S1046 Claudia Godet Style Knit Dress With Flutter Sleeves

Sometimes testing a pattern allows you to discover a pattern company that is reliable with it's sizing.  This is what I like about Sinclair Patterns.

The fabric for this make, I think is a lycra.  I say I think because I still consider my knowledge of stretch fabric to be new to me, up until about a year ago I avoided sewing with stretch fabric, where I could.  That was, until I purchased a coverstitch machine.

Having said that, you don't need a coverstitch for this dress, I just use it for the hems.  Other than that it's largely made on the overlocker.

This dress comes together so easily, I really enjoyed making it, as will you when you try it.  The fabric was purchased from Spotlight Stores, however, has been sitting in my stash for a bit.  This dress will be easy to wear on a hot summers day.  I am currently making a second dress in a black and white stripe (the fabric I used on the side panels in the photos below).

It's on sale until June 10.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

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Hacked Skirt pattern - S1071 Sinclair Patterns Moon wide leg woven pull on pants, culottes and shorts

Do you every make up a pattern and think, I like this, but wouldn't it also look good as a .... Well, that happened to me.

After making up the Sinclair Patterns Moon Pants and liking the fit around the waistline, and while I was driving home from work, I had that light bulb moment where I thought, wouldn't this pattern make a great skirt?

However, I had two light bulb moments.  I had a dress that I had made from a lovely linen a friend had given me some time ago.  Initially I made it up into a halter neck dress, wore it once, loved the fabric thought that I'd better make it up into something else.  I took off the bodice and made it into a flared skirt, wore it a couple of times and, I still was not happy with it.

So, what if I could simply alter the Moon pants pattern to become a skirt from what I had left of the halter neck dress/now flared skirt?  So my quest began.

To tell you the truth, the alteration that needs to happen is initially in the pattern.  It's two simple things.

1  Measure the distance between the CF/CB seam to the straight grain:

     In my case the distance was 11.5 cm.  I marked this point at the beginning and end of the straight         grain.

2   I then connected the two points and drew a line:

3   I then folded over the pattern so that I had a new CF (Center Front) and CB (Center Back):

4   Then I placed the CF and CB onto the fold and cut the front and the back piece on the fold.

5   Follow the sewing instructions 1 - 5, as is in the instructions.

6   Skip instructions 6 - 8

7   Follow instructions 9 - 16

I also extended the length of the ties, and I didn't place any interfacing in the ties.

I really like the skirt, and the final version that that this fabric will be made in.

That's it and there you have it the S1071 Sinclair Patterns Moon Skirt (I guess), but I'm sure that Oxana Sinclair could improve on what I've done here.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

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Sinclair Patterns S1015 - Elle classic panel pencil skirt with a simple kick pleat

This week I tested the Sinclair Patterns S1015 - Elle classic panel pencil skirt.  I guess what I liked about this panel skirt pattern when I saw it was the possibilities of the different fabrics you could use to make it. This pattern is on sale this week.

Some testers of this skirt used suede, knit and lace.  In most versions that were made, people chose to make the pull on version of this skirt.

I decided, after looking at my scraps from other projects, that I would make the skirt using some of my stretch denim leftovers.  In doing that I chose to make it in the zip on version of the skirt.  In the end I used three different types of denim for the skirt.  It's lucky that I hung onto these, it proves that I'm not going mad because all I can find in stores these days is denim in black, blue and white!   Frustrating.

The only adjustment to the pattern was in the waistband, this was because I was running out of fabric, so I narrowed it to fit onto the fabric.  Besides this, as I said, no other adjustments were made. 

I like the look of the skirt, it fits well, easy to make.

This pattern is released this week and is currently on special.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

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Sinclair Patterns - S1070 Penny Classic Leggings

I know why I stopped making pants/leggings and anything in this genre, I'II share this with you in my next blog post.

This week I pattern tested the Sinclair Patterns - Penny Classic Leggings. 

There was a gap in my wardrobe for a pair of leggings, I usually like wearing a pair either around the house or under a dress, preferably under a dress when I'm out during winter.

I am acutely aware of my fuller figure.  Having said this I am fortunate as my legs aren't fat.

From this pattern I made two pairs of leggings, one that was full length and the other the cropped length.

The leggings come with a comfort band or classic waistband.  I decided to make both pairs with a comfort band. I used a stretch jersey.

What I liked about this pattern is it's ease in sewing.  One pair whipped up within an hour.  So, one gap in the wardrobe has been filled.

I would highly recommend this pattern, the instructions are easy to follow and the pattern so easy to sew.  Besides, the pattern is on sale this week at an introductory price of $6.99.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

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Sinclair Patterns - S1050 Bianca Knit Bolero

I have two more posts to write before we ring in the new year.  So I will write these today.  

