The Love Notions Sybil Illusion Skirt is the only skirt sewing pattern you will ever need. It is your go-to beginner-friendly skirt pattern meant for knit fabrics. This pattern comes with 7 variations catering to different styles and needs. It can either be dressed up or dressed down all depending on the fabrics you choose to use. I have made two already and I see more to come.
The Sybil Illusion skirt pattern is on a re-release sale at $5 today only (Friday 9th July 2021) and It will be at 30% off throughout the weekend. I am both a pattern tester and an ambassador with Love Notions patterns. This means that any purchases you make using the Love Notions patterns links I share on here earn me a small commission which goes to support this website. However, this comes at no extra cost to you and you are under no obligation to use them.
I have shared a tutorial on how to sew and fit the pencil skirt variation of the Sybil skirt collection on my youtube channel. if you require some hand-holding while you sew your version, here is the video for you to follow along.
Pattern Description:
The Sybil Illusion Skirt Collection is drafted for knit fabrics and with 7 variations: pencil, a-line, swing, drop yoke with swing, gored, asymmetrical wrap, and pleated. And all versions in this collection, with the exception of the drop yoke, come with both knee and midi length options and inseam pockets. All skirt waistbands can include the optional hidden control panel or a yoga-style waistband with no closures needed.
Pattern Features
Meant for knit fabrics
7 styles: pencil, a-line, swing, drop yoke with swing, gored, asymmetrical wrap and pleated
2 lengths: knee and midi
Optional inseam pockets
Optional hidden control panel
Yoga style waistband
Pattern Sizing:
This pattern has just had an update in sizing and it now comes in sizes XS up to 5XL. I made my two skirts in both sizes XS and S. I made the pencil skirt in size XS at the waist that I blended into size S at the hips. And I went for size XS for the swing skirt throughout because it was not fitted at the hips requiring me to blend into a bigger size.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were very easy to follow and that is why I would also recommend this pattern to a complete beginner.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that this Sybil skirt pattern sews up pretty fast with no closures and elastic but only requiring a yoga waistband. Most features can be assembled with just 3 pieces if you choose to omit the pockets.
Fabric Used:
The Sybil skirt pattern is recommended for knit fabrics ranging from light to heavy-weight fabrics depending on the variation you choose. Some variations require drapey and light-weight fabrics such as rayon /viscose jersey, cotton jersey, cotton interlock, or ITY whereas some might require more stable and heavier fabrics such as Scuba, Ponte, and French Terry.
I used two variations of Scuba fabric for my two skirts. I used a more stable Scuba for the pencil skirt and a Crepe Scuba with some drape for the swing skirt.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I needed to take in the Pencil skirt at the sides and I would advise that you fit on the skirt first before attaching the waistband. I share the fitting process in the video linked in this post above.
The knee-length swing skirt came off a bit short for me because I have long legs. I omitted to turn the hem up by an inch and instead used a narrow rolled hem to finish off the hem of the skirt.
Conclusion:
I love the two Sybil skirts I have made so far and they are sure to get loads of wear. I do not have an idea why it has taken me this long to sew up this pattern having owned it for a few years. I would recommend this pattern to anyone who wants to have a go at sewing a skirt, which includes a complete beginner because it comes together so fast and easily. Will you be picking up the Sybil Illusion Skirt during the sale?
Here is a brand new Henley pattern with no buttonholes. Yes, you heard right. Love Notions has just launched the Breckinridge Henley sewing pattern which is sure to be a favourite of many. I am honestly not a fan of buttonholes but I can’t always avoid them. However, my sewing machine and I hate sewing buttonholes on knit fabrics. I have already made two tops from the Breckinridge Henley pattern and I don’t think they will be my last. My final version is in pink in honour of Pink October for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Here is a pattern review video if you would rather watch instead of read.
I am both a pattern tester and an ambassador with Love Notions patterns. This means that any purchases you make using the Love Notions patterns links I share on here earns me a small commission which goes to support this website. However, this comes at no extra cost to you and you are under no obligation to use them.
I made my first version out of a Striped cotton jersey fabric which was generously given to me by Fabrics for All. I am a blogger for Fabrics for All and I am given fabric in exchange for a review. The stripe pink and yellow fabric is the perfect fabric for pink October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This fabric also comes in other colourways which are still in stock online. I really enjoyed sewing up with it because it is quite stable and has a good weight to it.
My second version was made with two viscose jersey fabrics. The main fabric is a floral red which I picked up from a local fabric store a few years ago. And the grey viscose jersey I used to colour block was a scrap fabric I had in my stash.
The Making
I sewed up both my versions in size XS he sewing process these tops was straight forward. The one part in the process which would be a bit of a challenge is sewing the placket but the instructions come with a video tutorial which simplifies that part.
For the pink top, I sewed up the long-sleeved version with the tabs. The cotton jersey fabric gave me a more relaxed and almost boxy fit.
Alterations
I took in the top at the side seams for a more close fit.
I shortened the top by 1 inch mostly because I have a shorter torso compared to the rest of my body.
The red floral viscose jersey version was made with the short sleeves. The viscose fabric has more drape and fits better on the body. I did not find the need to take in this top because I was happy with the overall fit. This version was not shortened and it comes past my hips.
