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flip vest pattern testing and giveaway!

i know you all know how much i adore pattern testing – i learn something every time i do it, i feel like i’m able to help fellow bloggers out, and it’s just a neat way to see other people’s processes. so of course when dana of MADE emailed me asking if i could test her newest pattern, i jumped at the chance.

i’m pretty sure dana’s blog is the first blog i found that helped me discover the world of modern sewing 4 years ago, and it’s an absolute must-read. she covers lots of different crafty topics (in addition to sewing), has a fresh, clean aesthetic, beautiful photography, and a lighthearted attitude that makes her just so fun to follow. i admire what dana has built so much, and was so flattered she asked me to test this pattern for her! i really enjoyed the process and bouncing ideas off each other as i sewed.

the pattern is called the flip vest – a cozy little vest for babies and kids that’s perfect for layering as we head out of winter and into spring. O has gotten so much use out of his vest already – it’s been under a coat on cooler days, over a light sweater on warmer ones…it’s really a fantastic transitional piece (i’ve got plans to make one for Em to wear on the playground too!).

last Friday, we happened to have the most gorgeous day – and the little fella grabbed his “noculars” to head out for a walk. i had actually taken different photos of the vest already on a more typical overcast february day, but the sunshine definitely called for a reshoot.

the flip vest is designed to be reversible if you use velcro, though i made mine button up so i could show off the essex yarn dyed black linen which i’ve now decided is my favorite fabric of all time. inside is a dark olive green micro fleece from Joann, and the rib knit is cream (also from Joann). this pattern is a very quick sew and takes very little fabric, which i love.

one of my notes to Dana was to see if binding the armholes with a sort of bias bound method would work and she was totally open to it, so i tried that and it ended up in the final pattern as one of two armhole finishing options. you probably should use a walking foot if you do this, as the fabrics get a bit thick all together, but i think it gives you a really nice finish.

i sewed this vest in a 2/3T, and the width came out great but it’s just a tad bit long on 2-year-old O – Dana shortened the length from what you see here in the final pattern. his sweater underneath is this sailboat top made last year, which fits perfectly now!

don’t you think the vest looks sort of old timey with the linen and buttons? it’s like i’ve already got the “There Will Be Blood” film petit halfway done. ha!

okay, so how about a giveaway??

Dana has generously offered THREE flip vest patterns from her pattern shop for me to give away – that’s three different winners! you may not fully realize how much you need this pattern, but you DO. you NEED it. it comes in size 6m – 5T and i can see it becoming a wardrobe staple for both of my kids – a fun and easy gift to make for others, too (did you see Delia’s versions? adorable).

to enter the giveaway:

leave a comment, any comment. i’m feeling ready for spring these days, so if you need an idea of what to write, how about telling me your favorite flower!
giveaway is open until friday, feb 22 at 5pm PST.
make sure you leave a valid email address with your comment.
i’ll pick three winners on friday and put you in touch with Dana to receive your pattern.

good luck!

*giveaway is now closed and the three winners, Maryna, Ivana, and Stacey, have been emailed. thanks to all who entered and happy sewing!*

P.S. did you see Dana and Rae are joining forces for Celebrate the Boy again starting next week?! soooo fun. can’t wait. i’m always in need of some good boy sewing inspiration.

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Comments 173 Comments
Categories giveaways, pattern testing, sewing, sewing for boys

polka dot geranium dress

1 Jan

happy new year!

i know a bunch of my sewing blog buddies have been doing 2012 recap / 2013 goal setting posts, and since so much happened for me with this blog in 2012 i still might do that, but right now i feel more like blogging this dress!

it’s Made by Rae‘s newest release, the Geranium Dress. you know how i love Rae’s patterns, and i think every time she releases a new one i say “she just keeps getting better and better” but it’s really true. i was a pattern tester for this dress and i only had nitpicky type comments for her, really; it was already a high quality pattern even before the testers got our hands on it! I think this could work as a “first pattern from pieces” dress for a beginning sewist ready to tackle buttons and pleats; it’s all explained so well.

this pattern is also Rae’s response to requests for a “mini washi dress (remember when i made one myself but had the big head problem?), but Rae also built this pattern to give the sewer oodles of options to make a different dress every time…check this out:

three sleeve options, two skirt options, three neckline options, two length options, and pockets! the way she presents the choices isn’t confusing or overwhelming, it’s really clear and easy to follow. love that.

i picked faux cap sleeve with dress-length pleated skirt, side seam pockets, and notched V neckline. the bodice is 3T and the skirt is 4T (i just increased the seam allowance on the skirt a little to make it line up). i picked the options that would be the quickest to sew and the most “formal” looking, since i was on a time crunch before Em’s ballet recital but wanted her dress to feel holiday-appropriate.

it’s a really quick and satisfying sew, and i made it in a night! considering i started from taping the pattern together and was taking pattern test notes too, it’s seriously fast.

she wore this dress to her ballet Christmas program, her school Christmas program, and Christmas Eve festivities with the family, plus out and about (basically whenever it’s clean). i sewed it in a cheap black and white polka dot cotton from Joann that I also used to pattern test Rae’s pierrot tunic last fall – totally different feel on a more structured dress though, right? i love that it looks like snow.

i used the rest of the pink elephant buttons i first used for her japanese tea party jacket. she loves that touch of course.

for her “fancy occasions,” i made her a little sequined headband out of some trim that i just hand sewed together and hit with some fray check. she loves wearing headbands and other hair accessories lately, it’s always interesting what she comes down wearing.

get your Geranium Dress pattern from Rae, and happy new year sewing!!

