Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Petite Stitchery Eden Dolman and Ivy Lounge Pants

Petite Stitchery just released four new patterns in their lounge collection and they are so comfy!  I was able to test two of these in kids sizing and can’t wait to share all the details with you!  The Eden Dolman and Ivy Lounge Pants are available in kids, baby and women’s sizing. 

Let’s talk about all the options on the Eden Dolman first.  This top is the ultimate in comfy and casual without feeling like pajamas.    You can choose from tunic, top or crop length with simple v-neck, faux button down v-neck or crossover tied bodice.   Sleeve choices include short, long or bishop and an optional pocket as well.  The kids size range is huge ranging from 2T up to 17 and is drafted for knit fabrics with recommendations of rib, waffle or sweater for the best fit.

Next, let’s go over the Ivy Lounge Pants options.  This pattern has the same extensive sizing included above and is also drafted for knit fabrics.  There are optional pockets and lace-up front along with a variety of waistbands including elastic, yoga, or drawstring.  The women’s pattern also includes low or high rise options.  These are a relaxed fit casual pant perfect for lounging!

My oldest has hit yet another growth spurt and needed new clothes that fit.  She lucked out and got the ultimate in comfy attire with these.  First, I sewed up a pair of Ivy Lounge Pants in French Terry that I have had in my stash forever from Knitpop.  I used the elastic waistband and pockets on this pair.  Her measurements put her into a size 8 width and size 13 length and I had no problems mashing these sizes together for a perfect fit for her.  I paired these pants with a bishop sleeve top length simple v-neck Eden Dolman in waffle knit. This top has NO HEMMING as it is banded on the hem and sleeves so it is super fast and easy to make.  I used the same size grading on her top with no issues at all.  The top also pairs great with high waisted jeans so I included photos of both to show the versatility!

For the next pair of pants I wanted a pair that she could use for everyday wear instead of just pajama or lounge wear.  This pair is also an elastic waistband with pockets but in a mystery knit that has texture similar to a Liverpool.  I paired it with a ribbed sweater knit (also from Knitpop) this time in a regular long sleeve with simple v-neck and tunic length. 

I am always impressed with PSCO patterns from the fit to options and these patterns are no exception.  I will be sewing both Ivy and Eden up for myself next week and can’t wait to share them with you.  Grab all the new patterns on sale for a limited time now and check for bundle discounts on the website as well!   

I’d love to see what you create:)

**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THESE PATTERNS AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**

Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Petite Stitchery Arlo & Birch

Petite Stitchery just released four new patterns in their vintage collection and they are all so good.  I was fortunate enough to test two of these in kids sizing and can’t wait to share all the details with you!  The Arlo Turtleneck and Birch Jumper are available in both kids and women’s sizing.  And as an added BONUS the kids patterns include baby sizing files as well!

First, let’s go over all the details of the Arlo pattern.  This isn’t the turtleneck that you will cringe over like I did as a kid.  It has been revamped and made modern and trendy.  And, as usual, PSCO packed this full of options and the size range is huge ranging from 2T up to 17 (and don’t forget those bonus baby sizes included at 6 month-24 months) drafted for knit fabrics.  You can choose from midi, dress top or crop length with banded bottom, flare or slim fit and traditional or split hem.   Sleeve choices include tank, short, mid, long or bishop and neck choices include crew, mock neck or full turtle neck (simple or foldover).  Check out the line drawing below for the full range.

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Next, let’s go over the Birch Jumper options.  This pattern has the same extensive sizing included above, has several choices and is drafted for woven fabrics.  I love the vintage feel of this in the skirt and jumper but especially the jumper dress.  Both have either a button down front or no closures.  There are two pocket options and two lengths included which are vintage or dress length.  Check out the line drawing below for the full range of what’s included with this pattern.

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Now, let’s go over all the fun pieces I sewed up for my girls!  First,  I chose a double brushed poly to make Arlo dresses for both of them.  For my youngest I sewed the banded dress length with bishop sleeves and mock neck.  For my older daughter I sewed the midi length split hem also with bishop sleeves and mock neck.  I love the lettuce hem on the neck, it makes this pattern even quicker and adds an extra feminine touch.

I also sewed up top length Arlo for both girls to pair with the Birch jumpers I made them.  For my youngest I chose the mock neck with bishop sleeves and for my older daughter I chose the crew neck with bishop sleeves.  I used a rib knit for these tops and it’s my favorite fabric choice for this pattern so far!  I used a non-stretch corduroy in dress length for both jumpers and added the pockets with some cute vinyl details to my youngest.  This jumper is seriously SO FAST and simple to sew if doing the no closure choice.   I love the total 90’s vibe these sets give me!

