Love Notions {Summer Caye Pants} A Review

I've been a bit quiet lately, been swamped under customer orders, testing and life! that I forget to spend a few moment updating my blog with some of my sewing adventures! Then when Tami from Love Notions made the tester call for this one, I had to jumped at it. Even though its not something I would normally buy for myself, I took the opportunity to jump outside of my comfort zone and try something totally new to me. I've also been lucky enough to be selected to be a part of the Promo Team for Love Notions, which means not only do I get the pattern I test for free, but also a small payment to help cover the cost of fabric.

The testing process with Tami is always a learning experience, in fact the only pants I have ever made myself are these and the Sabrina Slims, i'm not sure if I would have made pants for myself otherwise! She makes sure we get the fit right, and her pattern shows us how to make sure we get that right fit removing those trouble spots that we might get in off the rack bought pants.

Here are some of the options we have! and like always with Love Notions patterns we have so many possibilities!

Girls Summer Caye Pants

• Sizes 2T- 16 and 8P-16P
• Shorts
• 4" Inseam
• 6" Inseam 
• Capri Length
• Normal Hem
• Tulip Hem
• Split Hem
• Full Length
• Normal Hem
• Tulip Hem
• Split Hem
• Front Pockets
• Back Pockets
• Layered Pattern (print only the size/s you need)
• Trimless Pattern (no need to trim the pages to tape!)

Size 5t Capri Length in Chambray Denim

Size 5T in Chambray Denim, pocket details

Womens Summer Caye Pants

• Sizes 0-28
• Palazzo or Wide Length legs
• Shorts
• 6" Inseam
• 9" Inseam 
• Capri Length
• Normal Hem
• Tulip Hem
• Split Hem
• Full Length
• Normal Hem
• Tulip Hem
• Split Hem
• Front Pockets
• Back Pockets
• Layered Pattern (print only the size/s you need)
• Trimless Pattern (no need to trim the pages to tape!)

Ladies size 10 Palazzo width, Linen Long pants 

Ladies size 10 Palazzo width, Linen Long pants 

These pants will make a great summer pants/shorts but also a great transitional piece for your wardrobe. These ones are going into my wardrobe capsule, definitely need to make me a pair of the wide leg version in either a tencel or a chambray!

The pattern does work best when you use flowy fabrics that have beautiful drape, but many testers used even quilting cotton in the girls pattern especially and they still looked super cute! I also tested the size 2 for Miss 2, but sadly she is in that I refuse to let you take nice photos of me stage

You can Purchase the Girls pattern on Sale for $6.00, Ladies pattern on Sale for $7.00 and the Girls/Ladies Bundle on Sale for $12.00 at the Love Notions website. Check out the Love Notions Pattern Support Group on Facebook to see more of the testers creations, and its a great place to get some help when making any of her patterns.

Until Next time!

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

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.

Love Notions {Ladies Bluezette Pattern} A review

After being lucky enough to test the girls Bluezette by Love Notions, I instantly jumped at the chance to test out the Ladies version. This one has even MORE options then the girls one... just what us women want! something we can customise to suit our needs.

This one is part of Bundle up May sale! lots of amazing patterns in that bundle that I can't wait to get my hands on. Nothing like a bit of selfish sewing!

Now to the Pattern details...

Two bodice options, Slim fit and Blousey

Three sleeve lengths; Tank, Short and elbow 

Five skirt options; Tulip, Hi-low, Maxi, Gathered short and circle skirt.

The bodice can be fully lined, as is the skirt! which means you can use those pretty sheer fabrics like lace, chiffon ect.

This pattern has it all, Layers so you only have to print your size, no trim! for both US paper and AU, a lot of effort went into making sure that it worked for everyone! It makes the putting together this large pattern a breeze and its something I wish all designers would do!

This pattern taught me a few things I didn't know how to do before.. elastic casings and the buritto method for having that classy finish on the bodice, along with the understitching. It looks like something you buy right off the rack.. except it fits perfectly.

I especially love the option for the blousey bodice, perfect for hiding that not so perfect mummy tummy as a result of 4 kids, but at the same time doesn't look like your wearing a sack, The elastic waist really shows some definition and accentuates the figure that most clothes hide. You can adjust where it sits which is a bonus! either natural waist, up higher under the bust or down lower which really lets you get different looks out of just the one dress!

