Patterns for Pirates High Low Tide Top for Girls

Ahoy Girl Mateys!  

Are you gearing up for back to school outfits?  Here's a pattern for you to get a head start on your fall wardrobe.  (The entire pattern collection of Patterns for Pirates can be found here or here.)

The High Low Tide Top is a knit top for girls in size 3 mos. - 14 years.  Two sleeve lengths (mid and long), and two options to finish the sleeve (ruffled or cuffs).  

There are 15 pages to print, color coded with cutting guide for cuffs and ruffles included on a pattern piece.  The pages for pattern pieces line up on top of each other -- no need to cut while assembling the pages.  

I found the pattern easy to assemble and the sewing instructions clear and easy to follow.  It was fun and a pleasure to sew up quick top for my little model matey, Fiona.  Isn't she adorable!

I found this Fashion Knit on the Hancock Fabrics clearance tables at 60% off, plus I had a 15% off my total purchase coupon!  For the size 8 shown in this post, I purchased 1 1/2 yards.   

I used my ruffler foot to gather the hi-lo portion of the the top.  Its just so much easier now that I know how to adjust my ruffler foot.  I bought the Bernina foot for my Bernina Sewing Machine.  I did not want to take the chance with a bargain foot.  It was worth the money!

For the neckline binding, I used a Girl Charlee knit ponte de roma with spandex that I had in my stash.  (you can find it here)
I usually mark my quarters with an iron instead of a pin or marker when its a neckline.  

Lined up perfectly!

And Fiona said, "I think its Pretty!!"

I enjoyed testing this top!  The size 8 was perfect and I did not have to change anything at all so this top is good to go for Fiona!  

Get your copy in the Patterns for Pirates Etsy Shop or the Crafty Shop.  Enjoy!

Happy Sewing,

gloria june

PS:  The Mannequin used in this post is reviewed here and includes a link to purchase the pattern.  

Greenstyle Creations Taylor Shorts for Women PDF Sewing Pattern

Yay!  Its here!  You can now purchase the Taylor Shorts for Women (size 0-18) here!

Previously part of the Womens BundleUP offered by Pattern Revolution, the women's Taylor Shorts are now available as a stand-alone purchase from Greenstyle Creations.  

There are three length options, flat or pleated front, and a contoured waistband.  There is a zippered fly, but no worries, a video tutorial is provided by Greenstyle Creations on their website here. 

This pair of shorts is made with duck fabric . . . isn't it a fun print!
You can find the seahorse print at Hobby Lobby!

I love the comfort of the shorts, and the fact that I can "Taylor" the pattern to fit me using my sewing skills and tailoring knowledge.  Now you can make your own pair of shorts for the summer, in a rainbow of colors and prints to suit your taste!

Since we are all shaped differently (I make a smaller size waistband and take in the back darts a bit more to make my perfect fit), Greenstyle has some helpful guidance for the waistband. If you're a little nervous about making a contoured waistband, watch the video tutorial here.

Here are a couple of pairs I made while testing the pattern.  

I used a lightweight Twill above and a Cotton Duck below.

And here is a seersucker pair for my daughter. . . . you may recognize this pair of shorts . . ..

They are the shorts you see in the piping tutorial on Greenstyle Creations website here.

I often take pictures along the way while testing a pattern . . . it helps the designer see how we understand the directions he/she are drafting; and,  in this case, it helps you if you're looking for some guidance for to add piping to a garment!

LOVE my piping foot!

Get started on your personalized pair of summer shorts!  

I went to Hobby Lobby and grabbed some of that seahorse duck fabric for ME!  

I went shopping wearing my Lille Racerback (Maxi) -- a review of that pattern is here and the pattern can be purchased here.  

Happy Sewing,

gloria june

Make your own Mannequin with a PDF Sewing Pattern from Lily Pig Designs

This is a pattern review I provided to Pattern Revolution, posted on their website.  I'm cross-posting here for my readers.  Enjoy!




I'm Gloria Richardson, the blogger behind gloriajune.  I have been dabbling in sewing for more than 30 years, but I have never received proper training in the art of sewing.  I have many self-taught skills, which  may or may not be good (!), but I make myself happy with what I sew, and in the last few years, I've been sewing for our grandchildren and myself.

I have made lots of children's clothing and have just laid them out on the floor or have taken pictures of the garments on hangers.  At one point, I even turned a tomato cage upside down, padded it, and manipulated dresses and whatnot over it just to take a picture.

But not anymore!

I have just made my own Display Mannequin, 

with the PDF tutorial and pattern of the same name, by Lily Pig Designs. 

Don't be scared off by my less-than-perfect stuffing skills!  This Mannequin rocks!  

I made the size 5-6, the perfect size for our oldest grandchildren, a boy and girl. 

Here's the breakdown:

• A beginner+ can rock this pattern! (one who has used a sewing machine, and is comfortable pinning and sewing lines and easy curves);

• 5 color-coded pages to print for sizes 6-12 months through 5-6; (also included as a second PDF File are sizes 8 - 14 years);

• Two pattern pieces to cut out;

• Options for displaying the mannequin for dresses and/or pants; (I used both casing options on my mannequin because they are separate from each other and do not disturb each other in placement.)

• Woven fabrics are best for the beginner (an experienced sewist may get creative with burlap, decor fabrics, etc.).  I do not recommend a lightweight broadcloth--I used it for my mannequin and I would prefer a heavier weighted cotton that would withstand the stuffing phase.  I'm not good at stuffing!    

• Depending on your skill level, it can take up to an hour (stuffing the mannequin may take time if you are a perfectionist or wanting to achieve the best look to display clothing for sale).

The designer is from the Netherlands, so you will find that her word choices are different than what we use in the United States.  You will see phrases like "stick the pieces together," which I know means to piece together or to lay on top of each other.  And, "turn out the right way," which I know means right side out. You can figure out the word choices!

The Fabric Requirements are given in centimeters.  You can easily access a measurement converter on the internet to convert to inches if necessary.  Round up is the rule of thumb!

There is no mention of how much polyfill or stuffing to buy -- it will vary upon the size you make.  I bought 20 ounces for my Size 5-6 Mannequin and used only 1/4 or so of the bag.

The directions are clear and pictures are included along the way.  Suggestions and photos for poles/stands are provided.  My husband used scraps from our wood collection.

I added a logo with my embroidery machine.  I think that would be great for those of you who wish to display your garments for sale!

This is where I chose to embroider a logo.  I don't sell clothes, but thought this may work for those of you who do!

A shirt for my grandson!

A dress for my granddaughter!

You can get closeups of details easily with the mannequin!

You'll be happy with this pattern!  I am glad I finally made one!   You can buy a copy of the pattern from Lily Pig Designs here.  Use code "review" for 20% off your purchase price!

Happy Sewing!

gloria june

One more . . . My favorite bundleUP item is the SPRING LILY from Ellie Inspired!

I just couldn't end showing you what I made for the bundleUP.  I have to show you one of the garments I tested.  

The Spring Lily is my FAVORITE garment from the bundleUP.  Its smart and stylish! And -- yes, its true -- EASY to construct!  

There are four pattern pieces (sleeve is optional, so I used only 3 pieces), and measurements for your skirt piece.  

Princess seams make up the front bodice -- its simply sewing two pieces together that are sort of on the concave.  You just shape the pieces together as you sew.  Don't be scared!  If you need a little more encouragement, Craftsy has a little help for you here.

The skirt is completed by making box pleats.  Don't be afraid of that either, it is much simpler than you think!  I'm not a pinner, so you can imagine watching me fold my pleats as I sew . . . probably not a good thing to watch because you are already scared, so I'll let you watch a little video here to help you get started.  
You can also pin and iron as you go, to help hold the box pleats. And then stay stitch to hold them in place before you attach to your bodice.  

