EYMM Anniversary Blog Tour

Welcome to Sewing The Seasons, thanks for popping by to visit during the EYMM  (Everything Your Mama Made & More) 2nd Anniversary Blog Tour.

Join EYMM and 24 fellow bloggers as we celebrate the first 24 months of our pattern shop with a huge sale and giveaway!  We will be featuring 8 different patterns for women and girls, as well as having a Manic Monday sale and a huge site-wide sale.  There is also a great giveaway at the bottom of this post. Don't wait because you don't see sales like this often from EYMM and it will be over before you know it!

*NOTE* The links below won't show the tour posts until 11am PST on their day of the tour, BUT you are welcome to click through and check their blogs out at any time.

7/27 Connected by a Thread, Pattern Revolution, The Wholesome Mama

7/28 Climbing the Willow, Rebel & Malice, Hibbadoray

7/29 Pretty & Precious Clothing, Sprouting Jube Jube, Call Ajaire

7/30 Once Upon a Sewing Machine, Swoodson Says, Blessed X Five

7/31 Beri Bee Designs, Sewing the Seasons, Sew Outnumbered

8/1 Creative Counselor, Lulu & Celeste, Analog Bytes

8/2 Handcrafted by Red, Boutique Birdie, HattieLu Handmade

8/3 Capture, Craft & Cook, Welcome to Our Crazy World, Create 3.5

  Not only is there an AMAZING blog tour going on but 1 lucky winner that leaves a comment below between now and 8.3.15 (3rd August) will win a FREE EYMM pattern of their choice!!!!  Which one would you pick? Then hop on over to EYMM to check out the awesome SALE, and an even bigger celebration giveaway with over $1000 in prizes.  There will be 40 winners in all.
  
 I have recently discovered the EYMM patterns and love the fact that not only are they well designed with clear directions, but also that they come with such a broad size range from XS - 5X.

For the Anniversary Tour, I made the Women's Four Seasons Cardigan and Duster Coat pattern. It's such a versatile pattern with several sleeve length options as well as the option to include a hood.
Mine is the Cardigan option, long sleeves without a hood.

This is going to be one of those grab and go pieces in my wardrobe, to pull on over a tank or tee. I love how the front drapes as it hangs (it was a windy day taking these photos) and it will be no surprise to those who know me that I used a bright pink for my Cardigan. Love the pop of colour it gives worn with black basics.

This is such a quick sew and being from knit so easy to put together. My fabric is a combed cotton jersey 92% cotton, 8% lycra mix (weight 220gsm) but I can see making a summer, short sleeved version out of a finer knit as well.

Sewing the EYMM patterns has reignited my love and confidence in knit sewing. There are extra steps and links to tips in the patterns for those not as familiar with knit sewing and there are some great patterns to try - not just ladies but for kids as well.

As with all EYMM patterns, the sizing chart is very clear giving added measurements such as across the shoulders for this one. There is also accurate advice on each pattern about what to do if you fall between two sizes and let me say you can trust it!!

When I first chose this pattern, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to make the longer Duster Coat version or the Cardigan. I did actually start out making the Duster Coat as you can see below but happily re cut it out to make the Cardigan which for me will be far more versatile.

I fell exactly between the 1X and 2X sizes and initially cut this out in the 2X size for the Duster Coat for a few reasons - being winter here, figured it would sit well over several layers of clothing plus if truth be told, I have had some not so great sewing experiences recently which will not be shown or shared on the blog. I have purchased some other designer's patterns and made the size according to my measurements on the chart, but have  ended up with something way too small and tight and wanted to err on the side of caution. But trust me, this is not going to be an issue when using one of Kymmy's EYMM patterns! Having recently been part of one of her pattern tests for the gorgeous Capsule Skirt I am well aware of how thorough she is in ensuring the correct sizing for a finished garment. I had cut the Duster Coat out before
being part of the skirt testing process.

The Duster Coat would work really well as a bright winter coat, but I decided I really wanted the Cardigan so unpicked the sleeves and cut the duster down to become the size 1X Cardigan.
Wanted to share this with you as it shows how well sized the EYMM patterns are- trust them! and also how you can resew something to get an even more functional piece that suits your wardrobe.

Why not pop over and check out the other bloggers joining in the tour (links above) - they have reviewed some different EYMM patterns as well.

Oh, and just for an added extra, I have been whipping up more of the Capsule Skirts since the pattern test, this pattern is now my go to skirt pattern and here are my latest skirts, there will be more! Both skirts are made with Lillestoff fabrics (95% cotton, 5% lycra mix). For Australian readers, I sourced all of these knit fabrics from Zebra Fabrics.

Pop on over to EYMM to check out all the great patterns and take advantage of the specials using the code: EYMM (for Aussie readers they're on sale from 27/7 to 3/8)

Until next time,

Robyn

Pattern Test - Heavy Hauler Tote Bag by Two Pretty Poppets

Introducing The Heavy Hauler Tote Bag.

I have posted in the past about the Reusable Grocery Bag from Two Pretty Poppets so just knew that any pattern Lisa asked me to test would be well written and easy to follow. 

Looking for a bag to do heavy duty carrying? Library books, folders, or maybe bottles to a party? Then the Heavy Hauler Tote is the one you have been waiting for.

 

For this pattern, we had been given time to order some of the hardware needed and I was intrigued to find out what the frames would be for. They give shape as your bag is opened.

