WBM half zippered sweater and sweatpants

 

I recently tested for Wardrobe by me's half zippered sweater and sweatpants and halfway through the testing, I caught the covid virus and was practically down for 11 days or so. Thankfully, during the really feverish period of the illness, I was able to recover in comfort wearing this. 

In fact, I think I lived in this exact combi of top and bottoms for about 3 days... oops. 

I don't own a lot of cold weather clothes so this test came just at the right time. I love the fit of this. The ease is perfect for lounging around. And that inseam length for the shorts is really great - not too short and not very long either. 

This was the first time I attempted a half zippered pattern. I took my time with the zipper application and I'm really proud to say that I managed to do this on my first try! The key is to go slow, pin pin pin and use the correct zipper foot! I'm usually a clips-person but for this, I really pinned the entire length of the zipper down and took my time. 

The hardest part was probably aligning this such that when the zipper is fully zipped, the necklines are aligned. Again, this is where pinning a lot helps!

I used a plastic zipper with a fancy zipper pull and I saw others use metal ones too. I think the choice of the zipper can greatly change the look and feel of the sweater so do play around with the combination and have fun! 

When I finally recovered from Covid - which was after the release of the half zippered sweater, I also went ahead to make my second pair of the sweatpants. This time in full sweatpants length but in ottoman knit and hemmed without elastic so that I can make secret pajamas.

And secret pajama pants they are indeed. Here's the pants paired with my Mirri top and I think the combi is definitely suitable for work! 

This is my first time working with ottoman knit fabric and one thing I realise about it is that it can be quite drapey! I am thinking of what else I can make with these lovely knit fabric that's so easy to work with. 

My favorite part about this pants pattern are the way the pockets are constructed. I love that the construction meant that the pockets stay put and will not be pulled out easily. The pocket opening also looks really nice and neat. 

Half zippered sweater link

Sweatpants link

Designer Stitch Cherish Wrap Dress

 

Designer Stitch Cherish Wrap Dress

I was happy to be back testing for Designer Stitch. So far the patterns she has are really flattering on me and I know my adjustments for her block which makes it so much easier to make new patterns of hers knowing exactly what I need to do to make the dresses I sew from her patterns fit me. 

Just look at the back of that dress! 

Now this Cherish Wrap dress is a true wrap dress and what that means is that technically I can gain some weight or lose some and it will still fit me. That said, we all know the worry when it comes to wrap dresses - does it fly open and reveal your legs? 

Well, I'm happy to report that this wrap keeps you covered well even on windy days! 

Here's a close up look of the wrap. there's a small opening on the side for the wrap ties to go around ur body and it is long enough for me to tie a pretty bow or even go 2 rounds if I wish. In this closeup, I wrapped it a little lower - great for date nights! While, in the photos I took outdoors, you can see that I wrapped it a little higher cos running around with children means I rather be sure that I will not reveal too much when doing mummy things. 

You can't really see it here - I blame it on my choice of fabric print, but the skirt is actually pleated and darted! That helps with the shaping alot and you can see how it really wraps ard beautifully. This version I made is with Rayon Spandex - I forgot from where since I have had this fabric in my stash for a while now - I guess I meant it for Cherish and just didn't know it till now! 

The actual dress pattern has sleeveless and also sleeved options. The sleeved options include short, 3/4 and long. The dress length I selected was the longer version and there is also a slightly shorter one for those who prefer it above the knee. 

I also saw a tester who did a top version which was SO CUTE. 

Thank you for reading my review of the dress. If you would like to purchase it with my aff link it is here below:

https://designerstitch.com/shop/cherish-wrap-dress/?affiliates=227

Jilly Atlanta Bellaire Pants

Who doesn't love a good pair of bell bottoms?

My little one is rocking her pair of Bellaire Pants from Jilly Atlanta in floral CL!

We paired this with a georgeous cowl neck top from Candy Castle pattern company - Marzipan (which is absolutely lovely!)

Looking stylish! 

And here's a different look:

Now she's channeling flower power 🤣

Sinclair Azalea Top

Oh my heart!! I've absolute love for this Azalea top pattern from Sinclair Patterns. Big big big love for it. 

This is my first tester version of it in ITY fabric and it is love at first sight. I actually own a rtw top in this exact design but in CL and that one drapes differently. 

This one, i can make it in exactly the fabric I envision a top like this shld be made in and it's just been making my heart sing. 

