Pattern Review: TATB Safiya Dungarees/Playsuit hack

Here is my third pattern review from the Make it Simple book - this time, I have combined two variations in the book for the Safiya trousers. Details Name: Safiya Variation: Dungarees for bodice/straps, playsuit for shorts Design House: Tilly and the Buttons / Tilly Walnes' book Make it Simple Size I made: 4 Fabric I wasn't sure how this mash up would turn out, so to be on the safe side, I found something in my stash.  I ended up using an old curtain, which was easy to sew up. Difficulty There are no tricky fastenings and the darts were simple to construct.  My main issue was checking the fit and making sure I read the correct instructions for each part as I was using part of the playsuit instructions and part of the dungarees. Clarity The instructions are clear, but there is not much guidance on how to create this hack as it is just suggestion in the book.  However, if you put markers in the book to ensure you follow the right section at the right time, you should be okay! Design and Fit I am surprised at how fitted they have ended up considering the design is loose fit.  There is not much wiggle room for putting them on when they go past your hips.  My measurements are fairly standard, but if you do vary quite a bit and want a fitted finish, you may need to consider adding a zip. I was torn between adding the tie and not having elastic or just going with the elastic.  As you can see, I went with the elasticated waist.  I decided to go with it in part because I would have had to remove the excess length on the shorts, but also felt it would be easier to wear with the elastic. Sadly, the shorts are too short to incorporate the in-seam pocket. Time Taken It's tricky to gauge how long it took me, as I went wrong a few times and I spent about an hour or so turning out those narrow straps!  I made it over a few days, but it probably equates to about two days. Conclusion Making this version has made me more tempted to make a longer dungaree version of the Safiya.  Living in the UK, I'm not sure how many short versions I would wear, but it's definitely a fun addition to the wardrobe, and a good way to re-purpose an old curtain. You can watch my related video on the vlog below: https://youtu.be/fcPobo-5hd0

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Pattern Review: TATB Shortie PJs

Here is my pattern review for the shortie PJs from the Make it Simple book! Details Name: Juno PJs Variation: Shorts and short sleeved – with cuffs from Tabitha variation Design House: Tilly and the Buttons / Tilly Walnes’ book Make it Simple Size I made: 4 Fabric I used up some yellow ponte fabric which I originally used for my yellow Kinder cardigan for the shorts.  The top was made from a nice single knit fabric I found in my local Trago shop.  The yellow ribbing was from My Fabrics. Difficulty I found this a nice simple make overall and would recommend to confident beginners.  The only bit which may be tricky is the neckband as it may need adjusting.  I followed the practice I learned from another pattern where you machine tack the neckband on to begin with to check it isn’t too baggy before going for it with a smaller stitch or overlocker!  It turned out I didn’t need to adjust it but it is good to be safe. The waistband on the shorts is made in a similar fashion to the neckband.  I was concerned that I might find this a bit tricky as it can be easy to stretch elastic inconsistently, but it turned out to be fine. For the shorts, you must adjust the trouser pattern from the trouser version, but the instructions on how to do this are really clear and I found this very easy to do. Clarity For the shorts, I followed the longhand instructions.  For the top, I followed the checklist instructions, but referred to the longhand version as required.  Both sets of directions were clear. Design and Fit I’m happy with the fit.  As it is made from a knit fabric, I didn’t worry about adjusting it.  There are clear instructions on how to measure out the elastic for the waistband. You decide how long the shorts are, so I opted for and inside leg seam of 12cm, which I think is about double the version shown.  This length is just right for me; not too short and not too long. I think the ribbed cuffs on the top are a nice addition and complements the shorts. Time Taken The book suggests 50 minutes to cut out and 2 hours to make.  I took 1 hour 30 minutes to cut out and 3 hours to make. I couldn’t cut my shorts on the fold as I was using a remnant, and I added the cuffs to the sleeves, which probably added a bit of time onto the total.  However, I think I am just a slower sewist than those that helped create the guide times! Conclusion I’m happy with the end result and I might made the Tabitha t-shirt on its own one day as it would go under dungarees or a pinafore nicely.  It is like the Peak t-shirt by Wendy Ward in that you can embellish it and adapt it to your own style.  I think I…

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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

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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

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