Monday, June 29, 2015

Moto Jacket by Jennuine Design

I've had the fun chance to participate in a bunch of tests over the last couple of weeks...it keeps me sewing when I don't really have anything else on my table to get done. 
The Moto Jacket by Jennuine Designs is another one of those fun tests that I was able to do.  When I say fun, I mean fun pattern and fun person to test for.  This jacket is a very versatile pattern.
Pattern: Moto Jacket by Jennuine Designs goes up to size 12.  It's a motorcycle style jacket that is tighter in the sleeves than a normal jacket...for wearing over t-shirts not sweaters.
Supplies: Up to 1 1/2 yards of fabric for main (something durable and you can even use leather), 3/4yard for sleeves (great for upcycling sweaters, but any thicker knit would work) and 7/8 yard for lining as well as a separating zipper.
For both of the jackets that I made, I actually used a heavier weight home decor fabric for the main fabric, flannel for the lining and jegging knit for the sleeve, collar and welts. Not too heavy and hopefully perfect for the Fall temperatures.
Difficulty: I would say a perfect pattern for an adventurous advanced beginner or intermediate seamstress.  There are zippers and welt pockets involved, but the instructions are clear and will walk you through each process thoroughly. Besides those 2 things, the pattern is actually really easy.
Good: Very trendy and versatile pattern...perfect for girls and boys and perfect for the Moto trend that's hit the runways as of late. Also a very well written pattern that is easy to follow and walks you through some more difficult steps.
Bad: The Moto Jacket only goes up to size 12, so it doesn't cover all of the tween sizes. 
Ugly: There really isn't anything ugly about this pattern. 
This was a really fun pattern to see through the testing process as it was more involved/more detailed than anything I've ever tested before. This is one great pattern that lends itself to a lot of variation and interpretation. While it doesn't fall in a necessity category, it would be a fun addition to any wardrobe!
I give the Moto Jacket 4 Lightening Bolts!
Disclaimer: I received the pattern for free as part of the testing process, but all opinions are entirely my own.

If you want to seem my other version (which I really love how it turned out!), check out my other blog here. (I really love how this picture turned out too...but I may be biased)


Friday, June 26, 2015

Posh Popover by Love Notions

I say this a lot, but Love Notions is a great place to look for Tween patterns!  She comes up with great patterns that not only look cute on the younger crowd, but also look trendy and stylish on the tweens and teens.  I had the chance to test the Posh Popover Top/Dress and it is another hit!
The Posh Popover has a TON of options: 2 dress lengths, 1 top and 2 different sleeve options...there are a ton of possibilities!
Supplies: You'll need 2 different knits, amount varies by choice of design.
I used some striped knit from my stash for the bottom layer and stretch lace for the top.
Difficulty: This is a well written pattern that would be a great beginner pattern for those new to knits.
Good: Easy to make, comfortable, trendy looking top that works well with all body types (comes in 2T to 16 with plus sizes included as well).
There is nothing bad or ugly about this pattern.
So if you are looking for a great pattern to add to your summer staples, you should really check out the Posh Popover!  I give this one 5 Lightening Bolts!

Disclaimer: This pattern was given to me as part of the testing process, but all opinions are entirely my own.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Willow & Co's new line

Last year a few indie designers got together and started their own pattern company called Willow & Co.  The theme of the first line was 'glamping' and they created several modern and stylish looks for children to wear.  Some of those patterns go through tween sizes, so we took notice.



Now this year, they have a fresh new line that has more items that are great for tweens.  We asked them to highlight their tween friendly patterns and introduce you all to this company.

***

Antalya dress

The Antalya dress is a relaxed-fitting dress with modern details. It features short dolman sleeves, curved front-side panels with gathered details, a separate gathered drop waist skirt at the back, and the option of either an exposed zipper or four buttons with loops. The neckline is finished with binding, and the dress curves can be accentuated with piping.

Limon Dress & Top


The Limon Dress & Top pdf sewing pattern includes all the options you need to make a classically modern outfit for a little girl in sizes 6 months through 12 years. It features pintucks on both the front and back as well as a fully lined bodice with a technique that encloses all the raw edges. You can choose to make a sleeveless dress or top or use the gathered sleeves. An optional placket can be added and embellished with your favorite lace or ruffled fabric. (Note: sizes 6 months to 3T must add the placket to allow for dressing.)

