Some time ago I made an Orchid Midi Dress for summer and liked it so much that I had to make another version, ready for Autumn, using a gorgeous corduroy.
You can read all about it in here 😊
Have a wonderful week
Orchid Midi for Minerva Crafts Blog
Today I am sharing, over at Minerva Crafts Blog, a summer dress, made using a fabric with lovely drape from their shop.
The pattern used is the Orchid Midi by Chalk and Notch and the fabric, a wonderful Floral Print Viscose Challis Dress Fabric.
You can read all about the dress and changes I’ve made to the pattern, as well as the fabric used, in here.
Hope you’re having a lovely week 😊
Summer Dresses
We just got back from our holidays in Portugal where it was sunny and warm, straight to Autumn in the UK. But, before I star sewing warmer clothes, I would like to share a couple of things I made before going on holidays.
One of the dresses I made was the Fringe Blouse and Dress by Chalk and Notch. As you already figured it out, I made the dress option, view A button up front with view B sleeve cuffs.
I made a size 0 as per my bust and waist measurements, without any major changes. In fact, the only change I made was taking 5cm from the skirt front and back curve, without changing the sides. Basically, just made the curve less pronounced as I believe it suits me better since I am not tall.
The fabric used is a lovely Broderie anglaise from The Sweet Mercerie. As a side note, I felt more comfortable using a under dress slip. I did use this dress quite a lot and love the fit.
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Another dress I’ve made was the Amalfi Dress by Hey June Patterns (actually, I made two more Amalfi dresses but I will share the other one later). I tested this pattern and absolutely loved it, so I had to make another to wear in my birthday.
This time I made a view A, with flutter sleeves, in size 2. Just like the first one I’ve made, I omitted the pockets.
The fabric is Rayon, Amalfi by Rifle Paper Co. and Cotton + Steel from Crafty Mastermind. I really adore this fabric, the touch and drape are so good, not to mention how beautiful it looks, right?
Hope you had a wonderful summer break 😊
The Farrah Blouse and Dress
The Farrah Blouse and Dress, released this week, is Chalk and Notch’s most recent pattern that I had the pleasure to be part of the test.
This pattern has two views, view A, has ruffled sleeves and view B a front ruffle. Both views have side slit, high-low hem and can be made as blouse or dress.
This pattern is available from size 0 to 18. I made the blouse, view A, in size 0, according to my bust and high bust measurements.
Although the recommended fabric is one with a better drape, I really wanted to try it with this shirting fabric. The fabric choice plays a big role in the what it will look like and this is how I wanted it to look, with visible ruffles. I’m loving that this season ruffles are a trend and am making the most of it. 😉 I’ve also made another Farrah blouse using a fabric with much better drape and love how it looks, just need to take photos!
The instructions, as usual in Gabriela’s patterns are very clear and helpful and the pattern pieces’ match perfectly. There are also instructions to adjust height and for a Full Bust Adjustment if necessary.
I don’t think I need to mention that my favourite part of this pattern are the ruffles, right? 😉 Just in case the sleeve ruffles are not enough, I added a tiny one in broderie anglaise trim. Couldn’t help myself! Both pattern and fabric were demanded it!
The Farrah is a beautiful and feminine pattern and depending on the fabric chosen it is very versatile and I really want to make a dress version as well.
For now, and until April 17th, you can get the pattern with 25% off full price at UpCraft Club, since last Monday and since today, also at Chalk and Notch.
The Women’s Waterfall Raglan!
This time I’m here to share my first make of the year, for me!
Since the release of the Waterfall Raglan pattern for girls that I’ve been (in)patiently waiting the women’s version. The ones that I’ve made for the girls have been much loved and used around here and I really like this style for myself, so as soon as it was released I had to give it a go.
The pattern is available from sizes 0 to 18 and according to my chest measurements I made a size 0, with ¾ sleeve as I intend to wear it when it get warmer. Eventually it will happen!
As usual in Gabriela’s patterns, everything matches perfectly and the instructions are clear, so this top was in fact a fast sewing and in no time, I had a lovely top. The pattern, as it happened with the girls’ version, includes two neckband options, to use depending on the fabric’s stretch.
The fabric I used is a cotton jersey with broderie anglaise that I bought some time ago from The Sweet Mercerie and unfortunately, I think it’s no longer available. I was saving it and now that I’ve used it I regret not having bought more! Typical, right?
My favourite thing of this pattern is the feminine look it has, with the comfort of a tee. The bottom ruffle is lovely! Can’t wait for better weather to wear it. Meanwhile I will be making more for sure and maybe there will be some mum/daughter matching. 😉
Have a wonderful week! 🙂
The Top Knot Dress
I few weeks ago I had the pleasure of testing the Top Knot Dress. Although I love the Fishtail Kimono (and have the pattern) I haven’t made it yet, so Gabriela’s patterns were completely new to me. However, I must say that it was really a pleasure to test! Gabriela is a very nice person always willing to hear suggestions and to make the pattern as best as possible, taking a lot of care for every little detail.
The Top Knot offers two romper lengths, two dress lengths or tunic all with short or long sleeve, so it can be used all year long and is available in sizes 18/24 months up to 12 years.
For the test I made the skirt, knee length with short sleeves for F in size 6 for height with size 4 for width and I believe this is a pattern that looks much better (and is totally worth it) if adjusted to the child measurements. If you are don’t feel comfortable making adjustments to a pattern, don’t worry because the instructions for adjustments are very clear and helpful.
This was the first time I made a circle skirt, can you believe? Poor girls didn’t have a skirt that really twirls! 😉 Also only looking at the pictures I realised that the hem is a bit wonky! Need to work that the next time…
Nonetheless, I am very pleased with the dress! The fit is great and the pleats at the shoulders are adorable. The construction is ingenious in order to obtain a beautiful and neat inside! As you probably know by now, I really love that! 🙂
The fabric I used is an oxford bought by my sister at a Portuguese brand of children clothes that had a stock off which included the fabrics. The quality is great and the price was even better. 😉 To add some colour, I used some Liberty lawn for the cuffs, waistband and to cover the buttons.
For the next two days the Top Knot Romper will be available exclusively at UpCraft Club and then on the Chalk and Notch website and Etsy shop as well, also until Sunday, 22nd, the pattern will be on sale (25% off)!
Now, I can’t wait to make the romper version!
Have a great week! 🙂
A Pinch of Sewing 