Women's Adalynn Dress - Mamma Can Do It

I was selected to test the Mamma Can Do It - Women's Adalynn Dress. 

This dress comes in US sizes 00 - 20 and the fabric required is a 50%  stretch fabric.

I have worn the dress a few times since making it last week.  It is quick and easy to sew and the instructions are easy to follow. 

I like the look and fit of it, I would probably be reluctant to go into a larger size.  The sleeves look a little tight on this version of the dress on ME, but I can fix that next time around.  Or, I could use a fabric with more stretch in it.  However, these are me issues not the pattern.

Worn with a belt

Back view with a belt

Without a belt

My preference is to wear the dress with a belt.  I love the pockets.

This is a quick and easy dress to make.  The pattern also comes with the option of adding a ruffle to the hemline and long sleeves.  It's summer here at the moment, hence the reason that I've gone with the short sleeve version at the moment and I haven't added ruffles, because I'm not a ruffles sort of a girl!

I added some detail around the hems by using a red thread to finish the dress on my coverstitch machine.

The fabric has that denim look but is a stretch non woven fabric.  A nice look and feel.

This dress pattern is to be released on

If you are looking for a comfortable dress, this is it. Head on over to their page: https://mammacandoit.com/collections/women/products/the-adalynn-dress-women-00-20/?aff=132  This pattern is on sale on Wednesday.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

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#mammacandoit, @mammacandoit

Sinclair Patterns - S9002 Tao semi fitted classic raglan sleeve t-shirt for men

I am grateful that I was chosen to patten test the Sinclair Patterns S9002 Tao classic raglan sleeve t'shirt for men.

My husband doesn't get much sewn for him, from me.  So, when the opportunity arose, I went with it.

This top is made from a light weight wool blend knit.  If you look closely at the fabric, you will notice faint horizontal stripes.

I felt that it fitted him pretty well, he really likes the fit as well.

This is my husband Stan modelling the top:

We had just come out of a very hot few days and took the photos on a more cool day.

I did love sewing the pattern, again, a quick and easy top to sew, I had no fit issues with it and would recommend it as a pattern to sew. I look forward to making it again for him (particularly after I throw out some tops that he's been hanging on for way too long).

Sizing begins at  US32 short and progress right the way through to US52 Tall.

The pattern is currently on sale for $6.99 as a digital download.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

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2018 Ready To Wear Challenge

I have decided to take part in two sewing challenges this year.

Today I will talk about one of those, the Goodbye Valentino RTW 2018 challenge.  (I am number 971 on the list provided on this web site).

I have made a pledge not to buy Ready to Wear clothing for the entirity of 2018.

I sew about 80% of my wardrobe, my aim is to sew 100% of my wardrobe in 2018 and for this commitment to continue beyond the end of this calendar year.

What does this exactly mean that I can and can't do?

Here are some frequently asked questions (taken from Goodbye Valentino's blog):

1.May I buy sweaters since I don't knit?
No, you may not buy sweaters.

2. What about bathing suits?
No, you may not buy a bathing suit.

3. I'm attending a ball this year. May I buy a ball gown?
No you may not buy a ball gown.

4. Do I have to make my wedding dress?
Please buy the wedding dress of your dreams. A wedding dress or bridesmaid's dress is the only exception.

5. What about scarves?
No

6. What can we buy during 2018?
You many buy underwear, socks, jewelry, handbags and belts.

7. Can we buy shoes on a Ready to Wear Fast?
Y E S !!  Shoes are allowed - Enjoy 

8. Can I wear the Ready to Wear clothes I bought before the Fast?
Yes, absolutely.

9. May we accept gifts of clothing?
Of course.

10. Can we buy thrift shop clothes to refashion?
No. I encourage you to refashion clothes from your closet.

So, these are some of the rules, in my head I'm sorting through the things I'd like to make this year and tying this in with another challenge I've signed up for.

Watch this space, there's more to come, I look forward to it's challenges.

