Perfect Pattern Parcel October 17, 2014 – Posted in: Sewing

I’m back with another Perfect Pattern Parcel post! This time the parcel was for women and I was so excited to get my hands on the patterns! I desperately need clothes for myself so this was a fun bundle! I’ve made several pieces and will post about them individually because they each need their own time to shine.

My first sew was the Zsalya Top and Dress pattern by KateNRose. I was instantly drawn to the floral, flowy top in the picture on the front of the pattern. I had a gorgeous voile fabric I scored on clearance I was going to use to sew it up, but then I remembered who I am–a busy Mom with four tiny kids and no chance for a fancy blouse. The first time someone wiped their dirty hand or snotty nose on that shirt I would have lost my stuff. So instead I adapted it for knit and made an incredibly comfy shirt!

The things that really drew me to this shirt were the modest neckline and the loose front that wouldn’t hug my leftover baby lumps. I changed almost everything else about the shirt, though!

I redrafted a back bodice so it didn’t include the back yoke. It was too much fabric for a knit top. And I was working with a 1 yard piece of fabric that shrunk to 31″ when I washed it, so fabric was limited.

I changed the sleeves, too. I removed the detail from the edge and made them shorter. So comfy! Then I took a few inches off each side and created a more sculpted side seam that followed the shape of my body.

I also raise the neckline a few inches so it hit me higher, as well as raising the front yoke to end on my high bust. I don’t show cleavage at all so I wanted the neck to come up high enough that I didn’t worry about flashing anyone when I bent over.

I have very large girls for my size and I almost always have to alter patterns to fit them as my measurements run across several sizes. I looked up posts of others who have made this top and noticed the yoke cut them off right across the middle of the bust. I didn’t think it would be very flattering on me, so I raised the bottom of the yoke to eliminate that line.

In the end, I’m stoked about my new shirt!! I’m definitely not a woman who dresses up often, or does my hair or makeup regularly. I’m a Mom who is deeply planted in the tiny kid trenches and I need clothes that compliment my lifestyle. The knit version of this top is exactly what I want to fill my wardrobe. Modest neckline, loose, but flattering lines, comfortable. After all, I spend most of my days as this girl.

The patterns included in this ladies bundle are:

Syrah Skirt by Lauren Dahl (exclusive release!)
Bronte Top by Jennifer Lauren
Julia Cardigan by Mouse House Creations
Hudson Pant by True Bias
Zsalya Dress by Kate and Rose

BONUS PATTERN: Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll

How Pattern Parcel Works:
Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel. We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we’ve raised over $12,000 for classrooms in need!

Bonus Pattern:
Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #6 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That’s only $5 a pattern. The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll. Vintage inspired silhouette is had two flattering necklines and a gorgeous skirt. The Odette Dress pattern goes from a size 4 through a 24!

***Also, today is my birthday!! Head over to my Facebook page to learn about an awesome sale I’m running to celebrate!