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.  

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. 

Summer Surprise Dress testing/review

So happy to have had the opportunity to test for new designer Sofilantjes!!  This is a wonderful first pattern from Annemieke and I can't wait to see what else she comes up with!

Pattern Name: Summer Surprise Dress/Tunic/Top

Designer:  Sofilantjes

Pattern Description:  The dress is a a-line above knee length dress/tunic suitable for stretch fabrics 

like knit, jersey and even sweat fabric as long as it has a good stretch. The neck, back and arm band can be made of a good stretching jersey in a contrasting color. Use more or the same color for the bow if you like.

Purchase here: https://www.etsy.com/nl/shop/Sofilantjes  or http://www.craftsy.com/user/3669652/pattern-store

 

Pattern cost: $9.00 - on sale through 5/25/14 for 30% off. 

Pattern Sizing: 6 months - 6 years "normal" and 12 months - 6 years "skinny"

Size Made: 12 month Skinny 

Model's Measurements: height-32", chest-18 1/2", waist-17 1/2", hips-20"

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

Dealing with the pattern:  Different than what I am used to as far as the pattern lines, but easy to put together. You can pretty much put the front and the back together seperately instead of one giant sheet.  This is a plus :-)

Level of difficulty:  Easy!!  It would be a great first knit project for a beginner or a quick sew for a more advanced sewer. 

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.  The instructions are adequate without being overly wordy. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the pleat detail on the front and the bow in the back. Perfect details on such a simple sew. I don't particularly like the way the binding is finished in the shoulder seam - I used an alternate method. 

Fabric Used:  cotton jersey and cotton interlock binding

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I made tunic length and used an alternate method in the neck binding. 

Would you sew it again?  I will!  I'd love to make some into top length. 

 Would you recommend it to others?  Highly recommended

Conclusion:  I love that there is both a regular width and a skinny version. My child generally ends up in tiny sizes but this skinny variation is perfect!

Notes for next time:  Use a twin needle (or stretch with a single needle and long stitch length) on the neckline top stitching; with the farthest needle hitting a full 1/4" away from the binding edge. 

Also use these pics for bow attachment. 

Sneak Peek

I love pattern testing....  It's a great opportunity for me to sew on a deadline, for my little one or myself, and sew as economically as possible. I take great pride and responsibility in testing patterns for designers because I truly do enjoy it. 

Here is a little glimpse of the most recent one I've worked on. I've already got at least two more versions of this lined up!

Do you like it?