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!

New patterns from Itch to Stitch

You are in for a treat! Not one or two, but three new patterns from Itch to Stitch!! PLUS see below for some fabulous discounts on the patterns AND fabric!!

First up is the Mila shirt – a loose fitting casual shirt with a button placket, high-low shirttail hem, optional collar and sleeve tabs and a choice of cup sizes (A-DD) – so you can get a perfect fit without the need for full bust adjustments!! Hooray!!

My first one I made out of an unknown red fabric, with great drape and just a tiny bit of stretch – I wish I knew what it was – it hangs really nicely!! But this is what happens when you buy tonnes of fabric and then hoard it for years unlabelled ;) For this one I went with just the collar band.

My second one is made from a lovely flowy navy viscose, which really works great with this style of shirt – love that I can wear this shirt with leggings (it’s long enough for butt coverage!) or jeans for a casual look, but can also tuck it into a high waisted skirt, and it’s great for work! This version has the full collar option.

Next is the Irena Knit top – depending on fabric, this could be a casual sweater, or a more fitted top – and it is designed to be worn over another top, as it has a deep V in the front! (My version has a higher V neckline – this has been lowered since testing).

I love the neckline on this top – the flat bottom and low V is really stylish – and the neckband comes up around the base of your neck, making it really cozy J

Last but definitely not least! The Liana stretch Jeans pattern is one of my favourite patterns ever!!! Firstly – I LOVE that I can make my own jeans, secondly – the pattern makes them so easy to customise for your own style, and did I mention – making your own custom fitted jeans?!?!!

You can pick from Skinny, Straight or Boot cut – I went with skinny, the back pockets have the option of adding flaps (I just went with some funky stitching), and detailed instructions are included if you need to lengthen or shorten. Kennis is also running a Sew along for the jeans on her blog and the Sew-A-Longs & Sewing Contests group on Facebook – she will be helping us through getting a great fit, picking the correct fabric (as the name suggests – you need stretch denim!!) and the general sewing techniques involved. It starts tomorrow (2nd December), but there is already a post up to get you started.

The other amazing thing about these jeans is the front pocket construction – it is so clever! The way it is done means 1. Your pockets won’t slip about and 2. They come across your tummy almost like a control panel – hello flat tummy!!!! Kennis takes great fit very seriously, and these jeans were tested over several versions to really make sure they were the best they could be!

All the patterns have the layers feature, so printing and tracing is much easier, and there is also the option of a large format file for the print shop, so you don’t even have to tape!! The instructions are well written and have clear images for each step, so don't be scared to give these patterns a try!

All three patterns are currently 20% off, and until 6^th December you can also use the code CYBER to get a further 15% off if you purchase two or more patterns (this code is also valid on all other patterns) – why wouldn’t you?! Both tops are a great pairing with the jeans!! Don’t miss out – snap them up now and join in with the Sew Along!! The shop is Here, where all the patterns are available now.

Even better still, Kennis has talked to several vendors (in various countries) and they have agreed to give us some discounts:
** lowpricefabric.com (a.k.a. Michael Levine in Los Angeles) - 10% off / now to Dec 15 / code: itchdenim10

** plushaddict.co.uk (in the UK) - 10% off denim / now to Dec 24th / code: LoveDenim
** califabrics.com (USA) - 15% off Denim and Twill / no expiration date / code: ItchToStitch
** threadbarefabrics.com (USA) - 15% off / November 30 to December 4 / code: ITCHTOSTITCH15

New pattern release - Haute Skinny Skirt from Wardrobe by Me

Another gorgeous pattern from Wardrobe By Me!! This is the Haute Skinny Skirt - and it is stylish, flattering, smart and classy!

Design features include a super fitted high waist, that hugs you in all the right places, panels that wrap around the sides, giving a really slimming effect and it has a concealed zip at the back.

Construction is simple and the instructions are easy to follow - so you can knock one of these up in no time! The split has a clever little reinforcement, so you can be sure your stitching will be sturdy!

I made my first skirt out of a stretch woven (you need at least 5% stretch fibre content for this pattern because it has negative ease for a very close fit!), and I picked two plain fabrics for a simple smart skirt.

