Today Heather reviews the Nina Swing Dress by Made for Mermaids. This versatile dress has a Mama and kid version and is super comfortable to wear. Both Heidi and Rebecca join in to show their versions as well!
Read MoreHello everyone, it’s Marnie here back reviewing a dress that took the sewing world a little by storm when it was released earlier this year. It’s the Charleston Dress by Hey June Handmade and boy oh boy, is it a little beauty!!! And yes that is some Australian slang for you, I aim to slip as much in as possible.
The Charleston Dress is one of the few dresses that I have not seen anywhere on social media look bad on anyone or any body type. It really caught my eye and both Lisa (see her pictures below) and I were REALLY happy with the results of using this pattern. And Lisa actually said in a discussion with me “I love this dress, this is the kind of style I can never buy to fit me in ready to wear.” I agree with her 100%. So here is my opinion on what makes this dress so flattering.
The Charleston dress is sized for knits and covers a huge size range - from size 0 through to size 20. It includes 2 different skirts - a fitted skirt and a pleated skirt (my version), and seven different sleeve finishes. The pattern includes thorough instructions for inserting a zipper and as all knits are not the same, very clear instructions on which types of knits the pattern has been sized for. There are some really good sized pockets, which easily fit keys and phones, and they are especially handy for hands during photo posing when you feel particularly awkward and don’t quite know what to do with them. And the bodice of the dress has my most favourite types of seams for fitting a close fitting bodice - princess seams, which are seams that run from the shoulders down to the waist over the bust line. It makes it possible to get a really fantastic fit with princess seams. The pattern instructions are clear and easy to read and if you pay strict attention to the instructions at the start of the pattern - which strongly advise you to make a muslin to understand how this pattern will best fit your body, you will be delighted with the end result.
For my dress, I used an Art Gallery knit (cotton lycra or cotton spandex) and omitted the back zipper as I knew that there was enough stretch for me in the fabric to wear comfortably and get in and out of without the zipper. I made skirt version A, the pleated version, and for the bodice and sleeve, I made the short sleeved version. It is a little crazy of me considering that Winter is almost here...but I’ve had this material sitting there for a couple of months and in my head I’d always planned to make a Charleston out of it, so I was keen to see how it looked all sewn up. I made a few adjustments that are standard to me - lengthened the bodice slightly, lengthened the skirt seeing as I am taller than the sizing clearly mentioned on the pattern; moved the shoulder seams out slightly, removed the zipper and seam allowance for the zipper and lowered the neckline slightly. Most of these alterations are standard for my body - I pretty much always need to make them and to get the best fit for you, it is important to understand where you need to change things for your body shape.
Overall, I love this dress and was delighted with the pattern. I feel younger and trendier in my dress and Summer or Winter, it’s definitely a dress that every lady should have in her wardrobe. Now I’m off to cut out a more seasonally appropriate version!
Thanks for reading along and happy sewing,
Marnie
Lisa's version:
View B, ¾ sleeves, fabric is Ponte de Roma from Girl Charlee.
Carrie's Version- Sleeveless
Show it all off with the Color Block Dress by So Sew Easy. Reviewed by Paige and available for sale on DIY Crush.
Read MoreMommy and Me sewing from My Little Plumcake with the new Women's version of the Sophie Cape!
Read MoreNow, no woman's wardrobe would be complete without an awesome accessory. Did you know that the Bundle UP! sale includes the Petunia Purse by Izzy & Ivy!!!! Now you can make a fun bag to wear with all your new clothes. Big enough to hoist all your stuff, but oh so pretty with ruffles galore. Check out Brianne's full review of this must have accessory...
Read MoreWhat's up from the Bundle today!?!? Why the lovely Jenny Dress by Sis Boom, of course. We love that this pattern has so many options included. I absolutely love deep V necklines - so this is getting added to my sewing list NOW!!!! And there is an included option for a more modest V as well!
Read MoreAre you ready for what is next!!!!!!!!!!! Today we share an closer look at the Spring Lilly Dress by Ellie Inspired. I think we can all agree that we want to see more women's patterns from you - this one is beautiful!!! With a drop V back, an invisible zipper, multiple options for sleeves, and a skirt with a variety of lengths; this could just become your next 'go to' dress.
Here is Victoria to show it off and give you some helpful hints if you have never sewn a women's dress or an invisible zipper before - this was her FIRST time too!!!!!
Read MoreSummer is right around the corner, or already here if you are in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer to me means tank tops - and I have just added a new sewing project to my ever growing list. Jocole comes through with the awesome Shoreline Tank in both women's and girl's sizes. And the both have optional ruffles to jazz it up and get a variety of looks. Grab one size, or both to do adorable Mommy and Me looks like Cassie and Katie!
Read MoreI'm continuing my trend of pushing my comfort zone and trying new things. Today I am going to show you the Date Night Dress by April Rhodes. I was first made aware of April Rhodes's patterns in the blogging world when she released her Staple Dress. It was one of those patterns that looked good on everyone I saw in it. So, as I organized this series, I'll be honest - I asked for the Staple Dress. Can I just say that I am sooooooooooo happy April asked if I would review her newer Date Night Dress instead!!!
Read MoreOk - today Kara has outdone herself! She is reviewing the Yoga Pants by Jocole, but made everything she needed for a day at the studio - including the Racer Back Tank from Jocole's Mix n' Match Series and a very cool yoga mat bag - a Free Pattern by Amy Butler!
But lets take a look at these pants - and if you aren't jealous of Kara's awesome comfy, perfectly fitting work out pants, you will be of her yoga moves - WOW!!!! Take it away....
Read MoreWelcome to Pattern Revolution! We're a collective of women focused on encouraging and educating the modern sewist. Our team is made up of moms, shop owners, hobbyists, and masters of the trade. Our skill levels and project interests may vary, but our love of electronic PDF patterns are the same. Read more about the future of sewing patterns, or dive right in and let our posts inspire you
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