Clover and Co Fabrics

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 Sicily Swing Dress/Top

Pattern: Sicily Swing Dress/Top
Designer: Peek A Boo Pattern Shop
Fabrics: Bamboo Lycra from Clover & Co. Fabrics
Skill level: Beginner
Measurements: Chest: 45″; Waist 40″; Hips 47″
Size made: 2XL graded to 3XL
Adjustments: Just the grading
Pros: SUPER comfy and easy to wear. Also has nursing option
Cons: Needs updated sizing

The Wrap Up:

I think this was one of the first patterns I ever tried of Peek a Boo as it had the nursing option and I loved it straight away.

The fit and flare style really suits me and I love that their are a couple of different neckline options. Especially over the fringe months, I really enjoy a cowl neck for that little bit of added warmth, without having to carry a scarf around.

Like I mentioned as well, this has the option of nursing which is so nice to see. When I was feeding my son I had such limited choices in Ready to Wear clothing and it was kind of what sparked me to really give clothes for myself another go, so to be able to make stylish feeding friendly tops was amazing!

The fabric I made my latest from is a pre order I did with Clover and Co in Bamboo Lycra. I like that this fabric design and pattern can be paired well with both leggings and jeans, making it easy to dress up or down. Put a little crop jacket it with it and a pair of heels if you’re going out, or straight cut jeans and a pair of white sneakers and you’re day ready.

I 1000000% will be getting more of Clover’s bamboo lycra as well. It is DIVINE!!! SO soft and drapey to wear. I want all the bamboo lycra now.

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New Born Gifts For My Best Friend

This article contains affiliate links throughout

When my best friend told me she was pregnant earlier this year, I was so excited! I know how much she’s been waiting to make that journey from Maiden to Mother, so hearing that she was expecting her own bundle of love was beyond exciting for me.

I was also excited of course at all the fun sewing opportunities. I love gifting hand made and I knew she would really appreciate anything I made for her. I got to work straight away thinking about what I wanted to make and the materials I wanted to use.

The Wrap Up:

The first set I made was two Waves & Wild Patterns. A pair of Over it Alls and a Pick n Mix Tee.

Waves & Wild have some incredible kids patterns and are up there with one of my favourite pattern designers. Particularly the Over it Alls. I don’t even know how many of those I have made! They are so quick and easy and have a very generous size range. Newborn to Age 12.

I chose to use some of Clover & Co. Fabrics Lounge rib as it is so incredibly soft and is made from 95.4% Cotton and 4.6% spandex, making it super breathable. The print is called Midnight Soleil and I fell in love with it the minute I saw it.

I did the short version in 000 size, hoping that her bubba boy will get some wear early next year before the weather turns. I also chose to use plastic Kam snaps for the straps but I highly recommend interfacing or at least adding another square scrap of fabric for extra stability under the snaps. They get quite a lot of strain when pulling them off that if they are not properly backed, they will pull through the fabric over time.

To pair with the Over it Alls I also made a teeny tiny size 000 Pick n Mix Tee. I chose this one for the envelope neckline which if you have kids, you’ll know if a lifesaver when they get covered in anything from poop to food. Not having to pull it over their head and spread it more in their hair, instead being able to peel off over their body is SO much easier!

The awesome thing about the Pick n Mix is that within the one pattern there is also a sleep sack and body suit. The other necklines include snap neck and crew neck. You can also have either short or long sleeves and there is a handy fold over mitten option so those tiny little fingernails can’t scratch themselves.

Again I chose to make it from Clover’s Lounge rib, in their Stripes of Soleil print.

The next gift I made was one that I but a lot of thought into. Although my friend grew up here on the mainland, she now lives in Tasmania and is obviously where she is building her family. So through Clover & Co. I was able to use a fabric that has roots in Tasmania which I knew she would love.

The design, called Wattle, is from Clover’s NAIDOC round and is designed by local First Nations artist, Annie from Pia Designs. My friends partner has lived and worked with First Nations people out at Uluru, Alice Springs and they both have incredible respect for First Nations people so I knew this print would be perfect.

For this piece I chose to make a short leg Zippie from Peek A Boo Pattern Shop. I’ve done a pattern review before about the Classic zip PJ set, as its honestly one of my favourite sleepwear patterns to make. Both my kids LOVE their homemade zippies in funky fabrics. So much more than they ever did their Bonds ones. It also has a really generous size range of Newborn to 10/12.

I was also able to use another incredible Australian supplier for this one, Dreamy Bag Hardware. Coincidently, another Tassie based business! I used their ‘Made in Tassie’ zip pull and number 5 zip tape. As the Made in Tassie pull is quite chunky, and I wanted to have a two way zip for ease of nappy changes, I chose to use a slim line pull for the bottom pull, still in the antique brass to keep it within the theme.

So all in all a very Tassie themed sew for my Tassie based friend with her soon to be Tassie born babe!

