finish all my ongoing pattern tests up and entered 4 garments! Here I'm going to talk about them all but if you want a detailed review or information on how I hacked the patterns then I'll give links to individual blog posts about those too!