Buttons and Bibs Coastal Crossover

Hi everyone! I made another twinning set! This time round, I made the Coastal Crossover from Buttons and Bibs!

My version is the V neck with faux lace (printed) CL and black modal handkerchief skirt in top length. Her version is black CL with the faux lace CL as a skirt in dress length. I didn't bother hemming mine and hers was rolled hemmed with a serger so both dresses were really fast to sew! 

I really do love twinning with this cutie pie! 

Here's some photos of how beautiful this dress looks worn! 

We hope you liked our versions of the Buttons and Bibs Coastal Crossover!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas~~

Over at our house, Christmas is usually a quiet affair and with young toddlers in the house the past few years, the Christmas tree has not been out of storage for a really long time. But 2020 has been a crazy year and the kids are both just so excited about Christmas and decorating and gifts that we decided to finally take the tree out of storage this year! So I'm going to be posing for photos next to the tree! Hehe

Hello from Singapore! A warm welcome everyone who's here for the Winter Wear designs blog tour! I'm Hwee Ke and I'm here to show you WWD's latest free holiday pattern (Don't you just LOVE Suzanne Winters for being so so generous? 💋💋💋)

 So... On the 7th day of Christmas, WWD gave to us... All Wrapped Up (a beautiful scarf pattern)! 💖💖💖

There's 2 versions - a pocket scarf version and a sleeved version. I made the sleeved version and I just love it so much, don't you?

After you downloaded the pattern, you would notice that recommended fabric for the scarf is actually structured knits. In fact it doesn't actually require any stretch (only the sleeves need a good stretch) Well... I had this beautiful, stretchy, drapey, shiny lurex knit that is so soft to touch inside and shiny (So holiday appropriate!) outside that I just HAD to use this knit for my sleeved scarf. 

I'm 5"6' tall so I'm using the regular size but cos my knit is so so slinky, I took 4 inches off the width (you may wish to remove more width if this look isn't what u are going for! But if you are using the recommended fabric then no length removal is necessary. Tip: Check first by wrapping it ard yourself b4 sewing to test the length! ) 

I think it works really well as a wrap scarf and the sleeves help keep the wrap on me! The shiny lurex also gave it just that extra bit of holiday cheer! Also, with the knit I used being so slinky, I knew I could wear this sleeved wrap differently so after playing ard with it, here's another look:

For this look, I pull the wrap all the way past my shoulders so that the entire sleeved portion of the scarf can be seen, then I allowed the wrap to drape down my back so it forms a deep cowl. I think I am gg to wear this wrap like that quite often! Loving that cowl! 

Here's another look:

For this look, I simply wrapped the scarf ard me without wearing the sleeves, then I tied the sleeves at the back of the wrap with a knot. 

And the last look I came up with is this one:

I think you can probably guess how to put this look together 😂 All I did was rearranged the wrap ard my neck, tie the sleeves part and tucked them in. 

Are you excited to try it out? I'm excited to find out from all of you the other ways I can wear this versatile little wrap! 

Download the pattern here and remember to check the FB group for the code to get it for free! 

Thank you for coming and Merry Christmas everyone! 

Meyraki Triple Play Tank

Another Boy Pattern! This is from Meyraki and it's their Triple Play Tank. I didn't do the color blocking option though cos I had enough of this and I wanted a full plain (and fast) version. 

He looks like he really likes his new tank. But of course he would. He chose the fabric himself! 

I realised that with this boy, it is really not a good idea to make before asking him cos he has strong opinions on fabric choices and if he doesn't like it, he would refuse to wear it. I would know - he didn't wear a mandarin collar shirt I made for Chinese New Year just cos he hated the print. Doesn't matter that he really liked the cartoon that was on the print, or that I spent a really long time sewing that one, no meant no =(

Thankfully, this tank he loves and approves. In fact, he likes the pattern so much I made more 3 tanks! Just nice too. Cos he outgrows them so quickly. 

Goober Pea Design Mabel Top

I had the chance to test for Mabel. This is a basic bodice + circle skirt / handkerchief skirt dress with the option of normal sleeves or puff sleeves. A staple pattern in any little girl's wardrobe I must say! 

I really like handkerchief skirts recently so I took no time at all to come up with this cute little outfit for my girl. Projector sewing for the win! hehe. 

Not sure if you can see the hemming in the photo, but the hemming is very pretty both inside and outside because the pattern came with instructions on how to hem a square skirt such that it looks good inside! 

The top length looks super cute with her shorts. And I think it will go well with leggings too. 

