Sunday 12 January 2014

I Heart Pattern Testing: Titchy Threads Small Fry Skinny Jeans


In case you haven't noticed I fell in love with the free 2T Small Fry Skinny Jeans Pattern when Laura did a sew-along on her blog Craftstorming. I made these and these. I have been "patiently" waiting for her to release the full pattern since then. Well... not only has the pattern just been released but I got to test it :)

I have tested quite a few patterns in the past year or two, but I think this was the one I wanted to test the most. I was NOT disappointed! Not only is the pattern awesome (I think, we knew it would be) but Laura was so open to feedback and so easily approachable during the process. 

This pattern is beautifully drafted, the instructions are clear and easy to follow. There are lots of options: finishing, pockets, waistband, length and they have adjustable elastic... The testing group all came up with different fabric choices and "looks" for their jeans but one thing was consistent, they all fit beautifully and looked professionally made. These jeans look like store bought jeans! I even learned a new technique as I sewed them.



I started the concept of the "look" I wanted to produce, with these shoes. I bought them for Eloise to wear with another outfit I had made her but wanted to make shorts to go with them too. So I chose this teal drill fabric and embroidered a butterfly on a piece to use for the back pocket. In my head this was going to be such a cute outfit. The shorts turned out exactly as I'd hoped. Then came time for the photos...

We had a heat wave temps (over 40deg C) AND I couldn't find the shoes... anywhere?! We took some indoor photos. The next day was a little better, temperature wise, so we ventured to the park for some outdoor shots... but the air was thick with smoke from a nearby bushfire... So these are the photos we managed to get. 
Side note: I found Eloise's shoes a few days later in Seth's preschool bag?!







blowing kisses xx

I made a second pair with stretch denim and chose the inset pockets (complete with tiny coin pocket). I made a Bella Bodice to go with them.




I highly recommend this pattern. It truly is one of the most professionally drafted and written patterns I've come across. I have fabric ready to make many more pairs for all three of my kids. Oh, I didn't mention the size range. There are two size groupings, the smaller one is from 0-3m - 3T (it is a different shaped jean to account for nappies) and the larger sizes are 3y - 12y (they are more of a true skinny jean fit for kids not in nappies). Such a huge size range, and there is a discount if, like me, you want both sizes!

So, go and check them out! You can buy them here. And keep an eye out for many, many more of these jeans popping up all over blogland.

Thanks for stopping by. Please leave me a message to let me know what you think :)

Kerry xx

I Heart Pattern Testing:Peek-a-boo Lullaby Line Body suit and hat

I saw Amy from Peek-a-boo Pattern shop was calling for testers for her new lullaby line and that the sizes went down to premie. I signed up to test the body suit and hat and mittens in the tiny premie size for my daughter's new doll.

This was a super quick sew and the instructions were easy to follow. I made three body suits and matching hats and made mittens for two of them. They don't require much fabric and come together quickly so I can see myself making a LOT of these for Ellie's doll, up-cycling clothing as I go. 

Amy has made a number of patterns in this line and they are all super cute. It makes me wish I had been as proficient at sewing before I had the kids. I think I would have made most of their baby clothes if I had been. 

These are knit patterns and I know some people are afraid to sew with knits but they are seriously so easy that they make a good intro into knits. 

Pop over to Peek-a-boo Pattern Shop and check out these cute patterns for yourself. They'll be released any day now and I'll try to pop back and add a link to the bodysuit when they are.

Kerry xx