Join me, Snow, in my adventures in sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting - crafting is my lifeblood! Come along, we'll grow in our expertise together.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

TESTER: Made for Mermaids Juliette

5:55 PM Posted by SnowSews

The Made for Mermaids Juliette Top and Dress. Size 2, top version. Shhhh. Just enjoy the pics.





Here is the write-up from the website: This pattern comes in sizes 1/2 – 14, see size chart below. Juliette is a beautiful pattern suitable for knit fabrics. The full, twirly circle skirt comes 3 lengths: top, dress or maxi length. Add ruffles to your maxi for a stunning, showstopper of a dress! The front bodice is fully lined and the back has elastic at the top. The dress is built in with negative ease to accodate the full, long skirt. You can dress this up for a flower girl dress or your daughter can wear the top, dress and simple maxi for everyday.

TESTER: Wardrobe By Me Haute Curvy Pants

5:51 PM Posted by SnowSews

Since I have gained a bit of weight well, a lot of weight, I needed to make myself some new pants. Serendipitously, I signed up to test the new haute Curvy pants from Wardrobe by me.


I had tested the original version, and they were my favorite pants for a long time, till I outgrew them. These are just as comfortable and have the added benefit of a control top!



TESTER: Love Notions Sabrina Slims

5:31 PM Posted by SnowSews



Here are my Sabrina Slims! Perfect for work or play, for stretch wovens or knits, these pants make you look like the bomb. Excellent instructions for fitting them to YOUR body as well!


From the listing: The Sabrina Slims were inspired by the 1950’s ‘cigarette’ style pants most notably worn by Audrey Hepburn. The Love Notions take on this classic style features a wide, contoured waistband that sits just below the navel, a slim fit through the waist and hips and straight from the knees down. This is a slim-fit pant from waist to knee and then straight to ankle. They are close fitting but not leggings close if using the recommended fabric. The Sabrina Slims are meant to hit at the ankle but instructions are included to lengthen if desired. Also included are optional welt pockets and center front and back seaming to add interest and give the illusion of length. Petite, regular and tall inseams are included. Make the pants maternity by adding either the underbelly or the over belly waistband.
Recommended fabric: Stable medium to heavyweight knits with at least 25% stretch such as ponte, scuba, french terry, interlock and cotton/lycra. Medium weight wovens with at least 30% stretch such as sateen, corduroy, twill, jacquard and denim. See the third image in the listing for more info on fabric requirements and size chart.




TESTER: Sew Straight and Gather - Legends Top and Dress

5:11 PM Posted by SnowSews

The Sew Straight and Gather brand is a fun, relatively new brand that is doing great things for classic patterns. All her patterns fit well and are drafted to fit a large range of sizes.


The Legends top is for cotton lycra, and it's a really surprisingly flattering style. Even though it's fitted and I'm at my chubbiest, it holds my lumps in.Yay!


These photos were taken with a tripod in my backyard, since I was on a tight deadline and no hubby access :)


TESTER: Wardrobe By Me Haute Sneha Top and Tunic

4:58 PM Posted by SnowSews


What happens when you pester a designer for a particular pattern? She names it after you! Here's the Sneha Tunic that makes for some absolutely amazing finished items. I had gained a lot of weight pushing me out of the top end of the pattern, so I didn't make more than just this one. I'm going to get back to this one once I lose some chub.


Sneha Tunic dress  size 0-16 / 30-46 is a jersey tunic with a draped hemline. The pattern is designed with options for either symmetric or asymmetric hemline, 3 neckline options, a regular fitted sleeve with 5 length options as well as lengths from tunic to dress. The illustration below shows 4 possible hemline options. The pattern has 2 options for lower body, A-Body with dropping hemline as well as dress length, and B-Body with less flare and 2 tunic lengths.The necklines and sleeve lengths are interchangeable.

TESTER: The JillyAtlanta Lottie Bonnet

4:51 PM Posted by SnowSews

I was so thrilled to test the new, FREE Lottie bonnet by JillyAtlanta. It's the perfect Easter bonnet, well,  Spring bonnet actually.


This darling model is our Lottie, my dear neighbor's one year old, and since the pattern shares her name, I had to make one for her.


I tested the XL size, and like all JA patterns, this one came together absolutely perfectly. There are pin tuck marks, detailed explanations and more.


Thanks to this designer, I even learned how to turn long skinny tubes of fabric! Love this designer! Follow her on FB here.


