Kids Kaftan by Pattern Emporium
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If you are going to have fun in the sun, then you also need a great coverup for all those swimsuits youa re going to make,. Check out Lisa's review of the Kid's Kaftan by Pattern Emporium.
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One Piece Swimsuits (3350e) by Jalie Patterns
/Hello, again! It's Jessica of Snickerdoodle Stew, here to kick off our swimsuit sewing week with a review of the Jalie One Piece Swimsuits (3350e)! I'm most definitely a newbie to sewing swimsuits and this is my second one ever, as well as my first Jalie pattern, so I'm glad to be able to share my successes and flubs with you!
Today I will be reviewing the girl's portion of the pattern.
The first thing I need to draw your attention to with this pattern is the SIZE RANGE!!! It's insane! Not only are you getting 27 sizes in one pattern, you are getting two bodice styles with two back styles PLUS the ability to mix and match the fronts and backs. Lots of bang for your self-sewing swimwear buck.
Speaking of bang for my buck, this uses such a small amount of fabric! The turquoise fabric is from Girl Charlee (purchased last year, so it's no longer available that I can see), and the pink and red stripes are from Purple Seamstress Fabrics.
There are a lot of instructions on how to get a great fit, which I really appreciate. Miss Lydia was right on a 3 for her girth, but just under a 3 for her chest and hip measurements, so I went with a 3. I think the fit is great, but she normally wears a 4 or 5 in RTW, so really make sure that you measure well and make a muslin if you have to. My only disappointment in the fit is that I wish there was a little more coverage on top. I do like that you have the option to mix and match the front and back, so I went with view A for the front and view B for the back.
There are a few interesting features in this pattern that are different from what you might know in other PDFs. Jalie is a Canadian company, and their pattern instructions are done in columns, one side in English and one side in French. The measurements are in Imperial and Metric, so make sure you keep them straight if you're used to one over the other! Also, all of the instructions have corresponding illustrations. The directions are straightforward and to the point, so beginning seamstresses that are looking for something that's more in depth may have a hard time following along.
My last bit of advice is to play around with your zig zag over the elastic on the topside of the fabric on some scraps. I didn't know exactly where to put mine and for my machine, it worked better to zig zag almost to the inside edge of the elastic, as opposed to being closer to the outside edge of the garment. So I have a funky double zig zag, which actually looks kind of cool. I did my inside seams with a serger and all of my elastic work with my regular machine, and the instructions tell you what to do if you don't have a serger.
Overall, I was pleased with the outcome and while I don't have an overwhelming desire to make all of Miss Lydia's swimsuits from now on, I at least have some great fabric leftover and I have the hang of sewing it so I can make another when she outgrows this one.
Comparative Review: Swoon Camille & Sew Sweetness Ansel
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Today, we take a look at some fun and useful camera bags. Denita has a wonderful and insightful review to help you make the choice that works best for you. We also have some wonderful versions sewn up by Lisa and Kim!
Read MoreMia's Tieback Top, Dress, and Maxi by Simple Life Pattern Company
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The SImple Life Pattern Company is at it again and we're here to bring you a review plus some great pics of Mia's Tieback Top, Dress, and Maxi! First up, we'll have Shae with a review and 3 lovely examples, followed by more terrific tiebacks from Leonie and Marnie! And don't stray too far, because we have a review of Megan's Wrap Top and Dress on Thursday!
Read MoreGather Me Up Clutch by Two Pretty Poppets
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We're doing a lot of self-care sewing and showing how we are BEAUTIFUL in so many ways, but sometimes we're not ready to commit to sewing a garment for ourselves. Or we want to sew for someone else, but it's hard with measurements and curves and such. This is where handbags come in! Who doesn't love a fun clutch or handbag? Today we have the Gather Me Up Clutch by Two Pretty Poppets, sewn up and reviewed by Sarah and Raedene!
Read MoreSewing Books: Sewing for Your Girls and Sew Sweet Handmade Clothes for Your Girls
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It is well known that here at Pattern Revolution, we tend to mostly talk about PDF patterns. But sometimes something so cool crosses our desks that we just can't say no.
That was the case when we were contacted by Tuttle Publishing Company to review two of their popular Japanese pattern books books: Sewing for Your Girls by designer Yoshiko Tsukiori and Sew Sweet Handmade Clothes for Girls by Yuki Araki.
Read MoreTilly Top by Brownie-Goose
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I think everyone would agree that there are some styles that are just timeless. Clean lines that stand the test from generation to generation and only require small updates of hemlines or fabric selection to be current. To me, brownie-goose patterns fit have that timelessness that will have my daughter sewing them for her children someday, should she choose to pick up the addiction...er...hobby. And today we have the Tilly Top reviewed by Kim, with an extra bonus of the Darby Shorts for added cuteness, and more gorgeous photos by Serena.
Read MoreGemini Skirt by Sofilantjes
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Review of the Sofilantjes Gemini Skirt, a coupon code and a contest!
Read MoreBrueram Dress by Sofilantjes
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Today I have the first part of TWO reviews for patterns from Sofilantjes! Nichole is here today to bring you her review of the Brueram Dress. This dress has so many options, so keep reading to get the inside scoop!
Read MoreEvelyn Market Tote and Handbag by Swoon Sewing Patterns
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We have several ladies on our review team that really like to sew bags. They have the patience to deal with all of that interfacing and turning and ironing and do a gorgeous job every time. I lovingly refer to them as my "bag ladies." Denita is fairly new to our team, but she is quickly becoming one of our go-to gals when it comes to purses and such. Today, she has a review of the lovely Swoon Evelyn. So sit back and let her give you the lowdown on this great accessory!
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