Spotlight

Pattern Review of the Adult Essential Dolman

Pattern: Adult Essential Dolman Dress
Designer: Ellie & Mac
Fabrics: Organic Viscose from Spotlight
Skill level: Beginner
Size made: XL/XXL
Adjustments: Grading from the bust to waist. I also did a whoopsie empire waist adjustment, read below for more details.
Pros: Great to compliment your shape and lots of options for skirt length and sleeves.
Cons: Because its a dolman style, it is very fabric hungry!

Sewing Summer Vibes: A Slinky Success Story with Ellie & Mac's Weekly Sale Pick

This one has been on my to make list for such a long time, and I’m glad I finally got around to making it. Even better, it’s part of the Weekly Sales over at Ellie & Mac this week.

This pattern has a boat neck and scoop neck and while I thought about doing the boat neck, I really love a scoop neck on me, so I went with that. It also has a few sleeve options and skirt lengths, but I liked the short sleeves and mid thigh for the skirt. Being summer I figured I’d get good use out of it and could also put leggings underneath when it starts to cool down.

Unfortunately I didn’t read the pattern right and ended up taking about 3 inches out of the waist, whoops! BUT, I am really happy with the end result, I would probably just end up adding that to the skirt next time as its *quite* short. haha. Instead of cutting the actual waist measurement, I cut the height adjustment line instead. But as I said, I love the result of this ‘mistake’.

Using a really slinky fabric like the organic viscose meant it drapes so beautifully and its super soft against my skin. There is heaps of ease so I didn’t feel constricted and having the elasticated waist adds definition to my waistline, without emphasizing my stomach, which I am still self conscious about.

All in all, I’m very happy with this one and can see it getting a lot of wear both for the rest of summer and well into the Autumn/Fall months!

What next?

Stop wasting fabric and time on projects that don't fit right.

Learn to sew with confidence and let me guide you to more sewing success.

Pattern Review of the Duet Trousers and how to add a control panel

Duet Trousers Pattern Review

Pattern: Duet Trousers
Designer: Love Notions
Fabrics: Bengaline from Spotlight Stores
Skill level: Confident Beginner
Measurements: Waist 39.5″; Hips 47.5″
Size made: 16 Full Belly Adjusted Pieces
Adjustments: None
Pros: The re release with the full belly adjusted pieces is such a welcome addition.
Cons: Pants are a challenge. Always make a muslin/toile before cutting into your fashion fabric.

The Wrap Up

I’m not sure I’ve ever been so happy with a pair of pants straight off the bat. The toile/muslin I made was so well fitting, I knew that when I cut into my fashion fabric they would be a win.

My biggest piece of advice for making these pants would be to make sure you read the fitting advice included in the pattern. According to my measurements, I should have made a size 20, but I know I would have had to make so many adjustments and likely would have ended up really frustrated. After reading all the advice on fitting however, I knew that I needed to use the Full Belly Adjusted pieces and was able to use the size 16, and got such a great fit.

The other bonus about the duet trousers is that they come with a pants fitting workbook that is great for helping to work out what any creases in your pants may mean.

As well as the workbook, Love Notions have released a Duet trouser course with this re-release, meaning its easier than ever to get help in getting your perfect fitting trousers.

This will certainly not be my last pair I make, it is so nice to have a pair of slacks that not only look good, they feel good to wear as well.

What next?

Stop wasting fabric and time on projects that don't fit right.

Learn to sew with confidence and let me guide you to more sewing success.

Pattern Test of the Back to Front (BTF) Dress

Pattern: Back to Front (BTF) Dress/Romper
Designer: Tadah Patterns
Fabrics: Cotton Poplin – I think from Spotlight, have had a LONG time
Measurements: Chest: 46cm; Waist: 47cm; Height: 77cm
Size made: 00 chest graded to 0 height
Pros: Really simple construction, can be worn both ways.
Cons: Size was a little tight on my models, may want to consider sizing up.

The Wrap Up:

This was my first time testing for Tadah. As a long time lover of there patterns, it really was quite an honour to get a chance to help owner Lauren to test this latest pattern.

I put my hand up to test the 00 size as I was going to be using my friends little girl as my model. When I got her measurements she ended up fitting in the 00 size for chest but 0 for length, so I ended up grading to suit.

The version I tested was a little long in the short straps which I know was fixed in the final pattern, which is why its so important for designers to get a variety of models in the test phase, to iron out any of these little issues.

I chose to use a cute floral woven I’ve had in my stash forever and it turned out so cute. I did the most simple version as I was running a bit short on time to get my fit photos in. I was able to use my friends little girl for fit photos, but on the day didn’t get to do any styled shots. As there weren’t any major changes to the final version, I was able to use my fit garment for the final photos but changed models to my neighbour as she was available the day I could take the pics. Lucky the are the same size 🙈.

I love the versatility of this pattern being that it can be worn both ways and still look super stylish and cute. It also has quite an easy construction designed with beginners in mind, so definitely give this a go if you’re new to sewing and want something easy. Lauren also has a really helpful Facebook Group that you can join for extra help or advice if you get stuck.

I have a few more of these planned now, I want to try the ruffles and I think they would make a great baby gift.

This pattern is on sale to celebrate its release so jump on the link below and grab it while its discounted. Tag me in your make so I can see your cute version as well!

Links:

Back to Front Dress/Romper Pattern

Tadah Facebook Group

Tadah Instagram