Introducing The Trifecta Top!

At very long last, the Trifecta Top is now available!  Named thusly because of the three neckline heights, three sleeve lengths, and three optional extras.  From the official description:

The Trifecta Top is a versatile wardrobe builder with loads of customisation options! There are three necklines (high scoop, low scoop, and scooped V-neck), three sleeve lengths with hem or band finishes (cap with hem or band, elbow length hem or band, long sleeve hem or band), and two shirt lengths (a hit-at-the-hip hem length and a marginally longer waistband length). Fitted through the bust, there is gentle side seam shaping through the high waist before skimming through the hips. Scrap hoarders will be delighted that there are also options for a tiny pocket, contrasting shoulder insets, and a centred triangle inset to showcase those small scraps you can’t bear to part with. With easy to sew raglan sleeves this top is a perfect introduction to sewing for yourself and testing the sewing-with-knits waters; a super fast sew and straightforward to fit. More experienced sewers will enjoy the myriad customisation options and more challenging insets and V-neck. Colour-block the sleeves and body for a sporty baseball style, utilise the inset neckline triangle for a retro sweatshirt look, or throw something fancy into the shoulder insets for dress up occasions! There are eight sizes included in the pattern, ranging from a 30” to 44” high bust, and a 24” to 38” high waist.

Here is but a few of the ones I've made through the testing process...

Not pictured: Another six

One of these things is not like the other, amirite? Remember that time on Facebook I said using my new tripod and remote to take pictures inside would be a game-changer?  Unless that game is called Grainy Pics, it hasn't changed at all.  Lucky for me my friend Clare was free to take some pictures in the garden this morning.

Speaking of pics, how about them testers?!  As per usual, best in the world.  Additional mega-props to Susan from Crafterhours for her nifty digitisation and general awesomeness.

So without further ado, you can get The Trifecta Top here!  From now until Sunday at midnight you can save 20% on two or more patterns using TRIFECTA at checkout.  I've just changed the listing for the Reversible Zippy Hoodie to include all sizes from 18m to 8y as well.

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The Mini Penny Pinafore sewing pattern is go!

 

You've maybe already seen the announcement on other social media outlets that weren't being jerks last night but let's smack it down here for posterity's sake too.  Please, Blogger?  The Mini Penny is also finished and available in my shop!  Let me show you two that I made eons ago and never blogged...

I needed to make a short sleeve one for photographic proof that short sleeves were a possibilty so it was lucky that we were going to Spain the next day for some heat.

Prettiest photographic location to date.

MOST DIFFICULT TO ACTUALLY PHOTOGRAPH.  Seriously, blinding white hot light.

Back to darker / colder / more familiar territory (ie our back garden), here's a tunic length version I did in ye olde French terry from the stash.

The fabric has around 10% stretch so this pattern is definitely doable in winter-weight knits.

Like most of my other Mini Pennys, this one has pockets.  I made the executive decision not to include the pockets in the pattern as with 12 sizes in two lengths each the pattern pieces are very crowded without pocket placement lines but I'll be offering them on the blog in the new year as a free add on.

And here's a selection of the testers' Mini Pennys!

Katie even made a matching Penny and Mini Penny for her and her daughter!  Based on this picture alone, I'm going to have to try this to improve my relationship with Maia. I have never seen two people more delighted to be in each other's company wearing matching clothes.  If mini doppelgangers are your bag too, from now until Christmas Day you can use PENNY at checkout for 20% off two or more patterns.  It's good for any of my patterns, it doesn't specifically have to be the Pennys.  If you have bought two or more patterns since Monday, expect a refund!


 

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The Penny Pinafore Sewing Pattern is go!

Release the hounds, release the kracken, release what you have at hand but The Penny Pinafore is finally available in my shop!  If you haven't heard me talking about nothing else for the last month, here's a description of the pattern:

This striking knit dress has shapely princess seams, a scooped banded neckline, a gently curved a-line shape in three different lengths (tunic / mini / knee length), and options for banded cap sleeves, ¾ length sleeves or long sleeves. It's designed to flatter the figure with a close fit through the bust, subtle waistline shaping through the natural waist, and then gently skimming over the lower waist and hips. The separate panels and princess seams give ample opportunity for fitting to individual shapes and adjusting to preferred ease. In a single colour or overall print the dress lends itself to a casual wardrobe staple that's cute thrown over leggings or tights, or use a contrasting print or colour in the centre panels for an striking hourglass shape. There are eight sizes included in the pattern, ranging from a 30” to 44” high bust, and a 24” to 38” high waist. Due to the slightly challenging nature of sewing princess seams and easing different curves into each other, I would class this an intermediate pattern but essentially it's a very quick sew.

