Showing posts with label Blank Slate Patterns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blank Slate Patterns. Show all posts

Friday, September 18, 2015

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.  




Sunday, July 13, 2014

Bookworm Button-Up - Make (Believe) from Pattern Anthology

Did you know that before this, I had never sewn a button-up shirt or used snaps?!?!  Melissa was probably sick of reassuring me by the end of this test but I was so worried that I was going to do it wrong!!  Follow the directions, you say....  Well, since this was out of my comfort zone, I did and was still worried. Why?  Not because the instructions lacked but because I couldn't visualize it.  After every step I was amazed at how this little shirt was coming together. If you've never sewn a similar shirt, you don't realize that your instructions are not quite the same as a standard tee. Haha, of course not!

Needless to say, I initially felt like I had bitten off more than I could chew and I really didn't want to ruin it. It was my mindset that caused me issues, that is the only reason why I would classify this as an intermediate pattern.  You have to have the confidence to follow the instructions to complete it. It sounds weird but, that's where I'm at on this.  I WILL make another one (several actually), and you need to make one/some too!  There are some amazing details that make this shirt to die for!!  Long sleeves, short sleeves, bow sleeves, roll-up sleeve tabs, several pocket options, standard back, overlapped back, high-low hem back. 









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