 

I lined the large size with oilcloth making it ideal for a bottle bag or picnic bag as you can then wipe out the inside of the bag after use. I was able to fit 3 bottles in the bag.

Lisa has also given the option of making a smaller version of the bag, ideal for carrying ipad mini, camera or other objects and bits and pieces. Fir this one I used cotton for the lining but if you used PUL or a laminated cotton or oil cloth you would have an ideal lunch carry bag.

Really, there are so many possibilities for how you could use the Heavy Hauler Tote bag. The out pocket is optional but I feel an ideal addition for keys or your phone.
Don't you just love the shape of these carry handles on the small sized bag?

Here is my mini packed ready for church - can you believe it fits my bible, notebook, wallet, glasses case, diary, phone, make up purse and still has room! The wire handles allow the bag to have a wide opening making it easy to get things like books, bibles or bulky items in and out easily - genius!

I had purchased the glasses and spot fabric a few months ago, not sure what they would be for but when I got this pattern, just knew they would be ideal to use for these bags. Sometimes the fabric comes before the pattern.

Think I may need to make another small sized one using oilcloth or PUL to make a lunch bag.
You can check out the Two Pretty Poppets patterns here on Etsy or Craftsy.The pattern will be available from 9.00am Monday 27th July (Aust EST). There is a great introductory special of just $4.50 USD for 48 hours then it will be available for $5.95 USD (still a fantastic price.)

Until next time,
Robyn

Pattern Test - Capsule Skirt by EYMM

Introducing the  Capsule Skirt from EYMM - Everything Your Mama Made & More.

Even though it was a crazy, busy week, when I saw the call out for testers for this skirt, I just knew it was something I wanted to make. You know how it is, it just 'spoke' to me.......I loved the shape, length, that 'something' about the design that meant it would be just right for me - and I was so right!!
Yes, there may be other half circle skirts out there but I could see that this one was designed to sit well and with all the extra options and hints given in the pattern I knew it would be a winner.

I had seen some posts of EYMM designs on facebook and just hadn't gotten around to checking out their store but that has sure changed. Not only do they have a huge range of PDF patterns for boys & girls from new born sizes up, toys and dolls clothes but the ladies patterns range in size from XS to a 5X (including maternity options)! I love that the patterns cover such a size range and include those of us that aren't 'skinny minnies.'

The Capsule Skirt turned out even better than I anticipated. I love the versatility of this skirt, I can see it becoming an essential item in my wardrobe, taking me through all seasons depending on what I team it with. 

The pattern size guide was true to size measurements given, according to the chart I was a 2X and the finished fit was spot on. There are 3 length options given for each size to allow for a maternity option at the front or a longer back length depending on your hip measurement & desired booty coverage.  I cut mine the middle option both front and back but then took the skirt up an extra 3/4" so the hem sat 1" above my knee as per the pattern instructions -   but as I am only 5ft 2 1/2" tall (158cm) this was spot on to the pattern guide. There is also a very clear and helpful guide in the instructions showing how to lengthen or shorten the skirt depending on your height.

The instructions are full of helpful hints, especially if you are new to sewing with knits. There are clearly set out step by step instructions plus clear pictures or diagrams for cutting out and constructing your skirt. I found the tip of taping the pattern pieces up on a glass door particularly useful and one I plan to use again in the future - oh and there is no need to trim the pages, they print out so you can just overlay them as you tape it all together.

This is a very quick sew, giving a fantastic result and I think ideal for a beginner to knit sewing. There is also the option of including pockets if desired. I sewed mine on my machine with a stretch stitch then neatened the seams on my serger (overlocker). I used a twin needle to finish the hem.

Fabric: - Art Gallery Knit - 'Dotted Boulevard Knit in Black' - 95% cotton /5% spandex.

There is also a girls (NB - 18) & doll version of the pattern. At only US $8.95 (about $12.00 AUS) for the ladies or girls patterns or US $13.95 bundled as a pair this is a great buy. I have already ordered fabric to make some more skirts. Why not pop on over to EYMM and check out the pattern for yourself? There is also an extra special offer on until this Fri 24th July-go check out the site to see what it is.
Stay tuned for more EYMM garments in the future.

Until next time,

Robyn

Pattern Release - Hot Water Bottle Covers

"Baby It's Cold Outside"......

It is the middle of a very cold winter here in Sydney so quite timely that  I am releasing my latest pattern, a collection of Hot Water Bottle Covers on Craftsy.

This pattern is packed full of options and variety - it is suitable for both woven and knit fabrics and not only includes the pattern pieces for the cover, but also pattern pieces and templates for all the varied designs featured in the pattern. Whether you feature a special piece of fabric that is quilted, make a patchwork version or a colourful, fun cover you will find the tips in the pattern. I have also included some hints and tips for the applique options.

It has detailed step by step instructions with lots of pictures to take you through all the various patterns. The pattern suits the larger sized hot water bottles, that measure about 8" wide and 14" high (including the neck). There are also hints about varying the closure options.

I have had so much fun playing with the designs over the past few months and hope you find one you might like to try. my favourite is this bright turtle.

I was thrilled to be asked to design this pattern for the Winter Sewbox Subscription boxes here in Australia, the Winter box was released this week.

Again, many thanks to my back up support team of my talented brother and  sister in law who helped with all the pattern pieces. If you need a graphic artist for any logo or website design why not pop over and check out Lou's work @ Blue Triangle Design.

I would love to see any hot water bottle covers you make, don't forget to check out the pattern here on Craftsy.

Until next time,

Robyn