Tag: short

  • Ladies Fun Tee Revised_Tester Round Up

    Ladies Fun Tee Revised_Tester Round Up

    The latest pattern by Sew by Pattern Pieces is a special one.  I decided early on when I made ladies’ patterns I wanted them to fit well and I wanted ladies of a wide range of sizes to be able to wear them.

    I decided after time after the first release, that the armhole and sleeve could be made to feel a bit more comfortable, and therefore I decided that an update to the pattern was required.

    This pattern comes with both fitted or flared bases. Fitted to mold to the body and wearable with all the fitted skirts and pants available at the moment. Flared for that little bit of swing over garments.

    In this new release, you have the option of making your sleeves plain short or long and gathered short or long with the addition of mini flutter or full flutters on their own.  There are 3 neckline options including; Round, Scoop, or High or Low V Neck.

    Some testers added 1″ to the length of all their short-sleeve tees as they feel more comfortable with that length. That is easy to do by just added 1″ to the cut line provided on the long sleeve. You can choose any length that you wanted.

    A wide range of sizes have been made and are included in this pattern are as follows:

    AU 6-26, US 2-22, EU 32-52 and cup sizes A through G. 

     Below are the final photographs sent to me from the lovely testers of this pattern. They were so gorgeous I just had to share them in one location for all to see.
    I have been very fortunate to have many testers come back a second, third, and fourth time to test my patterns.  I feel very thankful for that and for the friendships formed through this process. 

    Thank you to all the lovely testers that helped work on this pattern.  Without you, the revised version would not have been possible. 

    Ladies Fun Tee Tester Round-Up is as follows.

    Low V Neck_Fitted Tee_Ali Gadsby
    Low V Neck_Flared Tee_Ali Gadsby
    Scoop Neck_Flared Tee_Full Flutter_Amy Hodge
    Scoop Neck_Flared Tee_Full Flutter_Amy Hodge
    Scoop Neck_Fitted Tee_Angie Kyp
    Gathered Sleeve with added 1″ to length_Carmen West
    Full Flutter over plain sleeve_Carmen West
    Gathered Sleeve with added 1″ to length_Chris Shapiro
    Full Flutters – Dagmar Odengarm
    Plain Sleeve_Flared Bodice_Julia Jones
    Round Neck_Fitted Tree_Jeanne Howard
    Flared Tee_Julie A Beveridge
    Added length to Plain Short Sleeve_Fitted Tee_June Chance Butchee
    Gathered Sleeve_Round Neck_Malene Gaihede Karlsen
    Gathered Sleeve_Scooped Neck_Katie Kennedy
    Low V Neck
    Scoop Neck_Flared Tee_Margaret Hutson
    3/4 Sleeve_Fitted Bodice_Marta Gvozdinskaya
    Round Neck_Flared Tee_Michelle Eisele
    Scoop Neck_Gathered Sleeve, Fitted Tee_Nicole Hanson
    Scoop Neck_Flared Tee_Nicole Jupp
    3/4 Sleeve_Low V Neck_Fitted Tee_Teresa Hardy
    Low V Neck_Flared Tee_Sophie Carignan
    Scoop Neck_Fitted Tee_Thao Luxa
    Gathered Sleeve_Scoop Neck_Fitted Tee_Yvonne Dechance

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #ladiesfuntee #sewbypatternpieces

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Girls Fun Tee Pattern comes in so handy

    Girls Fun Tee Pattern comes in so handy

    I find having the Girls Fun Tee Pattern so handy for life’s little emergencies! For that necessary yellow shirt needed for tomorrow at school or for that costume for a school play that is coming up soon.

    I have been so thankful for the Girls Fun Tee PDF Pattern many a time over the years. Here are a few examples of how it has been put to good use.

    Letterland – Clever Cat Costume. Sized up and lengthened.
    Colonial Day
    Colonial Day
    Dress Ups – The puff tee looks great with everything!
    Book Week – Heidi
    Multicultural Day – A little Dutch Costume
    A Christmas Tee for the last day of school.
    This was worn to death and until it did not fit anymore!
    An embarrassing Mum supporters t’shirt! The kids were sad when they moved schools and Mum did not have a supporters tee to wear anymore.

    Do you have a need for a great fitting t-shirt pattern? Maybe you’d like to try our Girls Fun Tee Pattern?

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #funteepdfpattern #sbppfuntee #sewbypatternpieces

    Tester Inspiration: Blog Post Link

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Ladies Zip-It Good Rashie Set Tester Round Up

    Ladies Zip-It Good Rashie Set Tester Round Up

     
    Samantha Wolgast
     
    I will always be very thankful for the effort testers go to, to help me sew and check the fit of the patterns, look over and give suggestions for the instructions, and then help promote the new styles on social media.
     
    For the Ladies Zip-It Good Rashie Set it was no different.  Firstly, what does this pattern include?  This pattern is brimming with options.
     
    Girls Zip It Style Sheet_1
    • Zip front closure,
    • Plain or frilled hem,
    • Fitted body,
    • Flutter, puff, short, 3/4, long sleeve options.

