Pattern Reviews

[southernbelle04]

Hey guys! Well first, THANKS so much to fellow YT'er 'IWAY' for this wonderful idea! The idea was to start a 'pattern review' thread where we can all share our results with the various sewing patterns we use. Wasn't that a FABULOUS idea?!!! I am so excited about it and seeing what everyone has to say about the patterns they have used!

So I thought I'd get us started this morning. If you would like to contribute too, that would be awesome! IWAY had the fabulous idea of including the following in your pattern review for others to see:


1. Name/Number of Pattern (Include a Pic)
2. Were the directions clear?
3. Would you make this pattern again?
4. Add pictures of your progress and/or final results
5. Your username and how long you have been sewing
6. Review of the pattern


I am just so thrilled about this idea, I hope you guys won't mind me starting. I am one of those crafters I get excited about something and it's all I can think about! LOL! Sad, I know! But here we go...



Simplicity #3925 Pattern Review
By Aymee (aka southernbelle04)
-I've been sewing for a couple of months, so I guess that would make me a beginner.

Summary
Simplicity pattern #3925 is an OOP (out of print) pattern, but in my opinion, one definitely worth picking up if you can find it. This pattern can be found online at places like Etsy, Ebay, Amazon, Artfire, etc. from time to time. Since it is an OOP pattern, it may be a bit higher, but I think it is totally worth it! I use it a lot and LOVE it! The pattern is a 'One Size' pattern and fits smaller dogs with a body length of 8-10" measured from collar to base of tail, chest of 15" to 18", and weight approx. 7-11 pounds. This is what the pattern states on the back cover, but my Katie Scarlett is 4.7 pounds and the dresses fit her great!

The pattern includes 3 dresses designs, 2 collar designs, 2 bows, a carrier, a pillow, and a sleeping bag/blanket. Very cute stuff! For me, I like the Simplicity patterns a bit better. They are easier for me to read and to understand as a beginner. I have a bit more trouble with McCall patterns right now. When using a McCall pattern I do try to read it, but to be honest, usually just end up cutting out the pieces I need and winging it. LOL.

With this pattern, I have made 1 dress and 1 carrier.

The dress is a double ruffle skirt dress and includes a collar. It was my first project using a collar, but overall I was pleased with my results. I still need a little practice, but I was happy with my first try.

The carrier was the most advanced project I have done to date, but again, very easy to follow and I was pleased with my results. I recently used it in the aiport and on vacation and received many compliments. The carrier includes a scoop on the front to allow the dog to stick his/her head out comfortably. The carrier also includes a safety strap. For the bottom of the bag, the instructions say to use cardboard as the base covered with fabric. I doubled up my cardboard on this first try, but I will definitely be replacing my base with a stronger medium, maybe plastic or plexi glass cut to size. The base that goes inside the bag is removeable, so you can make the fabric part removeable for washing. This is what I did.

Overall, I thought the directions were clear with this pattern. I would definitely use it again! I loved it! I am a beginner and I think this pattern would be fairly simple for anyone to follow.

Here are pictures for you...

[southernbelle04]

Continued..

Here are a few more pictures of the carrier so you can see more detail. I added more trim to mine than what was required in the pattern.

[southernbelle04]

****Also, forgot to mention in original post*****

If a pattern review has already been done, feel free to do your own review on it again!!! That way we will have many reviews of some of the same patterns by different seamstresses! That will help us all get a general idea.

[southernbelle04]

McCall's Crafts Pattern #M6218 Review
By Aymee (aka southernbelle04)
Sewing Level-Beginner

Summary
This was the very first pattern I bought when I got the urge to start making Katie Scarlett some clothes on my own. I bought the pattern at Hobby Lobby full price (little did I know about the 99cent per pattern sales that they run often....LOL). I had basic sewing knowledge that I had learned as a child from my mother and grandmother prior to purchasing this pattern. When I got home and started reading the pattern, I was totally lost!!! So I decided to take a beginners sewing class at a local Joann Crafts store first. The class was $75 but well worth the money for me. I learned the basics of sewing, pattern reading, different types of sewing notions, different types of fabrics, etc. It was a lot of fun! And when I got home I felt confident to start sewing.

For me, the pattern instructions are a little confusing. I read them over 20 times I think. Althought I did understand here and there, it was a bit confusing. I was not pleased with my first garment at all. As a matter of fact, I ended up throwing it away. It was just pitiful. LOL. So I gave it a second try and it turned out a little better, but still I wasn't happy with it. I did keep the dress, but it has found it's way to the back of KS's closet.

