Tester dress (Sweet Simple dress)

My most recent sewing project :

 the Sweet Simple dress pattern by Alison Allsop.

 

This was thrown together in between my kids joint birthday party, Easter and various school holiday activities. I chose the fabrics myself which unfortunately Miss M didn't like (she is currently in a pink "phase" so anything blue must be her brothers) but a bit of lolly bribery encouragement on my part ensured that at least we got a shot of the dress ON- phew!

I think in future I might just let my kids pick out their own fabrics as it may be less stressful ;)

 

Check out Alison's Freshly Completed blog for loads of useful sewing tutorials and cute pics of her adorable children styling up the Sweet Simple dress (and other item's she has made)!

 

Happy Sewing!

Kate :)

 

The Gunmetal: my latest pattern test!

Lolita patterns launched their "Gunmetal" dress/top pattern last week and I was lucky enough to be one of those involved in testing the pattern.

While not a style that I would usually wear (anyone who knows me would not class me as "Goth" or "Lolita style" in any way - my wardrobe is more "simple stuff that I can do mum stuff in") I do think this is a pretty nifty little pattern,  one that has the potential for many more "looks" (as evident from other testers interpretations which you can read about here). 

To my "amateur" home sewist eye it appears well drafted - seamlines matched up where they should and the fit was pretty spot on for my chosen size (a 16 which corresponded with  my measurements). 
The fact that the pattern is offered in TWO size ranges ( 2 -14 and 16 -24) is a nice change for independent patterns. With a lot of other indie pattern companies only offering a  "standard " sizing range (often petering out at the 14/16 mark) and others specialising in mainly in plus sized ranges (leaving out the lower end of sizes), its nice to see an company that is trying to be more inclusive, catering to women of all shapes and sizes in the one pattern.

The only thing I would wonder about is what would happen if you were in between sizes- or had wild variances between your upper and lower body sizes. This issue could also easily happen with the "Big Four" commercial patterns who sometimes spread their patterns over both a "plus" and "regular" size range- the difference here is you wouldn't be forking out again for a second size range if you decided that you needed it.

The instructions are well explained and illustrated. This pattern was described as "easy"  for skill level but it's has a lot more detail than standard commercial "easy" patterns- so expect to be committing a fair bit more time to your project, but then again that's how you end up with all the lovely details ;) 
That said the actual steps themselves are pretty straightforward, you are just working with many pattern pieces.
 The hardest step I found was gathering the ruched panels, the pattern suggest sewing one continuous line of stitching to gather three separate areas of stitching. 

If I made this pattern again I would sew individual gathering stitch lines for each separate area - with breaks in between each area- as I found that in pulling the thread to gather one area I would often distort previously gathered sections on the same fabric piece. 
I would also sew two lines of gathering stitching next time, as quite often my fabric would "catch" on the gathering thread and I couldn't gather beyond that point.
I actually quite liked the look of the bodice before the sleeves were set in and am thinking that a sleeveless version might be on the cards next time and would work in with my wardrobe/lifestyle.

One of the features I LOVED most about this pattern are the gathered panels down the sides . I think the bodice could be lengthened and the peplum/skirt left off to make more of this feature as a top or even carried on down the sides of a straight skirt addition, turning it into a figure hugging style dress.

The fact that you can change the look of this pattern by overlaying different fabrics is an interesting option giving lots of scope for creativity- and is great for those of us who shop mainly in the thrift/fabric sale section! What was originally an offcut too small to make anything from suddenly becomes a feature panel :D

In case you missed the links above you can read more about the Gunmetal pattern (and follow the sew along) here at Lolita Patterns.
After the Sugar Plum dress and Fuschia skirt I'll be intrigued as to what they'll come up with next ;) 
Definitely one to keep an eye on !

Happy Sewing!

Kate x

My current project: Lolita Patterns

I'm on holidays at the moment (hooray working in a school environment!) and on my sewing table is a garment I have just finished as part of pattern testing for Lolita Patterns.
After putting my hand up here and there over the last 8 months for pattern testing I've been forced to reassess how I spend my sewing time, after all there is still only so much sewing one can do when raising little ones (well at least for me). As a result I have stepped back from pattern testing somewhat(some of my reasoning for it can be found in this post here), mostly to enable me to work on projects which need completing in order for me to have a [semi-somewhat] functioning wardrobe. This time however conditions have coincided (mainly that I had two weeks off work at the same time as the window of testing) to allow me to put myself forward for testing!!! 
This project -while not exactly falling into my current rule of "super fast and easy" - is a design that's intriguing and unusual enough to make me want to give it a go....something completely different from what I usually would wear :D
Another reason why I signed up for this one was that I like the ethos behind Lolita Patterns- in that they decided to make their patterns in a wider range of sizes (up to a size 24 ) right from the get go! You can read about it here and here on the Lolita Patterns blog, posts which coincidentally helped me greatly in understanding better the dynamics of pattern drafting. 