    Girls Zip It Style Sheet_2

    • Swim pant,
    • Leggings with 5 length options.
     
    This pattern comes in a wide range of sizes, but the most exciting detail is that it comes with front pattern pieces specially made for cup sizes A through G. 
    AU 6-26, US 2-22, EU 32-52.
     
    All pattern pieces are computer-generated, color-coded, and layered so you can choose to print the actual sizes you require.
      
    These are a few of the lovely versions of the leggings and swim pants that our fabulous testers made in the first part of the test.
     
    Hannah Bnana
    Brooke Ashcroft

    Hannah Bnana

    Kylie Pollard

    Synthia Lee Gerritson
     
    What I love about making my own rashies is being able to use the gorgeous fabrics that are available on the market.  I cannot understand why we need to settle for plain black, white, and navy when we visit the stores.  
     
    To make a rashie all it takes is one step further than making a t-shirt.  The Zip!  You need not be afraid of inserting a zip.  You just need to get hold of some wash away tape.  Using this tape to hold the zip will make sewing a breeze.  If you join our group you will see a post with this picture where members have shared where they purchase their tape from.  There are many places online where you can buy it and have it sent right to your door.  In the pattern, there are two video links.  One to help you shorten your zip if it is too long and another to help you sew it into your garment using the wash away tape to hold it.
     
     
    Next, the zips.  They are also easy to get hold of to sew your garment.  In Australia, both Spotlight and Lincraft have a great selection.  The zips used are just a standard 50cm or 19 5/8″ open-ended chunky 5mm or 1/4″ zips. Have a search online if you cannot purchase from your closest store.
     
    In the weeks to follow, we tested Ladies Zip-It Good Rashie Set and wow what an array of gorgeous results we had.  
     
    Ladies Zip-It Good Rashie Set Tester Round Up
     
    Amy Hodge
     
    Ladies Zip-It Good Rashie
    Brooke Ashcroft

    Fea Stephens

    Krystol ithomitis
     
    Michelle Ball Johnson
    Hannah Bnana
    Synthia Lee Gerritson

    Shannon Gates Thomsen

    Megs Eksolk

    Rachael Harris

    Jess Norris
    Stacey Kay
     
    One of my long time testers Alison had a brain wave and decided to try out the band from our Glamour Swirl Skirt on the Swim Pants.  They look awesome and were able to be added to the pants with no adjustments necessary to the band or pants.  She just popped them straight on.  
     
    You can find the free file to this pattern in the “Files” section of our Group.  If you choose to join this is the link HERE
    Linda Stilling
    One of the most beautiful times of our lives is being able to breastfeed and this can be difficult when you are near the water.  One of our testers remedied this with the use of her Ladies Zip-It Good Rashie.  How cool is this?  The zip front allows the ability to breastfeed while in your swimsuit.
     
    Robyn Buchbach
     
    If you are in love with the makes you have seen and wish to make a Mummy and Me version you are also able to purchase the pattern as a bundle.  Yes, we have this same pattern in girls’ sizes.  From size 1-14 youth.  Here are some fun pics of Mum’s with their little ones in pieces from the Girls version of the Zip-It Good Rashie Set.
     
     
     
     
    Don’t forget you also can add a fun frill to your rashie.  It looks so adorable!
     
     
     
    So are you wanting to have a summer where you can head to the water for the day and not come home sunburnt?  Ready to bite the bullet and make your own?
     

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #zipitgoodrashieset #ladieszipitgoodrashieset

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Girls Zip It Good Rashie Set Tester Round Up

    Girls Zip It Good Rashie Set Tester Round Up

    Tanya Karolia

    Get ready for cuteness overload in this Girls Zip It Good Rashie Set Tester Round Up. Our pattern testers have sewn up a storm putting together these gorgeous zip front rashies in the hope they can keep their little ones burn free this summer.

    Such a huge selection of options are available in this pattern. You could make a different option of rashie every year, for years to come. On top of these options shown here, there is the option to add a frill on the hem as well.

    Girls Zip It Style Sheet_1
    Girls Zip It Style Sheet_2
    Amy Hodge
    Alice Blackmore
    Fea Stephens
    Fea Stephens
    Linda Stilling
    Michelle Ball Johnson

    The written instructions guide you through every step of the zipper installation, with links to step by step video tutorials.  Making zipper installation into stretch super easy to master.

    Tanya Karolia
    Sarah Mumford
    Carmen West
    Helen Currie

    It does not matter what the age. Frills look so sweet on both long sleeves or short sleeves. You have the choice to add cuffs or turn up the hem on the sleeves.

    When you have such fair skin and there is the risk of stingers in the water a pair of leggings come in really handy at the beach. The swim pants can be worn underneath if you do not wish to line the leggings.

    Karen Fildes
    Kristy Fleischmann
    Nabilah Razif
    Shannon McClain
    Yvonne Pyke
    Shannon McCraken

    Weren’t they just the cutest photos to scroll through? Are you ready to make your kids burn free this summer with a Girls Zip It Good Rashie Set as well?

