Flosstyle {Artiste Dress} A Review

Australian Designer Alert! Australian Designer Alert!

Now that I have your attention! haha. I recently was given the opportunity to test for Flosstyle. I have seen Flosstyle patterns talked about before (those in the pdf groups know I am talking about the jutebox hits collection), and when there was a tester call for a new pattern I jumped at the chance to give it ago. I'll admit I was a little intimidated at first, I knew that this was going to challenge my inner creative side, and seeing how many options there were can be very overwhelming. However the instructions were great, and take you through every process step by step.

I was actually surprised at how quick they were to put together, especially the Canvas version for a woven dress it was just as quick as some of the knit dresses! and the result is gorgeous. Seeing what some of the testers did with their versions was inspirational, and gives me so many more ideas to try.

The muse version was right up my alley, the second I saw that version, I knew I was going to sew that one up. I made up a size 5 for Miss A, and a size 12 for Miss K.. both completely different in the finished version. The size 5 is playful and colourful and perfect for an every day dress, while Miss K's version is classy and modern, and perfect for an evening out...and in her teenage words "Totes her Style".. safe to say "nailed it!"

There is also a pallete version, which can so easily be used to create fairy dresses for dress ups.

Honestly.. the possibilities are endless with this collection

There are Three Dress bases

- Canvas

- Muse

- Pallete

But what makes this dress collection even more special is that it can all be interchanged! Like the Muse bodice but the Pallete skirt? thats fine you can do that. Like the Pallete Bodice and the Canvas skirt? Go ahead, you can make that!

You have endless possibilities with different fabric combinations, there was even a tester who integrated her own crocheting into the dress, and in the words from Jessica the designer behind Flosstyle Patterns, "Every Artiste needs a blank CANVAS, a colour PALETTE and a MUSE to inspire them!"

Above is my version of the Canvas, size 12. I used snaps on the tabs instead of buttons, because I am lazy like that. Made with cotton wovens.

 size 5 Muse, and This dress is now Miss A bestest dress in the whole wide world! made with gorgeous knit fabric from Zaletasun. The pleats on the skirt of this dress really make it, and give it some twirl factor

This is probably my favourite out of all of the ones I made. I had a vision in my head, and this collection really allowed for this dress to come alive. I had been spending the week looking at formal dresses for miss K for her end of year 6 formal and wanted to integrate lace into a dress and I had just the lace too! The rest of the dress is a really soft and drape-y rayon knit, due to its nature pleats were not flattering to the design so I gathered it with clear elastic for stability, and instead of lining the skirt part of the dress I added a second skirt to add some more of the colour.

I really could rave about this pattern more.. but I will leave you here, and send you to the place to buy, get it while it is at new pattern price (25% off) for $9 at The Flosstyle Website

Love Notion {Laundry Day Tee/Tunic} A Review

Let me start off by saying this pattern is FREE! yes, you read that right... FREE!! you just need to join the facebook group Love Notions Patterns to find your special discount code that will give you $4 off the pattern! and the same amount of testing went into this as any other of Tami's patterns for Love Notions.

It is such a super quick pattern to put together and sew, not fuss, no stress, cut cut and sew up.. and you have a gorgeous Tunic or Tee that you can either dress up for out on the town, or wear as it name says.. to do the laundry.

Yes, I styled to play up on the name Laundry... truth be told, I don't do the laundry... ever. I have an amazing mother who does that for me when I myself and Hubby are at work, and while she is watching the kids, but I will wear this heaps for relaxing days at home sewing (or folding the piles of clothes?)

I used a really gorgeous rayon knit that I got at spotlight... This pattern calls for really nicely draped fabric to that is sits nicely over the hips. I never used to pay attention to what fabric is recommended, especially having been sucked into the custom knit world, where everything is cotton/lycra and medium weight. It is another thing sewing for myself and Pattern testing has taught me, fabric choice is VERY important.

We have the following options for this one

Tee Length
Tunic Length
3 sleeve lengths (short, 3/4 and long)
2 necklines (scoop neck and v neck)

We also have the standard with Love Notions patterns, of Layers and no trim pages (for both lettter and A4 page sizes)

I even added a little cuff to the end of the sleeves instead of hemming, because.. well I was a little lazy.

Seriously what have you got to lose? the pattern is Free, and its amazing!