I can't wait to show you what I made from this latest pattern test. Submittal date is tomorrow so hopefully I will be able to post up pics of it soon, once the pattern is officially launched!

Stay tuned and...

Happy Sewing!

Kate :)

Seafarer Tops

A while back I gave a sneak peek (and here too) of something I was pattern testing for Sew Much Ado. This pattern has since been released as the "Seafarer top" , basically it's a knit dolmain-style tee with a woven fabric pocket. Very cute...and a easy as anything to sew!!! I think this would make a great first project OR if (like me) you are looking for something quick and easy to sew, well this is your pattern! 

Normally I add at least 10 -15cm to any pattern but for this one it was not necessary!!! I did add the extra for the garments pictured but really it was not necessary- the tops could have happily done without (strategic bunching of fabric used in places). Of course if you are short waisted you might need to alter the pattern but this is the first time EVER I have not needed to change the length to fit me sooo sorry one happy camper here! 

Ok so enough yakking and on to the pics...

Large deco floral print in front of mulberry (neighbour's plant coming over fence) bush

Front on in different light

On a hanger (my preference over actually modelling BUT it probably doesn't give you as much technical information right?)

Flat- see the simple design :)

Shiny metallic woven pocket. LOVE this detail.

Number two version- made with an Italian knit bought from Janome Balcatta. Pocket recycled from a silk/cotton blend Portman's top.

...another view...

...and I added this one cos I think my neck looks better here- oh vanity!!!

So the floral top was just turned and twin needle stitched hems but for the grey cherry blossum print I actually used the arm bands options. I think in a slightly heavier knit the option with arm bands would make a great inter-seasonal (or Perth weather) garment.

This is a little GEM of a pattern, don't be fooled by the simplicity of the style- this will be something you want to wear day in and day out. 

So everyone...

Happy Sewing :) :) xx

Kate x

Random pics from Megan Nielsen pattern testing

Just a few pics taken during construction of my Eucalypt tank dress and Cascade skirt, while pattern testing for Megan Nielsen:

   

Workstation - Cascade skirt W.I.P on chair.

Trimming the seam allowances to make French seams (Eucalypt tank dress).
Love my new Mundial scissors!

Pinning the French seam- ready for the final (encasing) seamline.

Temporary bias binding storage ;)

Slowly, slowly...stitching Cascade waist band

Finally get to use my Shrinky-dink buttons!

The great thing about doing two projects in the same fabric is that your pics all end up quite colour co-ordinated ;)

Happy sewing/testing/whatever you are up to craft-wise...

Kate x

Pattern testing : The Eucalypt dress & Cascade skirt (Megan Nielsen patterns)

DD's photobomb..or why you don't use your kids wardrobe mirror for pics!

So awhile ago I signed up to be a pattern tester for Megan Nielsen's new Breakwater collection. It's just occurred to me that although the patterns have now been released for over a month I haven't written about them yet!

Megan was very lovely in letting me pick which pattern's I would test from the collection; I chose the Eucalpyt dress and Cascade skirt as these looked like the ones that would be easiest for me to sew in the time I had available.

I must say that out of the two the Eucalypt is my hands down favorite, for sheer "summer wardrobe staple"-ness.
The Eucalypt fills a serious hole that has been gaping in my wardrobe - and sewing pattern collection - for too long. Want a simple 2 piece pattern not cut on the bias with no darts or closures? Want something easy to throw on that doesn't look like it belongs only on the beach? Something you can dress up or down? Well then go the Eucalypt! I have great plans to make many many more Eucalypt dresses (it has a tank option as well), even contemplating making it up in a thicker fabric or sweater knit so I can wear it over tights and a long sleeve top in winter. Seriously comfy dress that still has the style factor. 
I must say that not being a fan of my upper thighs I did lengthen the pattern by a good 15cm, come summer though I may try making up a shorter version for around the pool (as a coverup). I also cant wait to make up the tank top version. I think this pattern could easily lend itself to a myriad of fabric and seamline (by using the optional centre front seam or adding more) variations.

