Anza Dress – Pattern Test for Itch to Stitch Patterns

April 26, 2017Indu Itch to Stitch, Ladies Patterns 6 Comments

I am so excited to finally be able to share my Anza Dress with you. It is the third Itch to Stitch pattern I am testing (You can see my Arenal tops here and my Newport Tops here) and I am still in awe of Kennis’s impeccable drafting and fine tutorial. The Anza dress and Jumpsuit has many details like pleated pockets with flaps and buttons, curved pockets, an elastic casing along with a drawstring. It is certainly not a quick sew by any stretch, but makes for a very enjoyable sew! Isn’t that why we all sew?

I was too chicken to try the jumpsuit which by the way looks fabulous on everyone I saw!

Here are the Anza Jumpsuit & Dress features (sizes 00 – 20) cited from the Itch to Stitch website:

A, B, C, D and DD Cups
Unlined, relaxed jumpsuit/dress cinched by elastic and drawstring waist
Pleated breast pockets with buttoned flaps
Integrated, cuffed sleeves
Front-buttoned V-neck
Side pockets on both the skirt and the pants
Knee-length shirttail hem on dress
Ankle-length, elastic hem on jumpsuit
Layers feature (print only the sizes you need)

I used a soft cloud 9 organic fabric called Rain walk Tumble Navy that I got at my local Spool fabric store. They also have an online store if you want to check out their collection. The fabric was amazing to work with, soft and crisp! part of why I enjoyed sewing all the pleats, pockets and bar tacks 😉

While I shortened the bodice by 1″ I did not consider shortening the skirt which I realized does make a big difference to the final look. The dress is meant to fall just above the knees. I hope to trim and redo the hem sometime soon so I can wear this dress everywhere! It is extremely comfortable to wear and based on fabric choice can go anywhere from casual to dressy.

I love Crystal’s two tone Anza Dress so much, it’s made from vintage Kimono fabric, amazing right? I wanna make one like that!

Head on over to the Itch to Stitch website to see all the tester versions of Anza dresses and jumpsuits, and grab this pattern while it’s still on sale!

Happy Sewing!

Farrah Dress and Top – Pattern Test for Chalk and Notch Patterns

April 13, 2017Indu Chalk and Notch, Ladies Patterns 6 Comments

Another amazing pattern release by Chalk and Notch Patterns. The Farrah dress is beautiful, and feminine and ruffly. It comes in two distinct views one – super cute version with ruffle sleeves and a super stylish version with a front ruffle. Both have a high-low hem with side slit detail. I made both versions and love them both and I think view B is slightly quicker to sew.

As with all of Chalk and Notch patterns, this pattern is expertly drafted and very well explained. What I love most about Gabriela’s patterns even more than how well they are drafted and how beautiful every one of the design features are, is the fact that sewing with chalk and notch patterns give me immense sewing – satisfaction (is that a word?) Whether it’s the plackets and neckline on the Top Knot Romper, the pleat and french seams in the Cascade Maxi, the neat finish on the neckbands of the fishtail Kimono or the curved ruffle on the waterfall Raglan, these are details that I have genuinely enjoyed sewing and garments that I’m proud of.

The Farrah pattern is all that, beautiful mitered hems, fully lined yokes, neatly finished armholes making for a pleasant sewing experience not to mention the fabulous looking garment you get to wear after that!!

When I first saw the sneak peak of the pattern that was to go into testing, I knew I would use this special piece of fabric for that top. Here’s a story behind this fabric – My parents like to send me packages every once in a while. No matter how much I insist that I don’t NEED anything, those packages keep coming in year after year. Packages all the way from India which my dad meticulously packs with rolls and rolls of tape, filled with an assortment of home-ground spice mixes, pickles, home-made sweets, little fabric dolls for my daughter, toys and knick knacks for my son and even shirts for my husband (so he doesn’t feel left out I suppose 😀 ) and above all FABRIC, lots of fabric! Every piece of fabric in that package is special to me, I know how my mom must have ran her hands over that fabric several times, I know how she must have held it in the light to make sure it’s a shade I’d like, I know how much she must have second guessed herself wondering if i’d like it or totally hate it. The thing is I have always loved that fabric, I have always found meaning in using it to make something for my daughter. When I told her how much I loved the rayon challis (Top Knot Maxi) she’d sent me but I was not bold enough to wear a color like that, I know she must have searched high and low to find a similar fabric. So when they sent this navy chevronish rayon challis, I knew this was going to be for ME and for me it became!!

