Testers are what keep this business going. Every time I put out a call for testers I am blown away by the people that want to help me with my patterns. As I start to see the versions pop up in the testing group I get more and more excited. I had a friend ask me recently what it was like to see your work on other people, and I am not sure I can put it into words because it really is amazing each and every time.
MEADOWOOD is oversized meets balance with dolman sleeves and front button placket. Meadowood was designed to be the perfect floaty blouse that gives you many different looks depending on the fabric you choose.
I am normally a jeans a t-shirt kind of girl but when I put this top on for the first time I couldn’t believe how much I loved it. Who knew that what I was missing most in my wardrobe was an oversized floaty button-up shirt. I think what I love so much about it is the yoke details and how it is the perfect amount of oversized. Trust me you are going to love this top as much as I do. Just wait until you see all the testers in it.
Last November I held my first Makers Retreat in the mountains of Washington State. As part of the retreat, I created two patterns that would not only be a fun sew but would teach the ladies specific skills within sewing, because if you are going to come to sew with teachers on hand to help, why not try new skills.
Since not everyone was able to come to the retreat I decided to release the two patterns to all of you.
Disclosure: I was provided the pattern and fabric for free but all opinions are my own.
Matching family pajamas is one of my favourite parts of the holidays. For many years I made matching pajamas for all of my nieces and nephews, but when it got to be something like 14 pairs ranging in size from baby to teenager I decided I just couldn’t do it anymore so I focused on just my little family.
I have learned over the years that I can’t determine whether I will like a pattern based on my ideas of what will look good on my body. We are not neutral about our bodies even if we love and accept our bodies for what they are, we will still always see the ‘flaws’ and how a pattern may accentuate those flaws. High waisted wide leg pants were definitely a pattern I wasn’t convinced I would like on my body.
When Melissa of Melly Sews/ Blank Slate Patterns reached out to me about doing a pattern swap I was on board immediately. I have been a long-time follower of Melissa and love everything she comes up with whether it be the patterns she designs or the clothes she sews. Melissa decided to work with my Leschi top as a base for her planned hack, and I immediately went with her Austin tee.
I loved the split neck of the pattern and immediately envisioned it cropped and paired with one of my high waisted skirts, either Wedgwood or Madrona. My exact plan though was still undecided until our weather changed drastically a few weeks ago and we had entered fall.
Montlake Tee tester roundup is here and it is the best part of every pattern release. These ladies took my pattern and made it better than it was before. Having the ability to bounce ideas off of other sewists and get feedback that improves the pattern is invaluable.
Give these ladies some love, they deserve it.
Amy sewed up the scoop neck in a yoga print double brushed poly and a hemp cotton blend striped jersey v-neck. Both versions turned out so great!
Annette sewed the v-neck in a cotton knit and elbow sleeves. This is the most perfect everyday outfit and the fit is spot on.
Nearly 4 years ago I released my Montlake tee pattern and I was so incredibly proud of the pattern I created, I still am because my testers and I worked really hard to get the fit just right. I loved everything about the pattern, it was everything I want in a tee and I just knew others would feel the same way. I was really proud of the size range I had, not many indie pattern companies at the time spanned 0-24. But as we all know things change and I began to realize about a year ago that my pattern was not nearly as inclusive as I thought, mainly because I was near the top of my own pattern at the hips. And if I was pushing the top of my size range, then there were many women who would never get the chance to sew my patterns, and I am not okay with that.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
I like to keep things simple in my wardrobe because honestly I rarely wear things that are much more than jeans and a tee shirt. Working at home and living the mom life means I generally grab for comfort but as I have always said you don’t have to sacrifice style when choosing comfort. A woven tank is my newest obsession, it feels like a dressed up version of just a simple knit tank and is the perfect layering piece as we head into fall.
This weekend is a big family wedding, the last of my 7 siblings to get married. Family weddings are pretty much the best day ever. You get to hang with your favourite people, drink, eat yummy food, and dance the night away. Considering there are now going to be 32 of us in my immediate family, we have a pretty great party.
The wedding is on the Washington coast which tends to be cooler and most likely either raining or grey so the usual summer dress and sandals might not work. Thankfully my brother and his soon to be bride said that the dress code is Northwest Casual so my thought immediately went to culottes, basically the perfect secret pants.
