E+M Top No. 26 Pattern Review

The E+M Top Pattern No. 26 makes a nice casual knit shirt or dress for girls.  With options for short, 1/2, or long sleeves in a raglan style, and straight hemmed or high-low shirt, or dress length, this pattern fits all seasons.  And it fits your girls sizes 2 to 10.  

For this PATTERN REVIEW, I made a short sleeve, high-low top for my 6 1/2 year old girl.

The shirt fabric is from the online shop Whimsical Fabric.  It is Greeka in Skoura knit fabric from the Skopelos Art Gallery Collection for the short sleeves and lower front and back, and matched with a Strawberry Kiss knit fabric by Art Gallery for the upper front and back.

The E+M Top Pattern No. 26 is a PDF pattern that is professionally written, easy to follow, includes multiple sewing options, and is suitable for a beginner seamstress with experience sewing knit fabrics. 

Printing & Assembling the Pattern…

The pattern includes clear printing and assembling directions.  The pages to print for each of the look variations is listed for easy reference -  so ink and paper are not wasted.  The pattern does not have layers, meaning that you can’t select to print only the size desired.  Based on the pattern design, it isn't a ink and paper waste to print all sizes, but it does require attention to cut the on the correct lines.  The lines do not cross on the pattern, so this is simple enough.

Sewing Instructions & Pictures…

The instructions are clear with explanation of each sewing step.  The pattern includes different tips & tricks for the sleeve hems, different options for finishing the seams and neck band, and optional serger sewing instructions.  The instructions are not too wordy, and not too brief.  They are consistent and organized efficiently.  The pattern includes sizing and measurement charts, supplies list, and material needs - I found these to be accurate in my pattern use.

This pattern is appropriate for a beginner seamstress that has sewn knit garments before or that is ready to go further with knit patterns.  The instructions include detailed Sewing With Knits information for regular sewing machine.  And there are so many tutorials and videos to provide more information about knits, that I think this pattern is suitable for beginners that have some sewing garments experience.

My favorite feature of this pattern is the pictures.  Generally, I prefer line drawings in my PDF Patterns because I want to clearly see the sewing instructions and be able to distinguish the pattern pieces without the distraction of a fabric print or color.  Then I want close-up pictures of an actual item to see the results of a sewing step.  (forgive me if this is overly specific, but this is what I like best in my PDF Patterns)  Well, in this E+M Pattern, there are pictures of the actual garment, but she used a gray fabric photographed on a white background, and then annotated the photograph with dashed lines and arrows.  GENIUS.  

Here is an example:

So now, the pictures simply show me both the instructions and the results. Again, GENIUS.

And BEST of ALL, the finished garment…

My girl is between a size 6 and size 7, so of course I sized up, and the top fits well.  I am happy with the fit.  I like that the shape of the top gently curves in at the waist.  The length is long enough to cover my tall girl.

With the finished seams and top-stitching, gathers at the bodice, clean neckline, and high-low length, the completed shirt is a WINNER.  I expect this one to be seen often on my girl.

The pattern is available on Whimsical Fabric HERE.  And check out all the knit fabrics too!

To see more creations from Stacey, visit her blog at From-a-Box.

Happy Creating!
Danielle Storm
www.whimsicalfabric.com
 

December Reviews - Nightgown Patterns and Riley Blake Flannel Fabric

We have two great pattern reviews for you today. You may recognize this first pattern, it's the Children's Corner Ruthie. Sharon reviewed it for us last month using corduroy. 

** If you would like to see an image on our blog in a larger format, just click on it to enlarge. **

Don't you love it when a pattern is so versatile it can be used for more than one purpose?

 

Hello ladies! I have sewn Ruthie View A with the long sleeves instead of the short sleeves. I used the Riley Blake flannel as well to make this dress into a night gown. No mods needed.

This time on the Ruthie pattern I added ric rac to the collar, in-between the bodice and skirt, and to the sleeves ends as well. The pattern includes instructions for adding the ric-rac to all of these places except the bodice/skirt pieces. The instructions were very well written for this part. The ric rac was sewn in the first time and looks great! No seam riper needed!

As I said in my last review of the Ruthie pattern, I love how this bodice sews up! I have to mention it again because it's just that clever. (You can read the full details of the Ruthie pattern review here.) This is a dress pattern that you will want to sew again and again for sure!

Onto the fabric. With winter fast approaching, flannel is perfect for pjs and nightgowns for the whole family. I used Riley Blake Summer Breeze flannel. I have sewn my fair share of flannel fabrics over the years, but this, by far, is the best quality I have ever used. It is nice and thick. It gathers very well because of this. And the collar holds it's shape so nicely. It made for a very sturdy button placket as well. This is so very important with a five year old little girl who loves to dance and jump around in her nightgown. I know that this night gown will last beyond her out growing it.

