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Pattern Review of the Diana Dress & Top

Diana Dress & Top Ellie & Mac Galaxy top

Diana Dress & Top Pattern by Ellie & Mac Pink floral top

Diana Dress & Top Ellie & Mac Galaxy top 1

Diana Dress & Top Ellie & Mac Galaxy top 2

Diana Dress & Top Ellie & Mac Galaxy top 3

Diana Dress & Top Ellie & Mac Galaxy top 4

Diana Dress & Top Ellie & Mac Galaxy top 5

Diana Dress & Top Ellie & Mac Galaxy top 6

Diana Dress & Top Ellie & Mac Galaxy top 7

Diana Dress & Top Ellie & Mac Galaxy top 8

Pattern: Diana Dress & Top
Designer: Ellie & Mac Patterns
Fabrics: Bamboo Lycra from The Telarie
Skill level: Beginner
Size made: 2XL/3XL
Pros: I adore this flattering top and dress. It is so beautiful to wear and has some great options.
Cons: Sometimes a lined top annoys me as it uses more fabric.

Sewing Serendipity: The Delightful Dance of Fabric and Pattern

As soon as I saw this pattern release, I knew I had to make one. Or as it currently stands, three! haha.

For starters, this pattern is named after one of my good sewing friends, Diana from @eloiseandezra. If you don’t already follow her on insta, definitely check her out. She also shares lots of fun tips and tricks on her YouTube channel.

I also really liked that there were quite a few options to choose from. There are multiple skirt lengths and tiered options as well as the peplum top, which is the 3 types I have made. It also has a couple of necklines, including the square neckline, which is a big fave of mine. I’ve made two with the square neckline and one with a low scoop. On the Square neckline you can also add some ruching at the front centre to make a cute sweetheart neckline.

The sleeves were another big draw card for me as there were so many options!! I loved the 3/4 shirred sleeve and also I am a sucker for a flutter. Shirring is a lot of fun and has such a great effect. If you’re new to shirring or not sure how to do it, I cover how to shir in one of the Master Classes in my membership, The Sewing Corner.

I am always a bit hesitant to do knit patterns that are lined as its extra fabric to cut out and use, but I didn’t mind so much for this make. There really isn’t any other ‘neat’ way to get a square neckline either without lining or doing some kind of facing. And I do NOT like facing on a knit garment haha. So lining is the lesser of 2 evils for my fave neckline! It shows how to include elastic in the neckline for extra stability as well which is nice. My Knit Confidence course covers elastics in knits if you need some support with this technique.

Two of the versions I have made have been with The Telarie Bamboo Lycra and they are SO lovely and flowy. The quality of the material is gorgeous and I just love the prints I chose.

I would not hesitate to try this one out, its especially nice in the more flowly fabrics like Bamboo Lycra, Modal, Rayon Spandex and a Viscose Elastane. Try it out and tag me in your makes!

FYI. This pattern is on sale for 50% off for the month of November 2023. Grab it now!

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Pattern Review of the Ivy Colourblock Tee

Pattern: Ivy Colorblocked Tee
Designer: Sinclair Patterns
Fabrics: Cotton Lycra Solids and Panels from Rubyjam Fabrics
Skill level: Beginner
Measurements: Bust: 45″; Waist 39.5″; Hips 47″
Size made: 18
Adjustments: None
Pros: I love the yoke and color blocking on this one, it makes for such a flattering fit.
Cons: None

The Wrap Up

This month in The Sewing Corner, I had the pleasure of sewing up the Ivy Colorblocked Tee from Sinclair Patterns, and I have to say, I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out!

First of all, I have to comment on the pattern itself. Sinclair Patterns is known for their well-drafted and thorough patterns, and the Ivy Tee is no exception. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, plus the pattern includes a wide range of sizes which I always appreciate.

As for the design of the Ivy Tee, I love the colorblocking! It’s such a fun and modern twist on a classic tee, and it allows you to play around with different fabric combinations. I went with a darker teal solid on top and utilised one of Rubyjam’s jamPODs (Panels On Demand) for the lower section, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.