I have just pattern tested another pattern for Sinclair Patterns, and will release the pictures and details as soon as the pattern is released.  This time, it's a men's pattern.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

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Cross Body Bag Pattern - So Sew Easy

Twelve months ago I applied for the final three weeks to the school year as Long Service Leave (LSL).  I felt I needed a longer break (usually 5 weeks), plus I wanted to visit a friend in Singapore.

I wanted to carry with me a handbag that was light, but that would carry everything I needed everyday, including some water bottles.

I came across the Cross Body Bag Pattern from So Sew Easy   There are a few things that attracted me to this pattern:

• my experience with patterns from the So Sew Easy site always lived up to expectations of being easy to sew and construct
• were asthetically pleasing
• had lots of pockets, some very secure (useful for travelling)
• I could fit important documents/passports and water bottles into the bag

So many pockets:

Since the pattern appeared to tick all of these criteria, I went ahead and made the bag.  Besides the written instructions, the designers of this bag also have a link to a youTube clip that can help you through the process.

I took this bag with me to Singapore and it was the right bag to carry around.  It met all my criteria.

As promised, the bag is easy to make.  I would like to try and make this bag again in a cork.  Watch this space, that version could be coming in the future.

On a side note, Singapore is quite a Sewing Mecca.  I did not realise until I got there how many fabric/haberdashery shops there were.  Good quality fabric at extremely reasonable prices.  Arab Street, Little India, Chinatown.  WOW.  Here's some bark cloth I purchased for $6 a yard:

And there was more fabric, more fabric than I could have imagined .....

Happy sewing everyone, and happy new year.

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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18. Ladder Stripes. Ottobre Design Autumn/Winter 5/2017

I guess I can't help myself, it's Summer over here and I have wanted to make this pattern for a while.  Finally the urge became so strong that I just had to make it.

I've never hidden the fact of how much I love Ottobre Design Patterns.  Their patterns are available via subscription, or, you can choose to purchase individual issues.  It actually works out cheaper to purchase them via subscription and do come in English.

Just like Burda or Patrones, you will need to trace off the pattern pieces from a master sheet.  The pattern pieces are easy to identify on the master sheet. Just add a 1 cm seam allowance.

I had already traced off the pattern and in my stash found a fabric that I could use for this dress.

Pattern Description

This is a figure hugging dress with a flared hemline made in a stretch fabric.


Pattern sizing

Pattern sizing for Ottobre patterns start at 34 Eu to 52 EU.  I made this pattern in a size 52 EU.


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 and had soe nifty tips for sewing up the dress to reduce stretch around the neckline.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

What I particularly liked about the pattern is it's ease of construction and the fact that it is simple to complete within a few hours.


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

I would recommend this pattern to others to sew.  If I do sew it again I might try and make it in a heaviee weight fabric and I may even make it in a size smaller than the one I chose.


This is a quick and easy dress to make.  Give it a try.


Also check out  Fans de Ottobre Design


Happy sewing everyone and Merry Christmas.

Sandra

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Sinclair Patterns, S1012 Bella woven half circle skirt

A couple of weeks ago l tested the Sinclair Patterns, S1012 Bella - woven skirt.

The pattern itself comes in US sizes 0 - 22. I made the skirt  from a polyester/cotton mixed fabric that l had in my stash.

Besides the fit, l really like the way the waistband sits firm. I don't usually wear my tops out, bit with this waistband, the look is better with your top tucked in.

The skirt called for lining, but, since the weather has been warm, l skipped that bit.

I like the fit of the skirt and the pockets are nifty.

I think an easy to make skirt.  I just love it, try it, l hope you do to.  If you head over to Sinclair Patterns web site, at the moment they are having a sale.


I am currently holidaying in Singapore at the moment. I didn't quite realise how many fabric places there are to purchase fabric.  I've lost count, and the prices are more than reasonable.

Here's some photos of my fabric haul.

Can't wait to get home to start sewing.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

#handmade, #handmadewardrobe, #memade, #memadeeveryday, #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew, #handmadeclothing, #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, #CSCMakes, #Melbournesews, #Australiasews, #Brunswicksews @sinclairpatterns