Tuesday 23 June 2015

Goin' Uptown Tote pattern release by Two Pretty Poppets

Here is the latest pattern release from Two Pretty Poppets - the Goin' Uptown Tote - a practical and roomy bag, perfect for all sorts of uses!


It's a large bag with two outer pockets - ideal for your phone and keys - you know the things you always lose at the bottom of your handbag!!


I chose to add feet to the bottom of my bag, just to make it longer lasting and to protect the bottom and the pretty piping detail from getting dirty when I put the bag down!


You can arrange your fabric in various ways - and because it's such a good sized bag, it really shows off prints well!


The pattern is very easy to follow, especially for a more complicated bag - over 100 colour photos make each step really clear.


The bag has a recessed zip, to keep all your belongings safe, and another zipped pocket on the inside. With all that space it would make an excellent nappy bag!



Get your copy of the pattern HERE for the bargain price of $5.95. And to keep up to date with other pattern releases, check out the Facebook Page.


Head over to the Facebook Group to see details of the Sew Your Own competition - featuring prizes from the following pattern designers (amongst others!)


Wednesday 3 June 2015

Hey June - Biscayne Blouse - Testing and pattern release

Not so long ago I tested the Evergreen Jacket for Adrianna at Hey June - and I absolutely loved it!! A great pattern - and now one of my most worn jackets!! So when I saw the testing call for the latest Hey June pattern - the Biscayne Blouse - I jumped at the chance to test again!


This blouse is totally my style! I love to chuck a floaty top on over a pair of leggings - so I can run around after the kids, be comfy, but still keep some feminine styling! I added a belt to mine, to give my waist a bit more definition.


There are some lovely details on the blouse - a little welt pocket, which is optional - but I think it adds a little bit of extra 'something' (but it was really hard to photograph on this fabric!!!), and a super clever placket that hides the buttons and gives a really sleek finish.


There is also the option to lengthen the blouse - I chose to do this, because I wanted it to sit a little lower and cover my bottom!


At the front neckline on each side and at the centre back neckline there is a little bit of gathering, which just adds some nice shaping to the blouse.

I was a little nervous about using chiffon, but all the more fiddly bits of the pattern are interfaced, so it was actually really easy! You could just go with a cotton fabric if you want to work with something more stable, or use a rayon for a bit more drape.


The instructions are really clear and easy to follow - and some great images help out with each step - particularly some of the more fiddly bits!

I love that I can also dress the blouse up with a high-waisted skirt and look really smart for work too!


Get the pattern now while it's still on sale HERE ($8 instead of $10). And check out what some of the other testers did in THIS blog post - there are some seriously pretty tops!!


Monday 1 June 2015

E+M Patterns Dress Pattern No.19 - Release & Sale

Here it is - the latest pattern release from E+M Patterns - Dress Pattern No.19!! Another beautifully conceived and intelligently constructed pattern from the designer Allison!


As always with E+M Patterns, the finish on the inside is as important as the looks and style on the outside of the dress - this is not a 'quick and dirty' sew! This is a work of sewing art!! All the seams are either completely enclosed or finished so there are no raw edges - I just love this attention to detail.


The pattern comes with lots of different options - Sleeveless, short, cap or flutter sleeves - the bias around the neck can tie at the back or the front where there is a cute little keyhole detail, or you can leave the ties off completely and just have the button closure at the back.

This is a looser fitting dress - so perfect for playing, running and jumping - and the waist is fitted with elastic in a casing, so is really comfy and easy to move around in. And just look at those pretty little pintucks on the front!


We went with the short sleeve version, and chose to have the ties at the back. I let Little B have free reign at the fabric shop, and she picked out this sweet colourful dickie bird fabric! I think she loves her 'birdie dress', as she calls it, all the more for having made some of the decisions!


As always the pattern is really easy to follow, with clear images to help you out with each step, and the sizing is spot on! The pattern comes in sizes 2-10 years. A new feature for E+M Patterns is the no trim pattern pages - all the quicker to assemble and get sewing!!


The pattern is available now and is on sale for $5 until Wednesday night at midnight (regular price is $8).