Head to the Love notions website to grab this pattern now!

look at that topstitching on the neck line... isn't it beautiful? I sure have come along way with top stitching

The Wolf and The Tree {Abby Tights} A Review

I've been a busy little sewer lately, my sew-jo is strong at the moment! I recently did a test sew for The Wolf and The Tree, had never heard of this designer before seeing the tester call, and if her latest pattern is anything to go by I suspect we will be seeing more from Saskia in the pdf pattern world in the not so distant future.

Originally this pattern was designed for 2 way stretch knits, but due to a few of us making suggestions its able to be used for both 2 way and 4 way stretch knits. This allows you to use a whole range of different types of knit, from stretch lace to sweater knits.. and even merino to make some lovely thermals for the colder weather.

My version is a 4 way cotton lycra version, using one of my favourite knit fabrics from The Art of Fabric, Alice.. I use it very sparingly, because I don't want it to be all gone!

This pattern comes with a few options

• large size Range - 0-14
• regular and extra wide yoga waistband
• elastic waistband
• side accents (panel like mine, or ruffles)
• french seam option, 
• cloth diaper fit
• Layers for printing

You can check this pattern out here use the coupon code ''Abbystights"to get $3 off the pattern, Score! its definitely a very versatile pattern, a staple in any wardrobe.

Stitchwerx {Bitty Beetle tunic and dress} A review

Size 2T Full length, lap neck with short sleeves, used an interlock knit

One of the things  I love about being a pattern tester is that is gives me the opportunity to test out patterns from designers I haven't heard about or experienced in the past. I saw a tester call for Stitchwerx and the pattern looked like it would be a great staple in anyone pattern's collection. The collection I tested, consisted of a few options, snap bodysuit, T-shirt (swing for the girls straight for the boys), Tunic, and Full length dress.

I tested out the full length dress and tunic dress. The tutorial was very easy to follow, even though with the amount of pages it could look very overwhelming. With so many options it was bound to have a lot of pages.

Each step is explained very well, and the pattern comes together very nicely

We have a nice range of options too.

Style
- Body Suit (nappy and non nappy sizes)
- Swing Tee
- Straight Tee
- Tunic
- Knee Length Dress
- Full length Dress

Sleeves
- Short
- Long
- Long with Cuffs

Neck
- Lap Neck
- Circle Neck

Its definitely a great pattern to have as staple in your pattern stash, with it having so many uses for both boys and girls.

You can buy the pattern here Stitchwerx and if you don't sew yourself, and would like something like this made for one of your little ones or as a gift for someone, feel free to drop me a message at my FB shop and I can make one up for you Sew Deelightful

Size 2T tunic, with long sleeves and circle neck. Used a cotton(95)/lyrca(5) knit

Love Notions {Boyfriend Cardigan - girls and ladies} A review

Size 5t Shawl collar and Pockets

Size Small, Shawl collar and Pockets

Its coming up to my favourite time of the year, well one of my favourite times.. SPRING! (autumn is my other favourite time of the year) the inbetween winter and summer seasons. Where you can really wear anything in your wardrobe. Whats one staple you must have in any Spring wardrobe? Cardi's! I love Cardi's perfect for layering. Mind you they are also perfect for Winter here, seeing as though it doesn't really get very cold here ;)

So when Tami from love notions opened up a test for her new boyfriend Cardigan, of course I had to jump on it, and what was even better then a ladies pattern? a girls pattern at the same time! Having 3 girls I sew for, and a lack of Cardi's in there wardrobe.. it was a must have pattern.

I'd never sewn one before, button holes in knit scare me, and I have never been able to get them right as of yet. This one, thankfully does not have buttons! but it has nice little side vents that add a really nice touch!

Like always we have lots of options you can choose from.

Size Ranges

Girls: 2t - 16

Ladies: XS- XXXL

Options
Hood
No Hood
Shawl Collar
No Shawl Collar
Drop Pockets

In the girls version I made I used a heavy weight loopback knit I got from Girl Charlie a year ago, and for the ladies version I used a Reaaally light weight cotton burnout fabric I got from lincraft in the reduced section, that one I had to completely use my sewing machine for and it went together really well, and very quickly! I think the longest part of putting the pattern together was making the pocket, and we both love our new Cardi's

You can purchase both patterns until the 19th of September for 20% off using the code sewallthecardigans at Love Notions you can also use the tired pricing system and save even more. This pattern wont disappoint you!

