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Testing the Shenanigans Skort by 5oo4 Patterns

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Shenanigans Skort

I like wearing skirts, but for me that’s just not practical when running after 3 kids. The Shenanigans Skort solves my problem.

This is another knockout pattern by Jessica from 5oo4 Patterns.  Her Mens woven Boxer Shorts pattern was a hit for fathers day and I love my Lakeshore Tank with nursing add on.

I made my Shenanigans short with a 5 inch inseam and used the safe length with a flounce for the skirt.  The length is perfect for everyday wear and I am planning on making at least two more to use while at the beach in December.

Shenanigans Skort

The Shenanigans skort pattern comes in sizes XXS to 3XL and includes the following:

  • 3 rise heights, including a maternity option
  • 3 lengths for the skirt – Sporty Spice, Safe, and Prudent
  • Gusseted shorts
  • Optional flounce
  • Optional tennis pocket and credit card pocket
  • 4 lengths for the knit shorts
  • Can be worn as standalone skirt or workout shorts

Shenanigans Skort

As always your purchase includes professionally drawn pattern pieces formatted for 8.5×11, A4 and A0 printers.  A0 is awesome if you don’t feel like taping together 23 A4 pieces.  The pattern is layered and thus you have the option to just print out the size you need.

Also included is a professional tutorial with pictures and/or drawings to help you sew up your new favourite outfit.

Get your Shenanigans Skort pattern now as the whole 5oo4 store is on sale (minus fabric) for 20% off with the code BTS2016 through 31/08/2016.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the other fab patterns, remember you can use the discount code on all of them 😉

Leave me a comment with the name of your favourite everyday pattern…..

Testing the Emmy T-shirt by Laela Jeyne Patterns

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Emmy T-shirt

The super awesome Emmy T-shirt has been released!

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to test for Marisa from Laela Jeyne Patterns for the first time. I tested the maternity version of the women’s Emily T-shirt and fell in love. Even though it was only weeks before my due date, that t-shirt was the most worn of all my maternity tops, it was just so comfortable and versatile.

Well, now Marisa is spreading the love and created a similar pattern in kids sizes.  I tested the 6month size and found the 1st version really short on my tall & chubby boy. There were some other minor issues with the hood as well, but awesome as Marisa is, she fixed everything and the final pattern works really well.

Emmy T-shirtI used black cotton lycra for the body of my Emmy t-shirt, and embroidered a ship onto the front to match his pirate cloth nappies.

The Emmy T-shirt PDF Pattern is a basic t-shirt pattern that has many added options for you to create the perfect t-shirt for your child.  Neckline options include a jewel neckline, hood or cowl.  For the sleeves you can choose between a gathered or regular sleeve cap with short, elbow & long sleeve lengths with or without cuffs. There is also a thumb cuff option, three different elbow patch styles and an accent triangle option. The Emmy is suitable for all children age 6months to 6 years and for girls age 7 to 14.

If you are looking for a versatile but easy pattern that comes together super quick the Emmy is for you.

Emmy T-shirtThe Emmy T-shirt PDF pattern includes:

  •  Clearly written instructions with colour photos to illustrate each step.
  • Fitting adjustment instructions for lengthening and shortening pattern pieces
  • Detailed information on how to print with layers so you print only the size you need
  • Detailed fabric layout
  • Yardage and size charts
  • Tested pattern pieces for children’s sizes 6M-6 and girl’s 7-14
  • Additional cutting charts for a banded sleeve
  • No trim pages for US and A4 paper
  • Tips for sewing with knits

The Emmy is now available for purchase on the Laela Jeyne Website for $6.00 or combine it with the womens Emily T-shirt as a bundle for $10.50. To celebrate the release of the Emmy, Marisa is also having a store-wide sale with 30% off all other patterns. These prices are valid until 29/08/2016.

Let me know what you think once you’ve sewn up your Emmy or Emily…..