The arrow points to the marks I made to guide me while making the box pleats.  I took this picture during the testing process to show the new kids on the block one way to do the pleats.  I did my pleats at the machine as I sewed.  I know, that probably makes you squeamish.  I am lazy and that was a quick way to get 'er done!

I used my lining piece as my muslin.  I have a much smaller waist (I am built like a woman, not a rectangle!) so I knew that I would have to take in the waist area, as I do with everything I sew.  

This is my lining, used as the muslin in the testing of the Spring Lily.  I was halfway there since I used the lining as a fit guide!  When I started sewing my fashion fabric, I knew exactly where I needed to increase my seam allowances or how much/less deeper to make my darts.  

I have a mannequin!  Do you?  I love to use it for projects like this! I usually put my favorite bra on the mannequin to make sure everything hits where I want it to . . . 

And it does!

No one was supposed to ever see these photos . . . they were taken during testing.  

My daughter removed the mirrors from the guest bath and put them in her room.  

Here comes Mommy!!!!!




The Spring Lily does have a zipper in the back.  The instructions are clear and pictures help along the way. . . come on, you put a zipper in your Taylor shorts, didn't you?


The design of the Lily shows my curves wonderfully.  


I'm ready for photos now!
  

Had to wear the pearls for this!

What in the heck can I do with my arms so that I don't create wrinkles
because my arms are funky . . . .
I sew, I'm not a photographer!

Mad Men -esque?

Now, these were taken well after testing and when I got my new camera!  

Please step out of your little girl panties and into the wonderfully magical world of self-care sewing and add the Spring Lily to your BundleUP!

Happy Sewing y'all,

gloria june

A quick video on box pleats . . . .

I will be guest posting at Ellie Inspired about my fabulous Spring Lily from the bundleUP.  Here's a short video on how to measure & pin box pleats . . . .

You'll love the results!

Happy Sewing!

gloria june

Violette Fields Piper is playing my song

My last contribution to the Pattern Revolution BundleUP-Women tour is my vision of the Violette Fields Piper Misses.  You probably can't take this vision home to mama.   My take on the Piper is what I will call a bit risque.  Magical sewing mistress that I am.

I was pleasantly surprised by the full pattern pieces and at least one sewing skill this old broad doesn't see unless I dig into my paper pattern collection  -- a dart.  in the bodice even.  

This is both a scary but also exciting post in that I was teasing earlier today about whether or not I could "bring sexy back" to the women out there like me -- too close to 50 to not admit it.   I'll take the risk.  Why not?  




I am pleasantly surprised by this pattern.  It reminded me of the paper patterns I love to cut out while watching "Everybody Loves Raymond".  

Its a lot of cutting.  I don't mind at all.  I LOVE paper patterns. Tissue paper is much easier to ball up and put in the plastic grocery bag hanging off my glass on the side table though.  






















What I did not like was the printing of 45 pages (black ink only), then cutting & positioning and then taping and then cutting out the pattern pieces.  

Don't get me wrong, it was worth it -- I love this pattern.  But with a paper pattern, at least I only have to cut once.  

I use a tracing wheel and tracing paper --- old fashioned maybe,
but it always gets the job done for me!

Something I've rarely come across since making PDF patterns -- a dart. I was surprised.  Perhaps the PDF pattern revolution will not block out all traditional sewing standards and practices in place -- sneaking the kind of sewing I know into your skill set secretly.   

So, here it is.  

I remembered the sheer blue & white polka dot fabric I found at a Hancock Fabrics "spot the bolt" sale last year (I bought oodles of it at $1 a yard).  Perfect.  

No need for a bow.  This dress and old broad doesn't need it.  

I feel seductive and silly at the same time.  

Success.  My emotions and hormones are cycling in chaos.  

Ergo, age appropriate behavior.    (giggles)

You can still #bundleup.  

The sale ends at midnight June 27, 2014.

Shop here.

Happy Sewing,

gloria june