Pattern Reviews

  • Pattern Hack – How to create a tunic length from a dress

    Pattern: Tidal Dress & Top
    Designer: Love Notions
    Fabrics: Cotton Lycra
    Measurements: Bust: 44″; Waist 39″; Hips 48″
    Size made: XL graded to 2XL
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: I love the panel at the front on this, its great to give the illusion of a trimmer front section, especially if you use a darker fabric for the back panels
    Cons: I had some trouble with the grading and how it sat on my tummy. I think you need to be really careful when grading out given where the panel is.

    Links:

    Tidal Top & Dress

    The Wrap Up:

    I recently helped retest the Love Notions Tidal top and while I loved all the length options, I felt that it would lend itself really well to tunic length, so here are my top tips on shortening any dress pattern to tunic length!

    Decide on the length:
    Tunic length is typically longer than shirt length, but shorter than dress, so usually sitting somewhere at the top to mid thigh. I took the above knee piece and cut across the piece about 6 inches up from the bottom of the dress pieces.

    Once I had done that to the front, I loaded my back piece and sat the front piece I had already cut out on top of the back piece.

    I made sure that I lined up my shoulder pieces so that I would know where to cut it along the bottom.

    Once you’ve cut your front and back pieces, you can carry on with cutting the other pieces as normal and put it all together as per the instructions. If the pieces don’t line up exactly, don’t worry too much, you can even them out before you hem it.

    I’m really happy with how the tunic length of this one turned out, as well as the normal shirt l made. The blocking on this one is so flattering, worth giving it a try for sure!

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  • Pattern Review of the Colour Block My Way Hoodie

    Pattern: Your Way Hoodie
    Designer: Ellie & Mac
    Fabrics: Wattle Hill Fabrics
    Measurements: Chest:21.5″; Waist 20.5″; Hips 21″
    Size made: 2T
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: This is a great jumper for heading into Winter. Colour blocking is always a win for me.
    Cons: The neckline was a little small in testing, but it was fixed for the final file.

    Links:

    Your Way Hoodie
    Wattle Hill Fabrics

    The Wrap Up:

    Before I had a boy, I used to think that I wouldn’t be able to dress him up cute and fun like a girl, but I’m pleased to say, I was wrong.

    True, it is a different kind of cute and fun, but, especially because I make Ted’s clothes, I have control over the fabrics. I have stocked up the last two years on super cute designs to deck out his wardrobe. The forest friends I used in this test is a personal fave of mine. I bought the same print in Soft Shell last year and I was wrapped when I saw that Wattle Hill Fabrics had it in a French Terry. I was very excited to pull this one out for the finals of this test along with their jogging sweater fleece in these really earthy colours to compliment it.

    Pretty fabrics aside, this jumper was a super easy make and came together quite quickly. The fun ‘secret’ pocket at the front is a nice touch and perfect for any kid that likes to stash things away. Be it snacks, trucks, dirt… the options are endless! Haha, just don’t forget to check the pocket before you wash it!

    I’m also a fan of the dropped shoulders look and hood coming into the colder weather. Very happy with this make indeed!

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  • Pattern Review of the Chill Tee & Hoodie

    Pattern: Chill Tee & Hoodie
    Designer: Ellie & Mac
    Fabrics: Sew Unique Fabrics French Terry
    Measurements: Chest: 38.5″; Waist 35.5″; Hips 42″
    Size made: L
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: I love the colour blocking on this one. It’s a great casual tee.
    Cons: I think this is more suited toward a tee than a hoodie. If I was to make it as a hoodie I would size up at least 2 or 3.

    Links:

    Chill Tee & Hoodie
    Sew Unique Fabrics

    The Wrap Up:

    I’ve made two Chill Tee & Hoodies now and they have both turned out great for hubby. I do prefer this as a tee however as I think it is too tight fighting for a traditional hoodie. The feedback my husband gave was that you would definitely need to size up at least 2 or 3 for it to be more comfortable.

    I do love the colour blocking on this one however, I think its a great simple one to showcase your fabrics without being too overpowering. It’s also a very quick and simple pattern to put together.

    The hoodie I made from a french terry and the chill tee is a cotton lycra. The french terry is part of the current release from Sew Unique Fabrics winter range, check out the the super cool bomber jacket I made for Ted that I did a write up for here.

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  • Pattern Review of the Kids Billie Bomber

    Pattern: Kids Billie Bomber
    Designer: Petite Stitchery Co
    Fabrics: Sew Unique Fabrics French Terry
    Measurements: Chest: 21″; Waist 20.5″; Hips 21″
    Size made: 2T
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: Is fully lined and has the option of either snap enclosure or Zip
    Cons: Being fully lined it is quite labour intensive, but so worth it.

