Pattern: Staycation Tiered Dress & Peplum Designer: Ellie & Mac Fabrics: Sew Unique Cotton Lycra Measurements: Bust: 44″ Waist: 39″; Hips: 48″ Size made: XXL Adjustments: None Pros: I’m really into tiered dresses at the moment, so the Staycation is a bit of a fave of mine. I also love pockets of course! Cons: I wish this came with a flutter sleeve option. I think it would be a really great edition
This is the second Staycation I’ve made, and I still love it.
There a few different options for the skirt, including a few different tier configurations and also the option for a plain skirt or a peplum length. I really wanted to change the sleeves on this to something more flouncy and trialled it with the ‘Be Dreamy’ sleeves, another pattern from Ellie & Mac, but I didn’t love the outcome so I stuck with the short sleeves and it turned out fine.
I have had success before using the Love Notions Willow Wrap Dress flounce sleeve in Ellie & Mac patterns, so maybe if I make another I’ll try substituting those in instead.
No I can’t do this review without talking about how absolutely GORGEOUS this fabric is. This is the Sew Unique Fabrics exclusive March subscription fabric and its bloody amazing. I’ve written about their subscription program before >>here<<. If you were ever going to join, THIS is the month for sure. If you sign up before the 31st of the month, you will get shipped this beautiful fabric along with a neat free gift (also crushing hard on this months gift). You can cancel your subscription at any time, but shhhh, I’ve seen the next couple of months of prints and they are pretty special so I don’t think you’ll regret it❤️
The other version I made I hacked to be sleeveless which you can see in the gallery of images below. I will try and get a blog written up on how to change it to sleeveless soon for those who would like to know.
All in all though, the Staycation is a winner and you should definitely get it while its on sale!
Do you love fabric and want it delivered to your door every month?
I love fabric. I love to look at it, I love to search online for it, I love to touch it, I love to plan with it. I just love it. When I heard about Sew Unique’s monthly fabric subscription program, I had to find out more.
What is it?
SUF+ is a monthly subscription of fabric, delivered to your door. The fabric is delivered after the 19th of each month and the design is a surprise, which only adds to the excitement. There is also a super handy surprise gift included which is always practical and a great addition to your sewing tool kit.
The designs are usually chosen with adult females in mind, however there is quite a variety of designs. My daughter has tried to take it for herself a number of times haha.
Examples of past designs
One of my favourite things is there are different levels for different budgets. The cheapest starts at $40 for 1m of fabric and includes shipping. There is also an option for 1.5m and 2m of fabric, plus the option to upgrade to express shipping, generally for only a couple of dollars more. Throw in the free gift plus early access to all retail releases and the entire back catalog of SUF+ designs, and it really is great value for money.
The other great thing is the longer you’re in it, the more rewards you get! After being in the program just 4 months, you automatically upgrade to Silver membership which qualifies you for $5 shipping on all your orders. You can also go up and down each month as you need. If you’d like 1m one month but want to try 2m the next month, you just upgrade your subscription before the 19th and it will be updated.
I’ve made some amazing makes with my subscription, but I think February’s design takes the cake for my fave. It’s no secret the Iris shorts from Sonia Estep are my fave knit shorts and as soon as I saw the design, I knew they would be perfect. I paired mine with another of Sew Unique’s fabrics, their cranberry Bamboo Lycra. It was the perfect match and the bamboo lycra is like butter to touch. SO soft! I’ve written a review of my outfit >>here<<
I also just received March’s fabric and all I can say is O.M.G. It is so pretty and I can’t wait to sew it up and share it. Just secretly, I’ve also seen the next couple of months of designs and squeeeeeeee. I can’t wait to make ALL the things.
So don’t wait any longer and treat yourself to a fabric package each month. You won’t regret it!
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.
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.
Pattern: Summer Lovin’ Shorts Designer: Peek a Boo Pattern Shop Fabrics: French Terry from Sew Unique Fabrics Measurements: Waist: 39″; Hips: 47″ Size made: XXL Adjustments: Adjusted the front and back rise by 1.5″ Pros: Very easy pattern and super comfortable. Perfect for, as the title suggests, summer shorts 🙂 Cons: No real cons, but a little size restrictive, it tops out at a XXXL. Hopefully they will revisit it to size up at some point.
After my recent success at seemingly cracking the code to my body for pants fitting, I was eager to try some other shorts and these seemed like the perfect comfy, loose summer shorts. I’ve also not made shorts from French Terry before but they are delicious! So soft and comfy.
The construction of these came together incredibly quickly which is always a bonus. If you are an experienced sewer, you should be able to put them together pretty much without looking at the instructions at all. The pockets are simple as are the back patch pockets. I originally cut the back pockets out but during construction I decided I didn’t want them anymore.