To be honest, after reading and still being confused, I ended up just winging it on my second try and using the pattern pieces to figure it out on my own. Then thankfully, a fellow YT'er, Kathy, posted instructions (pictures included) that really helped me out. Those can be found here:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yt-...n-pitiful.html

This pattern includes a vest, a coat, pj's, coat with scarf and leg warmers, and dress. The sizes in this pattern are small through x-large. The sizes are as folllows: (in inches)

1. Small (Length 6.5-9, Girth 11-13)
2. Medium (Length 9-11, Girth 13-15.5)
3. Large (Length 11-13.5, Girth 15.5-17.5)
4. X-Large (Lengthy 13.5-16, Girth 18-20)

Suggested Fabrics include satin, short pile fur, short pile fleece, flannel, fleece, vinyl coated fabrics, sweatshirt feece, novelty cotton, novely sateen, cotton, cotton blends.

In the end, I would give this pattern a try again. It is confusing at first, but after many tries, I think it could be a go to pattern. The only thing I still do not like is the top of the dress. I do not like the harness part. To be honest with you, I now mix this pattern with another when making basic dresses for Katie Scarlett. I use the skirt of this pattern and mix it with a simpler harness from a Simplicity pattern...pattern #2393 to be exact.) It is just easier for me.

Here are some pix:
1. Pattern picture
2. My first dress attempt (don't laugh....LOL. It is sad!!!!)
3. My 2nd dress attempt
4. A dress I made using the skirt of this pattern and the top of
a Simplicity pattern

[southernbelle04]

Kwik Sew Pattern #3311 Review
by Aymee (aka southernbelle04)
Sewing Level-Beginner

Summary
This was my very first Kwik Sew pattern that I tried and was very pleased with it. The instructions were easy to follow. I love the actual pattern pieces that come with the Kwik Sew patterns. They are made out of thicker white paper instead of the brown waxy paper I have seen in other patterns. I found the pieces much easier to cut out from the pattern. I used this pattern to make Katie Scarlett a longer, formal dress for some pictures I had made recenlty. I was a little worried about the harness part of this pattern being a little too long for my KS though. So I used the harness pattern of Simplicity 2393 on my dress. The harness pattern that comes with this Kwik Sew pattern does look easy enough, but for my needs, it was a little long. I am thinking it could easily be shortened if you want to use it though. I did use the collar, bow, and skirt pattern and found them very easy. I want to try the coat and carrier that come with this pattern soon.

This pattern includes pet sizes XS-XL. The sizes are as follows: (in inches)(back of neck to back of tail)
1. XS (8-10)
2. Small (12-14)
3. Medium (16-18)
4. Large (20-22)
5. X-Large (24-26)

The pattern includes a pet jacket, dress, and carrier. The jacket is designed for woven fabrics such as wool, tweet, suitings, linen, brocade, and jacquard. The dress is designed for woven fabrics such as cotton, satin, taffeta, crepe, velveteen, and seersucker. The carrier is designed for medium to heavyweight woven fabrics such as cotton types, decorator fabrics, canvas, pre quilted fabrics. Lining in heavy cotton or nylon such as duck, canvas.

I used a cotton material for the dress I made for Katie Scarlett. The dress is longer, almost sort of a ball gown, but it looked so elegant on her. I would recommend this dress for pictures or formal things with your pet. It obviously wouldn't be good for a roll around in the grass. LOL. Of course, you could shorten the skirt if you wished.

Overall, this pattern was very easy for me to follow and I would use it again.

Pictures below....

[southernbelle04]

Review of Simplicity #2393
By Aymee (aka southernbelle04)
Sewing Level-Beginner

Summary
Love, love, LOVE this pattern! In my opinion, this should be a must have for all seamstresses looking to make clothes for their furbabies. It is SO easy to follow and can be mixed/match with so many other patterns out there to create unique results. I think this would be a great first pattern for anyone looking to getting into sewing for their pet. I just adore it!

The pattern package sts for states that this is for sizes XXS-M. Sizes are as follows: (pounds, chest in inches)
1. XXS (1.5-2.5 pounds, chest 8-10 inches)
2. XS (2.5-4.5 pounds, chest 10-12 inches) (this is the size I use for my KS and she is currently 4.7 pounds)
3. S (4.5-6 pounds, chest 12-14 inches)
4. M (6-8 pounds, 14-16 inches)

Although this pattern does state the size in weight, I think I would look more at the chest measurement. My Katie Scarlett is heavier than what is recommended for the XS size, but she has plenty of room in the XS that I made...room to grow even.