    Links:

    Kids Billie Bomber
    Baby Billie Bomber
    Sew Unique Fabrics
    Varsity Font

    The Wrap Up:

    I have had this jacket in my head for AGES! So when I had this strike fabric to sew, it was the perfect opportunity to help it come to life. I chose the Billie Bomber as I liked the size range it came in with the option of the baby bomber as well as the kids version.

    I love the ‘varsity’ type look and I thought it would be just the cutest on Ted, so I looked for a varsity font online (which I’ve linked above), measured the area I wanted it to go and then typed out the letter and projected it onto my panel piece to see if it was a good size. From there I traced it onto a piece of paper so I could use it as a template to cut out my white cuddle fleece and main fabric letter. Final stage was sewing each layer onto the panel in a normal straight stitch and voilá! Perfect!!

    Projecting the letter on my panel

    After I had done that I followed the rest of the instructions as per normal to make up the jacket. This was my first time doing a proper lined bomber style jacket and while it wasn’t overly hard, it was time consuming and I had to concentrate a lot on what I was doing. Especially as this is designed to be a fully reversible jacket, so there are extra steps to ensure all seams are enclosed and neat. I am pleased with the final result and glad to have added to my skill set. Plus I have a super spunky almost 2yo ready to rock this winter. Stop growing so fast baby boy!

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  • Pattern Review of the Elodie Wrap Dress

    Pattern: Elodie Wrap Dress
    Designer: Closet Core Patterns
    Fabrics: Linen blend from Spotlight
    Measurements: Bust: 44″; Waist 39″; Hips 48″
    Size made: 16 graded to 20
    Adjustments: Took an inch out of each shoulder seam and shaped the back
    Pros: Love the loose flowyness of this dress, as well as the wrap neckline
    Cons: I had trouble fitting the neckline with my boobs. I also misunderstood the instructions for the wrap tie part.

    Links:

    Elodie Wrap Dress
    Spotlight Stores

    The Wrap Up:

    I bought this pattern quite a while ago with grand plans to make it for summer and never got around to sewing one up. So naturally I decide halfway through Autumn that it is the right time to finally get one done. haha

    This pattern is designed for woven fabrics and I chose a beautiful linen blend from Spotlight to try. This is quite a fabric hungry pattern so I think I ended up buying 3.5m for my dress and I closely followed the cutting guide so I didn’t run out of fabric. The linen worked well but I’d love to try it in a twill as well.

    This was my first time sewing a Closet Core pattern, despite owning a few of Heathers patterns, and I must say I’m pretty impressed. While they don’t have projector files, they do have A0 files that are layered so I was able to use those effectively.

    Being a curvier body, I used their 14-32 pattern range which is based off a curvier block and I think its a size D cup for breasts which suits my body better. I sewed up a 16 graded to an 18 at the waist and hips which was great for the waist and hips, but I had some issues with the cross over section not sitting properly over my boobs so I ended up taking an inch out of each shoulder seam and at the back neckline which helped correct it mostly.

    I did really love the pleats under the bust and at the back, I think they are a really nice feature and help give the bodice shape for the bust without using darts. Thats the first time I’ve used a pattern like that and I thought it was really effective. I do think I probably need more ‘space’ for my boobs, so I will have to research how to achieve that with this style.

    I also had some issues with the hole for the tie area. I don’t think I read the instructions properly to begin with and when it came time to open up the hole in the waistband to pull the tie through, I had a world of trouble as I had done it wrong. But, with my trusty unpicker and a little bit of creative sewing, I got it to work and it doesn’t look half bad either.

    I will definitely make this pattern again, I will just have to pay closer attention to the tie area for a cleaner finish next time.

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  • Pattern Review of the Fit To Be Tied Bikini Top & Busy Bee Bottoms

    Pattern: Fit To Be Tied & Busy Bee Bottoms
    Designer: Rad Patterns & Patterns for Pirates
    Fabrics: Accent Fabric – Sew Unique Fabrics, Swim Lining and Power Netting – Textile Offcuts Lilydale
    Measurements: Bust: 44″; Waist: 39″; Hips: 48″
    Size made: Top – L; Bottoms – XXL
    Adjustments: I took about 2 inches out from each shoulder strap
    Pros: Making your own bathers is second only to making your own undies. Having bathers that feel good to wear and don’t send a blow to your self confidence is a HUGE pro
    Cons: Working with swim fabric is tricky, but with lots of clips it is doable

    Links:

    Fit To Be Tied Top
    Busy Bee Bottoms
    Sew Unique Fabrics
    Textile Offcuts Lilydale

    The Wrap Up:

    Fit To Be Tied Top:
    Being larger busted, it can be hard to find bathers that fit well and have me feeling comfortable. I like to show a little cleavage, I think it helps draw attention away from my tummy and I actually don’t mind my boobs. But it can be hard to find the proper amount of coverage. This bather top is the perfect amount blending of all the thing I love and has 3 cup sizes.

