Megan

  • Pattern Review of the Sabrina Slims

    Pattern: Sabrina Slims
    Designer: Love Notions
    Fabrics: Bengaline from Super Cheap Fabrics
    Skill level: Beginner/Advanced Beginner
    Measurements: Waist: 39″;  Hips 47″
    Size made: 18 & 20
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: This is an absolute staple for your kids wardrobe. It is perfectly unisex and has both a long and short version.
    Cons: None

    The Wrap Up

    I did think that I loved the Duet Trousers from Love Notions, but then I tried the Sabrina Slims and I LOVE THEM!!

    They are so comfortable and I love the slimmer fit look. I originally made the size 20 but thought they may have been a little bit big. I then made the 18 for the welt pocket tutorial and I realised I should have made the 20 again with some alterations. The 18 still fit, but they are more on the snug side. 

    My biggest piece of advice would be to make a muslin, and if you decide to make another size, make another muslin 🙈 Pants can be notoriously hard to fit, so I would very rarely recommend making pants straight from your fashion fabric. It is very disappointing to make a pair of pants and not having them fit. 

    I would definitely recommend grabbing this pattern, especially if you grab them while they are on special for $5.

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    How to get a beautiful welt pocket

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  • Pattern Review of the Serendipity Bonfire

    Pattern: Serendipity – Bonfire Version
    Designer: Sonia Estep
    Fabrics: Textured Cotton Lycra from Wattle Hill Fabrics
    Skill level: Beginner
    Measurements: Bust: 45″; Waist 39″; Hips 47″
    Size made: 18
    Adjustments: I had to shorten it by 2 inches to accommodate the fabric I had and couldn’t cut the back piece on the fold, so cut 2 seperate
    Pros: This is an absolute staple for your kids wardrobe. It is perfectly unisex and has both a long and short version.
    Cons: None

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  • Pattern Review of The Lenox Top and Dress

    Pattern: Lenox
    Designer: Love Notions
    Fabrics: Cotton Lycra from The Telarie
    Skill level: Beginner
    Measurements: Bust: 45″; Waist 40″; Hips 47″
    Size made: XL graded to 2XL
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: I love a square neckline on a garment and I love the way this one is constructed.
    Cons: No pockets, but fairly easy to add. Also, make sure you read the instructions on how to construct the neckband and MAKE SURE you mark the notches on the neckband.

    The Wrap Up

    Anything with a square neckline I am super keen to try out as I think it really suits my shape. I was curious about this pattern as generally when you have a square neckline the garment needs to be fully lined to achieve the corners of the square across the front, however this one is done with bands. If I can avoid fully lining I generally do as it is additional fabric I don’t always want to have to use. I also really liked the princess style of the front seams, which is why you can achieve the neckband the way it is.

    Essentially the neck band is done with 2 neckbands pieces, laid over the top of eachother to create the neckline. It’s not just for the square neckline either, the Lenox also has a really cute sweetheart neckline version. I’m yet to try that one, but I think it looks pretty cute also.

    One downfall for me on this pattern is that it doesn’t have pockets on the dress version. However, they are pretty simple to add and you can take the pockets from something like the Sybil Skirt Collection and easily add them to this dress. In fact, you could really mash any of the skirts from the Sybil Skirt Collection if you wanted to change it up and make it your own. I also talk about how to add inseam pockets in my review of the Willow Wrap Dress.

    All in all I think this pattern is well worth having in your collection. Watch my YouTube review to get my construction tips on how to get your neckband looking beautiful and I think you will be very happy with this pattern.

    Use code Megan10 to get an additional 10% off when you purchase this pattern.

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  • Pattern Review of the Smitten Jacket

    Pattern: Smitten Jacket
    Designer: Pattern Emporium
    Fabrics: Cotton Drill from Spotlight Stores
    Skill level: Experienced Beginner
    Size made: 18 FBA
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: Love this one to chuck over a dress or top to dress it up or keep you warm on cooler nights.
    Cons: None

    The Wrap Up

    When I saw Kate from Pattern Emporium ask for testers for this jacket, I put my hand up straight away, it’s SO cute! I had my eye on the ultra crop version and I was not disappointed with my final version.

    One of the things I liked about it is that Kate wasn’t marketing it as a straight Denim jacket, rather one that could be used with softer fabrics such as Linen, Linen Blends and Rayons, which just makes it so much more versatile.

    I also really love the options on this one. Having the front and back yoke as well as the paneled front gives it so many ways to customise for a prefect style fit just for you. I am a huge fan of the top stitching element (though I didn’t top stitch this one), as it gives you the opportunity to add a contrasting colour that can really make it pop.