You can have a lot of fun using different colour combos as well as integrating pattern prints to either the yoke or bottom colour block. If you like to matchy match, there is the kids version, the Ivyberry, that you can play around with too.

As I mentioned above, this is the tutorial I filmed for The Sewing Corner this month, so if you need help sewing this pattern up come and join in the community of The Sewing Corner. Rubyjam is the sponsor this month so you not only get the tutorial, you get an exclusive discount only available to Sewing Corner members of 15% off their Panels on Demand. They have over 1000 to choose from now, make sure you check them out!

If you’re not sure about the on going monthly subscription of The Sewing Corner, you can also purchase this course on it’s own, check out the link HERE to find out more.

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Updated Pattern Review of the Dutchie Jacket

Kid wearing Dtchie Jacket by Ellie and Mac

back photo of kid wearing Dutchie Jacket by Ellie and Mac

happy boy photo of kids raising both arms

smiling photo of a kid wearing Dutchie jacket with hands in pocket

grinning photo of a kid wearing Dutchie jacket with hands in pocket

photo of a kid's Dutchie jacket front pockets

photo of a kid's Dutchie jacket side pockets

photo of a kid showing off something with both hands

photo of a mum and a kid who looks very happy

Pattern: Kids Dutchie Jacket
Designer: Ellie & Mac
Fabrics: Black French Terry from Rubyjam Fabrics and Buffalo Plaid Flannel from Spotlight
Skill level: Intermediate
Measurements: Chest: 21″; Waist 20.5″; Hips 21″
Size made: 3
Adjustments: Hacked their instructions on the welt pocket.
Pros:Love this jacket cause you can mix woven in the bodice with knit for the sleeves.
Cons: I found the instructions a little confusing. Definitely read each step before progressing.

The Wrap Up

I’ve actually made this jacket for Jemma before (which you can read here) and while I loved it, I found the instructions a little heavy to follow. To be honest, some of it is that because I am such a competent sewist I tend to assume what the next step will be and go ahead with what I logically think will work, but sometimes patterns need to be done in a certain way for all the elements to work, so it doesn’t always work in my favour to jump the gun!

As I mentioned in my last review, I wasn’t a huge fan of the visible stitching lines on the front welt pocket, so this time I was determined to alter them out. I cut out all the pieces and ended up having a think about it overnight and came up with a pretty good solution I think.

I filmed it all to show how I did, you can see it all in the YouTube video below.

It is definitely a great pattern all in all, I just recommend you take your time while sewing it and you will get great results.

How to eliminate the visible stitching lines on the welt pocket, plus short review.

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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 Adult Discoverer Tee

Pattern: Adult Discoverer Tee
Designer: Ellie & Mac
Fabrics: Cotton Lycra from Rubyjam Fabrics
Skill level: Beginner
Measurements: Bust: 45″; Waist 40″; Hips 46″
Size made: XXL
Adjustments: None
Pros: Love the colour blocking on this and how it allows you to mix and match coordinating fabrics.
Cons: None

The Wrap Up

I had a lot of fun sewing this one up.

My Brother in Law’s partner has a bit of a thing for avocado’s so as soon as I saw this fabric I knew that I wanted to make it into something for her.

The discoverer tee seemed perfect as I was able to colour block with a solid to break up the ‘strong’ hero print. It’s also quite a flattering fit for larger busted women (as my sis in law is) as the colour blocking hits above the bust.

If you like a simple, easy sew with colour blocked options, this is a great pattern. I have also written a tutorial on how to add knit piping across the colour blocked section which I’ll link here. I did it for a the kids version but it’s the same principle for the adult version.

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Pattern Review of the Margot Peplum

Pattern: Margot Peplum
Designer: Love Notions
Fabrics: Cotton Lycra from Sew Unique Fabrics
Skill level: Beginner
Measurements: Chest: 44″; Waist 40″; Hips 47″
Size made: XL/2XL
Adjustments: Grading and shortening bodice to Empire waistline
Pros: I love princess seams on my shape and the option of skirts is a bonus. Also has full bust adjusted pieces already.
Cons: Not a fan of it sitting on my natural waist but I shortened to Empire waist. See my YouTube review for instructions.