    I made the Large with the full bust cup and really like how it turned out. My first test pair that I made was a little long in the straps though, so I ended up taking about 2 inches on both shoulder straps and it helped a lot.

    My test pair

    I used swim fabric from Sew Unique which has a gorgeous vibrancy and doesn’t go see through when it gets wet and lined it with a plain white swim lining.

    One of my favourite things about this pattern is the little tie detail. I think it looks so cute and adds the right amount of detail to give this pattern a bit of pizazz. There is a bottoms and one piece option for this pattern as well which has tie pieces at the thighs, but I preferred a different bottoms pattern.

    Busy Bee Bottoms:
    I think swim bottoms are probably one of the hardest things to get right and feel comfortable and confident in. Especially if you are carrying a little extra weight like I am. I am super self conscious about how my tummy can look in bathers, and am particularly concerned people will think I’m pregnant and ask me when I’m due. (I’ve had it happen more than once urgh)

    First pair in high waisted

    The first pair I made were an unlined high waisted pair with ruching at both the sides and front and back. While they were ok, and the ruching looked cute, I felt that the high waisted actually made my tummy look worse. Once they were pulled up over my tummy it made it look much more rounded and unflattering. I also thought that because I hadn’t lined them, there wasn’t as much support in there keeping everything ‘in’. I had a look at some of my RTW bathers and they seamed to all have the power netting in them as a lining so I thought I would line my final pair in the netting.

    I also thought I would try sizing down one size as I was on the cusp of the XL and XXL, hoping it would help hold everything in a little better. So the final pair I made were Midi’s, ruched at the sides and fully lined with power netting.

    In the end I think I probably should have left it at the XXL as once I lined it with the power netting they because a little tight which you can probably see in the photos. I have another pair planned and I will be keeping them as the XXL. The Midi and side ruching however were the perfect choice. I am actually planning another pair now with a colour blocked front panel and centre side ruching which I think will be ever more flattering. Once I’ve made them I will do a tutorial on how to achieve the look and I’ll be sure to link it here.

    In a world of bathers that just keep creeping higher and higher up your bum with the cuts they do, it’s nice to finally have a pair with full bum coverage, a flattering front and cute bikini top. I can’t wait to wear these to my sons swimming this week ❤️

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  • Pattern Review of the Aria Button Down Shirt

    Pattern: Aria Button Down
    Designer: Love Notions
    Fabrics: Spotlight
    Measurements: Bust: 44″; Waist 39″; Hips 48″
    Size made: XL Full bust piece
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: Love Notions are one of my FAVOURITE pattern companies for larger busted women. The inclusion of full bust pieces already done is SUCH an advantage. The collar was SO easy!
    Cons: None really, its a great pattern for a button down shirt.

    Links:

    Aria Button Down Shirt Pattern
    Aria Button Down Course
    Spotlight

    The Wrap Up:

    I know I have a lot of favourite pattern companies, haha, but honestly, Love Notions really are amazing for affordable, easy to follow pdf patterns that are quite size inclusive. They also include full bust pieces already adjusted for bigger busted ladies like myself which is SO helpful!

    So when they had a call out for a new pattern recently, I put my hand up straight away as I knew it would be another winner. I don’t wear a lot of button down shirts, but I enjoy making them for my husband and son, so I liked the idea of getting to join in the shirt fun.

    The Aria button down has a number of different options, including shirt, tunic and dress length, as well as long, short or sleeveless options. You can also choose between a traditional collar or a mandarin collar. I made the shirt length with short sleeve and traditional collar. I have to say their method for doing the collar was one of the easiest I’ve ever done. I have had some troubles in the past getting the collar stand piece to line up flush with the button panel, but on this one it fit beautifully and I was so pleased with the final collar result.

    I was away with family when I made this one and my family thought my fabric choice was a little out there but I absolutely LOVE it. It’s a cotton poplin from Spotlight which sewed up really well and I think the pink is so bright and fun. I also love the Australian birds on it.

    So all in all another fab pattern from Love Notions. They have also included an on demand course for how to sew this one for anyone thats a little unsure. For the week of release the pattern is included in the cost of the course ($25USD) and never expires, so you can watch it as many times as you need. Check out the links above for more details.