And just to cleanse the internet's visual palette of only me wearing the Penny Pinafore round these parts, here's a fraction of the makes my awesome testers made.  I think they made nearly twenty between them, they are the absolute best.  And my mum tested for me this time so I am nearly a family business.

Also the best is my digitiser, Susan, from Crafterhours.  If you're looking for a digitiser she's a joy and a pleasure.  Better comb your hair, though, as she really likes Facetime.

Want to wear coordinating Penny Pinafores with your little doppelganger?  The Mini Penny will be released tomorrow!

I released this pattern specifically for the Designer's Challenge (initiated by the awesome Andrea from The Train To Crazy), where designers were challenged to come up with the unique 'original' pattern.  It's being going strong for over a month now, there's some fun patterns!  You can check them all out on Pattern Revolution.

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Panelled Pinafore 3.0 and New Fabrics

I guess that old adage threes a charm is correct because the Panelled Pinafore is oh-so-close to being ready for testing!  After the slightly too big Colour-blocked Pinafore I moved Maia back down to the 5/6 and it's slightly too small.  I'm okay with that though, she is genuinely bigger than both my standard 5/6 block and other kids her age so (semi) yay for proving myself right.  If you need me I'll be making this dress in the 7/8 because she loves it.

Having two very similar prints mixed makes it hard to notice the seam line but it's got a lovely princess curve.

And this is Maia noticing a spider on the wall, ha.  Girl will not be an entomologist. 

Fabrics don't look familiar?  They're new!

Little Forest and Forest Brown are both gorgeous autumnal prints featuring deer, rabbits, hedgehogs, snails, owls, acorns, flowers, mushrooms, leaves and trees. The colour palette is amazing with golden orangey yellow, bubblegum pink, bright pinky red, and white.  And unfortunately they photograph poorly by themselves- the background is a very deep purpley, maroony brown.  The garment shots are more accurate for colours.

Also added is Vichy Red, a small scale gingham print in red and white.  Lime green plain organic jersey has made a reappearance, and petrol and dark red have been replenished as well.  And now we're going to get nuanced!  A new organic cotton / lycra blend has arrived in Mustard.  It is a fantastic coordinate for almost all of the prints I have with a yellow element.  However.  It is nearly identical in shade to Sunflower, which I got from the supplier at a time when Mustard was unavailable.  Sunflower is currently the only jersey I have without an elastane content, and consequently it less suitable for mixing with my prints.  To make things less confusing for customers, I've put Sunflower on sale to clear it out.  It is a great organic jersey in its own right, with a lovely drape and a mahoosive 180cm wide width, just not cohesive with the other plain jerseys I offer.       


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Sew Fab Pattern Bundle / new and improved Reversible Zippy Hoodie

I'm really excited to be part of the second Sew Fab collaborative designer sewing pattern pack! If you're unfamiliar with the concept, twenty six designers have each donated a pattern and for one week only they're being sold as a bundle at 80% less than their individual cost. The reversible zippy hoodie pattern is my contribution and not only did I have Susan work her digitising magic on it for a cleaner look, but for the first time ever both sizes are together so you get 18m alllllll the way through to 8y.  So what else is included? A whole lot of awesome:

Reversible Zippy Hoodie from Kitschy Coo, Ananda Pants from CHOPSTIX, The Sally Dress from Very Shannon, Best Harem Pants from Too Sweets , Notebook Slipcover from Gingercake, Junebug Dress from Craftiness Is Not Optional, Fancy Pants Leggings from Titchy Threads, Skinny Jeans from peek-a-boo, Pajama Eaters from Sew Fearless, Ruffle Dress from Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Go To Cape for Women, Sadie Grace Nightgown from Seamingly Smitten, Vintage V-Neck from Blank Slate Patterns, Zermatt Bow Swing Coat from See Kate Sew, Tumble Tee from imaginegnats, Nituna Jacket from Figgy's, Greenpoint Cardigan from Hey June, Gathers and Giggles Quilt from Sew Much Ado, Billy Car Play Mat and Roll Up from Handmade Therapy, Bimaa Sweater from LouBee Clothing, Candy Carousel Dress from Molly Blossom, Convertible Clutch from LBG Studio , Infinity Sweater from One Girl Circus, Undies Pattern from From the Red Kitchen, Owl Backpack from The Sewing Loft, Ethan Shirt from the Scientific Seamstress

I've already made six of the patterns; it's a great selection of boys', girls', womens', and accessories. The bundle is only available for one week, and you can get your hands on it here:

As a designer, I get a portion of the sales made through my site so I really appreciate your support! For more information about the patterns and Sew Fab, keep reading for the official information below.

 

Welcome to the Fall and Winter 2013

Sew Fab e-pattern Sale Event!