Seeing the joy on her face when she received these was so worth the trip down there, as was the beautiful 2 days I got to spend with her.

I can’t wait to see her little man in these!

Links:

Waves & Wild – Over it Alls

Waves & Wild – Pick n Mix

Peek A Boo – Classic Zipper Pjs

Clover & Co Lounge Rib

Pia Designs

Dreamy Bag Hardware

Video tutorial of the Waves & Wild Over it Alls:

My Favourite Printed Lounge Rib

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If you haven’t tried Clover & Co. Fabrics printed lounge rib, I am here to tell you, you are missing out! It is absolutely one of my favourite printed bases and the quality is second to none.

Clovers printed lounge rib is 95.4% cotton, making it incredibly soft to touch and 4.6% spandex giving it that very handy stretch to make it perfect for tees, body suits, Pjs, pants. You name it!

I thought I would recap a few of my favourite lounge rib makes here to show how gorgeous it is.

I made this Waves & Wild Pick n Mix Body Suit and lighting leggings (free pattern!) for a gift and it was so well received. It has fast become one of my go to’s when making new born gifts. Being a cotton rich base, its so soft and snuggly, perfect for those new born squishes skin, while also incredibly breathable, reducing the risk of over heating.

Pick n Mix Body Suit & Lightning Leggings

I love it for making tee’s for the kids. I think being a textured fabric it also gives garments that extra little something and can be good when pairing with either plain or printed base garments. The print in addition to the rib can really help it pop.

This Stripes Of Soliel print is so effective in the lounge rib. It’s one of my fave long sleeve tees of Teds, it has been in high rotation. I think I may need to make a summer version as well!

I also love that there is a very generous and usable 170cm width of fabric. Meaning I get a lot out of a metre which always helps when you can get more bang for your buck! It has a weight of 210gsm which I think is the prefect weight for year round wear, helping make it more economical. You can wear a tee on its on in the warmer months or layer in the winter. I made a Cardigan for me and I love that I can put long sleeve tee on in winter and it can keep me warm on top, or can throw it over lighter clothes in the summer in the evenings to keep me warm. Honestly, I just love it!

I think a very close favourite make of mine in lounge rib would have to be these pj/lounge pants. Honestly, I wear them ALL THE TIME. I have been known to do a school or childcare pick up in them and just hope people think I’m wearing super trendy lounge pants haha.

I wrote a more detailed blog about these lounge pants, definitely some of the comfiest I’ve ever made. Have a read here.

This was a pair of classic Zipper Pjs I made in printed lounge rib and I had a hard time giving these away, even though I don’t have a baby and won’t be having anymore again! haha. My ovaries exploded a little on this one. And again, such positive feedback from the mumma on how lovely a soft it was on bubbas skin 😍

So if you haven’t tried it before, I highly recommend giving it a go. It’s softer than cotton lycra in my opinion and just so luscious. I have been using the dryer a lot over winter and the prints are still so bright. Not something I have experienced with every supplier I have bought fabric from.

A very happy longe rib customer here, and I am sure you would be too, go check it out!

Take me to the Lounge Rib Heaven!

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 Lily Dress

Pattern: Lily Dress & Top
Designer: Sonia Estep Designs
Fabrics: Bamboo Lycra
Measurements: Bust: 44″; Waist: 38″; Hips: 49″
Size made: 18 graded to 20 hips
Adjustments: Grading between sizes
Pros: I LOVE this dress. I specifically love the hi-lo hemline, it just makes me feel so pretty and summery. The empire waistline is also a plus
Cons: Not really any cons for me on this one, I love it all

Links:

Lily Pattern

Clover & Co Fabrics

The Wrap Up:

I absolutely love everything about this dress. From the scoop neckline, the pockets to the hi-lo hemline, this dress is super flattering and I feel like a million dollars in it.

I got the bamboo lycra in a Clover & Co preorder as I loved the design and already had it in purple, so when it came up as a blue colour way, I HAD to have it. I also really like the bamboo lycra as it is a natural fibre that breathes better than say a double brushed poly which can get quite hot.

One of the things that impressed me about this pattern was the option between 2 waistlines. Empire or natural. Empire tends to hit just under your bust line and is a little more flattering for those with a bit of a tummy. Natural sits lower and can sometimes accentuate features you’d rather not have highlighted. As I have slightly larger breasts, an empire waistline will over skim over my bust and flair out straight below, helping to hide my tummy.

I also loved the scoop neckline which I’ve mentioned before suits my body type, and pockets. Well, what can I say about pockets?! They explain themselves haha.

The last thing that I really love is the hi-lo hemline. I just think it adds something a little different and feels nice when you’re walking along.

This was a really simple dress to put together and there is also the option of a straight gathered maxi skirt, peplum length and a button placket. I was going to do the button placket but decided against it. I may look at it for the next one, cause let me tell you, there will be a next one for sure!

Gallery: