This post is cross-posted at Pattern Revolution. Stop by here to see another reviewer's look at the New Zinnia!
With Mardi Gras just around the corner, I had my inspiration to try out the New Zinnia by LilyGiggle. Lucky for me, I had just straightened my fabric hoard and found Robert Kaufman's Celebrate Seuss! Tossed Characters fabric smiling at me. It is time to celebrate Seuss-style. I searched the internet for an embroidery design and found the perfect one!
And baby sister gets a coordinating tunic too, with a Mardi-Gras jester hat on the cat-in-the-hat . . . and a little fur for her curious senses.
This pattern is all about the Petals. Yep, gorgeous petals at the end of your ¾ or long sleeves. Choose A-line or Empire waist in tunic, above knee or below knee lengths in sizes 2 – 12. (I added buttons to my petals as decorations, mimicking the circles in the skirt fabric.)
First things first:
- $9.50 USD, via PayPal, purchased here: New Zinnia;
- Fabric(s): Knit for the A-line; All Knit or Knit & Woven for the gathered Empire waist;
- Layered Printability – choose to print only the size(s) you need; 4 – 5 pattern pieces (short sash is optional);
- Imperial Size Measurements, Finished Garment Measurements, and Fabric Requirements are all provided in charts;
- Woven skirt portion and Sash is cut following a Length x Width Chart (no pattern piece);
- 3/8" Seam Allowance included in pattern;
- Quick Sew Instructions (for those who usually skim the tutorial/instruction part);
- No cutting chart for neckband. Instead, the designer's preferred method of determining band length & width are provided;
- Approximately an hour and a half sew;
- Intermediate+ sewist (neckband*)
I was glad to see the section on how to trace your pattern pieces onto freezer paper and then iron onto your fabric. I forget about this fantastic method and I'm glad it is included for those of you who haven't tried it yet.
The petals are my favorite part! In my state, I struggled to make sure the petals were trimmed perfectly, continuing to cut round and round . . . until I trimmed them too much. Sometimes folks, we need to just let it go . . . . J.
Happy Sewing!
gloria june
Now, for the photo bombs!