Spring Sewing for girls: Adorabelle Twirl and Swirl Dress

In the last few weeks, not a day goes buy that I don't work on testing a sewing pattern for independent pattern designers.
Some of them have been released, some are in final stages and a couple don't even have a release date yet.
This also gives me an opportunity to start on spring sewing for the girls (and the Little Tornado).

I have been thinking on creating a Girl's  Clothing Capsule for Spring, but my approach is to sewing (and crafts in general) is so organic that I don't think I'll stick to strict pattern/design guidelines in my capsule. Also, my younger daughter is still at this age, where I can get away
with fun, bright prints and colors.

One of the patterns I tested this week was an "Adorabelle Twirl and Swirl Dress"  by Pickle Toes Patterns. This one was fun to make! It has so many options, ruffles, the very popular Pixie Hood, short or long sleeves, flutter sleeves or sleeveless, Peplum top, tunic or dress length, plain front, or panel front, with or without pockets, and I sizing 12m-12T.
I love that designers are creating versatile patterns, with so many options and possible combinations. Thinking of capsules, patterns like this can be used to create anything from a T-Shirt, Tunic, Dress, Peplum Top, Skirt and even and Undershirt.

Here is my version with bell sleeves, flutter, round neck, double twirl skirt. Go check out the designers blog for inspiration! I've seen testers make such fun garments with this pattern.

I used a panel from Peek-A-Boo, color-blocked on the sides.
Fabrics used: navy blue and yellow interlock and cotton lycra panel for front.

Daughter approves, loves the colors (what a nice departure from our usual pink-purple-lilac-fuschia-hot pink-you get the idea) color combination.
And....it makes her fly!

Sewing Pattern Testing

Well, these have been busy two weeks: I tested not one, not 2, but 4 different  sewing patterns for 4 different Independent (Indie) Sewing Pattern Designers.

How does pattern testing work?
From time to time, sewing pattern designers announce a "Tester Call" - search for sewist(s) to "test" out their new pattern, following instructions completely and submit relevant feedback, pertaining to size, fit, details, instructions and cutting layout, among the rest.
The "testers" are of different skill levels and sewing backgrounds are are able offer insight and information to the designer in return for a free finished pattern, advertising exposure and sometimes, payment.
This is a great way of  learning new sewein skills and techniques as well, as the tester support groups are full of helpful information from different members as well.

So, what have I tested recently? Some of the patterns have no release date, and I can show you sneak peeks and description, but not the whole garment (at least not yet!)


Girl Coat:

This was incredibly fun, albeit an involved garment to complete.
Some of the detailing:

• double bound buttonholes
• full bagged lining
• hidden pockets
• hidden belt guide 

Here is a sneak peek of the dramatic collar version
 

The fabric is discontinued PPR (Painting Red Rhinos) corduroy and coordinated fleece 

Slim Fit Girls' Raglan by Hey June Handmade

This pattern has not been released yet, and I love the details and options!
There are many raglan sewing patterns on the market, but none are tailored for girls like this one:
Slim fit with waist shaping throughout, long, short or elbow sleeve options, hooded or jewel-neck, with optional sleeve stripes, rounded hem or banded. Many possibilities.
Well loved and worn repeatedly!

A Sparkly Baby Ultimate Tee Pattern
(this is the only one released as of right now)

Tons and tons of options. As far as I can tell, if you sew for kids, this is the only basic Tee pattern you need. Versatile and Unisex for sizes Premiee-14.
I am also currently testing the Candy Pocket Twirl Dress version based on the Ultimate Tee pattern.

For this tee, I used Ultimate Tee pattern, Adult T-Shirt and charcoal cotton/lycra fabric for the neck band and bottom band. I cut the sleeves, using the original sleeve hem. Very easy and quick upsycle with no hemming!

And the fourth pattern I can not mention yet, because it's in pre-testing!
So, that's what I've been busy with.
Hoping to get back to my 2016 "resolution sewing" soon.

My Sewing Resolutions (2016 edition)

I am not big on resolutions really.  I believe that when a person wants to make a change (positive or otherwise) they can start at any moment in time.
So resolutions for me are more of a "to do list". And lists I do like. Type A!

I approach sewing just like everything else in life: as learning opportunity, and now that I have little humans, sometimes as a teaching opportunity as well. I love patterns and designs with interesting details and challenging techniques, which allow me to obtain new skills.


My 5 year old started sewing recently.
She is the only one that takes interest and has enough patience so far.
And that's OK.
She enjoys it and her sewing accomplishments make her proud.

Sewing Resolutions for 2016
(or Sewing I am attempting to accomplish, but sadly realize I never have enough time)


Sew  Bags and a nice wallet - yes, I've made bags before, but I want a really nice, well made bag from fabrics/vegan leather I love with nice hardware, pockets and compartments.
I am looking at Swoon Bags for fun patterns now, but if you have other ideas- spam me!
Made a couple of Swoon bags since starting this post: Ramona and Coraline!
Here is Coraline (this one is available in my Etsy or Zibbet Stores)

Bra Sewing - this is one of the main items on my "sewing to do list" While I've made a few bras this year:  wire-free, underwire, self-drafted cup, 2 different foam bras; I would like to concentrate more on drafting and adjusting the fit.
Steps:

• Re-watch both courses I took on Craftsy for  bra constructions and design.
• Study the book I just received 
• Draft and make a muslin of padded, unpadded and wire free bras 
• Draft and sew a supportive sports bra

Resources: 
My trusty Craftsy Classes:
Sewing Bras: Construction & Fit
Sewing Bras: Designer Techniques
I would like to concentrate on fit and design more.

Intimately Yours: Bras That Fit Book

I received my copy and find the information useful, but mostly geared towards beginners.
Would like to experiment with power bars, support, etc.
 


Pattern Drafting and Grading -  need to think about plan of action on this one. Definitely not buying more patterns this year (with the exception of some independent pattern designers)
I am going to look into a good course online or a book (not new to drafting)

So far I have found Create Any Size: Pattern Grading for Sewers on Craftsy  and a highly recommended book (or a booklet) by Nancy Zienman - The Busy Woman's Fitting Book.
Also, some great tutorials at Curvy Sewing Collective.

Active wear - I recently discovered a source for fabulous active wear supplex fabric and I now see no reason to buy overpriced leggings and tops for workouts.Sports Bra- is one of the bras on my agenda for this year.

Reverse Applique - a technique I wanted to try for a long time and always forget about it.

Quilting:
Finish the Star Wars Quilt I've been making (started over a year ago!)
Inventory the fabric for Kool Kaleidoscope I've been collecting fabric for and see what's missing.

Photography: while not directly related to sewing, I would like to brush up on my photography skills, Photoshop and Lightroom for better quality pictures ad to provide pictures for designer sewing pattern testing.


And that's it!
Looking forward to reading your crafty resolutions, 2016.

A-Line Dress and Matching Leggings - Love Notions Patterns Lil' LDT

I love using flower prints in the winter! This Lil' LDT dress from Love Notions  started out in stretch denim without color accents and looking very, very drab and sad. (Why did I think that hooded A-Line dress in stretch dark denim would look "fun"???) I chopped of the hood, added flower print cowl, peek-a-boo pockets and matching flower leggings and now it's a favorite outfit!

 

Action shot!

Tutorial for Peek-a-Boo pockets with detailed pics to follow soon!