Pattern Review: Kinder Cardigan
Here is my sewing pattern review of Wendy Ward's Kinder Cardigan, available as a PDF pattern or part of A Beginner's Guide to Sewing with Knitted Fabrics.
Spring 2019 catch up
Here is a catch up on my progress this year, from sewing projects I have completed to my upcoming plans for the near future.
Pattern Review: Gable Top
I realised the other day that I never reviewed the Gable top pattern. Better late than never! Also, it means that I have lots of experience in wearing it! Details Pattern name: Gable Top Variation/Style: View 3 without the cuff Design House: Jennifer Lauren Handmade Size I made: 12 Fabric Stripey stretch fabric remnant from The Knitting & Stitching Show in 2017. Difficulty This is a really simple top to make consisting of only 4 pieces of fabric. The main challenge for me was the fabric I chose as it was very stretchy. You may wish to take extra care on the neckline, which I would argue is the trickiest part. Clarity It is very simple although I did get a bit confused at the neckline. However, Jennifer Lauren has a video to help you on this to use in tandem with the written instructions. Design and Fit The top has come out quite tight. I am not sure if this is the pattern or the fabric (or both). I am not used to wearing very fitted garments so this is probably where most of my discomfort stems from! It's also very long but I may have stretched it or the fabric I have chosen has encouraged this. I will have to see how much negative ease the pattern has if I make it again. Design-wise, it is the perfect staple to go under a pinafore or dungarees - such as the Ivy Pinafore by Jennifer Lauren! Time Taken I'd say you can make this in half a day. It's very simple and super quick if you don't have any stripe matching to do! Conclusion This version feels a bit too fitted for me so I will probably make it in a larger size next time, or perhaps choose a different fabric which is not so clingy. However, I have worn it lots with my pinafore collection (yes, it has turned into a collection... expect more pinafore reviews!) https://youtu.be/hWdOmArkQ5o
The 100 Day Project – 100 Days of Developing Content
Today is the start of The 100 Day Project! This year I am focusing on developing content. I have made quite a few things this year but not blogged or vlogged or even shared on Instagram yet! I plan to remedy this during the 100 days and also log any new learning or makes along the way. There are two reasons I want to do this. First, I like having a log of my makes. It comes in handy in particular when I want to remake a pattern, or I am deciding what to make others for Christmas and Birthdays (so I don't end up making the exact same thing again...!) The second is to promote an appreciation of handmade items. For many of us, this manifests in pursuing a craft or crafts as a hobby. For others, it can be demonstrated in acquiring items which have a story or they know more about its production and maker. What you can expect to see from this project over the 100 days: More blog posts! Pattern Reviews Progress on my #2019makenine Me Made May Other plans More about how I make items on my Etsy store More Vlogs! The content will be similar to the blog posts but geared towards anyone who prefers video media and a slightly more spontaneous approach More stock I have not made a lot of stock for my Etsy store in recent months and I have sold out of my most popular item. More information on how items are made I think it is important to show how much effort goes into producing makes - both as a hobby and as an Etsy seller. I will be looking at ways to highlight this over the 100 days. If you're interested in my journey, wish me luck and follow along on this blog, the vlog and/or Instagram!
Pattern Review: Jarrah
This year I was fortunate enough to be a pattern tester for one of Megan Nielsen's new patterns which came out on 1 November 2018. Here is my pattern review of Jarrah. Details Pattern name: JarrahVariation/Style: ADesign House: Megan NielsenSize I made: 10 Fabric I used a grey medium-thickness knit fabric - a bit like a ponte? I found it in a charity shop in Helston and it was just what I was looking for! The lighter grey is ribbing which was also from a charity shop (but has been in my stash for years...) Difficulty I would say that this pattern is a nice easy one for beginners. The only real challenge was the neckband for me. Clarity I found that the instructions were clear. I did go on auto pilot at one point (the neckband) and almost do it wrong, but when I actually read it, it was clear!! The pattern provides markers for attaching the neckband rather than advising you to 'quarter' the neckband and neck opening yourself, which is great, you just need to read it! Design and Fit I made a straight size 10 - it's a loose fit design and I'm a fan of baggy jumpers!The design has grown on me - especially now that it's cold enough to wear it here in the UK! However, if I made another, I'd go for the funnel neck version. Time Taken I completed this make in a day. The hems were easy as I was attaching the ribbing and the fabrics were stable knit fabrics which helped. Also, I didn't need to adjust the fit. Conclusion Overall, it's a great classic staple for your wardrobe, with some lovely variations to try out. Due to the different variations which come with the pattern (high-low hem, tie knot, funnel neck, as well as this one I've done), you get a lot of value for money out of the pattern.https://youtu.be/oPAvhyTxhec
Pattern Review: The TATB Bow Blouse
Today I’m sharing a pattern review of one of my #2018makenine projects! I added it to my make nine list as it’s something I began in 2017 and then abandoned when I got confused with it. However, I am so glad I persevered as it wasn’t so bad after all and it certainly stands out in my wardrobe.
Pattern Review: The Frankie tshirt
Another #2018makenine is ticked off my list! This time, I used t-shirting from my stash to try out the new Tilly and the Buttons book Stretch!
Pattern Review: The Molly Dress
May ended up being quite a productive month for me craft-wise, and I’m pleased to say I’ve been able to tick off some of my #2018makenine list! (more…)