by Sherri Sylvester | May 4, 2015
I’m so excited to be part of another Bundle Up Tour. Pattern Revolution has put together a Women’s Bundle Up grouping this time and these brand new patterns cover everything from jeans to bathing suits, with dresses and tops in-between! When I was trying to decide which pattern to make as part of this tour, I went a bit out of my comfort zone and chose to make another Violette Field Threads pattern – Ginger, in the Misses Version.
Originally I was going to make the peplum top version, but, honestly – if you are going to do something out of the ordinary you may as well go all out, right? So I chose a crazy multi-coloured floral, cut into my hoarded teal chambray scraps and sewed myself a proper party dress! Now all I need is a party to wear it too… or a fancy summer date with my husband!
I’m generally intimidated by fitted patterns, but I am trying to learn how to tailor patterns to fit properly, so I forged ahead. I would really recommend this pattern as a good place to start making some simple alterations. Since the proper fit is created using two darts on bottom of the front bodice, it is simpler to move them around without causing extra trouble!
When I made my bodice muslin, I found that there was quite a bit of extra space all around, due to my needing a size 2 at the top and size 8 at the waist! The darts were a bit off as well – so I put the muslin on inside out and pinned in the extra fabric so it fit properly. I found taking in an inch on the centre front also moved the darts in so they pointed in the correct direction – perfect!
Thoughts on the pattern:
- PDF pattern, easy to print, put together, and reprint when necessary.
- If you choose to make the peplum top you can save quite a bit of paper by choosing to print only the peplum skirt pieces. Super helpful!
- Violette Field Threads cannot be faulted in their instructions in any way. The steps are well photographed and explained.
- There are good size and alteration tips to help you along.
Here are a few things I love about it:
- They rigged the circle skirt to take the fullness out of the hip area. Thank you VFT!
- Pockets. Pockets! LOVE the pockets. It’s so comfortable to be able to have a pocket to hold a few things. Or a place to put your hand in photographs!
- Despite it using quite a bit of fabric, it comes together quickly once you start sewing.
- It’s cute and out of the ordinary! (and, did I mention it has pockets?!)
- Two versions – you can also make a peplum top.
- If you are small-busted it works quite well as a strapless top. You don’t even need to add the halter portion!
- The circle skirt adds fullness without gathers! (Gathers are not my favorite.)
Thoughts on the fit:
- A woven fabric garment does not generally fit without any alterations. However, everything was properly placed and true to the measurements. My body just doesn’t agree with “average” sizing!
- It includes sizes 0-16 – quite a good range.
- There are 3 length options – super helpful.
Things I changed from the original pattern:
- There is supposed to be an exposed zipper on the back. Since I couldn’t find one, I opted for another super matchy invisible zipper. I installed it using my favorite invisible-zip instructions from the Oliver and S Fairy Tale Dress pattern.
Things I might change next time:
- I might take a bit of the fullness of the skirt out of the pattern, since it requires a lot of yardage and if there is any kind of wind at all you are left grasping for many, many yards of fabric in order to stay modest!
Don’t miss out on the Bundle – it’s only here for a limited time! Check out the other stops on the blog tour for more real-life inspiration.
Disclosure: I have used my own fabric and supplies to make this dress. However, I was given the Violette Field Threads, Ginger pattern for free as part of the Bundle Up blog tour. My opinions are always my own. Thanks for reading!
by Sherri Sylvester | Apr 23, 2015
Today I get to be part of the “Time to Travel eBook Blog Tour” put together by Sewing with Boys. And yes – I know, I don’t have any boys! I was surprised to get an email from them last month asking if me (with my 2 girls) wanted to be part of this tour. Though their eBook is written with boys in mind, it’s totally appropriate for girls too. I can see them using each of the patterns included in this just-released book. (Scroll down for your chance to enter to win some great prizes!)
As part of the tour I was given a copy of the Swansea Bag pattern written by Stitch Blue Designs. It’s one of the 4 full patterns included in the eBook, along with lots of tips and printables you can use when traveling with kids. The design is modeled after a military-style round duffle bag. And let me tell you – you need this bag! (As usual, despite getting the pattern for free in exchange for this review, my opinion is my always honest and my own. Thanks for reading!)
The girls just started their pre-summer swimming lessons and use a great wet bag for my youngest every week. However, when I saw this pattern I thought it would be perfect to use as a wet bag for my oldest so they could both have their own. Never mind that beach/pool weather is coming soon (I hope!) and we’ll need a carry-all then as well.
