Golden Dress

Leave a comment June 3, 2020 apinchofsewing

Hello,

I don’t know about you but, here in the UK the weather has been wonderful lately and making us dream of Summer holidays. I am not having high hopes regarding this Summer holiday however, that is not keeping me from making a few garments.

Yesterday, Project Run & Play released a pattern collection ready for Summer, the Project Watercolour Beach. This collection is a set of 10 patterns from different designers and Suco by Susana is one of them.

From what I could see, the collection has some great patterns however, I will only talk about the Golden Dress, from Suco by Susana, because that was the one I tested.

The Golden Dress is available from size 12 moths to 14 years old and is an easy one to make, easy to wear dress. It does not have buttons, zippers or other closures and that makes it perfect to wear on the beach, pool… but also looks great as dress for everyday wear. Just play around with different fabrics to obtain different styles.

I made a size 10 for F, without any changes, fits her perfectly and is very comfortable. The elastic waist makes it fitted but comfortable.

Despite having easy construction, this dress has really good finishing and some lovely details. To start with, it has pockets. You will have to trust me on this one as I forgot to take photos of the pockets but, it is there. The waist tie also adds some cute detail and is great if you want to use a contrasting fabric for a pop of colour.

Also, the neckline facing not only make a good finishing but also look really nice, even if not visible. As you know I like garments with pretty insides.

As for the fabric, it is recommended light-weight fabrics with good drape. I used a Robert Kaufmann Chambray bought 5 years ago(!) that I thought was perfect as it also matches the pattern collection theme. It worked pretty well in my opinion. As contrast, for the tie and facing, I used a Liberty Tana Lawn.

Overall, I found the pattern really cute and practical, perfect for everyday wear. As usual with Suco by Susana patterns, the fit is good, the instructions clear and with good constructions techniques.

Susana, also has another pattern as part of the collection, the Lemon Tee Pattern.

Now, during the release week the patterns will have 20% discount and the collection bundle with over 30% discount.

Have a good week.

Maria x

Puff Sleeves Blouse for M

2 Comments May 29, 2020 apinchofsewing

Hello,

Well, three posts in a week! This is a first!

I am really happy to share this make with you. As you might have realised already, I am not very adventurous when it comes to make changes to patterns. I am always afraid to ruin the fit and I end up waiting for a pattern similar to what I am looking for.

Not this time. M did like my Norma Blouse and it is more and more difficult to make things that she like to wear, so I took this opportunity to make something for her.

What M liked the most were the sleeves (can’t blame her) so, that was my main point. Now, I do not know any children’s pattern with that kind of sleeves however, I was determined to achieve it. I had an idea where to start and that was the Maria Blouse from Suco by Susana.

Now, the Maria Blouse already has a puff sleeve option so, that was my starting point. I made the shirt option in size 9 for height with size 7 for width based on her measurements and omitted the collar as per her request. I finished the neckline with bias binding, the same way as the instructions, except there was no collar.

For the sleeves, I kept the puff sleeve head without changes, as it already had the volume I wanted and I didn’t want to mess the armhole fit. Next, I added the length desired. No complex math involved here as I just measured on M where I wanted the cuff.

In order to have the desired volume at the cuff, I kept the sleeve similar to the Norma blouse one, only slightly smaller. Sorry, my pattern making knowledge is close to zero luckily it worked, I think. I am happy enough with how it turned out and so is M.

As for the fabric, I used the same as for my blouse, a dobby cotton (plumeti) from Ratucos.

You didn’t think I was going to waste an opportunity to take photos with M twining, did you? We are not going to wear the blouses at the same time to go out, but it was good fun to take the photos and, in a few years, I will enjoy looking back at those.

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I am pretty pleased with how this bloused turned out but, most of all, I am pleased that I stepped out of my comfort zone to make it, even if was something simple. Small steps.

Have a lovely weekend.