I just love how the top v knot looks and the instructions are wonderful 🥰

I made my second version in a white 3/4 sleeve interlock (i wldn't recommend this fabric!). 

It still looks cute, but cos it isn't a recommended fabric, i think there's room for improvement for sure. 

Next one in black? =p=p=p 

Sinclair Kids Cloudberry Tee

I've raved quite a bit about the size chart for Sinclair Pattern's kids patterns and here is Sinclair patterns Cloudberry knit raglan top for kids!

As usual, I made it for my slim boy who fits beautifully in Slim J without any need for blending. Slim J doesn't refer to slim fit. It means my boy is slimmer than children his height and J is the size his height indicates he is in. 

I had a rainbow beaked toucan CL and I paired it with a cute rainbow CL cos that was the period of time tt he wanted all things rainbow like his sister and I was happy to oblige cos rainbow on kids is fun and happy.

I like how banding everything makes my life so much simpler. I am not fond of hemming, are u? 

Thank u for visiting and see u again soon! 

Sinclair Kids Blueberry Tee

When Sinclair patterns started making kids patterns for slimmer kids, I jumped at the chance to test for her. Of the companies that I have used for adult patterns so far, they have proven to be a great company for well drafted adult patterns so I had high hopes for great children patterns too. And Sinclair patterns really delivered!

This is the blueberry tee in a thin low stretch knit. Look how good it fits my very slim boy without blending!

I usually have to blend for this boy as much as 3 sizes for some size charts and that makes some pattern not work as well and it's also just a little more troublesome to make. With the slim size chart, I can pick a size based on height and go for it and it looks great!

He's really happy cos his wardrobe has had plenty more tees now that I've got Blueberry pattern. It's made it so much easier to make tops for him so I did. 

Spamming some more photos of this cutie pie 🥰

And cos I'm pretty proud of the insides of the tee, i wanted to show 1 photo of the top hung up. See how pretty the back of the neckline is? 

And finally, 2 more photos of another blueberry tee...

My instagram has more blueberry tees if anyone's interested! 

Sunflower Seams Lokelani Romper!

Summer Days are the best for Rompers! And since it's summer all year round here, this little one practically lives in rompers. We are always on the lookout for rompers and this is one of the winners in our books! 

This is Lokelani from Sunflower Seams Pattern Co. I made this version out of cotton lycra for the main fabric and DBP scraps for the straps. I just love how it all came together and the very fact that i was able to find scraps that matched the main fabric perfectly was just icing on the cake! 

This is the shorts length but there's also a capri length for those who prefer the knees covered. In fact, I may make some in capri length for when she goes to playgrounds so that there's less chance of her scraping her knees. As we all know, toddlers tend to fall and scrap their knees quite a bit! =p

Here's a closeup of her in her Lokelani. The straps are slightly thicker here than the final version - the final version straps look nicer cos it's thinner but i find this version cute too. 

I think I will be making more of these soon. Though I may skip the middle tie straps since the negative ease is enough to keep the romper up as is! 

Candy Castle's Box of Chocolates Pattern

 Here's yet another Yummy Candy Castle pattern for little ones - Box of Chocolates Crop top, shirt, dress and high-low tunic.

This pattern is chock full of options and perfect for the absolute beginner to knit patterns. She has thorough blending instructions - my go-to instructions for blending! 

My first version of this pattern is a cute crop top made with remnants from my previous sew and it's perfect to pair with a poofy pettiskirt for an ultra sassy outfit complete with an adorable toddler belly 😍

Just look at that happy face. She can't help do a little twirl in her new outfit!

And for the little ones who prefer something sweet and demure, how about the simple yet twirltastic circle skirt version of Box of Chocolates dress? I made this version with an extra sparkly gold speckled cotton lycra and it's stylist comfort at its best =)

There's also the hi-low skirt which I have plans for once she is older - that one is absolutely beautiful especially on the other tester girls. U shld check it out at the link here.

IvL Angel Sleeved Dress

I had an opportunity to test for IvL- Hecho's angel sleeved top and dress tt they were updating to a bigger size range and i made our version in double gauze. Isn't it cute?

For a whimsical detail, i added a metal cat button at the back for my girl who loves all things "meoowwww". It's the only reason she's willing to try it on - apparently the dress is not colorful enough for her toddler aesthetics and sense of style 🤣

Thankfully, after trying it on, she claims it's soft and comfy and the dress has her approval to go into wardrobe rotation 🤣

I used a contrasting thread in the bobbin for a pop of color. Haven't decided if i liked it yet. What do u think?

