I love a button-down dress and that’s why I am bringing you another Lyric dress by Love Notions. This is the second time I am making the Lyric dress after my first version that made me fall in love with this pattern. I made my very first dress version with short sleeves and a gathered skirt to which I added some ties. I decided to go with the flared skirt this time around that I have hacked a bit and I am so happy with it.
I reviewed the first version on my blog here and I also uploaded a pattern review video attached below if you would rather watch the review.
The Lyric dress pattern has been redrafted to increase the size range from 0-24 to 0-32. The pattern now accommodates more sewists which is always a bonus. It is today’s feature Friday pattern on sale for $5 (today 25th June 2021) and will continue on a release sale at 30% throughout Saturday and Sunday.
The pattern has been redrafted and the sizing increased to run from 0-32. All these sizes come with full bust pieces. I sewed up size 2 throughout using a B cup bodice as per the instructions.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, the instructions are quite easy to follow. However, this pattern is recommended for a confident beginner because it requires sewing a number of buttonholes and with bias tape.
Fabric Used:
The pattern is recommended for light to medium weight fabrics such as cotton poplin, linen, cotton lawn, chambray and rayon.
I used the flared skirt option for my dress which comes with both knee-length and below-the-knee options. I went with the knee-length piece that I later shortened by 1 inch.
I cut out a rectangle that was roughly 1.5 longer than the dress hem which I gathered with soft gathering. I added a gathered piece of the dress to create a ruffle for my dress.
Conclusion:
This is just the second Lyric dress and I see many more to come. This pattern is a blank canvas that can easily be hacked to give it a new look and style. Thank you for stopping by.
I never thought I would ever be excited about sewing pyjamas or nighties. I was pretty content with the store-bought ones until I made my very first Luna Loungewear by Love Notions. I caught the bug and I must say nothing fits better than my me-made ones. I made the dress with the shelf bra and it got the seal of approval because it gave me both comfort and containment of the “girls”. I am happy to answer the door in it without feeling less put together.
Pattern Description:
The Luna Loungewear is such a versatile pyjama / loungewear pattern. There are a number of options to choose from that you can easily customise with a wide range of fabrics. The bonus is that it comes in both ladies and girls patterns which are on sale for $5 each today only (11th may 2021). You can choose from a knee-length nighty, a cami top, shorts and capri which could be made in either knits or woven fabrics. It also comes with an optional shelf bra which i appreciate so much.
Pattern Sizing
Ladies Luna Loungewear comes in sizes XS up to size XXXL which all come with full bust pieces. I made size XS for the cami top and the nighty dress and size S for the shorts.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the fact that this pattern comes with many options to choose from. I also love the optional shelf bra that comes the pattern. I added the bra to both the dress and top I made for myself.
Fabric Used:
The Luna loungewear pattern is recommended for both knit and woven fabrics. Although the woven fabrics can only be used for the shorts and capris.
For the ladies knee-length night, I used a medium weight cotton jersey from my stash, And I used Art gallery Fabric cotton jersey from Minerva for the girl’s dress and cami top. I made the the shorts from Seersucker gingham fabric from my stash too.
The making
The pattern offers many options of finishing both the neckline and the armholes. The easiest could be using binding made from the fabric used for the body. However, I opted for fold-over elastic (FOE) for all my versions and I used two sizes of the fold-over over elastic. I used 5/8 inch wide elastic for the girl’s version and 1 inch wide one for all my versions. I needed a wider elastic for mine because I was encasing two layers of fabric; the shelf bra and main body pieces.
How to sew with Fold-over elastic.
Pin the recommended length of the FOE to the pattern pieces matching the middle pieces together with the elastic aligned to the back piece. Sew with a long basting stitch while remembering to stretch the elastic a bit as you go.
Fold over the remaining half of the elastic onto the right side of the pattern piece.
Sew it together with a three step zigzag stitch. For the 1 inch wide elastic I used a 3 step zigzag stitch with settings of 6.0 width and 2.5 length.
I also added a little decorative detail to the hems of both the girl’s dress and my top by using a three thread coverstitching on reverse in deep pink thread. I was happy with it and so was my daughter.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I shortened the knee-length nighty by 3 inches to get it to a length I was happy with.
I omitted the pockets on the shorts because I wanted to sew them up quickly.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I have made three sets already and I plan on making more, I would recommend this pattern to a confident beginner who has sewn with knit fabrics before.