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #zipitgoodrashieset #zipitgoodrashie

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Girls Fun Tee Dress Add On Tester Round Up

    Girls Fun Tee Dress Add On Tester Round Up

    For a while now people in our sewing group have been requesting an Add On to our Girls Fun Tee. It is with great excitement that I am here to tell you that we now have this option.

    This pattern is an Add On so, therefore, you will need to have access to the Girls Fun Tee pattern and will need to print the sleeves, neckband, and cuffs from that base pattern in order to create the dress.

    As a bundle you will have all you need to make these sleeve options each with the choice to add Mini or Full Flutters:

    A. Short Sleeve;
    B. Long Sleeve;
    C. Gathered Short Sleeve;
    D. Gathered Long Sleeve;
    E. Full Flutter on its own.

    FABRIC RECOMMENDATIONS 50% 4-way stretch knit fabric blend containing lycra/elastane/spandex.

    Sizes supplied in this pattern 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,12,14.

    One of the newest features is … wait for it… drumroll, please… It has POCKETS! Yes, how exciting is that? Now your little ones can store all their treasures while on the go in these easy to install side seam pockets.

    If you like to have FABRIC PANELS or have bought them in the past and you want a dress pattern that does not use up a lot of fabric, you have come to the right place. This is the perfect a-line dress that does not use up a heap of fabric.

    This was a Stenzo Panel that I bought from Zebra Fabrics

    Girls Fun Tee Dress Add On Tester Round Up

    The pattern test was so much fun. It was lovely seeing the enthusiasm of the ladies in the group choosing their favourite fabrics to make the dresses and even the children themselves helping decide from the various stashes which fabric the dresses should be made from. Thank you to all our lovely testers for the time and effort you put into each test that you do.

    Alison Daines
    Amy Hodge

    Fea Stephens

    Karen Grimshaw
    Kel Curteis
    Leanne Axelson
    Meg Moore
    Michelle Ball Johnson
    Nabilah Razif
    Sue-Ann Jones

    Do you need a little dress pattern that has pockets, and does not use up too much fabric from your precious stash? You have come to the right place.

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag:  #sbppfunteedress #funteedresspdfpattern #21100funteedress

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Girls Playtime Dress Tester Round Up

    Girls Playtime Dress Tester Round Up

    “Winter days are made for Playtime … and what better way than to do that in clothes, and with toys, you’ve made for your kids!”

    One Thimble | Issue 19
    Playtime Dress | Issue 19 | One Thimble

    What an exciting pattern release this is. Releasing alongside the Pixel Pullover, Alfie Sweatpants, Monster Mash Pinny, and the Pinky Promise bag is the Playtime Dress PDF Pattern for Issue 19 of the One Thimble Magazine. I am here today to present to you the complete Girls Playtime Dress Tester Round Up.

    The Playtime Dress is the perfect base garment for summer or winter. This is a comfortable A-line Swing Dress that your girls will love wearing. It can be made plain or by making the front a feature with the fabulous circle pockets. Perfect teamed with stockings, socks or leggings.

    The Girls Playtime Dress PDF Pattern comes with all the pieces you need to make 3 sleeve styles:

    A. Cuffed Short Sleeve
    B. Cuffed 3/4 Sleeve
    C. Cuffed Long Sleeve

    It also includes two dress lengths:

    Knee-length and short, and with optional feature pockets.

    Lauren Wernli
    Alison Daines
    Amy Hodge
    Fee Stirt
    Fea Stephens
    Karen Grimshaw
    Kel Curteis
    Linda Stilling
    Pam Allen
    Sandra Schommer
    Sue-Ann Jones
    Whitney Hyer
    Jennifer Van Meter Deshazer

    Girls Playtime Dress Tester Round Up. Such a cute line up of beautiful, fun Playtime Dresses. If you feel your little ones need a Playtime Dress in their lives? Would they love a one with pockets or plain?

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag:  #playtimedresspdfpattern 

    Pinterest Page: HERE

    Have a happy time sewing!

  • Girls Revised Fun Tee Tester Round Up

    Girls Revised Fun Tee Tester Round Up

    I am here today to show you the Girls Revised Fun Tee Tester Round Up but first I would like to tell you about how it got to this stage. The Girls Fun Tee pattern was the first pattern that I released when starting SEW by Pattern Pieces. I have learned so much since that first day. One of the things I was not aware of at the time was just how big the online sewing community was.

    I have always loved to sew but since I left Home Economics at high school and Design College I have not really talked much to anyone outside of work about sewing. Talking to friends about sewing was always a quick conversation as it was not a shared interest. I never thought to look at Facebook for sewing related groups.

    Then one day I found a fabric designer that I loved and she had a PDF Pattern for a girl’s quilted jacket. It was the first time I had come across a PDF pattern. I had been making clothes for my girls either from patterns I had made or from the big 5. I decided to sew up a jacket for each of them from this pattern. They loved them and got a lot of wear out of them that Winter.

