Kaleidoscope Top

 Today’s 30 min project is a fun new pattern from See Kate Sew. When I saw the bow on the Kaleidoscope Top I just new I had to make one. The lovely Kate gifted me a pattern because she is sweet as pie. It’s a quick and easy sew (even with the bow) and I loved the outcome.

 So does Penny who was desperate for a new top. So the pattern starts at 18m, and little Penny is not even close to that size (yet) so I cut the pattern down a bit, taking off some length, some sleeve length, and raising the armpit a bit. The outcome was an adorable little top that still has some room for her to grow into. I did also add neck ribbing to finish the neck since it helped take in the neck opening just a touch.

 I used a mix for florals and stripes because I love that trend right now and the fabrics are from Girl Charlee and some of my favorites. I just about used up the last of the floral and it makes me a little sad.

 

 So I thought I would share a few tips for sewing something in a 30 min window. Since this is 30 min. project month there are some things you can do to help maximize your time.
1) Cut out your patterns ahead of time. I know that my time with the three kids is limited, and like I said I get pretty lucky if I can sneak in 30 min. So one night after the kids go to bed I cut out as many things as I can. Maybe 3-4 patterns and then I stack all the pieces together so they are ready to go when I have the time.
2) Make sure all of your supplies are ready. Bobbins full, scissors handy, iron turned on. I use a mini ironing board that sits on the counter next to my sewing machine int encourages me to stop and press my seams and I don’t have to go far or waist time.
3)Read through the pattern ahead of time. If its a new pattern read the instructions carefully and study the pictures a bit. Then when you are ready to sew you don’t have to stop every two seconds and look up the next step
4) Have the instructions handy just in case. I never print instructions when I use PDF patterns I simply keep my laptop handy and have the pattern pulled up so if I need to I can check a step. Most projects that I can make in 30 min I have made enough times I could do it in my sleep, or they are so simple I don’t usually have to check the instructions, but these tips help you save time even if you have a 2 hour window instead of 30 min.

Just know that some things may take you longer, I have made many projects that take several sittings, when my sewing area was my dining room table that was a little more difficult since the mess needed to be packed away in order to eat dinner that night, but now that I have a designated space I am often mid project, sometimes it’s even left in the sewing machine mid stitch. You do what you have to do when family and kids come first 🙂

Check out The Kaleidoscope Top for a fun quick project, Kate also has several other patterns that would be quick and fun sews. Like my favorite Recess Raglan, which I have made several of 🙂