The Valley Skater Dress--A New Free Pattern!

Have you seen this NEW FREE pattern from Sinclair Patterns?

  I was so honored to be asked to test it and I absolutely love everything about it!  

I just think that Indy sewists and designer are so generous, especially at times like this: when their incomes may be dwindling yet they are gracious and are developing free patterns for their fans.

I really, really wanted to make the lantern sleeve version, but I thought that this gorgeous fabric simply HAD to be what I used for this dress.

How pretty is this, especially if you love super soft, double brushed knits!  This is from Sly Fox Fabrics.  I have never, never been disappointed in anything I've ordered from them.  

And, I am a sucker for a floral, especially a floral with a black background.

This is the fit of the dress with ZERO alterations!  I just love Oxana Sinclair's patterns because the tall sizes fit me so, so well!

I just love this dress.

While my print is busy and it is tough to see all the details, if you look closely you can see there is a waistline detail, banded neclkine, and front/back pleats that make the skirt so twirly at the bottom yet more fitted at the waistline.

I wish I would have twirled a few times for the photos!

I really, really love this print, and I love my shoes with this too!  

Thanks so much for reading! 

If you've never tried a pattern from Sinclair Patterns, the instructions are amazing, the drafting is spot-on, and the designs are so wearable and fun.  Plus, almost every single one of her patterns have several options making them a great value!

Here's the link if you want to check out and order the pattern!

 Sinclair Patterns Valley knit skater dress with lantern sleeves and sleeve options

Stay healthy and be well!

Sue

Another opportunity to test for Sinclair! Sinclair Alba Jacket

I was so excited to be able to test again for Sinclair Patterns!  I am so smitten with the designs, fit, styles, etc.  

Here's the Alba Jacket.  

I just love that asymmetrical zipper! Those pockets!  That collar! This is my second version and probably my favorite because of my fabric choices.  The main body is a scuba knit from JoAnns that I have had for quite a while.  Glad I saved it for this as I think it makes a fun jacket! The mustard that you can see is from Sly Fox Fabrics. I just love this color and this fabric!  It's a double brushed poly that feels like butter!  The ribbed knit has been in my stash so long, I have no idea where I purchased it.  Does that happen to anyone else?  

I made this twice and the fit changes were very slight from version 1 to 2.  One of the changes to the pattern that I was very pleased about is the top-stitching of the pockets.  If you made the version with the pockets, you'll want to top-stitch so they don't flop around.  

If I make this again, and I most likely will, I'll interface the facing/lining portions, especially when there is a big difference in weights of my chosen fabrics.  This scuba is hefty while the DBP is almost a mid-weight.

Since I love the mustard color peeking out so much, I will most likely wear this with it unzipped a bit.  You would too, right?

Here's the back.  It's rather plain design-wise, which is just fine!

One more view!

This was my first version.  For this one, I again used a scuba, but this one was a lighter weight.

The contrast bands are double-brushed poly from Sly Fox Fabrics.  I used the same fabric for the lining and facings as I did the body.

While I love both, I am quite smitten with the gray/mustard/white.  There's just something about that fabric that makes me smile.

Thank you for reading!  In case you are interested: 

Affiliate link: 

https://sinclairpatterns.com/product/alba-zip-up-knit-asymmetrical-hoodie-jacket-with-a-cowl-and-side-pockets-pdf-sewing-patterns/?ref=katie&fbclid=IwAR10vMREckNhYOglTnDK6QbZKD-jIeq35PFhbCA-FQj1VFeW_-xZBB35af0

A new pattern release! Sinclair Lulu

I was one of the lucky gals to test this awesome pattern from Oxana Sinclair.  It's called the Lulu and it is a top, shorts/pants, or romper.  

Lulu pattern

Here's my version.  I made these as separates.  I remember the 80s/90s where you had to get undressed to use the bathroom if you wore a romper.  Ain't making that mistake again for work clothes!  

This fabric is just amazing!  It is the double brushed poly from SlyFox Fabrics.  It is so incredibly soft!  Plus, that color!!! 

Putting this together was fast!  It doesn't look like a fast pattern though, does it?

This has some very nice details such as the cross-over front, banded bottom, pleats at the neckline, side seam pockets.  

The pleated neckline is constructed so brilliantly! I also love the options of short, long, or no sleeves. I feel like you get your moneys worth with Sinclair patterns! 

Just a parting shot to show you that if you tack the neckline, you won't give anyone a show! 

This pattern is on sale for a bit so click on the link at the beginning of this post!

Happy sewing!

Sue 

A new pattern--Sinclair Journey zip hoodie!

