Made this as part of the Fabric Godmother dream wardrobe and could not stop wearing it. Hacked it slightly by lengthening the sleeves and bodices, then binding the sleeve cuffs and turning the hem up to add an elastic cord so it can be worn cropped or longer - my machine gave up sewing the hem in place on the fleece fabric so had to hand sew it in place. It’s so cosy and the zipper gives you the option to feel even cosier when zipped up. A little tricky but don’t be put off, it’s a very satisfying sew, just take your time.
Have made this 3 times, 1 in patterned viscose, another in plain double gauze (heavenly) and then as a hacked version of a maxi shirt dress which I get so many compliments on. It’s easy to follow, no set in sleeves as they’re grown on and looks great tucked into jeans/trousers. Better suited to drapier fabrics but it’s a great basic to have in your pattern stash.
How to perfect the Aura wrap dress by Papercut Patterns. Having made this dress originally in a black linen, I decided that I needed an evening version in my wardrobe
Making this dress again for the second time, and I wanted to fix the problems that bothered me in the previous attempt. This dress is fantastic, but I think it could be improved a little.
This is a great pattern, but the facings are far too narrow and require to be hand sewn into place. The shoulders are also too narrow, and the double V neckline front and back can cause the shoulders to constantly slip down.
I made a few changes on making the Aura dress this time:
A. I shortened the bodice at the shoulders to prevent them slipping.
B. I widened the shoulders to allow coverage for bra straps. I would go even wider next time.
C. I omitted all facings and lined the dress instead.
D. I widened the belt opening for ease of wearing, and preventing bulk.
E. I exchanged elasticated cuffs for a sleeve band and button closure.
There is a lot to love about this pattern, but there are a few adjustments to be made for most ladies. It is a little revealing and I would recommend deepening the bodice to cover more cleavage!
To read more go to:
https://www.sewatelierm.com/how-to-perfect-the-aura-wrap-dress-by-papercut-patterns/
I have made so many versions of this short and long. I love this pattern. It is ideal for very bold fabrics, most of mine are in John Louden batik’s. I like the different options for the pockets, I’ve settled on the inseam pocket for me, I decided not to include the ties. The skirt is very full, so I have dropped the skirt size by 2 sizes, this gives the perfect proportions for me.
As well as making dresses I have made tops, these go great with shorts in the summer. The dresses worked well for work in the hotter weather.
Another excellent pattern for beginners.
Tilly & Buttons was recommended to me, as a beginner, because of the excellent instructions. The dress was straight forward to sow, I did make the pockets bigger, but standing over 6ft I consider most pockets too small for my big hands.
My first attempt was made in a chambray, the second one in a fabulous jungle fabric, I’ve had lots of lovely comments about his dress, it is very flattering. It’s a great pattern for bold fabrics.
I also made 2 dresses for a neighbour, she chose some fancy very drappie fabric, she wore them as evening ware.
I love this pattern, the fit is true to size, the instructions are easy to follow, and the finished culottes are very flattering. I’ve made full length versions in denim, and corduroy, I’ve also made the culotte version in denim, all are worn regularly. This pattern is suitable for your winter and summer wardrobe. I’d definitely bye an avid seamstress pattern again brilliant instructions for a beginner.
I love this pattern, it has been made multiple times as a fleece top, using the cowl neck. It is small, I used the largest size, and used the smallest seem allowance I could get away with. The sleeves are not long enough to roll up in the way shown for an average person, for myself I had to add a lot of length. Same in the body. All that said it is very easy to alter to fit, the end product being very flattering, I’ve even made it for friends.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow. If you are starting out on your sewing journey this is a good place to start.
Not sure how to use it! It looks very sharp, gone back to my seam ripper
Hi Carol,
Just to let you know, I've sent you a separate email showing you how to use the buttonhole cutter, really hope that helps gets you going with it!
Thanks
Kate
The Reya trousers are fairly simple and quick to sew. I found the instructions really easy to follow, and had no trouble at all during the sewing process.
I really like the pin tuck detail down the front of the trousers – I think it elevates the pattern a bit, and stops the trousers looking too much like pyjamas!
I made the size recommended for my measurements, and I think the fit turned out well.
I'm 5'9" and the finished length of my trousers is just a bit longer than the 28" inseam version of the pattern (I cut the 30" inseam length, but ended up shortening it a bit).
