SPIN SPIN…

A couple of weeks ago Madeit Patterns released the first of their “No Frills” patterns: the SPIN Dress.  Its a super cool skater dress and since I had never made one before and had the perfect fabric for it I subtly (or maybe not so subtly) managed to get a spot in the testing process… heheh

This was my second test version, in size 3Y for F., she measured a perfect size 3 at this point so you can get an accurate idea of the fit. Its perfect. ❤ It comes in sizes 2Y to 10Y, but when you buy it you get Teen sizes for free, yep you read me well. 😀 There are pattern pieces for short sleeves too, and you can use the necklines of the Groove Dress pattern which gives you plenty of variety.

The “No Frills” patterns from Madeit are exactly the same quality you have on their “regular” patterns but they’re intended for experienced sewers. Meaning you don’t have a super detailed, step by step illustrated tutorial, instead you get more simple directions just like you have on a regular sewing magazine pattern. But if you ask me, anyone who has sewn a few items can make this one, its so simple that there’s really no need for the step by step illustrated tutorial. So in sum, you get a perfect, great quality pattern by a really great price, whats not to like right? 😉

The fabric I used is from Lucky Shop, which was a sponsor for Madeit Fashion Week, and I got it as a prize, talk about feeling lucky heheh. 😀 The shop carries lots of gorgeous prints but this one with its gold glittery squares won my heart. Its a stretchy rib knit, super cozy and perfect for a autumn/winter dress. F. has worn this a lot already.

Ohh the twirly dressed sure can make someone happy! And yes Elsa’s crown was a must to take this photos, or so she said. heheh I take what their willing to give when it comes to photoshoots. 😀

You can get your SPIN Dress pattern here and the Square Fabric here.

Oh and I just have to leave the link to Spin the Black Circle, a Pearl Jam song that’s always in my head when I think of these dresses. Gosh how I would Love to have learned to play this one in the electric guitar, so cool!! 😀 😀 😀 Yep Mie you’re right I can be a “rock chick” sometimes heheh ❤

I guess she’s happy! I sure am.  Thanks for stopping by, Hugs! ❤

Waterfall Raglan

One of the best things about the Sewing Community is the amazing people we get to know. I’ve definitely made great friends, even never having actually met most in person, I don’t even think twice when I say they’re my friends. Gabriela from Chalk and Notch surely is one of them. She’s the kindest and I’m always excited when I get a chance to sew her patterns, adding to that I Love her style and her patterns are always perfect! ❤

This brings us to the Waterfall Raglan for women, which I may or may not forced myself into testing. hahaha You see right after making a few of the kids versions I became obsessed in making it for myself so I was thrilled when Gabriela told me she was preparing the women’s version of the pattern. Super YAY!

I tested the top and the dress versions and I love them both. This is such an easy sew you’ll want to make millions. In fact I’m planning a new one this month and I’m already eager to get started.

The pattern comes with 3 sleeve lengths, I choose 3/4 for the top and long for the dress. It works perfect in lightweight knits, although I’ve seen amazing versions in heavier knits already, so it really is versatile. Both fabrics I used on my test versions are lightweight knits from my local shop and I’m pretty happy with the results.

I wasn’t 100% sure about this retro print after buying it but I’m so happy I went through with it, I’m really pleased with how it worked on the dress.

Sorry for the blurry/weird color photos today, heheheh I really have to get a tripod and a remote someday for the sake of us all! 😀  But still I think you can see how much I love my new top and dress, I’m actually wearing the dress today, I’ll be making a summer version too for sure!

I can assure you that Gabriela’s patterns are a great buy, everything matches perfect, great step by step tutorial, all the details are thought through, and she’s always super kind if you need help.

There’s a cool link party up on Chalk and Notch where you can win a great prize so be sure to check it out (here).

You can get your Waterfall Raglan pattern here. There’s also a bundle with the kids version which I totally recommend, you can see the dress version I made for M. here. I’m not big on making mummy and me outfits but I’m not sure I’ll resist making some matching summer dresses for me and the girls. 😀

Almost forgot! Have you signed up for Upcraft Sewing Hunt yet? Amazing prizes to be won and the hint on how to find La Folie’s icon is already available. 😉 It’s so easy!!!

You don’t have to be a little girl to LOVE twirly dresses and tops! I sure Love mine! ❤ Thanks a million Gabriela for allowing me to test!

Thanks for stopping by! Hugs!

❤ ❤ ❤

The Loveralls Skirt

Petit a Petit just released another great pattern. The Loveralls Skirt Pattern was born as  follow up from the Loveralls Pants, which were launched Nov. 1st (you can get it here), and is just as cool. It has been quite fun to work with Celina and Emi at Petit a Petit Patterns, and I’m super excited on what the future will bring. I can’t tell you enough how much work and Love Celina as put into these patterns, all the details you want in a pair of overalls are accounted for and more… Just look at that cute heart pocket detail, seriously…! M. was really happy with it. ❤

The pattern comes with 3 different top options and 3 different skirts you can mix match. I opted for Top option B – mid curved bib with side openings and front heart pocket – combined with  Skirt option 2. For the back I went with patch pockets, but there are many fun options, like pocket flaps for the patch pockets, carpenter pockets and hammer loop. The same options you can find in the pants pattern.

The topstitching was so much fun! I won’t lie, these are a labour of love but so worth it. And honestly if you embrace that you’re probably not going to get all the topstitching perfect at the first attempt it can all go pretty smoothly. I sure had to unpick some of these a few times and I’m so happy I did, not my usual behavior I must say… heheh But thats the thing, when you’re making a great pattern, you feel like stepping up your game and doing better. 😉

It just looks great styled with a Tee or blouse, and don’t get me talking about the perfect match the pants version are, and I’m guessing the skirt is too, to the Tip Top. You can check for yourself in Mie’s fantastic post here. For these photos I paired it with a Tee made last year from a Nosh free pattern; you can find more info on that here and be impressed, like I was, at how well this fabric endured one year of use.

The main fabric was a bargain from my local shop (Feira dos Tecidos), I come to find that it is a bit on the lightweight side for this project but still worked good enough. Interfacing the recommended pieces is a must for this pattern,  even more if you play with thinner fabrics for it. As lining I choose a super pretty quilt weight cotton from Petit Pan, that my sweet friend Ana brought me last summer. ❤ The buckles and buttons were pretty easy to find and seem to work great, bought them at a local shop here in Lisbon (Pra Kriar).  I was going only with the blue topstitching thread but couldn’t help myself and had to add a bit of red to match the lining after Nelleke suggested it on IG. ❤ Love the result!

So wait no more and go get your Loveralls Skirt (here),  its a really fun sew that results in a super cool garment your kids will love! Check out Celina’s post on Petit a Petit (here) for more info on the pattern and some fantastic tester versions to inspire you. There’s also a bundle pack for both the pants and skirt which is a great deal! 😉 (you can yet it here). Don’t forget we’re having a Sewing Block Party with Petit a Petit all month. Get all the info about the tour and giveaway here.

Thanks for stopping by! Hugs. ❤

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I know this is a blog about sewing and that you’re not here to know about my music preferences, but today I have to share this. RIP Leonard, thank you for all the music. ❤