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.

Hand-Made Gift: Envelope Clutch

Lately, I have been generously gifted sheets, clothes and other items that I might be able to turn in to something special. It's lovely to know that family, friends and colleagues are keen to support my hobby, and think of me before turfing something out. Thanks!

One such lovely friend and colleague gifted me an old cushion cover made out of some fun floral fabric. I'd been searching tutorials for Chrissie gifts and saw Kate's (from See Kate Sew) great Envelope Clutch tutorial and free pattern. Immediately I thought of up-cycling the cushion cover into a clutch for my generous friend.

To begin with I made the clutch according to the instructions but added additional interfacing (one layer for both the lining and outer fabric).The clutch is very easy and super quick to make. It would make a great last minute Christmas gift to sew up! Also, it can be made out of very little fabric. A great stash buster!

Unfortunately the clutch was incredibly floppy-so floppy you could scrunch it up or use it as a hankie! After consulting Instagram and the gift recipient I decided to reinforce the bag shape by adding a strap which went 3/4 down the sides of the bag. I also added this thin strap to the inside of the bag at the bottom and across where the 'envelope' folds.

The clutch is still soft but the reinforcement definitely helped! The pattern makes up quite a big clutch so the strap is actually quite hand, I think. In the future I might try this pattern out with a sturdier fabric such as leather, vinyl, or oil cloth.The gift was well-received and I was very happy to be making something special for someone for no other reason than why not?