Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Dax Trousers by Gracious Threads

Dax Trousers by Gracious Threads

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I recently got to try our the new Dax Trousers by Gracious Threads. I was a little nervous about it – a real, working fly? Double welt pockets? Yikes! The only thing I skipped was the belt loops. This pattern taught me a lot! I’ve never done an actual fly before. I always thought it was hard – isn’t that what you’re always told?! Turns out, it really isn’t that bad! The instructions with the pattern were great, but if you need more help, there’s a free guide that you can download too (link is in the pattern). It includes more pictures plus instructions on shortening zippers.

Dax Trousers by Gracious Threads with fly closed.

I still need a little practice, but I’m so happy with how it turned out! The best part is that it really does work!

Dax Trousers by Gracious Threads with fly open.

I’ve also never done welt pockets. Mostly because I’m scared of them. Also, they involve cutting a slit into your material – in the middle…if you mess up…..what to do?? Well, in reality, they weren’t that bad! The directions walk you through each step plus there’s a link to a video walking you through the process. I made the whole pocket out of a contrasting material to add some detail to the shorts. If you just do the lining from a different material, you won’t see it on the outside. I’m so happy with how these turned out! Two new skills in one pattern! That’s a win!

Welt Pockets Dax Trousers by Gracious Threads

The pattern is actually for pants but since we’re in Florida, I cut them off to make shorts instead. I measured the inseam of a pair of shorts that currently fit and used that as a starting point for the length of these. I love the how nice the finishing touches (mostly the top stitching) make them look – almost like they were store bought. If you are on good terms with your twin needle, these would look sharp with two rows of top stitching.

I even made a second pair and they turned out equally nice (and it didn’t take me as long to make them!).

Dax Trousers by Gracious Threads

This pattern is currently available through One Thimble or as a stand alone pattern. While I went with jean material, this pattern could also be used to make slightly dressier pants.

Dax Trousers by Gracious Threads

Go check it out and then let me know what you’re planning to make. Have you ever done a real fly or welt pockets?

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Pattern Review – Fav Tee by Patterns for Pirates

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I recently tested the new Fav Tee by Patterns for Pirates. As with all her patterns, there are tons of options and the directions are excellent! I chose to make a short sleeve dress length shirt with a rounded neckline. I also added about 2 inches to the length of the striped dress. When I made the color blocked one, I felt like it was just a little too short to wear alone.

This shirt dress went together super quick!

This dress has quickly become a favorite for throwing on when she needs to change quickly.

There are so many other options – v-neck, long sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, tunic length with side vent, or shirt length with knot hem.

I had this orange color that I loved, but it wasn’t quite long enough for the back hem. I color blocked the bottom and used the same material for the neckline. I love the way it came out! Color blocking is super easy! When I cut the print piece, I added an inch to the top (the straight edge) for the seam allowance (1/2″). After sewing the two back pieces together, I followed the directions for the dress.

Buy the Fav Tee and check out the Mama Favorite Tee and a Favorite bundle. Buy your favorite (get it??) and then come back and tell me what you made.

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Pattern Review: Joggers by Patterns for Pirates

Full View of Joggers

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I recently got to test the Baby Bear Joggers pattern from Patterns for Pirates. Here in SWFL, we don’t have much need for warm clothes, but there are usually a couple weeks a year where we might want pants. Since we’re from PA, my kids love cooler days when they can wear their favorite winter clothes. As they’ve grown, they’ve requested new warm clothes. Usually one or two pairs of pants and two or three long sleeve shirts are more than plenty! P4P Joggers was perfect for making a new pair of cool weather pants. My son calls them “warm pants” because I made them out of cotton fleece so it’s only fuzzy on the inside.

Back of Joggers

These are a slimmer fit pant and as always there are plenty of options – two pocket options, two waistband options, and three hem options.

I made the slat pockets, or there are also patch pockets. The waistband is elastic and there is also a yoga band option.

I did a roll-up hem, because no hemming! There’s also the options for an elastic hem or a cuffed hem.

Since shorts are what we wear most of the time, I made some Jogger shorts too. These are the patch pockets and I added the red strip down the side (it’s just a 3″ strip sewn over the side seam).

Jogger Shorts with patch pockets

Get your Baby Bear Jogger pattern and there’s also a Mama Bear Joggers and a Papa Bear Joggers pattern – Joggers for the whole family!

Pattern Review: Sutton by Made for Mermaids

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The newest pattern by Made for Mermaids is the Sutton Dress and Top. It’s for wovens (material with no stretch which can be easier to sew than knits).

This pattern is a little harder than some. It involves a placket and buttonholes along with making your own bias tape. All of this is clearly explained with lots of pictures. Just don’t expect it to be as easy as some of the recent patterns released by Made for Mermaids.

As always, there are options. Sleeveless or short sleeves with ties. Dress length or top length – both with twirl factor!

You can dress it up with trim along the princess seams or use coordinating fabric or use all the same fabric.

The Sutton Dress and Top has a scoop neck. The bodice is fully lined and the waist seam can be fully enclosed for a nice finished look. The dress length comes to just above the knees.

Sutton Dress and Top is available for $9.

Get it and then come back and show me what you made!

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Pattern Review: Joy by Made for Mermaids

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I recently tested the Joy pattern by Made for Mermaids. It’s part of their Dreamy Collection (check it out – it’s truly dreamy!).

As with all her patterns, it is an easy sew and the directions are excellent!

The pleats are super easy to do and there’s a video to further explain how to put them together.

Side seam pockets are optional, but so easy!

There are three sleeve options – being in Florida I almost always go with short.

I made mine with an overlay by simply cutting the front and back bodice pieces from both the main material and the overlay material. I basted them together and then sewed it following the directions.

It comes with different skirt lengths too – maxi, dress, and peplum. You can also put a zipper up the back either for a design element or to make it easier to get on/off over fussy hair.

This pattern can be mashed with her other Dreamy Collection patterns. Pick the top and skirt you like and put them together to make your own look. I’m planning a Joy/Juliette mash for an Easter dress!

It’s on sale for $7 until tonight. Buy it here, then come back and tell me what you made.

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