Enough about my mother, lol this should have been a mother’s day post! Back to the pattern. Even though it was the ruffle sleeves that I loved on first sight, I just had to try view B too and I am so glad I did ‘coz I LOVE this front ruffle version in top length a lot!

There’s a gusset under the arms, can you see that? (I hope not 😉 The notches and markings on the pattern pieces are just perfect! everything lines up so well! And don’t you love the slit hem? I just love that detail!

So there’s my two Farrahs! You can get the pattern on sale now at the Chalk and Notch Pattern Shop as well as at the Upcraft Club. Don’t forget check out all the amazing Farrah versions at the Chalk and Notch Website and on instagram with the hashtag #farrahpattern.

Happy Sewing!!!

Scarlett Moto Skinnies – Pattern Test for Laela Jeyne!

March 23, 2017Indu Ladies Patterns, Laela Jeyne Patterns, Uncategorized 2 Comments

This was one pattern test I didn’t actually jump in nor was I planning to! Jeans and top stitching and fitting adjustments were not something I felt ready for at this point. Somewhere in my vague sewing plans, jeans were going to be part of 2018. But when Marisa really needed testers in my size, I figured I’d at least try and if it didn’t work, it didn’t work! but work it did! Even my first quick and dirty muslin showed so much promise, I revved up to sew my final pair in denim french terry! And that my friends is how I sewed up my very first pair of skinnies – The Scarlett Moto Skinnies*

I want to talk about my fabric first. I don’t know what I was planning on making when I ordered this Indigo denim french terry from LA Finch fabrics because who orders only 1 yard of denim? I was just intrigued by the name and obsessed with all things french terry at that point so might have ordered it. Good thing too because it’s sold out now! This is a fabric I super recommend!

When it arrived, I realized the yardage was way too less for pants so it just sat there. When my muslin turned out so well, I was determined to make my denim FT work for this pattern. Using super tetris skills, I was able to get all the moto pattern pieces and the contoured waistband (with lining) in 1 yard! ONE YARD!!! (it was over 60″ wide) Sometimes being short is not so bad 😀 especially when you take out a whopping 4.5″ in length!

The Skinnies* as the name suggests are snug fitted, ankle length pants that can be made both in plain and moto style. The moto front involves some piecing, pleating and top stitching details that are a little bit labor intensive but not at all difficult. I made these on my regular sewing machine with denim needles and denim top stitching thread in blue. I was worried my poor generic Singer machine would die on me, so I did go slow especially on all flat felled seams but it worked just fine. Once you’ve got the front legs done with all the moto pieces attached, pleated and top stitched, it goes relatively fast, well! as fast as flat felling denim fabric on all seams including a four point crotch seam can go! You can definitely skip that step and just serge your seams from inside,. That is another option that is included, which I think would work great with a fabric like stretch twill but for denim, taking the effort to flat fell all seams definitely contributes to the overall look.

After my last not-so-creative back pocket top stitching on my daughter’s denim shorts, I made up this loopy curvy design for my back pockets. Using a piece of chalk, I drew on one pocket and transferred the design to the other pocket, and then topstitched with a narrow zigzag stitch. I’m pleased with how they turned out 🙂

So are you ready to give these a go? There’s a pants fitting guide E-book included to address all your fitting adjustment concerns. The woven waistband option has an invisible side zipper, or you can skip the zipper and do the knit waistband option instead. There’s a plain front option you can choose without all the moto pieces to get a well fitting pair of skinnies. As far as pants go, this is as easy at it gets, its a step above leggings but not over complicated like jeans. You can get the pattern here* , available in sizes 00-26, can be printed in layers with a copy shop file also included now for only $7.75 USD.

Trevi Top – Pattern Test for Hey June

March 22, 2017Indu Hey June, Ladies Patterns 4 Comments

Yay!! Have you seen the Trevi top yet? Isn’t it Ah-mazing?!!! I fell out of my chair when I got the email asking if I’d like to test this pattern. Like to? whaaaat?!! of course I’d love to. Adrianna’s patterns are one of the best out there! I blogged about my love for my Union St tees and Lane Raglans here, and I am yet to blog about my Cheyenne tunics hopefully soon but today I couldn’t be more excited to share my Trevi Top with you!

