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

IVL Hecho Dotty Jacket

I just love my new jacket. It's giving me a very couture vibe. This is the Dotty jacket by ivl_hecho and it features a tailored and cropped bodice with set in sleeves that are contoured to fit - they come in 2 pieces! 

The jacket is fully lined so technically, you can make the jacket reversible - I didn't cos I chose to line this with voile in a colorful print. 

The pattern has 2 different sleeve lengths, full and 3/4 length and patch pockets (which I omitted) and also an option to make it sporty with a zipper closure. 

The Jacquard I used had lovely raised designs which I loved and the white made the jacket really classy. One thing to note though - jacquard frays like crazy! I had to serge all the edges to keep it from disintegrating as I sew! 

All worth it though. Don't you think? I added a rose brooch which belonged to my mum and I think it fits really nice too! I like how I can wear this with a fitted dress or a pants/ top and both will look elegant and professional. The addition of the brooch also helped elevate the outfit. 

If I were to make it again, I will prob hack a pocket along the contour seam on the inside of the jacket. That would be such a lovely detail! 

Here's the direct link to the pattern:

https://www.ivlhechoconamor.com/listing/1182355030/women-short-jacket-sewing-pattern-short

Sewing jeans - WBM men and women jeans

I pattern tested for my first pair of Men's Jeans and my third pair of women's jeans! These are jeans from Wardrobe by Me. This pattern company has many lovely Men and Women sewing patterns that are both stylish and very classic. They also recently ventured into pattern making for children! 

I've made many sewing patterns from them with very very good outcomes so I was really excited about these jeans.

Let's talk about the patterns itself and the fabric first. 

These are non-stretch jeans. That means you need to find denim that is not stretchy or at most only slightly stretchy. Because of the nature of non stretch jeans, the overall fit isn't skinny - it cannot be!

The Men's version is a pair of classic, five-pocket jeans with a relaxed fit and boot-cut legs. The Women's version is a pair of classic, five-pocket slim jeans with straight legs. They are not the usual jeans you get in shops that are stretchy and therefore tight, these are very comfortable jeans that you can wear all day. In fact, my husband finds them even more comfortable than his Levis. 

The non-stretch denim that is required should have a weight of about 10-13 oz and other similar weight wovens can also be used e.g. corduroy/ canvas. I live in Singapore, my first pair of jeans were made with 10 oz denim I bought from taobao (online) and the second pair was from Teoh Huat Textiles in Chinatown. If I were to compare the two fabric, I will definitely recommend Singaporeans to just buy from Chinatown because you can feel the fabric and it really makes a difference - also, it is not that much cheaper buying from taobao! 

My husband is modelling the first tester version I made below. 

You can see that the fit is not tight but it isn't too loose either. It's really a very comfortable fit all the way down - and I think that's part of the reason why this pair of jeans is much loved! 

I took my time with the topstitching. I didn't actually use twin needles, instead, I simply used a topstitching needle and topstitched twice. For the thread, I used Rinata jeans thread (cos that is what I could buy from my neighborhood sewing shop) It's also the same shop I bought the rivets! If you live in or near Ang Mo Kio, the shop to look for is Elsie Departmental Store. To help the stitching look nicer, I also increased the stitch length and tension and went really slow. 

Lemme show you all some in progress photos!! 

That design has a special geeky meaning actually! It's a nod to our background in Physics - this is a Feymann diagram! hehe. Both me and my husband are physics majors and when making your own jeans, the best part might just be personalizing the back pockets! hehe. 

I followed the instructions on how to topstitch the coin pocket and I really liked the look! The topstitching this way also meant that the coin pocket is kept firmly on the front pocket bag. And it is, in itself, another lovely detail that sets this jeans apart.

And for those interested to see how the zipper fly looks like, here it is!

It looks really really nice doesn't it! The construction wasn't difficult and it was really easy to follow the instructions to do this. In fact, there is even a video to help you with the entire construction including the fly construction for the visual learners. 

Here's the pair I made for me:

 

As you can tell, the legs fit slightly slimmer than my husband's version but it isn't tight. It's a straight leg and also just as comfortable to wear. 

