Explorer Hoodie - Make (Believe) from Pattern Anthology

This hoodie so versatile!!  Fabric choices can make this nice light outerwear for summer or the coziest hoodie in the freezing winter.  It features either a straight or angled zipper at the neck, with or without the button tab.

Wow was this an easy sew!  The line drawing/illustrations in the instructions make things extra clear. Kate did a lovely job with this!  I can't wait to make another out of ponte de roma :-). There's not a whole ton to say about this because it was SO easy!  I can't stand the cuteness that comes with the angled zipper - such a fun addition!  The most difficult part was sewing the hoodie, hood, and necklacing together but it was only difficult because I was using some crazy fabric!!  I used doubled (bonded) fleece and my machine was not a fan of sewing through a ton of layers of that. If I had used a slightly thinner (less than an 1/8" thick) fabric there would have been no complaints :-)  We have cold winters in colorado though, I and wanted something that would be really warm. 

Pattern available here - http://patternanthology.com/products/make-believe-ebook-collection
 

 

 

Links to the other pieces in the Make (Believe) collection here:  http://studio280stitches.blogspot.com/2014/07/make-believe-from-pattern-anthology.html

Imagine Jacket - Make (Believe) from Pattern Anthology

I'm not going to lie, when I found out we were going to be testing a jacket in the middle of summer I was perplexed. I mean, it's a million degrees outside, why would I need a jacket?!?!  Well, your kids will probably need a jacket when they go back to school, right?  And you probably want to get some things sewn before they actually start school, right?  There's your answer!!  Haha

Once I got past the sewing a jacket in summer and saw the examples, I was sold. This jacket is possibly the cutest thing for a little kid that I've ever seen!!  There are two styles (both easily could be for a boy or a girl) that have separate and equally adorable details.  One with contrast at the shoulders/arm openings and a chest pocket, the other with rouched sleeves and shoulder patches.  My size partner wanted the first option, so I went with the second....  There is no wrong answer here. Both versions for the win!

I LOVE the way this pattern is drafted, the fit is spot on.  Shauna did an amazing job on this jacket and walks you through the assembly like you're strolling through the park. No speed bumps, no hiccups; just step by step. You'd assume that a fully lined zippered jacket with welt pockets would be this crazy, difficult, giant looming project, and it's just not. She guides you through the process so easily that you don't even realize how difficult it could be until, POOF!  You're done. And it's fantastic.   Honestly, the most difficult part of the whole thing was gathering the sleeves. Haha, can you tell I dislike gathering?? It's worth it!

I used a brushed twill for the outside and quilting cotton for the inside, both from JoAnn's. 

Pattern available here - http://patternanthology.com/products/make-believe-ebook-collection
 

 

Links to the other pieces in the Make (Believe) collection here:  http://studio280stitches.blogspot.com/2014/07/make-believe-from-pattern-anthology.html

Make (Believe) from Pattern Anthology

I was ecstatic when I learned that I had been chosen for a tester position with Pattern Anthology!!  These designers are people that I have looked up to both in the blogger world and in sewing designs.   I could not wait for the work to start with these ladies!

I've been working on pieces from the new collection: Make (Believe) for the last month or so.  It is the perfect back to school collection...  Staples that have a twist and are so versatile!  I am so over the moon happy with my tester versions, these patterns are well drafted and the instructions very well written. 

http://patternanthology.com/products/make-believe-ebook-collection
 

Here is a little sneak of the details on each one. In-depth posts for each garment to follow :-)

Adventure Tee - http://studio280stitches.blogspot.com/2014/07/adventure-tee-make-believe-from-pattern.html

Imagine Jacket - http://studio280stitches.blogspot.com/2014/07/imagine-jacket-make-believe-from.html

Explorer Hoodie - http://studio280stitches.blogspot.com/2014/07/explorer-hoodie-make-believe-from.html

Bookworm Button-up - http://studio280stitches.blogspot.com/2014/07/bookworm-button-up-make-believe-from.html

 

This has been my best testing experience by far!  I have learned for much and have learned to look at things a little bit differently than I normally would and how to think about the way the pattern goes together and where you can add different accents with fabrics just in the pattern lines. Thank you to the designers and fellow testers!!!

Must. Bundle. Up!!

There have been several pattern bundles this year and they've been pretty good, but never good enough for me to splurge.  This time, the bundle from Pattern Revolution (Bundle UP!) is too good to pass up.  I'm literally counting the hours until it goes on sale so I can get it.

These are the patterns I'm dying to have (though they are all wonderful).







And I can't decide between this

or this


And I might still need this one too



I mean, really!?!  $27 for 6 patterns is AH-mazing.  I'd like to get them all, but in reality theres a few that I would never sew since I'm not really a dress girl and I can't afford $50 is patterns - there wouldn't be any money left over to buy all the fabric I need to make a bazillion of these items!!!

http://patternrevolution.com/blog/2014/6/9/bundle-up-womens-edition-coming-june-20-27

Which patterns are you fawning overt???

Greenstyle Lacy Tank review

This pattern has been on my Wishlist for a LONG time. Somehow it was one of the very first PDF patterns that I came across for women. I fell in love with the high low hem, the hood, the thumb sleeves, all of it.  I haven't had great luck sewing for myself in the past - I always end up with a beautiful garment that just doesn't fit 100% right. I know this is because I need to do adjustments (FBA, round back, etc) and I just don't know how. That's part of what help me off from buying this pattern for forever.  There was finally a sale on Memorial Day and I jumped on it!

