Tuesday 8 March 2016

Two new patterns from Itch to Stitch

As always I was very excited to be chosen to test new patterns for Kennis at Itch to Stitch Designs – I just love her style, and her pattern drafting and instructions are always exquisite! So to get to test two of the four new patterns I was extra excited!

Here are my versions of the Zamora Blouse and the Seville Skirt.


I love work wear at the best of times - I like to feel smartly dressed and put together, so the thought of making myself a head to toe handmade work outfit made me very happy.

The Zamora Blouse has some really pretty detailing – a feminine V neck with long ties, tucks and darts for lovely shaping and sleeves that are gathered at the cap and cuff.



The pattern has the layers feature to save ink if you only want to print one size, and has sizes 00-20 with A, B, C, D and DD cups included, which means getting the perfect fit if so easy and those that have a larger bust, like myself, don’t need to worry about full bust adjustments!


I went with the bracelet length sleeves, I love how my arms are covered down to the wrist, but I can wear a bracelet without it being swallowed by excessively long sleeves! There is also a ¾ sleeve option, for those of you in warmer climates!!


I used rayon for my shirt, which I think is perfect for this pattern as it flows beautifully.

For my Seville Skirt I went with a medium weight suiting so the skirt has a fair bit of structure, but you could also use a heavier wool, or a nice lightweight fabric for a more floaty version of the skirt.


The skirt sits at your natural waist, which is very flattering and it flares out below the hips. An invisible zip in the side seam keeps the lines of the skirt very clean and I went with the lined version for my formal office skirt, but there is also the option for leaving it unlined if you want a lighter skirt.


As with all the other Itch to Stitch patterns you can print just the size you need with the layers feature, and this pattern is for sizes 00-20.

Head over to the blog to check out the other two new patterns and all patterns are 20% off on the website until the 13th March.

Sunday 31 January 2016

Wardrobe Builder Tee - pattern release, sale and giveaway!

So, how many options for different T-shirts would you like a pattern to have? 1, 10, 100? Well this pattern has 150!!!! Yes - 150!!

I feel behind having only made two so far!!


So let me give you the run down of options for the Wardrobe Builder Tee by Wardrobe By Me:


  • 5 Necklines: Crew, Scoop, Deep Scoop, V-neck and Boat neckline
  • 5 Sleeve lengths: Full, 3/4 elbow, Short sleeve, Cap sleeve and Sleeveless
  • 3 Hemlines: Hip length, Tunic length and Curved hem
  • Optional ruching at the side seam


For my first T-shirt I made the longer body length, 3/4 sleeves and regular scoop neck.


The T-shirt is designed to be fitted through the body and sleeve, and as always Christina has worked really hard to get a great fit.

Also, even though there are so many options, Christina has kept the pattern instructions very concise and easy to follow - so you don't have to keep flicking backwards and forwards through pages and pages!


For my second T-shirt I picked the side ruching (which is just on one side of the T-shirt), the deep scoop neck, and 3/4 sleeves.


Fabric wise, you will need a light to medium weight jersey fabric which contains lycra for good recovery.


If you would like a chance to WIN this pattern, there is a giveaway running HERE



And the pattern is currently on sale HERE for just $7 (normally $8.50)

If you want to see more from Wardrobe By Me - visit the website or Facebook page


Thursday 21 January 2016

Koerbs Bros Stitch Designs Cut Out Active Top - pattern release and sale


Here is the new work out top from Koerbs Brothers Stitch Designs - the crossover back design really makes this top stand out, and it's easier to sew than you might think! I was very excited to test this one!


The pattern is aimed at people who can sew at an intermediate level, knit fabric can be a bit slippery to sew with and sewing the elastic in and fitting the shoulders so you have a nice fit across the back can take a little bit of playing around - but the pattern walks you through the steps with great accompanying pictures, so an adventurous beginner could have a go!


Spandex, cotton/lycra and performance knits are ideal for this top - so grab those funky prints from your stash, and make something fun to work out in! Even better still if you have wicking fabric - as long as it has 50% stretch.


The style of the top is slim fitting, and it includes options for shirt or tunic length, and three sleeve lengths or for the tank version you can finish with bands or just fold under with elastic - which is what I did on my shirt length version.

The sizes included go from 30-48" bust, 23-40" waist and 34-50" hip measurements (xxs-xxxl)


My favorite part of this top is definitely the back - 1. it just looks awesome! And 2. getting a bit of air to my back keeps me feeling cool at the gym and in circuits classes!



The pattern is on sale until the weekend ($6 instead of $8) So head over to the website to check it out!