The finished Swansea turned out even more perfect than I could have asked for, and it’s huge! We almost don’t need a second bag since the child sized version I made holds both kids’ pajamas, shampoo/soap/hairbrush, large water bottle, snack AND two beach-sized towels. Whew!
Here are a few things I love about it:
- It’s really large – we’re going to use it SO much this summer.
- French seams throughout (and the instructions for them are very well explained). This allows the bag to be made super-quickly because it is completely finished inside without the need for a lining!
- The optional pocket is just the right size for so many things! And I love how it looks with the pocket flap.
Alterations to the original pattern:
- Added a french-seamed clear plastic liner to make it semi-waterproof.
- Used two lengths of natural clothesline instead of 1.
- Buttonholes instead of grommets. Because it’s a wet-bag I didn’t know what the metal would do if continually exposed to water.
- Dark-coloured contrasting bottom band – because my daughter fell in love with the white-background fabric and I could see it getting instantly dirty!
Thoughts on the pattern:
- Clearly written, illustrated instructions.
- Confident beginner friendly pattern.
- Variations: Two sizes: Child and Youth/Adult. Two closure options. Optional outer pocket.
- Printed pattern pieces for all pieces – even the large rectangle needed for the body of the bag. That means no measuring and squaring up!
Things I might change next time:
- I would definitely use a lighter gauge plastic if I lined it again. Making french seams in plastic is not easy on my machine and a lighter gauge would be just as waterproof.
- I’d love to try one with grommets. It would make a great Christmas gift for my nephews.
I’m so happy I got to be a part of this Sewing with Boys tour. Even if I don’t have any boys! I truly love the Swansea bag, and its quick construction makes it even better. I can see making a lot more of these!
The Time to Travel eBook is on sale until the end of this blog tour (May 1) for only $9.95 – The Swansea bag alone is well worth that cost! Check out the official Sewing with Boys Tour Page for more information, blog tour daily links and to see each of the other patterns in action.
Grand prize: $50 gift certificate to FabricWorm and a copy of Time to Travel* ~ 2nd Prize: 1 yard of fabric from Mabel Madison and a copy of Time to Travel* ~ 3rd Prize: a copy of Time to Travel* ~ But that’s not all! If you buy the eBook during the tour, you’ll be automatically entered to win a $30 gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop!
Enter this giveaway through the Raffelcopter widget below. If you buy the eBook and win the giveaway, Sewing with Boys will either refund your money, or send the copy on to a friend of your choice.
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by Sherri Sylvester | Mar 14, 2015
Alright – poll? How much did you get sewn so far during Selfish Sewing Week? Me? ummm… a big fat Zero! But I did sew this Seafarer Top last weekend (with 3/4 sleeves, tutorial coming soon!) and I LOVE IT. It’s so comfortable. I think I may have worn it more than half of the days last week. And yes – I did wash it (at least once) in between!
I bought the Indie Sew Mini Spring Collection recently. It’s made up of the Sailor Top, The Marianne Dress and the Seafarer Top from Sew Much Ado. I fell in love with Abby’s girl version of the pattern – the Skipper Top – when I was on the pattern tour a few years ago. It was only natural to get the women’s top as well!
Here are a few things I love about it:
- This shirt is such a great easy wearing style.
- It’s easy to put together – with out any set-in sleeves you can stitch one up in about an hour.
- It’s knit, so easy wash and wear is not a problem.
- You don’t need a serger for this one!
- Since knits usually fit great the first time around, I don’t usually make a muslin for them. (YAY!)
I always get into conversations with people about the cost of sewing. It used to be that making clothing was more cost effective than buying it. Now, especially with the “fancy” quilting and organic cottons, this is not so much the case! However, on occasion I am happily surprised. I found the sweater knit I used in this top on sale for $5/metre. Since I used just over a metre, it technically cost me about an hour and a half, some thread and $6.00 for the fabrics – win, win, I’d say! And it seems to be washing well – and I’m hoping the fabric will hold up over time.
Thoughts on the pattern:
- It is a pdf pattern – easy to print out and tape together. No tracing involved!
- The steps are very clearly illustrated with clear, easy to follow photos.
- Abby includes professional tips, like adding clear elastic to the shoulder seams.
