Sewing with Liquid Gold

Have you seen the Rowan Tee? It's a fantastic pattern by Titchy Threads and I had big plans for sewing a special tee for Henry's 4th birthday. (My baby is FOUR today!!) But then...I went to the fabric store and couldn't find any fun printed knit for his shirt. What I found instead was liquid gold (the fabric kind, not the Velveeta kind) and I got inspired to do a completely different version of the Rowan Tee for my baby girl. (At what point do you have to stop calling them 'babies'? High school? LOL)

The gold I found is a buttery stretch velvet from JoAnn Fabrics. It's super stretchy and I immediately envisioned it for the stripe on the tee and as leggings. The problem? This is a super expensive fabric. ($28 a yard - yikes) Thankfully I had a coupon and she's still small enough that I can make a pair with only a yard of fabric.

The shirt itself is made from a slightly stretchy fur-like snake skin print with gold stamped into it. It's such a cool fabric. Totally impractical for kids' clothes, of course, but for a holiday outfit I thought I'd chance it.

Introducing...the Knight Hoodie tween and adult sizes

It's HERE! Your support of the child's Knight Hoodie has been incredible and right after it was released I started getting requests for adult sizes. Back in February I made a hoodie for my husband to see if it would work. Over the next couple of months the pattern was slowly graded and refined. You've been patient and it's f.i.n.a.l.l.y. here. Click here to get your copy now! And watch for our Kollabora Launch Party!

The following images show the size chart and fabric requirements as well as some amazing inspirational pictures from the pattern testers.

Matinee + Jumpsuit = Love (a pattern mashup)

Every once in a while a new sewing pattern will be released that becomes an instant "must-sew" and for me, the new Matinee Dress by A Jennuine Life is one such pattern.

Spring Collection Lookbook

It's HERE! The Spring/Summer 2014 Collection by Willow & Co is finally available NOW!!

Eight designers have worked really hard on this collection for the past 6 months and we are thrilled to share the entire collection with you as well as this amazing lookbook!

Let's go glamping!

Downton and 1920s Inspired Pattern Round-Up

So far in this Downton Inspired Sewing series we've looked at fashion from Downton Abbey and trends from the 1920's. Ready to sew something similar? Below is a round-up of patterns I've come across that seem like they'd be good ones.

Please note, I have not personally sewn from all of these patterns so I'm not giving first hand recommendations, but I think they all look good and may be worth a try.

Dresses:

Mayfair top, dress, and spats by Terra's Treasures

Coco Dress by Designing Twining is a flapper-inspired dress

Rockford Peaches Vintage Style Dress by Designing Twining looks like a vintage girl's baseball outfit but would make a cute coat too.

I love the Five and Ten Designs eBook and have sewn from it. There are lots of different silhouettes you can sew from this eBook, but Look Number 7 is a flapper inspired dress!

Gatsby Dress by Heidi & Finn
(**Next week you'll have a chance to win a copy of this fabulous pattern!!)

Downton Duffle Coat by Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop

(**You'll have a chance to win a copy of this pattern next week!!)

Hats:

Fedora Hat pattern by Elegance & Elephants

Knit Flapper Hat pattern by OhmayDIY

Azalea Hat by Stitchwerx Designs in both adult and child sizes

Vintage Cloche Hat by Stitchwerx Designs with lots of flower options included

Ilsa Cloche pattern from ElsewhenMillinery
(**Watch for a giveaway of a hat pattern from this shop next week and to see the one I made!)

Accessories and More:

Union Jack quilt pattern, just one of many FREE quilt downloads using Andover Fabric's Downton Abbey collection. Click partway down the page to find the pdf download links for several different patterns.
(**You will have a chance to win fabric from the Downton Abbey collection next week!)

Coco Mittens pattern by Violette Field Threads
(**Next week you can win this amazing pattern!)

Flower Bud Pincushion and Scissor Fob by The Cloth Parcel is probably something like what seamstresses would have had in the 1920s.