The other wonderful part about this flannel is how soft it is, inside and out! As soon as I put this on her she started to yawn big time!! That would be a mother's score I think, ha-ha! She loves this so much with how cozy it is and requests to wear it ever night now. I can also say how pleased I am with how well this washes too. The colors are holding up very nicely and it is still looks new.

For the inside back bodice lining I used Fabric Finders White SV Imperial Broadcloth. This was very lovely to work with and feels dreamy against the skin as well. This fabric is am excellent fabric to line any clothing garments with. I think it would be very lovely for smocking as well. 

 

Back to the Ruthie pattern. I wanted to show you the back of the View A bodice. The shorter bodice is perfect for making a night gown. It makes it very comfortable for sleeping in. Also, the skirt on this pattern is not too gathered, which reduces bulk. Overall the Ruthie is very comfortable for my daughter to sleep in. 

The only part that I did change is the how much I hemmed the dress. I made the hem 1" shorter to make the night gown longer than the pattern calls for. It was so easy I wouldn't even call it a modification.

 

You can find all the these products in the Whimsical Fabric Shop.

Click on the names below and the link will take you right to them.  

Riley Blake Summer Breeze Flannel
(All Riley Blake Flannel Fabric)

Fabric Finders White SV Imperial Broadcloth.

Hot Pink Ric Rac

CC Ruthie Dress Pattern

Sharon

Hello friends! Today, we are also looking at the beautiful Ellie Inspired pattern, Beautiful Dreamer.

This is a cozy nightgown and robe set. It's such a pretty, feminine pattern. A true "nightgown". I was drawn to this pattern because of the classic feel it has, and also because of the roominess I could see it would provide. And, with my picky daughter, I knew that would be a plus.

The pattern comes in sizes 1-12 and includes 3 different sleeve options. There are many ways that it can be embellished, from the hem to the bodice. I chose to use some lace trim on the bodice and left a plain straight hem. Though the pattern also gives direction on placing a ruffled hem and details on placing pin tucks on the bodice. I'd love to try that route next time, because it is darling and provides an extra special detail.

And as you can see, I chose to do the long sleeve version. I almost chose to do the flutter sleeve version, because I wanted to make the robe. BUT, my daughter begged for the long sleeves. So...may as well make it to her liking. I do plan on making a very lightweight flutter sleeve version for summer, with a matching robe. It'll be so flowy and dreamy, I can't wait.

This pattern was perfect for us because my daughter is very sensitive to elastics. These sleeves have a great little casing for the elastic, providing superior comfort.

The nightgown has a button up back with placket. You can use snaps or buttons.

As far as the construction and quality of the actual PDF pattern, you really can't go wrong with Ellie Inspired. The pattern prints out and tapes together flawlessly and takes no time at all. Printed pieces for bodice and sleeves, and measurements for skirt. Instructions are well laid out, with clear pictures and an easy flow. Size and fabric charts were spot on. Hand sewn lining provides superior sleeping comfort.

Now, let's touch base on this flannel. If you haven't sewn with Riley Blake flannels, you really don't know what you are missing out on. I have made many pajamas in the past, with some inexpensive flannel, and some very expensive flannel. None of it has held up to the same standards as this flannel. Plus, it was a dream to sew with. So buttery soft, you really can feel the difference.

Here are a few pictures I took today, after WEEKS of wearing this nightgown EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. No lie, every night. With several wash/dry cycles. I have treated it no differently than her favorite t-shirt. I think you'll agree, it has held up to that much wear pretty great. Great example of the wonderful construction of the pattern as well.

Nichole

Today is a great time to pick up these two patterns as all of our pj and nightgown patterns are 30% off.  In addition, all of our Riley Blake flannel is also on sale for 30% off.  This is an amazing deal!  Stock up now.  It's getting cold out there!  These sale prices are good until 11:59pm MT Sunday, 12/13.  Hurry and order today!

Happy Creating!
Danielle Storm
www.whimsicalfabric.com

CC Ruthie Dress Pattern Review and 20% Off Coupon

Today we are reviewing the Children's Corner Ruthie Pattern. This pattern is rated as a moderate sewing level with two different options; one short yoke dress with short sleeves and one full yoke length with long sleeves options. Both versions can be mixed and matched. The pattern comes in two different size ranges as well, the smaller contains sizes 1-4 and the larger contains sizes 5-8. Today I am reviewing the long sleeve, full yoke dress version in a size 6.

Note:Please click on images to view in a larger format.

For this dress I used Fabrics Finders Country Floral Corduroy for the main part of the dress and  Wedgewood Gingham for the lining and piping on the collar. My daughter and I both love how warm and cozy the corduroy fabric is, perfect for autumn. The gingham is just as soft and lovely as well.

