Pattern Review - The Afternoon Blouse

Hello,
I'm more than excited to introduce you to my latest "designer" discovery.  I have been following Jennifer Lauren Handmade from New Zealand for a little while.  I was interested by her classic vintage style.  Last May, I had the chance to test for her and I was very impressed by the quality of her patterns. I will be blogging about that experience later this fall, I'm waiting to complete my fall version.

Over the summer, she put out a call for pattern reviewers, I jumped on this opportunity very quickly.  I achieved very good results during testing and I was ready to try more patterns from her collection.  

The pattern up for review this month is The Afternoon Blouse and Shift Dress.  This 1940s-inspired kimono sleeves design features two decorative necklines. I decided to try the curve decorative neckline.

First of all, this pattern is a beginner skills level for the blouse and confident beginner to intermediate skills for the dress. You require a little bit more skills with the dress due to the details at the back of the dress and side seam pockets.

The blouse is designed to be tucked into high-waisted skirts or pants for a vintage look.  It also works perfectly worn loose with jeans and high boots!

Jennifer Lauren Handmade patterns are drafted for a D cup (except The Laneway Dress which includes multiple cup sizes).  I would recommend that you start with a muslin of the blouse to ensure the fit.  Just remember this blouse is a loose fit.  My muslin is the pink version.  I selected a rayon fabric, which is very slippery and could be tricky if you are beginner sewer. I really love how that one turned out and it already made an appearance at work!

I like pattern reviews that includes a lot information, consequently I will try to provide details that will help you in your buying decision.

Pattern pieces.  You need to start with reading the instructions before printing the pattern.  This pattern includes 4 views and each view has it own pattern pieces.  You need to decide on the view before printing unless you don't mind printing 71 pages.  There is only one file for the A4 and letter format. Each pattern piece are labeled and each size has it own style. Regular makings are included (grain line, notch, tailors tack and lengthen/shorten line).
One feature I like that was not included in this pattern is the possibility to print only one size (layers function).

Instructions, I had no issue with the instructions included with this pattern. Each step was well explained and included digital drawings.  A very detailed sewing glossary is also included.

Another nice feature is the finished garment measurements table.  I like to refer to those tables to ensure the fit I want to reach.  A size chart (metric and imperial) is also included to help you select your size. 

After my muslin version, I went ahead with the same pattern pieces to make another version in polyester. I saw this fabric at my local fabric store and I knew it would be a perfect match (with my eyes!).

Modifications I made by personal choice. I'm very picky on the finishing of my projects. The instructions include clean finishing for the sleeves and hem. I wanted to push it a little further and decided to make one small change to my second version.  I made French seams for the sides and shoulders seams. Below is the view from the inside (no expose seams).

This is what I did to create the French seam. This pattern includes a 5/8" seam allowance.  I put the front and back piece with wrong sides together and I used a 3/8" seam allowance.  I trimmed the seam allowance to 3/16" and press towards the back.

I rearranged the front and back with right sides together. I sew again with 1/4" seam allowance.  Make sure the first seam allowance is enclosed and not visible.

Overall, I really enjoyed working with The Afternoon Blouse pattern.  It was an easy pattern and quick. It is an easy summer (or fall) blouse that can take you from the office to a date night.

Take care

Nadine

Disclaimer: I received a free version of this pattern in exchange of this review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Titchy Threads - Rushbrook Dress and Top

Hello,

It has been a very long time I had not pattern tested for Titchy Threads.  It was definitely worth the wait. Warning this post is loaded with pictures!

The new pattern, Rushbrook, is a floaty sleeveless top or dress for girls ranging from 12 months to 12 years.  

For my two versions, I went with a simple silhouette with flutter sleeves. On the white version, I used contrasting fabric for the placket, bias bounding and hem. You could also add more details with a placket ruffle, gathered pockets and hem ruffle.  

I really like the racerback style on a woven top.  The other nice features of this pattern are the French seam and bias bound which give a clean finish to this garment.

Titchy Threads pattern instructions are very detailed and I love the professional finish.   The pattern includes the layer printing function and each size has its own style and colour to make it easier for you if you print in black in white.

We really love the end results with this pattern and it will definitely be at the top of my to do list for next summer.

Take care,

Nadine 

Bonjour,

Il y déjà plus d'un an que j'ai testé pour Titchy Threads.  Le Rushbrook est un adorable patron pour les filles de 12 mois à 12 ans.  Avertissement cette publication est remplis de photos!

