Little Finch Patterns: Sugar and Spice Cowl Neck Pattern Test

I'm always a little excited about testing patterns for new designers that are coming into the pattern world.  When I see new designers it makes me feel like maybe one day (after an extensive amount of training) I could venture into the world of pattern design too.  Of course, after I have those thoughts, I get a bit of a reality jolt and go back to grading tests and quizzes.

My most recent pattern test was for Katie Susick of Little Finch Patterns.  When I apply to test a pattern, I look for patterns I know I would want for personal use, or patterns that have new features that I haven't sewn up yet.  I'm all about learning new stuff!  For the Sugar and Spice, my attraction was the cowl neck.  Personally, I'm all about a neckline that doesn't have a binding. Bindings... I love bindings when they look awesome and I hate them when they don't!! Who doesn't really?

So... Onto the pattern.  There have been several updates since my version was sewn up, but here are the final features.

Sugar and Spice Cowl Neck Top

• Cowl Neck
• Three Sleeve Length Options: Short, 3/4 (with loose or tapered option), Long
• Two Hemline Options: Banded or High/Low
• Sizes: 24month through Size 16 (Wow...That is a great range!)

This was a seriously quick sew! I'm talking under an hour people!  This is saying a ton, because I am a slow, slow, slow sewist!  Since I'm a good girl and follow directions when testing, I inset the sleeves as instructed.  I think I may have been able do put it together even faster without doing that.  Really it's probably a coin toss.  The pieces fit together well and construction was smooth.  The only challenging part may have been cutting the pattern as there are some many sizes I get a bit cross-eyed deciphering size lines.  They are colored, so that helps people like me.

When I asked Peyton to try her top on to test the fit she asked where I bought it.  I thought I must have done a good job since she knows I'm always having her try things I have made to check the fit, but still thought I bought it. Mark this one as another success for the closet.

She always thinks this is a required pose.

Sew 'n Style Mini Collection

Here it is! My first blog post is here and I am jumping right into a large project, which happens to be a mini-collection. (I know it doesn't make sense that a mini-collection is a large project, but let's just roll with it.) The challenge was to create a collection of at least 3 pieces with half the creations being made from Lil Luxe Patterns. Check out the challenge here.

For several nights I have been retiring to my sewing cave while the rest of my house is sleeping to put together this fall collection for Peyton.  If you have seen me walking around like an extra from The Walking Dead, now you know why.

The collection started with an idea board, transitioned to sketches, then into a shopping trip (or three) for fabric to go with my ideas before the pieces were finally sewn together.  In the end, I didn't finish all my ideas by the deadline, but I think the pieces I put together are a great start to an "'N Style" fall wardrobe for Miss Peyton.

The idea board started with a pair of corduroy shoes that Peyton HAD to have while doing our back to school shopping.  Of course, once we got home we realized there actually wasn't much in her closet that could even be worn with them.  We ended up with a theme "Textures of Fall."  The idea was to create pieces or outfits that had some feature of texture and/or pieces that would go with these sassy shoes (which also have texture since they are corduroy).  I decided to focus on texture to push myself to try new fabrics instead of sticking with basic quilters cottons and knit cotton/lycra blends that are typical for me.

                                            

 Outfit #1: Starlight City Dress (Lil Luxe Collection)

 This flannel dress didn't get any major modifications.  We went with a 3/4 sleeve to stretch its life span. I love the dress and it is the perfect cozy piece for fall and winter in this plaid.  The back twist detail is fun and sassy. I have never sewn an apparel item with flannel, so check that off the texture list. The boots and scarf completed the look.

Outfit #2: Slim Fit Trousers with Modified City Girl Romper (Lil Luxe Patterns)

The slim fit trouser pants were made with a woven cotton spandex sateen. These came together so well and are a perfect fit on Peyton's slim body.  She loves the zippers, and I love that I sewed them in like a big girl seamstress.  Go Me!  Sateen, I have sewn with it once before.  Let's just say it was before my serger and no amount of pressing was going to save that project. So, new-ish fabric attempt check-mark again! Woot!  I actually have a khaki color of this same fabric to make a second pair of trousers to go with my Peekaboo hoodie.  Neither the pants or the hoodie made the cut for this post as they aren't actually sewn together.

For the top, I modified the bodice portion of the City Girl Romper. I shortened the bodice and added the skirt portion by cutting two rectangles, sewing together, then gathering before attaching.  This top is a great piece. It is simple, yet stylish.  Even though this is made from quilters cotton, it has some fun gold flecks in it that are somewhat raised.  I may be stretching to use that as my "texture" for the top. Changing the bottoms and accessories can really change the look.

 Outfit #3: City Girl Romper as Separates (Lil Luxe Patterns)

I utilized the same City Girl Top and paired it with a pair of shorts created from the bottoms of the City Girl Romper.  These shorts were an up-cycle from a pair of dress pants my husband donated to the project.  Wasn't that nice of him? The downfall is I wont be seeing his cute hiney in them anymore.  I wanted something with texture to go with my theme and these seemed to fit well. I fogot to check the pant tag to see what the fabric content was, oops. I included pockets and front pleats. These shorts are going to look great with a fitted shirt tucked in. I'm hoping I will be able to talk her into wearing them with tights as the weather cools. Sadly, I did not make the sweater pictured. Target saved the day and helped me with layering.

Outfit #4: Slim Fit Trousers and MaCherie Tunic Top (Lil Luxe Patterns and Winter Wear Designs)

For this look I paired the Slim Fit Trousers with the Ma Cherie Tunic Top.  This high-low tunic was just recently released. The V-neck feature and front pleats give the look a clean lines, which pairs perfect with the trousers.  The grey floral fabric was a random find at Tuesday Morning I have been stashing for the perfect top.  I think this was it.  Peyton loves the floral top with the shoes.

Outfit #5: Boheme Sky Dress (Striped Swallow Designs)

This dress was a perfect piece to top off my collection.  The yellow goes great with our special shoes. The knit fabric was purchased from the Persnickety website.  Currently their fabric is "being re-organized" and I'm about to go through knit stashing withdraws.  That knit is seriously my favorite. I almost hate to mention it because you might go buy it all before I know the site is back up.  Link not provided intentionally.

And that is a wrap! Did you make it this far?  I'll be impressed if you just skimmed the pictures, I know I'm guilty of that too! No judgement here.  Don't forget to head back to the InLinkz to vote. You can also check out all the fun projects on Instagram, #sewNstylelilluxeseries.