    My little cuties in their cool homemade jackets.

    Now that I had been introduced to PDF Patterns, I set about working out how to write them. I had been working in the rag trade for many years as a patternmaker but I had felt I had stopped learning and was not sure which direction to head with the skills that I had. It was then that I found the Pattern Workshop course for designing PDF patterns. My mind was blown with the possibilities.

    I began drafting a little Fun Tee for my girls. I could only find plain 100% jersey at Spotlight and at that stage Lincraft was not easily accessible but I do not think their knit range was great, at the time. So, I used some fun iron-on transfers to jazz them up.

    The very first version of the Girls Fun Tee on my two girls.

    During the test of this pattern, I was amazed at some of the fabrics and prints testers were making their tees out of. After the test, I started buying some of the amazing stretch cotton Lycras and sewing them up for my girls. I then realized that the pattern needed tweaking and this was the catalyst for the revised version.

    For a second time, my team of testers did an amazing job and I look forward to showing you all their gorgeous makes. In the Girls Revised Fun Tee, we added a few more sleeve options giving you a tee with lots of style choices.

    The Revised Fun Tee and its options.

    The Girls Revised Fun Tee Tester Round Up, get ready to see lots of cuteness right here, as I love all these makes. It brings me so much joy to see these photos as this is what I love about doing what I do.

    Abigail Shelling
    Abigail Shelling
    Amy Hodge
    Anja Wouters
    Anja Wouters
    Cassie Fussle
    Cassie Fussle
    Fea Stephens
    Fea Stephens
    Fee Stirt
    Karen Grimshaw

    Kel Curteis
    Kel Curteis
    Sandra Schommer
    Sue-Jones
    Amanda Kaye Saffold Jones

    Sarah Mumford

    It was such a fun test the second time around. The fit was gorgeous on all the girls and I am much happier with all the tweaks and new sleeve options. I hope you will love the Girls Revised Fun Tee as well.

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #funteepdfpattern #sbppfuntee #sewbypatternpieces

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • The Christmas Gift Giving Blog Tour

    The Christmas Gift Giving Blog Tour

     
    Welcome to the Christmas Gift Giving Blog Tour.  Today is Day One of the Tour and both Tibeca Yao from Sewing by Ti and Lauren Wernli from Sew by Pattern Pieces, will be your hosts.
     
    It is that time of year where we are looking for something to wear that is a little festive.  Ever since I laid my eyes on this beautiful fabric in a destash group (Thank you Sneha), I have had the vision of this dress in my head.  I am so excited that I have now had the time to put it together and also to be able to share it with you.  
     
    Thank you to the lovely, awesome, fantastic, and very patient Tasha Kimlin who took the following photos for this post.  Tash has the most amazing eye for detail and this is represented throughout her home.  As soon as I saw her stunning tree (as it is every year!) I knew I had to use this location as the backdrop to showcase this dress.
     
     
    In order to create this dress, I have taken the Ladies Fun Tee and brought it in 1/2″ each side at the waist and cut it off 1″ below the lengthen shorten line at the waist (I am long in the body!)  Next I measured the Glamour Swirl Skirt (Free when you join my group) waists and found a size to fit the top half of the Ladies Tee and used that for the skirt.  This skirt is a full circle.
     
     
    There are many options to create a feature at the waist.  One idea could be an actual belt!  We very nearly used a rose gold one.  Another idea could be a contrast band in stretch.  We decided, in this case, to use a statin sash, about 8cm wide and wrapped around twice and tied into a bow.  The sash finishes the dress off nicely worn either at the front of the dress or at the back.
     
     
    Have you decided on your Christmas outfit this year?  Using the Ladies Fun Tee could be a great option.  We live in Australia and I find this dress so comfortable in the heat, no need to iron and it has the ability to dress up or down to suit the occasion.  Plus I can change the band at the waist and my shoes and have a completely different outfit.
     
     
    The Ladies Fun Tee is available with Fronts for A-G cup
     
    Sizes supplied in this pattern 
     
      AU 6 – 26, US 2 – 22, EU 32 – 52
     
    We have had many lovely designers contribute to the prize package for this tour. With only a couple of weeks until Christmas, we thought it would be a great idea to showcase a pattern from each designer that would make a great gift to give away over the Festive Season.  
     
     
     
    Every one of the businesses that are featured in this post has kindly donated the prizes for The Christmas Gift Giving Blog Tour, so I hope you love reading about the fun projects they have on offer and pay them a visit.  
     
     
    All of the contributors are listed in alphabetical order.
     
    The holiday cutout dress by Bella Sunshine The Holiday Cutout Dress & Top is packed full of options. Different cutouts, different lengths, and an optional appliqué give you the opportunity to make it unique every time you sew it. Layer it over a long sleeve shirt and leggings for the winter or keep it as is for warmer months. And with the different cutouts available in various sizes, you can make one for every one of your favorite holidays. Included cutouts feature a heart, shamrock, bunny, star, pumpkin, and tree.
     