J'ai fait deux versions durant la période de teste.  Les deux chemises démontrent la silhouette et les petites manches flottantes. La version fleurie aussi inclus un tissu contrastant pour la patte à bouton, le biais et la doublure du ourlet. Vous pouvez aussi ajouté un volant à la patte et ourlet. Il y aussi une poche pour la version robe.

Les deux versions sont fait avec un tissu tissé. J'aime vraiment le dos de cette chemise. Les autres caractéristiques de ce patron sont les coutures françaises et l'utilisation de biais pour l'ouverture des manches. Ces deux caractéristiques permettent d'obtenir une belle finition.

Les instructions de Titchy Threads sont toujours bien détaillés et complètes.  De plus, vous pouvez imprimer seulement la grandeur que vous avez besoin.  Si jamais vous avez besoin de toute les grandeurs, Titchy Threads utilise une différente couleur et style de ligne pour chaque grandeur. 

En terminant, nous adorons les deux chemises et ce patron va être sur la liste pour l'été prochaine.

Bonne semaine,

Nadine 

The Fabric Geeks - Through the Stones

Hello,

Over the last month,  I worked on a few new items for my growing boy. This skinny guy was the reason behind my return to sewing on a regular basis. His closet is filled with mommy made clothes.

I started my back to school sewing with some strike off fabric from the current pre-order at The Fabric Geeks ''Through the Stones''.  I was sent the Inverness Plaid which is a 95% cotton and  5% lycra knit.  This is 4 way stretch with a very good weight (250-270 gsm).  This Inverness Plaid is also available in French Terry.

A little bit about the pattern, I used the Titchy Threads Safari raglan.  I truly love the fit of this pattern, I went one size bigger for this shirt because I wanted him to wear it more than only a few months. I used this pattern for the boys but also for my princess. Last Christmas, I even used it as a pyjama top.

I had a little bit of left over fabric so I decided to use it for another long sleeve tee.  The pattern is also from Titchy Threads, Hawthorn. This pattern was my first pattern I tested over three years ago. My youngest still wears it.  I love this pattern a lot, with all the little details that make this look so perfect.

The applique is from Planet Applique. It has been a long time I had used my embroidery machine. I love adding some personalisation to my creations.

If you decide to have a look at this pre-order you will recognize a few elements from the Outlander series. Who will be watching the new season?

The pre-order is open from Aug 28 to Sept 14.  There is also solid matching colour and panels available. This little guy has no clue about the theme associated with the fabric, but he loves the Celtic style and the fact that it is green.

Take care,
Nadine

Allo,

Mon grand garçon, qui est en pleine croissance, avait besoin de nouveaux vêtements pour la rentrée des classes.  Ce garçon maigrichon est la principale raison de mon retour à la couture.
 
J’ai débuté ma collection de la rentrée des classes avec le tissu de la dernière précommande ‘Through the Stones’ chez The Fabric Geeks. La propriétaire m’a envoyé le plaid Iverness pour en faire l'essai.  Ce tissue à motifs de carreaux écossais est un tricot (95% cotton et 5% lycra avec poids de 250-270 gsm).  Ce plaid est aussi disponible en cotton français. 
 
Pour le patron, j’ai choisi le Safari raglan de Titchy Threads un de mes préférés.  J’ai coupé une grandeur plus grande, en espérant qu’il va le porter une bonne partie de l’hiver.  J’ai utilisé ce patron autant pour ma fille que pour les garçons.  J’ai même fait des hauts de pyjamas avec ce patron.
 
Avec les restants de tissu du Iverness,  j’ai fait un autre chandail à manches longues de la collection de Titchy Threads.  Le Hawthorn fut le premier patron que j’ai testé; il y a déjà plus de 3 ans.

Ce patron est surprenant avec plusieurs détails de construction. J'adore le col, la fermeture éclaire est complètement caché. Une très belle finition.  

J'ai ajouté un petit brin de personnalité avec un appliqué sur le devant en utilisant une machine à coudre de broderie.  Ce dessin provient de Planet Applique, ma boutique préférée pour dessin d'enfants.

Je vous souhaite une belle semaine et revenez la semaine prochaine pour un autre patron de Titchy Threads.

A+

Nadine