This is a first for me on my blog, it isn't so much a review of sewing patterns but of the fabric itself! I was lucky enough to be selected as a 'strike-off' sewer for this beautiful fabric to test it's properties to the max! I washed it, tumble dried it, checked for colour running, fading and shrinkage and sewed it up into various different garments to test how it sews, stretches, wears and looks! Here are my findings and finished garments with no editing to the photos to try and show as natural a representation as possible in different lighting.

A tester call for a beautiful tailored style shorts pattern for stretch wovens from one of my favourite designers? count me in! I love the style of these and because they were from Wardrobe by Me, I knew the pattern was going to be perfectly finished too, and I wasn't wrong, the inside is super pretty! Here's my first pair, there were a few adjustments to the final pattern after these were made which I'll mention a little later.

Here is the Violet! A super pretty feminine pattern which includes a top and dress.  I was actually asked if I'd like to test this pattern and as soon as I saw the drawing, I knew it was definitely for me, totally my style and couldn't wait to sew it up!

Following the ladies Swim & Surf shorts, the designer wanted a quick refresh of her Jasper Joggers pattern for woven fabrics.  I knew these would be great for my boys for the Summer and they looked so versatile so I went for it and here they are, my first but certainly not last pair of Jasper Joggers!  PS....read all the way to the end for a chance to win yourself a copy!

I've had the original version of this pattern in my cart for several months, waiting for both an occasion and the time to make it before buying. Then, just as I'm looking for dress patterns for something to wear to my Brother's wedding next month a call goes out to test a new add-on for it which is even more my style than the original pattern, what perfect timing!  I immediately applied and pre-washed some fabric from my stash ready in hope! I'm super excited to show you all the Marbella with the new skirt add on*.......

I first saw the childrens version of these shorts when they released a week or so ago and was hoping I could squeeze into them myself, unfortunately, although I fit into many childrens patterns, this one didn't go quite big enough....until.....a tester call for the ladies version appeared!  They're perfect for that little extra coverage on the beach, in or around the swimming pool, water sports or athletics and nice and practical if, like me, you have energetic young children to run around after!  The correct fabrics were tricky to find in the UK but I did manage to source some and even though my 'pretty' ones didn't arrive in time, I think these turned out pretty cute with a little embroidery added and.....if you make it to the bottom of the post, there's a chance to win yourself a copy of the pattern ;)