     
     
    The Puppet Purses from Bishy Barnababes make great, fun gifts that can be whipped up in no time. Using felt or fleece, they are a unique design that combines both a puppet and a small purse for loose change or other treasures. Kids love them! There are two sets of animals and both patterns are currently on sale in the Bishy Barnababes shop.
     
     
     
    The Primrose Pj’s from Daydream Patterns is a super cute design for your favourite girl – perfect for sleepover parties and summer fun! An easy and quick Christmas present – who doesn’t need new jammies for Xmas?

     
    The pdf pattern includes pajama shorts with lace edging along the hem and pocket and a stretch knit singlet top with soft gathers across the front shoulders and across the back.  The pattern includes 4 applique templates – a heart, a cupcake, a butterfly shape, and a Christmas tree shape, especially for the festive season. Also included is a sleep mask in size small and medium. Full instructions on how to make these are included in the tutorial.
     
    The pattern includes size 4 – 14 girls sizes and a detailed instruction tutorial with illustrations. An A0 copy shop file and a 36″ wide copy shop file are also included.
     
     
     
    Harem Shorts Little Kiwi’s Closet. Easy to sew and super addictive to make, just one pair of these harem shorts is not enough. Made from comfy knit these shorts move and grow with your child as they explore their world.  Smaller sizes are suitable for cloth and disposable nappies.
     
     
    The Tainted Love Fold Over Clutch from Little Moo Designs brings together clean lines, contrast panels and a double zipper focus for a perfect clutch to take you from daytime to evening. This grab and go style clutch features an internal zipper welt pocket and a double card slot holding all of your essentials in one place. Designed for leather and vinyl, the contrast panel allows the Clutch to be matched to your favourite seasonal outfit.
     
    Coif from Mother Grimm Designs There are 4 basic Coif styles- One Seam, Two Seam, Short, and Long Pixie points.  This is a close-fitting hood/hat that can be lined and made reversible.  It can fit easily underneath coats and tops, keeping the neck and the entire head warm – meaning that scarves and other bulky items are not necessary to keep warm. 
     
    The add-on features a completely different bonus free coif pattern that allows you to make a shark/dolphin/fish.  The add-on pack also contains a selection of different ear styles and sizes (including Dragon, Rabbit, and Puppy), spikes/teeth as well as a range of Knight crests and a visor for budding adventurers.  
     
    Your imagination can run wild and create a completely new and unique look every time.
     
    Mermaid Tail Blanket from Made for Mermaids are comfy, take little fabric, adorable, and a quick sew! If you need a quick gift for ANY child, they will love this fun blanket. Very easy fit with options given to make it fit a large size range. Matching dolly takes NO extra yardage and makes the perfect add on to your handmade shop OR your doll loving daughter. Mermaid tail blankets for everyone!  Free Downloadable pattern from their website.
     
    Image result for made for mermaids mermaid tail blanket
     
     
    The Tea To Go tea bag travel case from Rachel Rossi Designs makes a great gift for any tea lover: mothers, grandmothers, best friends, and sisters! Tea To Go is the perfect way to travel with your favorite teas, It includes 6 pockets and folds up small enough to fit in your jeans pocket.
     

    A PDF sewing pattern for a camera toy by Swoodsen Says, with both neck strap and wrist strap options. A small vinyl pocket on the back allows you to slip in pictures for a ‘view-finder’ to use in pretend play. Perfect as a softie for a baby or infant OR a prop for dress-up & imaginative play for an older child.

     
    The Briar and Fluer dolls from Twig and Tale are wonderful for young
    ones learning about the world absorb all they see, hear, and feel with wide-open
    eyes and hearts.  A doll made from natural materials makes the intangible
    real and shows them love can be held and nurtured.  Made by you, he or she
    will always be perfect in their eyes, a priceless gift, and lifelong
    friend. 
     
    These delightful dolls have clear, detailed tutorials – no previous dollmaking or embroidery experience is required!
     
    The patterns for their lovely wee clothes are also included so your doll is
    all ready for someone special to love and play with.
     
    The Fable Headband from Wolf and Tree  This pattern has so many options that can be made out of woven, knit, wool, felt…..Make ear muffs with a round shape or troll shaped. You can also add ears or flowers to embellish or omit the ear muffs and make beautiful headbands to turn this pattern into a pattern for all seasons.

    Use the pattern to make crowns as party favors and gifts. This pattern does it all.
    Today we have seen amazing gift giving patterns on the market,  
    which one will you grab hold of and sew for a friend or family member?
     
    The Christmas Gift Giving Blog Tour runs from
     
    Tuesday 13th- Friday 16th December 2016
     
    Day 1 Tuesday 13th _  Tibeca Yao
    Day 2 Wednesday 14th _  Sarah Hoggett
    Day 3 Thursday 15th _  Angie Kyp
    Day 4 Friday 16th _ Nelleke van der Haar (Rounding up the Tour)

    Shop for Patterns: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #sewbypatternpieces

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Adding flare to the hips when making the Combo Dress

    Adding flare to the hips when making the Combo Dress

    Taking the Girls Fun Tee and Girls Skip Skirt Pattern am going to show you how you can change the flare on the hips of the pattern pieces, to give you the option of making a slightly looser dress over the hips.  This is what I have done with the dress below.  It seems to go with this style of skirt nicely.