Love Notions {Pemberley Tunic & Dress} A Review

Ladies size small, 3/4 length sleeves, average bust, cotton/lycra fabric (95/5)

I love me some selfish sewing! Being able to make something for me, that fits me. Nothing beats that.

Recently I was involved in the testing of another Love Notions pattern, the Pemberley Tunic. At first I wasn't so sure on the style. I was worried that it would make my lower half larger and I am already self conscious about that aspect of me as it is. Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised with how it actually flattered my figure rather then accentuate. I think the curved hem helps with that!

The Elastic is also free under the bust so you can move the gathers to where it is more flattering on your figure. I found moving them to the front and back and keeping the sides smooth really slimmed my waist down.

Once again, Tami is definitely the queen of options when it comes to her patterns! This pattern started out exclusively as a tunic, with 3 different sleeve lengths.. and due to tester feedback (she really listens to us!) this is what we have ended up with

4 Sleeve options
- Short
- 3/4
- long
- Bishop

2 Different top lengths
- Tunic
- Dress

2 Bodice options
- Average Bust

- Full Bust

Other options
- Tabs for the sleeves

- Maternity add on

And following on from other patterns, we also trimless patterns, a4 and letter guidelines, and layers with hyperlinks in the tutorial.

The pattern is really easy to follow, Tami's instructions are very easy to follow and you end up with a beautiful garment that is just for you.

It is definitely suited to drappy fabrics, but I used a cotton/lycra blend (art gallery fabric.. swooon) and it still turned out beautiful <3

Highly recommend this pattern, it will make a great addition to your wardrobe for any season! and any occasion.

Sofliantjes {Amare To and Dress} A review

size 4 dress, with sash option

Its no secret that I am more of a sewer of knits.. I love the quickness of sewing with knits. Woven takes time, and I am a bit of a perfectionist sometimes (not that it always shows :P) so it takes a little longer, and well when you have 4 kids.. sometimes its the quick and dirty sew you need.

When I do sew something with woven, I need a pattern that is easy to follow, and produces a beautiful result, and Sofliantjes is definitely one of my go to designers.

I was involved in testing the Amare Dress and Top. I loooooooove the finished product. It is super cute, classy and modest.. and what little girl would not look gorgeous in this?

You have the option of a top or a knee length dress, you can have a bow, or a sash.. or as some testers did a bow and a sash! The options with colour blocking this one is what makes it! I'm adding this pattern to the Christmas photo options for my girls this year.

It also has a great size range 12 months to 12 years, but isn't recommended for those with a developing chest and is an advanced beginner to intermediate pattern. It has a few tricky parts but honestly, if I can do it you can do it!

There is no pattern piece for the skirt portion of the dress and top, only the bodice so it helps save on ink as well. You also have the options of using Buttons or snaps on the back closure... I used snaps, because well.. button holes are not my most favourite thing to do.

If you haven't tried any Sofliantjes patterns you really should, and for its release the pattern is on sale for $5USD at the Sofliantjes website. It really is a beautiful design and I can't wait to make more of them.

E+M Patterns {Dress Pattern No.21} A review

My first time testing for Allison from E+M Patterns, and it was a pleasure to do so. I have a few E+M patterns in my pdf stash, and this new dress makes a nice additions to my girls wardrobe.

It has a few options that make this one very versatile, that will allow me to get the most out of this pattern for my three girls, and it very well may an appearance in my soon to open FB shop!

We have these Options

Three different sleeve lengths
- Short Sleeve
- 1/2 Sleeve
- Long sleeve

Three different Hem options
- Regular straight
- Shirt Hem (curved)
- Hi-Lo

Three waist options
- Shirred
- Hidden Elastic casing
- Belt Casing

It also has a very nice size range for 2-10 years old.

Plus is has my favourite feature of Trimless pages! they make my life easier!

The only thing really missing is layers.

The Dress goes together really easily and really quickly and the end result is beautiful. The gathering around the front neck is such a simple little addition and really adds a nice touch to the finished dress.

All up including the shirring, printing and taping together it took me an hour, next time will be quicker as when I am testing a pattern I take things a little slower and read things step by step.

Miss A was very pleased with the end result and her Pony dress, I had been hoarding this fabric for awhile, it was one of my very first knit purchases!

I can see using some sweat knit to make some really nice winter dresses using this pattern. Oh the ideas are spinning now!