London Backpack


The London Backpack is a medium sized bag that works well for both kids and adults. It features two zipper pockets - a large outer pocket as well as a smaller inner pocket, adjustable straps, and it closes with a drawstring and magnetic snap.

This pattern is versatile, practical, and the perfect blank slate for pattern mixing and making modifications to suit your needs.
***

Thank you Willow & Co and keep the good tween patterns coming!!!

Monday, June 8, 2015

Wrigley Raglan--Pattern Review

Are you looking for a great go-to raglan shirt pattern?  Well look no further! The Wrigley Raglan by Love Notions is that perfect fit raglan with a feminine fit that goes up to size 16.  And bonus points for that fact that it comes in separate plus sizes as well, so everyone gets the perfect fit!
It has your normal crew neck, hood or a split neck option (seen below) and it has 3 options for length: shirt and tunic with a high/low hem or dress.  So many options to choose from!
It doesn't take much fabric (anywhere from 3/4 yard to 1 1/2 yards depending on option chosen) and it is perfect for upcycling dad's old sports shirts.  It's also a great beginner pattern for someone new to knits. Tami over at Love Notions does a great job explaining how to work with knits and gives helpful hints along the way.
Good: Easy to make with easy to follow instructions. I was able to knock a shirt out in an hour from cut to finish. It's also super comfortable with a great fit...my daughter loves it.
Bad and Ugly: It doesn't come in my size.  Really there is nothing wrong with this pattern. I've already made 3 other versions.  This is a 5 lightening bolt pattern!

Really if you don't have a raglan pattern yet, you should check out the Wrigley Raglan by Love Notions and it's on sale through June 13th!
If you want to check out my other versions check my personal blog...I made them all for my other daughter and even turned it into a night shirt, which has been a big hit.

Disclaimer: I received the pattern as part of the testing process but all opinions are my own.








Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Pattern Review: Skater Dress and a modification

We are excited to share this next post by Esther.  She sews for her niece who has a hard time finding clothes that fit right.  She has a stocky build and of course deserves to have clothes that make her feel as beautiful as she is.

If you sew for a stocky or plus size tween, then you definitely want to read on!

***

Hi I’m Esther and I am a self taught sewer for a number of years I started out with quilts and once I had my little monster I started to sew for him and his little monster friends over on instagram @frankieandfang



sewing pattern review




Name of the pattern:
Jocole women's peplum top with skater skirt add on.

Pattern Source:  You can buy both the peplum top and the skater skirt add-on at the Jocole web store as pdf patterns.

sewing pattern review
Sizes available:
 This is not actually a tween or a child pattern.  It comes in sizes xs –xxl in women's but I was able to make adjustments to fit my tween.

Special materials required:
Stretch fabric. Cotton/lycra is best to use for a comfortable fit for active tweens.

sewing pattern review


Skill level required:
Beginner

How you came to choose the pattern:
I first used this pattern for myself and loved the fit. My sister and I were talking on day and she was telling me how hard it was to find age appropriate dresses to fit my niece who is on the husky side, she asked if I could make her something. When I took my nieces measurements I realized that we were about the same size so all my patterns would fit her with a bit of play with the sizing to fit her frame.

sewing pattern review


Did you deviate from the pattern?  If yes, how?

I cut out the size small in the skirt and the top and graded the top from a small at the waist to a xs under the arms so it was a more straight up and down cut. I cut out the xs in the sleeves.  I took an inch off the bodice to account for her shorter frame.

sewing pattern review


Good:

This pattern is very easy to grade for those that are trying to get the perfect fit for their girls. From start to finish including cutting it took me less than an hour to make. Because this pattern calls for knit fabric there is no allowance for a chest which I think makes this pattern perfect for tweens both with a small and developed chest.

***

Thank you Esther!  This looks like a great option to provide comfortable and fashionable dresses for our plus size tweens.



Monday, June 1, 2015

And the Winner Is...




Christina Shaw...you won!  We'll be in contact and you'll get to pick a Blaverry pattern!
Congratulations!