Bleuette Doll Cape and Dress pattern by tresbellepoupee that fits a 10.5" doll

Lillian Headband pattern by Violette Field Threads

The Ultimate Apron by CharmingDoodle
(**My pattern will also be given away next week!)

I have purposely left off toy patterns because I'll be talking more about toys next week. Do you know of other sewing patterns that would work for this time period? Please share them in the comments! And when you sew along with the series use #downtonsewing on Instagram or share your project with us on facebook!

Knight Hoodie Tester Images...part 2

The Knight Hoodie is now available! (You can get it by clicking here.) It's been so fun seeing all the versions made by my pattern testers. They seriously did a fantastic job!! The hoodie in the picture above was made by Tisha and I'm just in love with this dreamy white Knight! She used embellishments around all the armor and sparkly touches here and there to make it perfect for any little girl!

I'm excited to share more of the tester versions with you (I shared some in this post too) as well as more details about the pattern to answer any questions you may have.

Question: Can I sell hoodies I make with this pattern?
Answer: YES! I love it when small shops can make something unique and fun and hope you will make LOTS of Knight Hoodies using this pattern!

Question: Will this pattern be available in adult sizes?
Answer: YES! I am working on tween and adult sizes right now and hope to release the extended sizes in the near future. Be sure to follow the blog or facebook page to get all the details.

Question: What are the fabric requirements and size chart?
Answer: See the images below for a little peek inside the pattern and see the fabric and size charts.

Now let's take a look at more of the amazing tester's Knight Hoodies!

Danielle's son looks great in his hoodie and they even sent me a fun little video of him playing the part of a Knight, whipping his sword around and loving it!

Renee from Nearest the Pin made this incredible red knight. I love how it turned out! You can visit her facebook page to see more of Renee's creative projects.

Kim added this fantastic applique to the back. The applique isn't included in the pattern, but looks amazing!

I love seeing the hoodie on a GIRL! There were several girl versions made by testers and this purple and pink version made by LeAndra is adorable! My girls both want one like this now!

Melisa from Chase Me Photography tried the hoodie in wool instead of sweatshirt fleece and the result is incredible.

Rachel did a great job with this gray hoodie. I love that zipper! And since the zipper goes all the way up, a little one can really feel like a knight with his 'armor' on. You can see more of Rachel's work on her Little Leela's Boutique page.

Tanya made this hoodie for her adorable 2 year old grandson. I love the contrasting colors for the armor and pockets.

I want to just say a huge THANK YOU to all these testers again. They helped refine the pattern and now that the pattern is released I can't wait to see your version too!

Click here to purchase the pattern now! 

Pattern Sale...including the Knight Hoodie!!

Today I am celebrating Thanksgiving with my family. I am thankful for so much and trying to be mindful in counting my blessings each and every day.

This year my list of things I'm thankful for got a big addition...YOU! I've been blogging for several years for family and friends, but this year I have worked to begin writing sewing patterns and share more fun DIY and sewing things. I've been blown away by your response, kind words, and just love seeing what you're making or building. I can't thank you enough for your kindness and support to me this year!

As a THANK YOU gift, I wanted to do a fun sale on my current patterns and a soon-to-be-released pattern.

From now until December 4th, you can purchase The Ultimate Apron pattern for only $3! The Halloween Treat Bag pattern will also be $3 (in case you want to tuck it away for next year) and...drumroll please...

I'm excited to announce the pre-release of the Knight Hoodie pattern! So many of you have been asking for this one and I'm thrilled to bring the Knight Hoodie pattern to you! I'm currently testing the pattern myself in several sizes and then I'll release it to testers. (Stay tuned for a tester call in the coming week or two!) I hope to release the pattern before Christmas (I can't guarantee it...but fingers crossed).

As part of this sale, you can pre-order your copy of the Knight Hoodie pattern for only $5!

To purchase the patterns simply visit my Etsy shop. No coupon code is needed. I hope you enjoy this 'thank you sale' and I wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas!

