Hi, Good to have you back here. I am excited to share with you this make(s) that I have been meaning to sew for quite a while. I am really glad I finally made them. This is the Love Notions Kids’ Compose robe and just in case you are wondering, there is the ladies Compose robe too. I made two versions of the ladies’ robes last year and I shared a pattern review and a few tips about the construction process. I will be sharing with the two robes I made for my little people and they are really happy with them because they had the chance of choosing their fabrics.
I made size 8 for my daughter who is 7 years old to allow room for growth. And I sewed up size 8 for my rather slender 10-year old son but I lengthed all pattern pieces to size 10.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
This pattern is quite easy to follow, all thanks to the well-written instructions. I have made two of the ladies Compose robes last year during the pattern testing process which made the making of this very easy.
Fabric Used:
I made both versions out of fleece fabric. This pattern is recommended for both knit and woven fabrics such as fleece, French terry, Sweater knit, Sweatshirting, waffle knit, and Ponte.
Fleece sewing tips
If you experience skipped stitches while sewing with fleece, you could try some of these tips.
Use a walking foot to allow for even feeding of the fabric under the presser foot.
A brand new ball point or stretch which works better than a univeral needle.
A longer stitch length is recommended such as 3.0 and above due to the bulkiness of the fabric.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Apart from the sizing changes I made to my son’s robe, I did not need to make any other alterations to both robes.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Of course, when they outgrow these which may happen soon or later. I highly recommend this pattern to anyone who loves who had been looking to sew robes for children in your life. The ladies Compose robe is one I would recommend too.
Conclusion:
Having made the Ladies compose robe a year ago, I knew I had to make the Kids’ Compose robe for my children too. Their RTW robes had become short which made the time perfect for new compose robes.
The sweater season is upon us over here in the northern hemisphere and I am proud to bring to you the Arlington sweater by Love Notions. This is the newest pattern by Love Notions and there is no doubt that a lot of planning has been put into it. This pattern is a great transitional piece for your cold-weather wardrobe. It is a very versatile pattern offering so many options to make which is always a bonus with most of the Love Notions patterns,
Love Notions Arlington Sweater with a cowl neck, bishop sleeves, and a banded hem
This pattern is on a release sale at 30% off from today (28th September until 4th October 2021).
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.
Arlington sweater with a mock neck and straight sleeves
Love Notions Arlington Sweater with a cowl neck, bishop sleeves, and a banded hem
Love Notions Arlington Sweater with a cowl neck, bishop sleeves, and a banded hem Arlington sweater with a mock neck and straight sleeves
Love Notions Arlington Sweater Pattern Features:
It comes in 3 lengths: banded shirt, hip length shirt and above knee dress.
It features 3 necklines: turtleneck, mock-neck and cowl
There are 5 sleeve options: short & long puff sleeves, long sleeve, bishop and elbow length sleeves.
Pattern Sizing:
The Arlington pattern comes in 9 sizes ranging from size XS to 5X. All these sizes come with full bust pieces. I made both my versions in size XS which is true to size.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, the instructions were easy to follow. I must add that this pattern is very easy to sew and I would recommend it for a confident beginner.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The one thing I really love about this pattern is its versatility. This pattern has many options to choose from.
Fabric Used:
This pattern is meant for light to medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 25% stretch. The recommended fabrics include Sweater knit, French terry, Interlock, and other jersey blends. A more stable knit is recommended for the mock neck view whereas a drapey one would be perfect for the cowl neck one.
For version one, I used a medium-weight Sweater knit for my cowl neck version and I also opted for the bishop sleeves. These two features came out better in this sweater knit because it has some drape.
I used a medium-weight rib-knit fabric for the mock neck for my second version. This fabric is stable enough to hold up the shape of the mock neck. I bought this fabric from Minerva purposely for this top.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I shortened the shirt length version by 1 inch which is a common alteration I make. I have a shorter torso compared to the rest of my body and I often do it to most of the Love Notions patterns I have sewed up with.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Of course, I need to make the dress version soon now that sweater weather is finally here. Who am I kidding? I live in the Uk where it is sweater season all year round. 🙂
I would recommend this pattern to anyone who needs a sweater or Jumper (as it is called in the UK). And a confident beginner would not struggle with putting this together.
Conclusion:
I love the Arlington sweater because it is a cold-weather staple. I do not really need to say more about it because it offers a view for everyone out there. You will be seeing more of these sweaters really soon. Thank you for stopping by.
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?
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 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.
