Bluegingerdoll Alicia Shorts

I pattern tested the Bluegingerdoll Alicia Shorts which were recently released as part of the "A team" collection. I really like shorts, in particular high waisted shorts that flare out at the leg and finish mid thigh. Based off the line drawings I adore these shorts.

I made up a size 12 in some slightly stretchy blue and white striped twill fabric from GJ's. I love how the fabric looks on this pattern. Very summery (speaking of Summer, please come back!)

The instructions are clear and the shorts came together incredibly quickly as there are no tricky closures (just an invisible zip) or any pockets or belt loops to construct. I think belt loops would be a sweet addition however so you can keep a belt secure around the waist.

The fit around the waist and hips is spot on and I love the look of my shorts on the hanger. Unfortunately, I don't love the way they fit around the crotch. There seems to be excessive fabric around the front region which is being pulled every which way and bunches up as I walk around. The crotch curve seems like it fits well but I wonder if I dropped the crotch lower it could help the fabric sit better at the front.

Above and below is how the shorts sit after walking around for a few seconds. They really bunch up and the resulting look is very different to how they look when smoothed down.

  

Overall, I love the style of the shorts, the fabric and the fit around the waist but, sadly, I'm a little disappointed about the front fit on me. 

I received the Alicia Shorts pattern for free, in exchange for pattern testing. 

Bluegingerdoll Odette Dress

The Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll was released a little while ago now and I've been meaning to blog about it for some time. The dress is a fit and flare with a lined bodice, several sleeve options and a V neckline with an optional buttoned insert.

I pattern tested the Odette for Abby and had a great experience with the pattern and instructions. I cut a size 8 bust - 10 waist/hips in version A. The fit was pretty well spot on except for needing to remove a little extra length from the hem. For the fabrics I used a stiff floral cotton and an orange cotton sateen from The Cloth Shop. I love the combination and hoped that it would be quite a quirky dress. I decided to make flat piping for the bodice neckline and use the contrast for the inset as well.

First, let me talk about what I love about this dress. The design is incredibly sweet. I love the contrasting inset but love the dress equally with it removed. 

The bodice is a great fit and the fabric is so fun. The lack of drape meant it was perfect for a fitted bodice compared to a full skirt for example. While my neckline binding is slightly dodgy I don't think it's too noticeable. I'm not normally one to wear gored skirts but I love the fullness it adds to this dress design. 

Okay, here comes the not so great part. For some reason, I cut corners on this dress and felt the "need for speed" sewing. I had quite a bit else going on at the time of making it and I pumped out the dress way too quickly, not taking the time to make good decisions about the quality of my stitching. 

From afar this dress looks pretty darn cute. Up close it is a total red hot mess. The hem of the skirt and where I attached the skirt to the bodice by stitching in the ditch is just plain gross. I'm embarrassed to even show this sewing. The zipper insertion was a case of good enough for now. But it is truly not good enough. It's a good 1/4"out at the waist seams. What was I thinking?

What's worse is the fit is great, I really like the design and the fabric is so fun! So, why oh why didn't I take the time to make this dress wearable with out being totally embarrassed about my shoddy sewing? This make taught me a lot about what I want out of sewing and that it's not just about ticking another garment off my list.

Bluegingerdoll Bonnie Knit Top

I'm pretty quick off the mark blogging this one. Abby, from Bluegingerdoll, only released Bonnie this morning! I pattern tested the Bonnie knit top for Abby and have been living in it since. I got photos straight after making it in case it showed signs of wear by the time the pattern was released.

Bonnie is a fitted knit top with 3 variations: A) cropped length with short flutter sleeves; B) cropped with 3/4 sleeves and scoop neckline; C) long sleeved hip length boat neck top. I found view B particularly appealing. I make and wear so many fit and flare dresses (have you noticed?!) but don't have many cropped cardigans or jumpers to wear with them. View B Bonnie fills that gap perfectly.

I made Bonnie up in a size 10 grading to a 12 at the waist. I made two changes to this version: 1) I removed a little length from the bottom of the bodice as I'm a little short waisted and I wanted the waist band to sit right on my natural waist. 2) Added cuffs to the sleeve as my sewing machine twin needle wasn't playing nice and this meant I could construct the whole garment on my overlocker.