How to Test a PDF Sewing Pattern for a Designer

If you follow many PDF sewing pattern designers on social media you've probably seen the frenzy after a 'call for testers' goes up. The designer says "I need some testers for my new xyz pattern" and within 30 minutes they have dozens (sometimes hundreds) of commenters vying for the chance to be chosen.

The testing process is extremely important for pattern designers and there are some definite Do's and Don'ts. I've recently released two new patterns, The Ultimate Apron, and the Halloween Treat Bag. I learned a lot about what makes a good tester through the process of creating these patterns...and want to share the secrets with you.

You'll also see some thoughts from a few of my favorite PDF sewing pattern designers here. If you have ever wanted to test a pattern for one them...pay attention!

I love each of these amazing designers and own many of their patterns (MANY!). Allow me to introduce you to our Q&A panel:

Jess from Five and Ten Designs is also the creative force behind The Sewing Rabbit. She always has a new and fun tutorial on her blog and the first pattern by Five and Ten Designs is just amazing! The Volume One eBook features one basic block pattern with TEN different alterations to make completely different looks. I have made two different looks from the book and love them both. (see the Belle dress I made here and the wrap top here)

Amy from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop is simply amazing. She has oodles of fantastic patterns and I admit to owning most of them! Peek-a-boo patterns are always professionally written and the result is always fantastic. I've shared a number of the things I've made from Amy's patterns like the Bubble Shorts, Sporty Girl Skort, Santa Monica Swimsuit, and more. (I did a round-up of them here.)

Beth from LilyGiggle has written some really unique and amazing patterns. Her shop was one of the first I discovered as I learned about the world of PDF patterns and I just love her style! I have made her Petunia Petal Pants (several times like in this outfit), the Lorelei dress (my daughter still wears this dress at least once a week), and the Secret Garden Dress (my, oh my I love this dress too).






Oh, and then there's me. I'll be answering these questions as well. I've learned a lot since releasing my first two patterns. PS...it's not too late to get the Halloween Treat Bag pattern in time for Halloween. Use the coupon code REVOLUTION to receive the pattern for only $5 through Halloween! (see Pattern Revolution's review of the pattern and enter to win a copy too)

What do pattern testers do?

First let's discuss what 'testing a pattern' actually means. Designers rely on testers to sew a pattern and pay attention to every detail...then give feedback and ask constructive questions that will make the pattern better. Testers are also usually required to take pictures of their finished item and those images are sometimes used in the final sales and promotion of the pattern. Each designer has their own set of feedback questions and guidelines. Typically a tester will have anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks to complete a test and submit their comments back to the designer. Sometimes testers are even paid or given incentives from the designers when they do a great job. And all testers are 'paid' in that they receive a free copy of the pattern they are testing.

The tester's 'job' is to look at the fit of the garment and comment on any adjustments needed. They also will review the tutorial and suggest improvements to the instructions, images, or even catch spelling and grammar errors. They also will review things like the yardage chart to ensure it is accurate, and make sure all the pattern pieces print correctly.

Now let's get to some Q&A with a panel of designers:

How do you find and choose testers?

Jess from Five and Ten Designs says:

I like to put a call out on Facebook. I always look for fresh eyeballs with each pattern as I hate it when people get stuck in a rut. Keeping it fresh and new means there will always be new eyes on my latest pattern! And the response is always immediately overwhelming, there are so many people out there wiling to lend a hand! 

Beth from LilyGiggle says:
I used to put a tester's call out on my Facebook page but that has become more difficult as the number of followers grows. I receive too many requests and it's difficult to sort through them all. Most of my testers I have been using since the early Facebook testing calls or are regular customers that I've gotten to "know" over time.

Amy from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop says:

I do open testing calls and pick some new people every time to keep things fresh and exciting. With over 100 volunteers for most testing calls a lot of it comes down to luck :) I choose one tester for each size and try to include a mix of tried and true testers and newbies. I love it when people link to work they've done so I know what to expect from them. 

