Small Fry Skinny Jeans - Titchy Threads

Pattern Name:  Small Fry Skinny Jeans

Designer:  Titchy Threads

Pattern Description:  The Small Fry Skinny Jeans offer a classic skinny fit style with enough ease for comfort. They feature front patch pockets, back yokes, back pockets, belt loops and a half fly. A very versatile pattern that can be dressed up for a wedding or down for more casual wear.

Pattern Sizing:  Free only available in 2T, full pattern goes from 0-3 through 12 years!

Purchased here:  I used the free 2T pattern, available here: http://www.titchythreads.com/patterns/small_fry_skinny_jeans

Pattern cost:  $0.00 😊

Size Made:  2T

Model's Measurements: height-36 1/2", chest-19 1/4", waist-18 1/2", hips-20 1/2"

Did it look like the photo/drawing advertised once you were done sewing with it?  Yes!!!  

Dealing with the pattern:  This pattern is lovely to deal with!!  It even features out-cut triangles and top, side, bottom markings like standardpatterns!

Level of difficulty:  Not nearly as bad as you'd think...  An advanced beginner could tackle these jeans. 

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes!  They were amazing!!  There was one part in sewing the waistband up that was a little foggy but the pictures cleared it right up. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the pattern instructions as well as the actual details involved. They turn out just like little ready to wear jeans while I get the satisfaction of making them. I can't comment about the fit...  More on that in the conclusion section. 

Fabric Used:  Brushed cotton (twill maybe) from Joann's a few years ago. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  No alterations made on this pair - made exactly as the pattern and tutorial describe. 

Would you sew it again?  Eh....  That's a tough one. Regardless of what I decide, I will DEFINITELY be using the instructions from this pattern. They are that great!

 Would you recommend it to others?  Yes!!  

Conclusion:   I knew that making the 2T size might be a stretch. My Mini falls into 18-24 month size for her hips (and even smaller for her waist) but I was hoping the adjustable waist and the fact that we needed the 2T length would make up for it. I am SUPER thank that this pattern was free. I was having a hard time committing to a $10 pattern when I didn't know if I would like the fit or if they would even sew up ok. Jeans look so complicated!!!  In the end, the pattern turned out way too big. I knew it might....  But now I also know that even if I had made a smaller size, I wouldn't like the rise.  As tall and skinny as my girl is, she has a fairly short crotch length. I think I may be better trying another designer's pattern than trying to adjust crotch curve/length and rise on something/someone so little.  

Notes for next time:  Use these sewalong instructions for all the pants!!

Denver Dress tester review

Pattern Name:  Denver Dress and Tunic

Designer:  Blank Slate Patterns

Pattern Description:  features tunic, fitted dress and flared dress options, as well as cowl or flat necklines and two sleeve lengths for choices to be cozy or cool. The princess seams shape every Body. 

Pattern Sizing: XXS (bust 31") to 3X (bust 53")

Purchased here:  http://patternanthology.com

Pattern cost:  as a tester, I did not pay for the pattern. It is currently be sold in a bundle with 3 other patterns for $29.95 (through October 2, 2015)

Size Made:  Medium

Model's Measurements: height- 5' 8", chest-35", waist-28 1/2", hips-38 1/2"

Did it look like the photo/drawing advertised once you were done sewing with it?  Yep!

Dealing with the pattern:  I never have issues putting together or dealing with Melissa's patterns. 

Level of difficulty:  Fairly easy!!  I'd rate it Advanced Beginner; especially since you can use a fairly sturdy knit fabric. 

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes!  Straightforward. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  BIG fan!!  I'm 5' 8" tall, 150 lbs.  I fit right below the Medium sizing, but bigger than the small.  I often have issues with my long, muscular arms being too big in relation to other patterns. The sleeves are JUST RIGHT!!!  It makes me so happy!!  I very much like the fit of the front and pocket placement.  The back....  I've got some room there.  I'm sure it is the fault of my "sway back".  One of these days I'll learn how to account for and adjust that.

The dress length is good, but I haven't hemmed it yet.  A 1/2" shouldn't make that much difference.  And, with my choice of a "winter" style dress, I wouldn't want it any shorter.   The cowl neck isn't my favorite part but it's leave-able.  I still need to play with pulling the folded fabric apart so it sits more like the pattern photo. Also, next time I will probably make the cowl in self fabric instead of ribknit.  