Definitely recommend adding Dress No.21 to your PDF collection, and you can grab it on sale until Tuesday midnight (eastern time) for $4 USD (regular price is $8) no coupon code needed!

Size 5 long sleeve with shirring waist

If you want to see other tester photos just click this link  lots of inspiration! 

Summer Surprise Anniversary Blog Tour! and GIVEAWAY!!

My very first blog tour! celebrating the 1 year anniversary of  Sofilantjes! This tour is focusing on the pattern Summer Surprise, which has been freshly formatted and updated! some will sew it up straight from the pattern, some will mash it with other patterns, some will hack it, with and without tutorials! Its a great way to see how versatile this pattern really is, and how in the end you are only limited by your own imagination <3.

I have had my eye on this pattern for awhile, its been on my to do list, and this finally gave me the motivation to give it ago.... but with a twist!

I decided to do a bit of a pattern mash! between the Summer Surprise and the Brueram top and dress pattern (you can read my review on that pattern here). I decided to use the bodice from the Summer Surprise and one of the skirt options from the Brueram top and dress pattern

I must admit I'm a little bit in love with the tulip/petal/wrap kind of skirts on dresses, I think its such a sweet skirt I love it on adults, tween and little ones. I have made a few dresses with that kind of skirt lately, and I see many more in my future.

Here is my brief run down of just how I put this all together.

Firstly I printed out the Summer Surprise top, size 3 in the slim because I wanted it to be firmer fitting on the bodice, and taped and cut out the top parts. Then compared it to the Brueram bodice to give me an idea of where I wanted the bodice to end.

Comparing the Brueram bodice to the Summer Surprise top to find my bodice line

just need to slim the bodice down so its not an aline shape

All ready to go!

Next was the Skirt portion, I already had on hand the wrap skirt portion of the dress printed and taped together in a size 5 and my Miss A is quite tall for her age too. Plus I like to have the extra width for extra gathering (yes I enjoy gathering :P)

I also wanted to add flutter sleeves, so I just winged that portion and made my own pattern for them. I cut two rectangles 12 inches x 4 inches, and then just cut a curve on one edge

my flutter sleeve shape

So now I have all my bits cut out and ready to sew up!

I followed the instructions of the Summer Surprise for the bodice, and just inserted the flutter sleeves by basting them on to the bodice (after running a basting stitch along the curved side to gather) right sides together.

Next I sewed my skirt pieces together, attached the right and left sides to the back skirt piece, and then did a rolled hem all the way around the edge, one of the things I love about knits is that really you don't even need to hem them! for this dress I did a lettuce hem, which is very simple just lightly pull on the fabric as your doing a rolled hem.. has such a pretty effect

Following on from the Brueram pattern instruction I ran a basting stitch along the front and back of the skirt and did my gathering.

Then it was just a simple case of matching up side seams and serging the skirt and the bodice together.. and voila all done!

I loved the end result so much that I actually made 2 of them, this will become a staple in my girls wardrobe, even my Miss 11 year old has requested one in her size!

Now for the awesome part! the GIVEAWAY!

The Summer Surprise Pattern will be on sale from the start of the tour until the 30th of May. All you need to do is use the code: anniversary and you will get 25% off the Summer Surprise Pattern when you visit the website www.sofilantjes.com! and not only that, but during the tour there will be a new give away EVER DAY!, and we are talking bundles of patterns from other designers, with different ones for each day of the Tour!

Today the first day of the tour you can win these patterns!

E+M Patterns - Winners Choice

Izzy & Ivy - Winners Choice

Mandy K Designs - Winners Choice

Paisley Roots - Saffron Twirl

Rose & Lee Designs - Winners Choice

Aivilo Charlotte - Winners Choice

Funktional Threads - Winners Choice

Sofilantjes - Winners Choice

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Sponsors!

Be sure to check out all the blogs on the tour for your chance to win more prizes throughout the tour!

Inspinration - The Craftiness in Me - Van Je Veel - Boutique Birdie - Tory Frail Designs - Wining Wife - Keep Calm and Carrion - Moon Star - Circle Meets Line - Amazing Adventures with Buba and Bug - Manning the Machine - Sugarplum Cuties - House of Estrela - Create 3.5 - Handcrafted by RED - Lulu & Celeste - Rebel & Malice - Two Novembers - From a Box - Sprouting JubeJube - Maryall Made - Phat Quarters - Knot Sew Normal - Sew Happily Ever After - All Things Katy