Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Petite Stitchery Phoenix Crop, Top and Romper

Petite Stitchery just released the Phoenix pattern and it will be your new summer wardrobe staple!   The Phoenix is available in baby, girls and women’s sizing.  I tested the baby size and can’t wait to grab the other two sizes as well.

The baby Phoenix pattern is a spaghetti strap tank style that includes options for a bikini, crop, top and romper.  The optional accents include flounce (front, back or both) or a peek-a-boo back.  The baby sizes include bummies and can be paired as separates or as a romper.  Multiple necklines are available which include scoop, squared or high.  Sizing runs from newborn up to 24 months in the baby pattern.  Check out the line drawings below for even more details on all the awesome options included:

I made two different views for my daughter in testing and love both of them. First, let’s talk about sizing.  Her measurements put her in the 18 month width and 24 month length.  This was super easy to grade and came out in a really great fit on her.  For the first set I opted for separates to mix and match.  I sewed up the bummies with a regular waistband (yoga band is also included) and tank top.  This tank is the regular scoop neckline with no extra accents added.  Both fabrics are cotton lycra from Raspberry Creek Fabrics and I added some glitter HTV with my Silhouette on the tank.  We are heading to the Grand Canyon on vacation in a few weeks and this National Parks fabric was too cute to pass up!

I am a sucker for rompers so I had to sew up the romper view for her as well!  For this one I used the flounce on the front only and scoop neck.  The pastel gingham is also from Raspberry Creek Fabrics and the solid pink is from Purple Seamstress.  Both fabrics are a cotton lycra as well.  I always worry on rompers without closures about over-stretching when taking it off/on.  But, this romper is very easy to get dressed without closures and without stretching it out.  The fit is spot on and SO cute with the flounce! I know a lot of sewists also shy away from patterns with bindings (I know I have in the past) but don’t be afraid.  Binding really isn’t difficult and the instructions in the tutorial make it so easy.  I don’t have a fancy coverstitch machine and just used a triple stitch on the longest stitch length to do my binding (and hemming) top stitching!

I love all the options packed into this fun summer pattern and plan to sew up a bikini top and peek-a-boo back tank top next!  The Phoenix is on sale for a short time and is 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**

 

Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Island Time by Striped Swallow Designs

I was so excited to test out the newest pattern for Striped Swallow Designs this month.  The Island Time Top and Dress is the ultimate in summer comfort and we live in sunny south Florida!

I tested both the girls and womens sizing and love them so much! First, let’s go over the options. The girls pattern offers sizing from 2T up to 14 and comes in two lengths (dress or top). There are optional pockets and facing or binding choices for finishing. There are also options for a high back, low back, high arm or low arm. The womens sizing comes in sizing XS-XXXL and offers an additional mini length.

I sewed up top length without pockets, high back and high arm for both of us in all photos shown. The first set of photos is using a palm leaf print rayon spandex from Joann which is currently on sale for only $7.99 a yard. I used the clean finish binding option to finish on these. My top is a straight size medium with no size adjustments and my daughter is wearing a size 7 width mashed with a size 12 length.

For these next tops I used the facing finish on both which is SO much faster and easier than the binding but not as nice of a finish on the inside of the shirt. Mine is a jersey knit from Girl Charlee and my daughter is wearing a double brushed poly from Knitpop.

These patterns are both on sale with coupon code ISLANDTIME for $2 off through June 25!    Grab yours before the coupon expires and don’t forget that it’s valid on the bundles as well! We plan to make dress length to use as swim cover ups next, what option will you sew up first?

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