Hi all,

I was one of the lucky ones able to test a pattern for Sinclair Patterns.  It is the Journey Zip Hoodie.  

And, here is a link to the pattern: https://sinclairpatterns.com/product/journey-zip-up-knit-raglan-hoodie-with-different-pocket-styles-pdf-sewing-pattern/?goal=0_eef9a0e737-bc33274c7c-129781988&mc_cid=bc33274c7c&mc_eid=0d2e69e1f9

I wasn't one of the lucky ones to be featured on the website, but I am still really pleased with how mine turned out.  

This pattern, from cut out to final seam will take you about 4 to 5 hours. You'll need to use mid-weight knits.

My fabrics were from Sly Fox.  If you've never heard of them, I am quite smitten with their selection and quality.  I've yet to be disappointed. Here's a link if you are interested: https://slyfoxfabrics.com/

I used their french terry for this hoodie. 

The only part that may give you a few head-scratching moments is the zipper insertion.  I simplified this by basting the zip in, then attaching the facing and stitching down the whole business at once.  If you decide to purchase the pattern and make this up, you'll get what I mean.

For Sinclair patterns, I appreciate that the pattern has options.  This has hoodie or collar and different pocket choices.  Truly you can create different looks for this garment. Also, it comes in petite, regular, or tall sizes.  I use the tall and make almost zero alterations. 

I am really happy with my hoodie.

If you try this pattern, please let me know as I 'd like to know about your experience.

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Sinclair Patterns: Tango Tunic

I was so fortunate to be able to test the Tango Tunic by Sinclair Patterns recently.  I was not only thrilled to be a pattern tester and even more honored to be chosen to participate.  Here's the image of the pattern from Sinclair's site: Tango Tunic

I made the size 12 in a tall, which is exactly what my bust measurements are.  I don't have to lengthen from the bust to the apex or the apex to my waistline.  It's almost as if these patterns are drafted just for me.  :)

Here are my two versions: 

Let me tell you about the pattern. 

It's very easy to sew.  Yes, even with those bands it is easy to sew.  And, btw, those bands are the most time consuming part of the project.  After those are sewn on, this project flies together.

For the blush and off white sweater knit, I used two sweater knits in differing weights.  The blush is from Fabric.com and the print is from Sly Fox Fabrics.  I love them both! 

I had thought about making one with the cowl and one with the split collar but once I got the collar together, I decided I needed two with the cowl.  My next one will be a split collar.

The camo/gray version are both stash remnants.  The camo is a recent project left over and the gray, I think was purchased when Hancock's went out of business (I am still sad about that!)

For this pattern, if you can get your bust/height measurement correct, you'll be fine with this pattern.  All the testers commented that the length drafting is perfect.  It doesn't matter if you are petite, within the traditional measurements, or tall. 

Have fun with this pattern!  It's on sale for a little while.  Snatch it up before you have to pay full price!

Thanks for reading!

Sue   

Rebecca Page Sonia Skirt

Hi all,

Yes, I've been sewing.  Sewing up a storm actually, but I've been pattern testing and that takes time and you need to wait for the pattern release in order to post.  

Welp, that day has come!  

I was lucky enough to get to make this adorable skirt.  I love this pattern!  It is a fun and fast make and depending on your fabric choice, you can make this super casual or dressy.  It's up to you!  

I used a fabric from my staff.  This is a crepe in a rich print.  I can't remember where I got it but I suspect it was a Fabric Mart purchase.  This fabric was lovely to sew.  I am now a bit sad I waited so long to stitch it up.

This skirt definitely has a swish factor. 

Those little pockets are really nice too.  I made the midi length.  If I had enough fabric, I would have made it longer but I didn't.  With super swishy skirts like this, they are a bit of fabric hogs.

I love the fit of this straight from the package.  I made zero alterations to it.  I simply matched my measurements to the pattern and it fits perfectly.

I also like the belt loops.  Luckily, I had the black textured belt and it works with this quite well.

See how full this is?  I should also mention that I covered my own buttons for this.  I knew the buttons on this had to be special and covering your own was just the right touch.

My top, is the Itch-to-stitch Bellavista top in the softest knit from Sly Fox Fabrics.

  

I've made this top numerous times and I still plan on more.  How's that for an endorsement?  

But back to the fabric...

I found Sly Foxo online and went ahead and purchased the knit in several colors.  I am so happy with how this fabric looks, performs, and feels, that as soon as I make the four or so tops I plan to with what I have in my stash, that I'll order every available color.  It's amazing!

Thanks for reading!

Sue