I used a gorgeous striped jersey from Tessuti for the main bodice and sleeves. The black is solid while the white stripes are actual lacey. I used a solid black jersey for contrasting bands.

Bonnie was incredibly simple to make and the instructions are spot on. The pattern would be a great intro to knits while still being a little different from many other knit patterns out there. I already own plenty of knit top patterns but Bonnie fills a gap and has enough options to make it versatile.

I love my new cropped jumper and see more in my life. The fit is great: fitted while being roomy enough to fits under layers. I think the cropped length is perfect. Although my sister asked if my jumper had shrunk so perhaps I took too much length off? 

Pattern Testing: Prefontaine Shorts For Women

If you've got kids and you sew, I'm sure you've heard of the Prefontaine Shorts pattern by Made with Moxie. Well now there's a women's version, but slightly more pimped out! I put my hand up to pattern test for Jill some time ago and made three versions. The Womens Prefontaine shorts have just been pre released as the bonus pattern when you spend $28+ for the latest Perfect Pattern Parcel.

The Prefontaine shorts are an elastic waist design with front pockets, optional back patch or welt pockets, curved hems and bound seams. The design is incredibly versatile and also has a exposed elastic variation. With the right fabric they can be your summer shorts, running shorts or (like in my case) PJ shorts. Apologies in advance for yet another post where I'm wearing PJ's. I made no effort to style the shorts for these photos- they are PJS after all!

                 

The first pair I made were from an earlier version of pattern testing so they exclude any design features. I made them from a blue and green pea flannel with a green pre-bought bias binding. The fit is great and they are fantastically comfy PJ shorts.

For my second pair I made the shorty short variation (hence the tights) with front pockets. I made them out of the left over fabric from Tim's Woodland animal PJ pants. I love these PJ shorts so much! In the instructions Jill includes great tip on making your own bias out of an old tshirt or knit fabric scraps. Because it's knit fabric you don't have to fussy cut on the bias. For this pair of shorts I used left over grey fabric from my Eva Dress to make the (non)bias strips.



This length shorts is perfect for summer PJ's, running shorts or even beach cover up shorts.

Finally I made a third pair of shorts with both front pockets and a welt back pocket. For this pair I chose the left over fabric from my hacked Floral Emery dress skirt and peppermint wrap dress. I used an old singlet top I never wear to make (non) bias for the trimming. I made two button holes in the waistband before sewing down the waistband and used left over bias to make a waist drawstring. I really like this addition. I tried and make this pair of shorts more casual day wear. Something comfy and casual for summer weekends. I don't really own shorts like this, I wear skirts or more fitted tailored shorts. To be honest, I don't think I can pull this look off. But, that may just be because I'm in the middle of autumn here and my legs are super pale.

I absolutely recommended this pattern. They're an achievable make for beginners but with enough versatility to excite a more experienced sewer. If you think you might want to make exercise shorts, summer shorts, PJ shorts or anything in between the Prefontaine Shorts are a winner.

Pattern Testing & Blog Tour: Betsy & Ava

I'm thrilled to be a part of Bluegingerdoll blog tour for Abby's new patterns Betsy and Ava. When Abby contacted me to pattern test I was beside myself and these patterns did not disappoint! I've been itching to share them and the hardest part of the whole thing was twiddling my thumbs waiting for the patterns to be released. To ease my pain I sewed up this Belcarra Blouse to match my outfit. Get ready for a lot of photos! Also, a big thanks to Tim for taking these shots. Betsy and Ava brought the diva out in me...

First up is Betsy, a classic pencil skirt with some fantastic design features which set the pattern apart. For pattern testing I made Version A which has a back vent and buttoned waistband tabs. Version B is a gorgeous wrap variation which I have plans to make very soon. Version C is a little bit different, it's a high waisted pin up style with a beautiful pleated kick pleat.
  

For Betsy I cut a size 14 which is one size larger than I'd normally go for. In the past I've found BGD patterns very fitted and I like a little more ease (so I thought). I made Betsy and Ava up in a lovely medium weight wool blend with a slight amount of stretch from Darn Cheap Fabrics. From a distance the fabric looks gunmetal grey/blue but up close it actually a tiny black and teal houndstooth. I choose mustard as a contrasting fabric for Ava's lining and also for the buttons on Betsy.