Conclusion:
I have three lunas already and I am sure there are more to come because they are such great scrap busters. I don’t think i need to convince you how much we each love our pyjamas but I will let this picture speak for its self. Thank you for stopping by.
The Game Day Jersey pattern is not just for the sports fans which I am not. I made the dress version which is the ultimate weekend outfit that can be paired up with various items in your wardrobe. This pattern also comes with coordinating patterns for both Men and children. which is ideally for sewing matching jerseys for the entire family.
The Men’s Game Day Jersey comes in sizes XS up to 4XL whereas the Kids’ Game Day jersey in sizes 2T up to 16. All these patterns are today’s feature Friday pattern on sale for $5 each (today only).
Pattern Description:
The Game Day jersey pattern for ladies comes in two lengths; a shirt and a knee-length dress. Both views feature a split hem for added detail. It also comes with two neckline options; the lapped v-neck and a scoop neckline which can be made with either short sleeves or 3/4 length sleeves.
I sewed up the dress version with a V-neck overlap and short sleeves.
Pattern Sizing: This pattern comes in sizes XS up to 5XL and all these sizes come with full bust pieces. I sewed up my version in size XS.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were very easy to follow and this pattern is recommended for a confident beginner.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that the dress version comes with a back middle seam which allows to fit adjustment.
Fabric Used:
This pattern is recommended for light to medium weight knit fabrics such as rayon jersey, cotton jersey, French terry, modal jersey, and double brushed poly. I made my jersey dress using French terry fabric I picked up from Fabrics for All. I am happy with the effort I put into pattern matching the stripes.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I shortened the pattern by an inch.
I took the dress in at the back middle seam which allows for fit.
Styling tips:
This t-shirt dress is your go-to weekend dress. It can be worn by itself paired with a pair of sneakers or /and with a denim jacket for a casual smart look.
Conclusion:
I would sew this pattern again and probably make the shirt version. I would recommend this pattern to all sports fans out there. You would have a chance to sew up for your entire family with your favorite team colours.
I have always wanted to sew a shirt but I knew it is such an engaging sewing project and not the easiest to undertake. I am so glad I found the Love Notions Melody Dolman blouse because it is an easier alternative to a shirt. This pattern has been updated with more sizes added and It is currently on a release sale going for $5 (today only 21/05/2021) and it will be at $9 for the rest of the week.
Love Notions is also holding a virtual workshop on zoom if you would like to join with other sewists to sew the Melody Dolman blouse. You could book your place to the Melody Dolman Workshop here.
Pattern Description:
The Melody Dolman is a woven button-down dolman with a shirt-tail hem that can also be knotted at the waist. This dolman gives you a polished look without a lot of effort. This pattern is recommended for anyone new to sewing button-down shirts and comes with few pattern pieces to work with. It features an easy to sew camp collar with a construction video that holds your hand throughout. A breast pocket and sleeve cuffs are optional features that come with this pattern.
Pattern Sizing: The sizing of this pattern has been extended with the update. It now comes in 9 sizes running from XS – 5X. I made size XS which was true to size.
Were the instructions easy to follow? This is one of the easiest shirts you can ever sew. The instructions are easy to follow and an instruction video is included for the not-so- easy steps in the construction.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that the collar comes in just one piece which is cut in a pair and sewed together. And another bonus feature of the Melody Dolman is that it does not come with a yoke which makes its construction less complicated.
Fabric Used: The Melody Dolman pattern is recommended for light to medium woven fabrics such as Linen, Shirting, Chambray, and Viscose/ rayon. I used Rose & Hubble Cotton Poplin Fabric (Ivory) from Minerva which paired up perfectly with this blouse.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the bodice pieces by 1.5 inches which is a common adjustment i make because i have a short torso.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Of course, I plan on sewing more of this pattern. I would recommend this pattern for anyone who has never sewn a shirt and wants to have a go at an easier one.
Conclusion
I am not sure what took me this long to sew this blouse but I love this blouse. I have wanted to sew a shirt for the longest time and this blouse has made it possible. I hope you have a go at sewing the Melody Dolman blouse.
Josephine is an entrepreneur, blogger, public health professional who loves sewing, baking and is passionate about a healthy and natural lifestyle.
