Rosys Patterns Maxi Smock dress for Me (and then Zara)

 I desperately want to be the sort that wears long, flowing dresses.

 However, when I try them on I feel like they swamp me. I still want one though so I decided to try the Maxi smock dress 

I will say from the start, I made two mistakes with this sew. I went one size down for my bust (I made the XL and my bust put me in the XXL) and my fabric was a bit heavy.

I used a silvery-grey linen/cotton that I purchased from Lincraft a few years back during one of their crazy under $5/m sale. It may soften with washing but it is possibly a bit stiff for this project.

 The deep V is very flattering and it is finished with a self faced casing. There is not a pattern piece for the tie or even a measurement given to make one. I made my own (5 cm wide) but it is a bit thick. I will definitely make it more narrow next time.

The deep V is mirrored on the back, which is a lovely design feature.

It is possible to adjust the casing and have quite a wide section of skin exposed if desired. Lots of fun! 

The inseam pockets are at a good height and are nice and deep.

A neat detail that makes this dress.

The sleeves are finished with a simple elastic casing. I like to turn a narrow hem and then press my casing. I also topstitch the edge of the casing before inserting my elastic.

I also added a deep side split. 

I like that detail for walking plus I still have nice legs and like to show them off.

As you can see in the video, the dress is too tight under the arms for me. I could size up but I like fit everywhere else!.

You can see from the pattern layout that  the front and back pieces are mirrored. Now if you are a willowy young thing with a small bosom and not too much bulk to your upper arms and back I think it would be fine....

However, 30 years of farm life have left with some thickening to both areas. My googling also found me the above image (I cannot find the original article to give acknowledgment) which makes so much sense to me. 

I think I will re-draft the front, keep the size the same and try again. This dress has been sent to Zara and I hope she gets some wear from it. I will update the Blog with photos if she does.

Clever Tildy took some 'screen grabs' from the video for me!

So, not right this time  but happy to give it another go.

I am impressed with this pattern company. The patterns are marketed as 'beginner' and at first I was hmmm, no, however I think a new sewer that just wants to 'run something up with a red hot needle' could sew it and have something wearable. I do think that could gateway into taking more care and having a more elegant garment. 

Rosa is very approachable and answers messages promptly.

There are Youtube videos to help with completing your project as well although I have not watched those.

A very active WhatsApp community exists as well.

I do wish these patterns had been around when the Twins were younger. Teenaged Zara would have ADORED these patterns.

Keep safe and well and thank you for reading xxx Nicole 

Lisette B6296 , Dressed in a Dress Jane Tee, Oliver+s Sleepover pjs and Schoolbus tee for Lidia, Matilda and Beatrix

 New matching pyjamas for the sisters.

Lisette B6296

Sleepover Pajamas

School Bus tee

My go to patterns.

Jane Tee

Plus a new (to me) which had become a staple.

Trixie really, really really wanted matching japamas with her sisters but I only had enough flannelette to make bottoms, as it was, Tilly had to have shortie bottoms.

Same pattern, just short!

As usual, all the piping.

Piped cuffs with enclosed seams (much neater)

For a touch of whimsy Tilly made a 'Silly Goose' cricut.

With a 'Silly Gosling' for Izzie.

And a pink version for Tilly.

With the scraps of pink knit I made Izzie another School Bus tee, this time with shoulder ruffles.

While I had the pattern out I made Trixie her first full pair of Listte pjs. 

A cute little stylised pig print flannelette.

Silly Gooses!!!!

Funny girls.

Good sports.

Oh dear!

Still my favourite pj pattern.

Thank you for reading... Stay well and safe xx Nicole 

Lekala Blouse #4379 for Lidia

 Please follow this link and vote for me. 

Thank you so much. x

More Clin blouse please Mumma, said my sweet girl. The criteria? Short sleeves, neat and professional and no ties or bows that can be grabbed (eeek)!

We chose Lekala #4379 . Lekala are a pattern company that make a PDF that is customised to your personal measurements.

There are several really lovely details to this blouse.

The rounded collar is modern and oversized, as is the collar stand. It 'sits out' from the neck in a pleasing, editorial fashion.

A concealed placket is always very elegant. I like to pre-fold and press the hem before stitching the placket. I then fold the hem in on its self, fold, press and stitch the placket, then hand sew the very bottom of the placket so it is a perfect finish. After that I machine sew the rest of the hem leaving an un-sewn few inches to sew the front to the back. Once the side seams are sewn I finish the hem. It gives a very tidy look to the garment.

The stitched down pleats at the neck sit beautifully and aid in the chicness of the  neckline.

Here you can really see the texture of the cotton, self checked fabric I found deep stash. The buttons are simple white plastic as I found a white blouse needs frequent Napi-san soaking and plastic holds up better than Mother of Pearl. 

The shoulder darts are another lovely detail that shape the blouse as is the back seam. Lidia has quite a sway back, a back seam helps me fit this with ease.

The focal point of the garment is the tulip sleeve. I finished this with a narrow hem.

The sleeve sewing was where I ran into a few issues. No matter how I tried I could not get my pattern pieces to line up. I ended up trimming that wee piece of overlap off.

In retrospect I think I should have gently pulled on the bias and used this extra fabric as, according to Lidia, the sleeve feels a bit firm on.

The front, back and sides all fit nicely with good ease.

However, when she lifts her arms there is definite restriction. 

So, a beautiful blouse but not quite right for Clinical Simulations.

Luckily Lekala has 600 odd more  blouse patterns to choose from.

Thank you for reading and stay safe and well. xx Nicole