I was thinking of trying a double handkerchief skirt next. I think that would look really sweet too! 

Oh, I used custom knit for this. And I realised that custom knits tend to be really tight. I think moving on, I will probably need to size up every time I use custom knits otherwise, she will outgrow her new clothes in no time. 

Thank you for reading! If this inspires you, do consider using my aff link to purchase the pattern! =) 

Designer Stitch Stacey Dress

I had a chance to be part of Designer Stitch's "Roadies" or so their testers were called. It was an interesting and fun experience and I got to test for a really simple sew - Stacey dress. 

Why did I apply for the Stacey Dress Test? If you know me well, take a look at the dress and have a guess! 😆

There's a front tie feature! Yay! Love love love that! I had a few pieces of georgeous scuba fabric in my stash just waiting for the right pattern to come along and this is IT! The marble effect scuba and this Stacey dress just went together so beautifully. 

To think I almost destashed the marble scuba fabric cos I didn't know what to do with it! Good thing Stacey pattern test came along when it did! 

Now I did say this was a fast sew. How fast? With projector sewing, I was done cutting and sewing this in less than 3 hours. Super fast! I choose the 2nd shortest dress length for this particular dress because the neckline was a V-neck and I think it turned out rather lovely! There's a total of 4 dress lengths and 1 top length so you probably can find the right length for your needs! 

My first Stacey dress (or my toile) was this one in lovely chinese ink landscape print. Also a scuba fabric, I selected the shortest dress length mainly to accommodate the directional print. To balance the short length, I selected the round neck line (there's also a turtle neck but it is almost always too hot here in Singapore to wear turtle necks!)

I matched this with high heels and a beautiful me-made tote bag. Psst, I'll be writing another post about the tote bag pattern soon! (It's free!!!)

The Stacey Dress has a centre back seam which meant that you can easily fix any sway back issues you may have and the 2 back darts help give you a beautiful silhouette. 

I'm loving my 2 Staceys. Hope they inspire you to make yours!

Here's the direct link to the dress pattern 💗

Pattern Union Felix Jacket

I had the opportunity to test the Felix Jacket for Pattern Union. I made 3 jackets!

My first one is using a fun vintage upholstery fabric with orange bias binding. 

The jacket is a really fast sew, the only thing slowing u down would probably be binding. But even then, it isn't difficult to do at all!

My first and second jackets both have lining because the main fabric is not comfortable on skin but even with lining, it is really easy. I should know, i made 3! 

My second jacket is Chanel-inspired. I used a tweed fabric with metallic threads running through which is so pretty in real life. The jacket is bolero length. Perfect for pairing with practically anything really. 

I used a black trim for mine, but the instructions also has info on how to make fancy trim just like those iconic Chanel tweed jackets. I do love this one. So pretty!

And i did say I made 3 jackets right? 

Here's my 3rd!

This is a duster length jacket made with cotton sateen fabric. ❤

Felix Jacket comes in Sizes 6 to 26 and cup sizes A to G. There's bolero length, mid thigh and duster length. You can make it sleeveless, or long sleeved. There's the option to bound the cuff or hem. It can be lined or unlined and binded. 

There's even video instructions too! It's wonderful. 

Hope my sews inspire you! You can get the Felix Jacket pattern from Pattern Union here.

Winter Wear Design Radiant Rouched Top

So excited to share this beautiful beautiful pattern that i had finished testing from Winter Wear Designs not too long ago. 

I have this thing for gathers and asymmetrical necklines and interesting details and this pattern ticks all the boxes and makes my heart sing when i see the finished product I made. 

This Radiant Rouched Top I made uses stretch crepe fabric from Spotlight and the drape is just perfect for the top. I made mine asymmetrical with mutton chop long sleeves. 

The pattern also comes with a high neckline, normal sleeves/mutton chop sleeves in cap, 3/4 length and long length. 

This green top is made with milk silk, and left unhemmed cos i got lazy and also cos milk silk doesn't fray. (Ok ok I'm lazy 🤣🤣🤣 but u got to admit it does look good unhemmed!)

If you like what I made, you can buy urself a copy here!

Pattern feature: Neck Tie top by Winter Wear Designs

If you know me, you would know that I love me a good classic top in black or blue. It's just MY color and so easy to match. 

When I saw Winter Wear Design's neck tie top, I knew it would make a really classy staple wardrobe piece so I went searching for the right fabric in my stash. I found a beautiful black modal fabric, very thin, with a slight sheen and very drapey - PERFECT! And so, I set to work! 

