pattern review

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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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Chloe Skirt and Maxi Pattern Review

This post contains affiliate links.

Learning to sew doesn’t mean you have to make pillowcases or pillows or other items you don’t really need or want. You can learn to sew and make something wearable and fashionable at the same time! Are you looking for an easy pattern to learn to sew? Or maybe you want to teach one of your kids to sew? Are you looking for a cheap (aka free) pattern? Keep reading to see how to get an awesome deal on this trendy pattern.

I was recently able to test the Chloe and Women’s Chloe patterns by Made for Mermaids. These are simple A-line skirts with yoga style waistbands and a choice of short or maxi length. No elastic to mess with – just four seams. When I saw how easy they were, I knew that it was the perfect pattern for my daughter to learn how to use my machine. Normally she sews on her machine.

Kid Sewing, Chloe Skirt

This time though, she was able to use my machine (which has a stretch stitch) to sew herself a knit maxi. Two long straight seams (the sides), one short straight seam (the waistband), and one seam to attach the waistband (I did help with that – stretching and sewing takes some practice although I’m sure with some guidance she could’ve done it herself). I also did the hem – a rolled hem on my serger.

Chloe Skirt, Sewing with Kids

Maxis are everywhere now and they are so comfy!

Maxi Chloe

We don’t do the matching thing very much, but with something this easy & this comfy how could we not?

Matching Chloes

Short version of the Chloe and the Grace top.

Maxis are perfect for summer weather – lightweight knits make a cool and breezy skirt while still being modest even if you’re chasing after kids!

My version of the Women’s Chloe

Both of these patterns are free – no codes needed, no joing a Facebook group, just follow the links and “buy” the patterns! Then come back and show me what you made.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information see my disclosure policy.

Pattern Review – Fav Tee by Patterns for Pirates

Learning to Sew and Pattern Review: Chloe & Women’s Chloe