- There are lots of options – hemmed vs banded neckline, sleeves & hem. Optional Hi-Lo hem. Super-cute pocket.
Thoughts on the fit:
- Again, knits are easy to fit because they stretch – making a very satisfying project if you measure yourself correctly first!
- The length is purposefully long, and easy to lengthen or shorten.
- I made a small, based on my measurements, and it fits perfectly.
- Dolman styles can be up-sized easily to wear with a baggier fit, without any alterations to the pattern.
Things I might change next time:
- Grade the waist out to a medium so the hips are looser, but it really depends on how much stretch is in the knit I’m using.
- I’d love to try making more of a boat-neck shaped neckline.
- I might use some thicker sweatshirt fleece and re-print and cut a medium-large to wear as a comfy at-home shirt. (Who am I kidding, I’d likely wear it everywhere!)
I picked up a perfectly striped XL men’s shirt yesterday, so I’m hoping to make another one of these shirts soon, exactly the same as this one. That will bring the total of shirts I’ve made myself (that I can actually wear out of doors!) up to 4 in the past month or so. I’m pretty excited about that!
Reader Feedback: What have you made yourself lately? Hint: It doesn’t have to be clothing!
Disclosure: I had way too much fun making the photos on this post. You can relax now, there are no more unexpected silly photos. I promise to be more sane next time! Oh, and I did not receive this pattern or any compensation for this post, it’s just really great. And Abby is amazing too! Sew Much Ado is one of my all-time favorite blogs. (Gorgeous photos!)
by Sherri Sylvester | Feb 19, 2015
I love the chance to use a new pattern, and this one is no different! It’s my stop on the “Extraordinary Girl” pattern tour, and I get to review both the women’s and girl’s version of this pattern from Filles à Maman. This post is also a futile attempt to show you all 5 of the shirts I’ve made without over sharing and too many photos! (These shirts are addictive.)
Hang in through everything and there’s a list of blog tour stops for more inspiration, and a giveaway! {Disclaimer: I received these patterns as part of this blog tour. All opinions are my own, I wouldn’t have made 5 of these if I didn’t like the pattern! Thanks for reading.}
I love the name of this shirt. I thought it was strange at first, but when I wore it I thought about the name and it actually changed my mood, for the better. It seemed the perfect thing to put on my kids too. They are extraordinary in so many ways! I decided to focus on my youngest today, but I did make a fifth shirt for my oldest as well that you can kindoff see on Instagram (it’s behind the flowers).
I haven’t used a pattern from Filles à Maman before, and I was so happy to find it was well laid out and easy to follow. The instructions for the girl’s and women’s patterns are the same. By the 3rd shirt I got the time to make one (with a serger) down to 1 hour. I can’t complain about that – it included cutting time!
I did use my serger for every seam, except the black one I made for myself. That was the last one I made, and the seams are more precise so it fits much better than the green and gray one. I will likely use the sewing machine for each seam, then serge to finish my edges on my shirts in the future. The serger works just fine for the girls’ clothing, since the fit doesn’t need to be as exact.
Both patterns cover a wide range of sizes. The women’s pattern is sized XS to XXL. The girl’s comes in sizes 12 months through 14. All steps in both patterns are well illustrated and the instructions are very clear. If you have a good handle on sewing knits you will not have any trouble with this pattern.
The sizing is true to the measurements as well. My 4 1/2 year old daughter is wearing a size 5 with the sides graded out to a size 6 to better fit her frame. The length is a 6, since she wears a lot of leggings, I like longer shirts! My shirt is a size small with the sides graded out to a Medium through the waist to the hem, and I used the Large length – again with the long shirts! Though, I think we are long-waisted, so the extra length adds just enough extra to compensate. This shirt also has a slight high-low hem, super comfortable, and I love how it looks.
I managed to use only stashed fabrics and my shelves are a little bit more empty as a result – hooray! I finally got to use the castle scene knit I let my 3 year old pick out over a year ago. It arrived and was so bright I couldn’t bring myself to use it. Now that I have I wish I had made something with it sooner – the shirt turned out just right to match her happy personality! The gray and green in my shirt are solid jersey knit from Jo-Ann Fabric. The purple print is as well, it’s slightly sheer and works perfectly with a tank top underneath. I really like how the three-quarter sleeves turned out on that one.
