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.
I’m always looking for ways to organise my out of control stash, when I saw these I was so excited and immediately snapped them up. I love that you can have all the information easily accessible on your fabric. That combined with stash hub I’ve never felt so organised.
I made this dress when it was part of the crew club, and may buy it in the new format with all the extra views.
I made a test for this pattern in a plain poplin and wore it all the time in the hot weather. The knee length is actually just on my knee, but doesn't feel too short.
A couple of points. The pieces are cut on the cross grain in a single layer, this leads to an efficient use of fabric, but worth knowing if you envisaged a stripey version.
The angles of the pieces make it hard to test the bust fit, I thought it was too small, recut and redid, but once all the tiers were on, it ended up a bit big and had to be taken back in again.
Which bit goes were was a head scratcher, not helped by my fabric being identical on both sides. I had to write in chalk on the wrong side what was what!
I fully lined the bodice, which made for a neater finish.
Once organised, it was an easy sew and came together very well.
I recommend this pattern even if it's not your usual thing.
Made this today in a cotton lawn which I had ice dyed. I made the ruffle collar which looks wonderful. After seeing someone at a sewcial wearing one, she advised that it has lots of ease. I used the finished garment measurements to determine size. I ended up cutting the smallest size in cup D. I usually cut an indie 12/14 UK size for a C/D cup. Next time I think I will take some of the hem swing out of the sides but this one is fab.
Loved this pattern. Bought it when it first came out then life got in the way, until now. This is the wearable toile with a light twill from Fabric Godmother. I didn't need to alter the rise but did need to grade from a size 14 waist to a size 10 hip. There were no issues with the process. When flat fell seaming, I was taught to start with the wrong sides together so that after trimming and turning the seam allowance under, the top stitch on the turn is on the right side of the fabric. I've come across other American patterns besides this one where the turn finishes up on the inside. Clearly, they do things differently there. I've got better at measuring and marking top stitching paths but still sometimes forget about changing stitch lengths and needle positions. Need that post-it back on my machine!
I made view B. The front pockets are good and deep but not easy to get hands into and I'm wanting to reach in from the side. Actually carrying anything in them would spoil the line so perhaps best just left as decoration.
I was nervous about making the bodice as I had never made a collar before. However the instructions were clear and the full colour photos really helped. I loved making this, although the gathers in denim needed some patience. I made this for my eldest, can’t wait to make one for me. I cut a size 14 D cup and the smallest size skirt because I didn’t want it too full in a heavy denim. The photo isn’t great but just had time to take a quick snap before taking it to my daughter!
Whilst I will admit this is a really handy tool and does do the job great I must confess that I still always reach for my seam ripper and snips with buttons, just because they’re usually more to hand.
If you’re organised enough to be able to always keep tabs on this sucker then it’s a really useful gadget. However, if you’re more like me and would loose your head if it wasn’t attached then it’s just another shiny thing to get lost in the chaos of a craft space.
Still giving it 5 stars though because it’s a great tool and not responsible for my foibles
I hate turning out straps. It’s one of my least favourite sewing processes. I’ve tried everything from safety pins to loop turners with little success. I decided on a whim to get these and honestly they’re a game changer. They’re nice and sturdy and really make the whole process much easier and actually quite satisfying.
If you’ve all but given up on sewing strappy dresses because you can’t see how you could possibly turn out those straps then I can recommend these enough.
Really useful A4 pattern envelopes.
I like that there is space to fill in all the information you need and they are a good size and sturdy. I find them useful for both my A0 and A4 patterns alike. I have received a few through The Foldlines printing service but have also brought some myself because I really like the design.