 

 Don't get me wrong- I love the Cascade skirt: it drapes beautifully (as another tester said you have to trust the grainlines of the skirt, I was seriously scratching my head over one of them BUT it does all make sense in the end) and looks awesome on everyone I've seen so far. At this point in time the Cascade is probably an item that I would only need to have 1 or 2 of in my wardrobe. If I was child free and going out to nice places for dinners and lunches (um my life 5 years ago) then this skirt would be ideal, but my current slobbing-around-at-home/housewife/mother/occasional coffee with friends lifestyle?: the Eucalypt -for me- works perfectly.

So below is a few pics I did up to show my Cascade and Eucalypt. You can tell how uncomfortable I am with "posing" for shots, something to work on (I guess):

Posing...

...posing...

...posing (OK this is getting painful)...

Ah natural pose! - and how I wear my Eucalypt in real life :)

And the shots that turned up on Megan Nielsen's blog are here....

Happy Sewing!!!

Kate xx

Why I suck at photography

It's true (if you haven't already garnered that from looking at my blog) I am a pretty blah photographer.
 Give me a pencil + paper and I can come up with a half decent sketch. A camera? Well lets just say that thank goodness we are now in the age of digital photography, as I think I would have wasted a lot of film trying to get half decent pics for my posts these years past.

Add actually being the model for the shots into the mix and my clumsiness factor behind the lens amps up to the max! 
I have decided, after trial and error, that a tripod and timer feature (on your camera) are indeed a bloggers best friend. Using both of these means I am able to take photos on my own (handy if you are doing it during toddler nap times) and it doesn't matter how many times I have to retake the shot (as I'm not taking up anyone else's time doing it). Also I may feel quite self conscious about having my picture taken...so being on my own means I can relax a little, and - most importantly- get rid of all those "unflattering" shots before anyone else sees them!! (ha ha vain much?).

So one thing I hadn't thought of much before signing up to be a pattern tester is that -if I am making the garment up for myself- I would be the one modelling said finished garment. OK not too unusual as after all I DO have a sewing blog BUT I totally forgot about the bit where maybe your pic might end up on someone else's blog or website- eek! Suddenly I'm thinking my crappy camera skills might not make the grade.
 Many pattern designers are now asking for "pro" (professional) quality shots from their testers. Having a very dilapidated (uh I have some unknown dust/grains stuck in my lens- probably due to being haphazardly shoved in a nappy bag without a case) digital camera and pretty basic skills I've not even bothered looking at being a tester anyone asking for "pro" level shots. So far so good I have managed to still test a few patterns while hanging on to my outdated digital camera and distinct lack of skills.
 However I think this will not be the case for much longer. As interest in home sewing increases (thank you British Sewing Bee) and pattern designers get a wider pool of  applicants for testing, it is more likely that sewists who are also good photographers will be selected for testing. Test garment shots that are of good enough quality to be used on websites and for promotional materials will always be an attractive added bonus for any pattern designer. 
So what does this mean for me? Well I'm guessing a new camera is on the cards, something a step up from a "point-n-click" but still not so $$$ as to break the bank, this is a hobby blog after all. Luckily this need for a new camera also coincides with a fall in the price of digital camera technology so yay for me- a small win ;)
I may possibly also borrow a book on photography from the local public library, or perhaps just google the web for some tips...who knows what option is better these days? It all depends on available time- or in my case lack of- so I would say the google option would be the most likely route for me.

In the meantime I have Instagram, which while being very un-blogger friendly at first appearances, does have the ability to take my Iphone pictures from "meh" to "quite passable" in a few deft finger swipes.

Here's a pic I took and edited on my Iphone of the "Eucalypt" tank dress that I pattern tested for Megan Nielsen (edited using the InstaCollageFree App and then uploaded to Instagram):

And here's a few out takes from today's shoot featuring the same dress and also the Cascade skirt (also pattern tested for Megan Nielsen), taken on my dodgy digital camera.

First up we have: Blurry

 Then I managed to get it in focus but chopped myself in half....

.....Not setting the timer long enough...

......Not setting the timer at all (yeah that's me still behind the camera)...

...OK lets chop off BOTH the top of my head and feet...