Other than minor teething problems with the original instructions, Betsy sewed up like a dream. The pattern itself was spot on. I'd recommend the pattern for a confident beginner. I made no changes to the pattern other than to cut approx. 1"of the hem AND to take the side seams in approx. 1/2"on both sides! I then trimmed down my pattern pieces to a size 12 so I wouldn't make the same mistake next time. With the taken in sides the fit is perfect.

Because I took my hem up a further 1" I find that my back vent is a little playful. It's shorter than intended and doesn't want to sit flat. For those intending on shortening their skirt I'd recommended you alter the pattern to increase the length of the back vent a little.

Ok, on to Ava. Ava is a fully lined drapey jacket will a shawl collar, turned up sleeves and a generous amount of ease. She's a glamorous thing!

I went with my chest measurement and cut a size 8 for Ava. The jacket is a simple design and totally beginner friendly. However the collar attachment can be a little confusing and there is a lot of hand stitching to be done! Seriously, Ava really whipped my hand stitching skills into shape. It would be lots of fun to use contrasting fabric for the collar and cuffs. I used the mustard fabric for my under collar which is a bit of a treat. Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of it.

The fit is intended to be generous and boxy. A light weight drapey fabric is ideal so as not to be drowned by a stiff boxy jacket. I think my Ava turned out  great and I don't feel overwhelmed by it. Together, Betsy and Ava have come together to be a lovely suit. When I first started blogging I talked about making a conference cambie (never happened!!). I can totally see myself wearing my Betsy and Ava suit to a conference or other important meetings. I'd like to make another more casual Ava in a fun lightweight fabric to pair with jeans. Betsy will be on high rotation in my work wardrobe.

Ok, that was a long one! I hope you're following along the blog tour and falling in love with Betsy and Ava as much I have. Check back in tomorrow as I'll be sharing a bit of a treat (read: giveaway!!).

Pattern Testing: See Kate Sew Callie Top

Kate, of See Kate Sew has just released a collection of new patterns. The Garden Party Lookbook includes 6 woven or knit dresses and blouses. The patterns are perfect for spring, but with the right fabric they could be very versatile. I put my hand up to pattern test the Callie Top in size small.  

Callie is a loose fitting boxy blouse with a button down back, bias bound neckline and, best of all, a shoulder and sleeve frill. 

I made my Callie in a soft cotton blend floral that I picked up from the North Melbourne Market. The yellow binding used for the neckline and the button both came from an opshop. Excuse more indoor photos, it's getting trickier and trickier to find time for outdoor shots when the sun is up and Tim is available to take them.

I made my top from pattern/instructions pre final changes were made so it might look a little different to the final pattern. My opinions of the pattern are based on my own version. I adore the button down back and the frills! I especially love the shoulder frill which leads into a dart. It was really fun learning this new technique for darts and I love how it turned out. The length was spot on for me too!

I find my final top just a little too big and boxy for me. Next time I make this top I'll  probably size down but increase the armscye depth. In the mean time I think it looks better tucked in to my high waisted jeans or skirts. When the warmer weather comes back around I'm sure I'll appreciate a looser fitting top to slouch around in.

I really enjoy pattern testing and I've done a heap of it lately. For me there are so many pro's to pattern testing. You get to have a sneak peak of a pattern before the rest of the world. I'm quite competitive so I like sew to a deadline. I love to help and I find reviewing instructions super fun (Yes, I'm a nerd). You get to have a chat and connect with the pattern designers, and perhaps the other pattern testers. You get a little insight in to the world of pattern design. I like to use mostly stash fabric and notions for pattern testing so it helps create room and save money. It's a win-win-win situation and I look forward to doing more.

Pattern Testing: The Sweet Simple Dress

A little while ago I pattern tested for Allison of Freshly Completed. Today, Allison released her girls dress pattern The Sweet Simple Dress. The pattern is exactly that, sweet and simple.