Last February was the first ever Sew Fab e-pattern Sale and it was so successful and was so well received that Jenny Yarbrough of The Southern Institute, the creator and administrator of the sale, decided to have more!  This sale is bigger and better than the first, with plenty of patterns to get you through the fall and winter (if you live on this side of the hemisphere), and a few warm weather patterns thrown in for those of you who live on the other side of the world.  You'll also find more gender neutral patterns for those of you who are sewing for boys.  And what about you?  Of course there are a few women's patterns thrown in for some selfish sewing too! Over the past several weeks a lot of behind the scenes planning has taken place to bring you this newest bundle of ePatterns from many of the top established and up and coming online sewing pattern designers.  The result is a bundle of 26 PDF sewing patterns that you're going to love! For one week only, twenty-six pattern designers have come together to bring you 26 of their best PDF patterns, valued together at well over $2oo.oo, for the incredible price of $29.95!!!  That’s over 80% off of the combined retail value! 

For less than $30.00 you will have a library of resources that you can use over and over again.

The designers that have joined this sale are experts in their craft.  Each designer has contributed one of their favorite patterns to create a bundle that is sure to please!  Whether you are sewing for your own family or making gifts for others, these are patterns that you will love to use.

If you’ve never sewn with a PDF pattern before, let me tell you how great it is!  After downloading your pattern instructions and your pattern, you will print out the pattern itself, creating pattern tiles, if you will.  Simply tape the tiles together to create the full pattern!  At that point you can cut out the size that you need and pin the paper pattern directly to your fabric, or you can trace the pattern size that you need onto sewing paper or tracing paper and cut it out, saving the paper pattern for later when you need to sew another size.  Pdf patterns are so convenient because you can print them out as many times as you need!

 

Now for the good stuff... the PATTERNS!

26 amazing ePatterns from 26 well-known and up and coming designers are instantly accessible to you by PDF download upon purchase of the Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle.  Here are the patterns that you will receive (click on the links below the images for more  information about each pattern.):

Reversible Zippy Hoodie from Kitschy Coo, Ananda Pants from CHOPSTIX, The Sally Dress from Very Shannon, Best Harem Pants from Too Sweets , Notebook Slipcover from Gingercake, Junebug Dress from Craftiness Is Not Optional, Fancy Pants Leggings from Titchy Threads, Skinny Jeans from peek-a-boo, Pajama Eaters from Sew Fearless, Ruffle Dress from Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Go To Cape for Women, Sadie Grace Nightgown from Seamingly Smitten, Vintage V-Neck from Blank Slate Patterns, Zermatt Bow Swing Coat from See Kate Sew, Tumble Tee from imaginegnats, Nituna Jacket from Figgy's, Greenpoint Cardigan from Hey June, Gathers and Giggles Quilt from Sew Much Ado, Billy Car Play Mat and Roll Up from Handmade Therapy, Bimaa Sweater from LouBee Clothing, Candy Carousel Dress from Molly Blossom, Convertible Clutch from LBG Studio , Infinity Sweater from One Girl Circus, Undies Pattern from From the Red Kitchen, Owl Backpack from The Sewing Loft, Ethan Shirt from the Scientific Seamstress This Sew Fab e-Pattern Bundle is only available for one week and will never be available again!  You can purchase the bundle from September 30th at 8 a.m. EST through October 8th at 8 a.m. EST and there will be no late sales offered.  Due to the nature of the sale there are no refunds.

You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to purchase a ready made collection of 26 PDF sewing patterns from 26 of the best designers out there!

 

  *Patterns included in the Sew Fab Pattern Bundle are intended for personal use only.  The selling of patterns without designer's permission is prohibited and punishable by law.  Please contact individual designers for licensing requirements if you desire to create and sell clothing from patterns that have been purchased through this sale. **For answers concerning sale terms and customer service questions, please see the FAQ page.  

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Take Two: Colourblocked Panelled Pinafore

I'm getting infinitesimally closer to a final version of the Panelled Pinafore.  Baby steps, baby steps.

For version two, I used plain organic jersey in navy, boysenberry, and turquoise to show off the seam lines and colour-blocking potential.

I swapped out a straight-forward hem for a turquoise band to tie in with the neckbands, sleeve bands, and pockets.  I think this pattern will be a really fun base to play around with.

The plain jerseys aren't quite as stable as my printed jerseys and I made the (as it turns out, incorrect) executive decision to make the 7/8 size for Maia so this is a slouchier look than the pattern is intended.  She's between sizes but I think next time I'll use the 5/6 with a bit of added length.  It does, however, look ridiculously comfy. 



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The Panelled Pinafore

Despite a gazillion other things to do, I started working on another couple of patterns yesterday. Have you seen this infographic of the 12 Types of Procrastinators?  At any given time, I am at least seven of those.

