Hi everyone,

Back again with an outfit made in easy to wear summer fabrics, using two new-to-me patterns. The bottoms were made using Simplicity 8134, and frankly I love them, and have been wearing them every week since they were finished. They are just so comfortable, and personally, I find the front wrap to be stylish and flattering. I think the front wrap adds an elongated line to the legs, as well as disguising heavy hips.

The top was made using the In the Folds ruffle sleeve top pattern which is a FREE download available from Peppermint magazine. This is actually the second In the Folds pattern I have sewn up: you can see the first one here. This one is a winner, even if I totally winged the neckline binding (I omitted the included facing) and even if I do need a small FBA. I still think this is a cool outfit. (BTW, there are some great other free In the Folds patterns available through Peppermint magazine: I have already downloaded the wide leg pants pattern!)

*Is this linen/viscose mix paprika? Or is it rust? Or if you’re being really fancy, is it burnt sienna? Lol, I don’t really care, I was just glad to find it and the (navy) polka dot cotton local to me. Ah, breathable fabrics to get through this current glorious heat wave, sigh.

Pattern Review – Simplicity 8134

Pattern Description: 

Misses’ Easy-to-Sew pants features wrap front pants, culottes, shorts that tie from side seam and elastic waist pant that can be made with border printed fabric or with an extra wide leg.

Pattern Sizing:

6 – 22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes. Almost identical 🙂

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Very much so. Solid instructions, very neat finish and no handsewing involved.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love this pattern. I think the view I made (view C) is very stylish and flattering, and so comfortable. The front wrap I think adds a line to elongate the leg and disguise the hips. Easy to sew and great instructions. Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used:

Linen viscose mix.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• 2 inch full bum adjustment
• Lengthened back curve by 0.25 inches
• 1 inch full tummy adjustment
• For next time: I might actually remove 0.5 inch from the full bum adjustment and 0.5 inch from the full tummy adjustment. But, maybe not 🙂

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I don’t know about sewing the same view (although I am very tempted), but I have got some border print viscose which I might try and make up sooner rather than later. Yes, I definitely recommend.

Conclusion: 

Figure flattering, comfortable and fun…try these out!

Pattern Review – In the Folds ruffle sleeve top

Pattern Description: 

Boxy fit top with V-neck and sleeves featuring ruffles at the opening. The inside is finished with a facing.

Pattern Sizing:

30″ full bust to 51.5″ full bust.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes; very thorough and talk you through a french seam finish and use of a deep facing inside. I ignored all that 🙂 and overlocked my insides and finished my neckline with binding.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

There is nothing to dislike about this pattern. It’s a free pattern but the instructions surpass other patterns I have used where I have paid a lot of money for them! I love the finished blouse, even though I could probably do with a small FBA (already altered the pattern for next time), and I think it is very on trend and easy to sew.

Fabric Used:

Cotton. I would like to try something with more drape for next time.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• The pattern recommends to select your size  based on high bust and do a FBA if needed. I did follow this, but didn’t do the FBA. I will next time. I don’t need much: about 0.5″
• I dropped the bust point by approx. 1.25 inch.
• I did a 0.5 inch sway back adjustment (adding the removed length back to the lower hem).
• I omitted the facings and bound the neckline (slight bodge job but will suffice).
• I removed 2.5 inches from the sleeve length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I would like to sew this again in something with more drape. I do recommend.

Conclusion: 

A great little pattern. On trend and easy to sew.

Still playing catch  up on blogging, but more summer sewing happening. Have a great week ahead everyone.