The Prospects Dress - Naughty Bobbin Patterns

When I was asked to be a pattern tester for the newly released Prospects Dress by Naughty Bobbin Patterns, I said yes immediately! Savage Coco always manages to design something that makes you feel like a million dollars and this is no exception. 

The Prospects Dress is a lined, knit dress with flattering, cut-away shoulders (but not so cut away that you can't wear a bra), a high neckline and a figure-skimming style. It is available as a Print-at-home PDF, a print-at-copy-shop version or a printed pattern, starting at only $5.25. If, like me, you actually enjoy gluing PDFs together (yes I really do), this is a bargain!

I made my dress using a bright red slinky knit fabric that had been in my stash for a very long time. I rarely wear red, but I rather like this shade on me. It certainly ups the va-va-voom-I'm-going-to-strut-about-in-this factor.

The dress is not difficult to make and the instructions guide you through making a beautifully finished dress with no seams showing on the inside. It is also possible to make this entirely on a sewing machine, with no need for an overlocker.

I made a size Medium, according to the size chart, and it fits perfectly.

This is a gorgeous pattern and I love the dress. It really is one of those things that you put on and instantly feel amazing in. It is also incredibly comfortable and easy to wear.

Naughty Bobbin has got lots more exciting things in the works, so keep an eye out for those.

The Utu skirt - Breaking the Pattern Book

Earlier this year I was a pattern tester for the new book, Breaking the Pattern, by Saara and Laura Huhta of Named Patterns. The book has now been launched and I was lucky enough to be sent a copy for my participation in the testing process!

 

The book is really lovely. It contains pattern sheets for 20 garments with ideas and inspiration for combining and customising patterns to create many more different looks. The presentation and photos are beautiful and the sewing instructions are clear with many diagrams. I definitely recommend this as one of the best sewing books I've seen.

One of the patterns I tested was the Utu skirt. This is a beautifully shaped, unlined wrap skirt with an attached belt and D-ring fastening at the side. The Utu pattern can also be made as a lined pinafore dress.

The Utu Skirt - Breaking the Pattern

The Utu Pinafore - Breaking the Pattern

I used a 100% cotton, mid-weight upholstery fabric with a blue and white print. The fairly sturdy fabric worked well for this pattern and the skirt sits and fits very nicely.

The belt continues around the back of the skirt through belt loops, which is a nice detail.

The skirt sits high on the waist and is a very flattering shape. The belt holds the skirt firmly over the tummy, which is good for smoothing over any rounded bits!

This skirt style would work well as a casual, work or evening garment. I'm looking forward to wearing mine a lot as the weather warms up.

The Perth Dress - Carolyn and Cassie

 

Way back at the beginning of the year, Carolyn asked for testers for her first pattern. I jumped at the chance. The Perth Dress appears to be a classic shirt dress at first glance, but it has a unique collar opening detail that creates a pleat from the front neckline.

A single button is cleverly used to close both sides of the neckline opening. The sleeves and a back yoke and pleat continue the shirt-like vibe of the dress.

I used a lightweight shirting cotton for the dress, which my son tells me makes it look like a hospital gown. Now he's said that I am tending to agree. I may decide to convert this one into a top and try a dress in a different fabric. 

Thank you to Carolyn and Cassie for the opportunity to test their unique and lovely first pattern. I look forward to seeing what they come up with next.

Named Anni Building Block Pattern

I haven't had much time for sewing or blogging lately. Life has been complicated and time has been short. However, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to pattern test the newest Named Anni pattern. This was a special pattern released in celebration of Named's 5th anniversary. It includes pieces to make a huge variety of styles including a dress, jumpsuit and playsuit, each with multiple bodice, neckline and sleeve options.

With it being winter here in Perth, I went for a long sleeved dress with bell cuffs. Although I usually go for lower necklines, I couldn't resist making the diamond cut-out neckline and I was not disappointed. The construction is really cool and not too difficult (just be as precise as possible) and the result is lovely. The picture below has been lightened to try to show the seamlines. You might just be able to see the inset piece above the V neckline that creates the diamond.

The dress is made from a wool blend fabric that I got free in a warehouse smash and grab earlier this year. A local clothing manufacturer, Morris and Co., had shut up shop in the 80s and the warehouse hadn't been touched since. Just before renovations commenced this year, a few sewing ladies were allowed in to take what we wanted. It was a quite amazing (and dusty) array of fabrics, zips, industrial sewing machines and equipment, school and nursing uniforms, hats etc. I got a few handfuls of zips and buttons and a bit of fabric, including a massive roll of this black wool, which just about killed me as I struggled out of there and back to the car park!

The fabric was easy to work with and I love how the dress turned out. The style is elegant and flattering and it fits like a glove. The only issue I have is that the zip at the back is difficult to do up on my own. This is fine for the dress, but I'm not sure how I would manage in the bathroom if I'd made the jumpsuit!

 

This is a lovely pattern and I highly recommend it. It has unique details and the proportions are spot on. The number of options is also quite amazing, making this pattern excellent value for money. I am very keen to try a few more of the styles...when I have time!

 

Gaia Quilted Coat - Named 'Earth Science' Collection

 

The second pattern I tested for their new 'Earth Science' Collection was the Gaia Quilted Coat. This is a loose-fitting coat with panels perfect for playing with different fabrics. The Named sample coat uses quilted fabric for some of the panels. I thought I didn't have any suitable fabric in my stash until I checked my drawer of upholstery fabrics and found some offcuts that looked like they would work together. These are from Remida recycling centre and consist of a velvety olive green fabric, a velvety floral fabric and a textured blue fabric.