The waistband of the women's jeans actually differ from the men's jeans. The men's one is a straight waistband while the women's one is contoured. I'm not a pattern drafter so I don't know why. But I do know both patterns fit beautifully on our different bodies. 

I didn't want any designs on my pockets cos I kinda like it simple and clean instead so here's how the jeans would look like with no pocket designs. The thread I used here is a grey thread too. I like how it looks a little different from the usual gold/yellow thread of retail wear jeans. 

I'll end the post with some flat lays of some of the jeans I made and also photos of the other pairs but before that, some final words...

During testing, I made a total of 4 pairs of jeans. 2 for me and 2 for my husband. The first pair took me about 2 full days of sewing but as I got better and more experienced, each pair takes about a full day to complete. I would say, if you are a beginner trying to sew jeans, GO FOR IT! But do go slow, take ur time, read the instructions carefully and give yourself a few days to sew (sewing a few hours each day). 

Sewing jeans is well worth the effort, especially when at the end of the sewing, you have a pair of really good looking jeans that are fitted just for you. 

These set of patterns are well drafted and definitely well worth buying! 

So here's my (aff) links again:

https://bit.ly/WBMmenjeans

https://bit.ly/WBMwomenjeans

Release sale: with the code "Jeans ninja" u can get 25% off till 21/22 jan 2022

Looking to sew Kids jeans? Here's my review on 2 great kids jeans pattern

Wanting a more tapered leg? Or need a bigger size than what's offered for WBM? Here's my review on another great adult jeans pattern from Rad Patterns.

Matchy matchy family set!

I've been testing quite frequently for Sinclair Patterns these days. And these are some matchy matchy outfits I managed to make for my entire family whilst testing. 

I didnt want it to be too obvious, in-your-face, kind of matching but something which still looks good when they wear it on their own. 

And also, the husband can be very particular about prints so heathered grey athletic knit is a very safe option! Of course I didn't have quite so many yardages of a specific heathered grey knit so i mixed and matched a few close matches - and they were all from my stash! Yippee! 

Patterns featured: Ivy, Ivyberry, Rocky and Rockyberry 

First photo - a group photo of me and the kids (husband's the photographer) 

Here's my husband and son at the beach!

Here's Rockyberry tank with Solberry shorts. 

This Ivyberry is made with remnants from big and brave fabrics and the drape is really lovely! 

Mine is made with a different remnant, a much thinner athletic knit that is also very comfortable. 

I do like this family set so so much. Can u tell we have been wearing these often? Many of these photos are taken at different locations over different days! 

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 

S.U.A.T Titania and Pixie Tank and dress

It's time for another Stitch upon a time Pattern Showcase / Sale!

This time round, we have a wonderful summer staple - Titania Top and Tunic and Pixie top and dress!

It's SO SO cute!

 

I love the razor back. It feels so athletic! And I know what you are thinking - what about the bra? Well, this pattern comes with an inner built in bra! I made mine with it so I can skip the strapless bras which we all know isn't comfy nor that secure! 

I made mine as a top length so that I can squeeze both my top and my girl's dress out of a yard of fabric. And I think I still have enough remnants for something else for her!

Here's my girl in her Pixie dress. She looks adorable if I may say so myself hehe. I love the flare of the dress and there's also a slightly less flared version. 

The dress came together really quickly because there isn't any gathering. And the only band is the neckband. The armscye is done by hemming - set up your twin needles or coverstitch cos there's quite some hemming to do! hehe. But trust me, it's worth it!!

True Bias Ogden Cami

I've always wanted to try making an Ogden Cami from True Bias. So when I found time between pattern tests, I decided to cut out my first Ogden! 

There wasn't a projector file, but I had the A0 which was layered and good enough for projector cutting. 

The cut of the cami is lovely and very flattering. But because it is drafted for B cups, I found that it was a little too low for my liking so I had to shorten the straps about 1.5 inches. I think, moving on, my next cami will probably need a SBA. But another cami is definitely something that will happen cos I love love love my ogden cami. 

 I am officially an ogden convert! 💗

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!