Rebecca Page - Autumn Blog Tour

Good day everyone and welcome to the first Rebecca Page blog tour "Turning the page sewing for the changing season".  

(La version française est disponible ici)

Over the years, the Rebecca Page collection evolved from the original brand name “Mummykins and Me by Rebecca Page” and kids patterns to a wide range of patterns for babies, kids (girls & boys), ladies and crafts patterns.  So far, I featured on the blog a few projects made from her pattern collection (including the Owl Costume & Bird costume).  I have probably completed 15 projects with Rebecca Page patterns.

I’m currently signed up for a wardrobe planning workshop . My goal is to have a cohesive, wearable and practical wardrobe. This changing season blog tour was timely for me,  I combined both activities to create an outfit that I can actually wear for this fall season. 

My first Fall project included the Peggy pencil Skirt* and Olivia peasant top*. Two new pieces in my wardrobe.   

This classic skinny black skirt was made out an heavy knit - scuba. I selected the traditional style for this pull-up.  Definitely a quick sew!

For the Olivia, please note the fabric choice will impact the finished look of the garment.  My  fabric has drape which hangs in folds and swings when I move, limiting the oversized appearance. In addition, for this version of the Olivia I went down one size to reach the look I was looking for.

I can combine those two pieces with other pieces I created in the past or I already bought.

Here is my Olivia peasant top, Peggy Skirt with the Cora Cocoon cardigan*, which is perfect for casual Fridays! 

I cannot wait to wear this Cora Cocoon, it's so warm & cozy!

I love the Olivia top with a skinny jeans for a night out with the girls.

Keep in mind that the ladies sizes are drafted for a C cup bust and a height of 5 foot 6 inches.

Rebecca Page collection is full of Fall/Winter options, including the woman version of The Riley vest which is on my to do list!

Please visit all the stops on the Turning the Page: Sewing for the Changing Seasons Blog Tour with Rebecca Page. Don't forget to comment on the blogs each day and enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win some fantastic prizes from our fabric sponsors!

August 20: Rebecca Page (Intro), Sewjourns, Soul fed on Thread

August 21: Sarcastic Sewist, PatchWitch, Flaxfield Sewing by Anca

August 22: Princesse et Tresors, Bellephant, The Scatty Sewer

August 23: BigFlyNotions, Stitched by Jennie, Millie's Place Handmade

August 24: Sweet Sprocket, Australian Sewing, Advice & Inspiration, The Sewing Unicorn

August 25: LIVIALITY, Diskordia's Curvy Sewing, Simply Kyra

August 26: Seams So Lo, Middle River Studio, Jot Designs


Take care,

Nadine

* Affiliate links

Love Notions - Summer Lace Tour



Hello, I'm back at blogging with the Lace Love Notions Summer Blog Tour. When Kelly put forward the idea for Lace projects, I wanted in.  I have so many projects I wanted to try: Cartwheel top with lace back for my daughter, Sloane with lace accent, "Sexy" Luna Loungewear or Lotus Blossom blouse!   There is no limit to your imagination, I settled on a lace top with flutter sleeves.

 

My inspiration came from Banana Republic after some windows shopping.  Joking here, I don't have time for windows shopping anymore, I'm more a Pinterest and internet browsing kind of shopper. 😉  

 

Below is my inspiration for this project, which I reproduced using the Forte view C - classic tee with scoop neck and bell sleeves.

 

 

 

What do you think?  I created a great alternative to a plain black blouse-very Stylish!  This was my first time trying the Forte and I think it is a very flattering shirt.  I did not realize how many options to mix and match were available with this pattern (four top views, two dress views and six sleeve options). Definitely something to try again.

I really like the inspiration top. To reach the same style I made a few changes.  I cut one size bigger, the main reason was that I wanted a relaxed fit with a little bit more room thorough the chest.  I cut my sleeve a little shorter, three-quarter length sleeves, I was looking for a summery style.

 



The inspiration came with an interior cami for extra coverage.  No problem, Love Notions has the perfect pattern for that - Luna Loungewear. I had some left over yoga fabric from another project that I used for the cami making it super comfortable.

The last modification I made was how I finished the neckline.  I used the same technic than the Luna pattern.  I encased the edge in the neckline band to reach a clean finish without exposed seams.

 

This beautiful fabric came from L'Oiseau fabric and was perfect for this project. It has the perfect stretch.  My last step for this project is to take this flattering shirt to a night out!

 

Please make sure to visit all the other talent ladies part of this Summer Lace tour.

 

Happy Summer!

Monday: Sewing Curves SewSophieLynn Kainara Stitches

Tuesday: doodlenumber5 My Heart Will Sew On Third Shift Creations

Wednesday: Princesse et tresors Phat Quarters

Thursday: All Things Katy! Back40life, Sprouting JubeJube

Friday: Sew Like a Sloth Very Blissful Seamly Behaviour

* Affiliate links are included in this post.

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.

Winter Wear Designs - Amuse Boho Top and Dress

 

 

Welcome everyone that is following the Amuse Boho Homecoming blog tour to celebrate the official release of the pattern in the Winter Wear Designs shop. The Amuse Boho pattern was originally released under One Thimble issue #14*.

