I'm probably more of a blog "tourist", because up until now, I've never been part of a "Blog Tour." So please excuse me if I just bumble my way through this! But I'm first cab off the rank as it were (after our esteemed designer - Heidi), so let us begin!
It's time for something a little different! But perhaps apt for
those who are now coming into winter in their parts of the world! Pollywoggles
has just released a “dressing gown” pattern (this is what we would call it in
Australia!)
And.......wait for it...... if you join us over at the Pollywoggles Sewing Circle (Facebook group), you can get the coupon code to get this pattern for absolutely FREE!!! Yes! You heard me!! FREE!
The Finley & Quinn robe comes with sizes 12 months to 10
years included. It is a unisex pattern and with the right fabric selection can
be made very girly/masculine or gender neutral.
Fleece is probably the best option to make this robe a fast,
super warm sew. However it would also look amazing in minky or if you are
looking for a lighter weight option (like me), the robe also works very well in
flannel.
I love flannel. Firstly because it is 100% cotton, secondly,
it is still very warm & cuddly, and lastly, flannel has some great print
options!
The sew itself is a great beginners pattern. If using
fleece, there is also no need to finish edges! No serger (overlocker) required!
I
was surprised at how quickly the robe came together & how wonderful it
looked! The pockets are a great feature, useful & attractive.... although,
you could leave them off if you chose (or were struggling for time.) I colour
blocked the top of my pockets – this is not included in the pattern, but very
easy to do. I simply folded over the pocket edge where I wanted my white fleece
to start & added 6mm seam allowance. I cut my flannel to my fold line (plus
6mm). Then cut my fleece (plus 6mm) using the smaller remaining template piece.
I chose fleece as my collar/cuffs (and colour blocker) as it
provided a nice contrast to the fun cat print flannel. It is also super soft!
You will find that the collar is the trickiest part of the pattern,
however, if you proceed slowly, read the instructions at least 10 times first
(and as you proceed), you will have no trouble!
Pollywoggle’s patterns are very thorough, and as such, have
plenty of written instructions (accompanied by step-by-step photographs.) Do
not be intimidated by all that writing! (lol) I can assure you, it is not
scary! “Heidi’s Helpful Hints” are also a fantastic little extra that I really
loved seeing throughout the pattern.
I love the attached belt (no loosing pesky dressing gown
ties!) And the easy hook loop – no excuses kids for not hanging up that gown!
Matching pyjama's are Once Upon a Sewing Machine's ruffled PJ top (minus the ruffle) and pants are Carla's Pantaloons by Grammies Dolls.
To find out more about Pollywoggles, please click HERE
To read Heidi's (the brains & beauty) behind Pollywoggles blog post, do so HERE
Let the tour continue. . . . . . .
Next up.....
Tuesday 22nd November: That's sew Venice
Band add-on Tutorial
Now, my dressing gown also has a little extra. You may have
noticed the fleece band around the bottom of my gown?! Well, that isn’t in the
pattern folks, BUT, I’m about to tell you have to add your own! Super easy peezy!
At step 27, instead of hemming your gown, STOP! Leave it raw
and go ahead and finish the rest of the gown as instructed.
When your gown is complete – save for the hem, measure that
bottom edge of the gown. Using this measurement, add ¾’ (or 2cm) to this measurement. This is the
length of your band – which now includes a seam allowance. The height of your
band can be your own choice, but consider that it is a folded band, so you need
to double the height you’d like it to be (and also consider it will need a seam
allowance.) I chose to make my band 5’ (13cm) tall. So when folded it would be
just under 2.5’ when the seam allowance is deducted.
Take your band, fold it in half, so long edges are lining up
and RIGHT sides are facing.
Remove the bulk and turn the right way around. Use a chop
stick or your preferred turning device to pop out those corners.
Now take your band and pin it to your gown – lining up those
raw edges. Be extra careful to make sure the short edges of the band line up
perfectly with your gown! You don’t want that band protruding once it has been
sewn on!
Sew your band on! There is no need to finish your edges if
using fleece, however, if using flannel (or even minky) finish those edges – a zig-zag
stitch or serged edge works best.
Now turn down your band – carefully press or pin up your
seam allowance (so it faces upwards towards the top of the gown.)
Top stitch your band. You can choose to “stitch in the ditch”
or 1/8’ above. Just make sure you catch the seam allowance.
Done! You are now complete! Try that robe on your little one
and see their face light up!
No comments:
Post a Comment