The Trevi top and Dress pattern features high cut shoulder straps and a full button down back. The pattern (which is also layered) also includes a separate front piece with a darted full bust adjustment for sewing cup sizes above C. It comes in sizes 2 – 22, in both top and dress lengths and construction steps for french seam finishes and a beautiful bound neckline. The insides of this garment are something you can proudly display!

This floral rayon challis from JoAnns was great to work with. It has a lovely drape, but still presses well, so getting crisp button plackets, a neat looking bias bound neckline and a nice curved hemline was easy and smooth.

One of the many things that have me excited for spring is the ‘light’ Oh how I have struggled with lighting in my pictures the last few months! So yay for spring and for all the Spring weather Trevi tops we are all going to sew! yes we are! 😀

So many gorgeous tester versions here, I am loving all the beautiful dress versions and can’t wait to make one for me soon! The Trevi top and Dress pattern is currently on sale!

Newport Top – Pattern Test for Itch to Stitch Patterns

March 18, 2017Indu Itch to Stitch, Ladies Patterns 8 Comments

I have only ever tested and tried two of Itch to Stitch patterns, and can I say I am a fan?! Kennis’s pattern drafting is exceptionally good and instructions top notch. But my favorite part really is how well the garments lay. Both my Arenal tops are among my favorites and something that I always reach for when heading out. But enough about my wardrobe, today I am so excited to share my Newport Tops with you.

The Newport Top is a relaxed style sweater with subtle details like a wide boat neck, envelope fold shoulders and a soft high-low hem. It comes in regular long sleeve and 3/4th length flute sleeves. This neckline is what drew me to this pattern when I first saw the call for testers.

One of the things that I have started to obsess over as I have progressed in my sewing journey is how clean the garment looks from inside. When designers pay as much attention as they do to include steps to enclose seams, which side to press a seam or how to finish off the raw edges, and notches! (I love notches), it makes sewing that project that much more enjoyable for me. Even in the most straightforward looking pattern, I like to follow the instructions exactly as written even when I am not testing that pattern. So a well drafted and well written pattern albeit a simple basic pattern is something that I will love forever lol! But I digress yet again! Anyway I love the Newport Top pattern for all the reasons stated above 🙂

The fabric I used is actually an ombre heathered knit (Nicole Miller line from Jo Ann fabrics) but the color gradient went from grey to black horizontally instead of vertically (that is weird right?). As I was cutting into my fabric, I realized I was going to have a grey left side and a black right side 😦 So I shifted the pattern pieces around to use only the grey part of the fabric, thankfully it was a bolt end with some extra to play with so it turned out fine. I can’t help but think though, this top in ombre going from grey to black (top to bottom) would have been really really cool, oh well!

newportyoke2

I love the color and the texture of this fabric!

While I loved the muted look of the grey sweater by itself, my hands were itching to add something to that gorgeous wide yoke. I settled on french knots just because I love how much texture they add to a garment without ever being too much. I briefly contemplated adding confetti-like brown, mustard and beige french knots but ended up choosing metallic silver instead because sparkle! 😀

newportyoke1

I just randomly kept adding the french knots until it seemed like enough, sorry not very helpful but I did try the top on a couple times to gauge where I wanted them to end at.

Needless to say, I absolutely love how my Newport top turned out – fit, color and the french knot detailing!

I made one of the earlier versions during testing in a sparkly ivory french terry from Joann fabrics, and while the neckline has obviously changed a bit, I love this version as well so here goes some more pictures!

So if envelope flap shoulders is something you’ve been wanting to try, Newport Top pattern is a great one to start with. This layered PDF pattern comes in sizes ranging from 00 – 20. It is currently on sale for $8.00 USD (regular price $10.00), sale ends Sunday March 19th.

Happy Sewing!

Reagan Raglan – Pattern Test for Bella Sunshine Designs

February 27, 2017Indu Bella Sunshine Designs, Ladies Patterns, Uncategorized 3 Comments

Bella Sunshine Designs* is turning two and they’re celebrating their 2 year anniversary with a big sale – 40% off of all patterns and 2 great free patterns – Reagan raglan for ladies* and Reagan raglan* for kids. Today I’m sharing a few pictures of my Raegan raglan that I tested a couple weeks back.

