Pattern Test - Dolman Dress (Tadah Patterns)

The other pattern test I was recently involved in was the Dolman Combo from Tadah Patterns. 

For me this little dress is a no brainer - it ticks the kindy boxes of shoulders covered while also ticking my sewing necessities of quick, comfortable and cute. AND perhaps, most importantly it ticks my 3 year olds clothing requirements of "I only wear dresses" and being knit, it's comfortable for her to race around and play in. 

It comes in a huge size range of NB to 14!! In true Tadah tradition there are options galore - a crop top, t-shirt and dress length and also a long sleeve option, you can also bind the arm/neck holes or use a cuff, there is also the option for you to use a woven panel in the top front - you can use up those off cuts! 

I went over to a friends place, who was also testing the pattern and we sewed together for our little misses - surprisingly, after a lot of time spent chatting and taping the pattern together the actual sewing was insanely quick!  

We later took them to the beach for an elaborate photoshoot we'd planned, however as soon as they spotted water any chance we had of a photoshoot went out the window - I managed a couple of shots before they were both soaked!! 

(T-shirt version made by Tash from Ellie's Handmade) 

I've just finished making her another for her first day of preschool - I used a hideous (to me) My Little Pony print that she is going to totally LOVE

I hope having a dress she loves will ease her nerves on her first day at preschool- I can hope, right? 

I've only just reminded myself (while typing this post) of the size range in this pattern and that I really should make my littlest one for day care, so I might leave you here and go make one :)

Happy sewing 

T xx

Pattern Testing - Batwing Kimono (Pattern Emporium)

I've been super slack posting to my blog lately! Since going back to work part time I'm struggling to juggle all the things I enjoy, like this blog, with all of the things I have to do - like feed my kids haha!

I digress! 

A couple of months ago a friend added me to the Pattern Emporium tester group to help test the Batwing Kimono. It was my first time testing for Kate and I really enjoyed the whole process. I even got to do a sneaky test of the ladies batwing kimono!! 

My daughter has never really been into wearing a cardigan or shrug so I wasn't sure if she'd get any use out of the kimono, but I knew I could get some cute pics before she discarded it in a pile in my sewing room. 

So, I was rather surprised when she proclaimed how much she loved it and in total fairness to her she has continued to wear them ALOT! 

The pattern comes in size 3-12, two lengths - longline (what I made) and cropped and there are four different finishing methods. I made one with a narrow hem and two with trims on the edges - one lace, the other crochet lace.

They're super quick to wizz together, so they satisfy my instant gratification sewing needs and they're also super cute on, I'll let the photos speak for themselves ...

The black and white kimono, or "wock star shirt" as my daughter calls it, gets worn out a lot and sometimes even to kindy. The yellow and cream both get used at the beach as a sun cover. 

I've now become obsessed with sewing the ladies version - for myself, my mum and various friends Christmas and birthday presents. It's a fantastic fit and sewing for me somehow feels so much more satisfying than sewing for my kids! 

Don't forget to join the Pattern Emporium Sewing Circle on Facebook for tips, tricks, inspiration and first peeks at new patterns, promotions and sales. 

Happy sewing 

T xx