Maria x

2018 Last Makes

1 Comment January 21, 2019 apinchofsewing

Half January is already gone so, it’s about time I finish sharing the clothes I made in 2018. These two dresses, I made for the girls to wear on New Year’s Day.

To wear on the first day of the year, M requested a dress with a peter pan collar and although I own a few patterns that could fulfil her request, I was running out of time (you know how busy this time of the year is, right?) and the Maria blouse pattern was sitting right next to me.

Susana from Suco by Susana recently made the Maria Blouse as a dress for her girl and has a tutorial on how to do it on her blog. However, I made it a little different and used the same width as the pattern piece for the skirt. That means, I only added length.

I made a size 8, without any modifications, apart from the obvious one.

For F, I used the Marlow dress by Jilly Atlanta with the recently released long sleeve extension. I’ve made this dress before and both F and I really like it.

I made a size 8 for length with size 6x for width, with the knee length option. This is a lovely pattern, with its front bodice ruffles. I thought the ruffles might get a bit “lost” in the print, so added lace in contrasting colour and I’m quite pleased with how it turned out. Also, it matches the socks and hair bows… details, I know, but that is one of the fun parts of making clothes!

The fabric used for both dresses is a viyella, bought in a Portuguese kids’ clothes brand stock off. Thank you to my dear friends who remembered me and got me some wonderful fabric that day 😊

It is now about time I stop with last year’s makes and start with 2019 ones instead.

A Not So New Outfit for F

1 Comment December 13, 2018 apinchofsewing

We are now starting to truly feel the Christmas spirit but, before I close my sewing room door to spend family time, I would like to share a few more things I made.

This outfit was made some time ago but, I’m struggling a little to document my makes… This blouse was one of the first things I made F this Autumn and is such a lovely one.

It’s not because I took part in the design of this pattern that I like it and use it a lot. It’s because it was something, I really missed in my daughters’ handmade wardrobe. The Maria blouse was, once more, the pattern used 😉

I made the blouse version (perfect to wear with a pinafore), with long sleeves and ruffled collar (F’s favourite) in size 9 for height with size 7 for width.

The fabric used is Liberty Tana Lawn Ava from Alice Caroline. I found this print and colour so much prettier than I expected, I must say.

The pinafore is the Ainsley Pinafore by Jilly Atlanta. This pattern has a design a little differently than the usual pinafores, as the waistline is raised and I think it actually looks adorable.

I opted for the lower U neckline, elastic back for extra comfort and button straps, made in size 8 for height and 6x for width. That’s why F likes the clothes I make her so much. The fit is much better!

For the main fabric I used a corduroy that was in my stash for some time and for the lining the same fabric as the blouse. How lovely does it look inside? This is another reason for enjoying sewing so much, the pretty inside!

I made a matching (although completely different) outfit for M that I hope to share in the near future. 😊

More Maria Blouses!

Leave a comment May 21, 2018 apinchofsewing

As I mentioned last post, today I’ll be sharing more versions of the new pattern Maria Blouse by Suco by Susana 😊

The idea of this pattern was that it could be used by more grown up girls thence being available from sizes 3 up to 14 years old. Some girls, as they grow up, stop finding ruffles so stylish and prefer simpler garments (I have one at home like that 😉) so we also wanted to have options for them. The simple bodice will be perfect!

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The sleeves and collars are the same as in the gathered bodice version so, as you can see, this pattern is really versatile.

I think most of you already know that I like pinafores and I think this version works wonderfully paired with it. I made F a version, using the shirt bodice, puff sleeves and ruffle collar. How sweet, yet age appropriate, does it look? Yes, I know… I’m partial here. But I really like it. 😊

As in the previous version I’ve made for her, I used a size 8 for height with size 6 for width and I’m pleased with the fit. Not too tight or too loose.

The fabric used is Liberty Capel in mustard from Alice Caroline. F is a big fan of yellow/mustard colours so she “needed” this one.