    Pattern Emporium really do have great written instructions for their patterns making it so much easier for beginners especially to feel like they are being supported as they attempt new patterns. It has a size range of 4-30, and mashes with quite a few other Pattern Emporium patterns.

    I thoroughly enjoyed making this one and have plans for a denim and Corduroy version for winter. I highly recommend giving this one a go!

    Watch my Review with construction tips

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  • Pattern Review of the Tessa Twist

    Pattern: Tessa Twist Sports Bra
    Designer: Made for Mermaids
    Fabrics: Sports Performance from Clover & Co. Fabrics
    Skill level: Beginner
    Measurements: Bust: 45″; Waist 39.5″
    Size made: Orange
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: I love this fun tank/crop. The twist adds interest and if you make it from swim material, you can use it as a bikini top.
    Cons: The bottom band is a little fiddly, but if you sew slow and pin/clip lots, you should be fine.

    The Wrap Up

    I was a tester for this one and when I first saw the tested call come up, I jumped at the chance as I loved the twist in the front. 

    I ended up doing both the pretest and the full test. My first version I mucked up my cutting by not cutting a mirrored pair, but in the end I didn’t mind having the white on the other side as I thought it added contrast. There were a few tester photos that did a contrasting tank as well.

    I made a size Orange which I felt was a good fit for me. My breasts felt supported and like I wasn’t going to fall out, I didn’t have any side ‘boob’ and the back was comfortable. My only note would be that the recommended elastic length for the sports band version was too big for me. I ended up opening up the side and taking out about 4″ of elastic to get a nicer fit for my under bust. 

    My final version I also added power mesh in the inner layer which I think worked really well. There are instructions for adding foam cups if you wanted to also.

    The construction can a take a little to get your head around, but having the photos to check really help. I think as long as you go slow and check against the pictures regularly, it’s a fairly easy sew.

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  • Pattern Review of the Ivy Colourblock Tee

    Pattern: Ivy Colorblocked Tee
    Designer: Sinclair Patterns
    Fabrics: Cotton Lycra Solids and Panels from Rubyjam Fabrics
    Skill level: Beginner
    Measurements: Bust: 45″; Waist 39.5″; Hips 47″
    Size made: 18
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: I love the yoke and color blocking on this one, it makes for such a flattering fit.
    Cons: None

    The Wrap Up

    This month in The Sewing Corner, I had the pleasure of sewing up the Ivy Colorblocked Tee from Sinclair Patterns, and I have to say, I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out!

    First of all, I have to comment on the pattern itself. Sinclair Patterns is known for their well-drafted and thorough patterns, and the Ivy Tee is no exception. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, plus the pattern includes a wide range of sizes which I always appreciate.

    As for the design of the Ivy Tee, I love the colorblocking! It’s such a fun and modern twist on a classic tee, and it allows you to play around with different fabric combinations. I went with a darker teal solid on top and utilised one of Rubyjam’s jamPODs (Panels On Demand) for the lower section, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.

    You can have a lot of fun using different colour combos as well as integrating pattern prints to either the yoke or bottom colour block. If you like to matchy match, there is the kids version, the Ivyberry, that you can play around with too.

    As I mentioned above, this is the tutorial I filmed for The Sewing Corner this month, so if you need help sewing this pattern up come and join in the community of The Sewing Corner. Rubyjam is the sponsor this month so you not only get the tutorial, you get an exclusive discount only available to Sewing Corner members of 15% off their Panels on Demand. They have over 1000 to choose from now, make sure you check them out!

    If you’re not sure about the on going monthly subscription of The Sewing Corner, you can also purchase this course on it’s own, check out the link HERE to find out more. 

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  • Pattern Review of the Duet Trousers and how to add a control panel

    Pattern: Duet Trousers
    Designer: Love Notions
    Fabrics: Bengaline from Spotlight Stores
    Skill level: Confident Beginner
    Measurements: Waist 39.5″; Hips 47.5″
    Size made: 16 Full Belly Adjusted Pieces
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: The re release with the full belly adjusted pieces is such a welcome addition.
    Cons: Pants are a challenge. Always make a muslin/toile before cutting into your fashion fabric.

    The Wrap Up

    I’m not sure I’ve ever been so happy with a pair of pants straight off the bat. The toile/muslin I made was so well fitting, I knew that when I cut into my fashion fabric they would be a win.

    My biggest piece of advice for making these pants would be to make sure you read the fitting advice included in the pattern. According to my measurements, I should have made a size 20, but I know I would have had to make so many adjustments and likely would have ended up really frustrated. After reading all the advice on fitting however, I knew that I needed to use the Full Belly Adjusted pieces and was able to use the size 16, and got such a great fit.