This was also the first time I used the program Inkscape to digitally make alterations to my pattern. It was incredibly helpful at playing ‘Pattern Tetris’ as well before I got to cutting. It was a bit of a bug bear of mine that I couldn’t lay out my fabric and place all my pieces down to try and get the most out of my fabric before cutting, but now that I am getting a better understanding of Inkscape, I will be able to do that again.
It is hard for me to learn a new program like this as I am a graphic Designer by trade and Adobe programs are my bread and butter. However, because I have fallen so hard for projector sewing, investing the time to watch YouTube videos on basic functions and how to utilise it is definitely worth it.
Patten tetris, digital style
So I was able to add the 1.5″ to both rises in Inkscape fairly easily, my next challenge will be to do a Full Bust Adjustment in it. I think thats a while off though, I need to watch a bit more first. If anyone has any YouTube videos to suggest, feel free to comment them below or email me at sewandtellau@gmail.com
Now excuse me while I go make allllll the pants and shorts 🙌🏼
Pattern: Aloha Burn Blocker Designer: Peek a Boo Pattern Shop Fabrics: Swim Fabric from Sew Unique Fabrics Measurements: Chest: 21; Waist: 20″; Hips: 21″ Size made: 1 Adjustments: None Pros: LOVE the snap crotch option. Trying to change a nappy on a wet kid, who doesn’t want their nappy change is a challenge, so having the snap crotch makes a massive difference. Cons: I used a zip that was really too chunky. I also didn’t measure my son before I made it, so its a bit tighter
This was my first time sewing with swim, so I was a little nervous, but I’m so happy with how it turned out.
I used swim fabric from Sew Unique Fabrics as I was helping promote their latest release, SUF Ultimate. I am really impressed with the quality of their swim, it’s quite thick and has good coverage even when stretched over bottoms. The zip I got from Spotlight, its just a chunky closed end zipper.
The instructions were very clear and easy to follow. I would class this as an intermediate pattern, but as I say with most things, if you’re willing to give it a go, there is nothing stopping you.
I had a bit of trouble with the neckband and zipper, but I nearly always do. I need to practice some more as I often stuff it up 🙄 The snap placket along the crotch is definitely a favourite feature of mine. Trying to change a nappy of a kid in wet swim gear is a nightmare, so this is perfect!
All in all I will definitely be making more of these, I love that it goes to a kids size 12. So plenty more time to make for my boy, and my girl! The choice between long and short sleeve is also a bonus in our hot Australian sun. 10/10 for me.
Pattern: Wylde Dress/Top Designer: Stitch Upon A Time Fabrics: ‘Summer Fruits’ from Sew Unique Fabrics. Cotton Lycra 220gsm Measurements: Bust: 42.5″; Waist: 39.5″; Hips: 47.5″ Size made: XL Adjustments: Changing the bodice from fully lined to a simple neckband Pros: LOVE where this hits my waist and flairs out hiding my tummy Cons: The fully lined version was cumbersome, hence this tutorial on using a neckband instead!
I first made the Stitch Upon A Time (SUAT) Wylde in the top version a few weeks ago and immediately fell in love. The fitted bodice, low neckline and skirt that flairs out from the bust is the perfect combo for my figure to help me feel more comfortable about my mum tum. I tend to favour a lower neckline in general as it detracts from my tummy and focuses more on my décolletage.
The only thing I didn’t love about it was that it was fully lined. Luckily, adding a knit neckband was a really easy thing to do and I’m going to show you how to do it as well!
Adding, or changing a neckband to either a higher or lower one is a pretty simple process, it just involves some maths. Which you can also do on Google if your mathematically challenged like I am haha.
Obviously for this example I’m using the SUAT Wylde dress/top, but the same principles apply to any knit top really. To start with, you need to cut all your pieces out as indicated in the pattern except for the lining pieces or collar/hood if its something else you are changing. You then need to sew your front and back pieces together at the shoulder seams. (pic. 1)
Pic. 1 – Front and back pieces sewn together at shoulder seams
Pic. 2 – Fold the pieces in half to find the centre of both the front and back
Next you want to fold your bodice piece in half (as shown in pic. 2) to find the centre of both the front and back pieces. It is easier to do this on a flat surface as next we’re going to measure it.
Once you’ve done that, you need to lay your bodice pieces out in a way that you can measure the neck opening. (pic. 3) In my example, it is roughly 15.5 inches. Remember, this measurement will be HALF of what the full opening actually is as we folded our bodice pieces in half. Again, for my example, if I could lay out my neck opening flat, it would be about 31 inches.
Pic. 3 – Laying out the neck opening
Pic. 4 – Measuring the neckband piece
Now the ‘Rule’ for working out how long to cut your neckband piece is usually around 85%-90% of your neck opening. My neck opening is roughly 31 inches. I went to Google and typed in 85% of 31 inches = 26.35 inches. The good thing about knit garments is that there is a little bit of wiggle room being that its stretchy. I rounded down to 26 inches. THIS IS YOUR NEW NECKBAND size. I then halved it = 13 inches to make it a little easier to cut the piece.