For M, I also made a shirt bodice version, but this time with the ruffled sleeves. How cute is this option?

To keep it simple, as she prefers it, I made the peter pan collar and it’s such a lovely combo!

Like the previous one I shared, I made size 8 for height with size 6 for width and I think the fit is spot on.

The fabric is Liberty Mitsi in grey and I must confess that when she first saw it she said she preferred brighter colours but when she saw it again paired with the mustard skirt she loved it! She even said it looked sophisticated! I think that’s a win! 😉

You still can get your pattern with a reduced price, until tomorrow (Tuesday 22^nd May). 😊

Thank you so much Susana for all the effort you put this pattern. ❤

The Maria Blouse

1 Comment May 18, 2018 apinchofsewing

Sharing today’s post with you makes me really happy and a bit excited. Susana and I have been working on this pattern for a few months and today, finally it’s coming to life! 😊

As my girls are growing I find it more challenging to get clothes that are age adequate. Not too grown up, not too childish. They like to wear dresses and skirts but jeans are also popular around here and that is also fine, but I still like to look at them and not see a mini grown up. I know this is personal preference and some might disagree. On the other hand, I understand and respect that they are not little children anymore and have their own style and preferences. That is when the idea of a blouse that would be age adequate crossed my mind but, I can’t make patterns…

Also, I thought other girls would like to wear these blouses, but then again… I can’t make patterns, I don’t have the knowledge. That’s when I thought about Susana! I know her patterns and I know she works really well, so maybe she would be interested in making a pattern. I’m so glad she agreed! She definitely put a lot of work into it. A few muslins and a test later, the Maria Blouse is now live! 😊

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The blouse has two bodice options, four sleeves and two collar options. Can you imagine how many blouses you will be able to make with this pattern? Plus, it comes from sizes 3 to 14 years old!

As I’ve made a few blouses, I will make two blog posts. Today I’ll be sharing the gathered bodice version and on Monday I’ll be sharing more versions.

For F, I made a version with ruffle sleeves and collar, in size 6 for width and 8 for length. In case you need, just as I did, to blend sizes, the instructions also include this adjustment.

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F still likes to wear ruffled collars, so I made this version for her. Isn’t the collar so sweet?

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The fabric is very lightweight and I liked it so much when I saw it at Pra Kriar that I forgot to see the composition! This is something very unlikely in me but it happened. I believe it is a cotton though. I bought the last metre available but there was another fabric very similar, that I also bought and it will be another Maria Blouse, for M.

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On the other hand, M is not so keen on wearing ruffled collars… so I made a version with peter pan collar and short sleeves. As you see, the pattern has versions for all tastes 😉

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I must say that I also find a peter pan collar adorable!

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For this version I used a Liberty Betsy Porcelain. This is one of my favourite prints and the colours are so beautiful.

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It’s no secret that I like some vintage inspiration and for that reason I mentioned to Susana that I would like the blouse to include puff sleeves option but I confess that the sleeves Susana designed exceeded my expectations. Those sleeves are so pretty! From my two daughters, F is the one that likes more this kind of style so, I made this version for her.

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Even though she is nine already, I think she wears this version so well, without looking childish at all.

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For this version I used, again, a Liberty Betsy but this time in turquoise.

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Hope you like this pattern as much as I do and I’ll be sharing more versions on Monday, so that you can see how versatile this pattern is. 😊

The Ines Dressing Gown

1 Comment January 31, 2018 apinchofsewing

Sleepwear might not seem so appealing to make but, if you think twice, it is something that we give a lot of use and really want it to be comfortable. To be honest the pyjamas (and even underwear) that I made for my girls are the most used items, so there is no reason not to make them and using nice fabrics. They really are very appreciated around here.

For this reason, when Susana from Suco by Susana shared her new pattern to be tested, I wanted to make it.