    We have three further gorgeous photos of the dresses made from combining the Fun Tee and Skip Skirt.  Isn’t it fun to see the different looks that can be achieved when doing this?

    The patterns have been made so that the top and the skirt fit together perfectly so that you have the option to create a dress.  The instructions to create the looks above come with the #22101 Skip Skirt pattern.

     
     

    So to give you an overview of what we are going to achieve.  Below is the Fun Tee front pattern piece.  The areas in orange are what I have added to the pattern piece.

     

    To begin, go to the centre front hem of the pattern and add 3/8″ or 1cm and square out to the halfway line.

     

    On the side seam square up from the hem 2″ or 5cm and mark out 5/8″ or 1.5cm.

     

    Going back to this image, as shown in orange, join the markings on the hip with the waist notch on the side seam and draw the curve from the hip to the centre front.

     
     

    Next, shorten the length of the Tee as specified in the pattern by 2″ or 5cm and trim this off as shown.

     
     

    Next, divide the amount added onto the hip of the Fun Tee. Add the 1/4″ or .75cm onto the centre front of the skirt and 1/4″ or .75cm onto the side seam as shown below.

     
     

    Those are all the changes you will need to make to the front pattern pieces.  Next, you will need to replicate these changes and add them to the back.

    Now your little models’ dresses will have a little more swing and a little more flare.

     
     

    The complete Fun Tee and Skip Skirt can be made by following the instructions that come with the patterns.  

    Skip Skirt Pattern

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #skipskirtpattern #skipskirt #sbppskipskirt

    Tester Inspiration: Blog Post Link

    Pinterest Page: HERE

    Fun Tee Pattern

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #funteepdfpattern #sbppfuntee

    Tester Inspiration: Blog Post Link

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Fun Tee Pocket Hack

    Fun Tee Pocket Hack

    Pockets are all the rage on T-Shirts.  We are going to show you our Fun Tee Pocket Hack  It is a quick and easy way to add a bit of fun and add a splash of colour onto a garment.  I wanted to make up a garment using this feature and keep it youthful, so I started by doing a little research online.
     
    This is what my research came up with:
     
     
    Next, I did not want to spend the earth on fabric, so I headed to the nearest 2nd hand shop with a vision of stripes in my head.  Quite excited by my $4 au purchase, this is what I came home with and popped straight into the washing machine.
     
     
     
    When making children’s wear, it is amazing the number of pattern pieces you can fit onto the fabric of an Adults shirt.  The cardboard pattern piece shown below has been directly printed from my work computer.  It is a front pattern piece of a Size 10 Fun Tee.  Another point to make here is, when using ready-made clothing to create a new garment, there is NO hemming required, as you can utilise the existing hem, now that saves setting up the cover-stitch machine or finding that twin needle and two spools of matching thread.
     
     
    Cut out your preferred choice of the two pocket types. The Fun Tee Pocket Hack instructions are available for download.  Join our group for your FREE copy today.  
     
     
    Use a single fold hem on the top edge of the pocket, press, pin, and sew in place with the desired stitch.
     
     
    For a more professional finish, use the same stitch for the top edge and the circumference of the pocket.
     
     
     
    Press the seam allowance for the sides and bottom edges of the pocket toward the wrong side of the fabric.
     
     
    It is always easier to attach a pocket to a garment before assembling.  This will ensure the fabric is not distorted. Before attaching your pocket to the garment, work out its general placement, and stabilize the wrong side with iron-on interfacing or tear-away stabilizer.  Use a piece that is approximately 1” bigger in width and length than your pocket.
     
     
    Using the information provided in your FREE pattern, regarding the placement for the size you are making, measure, and pin the pocket in place.
     
     
     
     
    If you feel the pocket will still move whilst sewing with the pins in place, you could opt to use wonder tape to hold the pocket in place.
     
     
     
    To start begin near the lowermost point of the hem, on the upper right-hand side of the pocket.  Here you will form a triangle to reinforce the pocket on the garment.  Straight stitch towards the upper fold of the hem of the pocket, then pivot and sew two stitches towards the corner and then pivot once again, forming a complete triangle.  Continue down the right side, along the bottom and up the left edge of the pocket.  Complete attachment of the pocket with a second triangle, on the upper left side of the pocket,
    back-tack to secure.
     
     
    Trim threads and either trim away the excess interfacing or carefully remove the tear-away stabilizer on the back of the garment.  If you used wonder tape this will dissolve away when washed.
     
     
    Finally, continue sewing the remainder of the garment using the #21100 Fun Tee Pattern Instructions.  (Link for store below)
     
     
    Now you have an up to the minute fashionable shirt that your child will be happy to hang about in.
     