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  • Pattern Review of the Cutie Booty Boxer Briefs

    Pattern: Cutie Booty Boxer Briefs
    Designer: Patterns for Pirates
    Fabrics: Sew Unique Fabrics
    Measurements: Waist 39″; Hips 48″
    Size made: XXL
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: Making your own underwear is the best! I highly recommend it.
    Cons: It can be confronting making underwear that fits, maybe you are ‘bigger’ than you think, but honestly, they are just numbers and having underwear that fits is SO worth it

    Links:

    Cutie Booty Pattern
    Sew Unique Fabrics

    The Wrap Up:

    I know a lot of people wouldn’t be comfortable taking photos in their underwear, but you know what, I just don’t care anymore. We all have a body and most of us wear underwear everyday, so I’m doing a community service by reviewing these and showing you what they look like on a not so skinny body like most of the media like to portray 😉

    Making your own underwear is definitely worth it in my opinion. They are so comfortable and means you get exactly what you want. It also means you don’t have to go to the shop, which is a bonus in my opinion! haha

    The Cutie Booty’s are more of a boyleg style, which is something I like and have a number of options. I’ve tried both the exposed elastic and the knit waistband and I probably prefer the knit waistband for ease. My preference is also the high waist, short inseam, but there are several options to choose from.

    I will say that making garments like undies can be a little confronting. When the fabric is laid flat, it can seem like BIG pieces for your derrière, but I promise if you look past that, the end result is beautiful undies that you wish you’d started making sooner.

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  • Pattern Review of the Ivy Lounge Pants

    Pattern: Ivy Lounge Pants
    Designer: Petite Stitchery & Co
    Fabrics: Lounge Rib from Clover & Co
    Measurements: Waist 39″; Hips 48″
    Size made: 1XL
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: These are SO comfortable!! Also a really quick make and have a maternity option.
    Cons: I didn’t love that there wasn’t a shorten/lengthen line through the crotch, which is where most adjustments need to be made.

    Links:

    Ivy Pants Pattern
    Clover & Co Fabrics

    The Wrap Up:

    When I say these pants are comfy, I can’t even begin to explain HOW comfy they are. Since I made them a week ago, I’ve barely taken them off when I’ve been at home (and even out at some places hehe).

    The first pair I made were a toile from some cheap ponte style knit from spotlight to see how I liked the fit. I was surprised I could make these without having to make my usual 1.5″-2″ lengthen in the rise for comfort and they still feel amazing. According to my measurements I was at the top end of a XXL, which my toile was, but I decided while they were still a good fit, I would size up for my proper pair as they were ever so slightly tight. Being a relaxed style track or jogger pant, I really wanted them to be looser fit, especially over my waist and lower tummy. I made the high waisted version which I can pull up to just above my belly button and its not constricting or uncomfortable.

    My first pair which were comfortable but just a tiny bit too tight to be as flattering as I hoped.

    I think a lot has to do with the fabric I used as well. I am a huge fan of lounge rib, it is so soft and luscious, its like having my legs wrapped in fluffy clouds. Clover and Co is one of my fave fabric suppliers to get printed lounge rib from as I love the quality and the range of designs is also really fabulous. Well worth a look. I have quite a few of their printed lounge rib designs and will be making my kids a bunch of long sleeve tees for winter from them.

    So all in all, I will definitely be making more of these. I want to make some from French terry for Winter as my track pants that I will likely live in for the next few months haha.

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  • Pattern Review of the Kids Raglan Tee

    Pattern: Kids Raglan Top
    Designer: Ellie & Mac
    Fabrics: Accent Fabric – Wattle Hill Fabrics
    Measurements: Chest: 21″
    Size made: 2T
    Adjustments: None
    Pros: Raglan style on kids look so trendy & a great unisex tee option. They are also so simple in construction.
    Cons: None

    Links:

    Kids Raglan Tee
    Wattle Hill Fabrics

    The Wrap Up:

    As the weather turns colder in Melbourne, I’ve started having to pull out the long sleeve tops. I was a little shocked to realise all the long sleeve tops I have for Mr T are 2 sizes too small. Whoops. Lucky he has a mum who can sew him up some winter ready gear in no time!

    The Ellie and Mac kids raglan tee just happened to be on their weekly sale, which made it a great opportunity to grab it cheap and have it in my kids pattern stash. The fact it is unisex and can easily switch between the kids depending on your fabric choice just made it that much easier to decide to buy it.

    I’d had the tan cotton lycra in my stash for a while. I loved the funky look of it the first time i saw it while browsing Wattle Hill Fabrics and thought it would pair really well with a plain black. I think the combo is just right.

    One of the things I love about raglan style sleeves is that they are so easy to put together. As they form part of the neckline, there is no easing the sleeve into the arm hole which I think helps simplify the whole process.

    So if you want an easy tee pattern for your stash, the kids raglan is a great choice.

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