Over the summer I had the pleasure of getting together with local- to- me designer Patsy Aiken. She has just "retired" and closed down her popular children's clothing and fabric company Chez Ami. From the minute she started talking, it became clear that she had no intentions of actually retiring, and she began talking about converting all of her best selling clothing patterns into .pdf pattern for sale. Thanks to the fact that she has hundreds of patterns spanning her design career that have already been tested and mass produced for the children's clothing market, things took off quickly. Now Patsy Aiken Designs is officially open for business and already has lots of patterns for sale. We're happy to welcome Patsy to the .pdf pattern world. Patsy is offering our readers 25% off their purchase with code PR25 (Expires 11/5/2015), or use code 5050 through 10/30/15 to get 50% off your order of $50 or more in patterns and embroidery designs (1 coupon code per order, not stackable). Here's Denita with our review:

Hi it’s Denita from HattieLu Handmade! I’m excited to share with you my latest project. Wait for it...a girl’s top! GASP! Yes, I know I’m the boy mama; however, today is my chance to share in the fun the other PR ladies enjoy! I’m happy to say that my first review is Patsy Aiken Designs Layla Swing Top. Remember, I’m new to the world of sewing for little girls so Patsy Aiken Designs was a new to me designer. She offers, not just sewing patterns, embroideries and fabric (coming soon). The coolest part for me is she’s a fellow Carolinian (North to be exact).

The Layla Swing Top has a keyhole front with bias bound neckline that ties. The back has two buttons to for easy dressing. The set-in sleeves are gathered at the wrist for an added accent. I found this to be very appealing and a nice feature. The bottom is gathered also before attaching to the yokes. The bias binding at the neckline carries through to the sleeves and bottom of the top. I really like this added touch of binding because hemming and topstitching aren't my favorite things.

The quickness of how the pattern comes together is wonderful. From pattern taping to finished top is about an hour. Mid to lightweight knit fabrics are suggested; however, the bottom could be made using woven fabric. It would be important to make sure that the knit for the yokes could support the weight of heavier woven fabric.

The instructions stated to sew the back button as close to the bound neckline as possible. I believe adding a clear sew-in snap right at the neckline would eliminate the slight misalignment on my neckline. I was confused by the neckline binding cutting chart. I misunderstood the 11" measure as the actual measurement for the neckline. That's why the front ties have a visible seam. I know now to measure the neckline and then add the 11" to that measurement. Overall, the instructions were thorough and easy to follow. The pattern is great for someone who has a little sewing under their belt. It's not an advanced beginner pattern, more of an adventurous beginner. I know that buttonholes frighten some new seamstresses; however, you could substitute the buttons for a different closure option easily.

Don’t forget to post your creations in our Facebook group!

Until next time….

Denita

“It’s not about the sewing...oh, yes it is!”