PS – need more Geranium inspiration? Rae posted all the pattern tester versions here, and my personal favorite is my pal Cherie’s eyelet dress. SO gorgeous!

Comments 29 Comments
Categories kids clothes, made by rae patterns, pattern testing, sewing

chambray big bow dress

6 Nov

ah pattern testing, my favorite sewing blog activity!

i first found the big bow dress on pinterest. it’s by miranda of one little minute. i feel like it had popped up in my feed over and over, and each time i saw it i was like “ooooh that’s so cute, is there a pattern?” i’d click through to her blog post and was always bummed to see there wasn’t a pattern, she just took custom orders for them. since i sew, i don’t buy dresses for Em anymore, so that didn’t really help me. i wanted to MAKE one!!

but then i started following miranda on instagram and saw a photo one night showing she was working on a pattern! yippee! i told her i was excited, and a little while later she asked me to test it for her!

the big bow dress pattern is now for sale! for testing purposes, i sewed mine in a lovely chambray (purchased here) with vintage sheet lining. i love the casual vibe it lends to this more formal dress, and the blue floral sheet inside is so soft! i made a 3T in 4T length, and i just love how it looks on Em.

Em is kind of a sucker for exaggerated details, i think, so she loves the bow and the roomy a-line fit for dancing too. even despite the blue color, she was sold on it pretty quickly!

miranda was great at listening to tester feedback and as a result i think the pattern is really user friendly, though probably advanced beginner/intermediate-level since it involves a buttonhole, zipper, pleating, and lining…though the pattern is good at explaining it all too.

chambray big bow dress

i have just one construction tip that didn’t make it into the final version of the pattern that may help, and that is this: after sewing the buttonhole, sew a basting stitch down the length of the dress, continuing the same distance out from the fold as the buttonhole on the right side of the dress. press open the front box pleat and then remove the basting stitches. this will help you keep an even box pleat down the length of the dress.

my dress has a tiny inverted box pleat in the center of the bigger box pleat, which wasn’t miranda’s intention…the pattern actually calls for a knife pleat. take a look at her photos, not mine for specific details.

the dress closes with an invisible zipper, and her technique involves no hand stitching of the lining! yay!

Em wore this to a wedding rehearsal and dinner (she was the flower girl! much more to come on that) and it’s great as a formal-ish but still so comfortable dress. perfect heading into the holiday season, don’t you think?

you can get your own big bow dress pattern right here! it goes from 6 months to size 6 and i think it’d be especially adorably ridiculous on a little baby.

thanks for letting me test this pattern, miranda!!

Comments 30 Comments
Categories kids clothes, pattern testing, sewing

sweetheart dress pattern and giveaway

2 Oct

have i got some sweet stuff for you today!

i was recently lucky enough to pattern test the newest pattern by the lovely and talented shannon of luvinthemommyhood, which was just released yesterday! it’s called the sweetheart dress, and it’s the perfect dress for a girly little gal like mine. it’s a quick, fun sew, featuring a fully lined bodice with the cutest heart cutout in the back, and a gathered skirt for twirling. it’s a dress that’s great for comfy day-to-day wear, but has tons of style!

i sewed it in sarah jane’s find the narwhal fabric from her out to sea line, and i’ve decided it’s pretty much the cutest fabric ever. Em calls the narwhals “unicorn whales,” and i’m not correcting her. they ARE unicorn whales! the fabric itself is quilting cotton, but with a really nice drape and feel.

shannon’s pattern is great, and i even learned how to line a bodice in a way that i had never tried before. it’s always fun to learn something new when i sew! it came together nicely and i was excited to make a dress that i knew Em would love.

the pattern includes sizes 2-6. though it’s a PDF pattern and i know some people aren’t so fond of those, it actually requires no taping! NONE! just print the three page pattern, cut it out, and get sewing.

i just think between the heart cutout and the pink narwhal fabric, this dress pure confection. you probably need this sweet little pattern for KCWC next week, right? well…i can help with that!

luvinthemommyhood is generously offering a fantastic pattern giveaway to skirt as top readers! here’s how you can win:

leave me a comment on this post – any comment will do. if you need an idea, i’d love to hear what part of the changing season you’re most excited about.

