All Spice Dress pattern test

I had the opportunity to test the new All Spice Dress pattern by Paisley Roots.

It's a lovely dress with lots of options.  I tested the flutter sleeve and sleeveless but there is also a cap sleeve and long sleeve--truly making this a dress for all seasons.

The real focal point of this dress is the bodice. I chose a zipper closure because I felt a front zipper was really fun, unique and unexpected.  If the Bug were younger, I probably would have chosen the button option since she liked to unzip things!

For the fabric I chose this really soft, lightweight poly cotton blend. It's so silky and smooth on the inside while the right side has nice texture from those raised dots.

Here you can see the detail of the bodice. I love the square neckline. Three pleats on either side accent the zipper nicely.  I did my top stitching in the same green as the zipper. I think it adds a fun punch of color.

It's such a lovely combination.  There was a bit of a fit issue for some people with the first version of the pattern so it went through several edits.  This grey dress was an early version. The fit for the Bug was fine but I totally appreciate all of the tweaking to get things just right.

When the last of the pattern updates had been made, I sewed up another version to test out the final fit.  The Bug is just a hair bigger than the chest measurement for the size 6 so I went with the size 7.  You can see she has a bit of room to grow but it's not excessive.  I'm hoping it will still fit next Spring.

This time I skipped the sleeves altogether and just went sleeveless.  I think it works with this print. A flutter sleeve would have been too frilly with all those flowers.

The fabric is from a thrifted sheet so it's super soft.  I was also able to reuse the sheet hem for the bottom of the dress.  Hooray for shortcuts! I hate hemming.  I did cut the skirt panels shorter than the tutorial required to account for the pre-done hem so the skirts final measurement would be the same.

We have another hit on our hands. I took a big risk with both of these dresses. They are not in the Bug's typical color scheme (Pink, Purple and Blue) so I knew I was pushing it. But so far, she really likes them.  She likes that they spin (of course) but she also thought the front zipper was pretty neat.  I was surprised but one of the first things she noticed and commented on was the pleating detail.  It does my heart good that she is learning to spot and appreciate those details!

The All Spice Dress pattern should release today! I'll update my links here as soon as it does. You're going to want to get this pattern.  With so many options, you'll sew the All Spice again and again.

Edit--This just in! The All Spice Pattern is now available and if you get it before Sunday it's 25% off with the code ALLSPICE

~Lindsay

Willow & Company--Aster Cardigan Pattern Test

I had a chance to test a second pattern in the Wanderlust Collection by Willow & Co, the Aster Cardigan.

Willow & Co. is a collaboration of several different PDF pattern designers who are working together to put together this collection. The Aster Cardigan was designed by Vanessa of LBG Studio.  

The Bug was in no mood to model and this was one of the most ill fated photo shoots ever but we managed to snap a few pictures to give you an idea of the fit and style.

The Aster is a sweet little cropped cardi with a bit of a retro vibe.  It has a really nice swing and drape to it.  It has two collar options, a regular Peter Pan collar (which I made) or one with faux piping.  The sleeve are 3/4 length which makes this a really nice cardigan to carry us into summer.  I made the size 8 so hopefully it will still fit in a few months to carry us OUT of summer and into autumn... but I don't want to think about autumn right now, ok?

Vintage buttons are from Grandma's button jar.

Check out that stripe matching across the front (pats self on back)! The side seams are pretty darn well matched too (humbly takes a bow).

I did a quick running stitch with some pink embroidery floss around the Peter Pan collar just to accent it and tie it in to the body of the cardigan.

My fabric is a midweight terry knit with the most bizarre slight diagonal stripe to it. I found this in a remnant bin and totally thought it was a horizontal stripe until I went to cut and saw the way the grain and the stretch went.  I don't love the diagonal from the back, had this not been a pattern test I would have cut the back piece in half and made a chevron.  I think it ends up looking like I cut the pattern pieces wrong but I promise I did not!

Things you can't see... the collar is nicely finished inside with a contrasting binding.  There is nothing I hate more than visible seams in a handmade garment. The binding makes things look neat and tidy.  Also, the placket is very nicely interfaced and finished.  This garment should stand the test of time.

Despite the awkward smile and hands, the Bug love this little cardigan. One never really knows with her but I think this might get a good deal of wear.  She likes to layer so a good cardigan is essential.

As for the pattern itself... this was one of the best patterns I've tested for the ease and accuracy.  I have purchased finished patterns that have more typos and less helpful instructions so I'm sure once Vanessa puts the finishing touches on things this pattern will be top notch.

The patterns in the Wanderlust Collection will release on Tuesday, April 22nd so get your copy then at willowandcopatterns.com

~Lindsay

Pattern Testing for Ana Davis

I recently participated in some pattern testing for fabric designer, Ana Davis. She is releasing a new line of sewing patterns through her Etsy shop, AnaDavisLtd.

