sewpony: Pattern testing

FINCH DRESS: TESTING CALL

May 29, 2018

Today I am excited to announce the details of my new pattern - the Finch dress. The Finch dress is a relaxed fitting, feminine style dress with lovely details. The rounded neckline is finished with bias binding and the dress back features a keyhole opening with the bias being sewn into ties to create the back closure. The waist is drawn in with thick elastic which can be sewn all the way around or three quarters of the way around and accented with buttons at the front. The dress can be made sleeveless and finished with bias binding or gathered sleeves can be added in three lengths. The sleeves are drawn in at the ends with elastic. Lightweight woven fabrics like rayon and cotton lawn are recommended. A great pattern to use all year round. Sizes 12MO - 12Y.

I am looking for around 24 testers to try out this design. To apply to test, fill out the application form HERE. Testing will begin Thursday 31 May and will run through until Saturday 9 June. Successful applicants will be emailed on Wednesday 30 May. Testing will take place through a private FB group.

Pattern testing

Pattern Tour//Do Guincho Bubble Shorts

September 23, 2013

Today I am happy to share these sweet shorts I made using the marvellous new pattern by my good friend Marta from DoGuincho - her awesome Bubble Shorts. I tested the pattern for Marta over a month ago and let me tell you, it is awesome!!

Marta is (among other things) a part time architect, and so is very skilled in using some high tech digital drawing software. Her debut sewing pattern is fully digital with the most fantastically detailed digital drawings and awesome instructions.

I made these bubble shorts for Juliette from a thrifted bed sheet (which you may have also seen here). I made her up a little stretch pink t shirt with co-ordinating big flutter sleeves and square applique on the front.

The shorts are fully lined which means there is no need for seam finishing...this makes them pretty quick to sew up. I would say these shorts could be sewn by a confident beginner. They are really cleverly constructed and I think this is a great 'year round' pattern. I know I will be sewing them up again in some pinwale corduroy next year for our cooler months - how cute would they be with tights or knee high boots...Like Marta made here.

I would advise sewing these shorts up in fabrics that do not easily crease so you don't have to iron them carefully (or if you are like me and dislike ironing, choose a fabric that you won't have to iron at all!).

This pattern is on sale until the end of September from Marta's etsy shop for only $4.00 USD (The regular price is also just $5.00 USD...such a bargain for such a cute pattern!!!). To receive the discount, just use the code: RELEASE1 at checkout.

To see some more versions of these lovely shorts, you can visit Marta's blog.

Thanks for having me Marta and congratulations on your first digital pattern - it's a winner!!

Pattern testing

Two Hanami tops

August 19, 2013

I had the pleasure of sewing up my friend An (of StraightGrain)'s latest pattern - the Hanami top and dress. The Hanami is An's third PDF digital pattern. Her first was the bubble dress and her second was the Tinny. You can see all of An's patterns here.

I promise my hem is not crooked on Isabella's top...the tape kept coming away from the shoulder and the back was slipping down!

The Hanami top and dress has several options...a flutter or overlapping 'tulip' flutter sleeve, a crossed or zipper closing at the back and can be made as a top or dress. A slim peter pan collar is also an option. You can read more about them all on An's blog. Click here to find the Hanami pattern (and also perhaps enter a giveaway to win the pattern and some gorgeous fabric to celebrate the pattern's release!).

I chose to make up the top version - I made both with crossed back (the same as Norah is wearing above). I made Isabella's with regular flutter sleeves and juliette's with the tulip flutter sleeves. The tops are lined (except for the flounce). Fabric and sizing details at bottom of post.

I am really happy with how these tops turned out. It is such a beautiful design and they will be great here in Melbourne as the weather starts to warm up. The tops are fitted and I would advise choosing a size above if your child is taller or bigger than average.

Isabella's Hanami top: Size 5. Regular flutter sleeves with crossed back. Main fabric is from Sweet Tea collection by Anthology fabrics. Lined with pale cotton blue batiste. Vintage blue buttons.

Juliette's Hanami top: Size 3. Tulip flutter sleeves with crossed back. Main fabric is Liberty Lifestyle (Bloomsbury collection - Garnett - Colourway). Lined with pale green cotton batiste. Red buttons.

Be sure to pop back to StraightGrain over the coming week or so...for the next 10 days all her pattern testers will be posting their Hanamis too!