Projector sewing meant this was an incredibly fast sew. The entire top took me 2 hours from cutting to sewing to finishing. Winter Wear Design's many patterns have projector files and the pattern designer Suzanne Winters take all feedback seriously so she is constantly making improvements to her projector files to make it more user friendly for us projector users. 💗💗💗

I love how this top paired with a cute pencil skirt is giving me a Friday night OL (office lady) vibe. I can see professionals wearing this to work in the day then going for dinner in a fancy restaurant after. 

What is great about this is that with a different fabric you can have a very different look, as you can see from the photos in the listing here or in the blogposts linked below. I made my top with the cuffed bishop sleeves for a soft, romantic look which I felt was very flattering. There's also a beautiful gathered poet sleeve which is shorter and really cute. In fact there are three sleeve options, so you can choose the sleeve option that works best for your shape! 

Let's talk about the neck tie! The pattern piece included notches for you to position the tie as per pattern instructions - great if you want to achieve the same look as shown in the listing photos. But, if you are like me, you may prefer to try on the top before sewing on the neck tie and adjust your tie in the mirror to decide the right angle for you. Initially, I thought I may prefer it tied right in the middle, but in the end, I shifted it slightly to my right and marked the position before sewing. Sewing your own clothes means being able to decide on small things like this to make the clothes truly yours! 

And yes, before I forget, the top can be hemmed the usual way or banded. AND if u band it, technically, you wouldn't need to cover stitch anything! YAY! I also happen to think that banding it means that wearing it over a pair of jeans like this can change up the outfit to a more casual look. So cute! 

And finally, if my make excites you, here's something that makes the pattern even more exciting:

The neck tie top is on release pricing of just $3 from October 7th to October 13th 2020!! 

Then after, it will join the $5 Wardrobe builder group! Yay for a great pattern in a great price!

Don't miss any of the other WWD bloggers' version of the Neck Tie Top!

Wednesday 10/7

Patricia of Sew Far North

Thursday 10/8

Alyssa of The Sewing Goatherd

Friday 10/9

Hwee Ke of kekesews

Monday 10/12

Aurelie of Maglice&So

Tuesday 10/13

Laurie of the Bear and the Pea Atelier

Donnisha guest posting at Winter Wear Designs

Pajamas for the little one!

I'm always on the lookout for comfortable pajamas for my little ones and there's always a need for comfy PJs in this house. 

I recently got to test for Sew a Little Seam's latest pattern Nightingale and can you tell this little one loved it?

The Nightingale set is designed for knit fabrics and there's a top, knee and maxi version. There's also shorts and pants to mix and match the PJ sets! 

The one above is the ruffle sleeves but there is also long, short, tulip, gathered and sleeveless tops. The bodice has a ruffle and gathered or colorblock option and there's even optional plackets and bottom ruffles. 

I think it would take me forever to finish making all the options! Don't you love it when there's so many options in one pattern tt u buy?

The pattern includes sizes 3 months to 12 years and plus sizes 4-12 years. You can choose to buy just 1 size or the bundle. 

Bella Sunshine Designs Isabella Banded Skirt

Let's talk about a FREE skirt pattern! This is the Isabella Banded Skirt from Bella Sunshine Designs.

I'm wearing the ladies version which can be found here and my girl's wearing the girl's version.

It's free for all subscribers of their newsletter and you can get links to the free copy after subscribing!

Easy!


What I love about this skirt is the fact that it is so fast and easy. A quick sew for when you need that little bit of sewing therapy.

You don't even need to print anything if you don't want to! The measurements for the skirt are all provided so you can get right to it. And it's great cos you don't have to worry about it not fitting right since all u have to do is check your measurement with the chart and cut out accordingly! There's grading instructions too!

And for a free pattern, it's even nicer that it comes with 2 length options so you can choose whether you prefer a longer length (that's the one we are wearing) or a super cute above knee length!

Did you notice the lace detail on my girl's skirt?

Clear instructions on how to add various types of trims are also found in the tutorial so this is the perfect pattern for a beginner to use!

If you have a lot of woven fabric in your stash (like me), this is an easy way to use them all up! (Then u can buy more! 😂)

So, do consider subscribing to their newsletter to get this lovely, BEGINNER FRIENDLY skirt pattern FREE~~~~~

Psst!! Want MORE free patterns? Join their facebook group and you can grab the Reagan Raglans for kids and ladies (including plus sizes!) Just check the pinned post for the coupon code to make them 100% free!

(I've made so so many Reagan Raglans already! They are very well drafted!)