I loved the Tulip version I made so much that I had to made a second one and try the Maxi version, sadly I ran out of fabric for the bodice so I added the contrast panel at the back,, and I love it! It really ties the top and bottom in and I get compliments every time I wear it!

Size Small Blousey Bodice with Tulip Skirt

Size Small Blousey Bodice with Maxi Skirt

Love Notions {Lotus Blossom Top Girls and Ladies} A Review

Ready for a quick sew? but something with a little twist! literally? then look no further then the lotus blossom! I have been lucky enough to yet again test this new pattern from Love Notions! and yet again Tami does not fail to impress.

Girls and Ladies were tested at the same time, so its great if you want to make some mummy and me sets! Its a dolman style top and it literally just 3 pieces of fabric... (2 if you dont want to do the little bit at the back).

Its very comfortable and the twisty part at the front does really well at hiding that mummy tummy, and the back piece has a shirt tail hem! Looks fab over jeans! and well over anything.

Like usual we have a really great range of sizes, the girls is from 2T to 16 and the ladies is from XS to XXXL.

I think one of my favourite parts of this pattern, is the feature fabric on the back! I was able to use up scrap bits of knit that I have in my stash! so its a great little stash buster. Some of the testers used lace which looks amazing and reminds me I need to get some stretch lace into my stash at some point.

Size 5T girls, using a poly knit for the main fabric

My gorgeous 4 year old miss A loved it and refused to take it off after letting me get some tester photos of it! I did add a little modesty panel on her version, I thought it would be nice to add a bit of pop of colour and tie it into the back part as well.

I loved mine just as much! Normally I don't like to use white/cream because I am useless and always get it dirty, but as this pattern make uses of fabric that is the same on the front as it is on the back my choices were limited and I really wanted to use what was in my stash without having to buy more (tempting as it was to go and buy MORE fabric haha) but I really loooooove how this turned out! and the V-neck is just so sexy, This pattern will be used time and time again and become a wardrobe staple in not only mine but my girls!

Size Small Ladies, using some of my favourite knit on the back. Alice in Wonderland! From The Art of Fabric

Tami has just recently updated all her ladies patterns to be no trim and have the A4 guidelines! which is fantastic! so there is no trimming paper! just tape, cutout, cut out fabric and sew together! all up the whole process too me around and hour for the first one, the second one was much quicker because I knew what I was doing.

Size 12 seamed front option

I managed to find time to squeeze in one more test! this time using the instructions to use pattern printed fabric that is not the same on both sides, this added part really opens up the options in this patter, and once again shows just how much Tami listens to her testers

definitely recommend! Both Girls and Ladies have been put in a bundle together too so you can save money.. you know you want too!

Love Notions {The Girls Bluezette Dress} A review.

Its been a while since I have blogged any sewing things. Life gets so busy these days... ok lets face it since starting sewing any free time has been taking up either sewing, stalking pattern designers, reading posts in facebook groups about sewing, watching tutorials.. and well, buying fabric.

I have come a long way in the past few months, and have even been lucky enough to test patterns now for some designers. Most recently I was lucky enough to test some Love Notions patterns.

The Girls Bluezette Dress, This dress is perfect for all ages, I tested it on my gorgeous 11 year old doesn't she just look stunning?

Size 10 elbow length sleeves with hi-lo skirt

This pattern has so many options! I think Tami, the love notions designer is officially the queen of options. You have the choice of 3 sleeves lengths; tank, cap and elbow, and 3 skirt lengths; Tulip, Hi Low and knee length gathered. The bodice is fully lined if you choose as is the skirt! so you can use gorgeous lace overlays and sheer fabric, the is no limit to what you can do with this Pattern.

This was my first time sewing with Chiffon, with all the tips and hints along the way it made attempting is a breeze. There are detailed photos, and detailed steps for all methods and all options, even down to how to hem with fabric like Chiffon.

All in all I highly recommend this pattern for anyone with girls! Tweens will especially love this pattern so will mums, with it being modest yet still fashionable!