I feel that the dress is, overall, loose and summery. If u feel like ur kid prefers it fitted, it may be good to make the knit version instead, or simply size down in width! For us, the loose fit is perfect for play and great for the summer heat where we stay. 

I also like how the lace detail on the sleeves add a lovely touch to the dress. The instructions also suggested pompoms! I shld go find some cos the testers who used pom poms had really cute dresses and I'm guessing rainbow poms would be right up this little girl's alley!

She's pretty happy with her angel sleeves. Perhaps i would make a knit version for her once she outgrows this one! 

Eunoia Design Group Kaleo

Eunoia's Kaleo has just been updated! It now has more sizes, better fit, pockets, a new puddle jumper length (not floor length but slightly above ankle) etc etc and it also has projector file!! YIPPEE!

I love how elegant it looks! And it's just a really beautiful top and skirt combo. 

I made ours in puddle jumper length because this toddler isn't exactly very good at climbing steps while wearing maxi skirts. This length is perfect for her. It's long enough to keep her legs covered yet give her plenty of ease to move around and jump. 

The top has a high neckline in front and a lower one at the back, but i have seen others wearing it on their little ones the other way round without any problems!

And because it is lined, the dress has no bands - which makes for a lovely silhouette!

Did I mention it has pockets? 💗

Jeans making! Rad Patterns Kelly Jeans

MY VERY FIRST PAIR OF JEANS! 

I am incredibly proud of this pair of self sewn jeans. I did this on my Brother FS101 domestic sewing machine too. Can you believe that a cheap domestic can sew this? So happy!

This is the Kelly Jeans from Rad Patterns that I had the opportunity to test for. It is drafted for non-stretch denim - this is an important detail because that means that unlike the RTW jeans that most of us buy that are stretchy, this one has to have build in ease in order for it to fit properly while giving you space for movement. 

I made my version in mid weight light blue denim with zero stretch. I made all the options - coin pocket, Rivets on everything, jeans zipper and jeans buttons. Everything. The only thing I skipped? Belt loops. That's right! Why for make belt loops if you DIYed and am therefore sure that it will fit beautifully such that there is no need for belts at all! 

I kinda like the clean look of the jeans without the belt loops too! 

For all my topstitching around the pockets and zipper, I got a matching blue jeans thread which is thicker than normal thread. I used normal quilting threads for the bobbin and only the jeans thread in the needle. This helps reduce bulk and breakages. I also used a new Jeans needles and changed it the moment it starts 'acting up' - after all, you are sewing through thick layers so you may need to change needles more frequently. 

One thing that I would strongly recommend is the initial basting step to check fit. I almost never do muslins for my clothing, preferring to 'wing it'. But for this pair of jeans, I knew I cannot do that - non stretch denim can be unforgiving! So I did the fit check as per instructions - i was a good girl! And thank goodness I did that, I had to let out a little bit of the Seam allowance to get the ease that I preferred. And since everyone's preferred ease is different, I strongly recommend that you don't skip this step! 

Doesn't this fit look very flattering? I'm 167cm tall and I didn't have to change the length of the jeans pattern at all. Even if you are the same height as I am, it may be good to compare the length with an existing pair of pants that go to the length that you desire because everyone's proportions are different! 

Let's talk pockets next. The pockets on the jeans are drafted such that they are lower on the bum. It's a 'boyfriend jeans' look. Not everyone would like it so low and it might be a little awkward if you intend to slip your phone in there. (I tried a wallet and it fitted perfectly in that space below the curve of my bum so I suppose it depends on what you want to put inside also?)

That said, some of you may want to baste the pockets on first then check if you are happy with the position of the pockets. I know some testers shifted their pockets upwards so that it cuts the yoke. Here's a close up to see where the pocket placement based on pattern instructions will be. Hopefully that can help you decide how high you may wish to place your pockets! 

One last thing, I used a lot more rivets than the pattern required - mostly because I am apparently really really bad at installing rivets. So that may be something for you to consider as well - buy more rivets! I destroyed about 50% of the rivets I bought and had nothing left of these rivets by the end of it so... just buy more rivets. ALOT more. haha. 

Thank you for stopping by! Really happy that you read this!