Apparently, we were supposed to look serious in this photo. #whenkidstakeover
The Ann Kelle mermaid shirt was a bit of an experiment. Actually, I had totally different knits pulled out to make her second shirt – but I wanted to try something. Something that incorporated this sewing trend to add a bit of gold to everything! I decided to make the back and top yoke panel out of a woven fabric. And I used a stretchy gold fabric for the front and back neckband. SO much more fun that way! The green striped fabric is a woven I up-cycled from a large t-shirt.
Since the pattern calls for knits I was nervous that it wouldn’t fit, so I added 1 1/2″ to the centre back when I cut it out. Amazingly, and hooray, it worked. Though I would cut at least one size larger through the top of the shirt if I did it again. The shoulders really are too small because the woven fabric doesn’t stretch like a knit would.
Summary? Buy the pattern (it’s only on sale until Friday the 20th!). It’s great and I really like it a lot. I’ve already got another one waiting to be cut out. It’s purple, with bunnies – for my 7 year old , ’nuff said!
Find more inspiration from the other stops on the blog tour here:
The Extraordinary Girl Shirt Patterns are on sale during this blog tour – February 16-20. The Girl’s or Women’s Pattern is $9.79 $7.00, the Girl’s & Women’s bundled together is $19.58 $13.00.
There are two prize bundles full of patterns for you to win! Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter, the giveaway is open until February 20, 2015.
Bundle #1:• Filles a Maman 2 patterns winner’s choice
• Sofilantjes – 1 pattern winner’s choice
• Julie pattern by Muffin Head
• AimeLea & Finn – 1 pattern winner’s choice
• FABulous Home Sewn -1 pattern winner’s choice
• Fancy Schmancy – 1 pattern winner’s choice
• E+M Patterns – 1 pattern winner’s choice |
Bundle #2:• Filles a Maman 2 patterns winner’s choice
• Sofilantjes – 1 pattern winner’s choice
• Fancy Schmancy – 1 pattern winner’s choice
• MCM Studio Designs – 1 pattern winner’s choice
• MandyK Designs -1 pattern winner’s choice
• Striped Swallow Designs – 1 pattern winner’s choice |
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by Sherri Sylvester | Jan 30, 2015
Disclosure: I have used my own fabric and supplies to make this dress. However, I was given the Violette Field Threads, Annabelle Dress pattern for free as part of the Bundle Up blog tour. My opinions are always my own, and please forgive me if I gush a bit – this is honestly the most gorgeous dress I have ever sewn. (Thanks!)
When I got an email asking if I’d like to be a part of this blog tour, I didn’t sign up to make the Annabelle Dress right away. In fact, I tried to stay away from it. It looked tricky, and time consuming… and I really wasn’t sure I liked the sweetheart neckline. My oldest however knew it was love at first sight. Try as I might to convince her otherwise, this was going to be made, and I knew it. So I gave in and I’m so glad I did!
If you haven’t heard of the Bundle Up Sale, it’s put together by Pattern Revolution and each sale contains a new group of patterns in a different category – boys, women, etc. This Bundle Up Sale contains 11 patterns for girls – which of course I am interested in. Buy as little as 6 patterns and pay 1/2 price for each of them, or buy them all for even less! A great way to stock up a wardrobes worth of patterns for your kids! The sale started January 23rd and will end on February 2nd. If you want to buy any of the patterns alone, you can get them on the 16th of February from their respective designers.
I loved the experience of working with this Violette Field Threads pattern. I had not used their patterns before, and the instructions were very clear and thorough. I love working with good photos, and there are lots of them in these instructions. This dress is not as tricky as it looks! In fact, once you have cut the fabric out everything goes really quickly, considering the piecing required. I was surprised to finish putting the skirt together in only about 3 hours. The rest of the dress is very simple and the elastic back is great – no closures necessary!
I used gorgeous blue and teal chambray for the bulk of the dress, plus a fat quarter of white embroidered quilting cotton for the middle chevron. I haven’t worked with chambray before and now I can’t wait to buy some more! The drape is amazing and it is really nice to sew with. The weight is perfect for this dress and allows it to flow really well. It’s also going to be perfect for summer, since it breathes well and seems really comfortable and soft. I think my daughter will wear it every chance she gets, and probably to church this Sunday, even though it is supposed to be -20 C!
