Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Hampton High Low Top & Dress by Simple Life Pattern Company

Simple Life Pattern Company is currently celebrating 5 years and just released two new knit patterns (on sale) along with a site-wide sale!  I was able to test one of these new patterns and can’t wait to share it with you all.

Hampton’s High Low Top & Dress is a gorgeous knit pattern loaded with options.   The sizing runs from 2T up to size 12 with gathered or circle skirts in top, knee and maxi lengths, both with high low options.  The high low skirt has a unique spin as it is shorter on the sides while still being longer in the back.  In addition to a sleeveless bodice there are sleeves offered in either a short puffed sleeve or a long bishop sleeve.  You can choose the solid back or the cut-out back to dress this up even more.  My daughter’s measurements fell into size 6 in all areas so there were no size modifications needed.  The bodice is fully lined giving it a clean professional inside finish.  This is listed as an advanced beginner sew with directions that are very clear and easy to follow.  I sewed up two dresses and love them both!

The first dress I sewed up has the long sleeve, cut-out back and high low circle skirt.  I used a stretch velvet that I bought on clearance (score!) at Hobby Lobby this winter.

The second dress I sewed up is also using the cut-out back and high low circle skirt but with short puffed sleeves instead.  I chose to hem this one with white bias tape instead of a traditional hem to give a little pop of bright white when she twirls.  For this dress I used a double brushed poly from Knitpop that makes me long for summer and fresh strawberries!

The pattern is on sale 20% off through February 17 along with the other new releases.  All other patterns (excluding new releases) are 40% off with coupon code CELEBRATE.  I love Hampton’s so much and definitely plan to grab a few more patterns in the sale.  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**

 

Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Shelly’s Wrap Dress and Top by Simple Life Pattern Company

I am excited to be testing for a few new pattern companies this year!  I have loved every pattern I have purchased from Simple Life Pattern Company and jumped at the chance to test one of their anniversary release patterns!  They are celebrating 5 years and have 10 new patterns releasing this week along with a site-wide sale.

Shelly’s Tiered Collar Wrap Dress and Top is one of these new patterns and it is packed with options.  The sizing runs from 2T up to size 12 with dress or top length options, tiered or simple skirt (gathered or circle), multiple sleeves and an optional collar.  I sewed up the dress with the collar, simple gathered skirt and short sleeves in a size 6.  My daughter’s measurements fell into size 6 in all areas so there were no size modifications needed.  The fit is perfect on her and great for transitioning from Winter to Spring in this South Florida weather.   The tiered skirt option is also beautiful and we will be trying that one next!

The pattern is on sale 20% off through February 17 along with the other new releases.  All other patterns (excluding new releases) are 40% off with coupon code CELEBRATE.  I love Shelly’s so much and definitely plan to grab a few more patterns in the sale.  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**

 

Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Nightingale Cardigan and Top by Striped Swallow Designs

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!

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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.**

 

Pattern Reviews

Petite Stitchery Doll Patterns

One of my favorite pattern companies, Petite Stitchery, is now designing some of your favorite patterns in doll sizes!  My doll loving little girls LOVE matching their dollies, so I jumped at the chance to test out the first round of doll sizes.

The first patterns to be offered in doll sizing (both 15″ & 18″!!) are the Hazel, Sapphire, Tansy, Fawn, Mistletoe and Sassy Skirt.  The Sassy Skirt is free just like the girls option, scoop that up here.  I have made countless sassy skirts for my girls, we just adore the paper bag waist.  The others are all bundled together here for a fantastic price and are on sale for a short time as well.  You really can’t beat the price for 5 patterns in 2 different doll sizes!

I was able to sew up a Mistletoe dress with long sleeve and circle skirt, Tansy ruffle pants with single ruffle option in woven, Fawn leggings in both the color blocked option and solid leggings, and the Sapphire top in ruffle 3/4 sleeeves and simple short sleeves.  I sewed all 18″ options and our dolls are Our Generation and American Girl brands with no issues on fit.

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There are options on the all of the tops to be a velcro/snap back closure or pull over the head.  I opted for a pullover on the Mistletoe and had zero issues getting the dress off and on easily.  I used Velcro on all 3 of the Sapphire tops I made and my girls love how easy it is to dress the dolls.

The Tansy ruffle pants and Fawn leggings are also easy to dress for kids and fit fantastic.  I see many many dolly and me outfits in our house this winter!

 

These patterns are on sale for a short time bundled together here and don’t forget to grab the Sassy skirt for free here as well!  I hear that more of your favorite Petite Stitchery patterns are planned in doll sizing this year too:)

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