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Category: Pattern Tests

Wardrobe Builder: Love Notions Tidal Top, Dress, and Maxi

There is nothing I like more in summer fashion than a comfortable knit dress. Can I tell you all again that I am 5’10”? This doesn’t make clothes shopping impossible, but it often means that I am missing the perfect fit. If it is a hair shorter than knee-length, I can’t comfortably bend or crouch to care for one of my small children. If it is a maxi, I must wear flats to avoid it being awkwardly short. Throw in the dilemma of different bustlines and backsides that every women regardless of height can relate to, and shopping for a simple knit dress is really not actually that simple. Continue Reading

Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop Long Beach Board Shorts!

Do I have a treat for you today! The PDF sewing world went wild for the release of the Rocky Mountain Raglan a short while ago. I know that my husband was thrilled with his new set of shirts that I shared with you here.

If your husband now can’t get enough of your sewing, or you are just in need of a fun Father’s Day gift like I am, the Long Beach Board Shorts are the perfect answer! I made my  husband’s board shorts with affordable boardshort material from the Peek-a-Boo Fabric Shop. You can shop their wide range of boardshort swim fabrics here. Continue Reading

Tide Pool Tank Release Day!

I had a baby on February 26. In addition to all my feelings of joy (I am so blessed in my husband and three children), another thought soon began racing through my head:

I can test for boys now!! SEW ALL THE BOY BABY CLOTHES!!

So when Peek a Boo Pattern Shop put out a testing call for the Tide Pool Tank, I was all in.

The Tide Pool Tank is a sweet and simple slim-fit tank top with a hood option. I made the 6 month size for my not-quite-three-month-old-chunk, and the fit is spot on. It is on sale today, for Thrifty Thursday, for $6.75. The top is suitable for boys or girls and is sized from 3 months to 12 years. Continue Reading

Introducing the Bahama Mama Blouson from Peek a Boo Pattern Shop!

I love mix and match patterns. When Amy over at Peek a Boo Pattern Shop put up a testing call for another new swimsuit top called the Blouson to add to her Bahama Mama line, I jumped at the chance to test it. I had never sewn a swimsuit or athletic material before, but I wanted to challenge my sewing skills. Plus us ladies here at Sew and Tell Project have challenged each other to a swimsuit sewing challenge this summer. Continue Reading

Rocky Mountain Raglan for Men from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop!

Good morning, sewing friends!

This morning, I want to introduce you to my favorite person in the world, my husband. My husband is a great guy and has been super supportive of this blogging adventure, the big boxes of fabric, and the bursts of sewing. He has also been behind the camera for me when I’ve been modeling my women’s articles of clothing and I am so grateful for his willingness to learn some photography skills alongside me. Continue Reading

The Lisbon Cardigan by Itch to Stitch – A Classic Layering Piece

While looking through my spring and summer wardrobe, I realized one piece I was missing was a lovely sweater to layer over my tops and tanks for those cool spring and summer mornings and evenings. To my delight, Itch to Stitch, a designer I recently discovered, released a testing call for the Lisbon Cardigan right after I noticed this gap in my wardrobe!

The Lisbon Cardigan is available in a full or cropped length as well as with full or 3/4 length sleeves. As testers we were allowed to select which options we wanted to try. After great deliberation, I chose the cropped length and 3/4 length sleeves. I found a beautiful lightweight gray cotton lycra in my stash to use for a nice, neutral layering piece. Continue Reading

Introducing the Riviera Raglan by New Horizons Patterns

If you’ve been following me here at the Sew and Tell Project, you might have noticed that raglans are my favorite style of shirt. What’s not to love about sleeves that are sewn as a straight line? I don’t mind a traditional set in sleeve, but raglans are a quick and easy sew for me. When I saw the testing call for the Riviera Raglan from New Horizons Designs pop up in my Facebook news feed, I signed up right away. I have my measurements (plus the measurements of my kids) stored in my phone so they’re always handy! I’m so glad Terra chose me for this awesome pattern. Let me tell you why you need the Riviera Raglan in your life Continue Reading

Meet the Summer Caye Pants and Shorts by Love Notions!

Hi guys! This is a bit of a different post for me. This is my first post as a member of the Love Notions Promo team which means that I do receive a small payment for testing and shooting this pattern test. This was also my first time testing for Love Notions. Awesome Emily tested the Vanguard Kit that was released a short while ago.

Today I want to talk about the Summer Caye Pants, Capris, and Shorts released today (4/29) and on sale for $6. I asked to test the girls’ 4″ hem shorts in a size 3T. I often request to test for my big girls as they are more in need of clothing than the baby. Continue Reading

Ready for Sunshine with the Sofilantjes Solis Dress and Tunic!

Hey guys!

Have you ever taken a risk on a pattern and been thrilled with the results? We love Sofilantjes patterns in our house, but when I saw the tester previews of the new Solis Dress and Tunic I was a bit worried that this would be a style I wouldn’t be able to make work for my slender girls.

The Solis is an ontrend racerback sundress with two skirt options (pleated tunic or dress length and a circle skirt). It has a lovely and unique racerback style. However, when I go shopping for my daughters and see these styles I immediately know that we will have peekaboo gaping, saggy necklines, and a skirt that is too short. Continue Reading

The Journey Tank and Dress – Swimsuit Edition!

Are you still pumped for our Swimsuit Sewing Challenge 2016? I still am! I have yet another suit to share with you today.

This is my version of the 5 out of 4 Patterns Journey Tank and Dress worn as a tankini top!

I have been sewing a lot lately (probably too much) but I couldn’t pass up testing this adorable dress and tank by 5 out of 4. The 5 out of 4 Patterns started popping up in my sewing newsfeed frequently last summer as being awesome for nursing mothers and maternity. However, I knew I was winding down with the nursing stage of my life for now and I am not currently expecting. Continue Reading