Month: February 2023

  • Pattern Review of the Whistler Pullover

    Pattern: Whistler Puller & Hoodie
    Designer: Love Notions
    Fabrics: Waffle Knit from Lush Fabrics
    Skill level: Intermediate
    Size made: XL graded to 2XL
    Adjustments: Simple grading
    Pros: Great for Winter and fringe seasons. Can be made into maternity and can be used for feeding mamas’ as well.
    Cons: Not a con, but there is a tricky construction part. It is fully detailed in the Love Notions blog though!

    The Wrap Up

    This was my first time making the Whistler pullover, but it will be far from my last! I loved the look of this one and the multiple options made it really easy to customise to suit what I was looking for. 

    I chose to make the shawl collar in tunic length with gathered front and curved hem. I knew that I would want to pair this with a pair of leggings and something like boots to dress it up or I could wear sneakers to dress it down. I decided that making it in a solid colour would make it a little more versatile to style, but I think this can look equally as good in a print as well.

    It does say that it’s aimed at an intermediate sewist, but there is a full tutorial that Love Notions has put together, helping you understand. I really think anyone who is willing to give it a go and has some very basic pattern construction knowledge should be able to make one.

    The fit was great. The XL/2XL fit well in the bust and hip areas without being too tight or too loose. I really enjoyed making the Love Notions Whistler Pullover and Hoodie. The end result is a comfortable and stylish top that I will definitely be wearing a lot.

    Pattern Review of the Whistler Pullover

    How to Sew the Whistler Pullover

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  • Pattern Review of the Pelican Tote Bag

    Pattern: Pelican Tote
    Designer: Bagstock Designs
    Fabrics: Accent Vinyl from Clover & Co. Fabrics, Solid colour from Dreamy Bag Hardware
    Skill level: Beginner
    Measurements: 15″ x 12″ x 3″
    Adjustments: I made the recessed zipper with fancy straps version
    Pros: This is such a fun bag pattern to make. I absolutely love the options and even better, IT IS FREE
    Cons: None really. If you have basic skills, you could make this bag

    The Wrap up

    From the minute I had the concept for this bag I just KNEW it was going to be amazing. The muted but moody floral paired with the latté Litchi leather and gold hardware was the perfect combo to create an incredible look. 

    If you have never attempted a bag before, I highly recommend giving this one a go, especially as it is a FREE pattern! 

    I made mine from vinyl, but you can also make it from other woven materials. Mixing and matches patterns and solids really gives you endless options on how cool this bag can be. 

    The construction is fairly simple and I love that I can customise the zips I want to put in it as well. All in all I am so happy with how this one turned out!

    If you want a detailed step by step guide on how to put this bag together, make sure you join The Sewing Corner where I have put together an incredible tutorial to help step you through it.

    You can also check out my detailed pattern video review below.

    Video Pattern Review

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  • Pattern Review of the Metra Blazer

    Pattern: Metra Blazer
    Designer: Love Notions
    Fabrics: Double knit from Spotlight Stores
    Skill level: Intermediate
    Size made: Large
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: This is such a classy jacket that can be done with either the lapel or shawl option.
    Cons: It is a little more involved, but if you take your time, I think even an adventurous beginner could try this.

    The Wrap Up:

    I made my first Metra Blazer about a year ago, and it is such a beautiful make. I used a houndstooth double knit I got as a remnant from Spotlight and it came together fairly well. I think one of the only problems I had with it was that I ran out of black knit interfacing when doing the pockets so I had to use white instead. It wasn’t a problem per say, but if the pockets pop open when I move, you can see a hint of the white in there.

    One thing I really love about this jacket is the ability to dress it up or down. I trialed pairing it with some black slacks and heels for a dressy look and then switched to skinny cut jeans and sneakers for a more casual look. It switched between the two effortlessly. Which I think could easily be replicated with other printed fabrics as well.

    The pattern does say it is for an intermediate sewer, however I really think that if you are willing to give it a go, an adventurous beginner could learn a lot and produce a decent jacket themselves.

    If you need a little help...

    Like I mentioned above, I really think that anyone could give this a go, PLUS, Love Notions have just released a Metra Jacket course to go with it! 

    This on-demand course can be watched on YOUR time. No limits, no expirations. Binge it or watch it in chunks. Replay the tricky spots until it clicks for you. Tami walks you through each every step the way. Tami takes the mystery out of intimidating subjects like size, notions needed, sewing the welt pockets, using the burrito method to enclose the seams and more.

    I highly recommend purchasing this add on if you feel you need a little extra hand holding. It is also on sale for this weekend only, so don’t wait and check it out.

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