Tag: Sewing

Pattern Review: Brynn Top by Sew a Little Seam
Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Brynn Top by Sew a Little Seam

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I was so excited to test out the new Brynn Top pattern for Sew a Little Seam this month.  I love sewing up her patterns and this top is PACKED with options! It’s truly the last shirt pattern you’ll need to buy for your girls -and your guys- as it can be totally gender neutral as well.  Just take a look at these line drawings with over 18 sleeve options, multiple hems, ties and fun extras to choose from:

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I tested this top for two of my girls and since it’s summer here in South Florida I chose to go with the sleeveless option for my first ones.  I chose bands for arms and neckline (there are also visible and non-visible binding options), curved back hemlines and front ties.  My youngest is wearing a 6 month width graded to 12 month height and my older daughter is wearing a 5 width graded to a 6 height.  The fit is spot on for their measurements and the pattern is super easy to grade as well.  These tops are great for dressing up or down and I see many more in their wardrobe!

 

 

There is a coupon code for the Brynn Top for a short time if you head over and join the facebook group.   I have already sewn up a tulip sleeve top for my oldest and have a 4th of July tank cut next for our little man.  What options are you excited to sew up?

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

 

Pattern Review: Petite Stitchery Fair-Weather Trousers
Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Petite Stitchery Fair-Weather Trousers

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I was so excited to test out the new Fair-Weather Trousers for Petite Stitchery these last few weeks!  Like their other patterns I have tested out this one is also full of options.  My girls fell in love with the bib (overalls) option so that is what we tested out.  There are also different variations for paperbag waist pants.  All of the options can be made in shorts, capri or pants length and with wide or tapered leg and several different pockets.  This pattern has a huge size range from 2-17 as well.

We are heading into summer here in South Florida where it is hot all the time so we opted for tapered shorts on both pairs of overalls.  These will be so quick to throw on over a swimsuit for trips to the beach.  For the first pair I used a woven from Joann that Ava has been eyeing for quite some time (I mean who doesn’t love unicorns!).  For the second pair I used a cotton woven also from Joann as Annabel has been on a sunflower kick lately.  The cotton wovens I used work great for the tapered shorts but you will definitely need to use a drapier/flowier woven if you decide to go with the wide leg options. I used buttons on the straps and shorts cuffs for both pairs but you can opt for easier snaps instead.   I also wanted a cleaner finish on the inside facing of my bibs than the pattern called for.  I cut two sets of facing, sewed right sides together, flipped and top stitched to enclose the raw seam before attaching the facing to the overalls.  It was a few extra steps but I love the nice finished look on the inside so much better.   I paired both bibs with a Sapphire top which is my favorite layering top, it’s quick and has ruffle options built into the pattern.

We will be making the shorts next as I am just in love with the paperbag waist! This pattern will be a staple in both my girls summer wardrobe this year.  And, they also just released this in women’s sizing as well so you can sew these up for yourself too!

This pattern is on sale for a short time so scoop it up here and whip up some fun summer outfits for your girls!  I’d love to see what you create:)

 

 

 

 

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

 

Pattern Review: Nathan Vest and Taylor Tie by Sew a Little Seam
Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Nathan Vest and Taylor Tie by Sew a Little Seam

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I was so excited to test out the new Nathan Vest and Taylor Tie patterns for Sew a Little Seam recently.  I love any opportunity to sew for my son and with Easter coming up quickly I was so excited to be able to sew his Easter outfit this year.  I usually sew the girls holiday dresses while he is in store bought clothing.  But, with these patterns that is going to change!

Let’s start with the Nathan Vest.  This pattern is a traditional waistcoat in single or double breasted look, optional collar, back adjuster strap and pocket.  It has front and back darts for a professional finish and fit.  I opted for the single breasted vest and kept it simple with no pockets, collar or back strap.  His measurement put him into a straight size 7 so no size grading was needed.  I found some suiting fabric on clearance at Joann’s and lined it with a silky apparel lining.  I found this pattern  very intimidating before starting, however, Kelly’s directions are super clear and very thorough.  It was my first time sewing darts and understitching but it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I anticipated.

The Taylor Tie pattern is also loaded with options.  You can choose from a traditional or faux neck/bow tie and traditional or adjustable neck band.  I opted for the traditional tie and neck band. I found my fabric for this tie at Hobby Lobby.   I have a free tie pattern from another designer that I have sewn up in the past and this pattern is so much better.  It fits well and is drafted extremely well with clear instructions for assembly.

I paired the tie and vest with store bought pants and shirt.  Kelly does have both a button up shirt and dress pants pattern as well that I will sew up before the next holiday!

 

The Nathan Vest is on sale for a short time and when you purchase the vest you get the tie FREE!   Head over and join the facebook group for a coupon code that’s good not only on the vest but also on the new dress pants pattern for a short time.   I can’t wait to sew up the double breasted vest with pockets and bow tie next!   I’d love to see what you create:)

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

 

Pattern Review: On Pointe Leotard by Striped Swallow Designs
Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: On Pointe Leotard by Striped Swallow Designs

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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.**