    The other bonus about the duet trousers is that they come with a pants fitting workbook that is great for helping to work out what any creases in your pants may mean. 

    As well as the workbook, Love Notions have released a Duet trouser course with this re-release, meaning its easier than ever to get help in getting your perfect fitting trousers.

    This will certainly not be my last pair I make, it is so nice to have a pair of slacks that not only look good, they feel good to wear as well.

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  • Updated Pattern Review of the Dutchie Jacket

    Pattern: Kids Dutchie Jacket
    Designer: Ellie & Mac
    Fabrics: Black French Terry from Rubyjam Fabrics and Buffalo Plaid Flannel from Spotlight
    Skill level: Intermediate
    Measurements: Chest: 21″; Waist 20.5″; Hips 21″
    Size made: 3
    Adjustments: Hacked their instructions on the welt pocket.
    Pros:Love this jacket cause you can mix woven in the bodice with knit for the sleeves.
    Cons: I found the instructions a little confusing. Definitely read each step before progressing. 

    The Wrap Up

    I’ve actually made this jacket for Jemma before (which you can read here) and while I loved it, I found the instructions a little heavy to follow. To be honest, some of it is that because I am such a competent sewist I tend to assume what the next step will be and go ahead with what I logically think will work, but sometimes patterns need to be done in a certain way for all the elements to work, so it doesn’t always work in my favour to jump the gun!

    As I mentioned in my last review, I wasn’t a huge fan of the visible stitching lines on the front welt pocket, so this time I was determined to alter them out. I cut out all the pieces and ended up having a think about it overnight and came up with a pretty good solution I think.

    I filmed it all to show how I did, you can see it all in the YouTube video below. 

    It is definitely a great pattern all in all, I just recommend you take your time while sewing it and you will get great results.

    How to eliminate the visible stitching lines on the welt pocket, plus short review.

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  • Pattern Review of the Willow Wrap Dress with how to add pockets

    Pattern: Willow Wrap Dress
    Designer: Love Notions
    Fabrics: Cotton Lycra from Clover & Co. Fabrics
    Skill level: Confident Beginner
    Measurements: Bust: 45″; Waist 39.5″; Hips 47.5″
    Size made: XL graded to 2XL at waist
    Adjustments: Shortened to Empire waistline
    Pros: Gorgeous pattern for showing off your bustline
    Cons: No pockets, but watch my tutorial on how to add them!

    The Wrap Up

    I love this pattern so much I have made 3 of them!

    I am a huge fan of the Love Notions Willow wrap, it is such a flattering pattern with a variety of options. You can choose from dress or peplum length, and to be honest, you can also cut between the peplum and dress lengths to create a tunic length as well if you wanted. There are also 5 different sleeve options, 2 neckline heights and it is great for Maternity and Nursing.

    I would note that with the flutter sleeve option I think it is better suited for lighter, drapier fabrics as when I used the 220gsm Cotton Lycra it was just a bit too ‘stiff’. I didn’t think it sat as nicely as when I made it from a double brushed poly.

    I also prefer an Empire Waistline to a Natural Waistline, so I used the tutorial I made for the Margot Peplum, also from Love Notions, to shorten my bodice to Empire.

    This is the Feature Friday pattern for Love Notions, Friday 31st March, 2023 which means here in Australia it will be on sale for $5USD (approx. $7.50 AUD) till around 3pm Saturday 1st April.

    Use code MEGAN10 for an extra 10% off at the checkout!

    I also think every dress should have pockets, so make sure you check out my video review below which includes a tutorial on how to add pockets to any dress! Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel while you’re there so you don’t miss any future reviews and tutorials.

    Pattern Review and How to add pockets to your Willow Wrap Dress

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  • Pattern Review of the Adult Discoverer Tee

    Pattern: Adult Discoverer Tee
    Designer: Ellie & Mac
    Fabrics: Cotton Lycra from Rubyjam Fabrics
    Skill level: Beginner
    Measurements: Bust: 45″; Waist 40″; Hips 46″
    Size made: XXL
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: Love the colour blocking on this and how it allows you to mix and match coordinating fabrics.
    Cons: None

    The Wrap Up

    I had a lot of fun sewing this one up.

    My Brother in Law’s partner has a bit of a thing for avocado’s so as soon as I saw this fabric I knew that I wanted to make it into something for her. 

    The discoverer tee seemed perfect as I was able to colour block with a solid to break up the ‘strong’ hero print. It’s also quite a flattering fit for larger busted women (as my sis in law is) as the colour blocking hits above the bust.

    If you like a simple, easy sew with colour blocked options, this is a great pattern. I have also written a tutorial on how to add knit piping across the colour blocked section which I’ll link here. I did it for a the kids version but it’s the same principle for the adult version.

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