Elisa from CharmingDoodle says:
I put a call out on Facebook as well as on my blog. Now that I've found some testers who have delivered great feedback, and met the timeframe deadlines, I also put a call out to them and will select them if they want to test again for me. I look for a variety of levels of sewing skills in my testers, and it always helps when someone links to their shop, blog, or shows pictures of something they've sewn in the past so I can see what their strengths are.

In your experience, what makes a good tester?

Beth from LilyGiggle says:
First and foremost, good communication...very important. Also, I love a friendly tester. If we "connect" you will probably be used again even if your photography isn't the greatest or you can't always make the deadlines. I do consider many of my testers friends even though I've never met them. Testing requires a level of trust. I also find it very important that the testers carefully read the tutorial. Sometimes, they are such experienced seamstresses that they really don't NEED the tutorial but I still need them to make sure the steps are clear and to find mistakes. It's also important that they save their creative license for the next time they make the pattern. I need to know if it works the way I have designed it. Finally, great photography of the samples makes me want to hunt down a tester and give her a big ol' hug around the neck...bonus points, for sure!

Amy from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop says:

I expect them to submit their feedback within the time frame (generally 1 week) and provide photos. My favorite testers provide lots of feedback and creative suggestions for improving the sewing process. I also love testers who provide high quality photographs and I use tester photos in almost all of my listings. 

 

Jess from Five and Ten Designs says:
A good tester is someone who provides on-time feedback and meets the deadlines set. It is always nice when someone helps me proofread, as I am terrible at that - LOL. But someone who is honest, up front, yet KIND is the perfect combo. And good photography skills always help :), because when they show off a fabulous photo of your product - it makes you want to shout it out and share it with the world!  

Elisa from CharmingDoodle says:
A good tester is one who gives detailed feedback, especially the kind of constructive critique that isn't what I 'want' to hear. I love when testers compliment the patterns or say they didn't find any faults with it...but the most valuable feedback I get is when someone honestly tells me about a step they had trouble with and suggests I add a different image or rewrite the wording to clear it up. That is what makes the pattern better! Great photography of the end result is also a huge plus because it shows the pattern sewn in an appealing way with different fabric combinations or styles, which is really important to me. 

 

What are the 'deal-breakers' that cause you to take someone off of your tester list?

Elisa from CharmingDoodle says:
I will be very honest and open here and say that I was shocked when I first sent The Ultimate Apron pattern out for testing! It was my first pattern and I was very excited. I sent the pattern to 8 people after doing an open call on my facebook page. NONE of those first 8 actually tested the pattern! Zero. Only one of them emailed me to tell me she had something come up and she wouldn't be able to complete the pattern test. I completely understood with the one that had something come up, but I wish the others would have reached out to me too. It makes me sad to think anyone would just take a free pattern and never complete the test. But that was one bad experience and the next round of testers I found did a fantastic job! I really value their time and am so thankful for the testers who want to help make the pattern better and follow through on their word.

Beth from LilyGiggle says:

I rarely do this, honestly. But if someone agrees to test and I send them the test version and then never hear from them again the deal has most assuredly been broken. I'm a mom of 5 kids with a crazy life so I try to extend grace when there are unexpected circumstances that prevent completion but if your great-great-uncle on your mama's side dies 3 times in a row you won't be hearing from me again, either. I also appreciate feedback on why the design works or doesn't work but I don't really want to have it re-designed by the tester. By the time I have a pattern/tutorial ready for testing I have poured so many weeks (months even) into it and don't want to change it too much unless it truly needs to be. I'm happy to change mistakes, make it more clear or fit better, but the designing is done.

What is an example of a change you've made to a pattern based on tester feedback?

 

Amy from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop says:

Every pattern I've released goes through at least a few minor changes based on tester feedback. I always tweak a little here and a little there to get the fit just perfect in every size. I just released the Sierra this fall and based on an idea from a tester I added in an option for color blocking.

Beth from LilyGiggle says:

I added a tutorial for an extra neckline option on the Zinnia Dress pattern. I'm grateful for that recommendation. Many patterns are that much better because of good tester's feedback. I love my testers.