While there are many amazing raglan patterns out there, a few design elements that stand out in this pattern for me are the slim fit, v-neck, and the dress length options. This pattern also comes with bust adjustment pieces for those needing an FBA.

Both the cotton jersey knit and the lace knit fabrics are from hobby lobby from last year.

The Reagan raglan* comes in sizes 0-20, with top, tunic and dress length options in both long and short sleeve options. Bust adjustment is included and its a layered pattern meaning you can print only the sizes you need. The pattern is only $5 but as part of the 2 year anniversary celebrations, Bella sunshine Designs is giving away both the womens and the kids Reagan raglan patterns for free.

If you have never tried a BSD pattern before, now is a great time to try out their patterns. Make sure you join their Facebook group here to get your coupon code for the free patterns.

Here are some other Bella Sunshine Designs* patterns that I have tried in the past, you can click on the links for a detailed review and more pictures for each pattern.

Violet dress for girls pattern* (My review here)

Violet Dress & Top* for Women (Reviewed here)

Rose Bubble Shorts* and Felicity Dress and Top* (Reviewed here)

The code for your free copy of the Raglan patterns is in the pinned post in the BSD facebook group. All of the patterns in the shop* are 40% off till March 5th so hurry on and get shopping!

*If you buy the pattern through one of my affiliate links, I get a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you and you will help support my blogging adventure. Thank you.

Women’s Constance Dress – Pattern Test for Sew a Little Seam

February 17, 2017Indu Ladies Patterns, Sew a Little Seam 1 Comment

Ohhh I have been waiting for the Women’s Constance for so long. Ever since I made the girl’s version for my daughter (reviewed here) I have been hoarding the remnants in the hope that some day they’d end up as Constance Tops and dresses for me. My prayers have been answered! Well! its either that, or the fact that Kelly has been badgered with way too many requests for the Women’s version lol. So here we are!

The Women’s Constance Top, Tunic and dress PDF pattern comes in sizes 0/2 (32″ bust) to 28 (50″ bust) and like the children’s version, comes in three hem lengths – top, tunic or dress, and four sleeve lengths – short, 3/4 and long. You can choose to do a regular neckline with a neckband or a lined or unlined hood. It also includes options like the kangaroo pocket, oval and heart elbow patches, and cuffs and hem bands. It has layered sizing and a very clear photo tutorial.

This pattern also happens to be part of the Meaningfully Made collection that Kelly is designing. I think it’s pretty amazing that she’s directing 100% of the proceeds towards the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, a cause that is very important and close to her.

I made the dress length with my standard alteration of shortening the length by a good 1.5″. The cuffs finish off the neck, sleeves and hem! So with no folding, pressing and hemming, it goes by pretty quickly. I don’t dislike pressing or hemming, quite frankly I sometimes enjoy the mundane tasks that sewing involves like trimming and cutting pattern pages, pressing seams, hand hemming, even hand gathering. Is that weird?

Anyway, this gorgeous coral french terry is from LA Finch fabrics, and the floral liverpool knit that I used for the cuffs and binding is from Sincerely Rylee fabrics (I used it here for my Chloe skirt). This is the exact combination of fabrics I used for my daughter’s tunic, I loved it so much that I decided to copy her dress 😀

The fit of this dress is pretty awesome. It curves in nicely at the waist and out at the hips giving it a nice shape. I am not much of a dress person, I belong to the throw on leggings or skinnies and a comfy top camp. Most of my dresses are reserved for special occasions, but wearing this dress has made me rethink my wardrobe options. I feel like I need a few more dresses to spruce up my everyday mommy uniform.

It was such a cold windy cloudy snowy afternoon when we took pictures, I thought the pictures would be a disaster for sure, but I love how they turned out. It helps when you have a husband who not just makes you smile (or giggle) but drives home during lunch time just to take pictures 🙂

I’ll leave you with a few more pictures of my top version made in hacci sweater knit fabric that I got from my Girl Charlee Knitfix last year. Its a great sturdy knit with good stretch.

The Women’s Constance top and dress PDF pattern is only $4. With so many style options, and an amazing fit and shape, I’d say it’s a steal! Check out the listing for more inspiration from some fabulous tester versions.

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