The dress features a full button down front bodice and skirt, a one piece collar that wraps around to the back bodice and back again to the front bodice, and has sweet elastic gathered cuffs at the end of the sleeves. The bodice is fully lined, but unlike other dress patterns I have used before, this one requires no hand stitching! The instructions have a clever way of sewing the front bodice/lining on the machine to give such a beautiful finish that I used the same method to sew the the back bodice main to the lining as well. The back bodice sewing was a slight modification I made, the pattern calls for it to be hand sewn, but it was very easy to sew the back bodice in the same manner as the front.

I found the instructions of this pattern to be very easy to read and follow. The front bodice pattern piece has the main and lining all in one pattern piece (the front bodice is cut on the fold so only two to cut total) but unlike other patterns that I have sewn, this pattern gives the most clear directions on how to sew the front and back bodice pieces all together without any mishaps. It left me thinking, "How clever!", and I wish I knew this years ago. I will be using the same instructions from now on with other patterns as well. 

In the pattern there are also tips on installing piping on the collar to make it a bit easier. I really do love to make and add my own piping to collars. I used the petite cording that is carried in the Whimsical Fabric shop to make mine. It is the perfect size for this dress.

I also wanted to show you the dress not being worn. I just adore the look of the back bodice peeking out from the front. This is a nice way to add a bit of a fun detail to the dress. My daughter loves when I add little surprises to the inside, such as this lining fabric.

I am am very happy with this pattern and will be using it again and again until my daughter out grows it. Even with making my own piping it was a fairly quick sew. I can see this pattern being made in the short sleeves version for spring and summer. The fit is wonderful. It has plenty of room in it for my daughter to run and play, but still looks beautiful. It is a perfect pattern for us to use for her school wardrobe and more.

All the products used for this dress can be found in the Whimsical Fabrics shop. Click on the links below and use the coupon code Ruthie to save 20% on the CC Ruthie pattern, all Fabric Finders Corduroy fabric, all Fabric Finders Gingham fabric, and Petite Cording now through Monday, November 23rd.

Children's Corner Ruthie Pattern

Fabric Finders Country Floral Corduroy

Fabric Finders Wedgewood Ginghman

Petite Cording

Happy Sewing!
Sharon

Mattie and Sara Pattern Reviews

Hello everyone!! Today we are bringing you another couple pattern reviews. The Mattie Knit Shirt, by Children's Corner and an adorable skirt to compliment it perfectly, the Sara's Skort, also by Children's Corner Patterns. 

Note: Please click on images to view in a larger format.

Let's look at the Mattie Knit Shirt first. Here I used a dreamy knit from the Art Gallery Wonderland line, Diamond Flush Dance.

This is a paper pattern, which comes in sizes 1-10. The sizes are not nested, which means I didn't have to trace out her size 5. YES!! No printing and no tracing. Already off to a great start!

This is a very classic, very versatile, staple for any closet.  It comes with either short or long sleeve, and a dainty ruffled finish on the sleeves and neckline, which can be omitted of course, as you can see on mine. Mattie also has a two buttoned placket. Mattie is designed for knit, though I have to admit, I think I'm going to try this in woven as well. 

So, let's stop and talk about this placket really quick. If you are one to avoid plackets, or find them hard to do...you need this pattern. I have never been a big fan of plackets myself, because I haven't felt confident when doing them. {bad directions usually, and considering I'm self taught I had never learned the proper way} This pattern has changed that for me. I will use this method from now on with ease. Knit or woven . 

It's the little details that make this shirt. Pattern calls for lettuce edge rolled hems on the ruffles, which again, can be omitted or even left raw.

As you can see, I embellished the top with a bit of free motion applique.  I cut it straight from the extra yardage I had from the Art Gallery Wonderlandia Fondant fabric I used on my skirt.

Which brings me to the next pattern, Sara's Skort.

  
This is a lined skirt with sewn in shorts (shorts are unlined.)  The skirt is fitted in the front for a nice smooth look. Back is gathered by elastic casing. You can hem the skirt with your favorite trim. As you can see I have used ric rac. The pattern also has directions for a dainty ruffle. I think I'll try some pom pom trim next time.

My daughter loves this skirt. It's very roomy and it allows for plenty of movement, which has been a big pet peeve of mine on my other skirt patterns. Not to mention, those built in shorts for coverage. Don't have to worry about extra bloomers...I am happy!! 

I love how both of these patterns are classic and trendy. They are both going to be staples in my sewing room.

  
All products and patterns are sold on the Whimsical Fabric website. Click on the names below to find each product in the shop. 

Shirt: 

Pattern: Children's Corner Mattie

Fabric: Wonderland Diamond Flush Dance Knit

Pants:

Pattern: Children's Corner Sara Skort

Fabrics: Wonderland Wonderlandia Fondant and Wonderland Diamond Flush Dance Knit

Notions:

Riley Blake 3/4" Black Ric-Rac

Be sure to share all your creations on our Facebook group as well! 

Nichole