Lyon Dress

Have you heard of the Sew What Club? It's a sewing pattern club with children's and ladies patterns. You can sign up for either option or both (me).

The Lyon dress was the second girls pattern to be released this month. I sewed it up right away... late into the evening when I should have been sleeping. I used a quilting cotton that was a gift from a mini quilt swap I participated in.

I used single fold bias tape instead of double and hid it on the inside of the neckline and arm openings. I really liked my fabric and didn't want to break it up so I overlapped the top and bodice pieces by 3/8" and then traced onto my tissue. I also cut the 5/6. 

There are several things I'll change for my next one. The head opening is a bit small for my girl, and length is a bit short. I think we could go with the 7/8 for her. She's almost 6 but she's tall and a bit big for her age... which is OK. Her dad and I are tall... it's to be expected.  I think the 7/8 would be a better length. I also plan on altering where I put the elastic. It hits my girl right on the roundest part of her belly, which she finds uncomfortable, and she dresses for comfort first and cuteness second. I think it would be better above, she wants it to go below so that's probably what we'll do.

All in all it's a fast and cute make with several options. She enjoyed wearing this one so much. Also she's been giving me more "serious model face" lately in these kinds of photos. I don't know why. She's kind of shy but I think she also feels a bit special and sassy.
 

the REESE dress

A little update. I got a part time job. I'll have less time to sew for myself. So whatever I make has to count. It's got to be special. This is my year of quality over quantity and trying new things. I was telling my mom today that I want to sew a coat, swimsuit, button down blouse and pants this year. She says pants are easy and I'll be hooked making my own. How's that for encouraging!

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I was asked to test the Reese pattern a couple weeks ago and it's been released this week. It sewed up quickly and has so many cute details. I love the button tabs and asymmetrical back closure.
So let's get into the review.

Pattern: Modkid - Reese Party Dress PDF Pattern
Textiles Used:  Cotton print from the Michael Miller Glitz collection. When I was asked to test this pattern I knew I wanted to use this fabric. This will be my daughter's Easter dress. I think I have enough to make a tie or bow tie for my son... you know because matching kids are super cute ;)
Sizing: Right on. I made a 4T for my girl and it fits great. I can cinch in the waist with the ties so there's room in the waist and it's not tight in the chest.
The Good: Super cute pattern. Thorough instructions. Sews together rather quickly. Love the details.
The Bad: I still have a hard time getting V-necks to look super clean and pointy. Something I need to work on. The most difficult sewing aspect is sewing in button holes, but other than that it's an easy pattern. Also, you could always do snaps if you're terrified of button holes. I used to be scared but find that if I sewed a practice hole into scrap fabric I was ready to sew into my garment.
Changes Made:  I added pockets. I'll be sharing more about that soon.
Changes For Next Time: I think I'd still add pockets since my daughter is really into them right now. And I'd like to try some tulle peeking out under the skirt.
Conclusion: Highly recommend this pattern!  So cute and comes together quickly. 

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Wide Leg Linen Pants

So I had to mend a suit jacket for my husband last night. Famous last words: "it'll just take 5 minutes..." Ha! I had to unpick the machine stitching and just hand stitch because it needed to look good and now I told him he has to baby that jacket.

Also, recently, I cut my hair even more. I'm still getting used to it but I love having short easy hair to manage. I've been making lots of earrings lately to feminize my look. I'll blog about them soon... when I can get the husband to photograph me wearing them. Oh and I got a remote and tripod so the pics below were taken by me. Hard to make sure you're in the frame and focused but I'll get it.

My cousin, the woman/mastermind behind Jocole, has been on a roll with her pattern releases lately. The newest one are these wide leg pants. They're great and can be made in a woven or knit. And palazzo pants are coming back ya'll so this would be a perfect pattern... just use a silky woven with good drape. Anyway here are my pics and review. Don't sew? These are available in my etsy shop.

  

Pattern Description: Ladies Wide leg Pants

These sneaky pants look super classy but feel comfy like pajamas ... shhhhh, we won't tell on you. 

Pull-on wideleg pants features an easy-on, comfortable, knit waistband (skinny, regular or fold-over -- wear yoga waistband up for more coverage and support).

The Wideleg version is straight down from the hips and Super Wide leg version is flared out below the hip.

Patterns includes 5 length length options: short length and capri length options, and Petites, Regular and Tall full length.

This pattern is QUICK to make.  The hardest and most time consuming part is printing, taping and cutting -- but it sews together fast.
 Pattern Sizing: XS - XXXL. I cut the Medium. When choosing which size my waist and upper hip are a medium but the widest part of my body would have put me in a large. I could have graded into the large but I measured the pattern pieces and felt there was enough ease to just stick with the medium and that worked out for me. If you're unsure you can always make a muslin in the short length.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Love this pattern! It sews up so quickly just like the description says. They're comfy and look nice. I can't wait to make a khaki version or maybe white for summer. Also... maybe I'll actually try that palazzo pant trend with this pattern... who knows.
Fabric Used: Linen/rayon blend so I'd have less wrinkles. Also my knit waistband seems closer to a rib knit.