bonus entries:

like skirt as top on Facebook and leave a separate comment letting me know
like luvinthemommyood on Facebook and leave a separate comment letting me know
visit the luvinthemommyhood pattern shop and let me know your favorite pattern in there (man i wish i could knit)

that’s a possible FOUR separate entries!

i’ll pick THREE winners on sunday, october 7. one grand prize winner will win the sweetheart dress pattern, plus every pattern in shannon’s shop! yes, EVERY SINGLE PATTERN!! additionally, two runners up will win the sweetheart dress PDF sewing pattern! pretty great, eh?

deets:

if it’s not already linked in your profile, please leave your email address so we can contact you. the format of skirtastop(at)gmail(dot)com works well to help avoid spam.
open to US and international residents.
void where prohibited.
if you don’t want to wait to find out if you’ve won, you can buy the sweetheart dress right here right now!

have a great day, and good luck!

Comments 107 Comments
Categories giveaways, kids clothes, pattern testing, sewing

washi testing!

8 Aug

i’m not a very selfish seamstress. frankly, it’s because i’m intimidated. i don’t like how much yardage adult lady patterns require, the patterns seem too complicated, and you just never know how the fit will work. i seem to have just as many failures at sewing clothes for myself as i do successes. i actually own a good number of adult patterns that i’ve never even opened. they just freak me out!

but not the washi dress. i LOVE the washi dress. i loved it when Rae posted about it the first time, and the second time, and every time thereafter. i knew i wanted to get my hands on the pattern as soon as possible. lucky for me, a well-timed email to Rae (where i just happened to offer my services as a pattern tester once again) turned into me sending her a couple very personal measurements and it just so happened i filled the size gap she needed. i got to be a washi tester!

it lived up to the hype. if you have always wanted to sew yourself a dress and you’ve been scared, this is definitely the pattern to try. Rae’s patterns are always clear and logical to follow, and she just keeps getting better! she has enlisted her sister to help with the technical pattern design parts and the washi pattern is so professional with great little diagrams instead of photos. Rae was definitely up to the challenge of making an adult lady pattern in a wide range of sizes, which i consider just incredible. she includes a fit guide that makes a lot of sense, when usually pattern alterations would scare me off. i made a medium, and the fit is pretty much perfect.

you can make the washi as a dress or a tunic, with sleeves (shown) or without, and once you have the fit down, it seems so easy to tweak a bit for different looks! and hey, it even has pockets!

i really enjoyed the process of sewing the pattern, too. you know how some have “that one step” that you dread or hate, maybe it’s the zipper, or 20 buttons, or a ton of bias binding? the washi has a little of many different techniques, so you never get bored or tired of what you’re doing. it’s a really fun sew! the ONLY thing i was worried about was the shirring. i have a basic brother machine and those are notorious for not shirring easily; i’d tried a few times and it had never worked.

but i figured it out – and to do it, you’ve gotta break a rule (see my evil smile?).

okay first, go buy gutermann brand elastic thread like Rae suggests. they sell it at joann’s, and when i went they had it on sale. the stuff just FEELS higher quality than other brands, and it seems to makes a huge difference. second, you need to wind it onto the bobbin with some tension – this is the rule you break, because everyone tells you to wind it without pulling. if i did that, it wouldn’t work – it just left me a mess of elastic underneath. but if i wound it with a little tightness, it seemed to work every time. don’t stretch it to the point of almost breaking, just pull a bit and wind it tighter than you should, like you’re rewinding a yo-yo. thirdly, if you have a drop in bobbin with the auto feed, don’t let the bobbin thread cut and retreat back into the “gully.” leave it so you can still see some tail out the side. if i cut the bobbin thread like normal, it snapped back in and wouldn’t catch when i started sewing.

finally, PRACTICE. i found i didn’t need to change my tension and i just increased my stitch length to 3.0. it worked! use scraps and try different things. what worked for me might not work for you, but i really didn’t want to mess with tightening bobbin cases and then loosening them the perfect amount again, so i was happy to figure this out without that.

and by the way – a dress with shirring in the back? SUPER comfy to wear. i’ve worn it to work, on a date night, playing with the kids, etc. i wished the bodice was just a tad longer and the skirt too, but Rae heard that from many testers and the final pattern will remedy both of those concerns.

this wraps up my washi post! keep your eye on Made by Rae for the official pattern release (any day now! i’ll update this post when it happens) and while you’re waiting, go check out Emily’s THREE washis, Cherie’s blue eyelet version, and Holly’s classy gray washi too! there’s also a washi flickr pool.

**UPDATE: WASHI IS HERE!! WASHI IS HERE!! GO BUY IT FROM RAE, YOU WON’T REGRET IT!!**

PS – the fabric for this dress is denyse schmidt for joann fabrics. i like that it looks a bit like a vintage feedsack.

PPS – I’m already most of the way through washi #2! i NEVER sew the same pattern so quickly, but i’m really excited about it so i had to!