This pattern testing was unlike tests I've done in the past because Ana sent all of her testers lovely yardage from her fabric collections Pippa, Animal Parade and Spring Promise to sew these things up in.

Forgive my photos, in the Christmas rush of things the best I could manage was quick snapshots on my phone. But at least I made it outside to catch some good light on most of them! That's something, right?

This sweet little dress is the Dorothy Dress, sewn in 18 mo. size and gifted to my sweet little niece. It will be a while before she is big enough to model for us since she's just a wee little thing.  I think it will look nice summer or winter with long sleeves and tights underneath.

The yoke was a little tricky but I figured it out with only minor trouble and since the test, the instructions and diagrams have been updated a bit to aid in the process.  It's such a nicely finished little dress. So sweet.

This is the Pia Pleat Skirt, an adult sized pattern, made from the Pippa line of fabrics.  My test version has an extra wide waistband because that pattern piece was mis-sized but it's kind of a neat effect anyway.

If you know me, sewing for myself (or any adult for that matter) is out of my comfort zone but Ana's instructions, even in the "rough" pre-tested stage walked me through the process with confidence. The few hiccups I came across have been fixed in the final pattern (along with a slimmer waistband).

This skirt is so cute, my photos don't do it justice as you can hardly see the peak of contrasting fabric inside those pleats.  

This pillow... the Dorm Pillow, is the easiest pattern I tested.  Even so, I messed it up. This is what happens when I think I know what I'm doing and don't consult the pattern every single step.  There are supposed to be three narrow stripes in the middle but I put two of them on the outside.  Doesn't effect the functionality in any way, and in this case, I like it.  I didn't notice until my sister, who was testing the same pattern, brought hers to my house for Christmas.  She, of course, did it the right way.

Whatever. 

I still love it. This is the one project of the four that I kept for myself.  It doesn't particularly go with my living room but it's there anyway.  It's a nice big 20" x 20" size.  When I took these photos, my pillow form hadn't come yet so you are only seeing the pillow cover and it's hard to see the scale. Sorry about that.

The last thing I tested was the Isabella Tunic.  I think I was most nervous about this one. It's been a long time since I've sewn a ladies top.  The style of this one is simple and classic.  I fell in love with the green accent fabric. Go figure, it's from an older line and impossible to find now.

The tunic really is super cute. 

If you are on the lookout for some new things to sew, check out Ana's Etsy shop.  The patterns are reasonably priced and they are PDF downloads (which rocks for the immediate gratification factor).  She has these above patterns and also some really cute pillow patterns that would be GREAT for a beginning seamstress.

And if you are on the lookout for some cute fabric (and really, aren't we all?), check out these lines and her newer ones, Clementine and True Blue.

~Lindsay

Boardwalk skirt for Easter!

My intent was to post this on Friday. That didn't happen and I thought maybe Sunday. Well here we are on Wednesday. . . is anyone still interested in an Easter outfit?

I did this pattern test for Go To Patterns Boardwalk Skirt ages ago. I gave the Bug several fabric choices and she picked the sweet pastel yellow eyelet. She is always surprising me.

The pattern is for a flat front, drawstring waisted, full skirt with a cute little underskirt that adds major twirl factor.  

The pattern test was a little rocky for me. The diagrams were kind of small and not as clear as I'm used to. But all my concerns were addressed and the finished pattern looks to be much more clear. 

I haven't made another skirt from the pattern yet but I can see coming back to this one. I like the extra details that make this a little more special than your basic twirl skirt.

The Bug styled herself for this one. The bluish green shirt was a little much for me so we went with a white shirt for Easter Sunday.  

Emily got a new outfit too.  I couldn't help myself.

And look! The weather was nice enough for outside photos! Hooray!!

~Lindsay

Popolok Designs Cece top pattern test

Have you heard of Popolok Designs?

I hadn't, until I got the sweetest e-mail from Alviana asking me if I'd like to test her pattern for the Cece top.

After briefly checking out her Etsy shop, blog and facebook page I knew she had a great sense of style and I fell in love with her story (and her cutie pie of a daughter/model!) so I agreed to the pattern test.

Enter one of the craziest two week spans in my entire life. . . but somehow I still managed to crank out my own little Cece Top.  I think that's at least partially a testimony to the quality of the pattern.

I wasn't super sure about sizing. The Bug is in this weird phase where she is right between a 5 and a 6. So I took her measurements (never an easy feat) and opted to sew up a size 5.  It fits her perfectly.  In hindsight, I should have made a 6 so she had room to grow but at least it fits for now!

Her favorite part is the peplum at the bottom.  Of course! It's a shirt that spins like a skirt? Consider this twirly girls mind blown!

I think it would be super cute over a pair of leggings. I sewed up a pair but in my crazy week haze, I totally sewed them together wrong and they were all crooked in the crotch. Oops. Can't have that.

This pattern was fun for me because it had a few little details that made it more exciting.