TESTER: The JillyAtlanta Charlotte top

4:39 PM Posted by SnowSews


Presenting the JillyAtlanta Charlotte top, for girls, with four sleeves and two lengths. The top is designed for wovens and looks amazing with a contrast or lace bib.


I think the Charlotte top is one of my favorites for spring. It's comfortably loose and airy, but sits well on the torso of a super active child. No modesty issues here.


JillyAtlanta makes some of the best explained tutorials. It's like she holds your hand and gently guides you through the journey. Give her patterns a try!


Thursday, January 14, 2016

TESTER: The Hibernis Cowl Top from Sofilantjes

1:23 PM Posted by SnowSews

I've been crazy about the Hibernis Cowl Top (affiliate link) from Sofilantjes (affiliate link) from the moment the designer posted a tester call. With uber cool pockets and princess seams, this top is a wonderful departure from the usual.


The cowl is an infinity style cowl, detachable and can be worn alone. The pockets are this super cute tulip shape, with a little pocket behind the larger one. And which kid doesn't LOVE pockets?!!


With a vast size range, from 12m (19.5" chest) to 14 (32.5" chest), the pattern is comprehensive and features a simple version as well, with a plain front and no pockets.


My version used amazing french terry custom printed by Wanderlust Custom Fabrics, and cotton lycra for the pockets and bands. The top is cuddly and very warm, perfect for colder weather.


The pattern releases on Friday, 1/15/2016 and is on sale for two days only. Get yours while you can!!!

Saturday, January 2, 2016

Hanna Dress from Wardrobe by Me

5:46 PM Posted by SnowSews

Happy Holidays to you! I'm wearing my new Hanna Dress from Wardrobe by Me this holiday season. What will you be wearing?


I was inspired by Alexander McQueen's gorgeous dresses that retail for over $3000 each. Here's mine that cost me $30. 

Best part of the dress? I'm not wearing any shape wear! It's so flattering on my body, even though it's quite squishy ;)




Tester: Skip Skirt from SEW by Pattern Pieces

11:50 AM Posted by SnowSews

SEW by Pattern Pieces is a new designer from Australia, who just released her second pattern.


The new pattern, #22101 Skip Skirt and Leggings is a comprehensive, well laid out and very well crafted pattern.


With 7 different skirt options, and leggings in three lengths, this one pattern will fulfill all your needs.


Miki here is wearing the leggings and the black skirt, a gathered skirt with a waistband.


Here are just the leggings, in a cotton lycra, with a very full diaper. My bad.


The gathered single tier skirt in a black and white cotton lycra.


This is the single tier circle skirt with cute pockets!


It was quite dark by the time we took pics, which is why they are quite grainy.


 And my favorite. Absolutely cute, absolutely adorable and absolutely fun to sew.

Tester: Greenstyle Creations Centerfield Raglan T-shirt Add On pack

10:50 AM Posted by SnowSews


Here I am in my Centerfield Raglan T shirt in a non-stretchy french terry. I was testing the cowl option available in the new Add-on Pack, and let me tell you, there's no better way to use up those one-yard pieces from your stash. Two coordinating fabrics come together to make one absolutely comfy, adorable tee. The add-on pack gives the option of a cowl or a three-piece hood.

Tester: Lil Luxe Dress

10:41 AM Posted by SnowSews


Presenting the Lil Luxe Dress by the incredibly chic Lil Luxe Collection.



This, to me, is the dress pattern of 2015. It's the defining princess dress, with a double circle skirt and horse hair braid.


With wonderful finishes like hand sewn or blind hemmed horse hair braid, fully lined bodice and sweet box pleats, this dress took me just a day to sew up.


And *such* twirl factor! A lovely low back makes it super elegant as well. My favorite va-voom style for flower girl dresses or Easter.


Tester: Love Notions Li'l Laundry Day Tee!

10:33 AM Posted by SnowSews


The utter cuteness that is the Li'l Laundry Day Tee by Love Notions


This is the dress version, made in a delicious sweater knit. Warm and cozy.


She's running at full speed here. 



The high-low hem is just adorable.



The cowl neckline is a cotton lycra, just a scrap that I really love.


This version is the shirt version, with the cute asymmetrical collar.



 Fully crafted in custom printed cotton lycra, this shirt is our new favorite for school. It's easy to wear, takes plenty of beatings and comes up strong, and takes just an hour to sew up.