This was my first time working with Winter Wear Designs patterns. I'm not to sure why since I own a few of them!

I was very pleased to discover that the pattern was designed with body shape in mind. This pattern is designed for a curvy pear or hourglass shape. Don't worry if you are a different shape, I am, the instructions go into details on how to define the modification required based on your shape and how to combine sizes to get the perfect fit.

The Amuse Boho is a relaxed fit raglan pattern designed for woven fabric.  I used a rayon for the blue top and a silky light cotton for the beige tunic. 

The pattern as multiple options of length (designed for women 5’4″ – 5’6”):

• Top - hits right at mid hip
• Tunic - hits just below the bum
• Dress - hits at the knee
• Mini Dress - hits above the knee

The Top and Tunic have a curved shirt tail and the option of a vented hem at the side seam (if you need a little more ease around the hips). The dress has the option of shirt tail and straight hem.

The best feature of this pattern is the front yoke. Which you could use to show off a fun embroidery.  You could also put an embroidery design at the back if your select view B with back yoke.

 

 

 

This pattern is full of options including:

• a large scoop neckline with an optional button front;
• 2 sleeve lengths included. A short sleeve or a 3/4 length sleeve with elastic gathered hem; and 
• 3 neckline finish (bias, band and facing).

During the Homecoming Blog tour you can save 20% with code: AMUSEME

Take care,
Nadine

Homecoming Blog Tour

May 8th - Max California & Sweet Pea and Pumkins

May 9th - idle sunshine

May 10th - Middle River Studio, Connected by a Thread & MSL Creations

May 11th - back 40 live, Covered By Design & Winter Wear Designs

May 12th - happily sewn after, Tales of a Tester & Capture, Craft, and Cook

Bienvenue tout le monde, cette semaine je participe à la tournée des blogues pour l'arrivée du patron Amuse Boho sur la boutique Winter Wear Designs.  Le patron était au départ seulement disponible avec la revue no. 14 One Thimble*.

Ce petit projet fut ma première experience avec les patrons de Winter Wear Designs, malgré le fait que je possède plusieurs d'entre-eux.

J'ai été très surprise de voir que le designer a pris en considération le type de silhouette pour le dévelopement de ce patron.  Ce patron est spécialement conçu pour les silhouettes pyramide (poire) et sablier.  Les instructions inclus tout les details pour ajuster le patron pour les autres silhouettes pour assurer un ajustement parfait!

L'Amuse Boho est une chemise décontractée avec manche raglan.  Le patron inclus plusieurs options de longueur:

• Chemise
• Tunique
• Robe
• Mini Robe

Le ourlet de la chemise et tunique est légèrement arrondi à l'arrière.  La robe a deux options de ourlet : arrondi ou droit.

Ce patron inclus plusieurs autres options :

• 2 longueurs de manche (courte et 3/4 avec l'option d'élastique);
• 3 options de finition du col (bias, bande ou revers);
• l'ajout de bouton à l'avant;
• ouverture aux hanches; et
• empiècement au dos.

Cette semaine vous pouvez profiter d'un rabais de 20% avec le code <AMUSEME>. Si vous avez besoin de plus d'inspiration, je vous invite a visiter les autres participantes.

8 mai - Max California & Sweet Pea and Pumkins

9 mai - idle sunshine

10 mai - Middle River Studio, Connected by a Thread & MSL Creations

11 mai - back 40 live, Covered By Design & Winter Wear Designs

12 mai - happily sewn after, Tales of a Tester & Capture, Craft, and Cook

 

Passez une belle semaine,

Nadine

*affiliate link / lien affilié

The Mouse House Creations - Janie Dress

Good day everyone,

I’m very excited to present you the latest women pattern, Janie, from Mouse House Creations* (*affiliate link).  I’m a huge fan of the Julia cardigan* and it was not very difficult to convince me to join the testing team.   First of all, this pattern is a very quick sew.  I completed the project within one hour and half (from printing the pattern to trying it on!).

Since Mouse House Creations is making its first appearance on this blog. I would like to talk about the designer behind the name.  I have been following Hayley Crouse for a little while. I discovered her a few years back when she co-founded Willow and Co (a collaborative pattern shop).  I really enjoy her creativity but also her inspirational messages associated with the challenges associated with raising a child with Autism.

My favourite pattern from Mouse House Creations is definitely the Julia cardigan*, I have made 3 of them and I’m planning to make at least another one for this summer! I also have a few more patterns that I have planned to make but have not made it to the top of the priority list yet:   Valencia Women’s tunic, Norah Dress* & Lillian Pintucked Dress*.

The Janie Dress and Peplum pattern was already available in girls’ sizes (6 months to 12 years). This pattern is versatile and offers many options:

·         Short sleeves, ¾ sleeves and long sleeves;
·         Skirt can be a regular circle skirt or a gathered circle skirt;
·         Basic neckline, a cowl, a ballet scoop back and a Peter Pan collar; and
·         Dress or Peplum.

