Pattern Review: Gable Top

I realised the other day that I never reviewed the Gable top pattern.  Better late than never!  Also, it means that I have lots of experience in wearing it! Details Pattern name: Gable Top Variation/Style: View 3 without the cuff Design House: Jennifer Lauren Handmade Size I made: 12 Fabric Stripey stretch fabric remnant from The Knitting & Stitching Show in 2017. Difficulty This is a really simple top to make consisting of only 4 pieces of fabric.  The main challenge for me was the fabric I chose as it was very stretchy.  You may wish to take extra care on the neckline, which I would argue is the trickiest part. Clarity It is very simple although I did get a bit confused at the neckline.  However, Jennifer Lauren has a video to help you on this to use in tandem with the written instructions. Design and Fit The top has come out quite tight.  I am not sure if this is the pattern or the fabric (or both).  I am not used to wearing very fitted garments so this is probably where most of my discomfort stems from!  It's also very long but I may have stretched it or the fabric I have chosen has encouraged this.  I will have to see how much negative ease the pattern has if I make it again. Design-wise, it is the perfect staple to go under a pinafore or dungarees - such as the Ivy Pinafore by Jennifer Lauren! Time Taken I'd say you can make this in half a day.  It's very simple and super quick if you don't have any stripe matching to do! Conclusion This version feels a bit too fitted for me so I will probably make it in a larger size next time, or perhaps choose a different fabric which is not so clingy.  However, I have worn it lots with my pinafore collection (yes, it has turned into a collection... expect more pinafore reviews!) https://youtu.be/hWdOmArkQ5o

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Pattern Review: Jarrah

This year I was fortunate enough to be a pattern tester for one of Megan Nielsen's new patterns which came out on 1 November 2018.  Here is my pattern review of Jarrah. Details Pattern name: JarrahVariation/Style: ADesign House: Megan NielsenSize I made: 10 Fabric I used a grey medium-thickness knit fabric - a bit like a ponte?  I found it in a charity shop in Helston and it was just what I was looking for!  The lighter grey is ribbing which was also from a charity shop (but has been in my stash for years...) Difficulty I would say that this pattern is a nice easy one for beginners.  The only real challenge was the neckband for me. Clarity I found that the instructions were clear.  I did go on auto pilot at one point (the neckband) and almost do it wrong, but when I actually read it, it was clear!!  The pattern provides markers for attaching the neckband rather than advising you to 'quarter' the neckband and neck opening yourself, which is great, you just need to read it! Design and Fit I made a straight size 10 - it's a loose fit design and I'm a fan of baggy jumpers!The design has grown on me - especially now that it's cold enough to wear it here in the UK!  However, if I made another, I'd go for the funnel neck version. Time Taken I completed this make in a day.  The hems were easy as I was attaching the ribbing and the fabrics were stable knit fabrics which helped.  Also, I didn't need to adjust the fit. Conclusion Overall, it's a great classic staple for your wardrobe, with some lovely variations to try out.  Due to the different variations which come with the pattern (high-low hem, tie knot, funnel neck, as well as this one I've done), you get a lot of value for money out of the pattern.https://youtu.be/oPAvhyTxhec

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Pattern Review: The TATB Bow Blouse

Today I’m sharing a pattern review of one of my #2018makenine projects!  I added it to my make nine list as it’s something I began in 2017 and then abandoned when I got confused with it.  However, I am so glad I persevered as it wasn’t so bad after all and it certainly stands out in my wardrobe.

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