I want to say a HUGE thank you to Jess, Beth, and Amy for giving us all an insight into the world of pattern testing. Do you have any other questions? Let me know and I'll be happy to answer what I can.

Interested in pattern testing? Be sure you follow your favorite designer on facebook, and be ready with all the great information you heard here so you can be known as a great tester and have the chance to work with designers again and again!

Signature Style

It's the last week of Project Run & Play already! I have been sewing along and you can see what I made for week 1 (the remix challenge) and week 2 (candy inspired). The third week was 'mad for plaid' and I had this coat in mind for that...but didn't get to finish it in time. But the fourth and final week is supposed to be all about your signature style and I think this plaid coat fits in perfectly for that theme too.

When I saw the coat pictured below I just HAD to make it! It's from Anthropologie and was worn by Zooey Deschanel in New Girl. I seriously want one of these for myself and plan to make one as soon as I come across the right plaid. I already had the perfect plaid for a little girls' version of this coat and so that's what I made.

Why is this my 'signature style?' Many reasons, actually.

1. I'm cheap. I love the look of Anthropologie, but wouldn't buy something like this at full price. The beauty of sewing is that if you want the look of something but it's too expensive, or it's unavailable in children's sizes...you can make it!

2. I am still pretty new to sewing and 'knock-offs' are a good way for me to test out some new pattern making skills. If I have something I'm closely replicating, it helps me stay focused and figure out how to sew something new. I do a lot of knock-offs for this reason. But someday I hope to be able to think up these things entirely on my own. I'm getting there.

3. Details - there are lots of little details in this coat. I like to add details to my projects because...if I'm going to go through the trouble and time it takes to sew something...why not make it great? The details are what makes it special. And those special touches are what make my kids LOVE to wear what I make for them. The highest compliment I can have about my sewing is that my kids ask to wear pieces I've made every day. They are sad when their favorite things are in the wash and they have to wear something from a 'store.'

So let's look at some of the details of this coat.

I used a hooded sweatshirt pattern for the base of this jacket. (McCall's M6782) The cotton fabric I used (Notting Hill by Joel Dewberry) wasn't super heavy weight, though, and I wanted the jacket to last well into the Fall and stand up to colder temps. So I made the jacket a size larger than my girl normally wears and then basically made a second coat out of a fluffy fleece to act as a lining. The fleece is nice and soft against her skin and makes the jacket more practical because it can be worn longer.

I also added a navy anti-static lining for a pop of shine inside the hood and against the zipper so the fleece doesn't get caught in the zip. To top off the inside of the jacket, I added a fun pocket for the hidden 'treasures' my girl loves to collect.

The hood is a bit oversized and to be honest, Isabella doesn't love hoods. So most of the time I think it'll just hang to the back. I think it still looks cute, though. The navy fabric on the outside of the hood and in the front contrast pieces is denim.

I made the sleeves a bit shorter than normal and then added a double-sized cuff. There's plenty of room for this little girl's arms to grow in this jacket. I also made the front navy patches into pockets to keep those little hands warm.

I'm so happy with this jacket and, more importantly, my baby LOVES it! Today she wore it over her Belle dress to pick up the big kids from school. Ha, ha, ha!

I'm definitely adding a bigger version of this coat to my to-sew list for myself. If you know of a good plaid fabric please share!

Halloween Treat Bag...Coming Soon!

I've been having so much fun coming up with ideas for a new pattern...a Halloween Treat Bag.

The best part about the process of making this pattern is that my kids have been able to help! They've drawn out faces for the monster bag, and helped narrow down which bags I should make, which colors to use, etc. Fun! Although the monster face caused a few little scuffles because they all had different ideas of how many eyes the monster should have!

I hope to release the pattern late next week. But right now I'm looking for TESTERS!! I worked with some amazing testers for The Ultimate Apron and they will get first choice at testing if they want to do it again. But because there are so many styles in this pattern I'll also need others. If you're interested in testing head to my facebook page and sign up!

I can't wait to share this pattern with you. Get ready for a fun giveaway next week! :)