 
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added patch pockets, and now the pattern includes patch pockets and instructions to add them. Love that!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and yes.
Conclusion: It's a great pattern and sews up quickly and everyone who tested loved them. I'll be making more.

Endless Dress

I tested the Endless Dress pattern for Jocole a few weeks ago. I had the thought to use a great velvet but the store was out by the time I went shopping so I used some fabrics in my stash. These fabrics at one point were bed sheets and curtains, now look at them! I love that there is a hint of peachy pink under the lace and my little one just loves the dress period!

It's called the Endless Dress because you can make SO many variations of the dress. Check out this Jocole blog post to see just what I mean! And check out this inspirational album to see what others have done. I myself want to make a chevron version and one out of a gold polka dot print for spring/summer.

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Pattern Description: Endless Dress from Jocole. A classic style dress with a peter pan collar, empire length or waist length bodice. 3 sleeve length options, and tunic or knee length skirting.

Pattern Sizing: I made the 4T and it was a good fit but in the future I'll add a sash or ties in the side seams to bring in the bodice sides just a bit.
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? They were. And she has great illustrations to go with. On the 4t I would add another button close to the waist seam but otherwise it's a great pattern, and definitely a great place to start and let your imagination run wild... might make an Annie dress for my daughter for Halloween.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The pattern is great and there are so many variations that I want to sew it again and again. The collar itself came together really easily and other testers commented on how much they liked the collar instructions. Also there are snap instructions if you prefer snaps to buttons (for back closure)... so really it's just so great.

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Jack and Jill Jacket Pattern Review

So like I mentioned, I tested two patterns about two weeks ago. They are both being released this week and so I'm highlighting them on the blog. The first up is this jacket. My daughter loves this jacket and so it was worth all the time and effort. I used a ruffle fabric so I had to pin like crazy to make sure the ruffles were laying in the right direction as I sewed, which slowed me down. It was worth it in the end.

Pattern Description: Jack & Jill Jacket from Modkid Boutique.  A unisex zip up jacket featuring a large side wrap-around pocket, a fully lined hood with drawstring, and a lined bodice for extra comfort and warmth. 

Pattern Sizing: I made the 4T and it was a perfect fit for my girl.
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? They were. And she has great illustrations to go with. I didn't pin baste the zipper but instead used steam a seam and it worked out great. There's a free craftsy class on zippers and that's where I learned that trick. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The pattern is great and my daughter LOVES the jacket and LOVES the pockets. She was very concerned about the pockets during the whole sewing process. It takes a while to put a lined jacket together and if you try to do it in one sitting it can be a bit overwhelming, but if you spread it out over a couple sewing sessions it's no big deal and you'll have a fun jacket to show for it.

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Little Miss Derby Jacket

I sewed this the beginning of this year, before I started this blog. This has to be one of my favorite things I've ever made my daughter. The color was perfect, the lining was a fun addition, and it made me realize I could do more than I thought when it came to sewing. It was an empowering project.

I'm blogging this today because the pattern is currently half off for today only! I'm not being compensated to endorse this product, I just love it! Don't sew? The coat is available in my etsy shop as well.

Pattern Description: Little Miss Derby Jacket. This super cute fully-lined cropped coat features an empire waist with a button-up front. The ruffle is longer in the back and it's topped with a super cute bow (optional). A simple sophisticated straight collar and the faux princess lies really add a traditional touch. You'll love this coat, and it never goes out of style. The perfect addition to a fall or winter outfit.

 
Pattern Sizing:  4T
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes. I never realized I could sew a jacket and was nervous but the instructions made this very doable.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It's so cute what's not to love. I want to make another this year as a reversible coat, or a raincoat with an added hood. 

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~

Seafarer Top Pattern Review

Hey all,

Sorry my blogging comes in spurts. The husband is furiously editing a promo video for his brother and I've been kicked off the computer. He needs a break so I'm sneaking in to share some favorite shirts I made "recently." More like within the last 2 months but whatever.

Again, I love print at home patterns. This one has been a favorite and I made three within weeks of each other and each one has been different. I also used this pattern for my mustard striped dress. Love me a versatile pattern.

Pattern Description: Seafarer Top. With flattering and comfortable dolman sleeves, the Seafarer Top will become an anchor in your wardrobe! Made out of soft knit fabric, you’ll find yourself wearing it again and again. New to sewing with knits? This is a great project to start with!
 
Pattern Sizing: I cut the small up top/sleeve and graded to the medium for the bottom
 
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done with it? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Easy peasy!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love how I've been able to make several variations and come out with a winning shirt. My mom even said the coral one didn't look home made... score!

~ ~ ~ Risa ~ ~ ~