I was so excited to test out the new Nightingale pattern for Striped Swallow Designs a few weeks ago.  I am a sucker for cardigans and feminine details so this pattern was right up my alley.

There is an oversized cardigan with a high-low hem and bishop sleeve option as well as a button up crop top with long sleeve option.  There are optional pockets as well.  If you prefer a straight hem there is also a blog post on the Striped Swallow Designs website on how to hack this into a straight hem instead of high-low.

I sewed up the cardigan option with pockets and am just in love with the bishop sleeve!  For my cardigan I used an oatmeal french terry from Knitpop (I bought it a few years ago though) and sewed a size medium.  I have already sewed up a second one in sweater knit and have 2 more planned.  This is a fairly easy sew as long as you are comfortable with buttonholes.  If you are scared of sewing buttonholes, don’t be!  It’s much easier than it looks and there are tons of tutorials on youtube to teach you!

I paired my cardigan with SOS pants from Patterns for Pirates and the Harbor Knot Tee (in slim fit/lower knot option) from Striped Swallow Designs.  This was my first Harbor Knot Tee although I have made several in the tank option and let me just say it is LOVE and I see many more in my wardrobe soon!

This pattern is also available in kids sizing and is on sale with coupon code NIGHTINGALE for $2 off through January 31!    Grab yours here before the coupon expires and I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I do and I can’t wait to see what you sew up:)

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

 

I was so excited to test out the new On Pointe Leotard pattern for Striped Swallow Designs a few weeks ago.  With my girls both in dance we are always on the lookout for new unique leotard patterns to try out.   The On Pointe Leotard pattern is the newest pattern in their Movement line and it does not disappoint.

This pattern has a stunning elegant open back with lots of details and options including:

*Three sleeve lengths (sleeveless, short, long)

*Side accent piece (optional)

*Unique color blocking on the front bodice

*Elastic or banded leg options

I sewed up the sleeveless option with leg bands and skipped the optional side accent pieces.  You can use a sheer mesh for the bodice colorblocking but we went with a more modest look on ours and used cotton lycra.  For this leotard I used all cotton lycra, the solid black and pink are both from Purple Seamstress Fabric (their solids are the very best I have found for such great prices!) and the giraffe print is a custom from Mabel Madison Fabrics.  You may be able to find your s-hooks locally however I ordered mine from The Fabric Fairy as I could not find the right size locally.

I was a bit intimidated initially by the color blocking and open back binding.  However, the instructions are very clear and it was actually very easy to sew up.  I love that it has a leg band option as my girls do not like the feel of elastic on their legs.  It was also easy to grade for size, we needed a 6x in length but a 5 in width to get that perfect fit.

 

Striped Swallow Designs also released a second pattern in the Movement Collection alongside the leotard that is for separates.  I did not test the On Pointe Crop Top and Briefs pattern however I will certainly be sewing that up in swim fabric for a fantastic swimsuit option with extra sleeve coverage this summer!

These patterns are both on sale with coupon code onpointe through Friday March 22.  The coupon is valid on both patterns or the bundle for both here.  I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I do and I can’t wait to see what you sew up:)

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