Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Spencer Robe by Made for Mermaids

I recently made the Spencer robe by Made for Mermaids which is part of their Lounge and Lace collection. This robe is perfect for boys or girls and comes with lots of options as usual.

Living in Florida means we don’t need a lot of heavy, warm clothes, but my kids still like robes. This one can be made from lightweight knit material and is perfect for warmer weather. If you live somewhere cooler, it can be made from heavier knits like fleece.

This robe is super comfy – perfect for relaxing and curling up with the electronic device of your choice.

Pockets are a must for any kids clothing item and robes are no exception!

This is the long length which comes just to the knees. The short length just covers the bum.

I chose to add the bear (so it’s got a panda feel for my panda loving boy) ears. There are also options for kitty ears, dino spikes, and a unicorn horn. If you don’t want any ears, you can just do a simple hood or skip the hood altogether and do a shawl collar.

The Spencer robe is also available for men and women.

Individually – $9.00 each
www.madeformermaids.com/spencer
www.madeformermaids.com/womensspencer
www.madeformermaids.com/mensspencer

Kids and Women Bundle $18

www.madeformermaids.com/spencerbundle

Women and Men Bundle $18
www.madeformermaids.com/spencerbundle2

Kids, Women and Men Bundle $27
www.madeformermaids.com/spencerbundle3

Pattern Review: Baseball Boxers by Meyraki Patterns

*This post contains affiliate links.

I recently tested the new Baseball Boxers pattern by Meyraki Patterns (formerly PickleToe Patterns). They are a super quick sew! I normally make functional boxers (found here), but my oldest son is too big for the pattern now. I actually had to buy him underwear….oh, the horror! Fortunately, this pattern has solved my problem. It comes in sizes up to 16.

Front of Boxers - long length and regular length

This pattern is great for scraps – the front and back panels don’t take up much fabric. The legs require a little more, but I was able to use mostly scraps for these and still end up with decent looking boxers.

Back of Boxers, long length and regular length

I chose the easiest options for testing – unlined and unhemmed (actually that wasn’t part of the testing, but I rarely hem knit underwear – it doesn’t ravel and it seems like it’s just a wasted step). The are several options for leg length – I made the shorter length (stripes) and longer length (solid). There’s also an option to band them.

There are a couple options for the waistband too. If you have plush back elastic, you can do an exposed elastic waist. I did not have any, so my elastic is enclosed. Both are super quick!

Grab the pattern while it’s on sale plus the WHOLE site is on sale at 60% off with purchase of $10 or more in your cart.

*This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more details.

Pattern Review: V Neck Hoodie

*This post contains affiliate links.

I recently tested the new Vivacious V Neck Sweatshirt Dress & Hoodie pattern from Winter Wear Designs.

The v-neck is a nice change from the normal neckline for hoodies. Getting the v-neck just right took me a couple tries. I normally shy away from anything other than scoop necks because v-necks look bad if they’re even a little bit off. I’m glad I gave it a shot! I definitely recommend basting it first to make sure it’s right. Basting is so much easier to remove and redo!

DD was thrilled to have a shirt with thumb cuffs….not that we need them very often here in SWFL, but she does love her warm clothes when we have “winter.”

Our foster kitten loved the kangaroo pocket.

Such a cozy place to watch the world go by.

On a completely different note – My daughter has recently discovered ear wraps. This dragon is her current favorite. Sometimes she wears one, sometimes two.

The fabric I used is a french terry from Peek-a-boo Fabric Shop. I couldn’t decide which color to pair the print with, so I ordered the mauve pictured and I also ordered a sage green. Either one would’ve worked, but this color combo was her choice.

Buy the pattern here while it’s on sale and then come back and let me know what options you would choose.

*This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more details.

Pattern Review: Skylar Pants/Shorts

I recently tested the new Skylar Pants/Shorts pattern by Made for Mermaids. I wasn’t sure about it – they are a low drop style. DS said he was willing to try them.

They were a super quick sew and I love the way the pockets are finished – they’re just serged, but it such a neat look.

In the end, DS wasn’t in love with them. He said they would be good sleepy shorts, but he wouldn’t wear them out. I had to convince him that taking pictures in the backyard was OK.

The pattern also comes with a pants option, but for us I don’t think it would’ve made a difference. He’s just not a fan of the low drop style. Maybe the shorter shorts length made it feel more like a girly style?

However, if this is your kids style, this pattern is for you! Like I said, it’s super easy and it includes options for front and back pockets as well as shorts or pants. Get it here.

Pattern Review: Noelle by Made for Mermaids

I recently tested the Women’s Noelle pattern by Made for Mermaids. I searched for pictures from when I tested the girls version. It was three years ago! It’s part of their Dreamy Collection and it is definitely dreamy!

We even made her Christmas dress from the Girls Noelle pattern.

She was thrilled to get a new dress in one of her favorite patterns.

I made the dress with both the peplum and the long skirt. Since my fabric is a bit heavier, I used clear elastic to reinforce the shoulder seams, side seams and the waist. It will help the fabric not stretch out so much with wear.

The cowl neck is one of the main features of this pattern. For this version, we folded it down like a turtle neck, but you could leave it unfolded and add a drawstring to make it a little more casual.

The other feature is the high-low hemline. It adds to the dreaminess of the dress.

The best part of this pattern is definitely the full circle skirt – you can twirl & twirl!

It’s also available in baby sizes and girls. There are bundles available too. Go check it out here and then let me know what version you make.