I made my Reya trousers using a needlecord, which is a really good fabric for this pattern in my opinion.
The finished trousers are so comfy, and I really enjoy wearing them!
I was already a fan of the original Donny shirt when this expansion was released, so I really liked the idea of making the pattern more versatile by having long sleeves.
As with the main Donny pattern, the instructions are really good and easy to understand.
The sleeves feature a bound placket – this is a technique I've used a few times before, but I think following these instructions made it easier to get a really neat finish than on my previous attempts.
For this version, I lengthened the body of my shirt by 2 inches. I'm about 5'9" and my other versions are a bit cropped, which I love for summer, but I thought it might be nice to have a bit more length on this long-sleeved version.
I'm really happy with how my long-sleeved Donny turned out, and I'd definitely recommend both the original pattern and this expansion.
A great dress. Just needed to do an FBA and the fit was spot on. The construction is designed for beginners and doesn’t include a lining, so if you need to line your dress you need to come up with your own construction order or treat the main fabric and the lining as one piece.
I love the Esme cardigan I’ve made. I made it shorter - above the knee - and it is so cosy. Made it in the given size for my measurements and I think the oversized slouchiness is perfect. The only slightly tricky area was getting a really neat/clean finish at the junction of the neck band and the hem.
There are an incredible number of sizes on offer with the pattern, and you really do have to carefully consider which one to choose. When looking at the sizing, I came out as a size 12, when I am usually a size 14.
I didn't have the patience to make a toile, and I didn't want to waste my fabric, so I cut out a size 14 just in case. However, I soon had to go back and recut the pattern pieces when I realised that it would be too big for me.
The instructions are comprehensive and the tailoring tips given at each section really help you obtain the perfect finish and fit.
I made a few adjustments to the proportion of this particular dress and opted for a bound neckline and lined frill to the sleeve.
This dress has the potential for various variations on this theme. So with a little imagination, this pattern is more versatile than it initially appears.
For more details go to:
https://www.sewatelierm.com/how-to-make-the-fabric-godmothers-peony-dress/
My first time sewing an intermediate ish pattern and it went really well thanks to their video found on their YT channel.
I made this for my daughter as a christmas dress and it turned out beautifully. I went for the bigger size because she was on the edge of the two so I had to do a bit of sizing down on the smallest size to fit her properly but it all came together easily and I love how well the design works for trim and frills and has loads of options. I expect to get plenty more use from the pattern as she gets bigger. I also made a tulle petticoat to go under it and my daughter said she felt like a princess, so I think that's a thumbs up from her!
Only 4 stars due to split sizing
This jacket is so stylish and beautifully photographed that I couldn’t resist! Based on a toile of the 40 I shortened the bodice by 1.25” and widened the back 3/8” (I’m 5’6”). This fabric is a lightweight brocade with a bit of body, gifted by a friend so I don’t know the composition. The instructions are clear and it’s a pretty straightforward sew. I love the result and will definitely make it again!
My 14 year old kid wanted a 'Hawaiian shirt' / bowling shirt, which we worked out meant a shirt with a camp collar and short sleeves. This pattern, which I already had, fitted the bill well. I made a size 0 as my kid is a skinny teen and it has worked great as an overshirt. The collar is straightforward as it has no collar stand, meaning it all comes together quite quickly, and the Liesl & Co instructions are always very helpful and clear. Very happy with the results.
The file was easy to download and appears to be easy to follow. I am looking forward d to making the top.
I've made this a few times in the small sizes and it has gone down very well: plenty of pockets, great instructions, and a cool looking result. I particularly like the knee pieces with the darts: I reinforced the knees of some of the pairs I made, so having a specific knee piece was good for that.
I would say though that when making it at the top end of the size range, say for 10 or 12 year olds, it might be better to try another pattern or to adapt this one in a few places. The elasticated waist is not really the best solution for the larger kids and a zip fly fastening would be better, plus the pockets end up a bit on the small size and disproportionate.
This is a really handy marking tool, and the chalk lasts ages. I’ve had mine a year and barely made a dent in it. I like that it makes nice straight lines on fabric and can be rubbed off easy enough but stays on long enough for you to need the marks. It’s really handy for marking darts because the tip is a flat round wheel
This is a lovely well made little tool. I have this in metric but I would also love the imperial version as my current one is getting a little tired.
It’s got all the seam allowances and measurements you need and a few other handy features. It also just looks really nice and is beautifully crafted.