Testing the Kerry Capelet by DesignerStitch

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This testing call came just in time for the latest cold spell here in South Africa.  The Kerry Capelet by Ann Grose from Designer Stitch is on-trend.  Offering the look of a jacket but the design of a cape without the usual fullness. The Kerry is fully lined with front arm openings and comes with 2 length choices.

I always find it very comforting to work with Ann’s patterns.  Probably because I’m used to paper patterns and Ann’s style very much resembles them, this time was no different.

I initially struggled to find the correct fabric and had to visit 4 different stores!  At the last store I found a black & grey hounds tooth woven. It was the only bolt & print they had so even though I wasn’t crazy about it I didn’t have much of a choice.  While sewing however the fabric “grew” on me and by the time my cape was finished I loved it.

Because of the size of the pattern pieces this pattern needed a whopping 60 A4 pages. I wasn’t looking forward to cutting and pasting that amount of pages and opted to have the A0 version which was only 3 pages printed at a local printing shop.  Because the file is layered, I asked them to just print the size I needed.

Cutting out and sewing up the cape went relatively quickly. When you are attaching the collar you will be stitching through up to 6 layers of fabric when going over seams.  I recommend taking it slowly especially if using a thick fabric like I did.

If you have any trouble along the way join the DesignerStitch facebook page, Ann is always happy to help out and she is a great teacher.

NOW, How gorgeous is this capelet!?

Kerry CapeletKerry CapeletKerry Capelet

 

To see what else Ann offers or to buy this pattern, visit the Designer Stitch website.

What have you made recently? feel free to share with me in the comments!

A new year, new baby and new adventures…..

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Well, it’s March already, the 1st three months of the new year are almost gone!

I’ve been extremely quiet, but we have just had so much going on.  Time flies when you’re having fun, and we are now a family of 5!

In June 2015 we found out that we are expecting our 3rd blessing. At exactly 6 weeks in, the all-day sickness started, and it lasted until the morning before our sweet boy was born. I had so much sewing planned, but alas, feeling horrible for most of the day, every day, is not very conductive to creativity.

I did get some sewing done, for baby and myself, and will update posts on what I managed to get done.

I also ventured into testing PDF patterns. It basically involves me sewing up a pattern and giving feedback on various things to the designer to help them get their patterns ready for release. This turned out to be something that I very much enjoy, and I hope to be doing some posts on this new adventure soon.

Our eldest started Grade 1 this year, and homework has been taking up a lot of our free time in the afternoons. We just got her 1st report and all the hard work has paid off, mommy is very proud of you my angel.

Meet the newest member of our team Newest SewIsta Team Member

Let me know in the comments what you’ve been up to so far, this year?

A Fairy in 3 steps

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My daughter had a dress up day at school and wanted to be a fairy, every girls dream……  So I set out to create A Fairy in 3 steps.

Fairy Front

1st on the list was finding the right fabric.  I decided on a bright green to resemble “Tink”.   I decided on a t-shirt fabric to that it’s not too hot, and she can still wear them after winter as well.  I might even cut off the sleeves & pant legs, to convert to a summer outfit.

Step 2 was finding the patterns and making the outfit.  Since it’s already autumn here, I had to find patterns that covered much more than “Tink’s” traditional outfit. [Read more…]

Sewing Projects coming soon…..

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Hi Everyone,

My name is Chrisda and I’ve been sewing since a very young age (you can read more about me on the about page).

I will use this blog to share my passion for sewing beautiful things, and to teach the art of sewing.

It came as a shock to me when I realised that sewing was no longer a subject in our schools.  It is sad that many of our young girls do not have the very basic skills of sewing on a button or sewing back a hem that has come undone.

Our first project will be: Sewing New Curtains

Now who doesn’t need curtains?

A pretty set for the kitchen? Something nice for the bathroom or something more formal for the lounge…..

Our project will probably fit the latter as I am currently sewing a new set of lined curtains for “our” (Dearest Husband & mine) Work Room.  I look forward to sharing the process with you.

Is there anything you would like help with or tips for?  What projects would you like to see covered?

Please feel free to post your questions or comments.