Pattern Tests

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!

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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!

Gallery:

Pattern test & review of the Baby Poppy

Pattern: Baby Poppy
Designer: Made for Mermaids
Fabrics: May Gibbs Accent fabric – Spotlight. Solid Cotton Lycra – Sew Unique
Measurements: Chest: 19″ Waist: 21″; Height: 31″
Size made: 9-12 months
Adjustments: None
Pros: As soon as I saw the tester call for this one I signed up immediately. I couldn’t resist the bubble romper option and adorable flutter sleeves.
Cons: I wasn’t a huge fan of the way the crotch snap section was done in the instructions, so I may change it to something I am more comfortable with in future garments I do.

Links:

Baby Poppy Pattern

Made for Mermaids FB group

The Wrap up:

The minute I saw this pattern I knew I had to test it. It just looked so dang cute! I love a bubble romper style and flutter sleeves get me every time. Throw in the button front and I was seriously swooning.

I am very lucky to live next door to a pretty cute little girl and her amazing mum and dad who let me sew and use this little cherub as my model. I love sewing for Ted, but I don’t think its any secret that girl clothes are cuter. Well, they are easier to dress up I think.

The baby Poppy also has plenty of other options included such as sleeveless, short & long sleeve, skirted and peplum. The button placket can either be faux or functional. Being a bubble romper style there is also plenty of room for either disposable or cloth nappies and the snap crotch makes it super easy to change when needed.

I did have a little trouble with the snap crotch as its not a style I am used to and I’ll be honest, I didn’t love it. I think in future I might change it slightly to something I am more comfortable but is just as functional. Though I probably need to give it another try the way it is listed in the instructions before I make any rash changes haha.

This pattern is definitely a winner for me and I have already ordered some gorgeous lounge rib from Clover & Co (I love their printed lounge rib) to make some more as I saw another tester use lounge rib and it was to die for. It almost makes me want another baby. *Almost* haha.

Pattern Test & Review of the High Waisted Tennis Skirt

Pattern: High Waisted Pleated Skirt
Designer: Ellie & Mac Patterns
Fabrics: Woven Cotton Poplin & black ribbing
Measurements: Waist: 39″; Hips: 49″
Size made: 2XL
Adjustments: None
Pros: I like the dressiness of this skirt and how by changing the fabric could really change up wether you are making it dressy or casual.
Cons: There is a lot of work in this one with the pleats. I wouldn’t say its difficult, its just finicky and time consuming.

Links:

High Waisted Pleated Skirt Pattern

Ellie and Mac Facebook Group

The Wrap Up:

This pattern went through a couple of changes through the testing process, which is partly what the test process is, to iron any kinks in the size grading and instructions.

The original skirt was to made from knit fabric, but the first test group had issues, so when it got to my group for testing, it had changed to a woven or structured knit. I had a lot of trouble with my fit version, which I think was partly to do with the style (the pleats were sewn down a lot further creating less room in the hips) and I also think I didn’t sew the right size for me.

It bunched at the hips and non contoured waistband sat funny on my waist. It was not a flattering look! I was a little scared to see what the final version would come out as, but a few additional changes were made and I think they made a big difference. The main difference was incorporating the option for a ribbed waistband option to help with the waistband issues.

I had initially picked out some cute grapefruit fabric to make my final from, but pleated skirts are incredibly fabric hungry and I didn’t have enough. I did however have some stylish black and gold cotton poplin that I got from a friend who was de-stashing and it was perfect.

While pleats are time consuming, I actually find it quite cathartic and satisfying watching them come together. It’s ‘slow’ sewing, but requires more skill and attention to detail, which I think is good to have a few of those projects every now and then. Especially if you’re a fast and dirty sewer like I am haha.

I think the final skirt came up quite good and when I paired it with my new Tennessee Tee in a deep red/Burgundy, it really popped. Throw in a pair of black kitten heels and I was already for my Valentines date of salmon and rice with my husband and kids at 5.30 before I ran off to work haha. Glamorous Valentines for us for sure 😉

Gallery:

Pattern Review of the Women’s Domino Dolman

Pattern: Womens Domino Dolman Tee
Designer: Peek a Boo Pattern Shop
Fabrics: Accent fabric – Fabric By Missy Rose, Solid – Sew Unique Fabrics
Measurements: Bust: 45″; Waist: 39″; Hips: 48″
Size made: 2X
Adjustments: Took the sides in a little as it was very roomy
Pros: Such a quick sew! and I love the different colour block options. Nursing Friendly as well
Cons: It was very roomy in the 2X, I would normally make the XL, so will size down for my next one.

Links:

Womans Domino Dolman Pattern

Farbic by Missy Rose

Sew Unique Fabrics

The Wrap Up:

When Amy from Peek a Boo Pattern Shop put the tester call out for this one, I applied straight away. I love a Dolman tee, and the options for this one in terms of colour blocking were super appealing to me.

According to my measurements I fell in the 2X size category, which I made, but to be honest I felt this pattern had quite a lot of ease so it felt very roomy to me. I ended up taking the sides in about an inch on either side which worked well.

It is an incredibly quick pattern to put together, especially with the dolman style sleeve. I can definitely see a few more in my future, it is a great way to mix and match solids and accent fabrics. Also a good way to use up smaller cuts of fabric on the top colour block.

A great essential tee to have in your pattern collection.