The suggested sizing on this pattern was good as well. My slim 7 year old usually fits into a size 4 or 5 bodice with a size 6 length. When compared to the measurements on this pattern, that was what they suggested and it worked out perfectly. I made a size 5 bodice and a 6 length, then took about 1″ off of the bottom before hemming. I like that the elastic back allows for easier sizing and the dress can be worn longer as well. The length in the hem allows you to make the dress go “right down to the floor”, as my daughter specifically requested!
There are only two helpful hints I would add about this pattern:
- This dress has lots of seams in the skirt portion, and the pattern explains how each seam allowance needs to be finished properly so they do not fray. I found my serger to be amazingly helpful in this process and it would have taken much longer to finish each one by grading and zig-zagging the edges.
- The fabric requirements are spot-on – you really need quite a bit of fabric to sew up a maxi dress! Since I am trying to work my way through my fabric stash, I wanted to use something I already owned. I think I tried about 10 combinations at least before I found one that had enough yardage. (and that my daughter and I could agree on!)
I’ve got at least one more of these to make for my youngest since I’ve promised her one as well. I can’t wait, it’s going to be so cute! I think this might be the pattern I use for their Easter dresses for this year and if I start now I won’t be rushing to finish them at the last minute as per the usual – wouldn’t that be nice!
Here is a list of the tour stops if you still need some inspiration. I’ve been following the tour along, and each blogger’s description really helped me to decide which 6 patterns I would purchase. (And they are now on my list for KCW next week!)
by Sherri Sylvester | Sep 25, 2014
When Deborah from Sprouting Jube Jube (pattern made by Allison, EM Patterns) offered a chance to be on this Pattern Tour I couldn’t say no. Even when a sleeveless dress in our September weather is a little risky! The back of this dress is just amazing and I’m so happy I got the chance to sew it. There’s a giveaway and a discount code for you too.
Of course, I could not make just one dress, there had to be one for each of my girls. I was all ready to make two gorgeous bow-backed dresses, when my oldest informed me that she liked the simplified version better. You know how it is when you are almost seven – it is very important to make your own fashion choices! I’m so glad she did, because I got to make both versions. And, as it turns out – I really like the simplified one as well. It’s very pretty and has the same twirl factor as the more showy version – win, win for everyone!
I am especially excited because I ordered my first yardage of Cotton + Steel especially for these dresses from Fabric Spark! You can see all of the fabrics I ordered in this photo (love, love the arrows!) The pink and blue are from the Basics collection – XOXO in Pink Cheeks and XOXO in Toy Boat Gold. That’s right – the dress has metallic gold X’s all over it – Gorgeous! Definitely my favorite out of the three prints. The underskirt of my youngest’s dress is Hide and Seek – Lions in Gold and Teal – oh my! My kids each picked the fabric for their dress, and it was so much fun looking through the options with them. I’ve really got to try that again!
I would label this pattern as an intermediate level pattern – mostly for the zipper installation, and partially because I found myself using my prior dress-making knowledge quite a bit throughout. Though, saying that, the simplified version would be great for a confident beginner. The fit is good and follows the sizing chart exactly, it even has a little extra wiggle “they will grow over the winter”-room around the bodice so the dresses should fit next year as well! I also cheated a tad to make the back flounce stay where I wanted by tacking each fold in place underneath where it doesn’t show. Perfect!
Enough from me already. The discount and giveaway are below, and you can visit all of the other lovely bloggers on the tour for more inspiration. There are some amazing dresses out there. (and a top too!)
September 22 ~ Sofilantjes – From a Box – Golden Rippy
September 23 ~ Friends Stitched Together – Project Destash– Simple and Trendy
September 24 ~ Call Ajaire – Crooked Whimsy – Giggles & Beans – Sews ‘n Bows
September 25 ~ The Adventures of Captain X and the Gingerbear Princess – Once Upon a Sewing Machine – and Me!
September 26 ~ Pienkel – Made by Sara – Rebel & Malice – Shaffer Sisters
September 27 ~ Sewing Sober – Lulu & Celeste – Climbing the Willow
Deborah and Allison are providing a discount for the Secret Garden Dress during the tour this week (Ends September 27th, 2014). Use the code “SGTOUR25” to save 25%! Visit EM Patterns, Etsy or Craftsy to buy the pattern.
Here’s your chance to win the Secret Garden Dress pattern and a whole lot more! Sponsored by:
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* The Secret Garden Dress pattern was given to me as part of the tour. As always, all opinions are my own. *