Pattern Name:  Lacy Slope (hooded tee or tank)

Designer:  Greenstyle Creations

Pattern Description:  As part of our Bespoke Collection, this trendy and comfortable Hooded T-Shirt is built off of our wildly popular Lacy Slope Tank Top. If you already have the Lacy Slope Tank Top you can just purchase the Add-On Pack. However, if you purchase this pattern, you will get both the Lacy Slope Tank Top and the Lacy Slope Hooded T-Shirt! It is two patterns in one easy package.   Features - high-low hem in three lengths, breast patch pocket, and extra long sleeve options

Pattern Sizing:  Women's XS - 3XL

Purchased here:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/165767310/new-greenstyle-womens-lacy-slope-hooded?ref=shop_home_active_8

 

Pattern cost:  $8.50

Size Made: Medium

Model's Measurements: height-5' 9", chest-38" (D cup), waist-31", hips-39"

Did it look like the photo/drawing advertised once you were done sewing with it?  yes, but the models in the photos are very slender and it doesn't quite look comparable on me.  After adjustments, it may look better, but it doesn't hang the same way on my body (big boobies problems)

Dealing with the pattern:  Unless you want to print out your instructions as well, scroll through the pattern and make note of which pages need to be printed - the pattern is sandwiched inbetween the hooded tee and tank instructions. 

Level of difficulty:  Moderately easy, however there are some parts (binding the neckline) that would put this in the intermediate category. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  For the most part...yes.  I did find it slightly odd that the instructions for the Hooded tee and the tank were completely separated by the pattern itself.  The directions for binding the neck and arm openings are lacking in the pattern but they have a video posted on their website that helps clear that up. If you are familiar with knit bindings, you may not even noticed that the instructions are lacking. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I like the options. It can go from summer to winter all day long. Make it fun, make it classy, I'm sure that tank in the right material could even be used in a business casual wardrobe.  I really like that there are hem length options. I chose the intermediate length hem - can't imagine using the original though!!  It would have been above the top of my pants!!  Note: I have a long torso so that may not be the case for everyone. And I think the back of the intermediate is a little long for my taste. 

Fabric Used:  white/bronze/grey leopard print jersey from Joann's. It's thin enough that I need a tank underneath at all times. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  none this go 'round. However after posting pics on their Facebook page asking for sizing help, a few of the ladies suggested I do the full bust adjustment for knits by Maria Denmark.   Here is the link that was recommended and I will give it a go soon!!  http://blog.mariadenmark.com/?p=1046

Would you sew it again?  Yes!  Even with my fit issues, I am dying to so another tank version. When I get the fit better, I'll be making hooded tees left and right - I live in hoodies during the fall and winter. 

 Would you recommend it to others?  Yes, with the note below attached :-)

Conclusion:   Great style, great pattern, but don't jump into your most gorgeous fabric right away. Make a wearable muslin....  Wait, aren't we supposed to do that every time??  Haha!!!

Notes for next time:  Full bust adjustment for knits; intermediate length hem in front graded to standard length hem in the back; try a different binding technique on the neck/arm openings; get the fit right and start making the back blocked with lace; get the fit right and makes lots and lots of hooded tees!

Excitement!!

Seriously, only PDF sewers know the wave of excitement and anxiety that washes over you when you get notification that you've been chosen to be a pattern tester. I recently got chosen for TWO long term testing positions and I couldn't be happier!!  I can't wait to start making and showing off all these amazing designs. Now, anyone what to come babysit Miss K or have tips in how to get her to sleep through my working/sewing/serging in the next room so I can sew my brains out??

Women's Prefontaine Shorts - take 3

Women's Prefontaine Shorts by Made with Moxie

This is my third and most favorite version!!

Sewn up in ponte de Roma with store bought bias binding. I made/changed them to be workout shorts. 

Pattern alterations

I left off the front pockets by drawing a straight line up to the waistband and over.  I felt like with a stretchy material they would be baggy and saggy....  Something I REALLY didn't want. 

Shortened the hem by 1 1/2" for a total of 2 1/2 ish inches (thought the 1 1/2" inseam would be too short for public). 

Shortened the waist by 1" in the back and 1 1/2" in the front. The inch in the back may have been a tad too much, maybe only do 3/4" next time but shortening the front worked great!!  No more sagging in between the waistband and crotch. I did forget to move the pocket down so it kind of runs into the elastic waistband....  Oops!!

Other notes

Next time, I think I may change the back pocket and figure out a way to make it a flap with a closure. Running with my phone in the pocket is not quite as secure as I'd like. It's fine for waking and running around town but not running. 

I can't decide if I prefer the elastic casing waistband or exposed sport elastic waistband. They are equally.... Um, not difficult but a pain in my ass. Haha, I'm a wimpy sew-er!!  I have a hard tie threading elastic through a casing and an even worse time stretching and stretching and stretching the elastic for the exposed waistband. I thought my wrists were going to fall off doing this one. Are there wrist exercises for that??

Yep, I'm sucking in here!!  Not this skinny in real life haha

I'm still kinda bummed I couldn't find anything that matched my shoes for the binding. I went with this hot pink from Joann's and was pleasantly surprised when I put them on tonight and found a perfectly matching shirt in my closet!!  SCORE!

Note to self: take pics BEFORE you workout/go for a run, not after. It's not cute to be all sweaty.