The pattern includes a detailed, step-by-step picture tutorial.  Knit fabric with 40-50% stretch is recommended for this project.  Woven or lace could be used for the Peter Pan collar. I know a lot of you like to know about the fabric used, this version features Mottled jersey knit from L’Oiseau Fabrics.

Finally I wanted to mention that this pattern includes Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) cutting lines included in this pattern.  Which I though was great, no modification required!

Grab your pattern here, on sale until Friday March 3rd 2017. 

Wishing you a great week.

Bonjour,

Je suis vraiment contente de vous présenter le dernier patron, Janie, de Mouse HouseCreations* (*lien affilié).  J'entretiens une belle relation avec le cardigan Julia*, alors il ne fut pas trop difficile de me convaincre et joindre l’équipe de test. 

Premièrement, ce patron est très facile et rapide à réaliser. J’ai complété ce projet en moins de 2

heures de l’imprimante à l’essai du projet.

Étant donné que Mouse House Creations fait sa première apparition sur le blog, j’aimerai introduire la designer derrière le nom.   Je suis les aventures de Hayley Crouse depuis un certain temps. J’ai fait sa découverte lors du lancement de la collection Willow and Co (une collection de patrons en collaboration).   J’adore son côté créatif mais aussi son discours de motivation relié aux difficultés de la vie familial associées avec le trouble du spectre de l'autisme.

Mon patron préféré de la collection de Mouse House Creation est le cardigan Julia* mais j’ai mes yeux sur plusieurs d’entre-deux : La tunique Valencia* et les robes Norah* et Lillian*.  

Le patron Janie était déjà disponible en version pour filles* (6 mois à 12 mois). 

Ce patron est très versatile et offre plusieurs options :

• Manches courtes, ¾ ou longues ;
• Jupe en cercle ou fronces ;
• Col régulier, col châle, encolure échancrée au dos (style ballet) ou col Claudine (peter pan) ; et
• Robe ou tunique à basque.

Le patron inclus des instructions détaillés avec photos pour décrire les étapes. Pour ce projet vous avec besoin de tricot avec élasticité de 40-50%.  Tissé et dentelle peuvent être utilisé pour le col.

Le tissu pour ce projet provient de L’oiseau Fabrics – Mottled Jersey Knit

De plus, je voulais mentionner que ce patron inclus une ligne pour les ajustements de buste.  Pas besoin d’ajuster le patron !!!

En terminant, vous pouvez vous le procurer en vente ici jusqu'au 3 mars 2017.  

Bonne semaine,

Nadine

Love Notions - Terra

Good day,

I'm back with the latest pattern from Love Notions* the Terra* Tunic.   This tunic is not too fitted and features side vents.  This casual tunic is available in ladies sizes XS-XXXL. 

During the testing period I completed 3 versions of the tunic.  I was assigned the V-Neck option but I really wanted to try the V-Neck hooded version as well. I was not disappointed!

This pattern has 6 neckline options:

• V-Neck
• Scoop
• Funnel
• Asymmetrical Button Collar
• Boatneck, and
• V-Neck Hood 

The options don't stop there, this pattern also has 4 sleeve lengths (short, elbow, 3/4 & long) with optional welt pockets and elbow patches. I think this makes this pattern the most versatile I tested so far. 

I don't usually make V-Neckline because I find them difficult to reach perfection. I was really surprised how easy this one was done and I got nice result not only once but twice! 

If you have been reading me for a while, you know that I'm a big fan of bamboo. Maybe I should say "addicted"!  The two V-neck versions are made of bamboo knit and the hooded version is French Terry bamboo, so comfy. 

My casual wardrobe has been filled with Love Notions creations lately.  I have a few Terra* and Whistler.  I will definitely use this pattern again and make a few business attire versions.

Looking for more inspiration, here is the link to my Terra ideas board.

*********** 

Bonjour,

je suis de retour avec le dernier patron de Love Notions* - la tunic Terra*.  Cette tunic n'est pas trop ajusté pour un look décontracté. Terra est disponible en taille très petite à très extra large (buste 33'' à 49.5'').

J'ai complété 3 versions durant la période de test. J'avais pour objectif de complété la version avec le col en V et je me suis aventuré à faire l'essai de la version avec capuchon !

Ce patron inclus 6 versions de col :

• Col en V ;
• Col échancré (rond) ;
• Capuchon ;
• Col montant ;
• Col asymétrique avec boutons; et
• Encolure bateau.

Les options disponibles avec ce patron ne s'arrête pas seulement au col.  Vous avez aussi 4 options pour les manches (courtes, au coude, 3/4 et longues), ainsi que des poches et patches aux coudes.  Je crois que c'est le premier patron que je teste avec autant de possibilités.

Normalement, je ne choisi pas l'option de col en V.  Mais ce patron ma surpris, le résultat du col était vraiment bien et facile à réaliser.

Du côté tissu, j'ai utilisé pour les col en V un tricot de bamboo. La version capuchon est en Terry Français de bamboo.   Je planifie utiliser ce patron pour me faire des chandails pour le travail, il me reste plusieurs options à essayer!

Si vous êtes à la recherche d'inspiration, voici le lien à mon tableau d'idées.

À la prochaine,

       Nadine

* Affiliate link - lien affilié