This is my first ever blog post... how exciting!!! Welcome to The Northern Belle! (That's what I've been calling myself in the sewing world.) It's my name for my imaginary sewing business and what I watermark all my photos with when I share them online. :)
Today I will be reviewing one of my favorite PDF pattern designers, Made for Mermaids and her 2 newest patterns. I was super-duper lucky to be a tester for both of these patterns last week: The Samantha Suspender Skirt and the Charlotte Collar Top!
Today I will be reviewing one of my favorite PDF pattern designers, Made for Mermaids and her 2 newest patterns. I was super-duper lucky to be a tester for both of these patterns last week: The Samantha Suspender Skirt and the Charlotte Collar Top!
I tested a size 5 for my oldest daughter, Sophia and then made a bonus skirt in a size 3 for my middle child, Evelyn, affectionately called Evie. All of Megan's patterns for Made for Mermaids (M4M) are beautifully designed and written with great detail that a beginner seamstress, or sewist (<--- what the kids are calling them these days) can follow!
Let's start with the Samantha Suspender Skirt...
-Sizes 1/2 through 14
-Vintage length skirt
-Optional pockets
-Flat front skirt option
-Faux-button placket option
-Suspenders are optional
-One pattern piece (pocket)
-Instruction on how to tie the suspenders
You get a 20-page tutorial with detailed, colored photographs to guide you through the sewing process. The pattern has one pattern piece included at the end of the tutorial! JUST ONE!
Let's start with the Samantha Suspender Skirt...
-Sizes 1/2 through 14
-Vintage length skirt
-Optional pockets
-Flat front skirt option
-Faux-button placket option
-Suspenders are optional
-One pattern piece (pocket)
-Instruction on how to tie the suspenders
You get a 20-page tutorial with detailed, colored photographs to guide you through the sewing process. The pattern has one pattern piece included at the end of the tutorial! JUST ONE!
The skirt is meant to hit above the knee, as it is a vintage length. I layered with an old tutu from Target for some extra poof, because that is how we roll around here! ;) The suspenders tie in the back to form a precious bow. I tested the faux-button placket version and added big 'ole wooden buttons and pockets. I love this skirt so much and I've decided it is going to be Sophia's spring picture outfit for school!
I always feel guilty when I make stuff for my big girl and not my baby girl... so I whipped up a quick skirt for Miss Evie. I made the most basic skirt possible. No suspenders, no pockets, no buttons, flat front. It was soooooooooo quick to make this way. I embroidered an old hand-me-down t-shirt to pair with it and I just love how this outfit turned out. My little Cookie Monster approves as well!
Now on to the Charlotte Collar Top...
-Sizes 1/2 through 14
-Curved collar option
-Straight collar option
-Sizes 1/2 through 14
-Curved collar option
-Straight collar option
You get a 12-page tutorial with pattern pieces at the end. Colored photographs guide you step-by-step through the construction of this top. It is a knit bodice with a woven collar. I opted to make the straight collar and I added a lace overlay. Megan gives great detail and lots of helpful hints (if you are new to sewing with knits). It is simple to construct on your serger or your conventional sewing machine. This top looks so sweet and pairs perfectly with the Samantha skirt. I can't wait to make more of these patterns for the spring and summer! You can buy the patterns separately or bundled together at www.madeformermaids.com.
If you have never used any Made for Mermaids patterns... RUN, DON'T WALK, to www.madeformermaids.com! Her patterns are wonderfully written, easy to follow and always turn out like a dream. Every time I finish a pattern (and I have almost all of them, BTW), I think, "Wow! I can't believe I made this myself!!!!" You won't be disappointed... I PROMISE!
Whew! That was fun! I hope you enjoyed reading about these two really CUUUUUUUUUUTE patterns from M4M. Thanks for stopping by!
If you have never used any Made for Mermaids patterns... RUN, DON'T WALK, to www.madeformermaids.com! Her patterns are wonderfully written, easy to follow and always turn out like a dream. Every time I finish a pattern (and I have almost all of them, BTW), I think, "Wow! I can't believe I made this myself!!!!" You won't be disappointed... I PROMISE!
Whew! That was fun! I hope you enjoyed reading about these two really CUUUUUUUUUUTE patterns from M4M. Thanks for stopping by!