For my second skirt I used Ponte Roma, which has a lot more stretch to it, and also good recovery. I used a floral print for the front and back and plain black for the sides, for a more dressy version of the skirt.

Because this fabric is stretchy enough, I was able to leave the zip out the back, making this a pull on skirt - this meant I could leave all the pretty flowers intact and not have to worry about pattern matching!

To do this, I left off the seam allowance of the back pattern pieces, and sized down. I used a knit interfacing for the waistband to make sure it still had plenty of stretch to pull it on, but kept a nice structure.

The regular price of the pattern will be 8.5 USD, but you can use the code 'sister' until Saturday to get 25% off.

Get the pattern HERE

New pattern release from Wardrobe By Me - the Mirri Wrap Dress

I have just recently discovered Wardrobe By Me - and there are some really great patterns in the range! I was very lucky to be selected to test the new Mirri Wrap dress - I loved the look and the flattering style as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be my sort of dress!

The dress is designed to be made using lightweight jersey knits, so it's an easy comfy pull on style. As with most knits, you get a lovely flowy drape to the dress, which I love!

The waistline sits just above your natural waist, making it really flattering, along with the pretty detail of the asymmetric pleats, this dress is very feminine. Depending on your fabric choice, you could make it smart enough for work, or dressy enough for an evening out!

The shawl collar and sleeves are all in one with the front/back bodice - so this pattern only has 5 pieces, and it's really quick to make! You can choose to only print the size you need with the layers feature, which also helps to speed up the process of cutting out.

The dress has a fit and flare skirt, which is really easy to wear and suits all shapes and sizes.

You can pick from 4 different lengths, as shown below -

The pattern is available HERE and comes in sizes 2-16 (EUR 32-46) and you can use the code 'sister' for 25% off ALL patterns!

Check out this blog post to find out more about Wardrobe Be Me - the designer has TONNES of experience, so it's awesome to be able to sew up some of her lovely designs!

New release from Hey June - Hatteras Hoodie Pattern and Giveaway!

It's already starting to cool off after the 'summer' here in the UK (what summer? lol!) - so a versatile hoodie and jumper pattern is just what's needed!!

So here comes the Hatteras Hoodie Pattern from Hey June! Hooray!!

We did View B - which is a cute little hi-low hem sweater with a twisted side seam. But there is also two other options - View A is a pullover hoodie and View C is a zip-up hoodie.

Both View A and C would be great for both boys and girls. And depending on your fabric choice, this could be a light sweater or really warm if you use a thicker French terry or sweat shirting fabric.

I used the same fabric all over - but this would be a great pattern for some colour blocking, as it would really show off the twisted side detail!

This pattern comes in sizes 2-14/16yrs, but during testing we have been trying to convince Adrianna that we need this pattern in adult sizes too! So watch this space....... No pressure Adrianna ;)

Here is the Pattern - and make sure you have a look at all the other patterns in the shop - there is some lovely stuff for adults and children! And starting today you can get ALL patterns including the Hatteras Hoodie for 30% off using code "laborday"! 

Check out the Hey June Blog - there are great pictures of all the Views, and a fantastic giveaway, which is open until 7th September.

New Pattern Release - Itch to Stitch Designs Davina Dress

Another awesome pattern is here by Itch to Stitch Designs - and as always, the styling is gorgeous, and the instructions are easy to follow, making this beautifully detailed dress easy to make in quick time!!

This dress is designed for knit fabric - so guess what that means - no zips, no buttons - just slip it over your head - easy to make and super comfy to wear.

The waistband sits on your natural waist - which helps to lengthen your legs!

The dress has negative ease, so it's beautifully fitted and flattering to wear. As most knit fabrics have a lovely drape, the half circle skirt hangs perfectly!

I chose the sleeveless version - but there are 5 sleeve options for this dress!! Sleeveless, short sleeve, med-short sleeve, 3/4 length sleeve and long sleeve! A great year round pattern!

It has a pretty ruched detail at the bust, a curved v-neck and optional pockets - always love a dress with pockets - it really does up the styling of the dress, and not to mention useful!!!

Check THIS post out to see the other pattern testers dresses - all fabulous!! There is also a giveaway at the bottom, so you could be in with a chance of winning the pattern for free!

And find the pattern HERE - it's on sale at the moment!!