The first one is Sinclair Patterns - S1050 Bianca Knit Bolero.

I was fortunate again to be chosen to be a pattern tester for this top.  My not bloggin about this top, I think, had more to do about me being so busy at work.  It was a crazy time, I was applying for a job closer to home and was involved in VCAA exam marking, and preparing to go on LSL to Singapore for a week.  Just like me to do too much at once.  All of this distracts for my post here.

Pattern sizing

Pattern sizing for Sinclair patterns start at Petite Size US0 to Tall US22.  I made this pattern in a size Regular US22.


Did it look like the photo on the pattern envelop once you were done sewing with it?

I think the dress did look like the photo and the drawing in the magazine once finished.


Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions for the dress were very easy to follow, I think that's the beauty of the design of Sinclair Patterns.  Very few seams and great tips have been included in the instructions


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I have sewn a few Sinclair Patterns now and what I like is the designs are simple, yet stylish.  This bolero is versatile and is quick and easy to put together.


Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?

It was my intention to make another before posting a blog on this bolero, so, yes I have every intention of making it again.  I would probably suggest that you place some light interfacing in the collar part of the bolero.

This is a great, light weight bolero.  I took it with me when I visited Singapore (not that I needed it in Singapore), but it was certainly useful in Melbourne, before I boarded the flight.  I can see it being made in a stretch after five fabric for use in evening wear.  Certainly a must have addition to you wardrobe.

Happy sewing everyone and Happy New Year

Sandra

PS Follow this link, CSC scroll down, and there you will see my Bella skirt and Bianca top featured there.

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Stella S1020 - Sinclair Patterns

It may look like I've gone quiet online, but, I've actually been busy.  Between formally marking VCAA exams (Year 12 exams for Victorian Students), work, finding a new job to begin in 2018 and testing patterns; I've hardly had time to breath. I'm getting to the end of the marking, and then in a week I take some long service leave and fly out to Singapore.  I should be able to think about Christmas after then.

I was chosen to test the S1020 Stella pattern from Sinclair Patterns.

At first I didn't know whether it would be flattering on my frame.  My other concern was whether it would be long enough to hide my tummy.

I didn't make any changes to the pattern itself, except that I added 2.5 cm (1") in the bodice length to suit me.  This is a usual adjustment I make to all patterns for me as I am longer in the torso.

Sinclair Patterns are PDF and come together easily.

I decided that the choice of fabric was crucial.  Too stiff and and it would look like a tent.  In all honesty, I think I took more time choosing the fabric than I did sewing it.

In the end I found two colour ways (or as close to) that would compliment each other.  The fabric I choose was a polyester rayon.

I can't criticise the sizing on the pattern, I can only compliment the company on their sizing. I think the sizing reflects the 'real' sizing of a woman.

Sewing of this top was done within two hours, it is comfortable to wear and easy to sew.  It's just been released and on sale for $7.99 at the moment.  I would highly recommend the Stella S1020 Sinclair Pattern.

Happy sewing everyone

Sandra

PS it does cover my tummy!

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Sinclair Patterns. The Alexis Relaxed Fit Hoodie

I was one of many who was chosen to test Sinclair Patterns, Alexis Hoodie. I thank them for giving me this opportunity.

I must admit, we are going into Summer over here, and l didn't really think l would get a chance to wear it before next year!

Melbourne hasn't let me down. In typical Melbourne fashion after finishing the dress, we had a week of 30 degrees, followed by a change in temperature to a more winter type day. This was finally my time to wear my new outfit!! Plus, it was Friday and a time for something more casual.

So, let me talk about the pattern.

I procrastinated initially about my fabric choice. In the end l settled on a ponte and for the sleeves a stretch knit from my stash.

It took me about 4 hours to put together. The pattern comes together easily. I like the fit of it (the pattern has now been altered to reflect suggestions from testers). The instructions are clear, and easy to follow.

This outfit works well with leggings or tights. Dress it up if you like with some high heels (preferably red, in my case),  and you have another look. Its soooo comfy, l feel like l've been in my pajamas all day, but, with a bit of style!

The compliments have been positive.

So, thank you Sinclair patterns for selecting me.  It was a challenge to get it made in a short time line, but l enjoyed the discussion amongst other testers. I do want to more pattern testing. So, if you are a pattern designer, you know where l am.

I have purchased another pattern off this company. You'll have to watch this space to see which one, that's after l finish an Ottobre dress, a Gertie dress .... And the list goes on.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra


4 November 2017

I was very flattered to find this morning that my instagram post on this hoodie was in the round up of instagram accounts on The Curvy Collective blog.  Thank you.

@sinclair patterns
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