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*.......
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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 ;)
I saw a call asking for some additional testers for the last rounds of testing for these shorts on Tuesday. They were called boardshorts but are designed to be made in any medium to heavy weight woven fabric so I could see the potential for everyday wear shorts from the pattern too and I had the perfect fabric ready and waiting in my stash.....this is what I went on to make on Tuesday evening!
My boys are all about the pockets, so these shorts with their kangaroo style pocket really appealed to them both! I had a quick rummage through my fabric stash and soon found something suitable. I only had time during testing to make a pair for one, not both but luckily, there is only half an inch difference in their waist measurements and because they have an elasticated waistband, they can both wear the same ones until I can sew some more up! I teamed the shorts up with a digger 'On Your Marks' t-shirt for these photos.
I promised myself a little break from testing whilst my Husband had some holiday booked, then I saw a tester call for this, whoops! It was just so me and I knew immediately which fabrics I wanted to make it in as well, I couldn't resist! It's as easy and comfortable to wear as a tank top but so much more than a tank! With optional neck ruffles and centre seam detailing it combines woven and knit fabrics to create a top which works well for both casual and smarter wear with the right fabrics. I teamed mine with both the free Lindy skirt and some linen trousers and both looks worked equally well.
Are you all feeling energetic?! No, I'm not either but this collection of 3 pocketed t-shirts from Kelly J Designs is called the Race Day Collection! My boys love pockets and I've got a love for colour blocking at the moment so these were sure to be a hit all round. So much so, I've made 2 of each final design during testing alone! My personal favourite is the 'On Your Marks' what's yours?
Last month I made a Lisse* (please click here or on the photo to see the original review and photos for this) and I really wanted to enter at least one upcycled version of each of the new horizons patterns I owned into the contest, so I went hunting around the house for something I could use to make one from. For the full Lisse pattern review please see my post HERE When I saw the upcycle challenge listed, I wanted to make something from each of the 4 new horizons patterns I owned. I quickly got searching around the house and found this lovely green knitted half waterfall cardigan which had sadly been shrunken in the tumble drier. I loved the colour but could no longer wear it, so I was quite excited to be able to reuse the fabric for the lisse*.
Another of my upcycle challenge entries was made using the Elevation Hoodie Pattern* to make this age 2 short sleeved tee version in cotton lycra and interlock, upcycled from a ladies stretchy tee and a childrens tee and I did add some dinosaur cotton lycra fabric to this one as well. Above are the two tops I used and below is what I made from them!
Right at the beginning of April, Terra's Treasures changed it's name to New Horizons and with it came a fab contest to get people sewing their patterns using up cycled fabrics! At first I wasn't sure I'd be able to fit any entries in but right on the last couple of days I managed to finish all my ongoing pattern tests up and entered 4 garments! Here I'm going to talk about them all but if you want a detailed review or information on how I hacked the patterns then I'll give links to individual blog posts about those too!
Earlier this year I found some jersey in a sample sale, there was 3m, in just the colours and pattern I am usually drawn to, so it simply HAD to come home with me! I knew I wanted to make a maxi dress with it even though I'd never worn one before, it just told me this is what it needed to be! No more than a week later, on of my favourite designers, Sew Straight & Gather, announced in their tester group that they had plans to re draft and re-release their very first pattern, the girls Uptown Downtown. I instantly went to check it out and not only was the style PERFECT, I could easily fit into the age 14 measurements! It couldn't all have happened more perfectly if I'd have tried to schedule! So here we have my super elegant Uptown Downtown.....
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AuthorHi! I'm Sarah and I live with my 2 boys and my Husband in East Anglia, UK. I enjoy sewing for my family and it is my aim to have a completely MeMade wardrobe for us all! Archives
September 2019
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