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. 

Jocole Shoreline - Number 2

I LOVE this pattern.  I initially hated the original one I made (Reese's version), due to the learning curve sewing with knits. I eventually came to really like it and spent all summer dreaming of more. I didn't make another until just recently and it's a 1,000 times better than the first. I love it that much more as well too. 

The fit is amazing. I love that the straps are sturdier than store bought and the neckline is not too low and doesn't stretch or gape. This summer was a bust for sewing lots of clothes for Miss K, but next year, I guarantee she will get at least 5 of these!!

This version, like the previous, was also made using an old graphic tee from high school. Man I hold onto things for far too long....  But can't argue with the result!

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