This pattern features 6 different patterns for harnesses (I think they call it vest/coat on the Simplicity website). This pattern is adorable as is, or to add a skirt to for the girls. I think this pattern is definitely gender neutral. You could make it your own for the girls or for the boys. Fabric suggestions include broadcloth, calico, twill, and gingham. The pattern also includes a leash and a hat.

This pattern is by far the easiest I have used to date and I love it! I would definitely use it again and recommend it!

Here are some pix...
1. pattern pic
2. simple harness I made for the boys
3. simple harness with added ruffle I made for Katie Scarlett
4. dress I made by attaching a skirt onto the pattern

[yorkiemini]

Originally Posted by southernbelle04

Continued..

Here are a few more pictures of the carrier so you can see more detail. I added more trim to mine than what was required in the pattern.

I have made the carrier and it is very nice. Only thing I added was a clear plastic "sleeve" on the front for Cali's service Dog credentials to be displayed and I put "feet" on it so the borrow would wear better.
I also changed the placement of the straps be ause they seemed too far apart to be comfortable to carry.

I would post a picture but have never figured out how to do that LOL, but I can sew anything - go figure.....

[southernbelle04]

Pattern Review for Miss Daisy Designs 'Town & Country' Playsuit
By Aymee (aka southernbelle04)
Sewing Level-Beginner

Summary
Love this pattern! It is just so cute! Miss Daisy Designs is a website that offers downloadble PDF patterns for dog clothes. I am not sure if I can post the link to her site since she does sell things, but you can google it and find her. She also offers her patterns on Etsy. I just love her designs! They are so unique and different from anything else out there. She offers patterns for both girls and boys, so a great resource for those looking for boy patterns. I know those can be harder to find.

As mentioned, the patterns are a download. You do not buy them like you would the pattern in a store. Once you buy them, they are sent to your email address. You can then download them onto your computer, open them in Adobe, and print them right out on your home printer. Easy as pie! A few of the larger pieces do require piecing together, but this is so simple! The instructions are very easy to read and you'll be sewing in no time with them. And what I love about downloadable patterns is that when you need to, you can just print out the pattern again. I know after using the same pattern over and over with all the pin marks, it can get kinda funky. Well this way, you can just print out another! Love it!

This pattern comes in sizes XXS-M. It includes a d-ring attachment. I have used this pattern to make several pant suits. I did alter the pattern just a tad to meet my needs. I added a larger ruffle to the waist and added ruffles to the legs. I was inspired by the boutique types of outfits you see the cute toddlers wearing these days. I do not have skin kids, so I figured I'd make them for my pup.

This pattern is very easy to follow and I would use it again and again! The pantsuit does NOT have to be removed for potty time either!

Here are some pictures for you. These are in order that I made them, so you can see from first try to last try.

[southernbelle04]

A few more of the pansuit...

[licricket]

How wonderful to have this site. I'll be following it, and as soon as I get some free time, I'll make something and review the pattern, etc. A really great idea. Thanks so much!!!! BTW where are you in PA??? I am in Philadelphia

[southernbelle04]

Originally Posted by licricket

How wonderful to have this site. I'll be following it, and as soon as I get some free time, I'll make something and review the pattern, etc. A really great idea. Thanks so much!!!! BTW where are you in PA??? I am in Philadelphia

I live in a town called Carlisle. I'm about 2 hours from Philly. I have visited there once though. I am originally from AL, but have lived here for over 5 years. Carlisle is about 20 minutes from Harrisburg.

And look forward to a review from you!

[snh]

All I can say is wow! You are doing an amazing job. I will definitely be purchasing something from you when you are up and running.

[snh]

Aymee I've got to have one of those pantsuits.

[licricket]

Originally Posted by southernbelle04

I live in a town called Carlisle. I'm about 2 hours from Philly. I have visited there once though. I am originally from AL, but have lived here for over 5 years. Carlisle is about 20 minutes from Harrisburg.

And look forward to a review from you!

Aymee. If you were closer we could have a doggie sewing group. You are an inspiration

Phyllis

[swilson0053]

I love these patterns i want to make clothes for cocoa cause i cant afford to buy them but if these patterns are hard to find probably cant affird them either. A question when ks goes to potty does she get her outfits dirty or wet