The panelling on the coat is very attractive. I particularly like the criss-cross junction of four panels at the shoulder. The olive velvet was very drapey and doesn't hold its shape quite as it should on the sleeve, but it is lovely to wear.

The coat is fully lined and closes with three large press studs. I found mine at Spotlight.

As always, the instructions were clear and included tips for creating a lovely finish on the coat, inside and out. Most sewers with some experience, and the willingness to be slow and accurate, could make this. I was also very pleased that the PDF printed on the pages in such a way that they did not require trimming. That was a very welcome surprise!

Named patterns have a modern, flattering and polished design and this is no exception. The seamlines, shape and finish of this coat make it very cool to look at and easy to wear. Those deep pockets are irresistable for warming cold hands.

Coat season doesn't last long in Perth, but I will be reaching for this whenever I get the chance.

Named Earth Science Collection - Beryl Bomber Dress

This was, without a doubt, my favourite pattern when I first saw the new Named Earth Science Collection. I was a pattern tester for this, the Beryl Bomber Dress, as well as for the Gaia Coat (review coming soon). I love how unique this dress is and the cool, casual vibe of the pattern. The lightened photo below shows some of the features including the bomber jacket style ribbed collar, the elasticated waistband and cuffs, big pockets, front zip and slit at the hem.

The sleeves are integrated into the front and back yoke, which is another lovely feature. I made a mistake on this version and cut the back yoke in two pieces instead of on the fold, so had to insert a 'design feature' to cover the error. I was already adding more topstitching than the pattern indicted, so I think I got away with it. The little tab on the back yoke is also a cute feature of this pattern.

I made this dress from non-stretch denim in a medium weight. I like to cut patterns out with absolute minimal fabric wastage and found the fabric requirements in the pattern to be spot on, which was great. Parts of this pattern were a bit tricky, but the instructions and diagrams were very good.

The denim was possibly slightly heavy for the style as the front doesn't sit quite flat below the front yoke. The layers of fabric in this area were quite thick as I used very sturdy ribbing for the collar in addition to the thick denim. I could also have done with wearing a more supportive bra, but I was in a hurry to get the pictures done! I think in a softer fabric, this would not be an issue. Otherwise I love this dress. It feels completely comfy, cosy and very stylish. It is so refreshing to see a completely different style of dress pattern and this one is right up my street. Definitely check out the new Named collection for some other unique designs.

The Sizzler Sundress - Naughty Bobbin Patterns

Well, if you're ready to amp it up to full volume this summer, this is the pattern for you! Being a pattern tester and not having seen a photo or drawing of the dress, I had no idea of the va va voom factor until I'd finished it. Then I pulled it on, looked in the mirror, and I was strutting around like Kim Kardashian at a beach resort!* This is the Sizzler Sundress by Naughty Bobbin Patterns and if you want to look like you've dropped two dress sizes in 30 seconds, you need this pattern now!

*I hasten to mention that this was all in the privacy of my own home and that any public strutting will slightly more subdued. Just slightly!

The dress is fitted with a flattering front neckline and gorgeous v-back. It is designed so that bra straps won't show and I can happily report that mine were well hidden. The bodice is lined, the front has a ruched overlay and the back can be lined if desired. I chose to line the back, which helped to smooth out any underwear lines or other imperfections beneath! I used my main fabric as lining for this dress.

The bodice has a faux-wrap design with pleats below the bust. It is surprisingly supportive, stays firmly in place and shows things off very nicely. Insider tip: hoick up the boobage once the dress is on and you can gain a cup size or two as well! The ruched front panel is very flattering and cleverly covers lumpy bits. Who's going to look at your tummy with that neckline on offer?!

The dress is straightforward to sew with a couple of little tips included for a really great fit and finish. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this. I love it! It's such a sexy and fun design and I feel like a million dollars in mine. Go on and get it.

I received this pattern free of charge. All opinions are my own.
Apologies for the brazen hussiness of this post. I blame the Sizzler Sundress!

Minttu Swing top - Named SS17 Playground Collection

The Minttu Swing top was the final pattern I tested from the new Named collection. This is a flattering design with a high neckline, cut-away armholes, side panels and a swing shape. It has a one-piece facing for a neat finish at the neckline and armholes.

I used a 100% cotton knit that I had dyed with indigo and that was left over from my Alabama Chanin dress, one of my favourite creations.

This is a quick and easy top to sew and I highly recommend it. It is very easy to wear and the style goes with many different 'bottom-half' garments. In these photos I'm wearing some StyleArc Elle pants. Yesterday I wore it with some loose Hudson Pants modified to be made with a woven fabric and I think it looked even better. You'll have to believe me, I've done my photo session!

I rarely wear anything with cut-away armholes, but actually I think they are more flattering to the arms than a simple sleeveless design. The attention is drawn away from the upper arms somehow. This is a definite win for keeping cool and looking...well, hot! OK, at least a few degrees warmer than usual.

The only issue with appearing to have amazing arms, is that normal bra straps show. I didn't have any racer-style bras, so quickly whizzed up a couple of Noelle bras - the free underwear pattern by Madalynne. I did an FBA on the Noelle pattern as it's really for smaller busted women. I can recommend the bra and knickers.

I am thrilled with this top and with my other Playground Collection items, the Maisa denim jacket and the Ansa dress and top. I think this is my favourite Named collection so far.

Named SS17 Playground Collection