Fabric Used:  I think it is a sturdy waffle knit. From JoAnn's. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  none made; cut and constructed exactly as pattern suggests. 

Would you sew it again?  Oh yes. Lots on the horizon. 

 Would you recommend it to others?  100%

Conclusion:   

I literally cannot WAIT to make more versions!!  The fitted dress without pockets is gorgeous and the tunic length with pockets is going to be an everyday staple once the weather turns.  

Trick Riding Costumes

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Carolina Tee

With as much as I wear these tops, you think I would have better pics :-/

Pattern Anthology - 8 days a Week - testers

I somehow neglected posting about these. So here they are :-)

The McCartney Jacket

The marigold Dress and Peplum

Isabella Pleated Dress - tester review

I'm new to Ollie and Annie Patterns and I'm not sure why!!  I was recently chosen to be one of Stephanie's new testers, and I am blown away by her patterns and instructions!  How had I not heard of her before???  Before I talk about her third pattern, the Isabella Pleated Dress, go check out her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OllieAnnieCollection

Goes on sale Friday, September 12, 2014 here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OllieAnnieCollection

20% off on the first day only. Use code: ISABELLA20

Sometimes when I test for a relatively new designer, things are chaotic. This was NOT the case during the Isabella Pleated Dress test. Everything went so smoothly and I was amazed at all the different dresses the other testers came up with (as well as irritated at the large amount of ladies that did not complete on time.... But not my problem I guess).  I really liked that Stephanie took the time to explain herself and the reasons why she did/did not take testers suggestions for her pattern. Side note - holy crap!  How do you take suggestions from 50 women's and decide which ones are the ones that you need?!?!

Finally, the DRESS!!  It's adorable!  Works with almost any light-medium woven fabric, any color, any size print, two tone, layered, alone, you got it!  Features a round neckline, pleated skirt, 5-6 buttons down the back, and enough room to comfortably layer a long sleeve underneath. 

Instructions are fabulous!  As an intermediate+ sewer (sewist??), they may seem slightly dumbed down in a couple spots but it's not terrible. I have no issues with that kind of stuff. If you are more of a beginner, advanced beginner sewer (sewist?), the instructions are written in such a way that you not only understand them enough to get the dress done, but so you can add those new skills to your arsenal on your next project.   They are just great, and the photos are too!  Nothing like using slightly odd combos to make sure things are very clear - she uses multiple fabrics to make sure that the photos are the best possible and that the right and wrong side are very obvious. 

I need to whip up a white long sleeve shirt to go under this as it is already pretty chilly in Colorado and Miss K wants to wear the dress any time she sees it!  This is becomes a trend - fighting over getting to wear what I've made. Guess that's a good problem to have :-)

Cinnabar Sky tester review

Pattern Name:  Cinnabar Sky

Designer:  Golden Rippy

Pattern Description:  The CINNABAR SKY Dress is a knit maxi dress with a crossover front. Featuring a fitted bodice, it is roomy enough for maternity bellies. Options include: discrete nursing openings, short or half sleeves and optional top length. The crossover bodice flatters your curves and hides your postpartum belly.

Pattern Sizing: XXS to XXXL

Purchase here:  http://goldenrippy.com/product/cinnabar-sky-dress-top/

Pattern cost:  $12.00  However, this pattern was provided to me at no cost since I was a tester.

Size Made: Medium

Model's Measurements: height- 5' 8", chest-39", waist-31", hips-39"

Did it look like the photo/drawing advertised once you were done sewing with it?  Sure did!!

Level of difficulty:  Advanced beginner - dealing with knits

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes!!  All the kinks have been worked out. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?    It looks amazing as a nursing top but you can also top stitch the openings closed and it looks just a fantastic. 

Fabric Used:  Jersey sheets from Target (grey solid) and Cotton Jersey from Colorado Fabrics (print)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  None.  I used the nursing openings instructions for both the dress and top versions.

Would you sew it again?  Yes!!  I have a standing request from my sister for more in all colors!

 Would you recommend it to others?  Yes!  A wonderful top and dress and even better for nursing.

Conclusion:   This pattern fits my sister and I differently.  We are roughly the same measurements, but she is a more solid build than I am (broader shoulders, etc).  I have also come to the conclusion through other recent patterns that I need to start sizing down and doing an FBA.

Notes for next time:  Try a size small with an FBA even though the medium doesn't fit poorly.  I'd like to compare the fit between the two.