Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Keep Your Cool and Crosswinds Tee by Striped Swallow Designs

I was so excited to test out the newest patterns for Striped Swallow Designs this month.  The Crosswinds Tee and Keep Your Cool Shorts are perfect summer comfort outfits for me! Both patterns come in girls and womens sizing as well.

First, let’s chat a little about the Crosswinds Tee options. This will become a wardrobe staple for sure as it’s just a great fitting everyday tee. This top features two different necklines and three different sleeve lengths. The fit is flowy but still form fitting and features the sweetest little crossover hem detail that looks complicated but really isn’t. A knit with nice drape is best for this top such as rayon spandex or double brushed poly.

Next, the Keep Your Cool Shorts are great for lounging but can also be dressed up depending on your fabric! There is an optional faux placket, flared or straight leg, flat front pull on waistband, folded up hem and side ties on the hem and waist (both also totally optional!). These are great in French terry, cotton lycra or ponte to just name a few.

I sewed up 3 pairs of shorts AND 3 tees in testing I loved these patterns so much! The only set I had a chance to photograph is my favorite and has already been worn everytime it comes out of the laundry. My measurements put me into a size medium for both with no size grading needed. For this set I used French terry from Hobby Lobby on the shorts and double brushed poly from Knitpop for the tee. For my shorts I used the flared option, added the side ties on the hem and did the faux placket. For the tee I used the high neckline and short sleeves. For my other two tops I used rayon spandex and they are my favorite new shirts hands down. For my other two shorts I used the straight leg option which I also love.

These patterns are both also available in kids sizing and are on sale with coupon code SATURDAYFEELING for $2 off through May 31!    Grab yours before the coupon expires and don’t forget that it’s valid on the bundles as well!

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

Pattern Review: Breanna’s Peekaboo Shorts, Pants & Capris by Simple Life Pattern Company

Simple Life Pattern Company just re-released Breanna’s Peekaboo Shorts, Pants and Capris with updated fit and sizing options.

Breanna’s is an advanced beginner pattern for woven or knit fabrics with sizing that runs from 2T up to size 12.  There are three different lengths to choose from:  shorts, capris or pants and have optional side ties for a ruched look.  The waistband is a flat front and elastic back.

I sewed up the shorts option since it is already HOT here in South Florida and this is going to be our summer uniform this year!  I opted for the optional side ties and used cotton woven fabric from Hobby Lobby.  The pattern was very easy to grade between sizing for that perfect fit.  My daughter is wearing a size 6 in width and size 7 in length.  We paired these shorts with a Kyra Cross Back Top in the A-Line fit in cotton lycra from Purple Seamstress.  This was also my first time sewing up Kyra and it is my new favorite!  This top has so many options and is perfect for summer.  I love the A-Line top and dress but the twirly skirt option gets my girls every time (and Kyra has both!).

 

The pattern is on sale 20% off through May 13 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**

 

 

Pattern Reviews

Petite Stitchery Rey Overalls Pattern

I was able to test out the newest pattern for Petite Stitchery amongst the chaos of quarantine with 4 kids and Covid-19.  The Rey Overalls in adult, kids and baby sizes all released this week and are packed full of options like all PSCO patterns are!

I sewed up the adult option for myself and am so excited to share it with you!  This pattern requires a stable knit with 50% 4 way stretch.  I am including the line drawing below so you can see how many options are available to mix and match.  Just a few of them are overalls in shorts, skirt or pants, stand alone pants, skirt or shorts and tons of different accents such as pockets, drawstrings and closures.

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I opted for the shorts overalls since it is already getting quite hot in South Florida.  I sewed a size medium using the front tie straps, bib pocket, 5″ shorts inseam and drawstring in the waistband.  For my fabric I used a dreamy stretch suede I scored on clearance at Hobby Lobby for super cheap.  I only had one yard and was able to squeeze my entire set out including the lining!   I love that the front bodice, back bodice and waistband are all lined for a really clean professional finish.  I paired my overalls with a sleeveless Juliet leotard in cotton lycra from Purpleseamstress for the perfect Spring outfit.

 

 

These patterns are on sale for a short time here and are eligible for bundle discounts on the website as well!  I’m going to sew up all the shorts and overalls for summer over here.  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: Pippa’s Scalloped Romper & Dress by Simple Life Pattern Company

Simple Life Pattern Company just released Pippa’s Scalloped Romper & Dress and I was lucky enough to test this gorgeous pattern for them.

Pippa’s is an advanced beginner pattern for woven fabrics with sizing that runs from 2T up to size 12.  You can opt for a circle shorts romper (hello amazing twirl!) or a dress in vintage or knee length.  There are optional ruffles on both the romper and the dress and the back has a gorgeous scalloped detail with dainty shoulder ties.

My ten year old is romper obsessed and was so excited to wear this!  We opted for the no ruffle romper option and added a decorative fringe trim to the bodice.  Her measurements are all over the place so we used a size 6 waist, size 8 chest and size 12 length.  It can be pretty daunting to mash all those sizes together but it was very clear in the tutorial and very easy to get the perfect sizing.  Don’t let the scalloped details on the back intimidate you either! You will have a tracing template for these pieces making it so easy to follow the curves and get them to lay just right.  I bought the fabric and trim at Hobby Lobby and it is the perfect print for summer right around the corner!

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The pattern is on sale 20% off through March 25 (happy birthday to me!)  and I can’t wait to see yours sewn up.   If you buy this pattern (or the others!) 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**