//THE WARDROBE PROJECT//: Tops

Hello everyone! I'm here to share a project that has been in the works for some time. A while back, the lovely ladies from Gather contacted me for a pattern testing. I was a fan of their work for a while and of course I was excited to work with one of their patterns! I mean look at these beautiful pattern illustrations!

I tested their new Azaire pattern, a chic and flattering top and dress. It features a fitted bust, curved yoke, boat neckline, peplum, back darts and an invisible zip. There are two sleeve variations; ¾ length sleeves with a petal cuff or short petal sleeves. I made the top option, but I shortened it by 10cm in order to suit my style better. I went with the short petal sleeve option and I couldn't be happier.

Although the pattern calls for a woven fabric, I decided to be a rebel and I went with a stretch lace fabric for the front and sleeves and a see-through knit for the back panels. I cut a size 12 for the bust, grading to a size 14 for the waist and hips, because I wanted the top to have a more oversized fit. I didn't add a lining and I didn't need any zipper closure, due to the stretch of the fabric.

The pattern is addressed to intermediate sewers, but I believe that an advanced beginner with a little patience would be able to tackle it with no problems. It is a really well drafted pattern, with easy and very clear instructions. And what I love most is that it comes printed in a thick paper( torned rice paper drama, anyone?).

Overall, I loved working with this pattern and I can't wait to make a long sleeved version!

And the good news are that the lovely girls from Gather were so kind to offer me an extra copy to giveaway to one of you! All you have to do is leave a comment telling me how do you plan to make this pattern. I will pick a winner next Monday(Sept.26).

*Disclaimer: I received this pattern from Gather for free to test, but all opinions are my own. I sent feedback on the draft. I was not paid to test this pattern, and was given a free copy of the final pattern as compensation.*

Hello lovely people! This post had to be up a loooong time ago, but you know...., life happens and etc., so here it is now. Lately I rediscovered my long lost love for two things. prints and button down shirts. And when the two are combined, well..., that's a match made in heaven! So when the lovely ladies from By Hand London contacted me to be a pattern tester on their new button down shirt I shouted HELL YEAH! And I knew this one had to be in a print!

So let me properly introduce, By Hand London's new "child", the Sarah Shirt!

"Sarah is no ordinary shirt. Feminine and drapey yet chic and polished, Sarah is a button-up swing shirt with plenty of ease that clings and skims in all the right places. Choose from long, billowy sleeves and a dainty rounded collar or short cuffed sleeves and a traditional pointed collar."

The pattern comes in two sleeve lengths (long and short) and two collar options (a rounded collar and a pointed collar).It has pleats on the shoulders, a back yoke, a center back pleat, and an overall flowy fit, which is flattering in almost every shape.

I sewed Variation 1(long sleeved version), but used the collar from Variation 2(pointed collar).

I cut a size 8/12 for the bust and graded up to a size 10/14 for the waist and hips. For reference my measurements are B:90cm,W:76cm,H99cm.

The fit is perfect, roomy, without the potato-sack effect. It makes you feel put together, without it being restrictive.

As always with By Hand London patterns, the drafting is exceptional and the instructions were really clear and easy to follow.

As for fabric, I used a viscose rayon for my version, which was a very smart choice, if I say so. Everything sewed really effortless and pressed really nicely. I used up 2 meters of fabric, 10 buttons and 4 small snaps for the sleeves.

I seriously love this shirt! It's been worn at least once a week, since I finished it, and I can't wait to make another version! It's the perfect combination of chic and comfortable! As always a big shout-out to the fabulous By Hand London girls for another amazing pattern!

*Disclaimer: I received this pattern from By Hand London patterns for free to test, but all opinions are my own. I sent feedback on the draft to the girls, which were included in the final pattern. I was not paid to test this pattern, and was given a free copy of the final pattern as compensation.*

Hello lovely readers! How is 2016 treating you so far? I feel like the first 15 days of 2016 for me, were all about re-organising, re-charging and basically everything that involves the prefix re- in. I even started reading this book, so I sense that a pretty big de-stashing of my house and wardrobe is coming soon. This month also has a lot of changes and late hours in my job, but also marks the beginning of the next level of my pattern drafting classes :D!

To be honest, I haven't even been nearly my sewing machine this month, but that's ok. I decided that this year is all about quality, over quantity, and I want to sew things that will be incorporated seamlessly with my current wardrobe and fit my lifestyle.

So, I thought I'd share with you some of my last 2015 makes. Starting with my Sydney jacket and Nettie combo.

Let me just start by saying this: WOW! This jacket is THE bomb! This is the Sydney jacket from Tessuti patterns.

"This oversized, draped jacket features a relaxed collar, back yoke, extended cropped raglan sleeves and side pockets. This jacket is ideal for layering over garments and is the perfect cover-up for the autumn/winter months"

I fell in love the instant I saw this pattern and every single version of this made me want to make one even more. I started with this idea of a grey felt wool jacket, but I didn't have enough yardage. So I moved to this heavy double-sided knit fabric I had in my stash, with the thought to become a cardigan. And let me tell ya, the perfect cozy jacket was born!

What I love about this pattern is that, basically, you can use whatever fabric doesn't fray when cutting it, which means you can achieve endless different versions. For mine, I cutted a size S, without any modification. I love the draped front and the side pockets make it a really practical jacket as well.

This is a fairly easy and quick make, since you don't have to finish any edges and with very clear instructions as well. At first you might be a little confused, since the pattern pieces fit together in an odd way, but in the end it all makes sense. Another lovely Tessuti pattern! I can surely see many more versions of this jacket in the future!

It's like wearing a big cozy blanket!

I've already made a couple of Nettie dresses, here and here , as well as some Nettie cropped tops, but I never made a Nettie bodysuit. So when I came across this lovely, soft striped cotton lycra at the fabric store, I knew the time had come to make one.

"The Nettie is a quick and easy to make wardrobe staple. Close fitting with high cut arms, she can be made into a knit dress OR a bodysuit. This pattern is infinitely customizable with a choice of 3 sleeve lengths, 2 neckline and 3 back variations."

I made a scoop front, high back version with long sleeves. I cutted a size 10, without any modifications, which worked out pretty well! What I like about this, is the low cut bum, which prevents unnecessary, annoying panty lines. I did use a snap crotch closure, for quicker bathroom runs!

I really love this pattern! The instructions are incredible clear that even an ambitious beginner could make this, the drafting is exceptional and the fit is spot on. I have to say: Hats off to Heather! Not only she created an exceptional pattern company, but her designs are modern, versatile and what a woman wants to actually wear. She always spots the gaps in the modern woman's wardrobe and delivers every time!