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.  

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. 

Adventure Tee - Make (Believe) from Pattern Anthology

Every kid I know wears t-shirts on a daily basis, mine too.  Therefore, every kid needs the adventure tee.  There are several sleeve options and almost as many neckline options. I skipped the placket option this time but man, there are quite a few of those on my to-sew list!  Andrea is a pro at drafting knit patterns!

I ended up making 3 adventure tees within a few days and this pattern isn't getting put away anytime soon :-). The first one I made was for a quick fit check as Miss K was towards the top of the sizing chart (but still  fits into size 12 month). The finish on this shirt is super rough but I love it and she's worn it a whole bunch already - serged edges only (and accidentally/turned on purpose exposed shoulder seams). The second and third shirt are meant to go together but the hi neck/long sleeve black shirt underneath won't work in real life until fall.  It's too hot for long sleeves yet.  The top shirt (grey/black print) gets worn at least once a week. 

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

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. 

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

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

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!!!

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??

Twirly Skorts review

I love having the chance to test for new-to-me designers. Meghan at The Sewing Geek is no exception. I had a wonderful time testing these Skorts for her and can't wait to sew up her other patterns. She has a wonderful way of describing her construction process. 

Pattern Name: Twirly Skorts

Designer: Sewing Geek

Pattern Description:  The Twirly Skorts sewing pattern is a sweet and simple pattern for knit fabrics. The circle skirt makes it very twirly while the built-in shorts underneath helps keep your little one modest while twirling and playing. The four skirt options and large size range make this a versatile pattern you can use over and over again. You can sew the shorts and skirt separately for even more options.

Pattern Sizing:  3 months - girls 14

Purchased here:  http://www.thesewinggeek.com/sewing-geek-patterns/twirly-skorts-sewing-pattern/

 

Pattern cost:  $7.00

Size Made:  9 months 

Model's Measurements: height-32+", chest-18 1/2", waist-17 1/2", hips-20" with cloth diaper(18 1/4" without)

Did it look like the photo/drawing advertised once you were done sewing with it?  Yes!  Maybe even twirly-ier....  Yep, that's my own word right there :-)

Dealing with the pattern: Be aware that there are 66 pages of the tutorial(needed because there are 4 options for the skirt)!! Do not let this scare you;  I only printed 6 pages. The instructions are great and tell you exactly which pages needed to be printed for which size and style. 

Level of difficulty:  Fairly easy.  I'm noticing a trend here....  All knit patterns are or pretty darn easy. Why did I not know this before????

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Once you get over the anxiety of a bajillion pages of tutorial, yes. The tutorial tells you exactly which steps you need for which version you are making. Just skip through the rest (that was the hard part for me. I like to read EVERYTHING and in this case you truly don't need to).  The wording in the tutorial is very straight forward as well. Very easy to absorb. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I LOVE LOVE LOVE the circle skirt. I like that there are attached shorts and that the pattern is easy to alter for length. I'm not a huge fan of the shorts on their own but I have yet to find a shorts pattern that I like for Kinley. So it's not the patterns fault....  

Fabric Used:  interlock for waistband and shorts, double sided jersey from Joann's for the skirt

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  none!!

Would you sew it again?  yes!  Can't wait to make the skirt and shorts seperately. The next time I make the skirt, I will use the 12 month length.  This is not a pattern fault, but due to the fact that I have a very skinny, tall 17 month old. 

 Would you recommend it to others?  Highly recommended!!  Make tons for all the girls you know!

Conclusion:  such a cute twirly skirt and love that it has attached shorts. Now I need to teach my little to spin so we can see it twirl!