     
     
    Thank you for viewing.  We hope this has inspired you to put some pockets on your tees when you sew them.  Are you in need of a great fitting Fun Tee PDF Pattern for your little ones?
     

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #funteepdfpattern #sbppfuntee

    Tester Inspiration: Blog Post Link

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Sport Dress Tester Round Up

    Sport Dress Tester Round Up

     
     
    The Final photographs sent to me from the lovely testers of this pattern were so gorgeous I just had to share them in one location for all to see as a Sport Dress Tester Round Up.

    I have been very fortunate to have many testers come back a second, third, and fourth time to test my new patterns.  I feel very thankful for that and for the friendships formed through this process. 

    Thank you to all the lovely testers that helped work on this pattern.  Without you, it would not have been possible.

    I have shown the widths and lengths testers have used to make their model clothes to demonstrate that not many people are standard height and width. Through using the layers function when printing the patterns you can easily make the correct size required for your model.  Full instructions for making combination sizes come with the pattern.

    Photographs shown are in order of size. 

    Size 1 width 3 height
    Mirelle Melanson

    Size 1 width 2 height
    Rhonda Bowen
     
     
     
    Size 2 width 4 height
    Megan Ray
     
     
    Size 2 width 3 height
    Kary Davis
     
     
    Size 2 width 3 height
    Linda Stilling
     
     
     
     
     
    Size 3 width 3 height
    Amy Hodge
     
     
     
    Size 3 width 4 height
    Thao Luxa
     
     
     
     
    Size 3 width 4 height
    Shalini Verma
     
     
     
    Size 4 width 5 height
    Megan Ray
     
     
     
     
     
    Size 3 Chest 5 Hip and 4 length
    Juanita Bell
     
     
    Size 4 width 5 height
    Rena Knotingham
     
     
     
     
    Size 4 width 5 height
    Alison Daines
     
     
     
     
    Size 5 width 5 height
    Danielle Kuznia
     
     
     
    Size 6 width 6 height
    Lauren Wernli
     
     
     
    Size 7 width 6 height
    Dianne Firth
     
     
     
     
    Size 7 width 7 height
    Jessica Vert
     
     
     
     
     
    Size 10 width 10 height
    Lauren Wernli
     
     
     
     
    Size 12 width 14 height + 3″
    Cindy Parett
     
     
     
     
     
    Size 14 width 
    Donna Welburn
     
     
     
    Well there you have it, so many amazing testers showing just how you can utilize this pattern, in all its views whether that be the Top, Tunic, Knee length, or Long length.
     
    We cannot wait to see your version of this fabulous Sport Dress if you’d like to share photos in our sewing group.
     

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #sportdresspattern #sbppsportdress

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Sport Dress – Free Star Heart Template

    Sport Dress – Free Star Heart Template

    The latest pattern from Sew by Pattern Pieces has arrived!  The Sport Dress is the perfect base garment for this up and coming Summer.  The pattern can be adapted in so many ways.  Featuring 4 lengths it can be a comfortable tapered top, tunic, or dress along with 3 back armhole options.  The Tbar, Sport, and Sleeveless.


     
    Every little girl wants to feel comfortable while they are playing and this design sure makes them feel this way but feminine at the same time.  As I have two girls, I watch which items of clothing my kids pull out to wear time and time again and I design with this information in mind.
     
     
    You will love how quickly these garments come together.  It has an easy to follow tutorial with a combination of line drawings and photographs and video links to help you every step of the way.
     
     
     
    The size chart and finished garment measurement chart ensure you will get a perfect fit on your little model.  The coloured and layered printing function helps you to achieve the combination sizes for when your child is having those growth spurts.  Sizes included are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14.  The PDF pattern is available for download on tiled pattern pieces that can be printed and taped together using US 8.5″ x 11″ and or A4 paper or take your A0 file to the copy shop and do away with all the taping.   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    It is not always easy finding gorgeous prints on stretch so I have put together two fun applique templates, which you will be able to access in my sewing group as a Free Download Sure to add some fun to your next project.  These templates are in a layered PDF printable document and are available in three sizes to suit sizes 1-14 and will also suit the Fun Tee pattern already available in the store.
     
    Download your FREE star and heart sewing template. HERE 
    Projector File HERE     1″ and 5cm Grids for calibration, toggle on and off in layers menu.
     
     
    We were having so much fun in testing we came up with a pattern hack at the same time and this has also been included in this pattern release.  The technique to add ties or splits to any of your existing favourite patterns, is fully described and comes with a “Turnback Template” to help you adapt your pattern and add these features.
     
     
     
    So much included in this pattern, so why not head over to our store and purchase your new Summer staple pattern today.  
     
    While I have your attention also be sure to be on the lookout for our leggings pattern which also looks lovely paired together with the Sport Dress.
     
     
      The 3/4 length leggings look great with the tunic or top from this pattern release.
    Thank you for viewing this post and have a great day!
     