The Ines dressing gown is her most recent pattern, released yesterday, and I got to test it. It’s a pattern available from sizes 12 months to 14 years old, with a timeless look.

It’s perfect to make using a soft and warm fabric like fleece or quilted jersey, but it worked equally well with a piqué.

For M, I made size 8 for height with size 6 for width, as usual, and it fits well, with room to play and wear layers but without looking baggy. Instructions to make adjustments using different sizes are also included in the pattern.

This pattern has a sweet design with front and back yoke, slightly gathered body and peter pan collar.

Also included in the pattern are lovely appliqué templates that can be placed in the pockets. So sweet! I didn’t used them because of my fabric choice but must include them next time.

I must say that my initial intention was to make the dressing gown using fleece but, the fabric I ordered didn’t arrive and I opted for a piqué I already had in my stash, bought long ago at Trae Tela. It worked very well and it makes a lovely dressing gown for Spring (or even Summer, as we live in the UK…).

You can get it until Monday, 5^th February, with a special price. 😉

I am sure this one will be much loved and used. 😊

The Ana Tee

3 Comments September 18, 2017 apinchofsewing

I usually sew a more classic style for my girls, but the truth is, my girls ask me more each day to sew them tees. Either because it’s a style they recently started to like to wear more or because they need them for their after-school activities, the tees are getting a lot more use around here.

I suppose this is something that happened with most people who sew, but since I started sewing, I became more demanding with the quality of the clothes I buy and tees often disappoint me. Most times the fit just isn’t right!

For that reason, I was looking for a girl’s pattern, when Susana, from Suco by Susana, had a call for a pattern test and today was the Ana Tee and Dress release.

The pattern is available from age 12 months to 14 years and offers 3 sleeve options. Besides the tee, are also two dress options, so actually you have many options to choose from.

For F I made a long sleeve tee in size 8 for height with 6 for width. I must add that, although the tee is fitted, this version was made during test and the final version has a bit more ease in the tummy area. 😉

The fabric I used is an Art Gallery bought almost 3 years ago from here and for the neckband I used an organic rib from here.

As usual in Susana’s patterns, everything matches perfectly, the instructions are clear and the pattern is available in Portuguese and English. Also, until next Saturday, you can get your pattern with a promotional price. 😉

A new and cool pattern by Suco by Susana!

2 Comments December 9, 2016 apinchofsewing

Some time ago I wrote about the release of Suco by Susana’s first pattern and I can tell you she is not messing around! Today, she released another pattern, the Luis & Joana Hoodie!

The hoodie is intended for both boys and girls, from size 12 months to 12 years, made using knits, which make it very comfortable and very practical. For example, I know M will use hers a lot to go to ballet lessons because she doesn’t want to damage her hair bun!

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Once again, Susana made a great work and the pattern is well drafted, everything matched perfectly and both me and M are really pleased with how it turned out. 🙂

For now, you can get the pattern at the UpCraft Club with 25% off and after also at Suco by Susana. This time the pattern is being released in Portuguese and English. Great news!

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My initial plan was to make one for each girl, but we are having a very busy time I ended up making only one for M, at least for now! I made a size 6 without modifications. The pattern has two pocket options and I made the slightly curved ones and opted for a lined hood.

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The Fabric I used for the main body is a quilted knit, that is soft, warm and I really love. For the hood, I used a jersey knit, lighter than the main fabric and for the cuffs and pocket detail I used a ribbing knit, in the same colour as the jersey. All the fabrics are organics and I got them from here.

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Last year I made my daughters a tee with a 7 at the back for their 7^th Birthday and quite some time ago they asked me for another, but this year with an 8. When Susana asked for testers I thought the hoodie could actually be a good idea, instead of a tee!

To make the ones from last year I used transfer paper, but after the first wash the tees were ruined, so this time I wanted to use another method, therefor I tried appliqué and it still needs to go thru the washing test, but they look much prettier! For the 8 I used a Liberty as well as in the hood.

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