To cut your new neckband, get your remaining fabric and fold in half (pic. 4). Now, the height of your neckband is a little bit of personal preference. A common adult neckband height is 1/2″ so this can be a good starting point. You just have to remember to double it, as you’ll be folding the neckband in half and also add a little bit for seam allowance. I generally cut my neckband pieces at a height of 1.5″ x whatever length I need.
The piece I cut for this garment was 26 inches long by 1.5″ high.
Once you have that worked out you and cut the new piece can go ahead and attach your neckband as you usually would. If you aren’t super confident at how to sew the neckband on, this is a pretty good tutorial on YouTube to watch by Seamwork. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF4Cix9TC9s
My biggest tip for a professional neckband is to make sure you quarter both your neckband and garment. It makes it so much easier to attach and a much nicer finish.
All done!
Them just sewn feels 😍
Finish your neckline with either a twin needle or Coverstitch and Tadah! You’ve just converted your fully lined neck opening to a neckband.
Now, there are some differences between the 2 garments as seen below. The neckband does give the garment a more ‘closed’ opening, but I definitely still like it. To help give it more of the look of the original design I think the next one I make (yep I’ll be making more cause I love it), I will try a neckband at 95% instead of 85%. This will allow the neckline to be more relaxed and settle back into more of the original opening size.
I hope this helped give you some confidence to giving this a go yourself, its not as scary as it seems, and if you get it wrong, you can rip it off and try and again 🙂
Tag me in your makes on Insta so I can see your beautiful creations @sewandtellau
Pattern: Harper Hoodie Fabrics: Purple: Cotton Fleece from Sew Unique Fabrics Accent: ‘Artistic Ink’ from Sew Unique Farbics Pink: Jogging Sweater Knit from Wattle Hill Fabrics Measurements: Bust: 42.5″; Waist: 39.5″; Hips: 47.5″ Size made: Straight 22. I like my hoodies big and oversized Adjustments: None Pros: LOVE the colour blocking on this. It is super comfy to wear and I love the look of the welt pockets. Cons: I had to unpick the welt part of the pockets 3 times before I got it looking good enough that I was happy with it. I also felt the pocket bags on the inside look a little clunky.
This brand new hoodie pattern from Sonia Estep is a big winner in my eyes. From the minute I saw it, I knew I would love it and am so glad I got a chance to sew it up. It may be Summer over here in the Southern Hemisphere, but its never too early to start my winter wardrobe. Especially living in Melbourne. We can be in the middle of a heat wave and then next thing you’re freezing and fighting off hail storms! Never a dull moment in Melbourne haha.
I had a few choices for fabrics on this one. As I often do when I’m planning a new project, I got them all out and laid them together to see what combo jumped out at me. I straight away was drawn to the purple and pink combo, and the artistic ink was definitely a front runner.
As the artistic ink is a Cotton Lycra, quite thin, and the purple and pinks are cotton fleece, thick and fluffy, I decided to cut all my artistic ink pieces in black Cotton Fleece as well to ‘back’ each piece. I then treated them as one piece when sewing it together. It is a little bit of a extra tricky step, but well worth it for me.
Once I had decided on the fabrics, the next was choosing a size. In the past I have sewn to ‘my measurements’ and while the garments fit, and looks good, its taken me 3 or 4 hoodies to realise that I actually REALLY like oversized hoodies. Like, I buy RTW mens sized ones cause I want them big and snuggly. So this time I made a size 2-3 up from what my measurements said and its PERFECT.
The process of putting the garment together was quite straight forward, just a few extra steps in the piecing it together. I had to be very careful I made sure all the pieces went together as they should so that the colour blocks would match up. I did put my bottom pieces on upside down to begin with so that was a fun half hour unpicking that. doh!
My fabrics laid out to choose colour combo
The next part I had some issues with was the welt pockets. I had not done a welt pocket quite how it was constructed in this pattern and had some problems getting my outer piece even and nestled nicely from the front. One of the sides I unpicked 3 times, and the other side once. I am glad I did, as it was worth it to have it looking good, but it did cause for some swear words haha. I also thought the inside pocket bags were a little odd in terms of how they sit, and if I make another would look to how I could modify to perhaps make a circle through pocket, but for now I might hand stitch them to the inside so they don’t dip below the waistband when weighted down by objects in them.
Inside of pocket bags and my black ‘lined’ artistic ink pieces
I had some questions over wether I crossed my hood too much when I first did it, but it works. The designer also commented that the hood is intentionally a more ‘dramatic’ hood crossover than most. The cowl look around the neck when its not up is particularly appealing to me, I think it looks great!
The Harper Hoodies is definitely a staple in my wardrobe now and am looking forward to being able to crack her out A LOT over winter. The pattern is on sale for 50% till Thursday, click on the link below (afflink) to grab your copy.