I can't remember the last time I put in an invisible zipper.  This one isn't the best, I'm rusty!, but Alviana's instructions were so clear and walked me through the process step by step.  The bodice and sleeves are also both fully lined.  This is one really nice little shirt.

My very favorite part is the contrasting Peter Pan collar with little white pom pom trim. How sweet does that look right there with that little gathered sleeve? Seriously adorable.

Thanks Alviana for the chance to test this cute pattern! It was a lot of fun.

~Lindsay

Heidi and Finn Ballet Sweater Pattern test

This weekend I had the opportunity to do a pattern test for one of my favorite pattern makers, Heidi & Finn.

To say I was excited about this one would be an understatement.

You see, I take these two little beauties to ballet and tap every Tuesday and more often than not their practice room is shivering cold.  Add the practical aspect in with the fact that these are just too darn cute and I jumped at the chance to make them each one.

And my models jumped at the chance to show off their moves at the barre.

There may or may not have been payment in the form of gummy butterflies involved.

I made each of them a 5T.  You can see the difference in fit on the two girls. My Bug would be on the large side of 5T. Most of her clothes now are in the 5/6 range. Ugh. Have you tried shopping in the "big girls" department? That's a rant for another day.  At any rate, the Bug's friend, K has a more slight build and is pretty much a more standard 5T.

So K has a bit of room to grow, but that's o.k.  since they both INSIST on growing. Sigh. . .

This is the first one I made so I went entirely "by the book". I found the sleeve length to be a bit long so on the next one I turned up the hem an additional 1/2" and that took care of it.

The Bug picked out this really thin, soft, tissue weight purple knit. I'm sure it is super comfortable but it was a beast to sew.  Thankfully there were hints and tips apleanty in the pattern, which reminded me to increase my stitch size if I was having problems. 

Funny how sometimes I need to be reminded even of the simple things.

But that's one of the things that make Heidi & Finn patterns so great.  They are very simple and modern and they do an exceptional job of photographing each step in the process.  So even though the instructions themselves are incredibly clear, for more visual people, you also have that visual cue.

This was a quick and simple sew.

It's hard to say how long it took since I never sit down and sew a whole garment in one sitting. But it was no more than two hours. . . and that includes time spent pouring over the pattern itself looking for grammatical and spelling errors.  So I'd say, for a confident seamstress you could whip one up in an hour and a half easily. But I think the pattern would be easy enough for even an advanced beginner, someone with a bit of experience sewing knit.

I highly recommend this pattern and any of the others by Heidi & Finn.

So far, I've made their Bubble Dress and their Cowl Neck Dress. Both are favorites of the Bug AND me and that rarely happens any more.

I just realized all three are purple. ha! Total coincidence. Perhaps that does have a bit to do with "favorite" status in the 5 year old's book.

The pattern will be released soon in big girl sizes too, so keep an eye out!

~Lindsay

Corset Pattern Test

I recently finished up another pattern test for Little Lizard King. This little corset backed shirt is so cute for summer.

And it's reversible. I love that versatility.

Unfortunately, as you can see, it is also too small.

I love baby bellies.

Don't you just want to blow raspberries all over that cute tummy?

She wears it with confidence though doesn't she??

She could use a few inches of additional length on the front there, but Baby J doesn't care! She's too busy working the camera. Gotta love that.

Pretty little Peek-a-Boo Skirt made by her amazing Momma! What a lucky little girl!

~Lindsay

Sun Suit Pattern test

I am liking this pattern testing gig. 

It's keeping me busy and focused. 

Sometimes I have sewing idea ADD. So many good ideas that I can't settle on a single one.

The most recent test is destined to become a favorite go to pattern.

Super cute and fast to whip up.

I couldn't wait to see them on the models to share photos.

This is the Little Lizard King Baby Sun Suit. The pattern is, obviously, still in testing but you will want to snatch it up once it's available for purchase.

Seriously.

You can't resist those butt ruffles can you?

If you really, really can't wait you can buy the rough draft here.

This cute little one is the 9 mo. version.

My model got a tummy bug so we didn't get to do our photo shoot yesterday.

Get better sweetie pie! I'm dying to see you in this ruffley cuteness!

More ruffles. 

Oh yeah!

This time, in 24 months size.

This one is travelling cross country in the mail as we speak.

Can't wait to see it on little Firecracker.

And this one, in 18 months may well be my favorite.

Though it's hard, I love them all.

I tried the second ruffle option this time where they are sewn down in the center rather than on top.

And yes, I know white bum ruffles are terribly impractical but they are so darn cute.

And though it's a pattern test and meant to be done quickly and on the cheap, I couldn't resist adding this little fella to the front.

Quack, Quack!

I'm so looking forward to seeing it on baby girls round little belly.

It will be in the mail headed East today!

Stay tuned to see these beauties on three of the cutest little girls you ever did see.

~Lindsay