Pattern Reviews

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Pattern: Gala Gown
Designer: Patterns for Pirates
Fabrics: Cotton Lycra
Measurements: Chest: 44″; Waist 39″; Hips 47″
Size made: XXL
Adjustments: None
Pros: I LOVE THIS DRESS
Cons: It’s a little fabric hungry but worth every scrap.

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The Wrap Up:

Where do I start with this dress? It is so much amazing all rolled into the one beautiful gown. From the minute I started cutting it to the last seam stitched, I just KNEW it was going to be a stunner, and I was right.

Now, fair warning, this dress is HUNGRY. I had a 2m piece of fabric and still didn’t get an XXL out of it. To be be fair though I didn’t preplan my cutting and could possibly have ended up making it work if I had done better tetris, but as it was I ended up putting an SOS out to my friend Laura to grab her 2m piece so I could finish it in time to go away with it. Bonus is I now have another 1.5m of fabric to play with! And I LOVE this print.

I originally cut the smaller v neck but decided I wanted to show off my assets and cut the deeper V and I’m glad I did. It’s just the right amount of cleavage I think, and I fortunately have the chest to show it off haha.

As with a lot of garments these days for me, tummy flattering is a big consideration. The princess seams in this one, plus being a knit fabric, meant it hugged in all the right places and the waist sits at just the right place to skim over anything I’m not happy with. If I make another one I may take an additional inch or so for personal preference, but I am not unhappy with this one.

My other big plus on this one is POCKETS. and those pockets go DEEP. Quality pocket size and nicely hidden in the sides. I could fit my phone & Puffer easily plus I reckon I probably could have got a bottle of wine in there if I tried hard enough haha.

10/10 for me with this dress. The print, the cut, the pockets. Plus Plus Plus!! I felt very beautiful wearing it to my step mums 60th in Far North Queensland.

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Pattern: Declan Pullover
Designer: Peek A Boo Pattern Shop
Fabrics: Print from Frankie Bear Fabric, Solid from Sew Unique Fabric
Measurements: Chest: 22″; Waist 21.5″; Hips 22″
Size made: 3T
Adjustments: None
Pros: Very cute Summer or winter style, love the collar
Cons: Plackets are a little tricky and I wouldn’t interface the collar next time

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The Wrap Up:

This top was very much inspired by the fabric. I saw this on the Frankie Bear Fabrics website and I instantly could see Ted in a little collared shirt. It turned out exactly how I hoped!

I’ve had the Declan pullover in my pattern stash for a while but had’t got around to making it, so this was the first time. I’m not afraid of plackets, but I am definitely intimidated. I took my time with each step, which is very well written, but I still need a lot of practice. I think part of the trick is to get your initial stitching of the box right and making sure when you attach the placket pieces you stitch along the same lines, being very precise. The next important part is making sure you clip right into the corners without going too far or too short.

Like I said, I am not afraid of plackets but mine can definitely do with some practice. Being a knit garment there is the added challenge of it being stretchy and moving around a little. Baste where you can or use a double sided wash away tape to help keep things in place.

The second part I had a bit of trouble with was the collar. I put an interfacing on as directed but to be honest I wouldn’t bother next time. Having the interface made it difficult to stretch across the neckline and I ended up having it be a bit wonky. My next one I think would be fine without it. I would still interface the placket though, especially if you are going to do button holes.

All in all, very happy with this one and I can see myself making a couple more for Ted’s summer & Winter wardrobe.

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Pattern: Peyton Cocoon Cardigan
Designer: Peek A Boo Pattern Shop
Fabrics: Clover & Co Fabrics, Fabric by Missy Rose
Measurements: Various
Size made: Various
Adjustments: None
Pros: This is SUCH a quick sew. I think I’ve got it down to about 45mins from cut to finish now.
Cons: Not really any cons on this one!

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The Wrap Up:’

I originally bought this pattern with the intention to use it for a Dorothy the Dinosaur costume I was going to be making for my neighbours first birthday. I was thinking it would be a good option for the white cardigan she sometimes wears. The plans for her birthday changed however so I never got around to making it for that, but boy have I found new uses for it!

I think I’ve made 4 now and I am addicted. They are a GREAT gift and so quick and easy to make. I think I can get them done from cut to sewn in about 30/45 mins. Seriously, a very quick sew.

The first one I made was a French Terry with rib knit trim which looked so good together. I’ve since also made one in straight rib knit which I also think looked very good together. I made a few of mine with knit headbands as well as they were gifts, but they look fine on their own as well.

With a size range of Newborn to Size 12, this is a new Winter pattern staple for me. Definitely a must have.

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Pattern: Night Owl Pjs – Women’s & Kid’s
Designer: Peek A Boo Pattern Shop
Fabrics: RubyJam, Sew Unique & Spotlight
Measurements: Various
Size made: 2XL/3XL & 4
Adjustments: None
Pros: So many pros. Love ay nightwear and the colour blocking is great.
Cons: The pants don’t have pockets which is sad for me, but I added patch pockets and it was fine.

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The Wrap Up:

I love pyjamas. Like A LOT. If I could get away with wearing them as everyday wear, I would haha. So pretty much straight away, the night owl pjs are a winner for me. I’ve mentioned a few times how much I love colour blocking, so its also another win for me with that option.

I’ve made both the shorts and top version and also the nightie version. I loved the short and top version but because the legs are cut as one piece per leg, there is no side seam for pockets. I am a huge fan of pockets in everything so to get around this I added patch pockets on the butt and it worked out great. The nightie I made with a Rubyjam animal print across the top and an incredibly luscious bamboo lycra on the bottom. I bloody love wearing it and its so soft and delicious on my skin.

The kids night owls I made because I had a friend who’s 4 yo boy LOVES wearing nighties over traditional ‘boy’ nightwear, so steals his sisters. He was disappointed he couldn’t get nighties with trucks and diggers and other themes he enjoys. So of course I was happy to step in and fulfil his wish. I also managed to make a matchy with his mum as I figured with would be hard to get Ready to Wear Matchy. I heard great feedback about the fit and he finds them incredibly comfortable. So much so he crawled into bed with his parents the first night he wore them at 4am and kept saying ‘these are so comfy, I am so comfy’. The dad eventually got so tired of hearing how comfy they were he threatened to take them off him if he didn’t go to sleep. hahaha. I think this is my most favourite compliment EVER!

So its a big thumbs up for me on both the kids and womens night owl PJ’s. A definite wardrobe staple.

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