     
     
    If you’re having trouble downloading from here pop into our sewing group and look in the files menu to download your FREE star and heart sewing template to add to your next project.

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #sportdresspattern #sbppsportdress

    Pinterest Page: HERE

  • Girls Skip Skirt PDF Pattern Tester Roundup

    Girls Skip Skirt PDF Pattern Tester Roundup

    Today I’m sharing our new Girls Skip Skirt PDF Pattern and Leggings PDF Pattern makes from the testing group with you. I will forever have so much appreciation for all that our Testers do! They provide so much valuable feedback on the instructions and fit of the patterns we are testing. It can be an anxious time to put a new pattern to the test and expose all its flaws but as we reach the end I’m so grateful for the whole process and the sewists that test for us.

    Alison Daines

    The original style option I came up with for the Skip Skirt was as shown above by Alison Daines that has been paired with the Fun Tee PDF Pattern. It is a cute 2 tier 1/2 circle skirt a style my girls adore wearing. As I started putting the pattern together I became inspired to offer other options that could also attach to the the yoke and offer more options, within the one pattern, that could look great being worn with our Fun Tee.

    Skip Skirt Style Sheet_1

    I am excited to tell you that through the design process these are the options that have been made part of the new Skip Skirt:

    Single Tier Skirt, View A.
    Gathered Single, Tier View B. 
    Plain Pocket Single Tier, View C.
    Gathered Pocket Single Tier, View D.
    Gathered Patch Pocket, View E.
    Plain Double Tier, View F.
    Gathered Double Tier, View G.
    Leggings, 3/4 Length and Boyleg

    Bunky Bell. View C, and G.
    Carmen West. View C.
    Carmen West. View G and Bike Pant.
    Cindy Parrett. View C.
    Cindy Parrett. View G.
    Dianne Firth. View C.
    Dianne Firth. View G.
    Emma Schmack. View A and Bike Pant.
    Linda Stilling. View A and Leggings.
    Linda Stilling. View C and Leggings.
    Linda Stilling. View G and Leggings.
    Lisa Neri. View G and Leggings.
    Lisa Neri. View E and Leggings.
    Meahd Farnaby. View C.
    Meg Moore. View F and Leggings.
    Megan Ray. View A and Leggings.
    Merav Ganz Ruthman. View C and Leggings.
    Michelle Peterson. View A.
    Sarah Benbrook. View B.
    Sneha Nirody Monga. View B
    Sneha Nirody Monga. View C.
    Laurie McDonnell. View D.

    I hope you have enjoyed looking through all the fabulous photos of the Girls Skip Skirt PDF Pattern that our wonderful testers have provided us of all the fun options the Skip Skirt offers. Which one will you be making up first? We hope you will give it a try.

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #skipskirtpattern #skipskirt #sbppskipskirt

    Pinterest Page: HERE

    Thank you for your time here and happy sewing!

  • Girls Fun Tee PDF Pattern Piping Hack

    Girls Fun Tee PDF Pattern Piping Hack

    I am really excited today to share with you the technique of adding piping to a sleeve.  This technique can be used for many projects.  I will be adding piping to the “Gathered Long Sleeve” of my Fun Tee, however, you can add piping to any project. 

    1.  Firstly, cut a long strip of fabric and piping, enough for your entire project.  We are using stretch fabric so you will need to make sure that the stretch goes along the length of your strip of fabric.  For this project, the piping will be going around the body.  You will need to determine the width of your fabric by wrapping it around the piping and making note of that length and adding twice your seam allowance.

    2.  Next, using your zipper foot and a long straight stitch sew a row of stay stitching along the edge of the piping.  If you wish you can sew this in a contrasting thread to make it easier to see if you wish to remove it at the end.

    3.  Stitch the strip of prepared piping to the lower edge of the sleeve using your zipper foot and straight stitch.  This stitching could also be in a contrast colour for removal later.

    4.  Prepare the gathered portion of the sleeve by sewing two rows of gathering along the top and lower edges.

    5.  Now attach the upper sleeve to the lower sleeve, again using the zipper foot and a straight stitch  Prior to sewing, reduce the length of the straight stitch and ensure that you sew in the colour of your main fabric, slightly stretching your work as you sew.

    6.  This is what your project will now look like from the right side.

    7.  Now you can remove the piping and any of the gathering or stay stitching threads that are exposed.

    8.  Now that the bulk of the piping has been removed you may wish to add a row of overlocking or edge stitching to neaten the raw edge.  However, as this is made from knit fabric it is not necessary as the fabric will not fray, it would purely be done for aesthetics and neaten the inside.

    The Gathered Long Sleeve can be completed by following the instructions that come with the Fun Tee pattern. 

     If you would like a matching skirt for your new Fun Tee the Skip Skirt and Leggings go really well and are a great wardrobe staple for summer or winter.

    You can also visit our sewing group to ask questions or to gather more sewing inspiration. 

    Shop for Pattern: HERE

    Instagram Hashtag: #funteepdfpattern #sbppfuntee #sewbypatternpieces

    Pinterest Page: HERE