...and then how about this weird, slightly pained expression?

In the end (and after much swearing) I did manage to get a few shots that I think I can safely email off to the designer. 
If they pass muster I will post the resulting link lol!

In the meantime....

Happy Sewing (and may all you all have better luck at photography)!

Kate ;)

Pattern test taster

School holiday's are on here at the moment, which means I have two weeks off work- time to sew yay!!! First up on my list is a women's clothing pattern I'm testing for Sew Much Ado. I can't show you any of the actual garment design until the official release date but here's a sneak peek of the two fabrics I'm planning on using:

   

The floral print has a grey background to it so I'm praying feverishly hoping that the silver will tie in nicely with it. 

Oh yeah and I'm combining a knit with woven for this one!

Intrigued? Stay tuned, all will be revealed....later ;)

Til then...

Happy sewing!

Kate :)

What I'm working on right now

After all my whining about IT problems I thought it would only be fair to show you a sneak peak of the sewing project currently on my table:

If you guessed this is ruffle fabric circa 2011 from Textile Traders "embellished" with sharpie pens, then you are 100% correct ;)
The ruffles are for a girls maxi skirt pattern that I am testing for Sumo's Sweet Stuff, the pattern calls for four different colours of knit ruffle fabric but both the local TT and Spotlight stores are clean out of it. So sharpie dots it is!
I'm not really sure how good the sharpie embellished fabric will look made up, or how well the synthetic blend fabric will retain the marks after washing.... but at least I will have an idea of how accurate the pattern measurements and instructions are and be able to give feedback to the designer- which is the whole purpose behind pattern testing.

This pattern looks pretty quick to whip up (though the dots did take freaking ages), so hopefully there will be some finished pics to put up soon.

If I can convince DD to put the skirt on - she's in a pants/shorts only phase- you might even get to see them modelled!

In the meantime happy sewing!

Kate :)
 

A cute lil' peplum - the Cece top by Popolok Design

Alviana of Popolok Design has created another sweet confection for little girls and I was lucky enough to be in on the pattern testing :)

  

The Cece dress and top features a fitted bodice and peplum, with optional "peter pan" collar, cap sleeves and gathered skirt (if you are making the dress).

I opted to make the Cece top with sleeves and collar. Little Miss has heaps of sleeveless tops (no good for daycare's sun protection policy) and I love the retro cuteness a peter pan collar can give, so this pattern was already a winner in my mind! 

 I used a scant fat quarter (approx) of a pink/red strawberry cotton print for the body and some deep pink broadcloth for the collar.

 As DD is very petite (premmie smaller twin- otherwise very healthy!) for her age I cut a size 1 in width and added about an inch to the torso length. The finished garment fit perfectly :)

The bodice called for lining and as I am trying to "stash bust" I decided to reuse some fabric from an old sheet that I had put aside for sewing. 

The pattern says to hand stitch the bottom edge of the lining to the waist seam but being the impatient sewer that I am (not to mention awful hand stitcher) I just turned it up, pinned, then "stitched in the ditch" from the right side all around the waist seam.

This method worked but as you can see did not give as even a finish on the inside that hand stitching would (note lining mismatched at bottom of zip). Little Miss however I am sure wont mind ;)

Another fluff I made was to mix up the front and back pieces- cutting the front in two by accident. Luckily I had just enough fabric left to squeeze out another bodice front, albeit in the wrong direction. Luckily with the print it is not overly noticeable, unless you are looking out for it (or a keen sewer).

 

 Also my invisible zip insertion was a bit rusty so there are two wonky bits, one at the collar back top...

...and a section at the centre back waistline where I didn't manage to get close enough to the zipper coil.

 

Despite this Little Miss was very proud of her new strawberry top made by mummy and I got several compliments on it at her daycare- yay!! 

I can see DD wearing many versions of this top and dress in the years to come (well as long as she will let me sew for her!), I'm hoping to make the dress version up as soon as my current pattern-testing commitments are finished.

Sewing with Alviana's "Popolok Design" patterns have so far been a very pleasant experience. Each one I have tried has been well drafted and all the assembly steps were explained clearly with lots of photos. Makes it kind of hard to go back to the "big 4" tissue paper print patterns...

Popolok Design will be releasing a new skirt/top pattern soon - the "Nova". I've thrown my hat in the ring to be a pattern tester again so stayed tuned !