The finished projects
I am really happy with my final makes from this pattern. I am so sure these will not be my last. I hope to sew up the dress variation next with probably short sleeves. I hope you give this amazing pattern a go. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for stopping by. xx
Summer is finally here! If you don’t live in the southern hemisphere. what I love most about this time of the year, is the amount of sewing inspiration everywhere; on the highstreet, Pinterest and of course other people’s makes on Instagram. I have decided to come up with a series of posts I have called ‘sewing for summer’. I will be focusing on an individual piece of clothing and sharing with you my tried and tested patterns. So today’s focus will be jumpsuits and rompers.
I will be sharing with you four of the jumpsuits patterns I have sewed up and love. I will also show you their lines drawings, the special features and of course the pictures of my makes.
Sunday Romper by Love Notions
The Sunday romper pattern by Love Notions is a newly released pattern which I had the pleasure to test. I can not tell you how much I love it and it comes with 5 variations. I have sewed up the romper and the knee-length version already.
The Sirocco jumpsuit is mock-wrap knit jumpsuit with short set-in sleeves and pleated pants. It is greatly loved in the sewing community. I have made the jumpsuit version already and I have another one planned out.
Size range: 34 to 46 (printed) and 34 to 52 (PDF)
Versions: Two – Version A has tapered legs, version B is a romper.
The New Look 6446 is one from the big 4 which is a favourite of many. We both know that getting the right fitting with the big 4 patterns it is not the easiest thing. But once you get it right, you are sure to sew it up more than once. And I have made this pattern twice already.
New Look 6446
Size range: 6-18 (UK), 2-14(US) & 34-46(EU)
Variations: 4 which include a jumpsuit, a playsuit, a knee-length dress and a maxi.
Features: Sleeveless and squared neckline.
Fabric: Woven fabrics such as cotton, chambray, lawn, linen, corduroy, denim
The Zadie jumpsuit is relaxed and easy to wear jumpsuit. It wraps around the body with just strings with no need for zips or buttons. Which is a win for any sewist who would rather skip those steps. I made the sleeveless version in a tie and dye Ankara / African wax print fabric.
Zadie Jumpsuit
Size range: 6 -28
Versions: 2 included; sleeveless with dropped shoulders and 3/4 sleeves.
Features: Wrap which fastens with ties and wide legs.
I love all the jumpsuits I have made and they all offer unlimited possibilities. They can all be dressed up or down which is greatly determined by the fabric you choose. Have you made any of the patterns show before? If not, which one would you like to have a go at making?
I am back again with another sewing pattern review. I am slowly easing into pants making which is one of my sewing goals of 2020. You can access my 2020 sewing resolutions video in the sidebar of this website or over on my Youtube channel. I also had a goal to sew more separates which I have also done with these Meghan Nielsen Flint pants. I know you are more interested in knowing how I got along with making them.
Here is the video where I review this pattern and the fabric in detail if you would rather watch it instead.
The Fabric
I used a paisley print stretch cotton fabric for these pants which was perfect for the project. It washed and ironed really well and I honestly can not fault it at all. I was sceptical about my choice of fabric as I thought that these culottes required a more drapey fabric. However, upon looking at the fabric recommendations for the pattern, I realised that they are drafted for both stable and drapey fabrics. So I went ahead and sewed them up.
The fabric I used was generously gifted to me by Fabrics for All in exchange for a blog post reviewing it. This is a continued arrangement I have with Fabrics for All as a member of their blogger’s team. Currently, the physical shop is locked however Sarah (the owner) continues to process orders made both online and by phone. This is the best way we can continue to support small businesses which may suffer during this lockdown.
The Pattern
The Flint pants are wide-leg cropped pants or shorts pattern with a unique crossover closure at the side seam. Pattern sits on the natural waist and features hidden closure at the left pocket. It features release tucks at the front, darts at the back, slash pockets and two waistband options.
The pattern comes in four views. View A is a pair of above ankle cropped pants with button closures. View B is a pair of above ankle cropped pants with tie closure. View C is a pair of shorts with button closures. View D is a pair of shorts with tie closures.
This pattern sizing ranges from 0 to 20 in both print or digital PDF versions. And the curve sizes which are from sizes 14 to 30 are only available in digital PDF version.
The Making
I sewed up view A these pants in size 2 after making the toile in size 4 which was big. The making of these pants was pretty straightforward thanks to the well-written instructions. However, I still needed to make a few alterations because I rarely get a pattern to fit straight out of the envelope.
The first alteration I made was removing the release tucks at the front. This was mostly because they were likely not to sit flat with the fabric of choice. And also I did not need them for fitting purposes. A detailed tutorial on how to remove the tucks can be found on Meghan Nielsen’s blog.
The swayback Adjustment was the other and most important alteration i made to this pattern. It gave these pants an overall perfect fit. It was my first go at making a swayback adjustment on pants. In the video mentioned above, I share in detail how I went about with this adjustment.
The Finished Garment
I love how these pants turned out. They fit perfectly well and the gorgeous fabric I used is the cherry on top. These won’t be my last pair as I am already planning on another. Thank you for stopping by and keep safe. 🙂
Lifestyle blogger
Josephine is an entrepreneur, blogger, public health professional who loves sewing, baking and is passionate about a healthy and natural lifestyle.
Josephine is an entrepreneur, blogger, public health professional who loves sewing, baking and is passionate about a healthy and natural lifestyle.