It's a peasant style dress with puffed pleated sleeves and no closures. The pattern is available in sizes 0-3m to 4t and includes a heap of customization ideas and tips to make your dress unique. Shorten to a tunic, add a bib ruffle, hem ruffle, contrasting hem.. oh and wouldn't pom pom trim look cute! One of the best things about this style dress, imo, is that it will fit as a tunic and maybe even as a top as the kiddie grows. 

I made a size 18m for my niece V in some stashed cotton. I initially made it without any customisation details, but decided to add a strip of ribbon for some visual interest. Doesn't V look super cut in her dress, and in general?!

The Sweet Simple Dress is beginner friendly and an incredibly quick make. It would make a great project for a beginner sewer wanting to make baby gifts or whip up some some dresses for their own little girl. The PDF pattern can be purchased here. 

Sewing Tid Bits

The last couple of weeks I've been sewing lots of small pieces off and on so I thought I might share a few photo's. I know this isn't the most interesting of posts but I like to record most of my creations as a bit of a sewing diary.

1. I made a wonderful friend a Sorbetto top and Madeleine bloomers PJ set. I wasn't sure about what to make her and finally decided the night before her birthday that PJ's were on the agenda. The next day I sewed like crazy and even threaded the leg opening ribbon on the train on the way to birthday dinner. I only managed to get a photo of the top. I made them out of a Rayon fabric which I love! Might have to buy some more for myself. Check out the post on my own PJs.

2. I've been getting into pattern testing quite a bit lately. I really enjoy the small insight you get into the pattern development process and stages. I'll share more about what I've been sewing and the new patterns soon.

3. My sister made a last minute request for a pig costume for my nephew J's fairy tale dress up at school. He went as the big bad pig. I used the School Boy Vest by Sew Much Ado. I omitted anything fancy (back ties, pockets) and extended the back to have 'tux tails' and a sewed on a piggy tail. My sister bought me a fat pipe-cleaner for the tail which I encased in fabric, sewed on, and twirled. For more info on the Schoolboy Vest check out my full post.

4. I've also been sewing more Measure Twice Cut Once Georgiana Knickers. I've even started using some pretty trim! I made these knickers from Anna's Rigel (will post soon) and my Alma blouse left overs. I think that's enough knickers until I buy and try out the Charlotte Knickers (fuller brief).

And that's about it for now. Next up I'd like to try the New York Cape and a Gertie Blouse.

Sew Much Ado: Schoolboy Vest

I’m really excited to share this post. A few weeks ago Abby, from Sew Much Ado, put the call out for pattern testers for her fabulous Schoolboy Vest PDF pattern and I was lucky enough to be involved. The pattern was designed for children sizes 6m to 12 years and would be a fantastic addition to any little man’s wardrobe. And for that matter, it would also be super cute for girls too! I tested the size 8 for my 7.5 yr old nephew, J. The vest came together so easily and doesn't he look smart?!

The pattern includes instructions for either faux or real welt pockets as well as a back tie. The vest ends up looking really professional but the pattern is beginner friendly. Abby holds your hand through each step.This was my third time inserting welt pockets and it went perfectly.The instructions for the welts were the clearest I've seen so far. Another tricky part of the vest for some might be making the buttonholes and positioning them correctly. Well, the pattern includes a button hole guide which you can use after the vest is made up. No stress about chalk markings disappearing. Every step in the instructions is also accompanied with a colour photograph to look at if the words just aren't making sense for you. What more could you ask for?

I made J's vest out of 1/2m of a wool blend for the shell and the lining I made from one of his Dad's old Men's shirts. You need so little fabric that it's quite the little stash buster. J is not a big guy so he has plenty of room to grow in the size 8.

 

The vest I made is quite classic looking, but some of the testers made very modern, colourful versions. Some made gorgeous vests for little girls. The vest can even be made reversible so you could do serious on one side and fun on the other. Check out the cuties on the pattern label Abby designed. Anywho, I highly recommend the Schoolboy Vest, whether you are looking for a pattern for your little boy or girl  for special occasions or just for fun!

source: http://www.sewmuchado.com/2014/03/schoolboy-vest-pdf-pattern-is-here.html

Thanks for letting me test out this wonderful pattern Abby, I had a lot of fun making it and also interacting with you and the other testers. Can't wait to see more vests popping up on the blogosphere.