The Wrap Up

I hadn’t made this one before but it’s been on my list to try for a while.

I had originally planned to try the pleated skirt but I didn’t have enough fabric so I ended up going for the swing style. I love the result but think I will try the pleated next time, some of the tester photos were so pretty.

I also shortened the bodice to be more Empire style as I find that suits my shape much better. I am so happy with the final look now and absolutely LOVE how this sits on my body now.

I made mine from a cotton lycra but I think this would look really nice in a scuba or ponte as well so I would be keen to try that next time as well.

Love Notions is one of my fave for pre done full bust adjusted pieces as well. It makes it so much easier for bigger busted women to be able to just use the already adjusted pieces.

Excited to be wearing this one around!

PS. use code sewandtellau10 for an EXTRA 10% off at the checkout.

Video Review

Watch my detailed review of the Margot Peplum on YouTube. Includes bonus tutorial on how to shorten a Natural Waistline to an Empire Waistline.

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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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Pattern Review of the Endless Summer Tee

Pattern: Endless Summer Tee
Designer: Pattern Emporium
Fabrics: Cotton Lycra from Wattle Hill Fabrics
Skill level: Beginner
Measurements: Chest: 44″; Waist 40″; Hips 47″
Size made: 20/22
Adjustments: Grading and I ended up taking it in under the arms another 1″ on both sides.
Pros: I love the neckline on this and feminine flutters.
Cons: The sizing hasn’t been updated on this pattern yet so its only to a 24 (US20).

The Wrap Up

I am a big fan of scoop neck patterns and this one was no exception. However, there are also 4 other necklines to choose from which is something I love when patterns include different necklines. I also instantly knew I wanted to put the flutters on. I love how feminine they are and just add an extra detail that draws the eye up, which for me I like cause it takes away from my tummy! haha.

I used a super soft Cotton Elastane from Wattle Hill Fabrics in an olive with small black dots, which paired perfectly with the Olive Faux Denim Cotton Elastane I used for my Sonia Estep Iris shorts. I have previously written about the Iris Shorts which I will link here. The fabric was a dream to sew with and I love wearing it as its so soft and light on my skin.

You can leave the flutters unhemmed as its a knit so won’t fray, but I chose to do a rolled hem on mine. I used the rolled hem feature on my Baby Lock Acclaim Overlocker/Serger and it did the most BEAUTIFUL rolled hem I think I’ve ever seen. I see lots more rolled hems in my future. Not to mention more Endless Summer Tee’s!

Definitely a quick and easy one to sew up and recommend giving it a go.

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Pattern Review of the Berkley Knot Top

Pattern: Berkley Knot Top
Designer: Peek a Boo Pattern Shop
Fabrics: Bamboo Lycra
Measurements: Bust: 44″ Waist: 39″; Hips: 49″
Size made: 2XL
Adjustments: None
Pros: I love the built in knot option. It adds a fun feature.
Cons: No real cons, I had a little trouble with the top stitching on the knot, but it was user error, not the pattern

Links:

Berkley Knot Top

Iris Shorts

Sew Unique Fabrics

The Wrap Up:

I’ve had this pattern in my stash for a while but never got a chance to make it. But when my Sew Unique fabric subscription came this month (read more about the program here), I knew the shorts I wanted to make and that this top would be the perfect piece to complete it.

It was a really quick sew, the hardest bit was facing the tie pieces, but even that wasn’t too difficult. I did make a mistake when top stitching however. After I had very carefully coverstitched all the way around the edge, I realised I shouldn’t have coverstitched those bits as they are faced and therefore don’t need it.

I think the whole thing took me about 40 minutes to make, so a very quick and easy sew.

I do want to make a note about my fabric choice. This was my first time trying Sew Unique’s bamboo lycra and oh my goodness. It is SO soft and delicious to wear. I have felt other bamboo lycras and this by far my favourite. I have already planned a nightie with the black I have sitting there as well.

I paired this top with a pair of Iris shorts which are SO comfy and the fabric pairing for that one is next level. I can tell this combo is going to get a good workout!