I just couldn’t help myself and sewed up one more jumper for my youngest.  I paired this with the same top under and used a flannel fabric.  This was a little tricky to turn out the lining using the burrito method because of the thickness so take your time and be extra careful if you use a thicker fabric.  It turned out so stinking cute though that it was totally worth it! 

I love all the options packed into theses patterns and can’t wait to try the adult Arlo in a flare dress for myself up next!  These new vintage collection patterns are on sale through October 26 and are eligible for bundle discounts on the website as well!   

I’d love to see what you create:)

**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THESE PATTERNS AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**

 

Sewing Tutorials

Knotted Bow Headband Tutorial

Have you seen the cute new knotted bow headbands in all the stores?  My girls are obsessed with them and turns out they are super simple and quick to make!  I made several this week for them and put together this easy tutorial so you can make them too.

You will need the following supplies:

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-Basic sewing machine & sewing supplies (needle, thread, straight edge etc)

-Fabric, stretch fabric is recommended but not necessary, cut to 5″ wide and 15″ long

-Ribbon in 7/8″ width and coordinating color:  2 pieces cut to 2 inches each with ends heat sealed with a lighter to prevent fraying

-Blank plastic headband (I grabbed 1″ size here)

-Hot glue/glue gun

-PDF pattern piece below with 2 pieces of fabric cut on the fold for the knotted bow:

Headband Tutorial Pattern Piece

First, you will sew the 5″ x 15″ strip of fabric right sides together down the long side as shown clipped below.  After it is sewn you will turn it right side out and set it aside.

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Next, you will sew your knotted bow.  You will pin or clip these right sides together and sew all the way around leaving a 2-3 inch gap (shown circled below) open.  Turn this right side out through the open hole and and be sure to poke out the corners well.  Then, sew the gap closed with a straight stitch and set this aside.  **Please note I am not a pattern designer, this is a hand drawn pattern piece that I traced in my Silhouette software and converted to a PDF so it is not fancy but it does the job**

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Next, you will assemble your headband.  Slide the headband into the strip of fabric we have sewn.  Be sure your seam is centered on the inside of the band.  You will dab a small amount of hot glue to both ends on both inside and outside to hold the fabric in place.  After that fold each side over to the outside (very important as if you fold to the inside it will hurt behind your ears) and dab glue to hold this in place.  You will be sandwiching it together creating a fold/pleat on the outside as shown in the middle picture below.  Finally, you will glue the pieces of grosgrain ribbon on the ends.

Your headband will look like this after gluing the fabric and ribbon on to the ends.  It has a slouchy look which can be completely customized.  You can adjust your fabric size to your preference to be slouchier, a more snug fit, etc.

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Lastly, tie your knotted bow piece onto the headband and you are finished!  This piece is also completely customizable.  You can make the end pointier or more rounded or you can lengthen the piece in the middle for a longer knot (lengthening is recommended if using a non stretch fabric for your knot).

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Now, go make all the headbands and have fun with it!

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Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Zoe’s Knit Princess Seam Dress and Top by Simple Life Pattern Company

Simple Life Pattern Company just released Zoe’s Knit Princess Seam Dress and Top and I am in love with this pattern!

Zoe’s is a pattern drafted for knits with tons of options included.  You can sew up a dress or peplum top length with gathered or circle skirt.  The bodice has the choice of a solid front or princess seam bodice with or without bands.  The back bodice has a regular or scoop back.  The skirt has optional pockets with or without bands that accentuate the princess seam bands.  Sleeveless, short, elbow  or long sleeve options are all included.  Sizing runs from 2T up to size 12 and projector files are included! This pattern is perfect for bringing all your color blocking visions to life.

I sewed up two dresses for my 7 year old dress obsessed little girl!  I chose almost all the same options on both dresses.  We opted for scoop back, princess seams with bands, short sleeves, circle skirt and pockets with bands. I did a traditional hem on one dress and a rolled hem on the other one.  The pockets are nice deep pockets with plenty of room for treasures.  For her sizing I used a size 5 for the chest, size 6 for the waist and a size 7 for the length.  It was a little tricky blending the sizes using my projector but only because I am fairly new to projector sewing.  You do need to double or triple check that your pocket bands and bodice bands are lined up before sewing to get that seamless finished look.  I suggest basting them together once they are aligned so that the bands don’t shift when serging the seam together.  All of the fabrics I used are from Knitpop and are double brushed poly.  The sunflower and solid neon pink are unfortunately sold out but the rainbow neon tie dye (which is SO vibrant and cheerful) is still available here.

The pattern is on sale 20% off through September 2 and I can’t wait to see yours sewn up.   If you buy this pattern on sale let us know what you think!

**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS PATTERN AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**