From a distance (and in this polka-dot fabric where it's hard to tell) there doesn't look like there's very much going on...

But zoom in and there's some visual interest!  There are armhole princess seams to the front.

And the same to the back.  All those panels would be great for colour-blocking and print mixing.

There are angled patch pockets at hip height.  This is the tunic length but there will also be a dress length.  It's a sleeker, more mod-ish silhouette, but particularly good for autumn and winter in heavier knits.  This polka-dot fabric that I've had in my stash forever is a medium weight french terry with very little stretch.

Maia likes it very much.

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Coming soon to an internet near you: The Lady Skater Pattern Tour

You know that old adage 'When the cat's away the Lady Skaters make awesome dresses and take over the internet'? It's true! In a couple of days we'll be Stateside, and there's a bunch of badass sewists who'll be picking up my slack.  That's quite an illustrious line up, eh?  I can't wait to see what everyone makes.


If you want to join in the fun and festivities, make sure to add your Lady Skaters to the Flickr group!

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The Lady Skater Dress Sewing Pattern is go!

Bang the drums and release the hounds, the Lady Skater is now available for people who aren't me.  I'd like to thank my parents, my coffee machine, pesterers, and Photoshop.  And of course my awesome testers!  Here are just some of the pics that are already in the public domain: 

Although I spent countless hours messing with my own pictures to turn them into pattern's line drawings, I also had the added pleasure of messing with other people's pictures just for sh*ts and giggles.  Agreeing to let me use your images is both a blessing and a curse:

 
If you want to read what testers have to say about the pattern, Katie, Cindy and Alida have all blogged about it already! As others pop up I'll add them to this post.

And if you want to check out all the details about the pattern, you can find it here!

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Tutorial: Skater Dress Peplum Pattern Hack

***Admin note: Can Sandraled please send me an email? You won the Doli giveaway and I've tried with no success to find a way to contact you!***

I made her another one, I couldn't resist.  So cute, so twirly.

Want to transform your own Skater Dress* into Skater Dress Peplum?  Piece of cake!  And the whole top uses very little fabric, I fit this one into a 60cm cut of fabric with a lot of width to spare.

Set aside your bodice pieces and (if applicable) the sleeves.  Those aren't changing.  Grab the skirt piece and overlay it with a piece of tracing paper.  Trace the centre front line, waist curve and side seam.  For the 5/6 size, I chose to make the peplum 8" long (including seam allowance).  If you're making a different size, just measure from the belly button down to where you'd like it to end and add seam allowance.  Mark this distance down the centre front line and the side seam line.  Divide the waist seam into quarters (doesn't have to be exact, just roughly is fine).  From each of the quarter marks measure down the same distance at a right angle to the waist seam and make a mark.  Draw a line between the dots, you'll need these lines later!  Then divide each of those sections in half and repeat.  You should now have a curve plotted along the hem with dots.  Connect the dots and then smooth out the hem curve.

 

Carefully cut through the hem line and up towards the quarter marks on the waist seam following the lines you drew. Cut almost up to the waist but leave a tiny bit intact to act like a hinge.  Repeat so that you have divided the whole into four sections with three hinges.  If you still have paper above the waist line (as I do) you'll also need to cut lines down from above toward the little hinges.  On top of a larger piece of paper with plenty of room to the top, lay your slashed peplum down.  Tape the pattern to the paper at the centre front line only so it doesn't move when you start to spread the sections apart. 

Start by spreading the first slash apart by approximately 5cm and tape in position.  Repeat for the next two slashes, taping them equidistant apart.  As you can see, the hinges keep the pieces together; above the waistline the slashes overlap while at the hem they open up.  The 5cm I mention is not set in stone, this results in an extra 15cm per quarter / 30 cm per half / 60 cm total which works out as nearly a circle skirt for the 5/6.  If you want to make a full circle, after taping the centre front in position, swing the side seam portion all the way up so it is perpendicular to the CF line, then arrange the two middle sections so they are uniform.

 After you have finished spreading you should have something like this:

 

Fill in the hem curve between the slashes so it's nice and even.  Smooth out the curve of the new waist seam.  And now you have your new peplum piece! 

 

Sew it up as you would a normal Skater Dress.  It'll be a little bit more fiddly to sew the peplum than the skirt because of the increased curve on the waistline and hem but nothing a few extra pins and a steamy iron can't tame. You can do it.

*Even if you don't have the Skater Dress pattern, the principle of drafting a peplum is universal.  Grab a t-shirt pattern that you like and shorten it to around belly-button height with a slight curve.  Measure the width from centre front to the side seam.  Approximate the shape above using those measurements and slashing and spreading.

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