Crossroads dress/top (FREEBIE included!) - PDF Pattern by Designs by Call Ajaire

 

I'm excited (and tardy - but what's new?!) to announce the release of the Crossroads dress/top by Designs by Call Ajaire!

 

The Crossroads pattern, like all of Ajaire's patterns is very well written with plenty of helpful illustrations and tips throughout.

 

Do make a special note when cutting out your pattern pieces, you will need to assemble some of the pieces AFTER you've taped & cut! (All this mentioned and labelled in the pattern, but you know what its like....in a rush....its easy to over look!! Yes I have done this myself!)

 

This is a pattern designed for knit fabric, but don't despair! If you haven't sewn with knits or are lacking in confidence, the basic views (no cross) are a great place to start!

 

 

The silhouette of the Crossroads pattern, which ever view you choose to sew is just beautiful. This is the tunic version with the cross feature. 

 

While the cross feature can be tricky to master - seam allowances are VERY important for this version, the results are well worth it.

 

Essentially the cross is created using an inverted French seam!

 

The neck binding (and arm bindings if choosing a sleeveless view) are very clever indeed! Don't just skim the instructions!! This a super clever way to bind! Make sure your knit choice for the bindings has good recovery and isn't too thick.

 

Ajaire has made a wonderful tutorial video on how to make your bindings just perfect! So do go and check it out HERE  

 

The Crossroads pattern is value for money, with four different lengths - top, tunic, dress & maxi. This look can be created using a block panel (see below) or the cross feature.

 

The pattern also boasts four different sleeve options, sleeveless, short, 3/4 and long!

 

Not only that, this pattern includes sizes all the way from newborn to 12 years!!

 

 

View G and the FREEBIE!!

 

 

Now for the best bit about this staple pattern! YOU CAN GET VIEW G for FREE!! That's right! View G is Ajaire's gift to you!! (Keep reading to see how you can get your copy.)

 

 

 

View G is the dress version with the simple front (no cross.)

 

This version is great for adding some embroidery or FMA - free motion applique.

 

My daughter was most impressed with the Molly Mermaid FMA I applied - pattern by StitchArt.

 

 

Your free version also includes ALL sleeve options!!

 

We think View G makes a wonderful night dress! This is Miss A's favourite garment to wear around the house and to bed.

 

This version is made from a spandex rayon blend - super soft and slinky too!

 

Hehe......I love catching candid moments!

Now we're at the business end! If you would like to purchase your FULL Crossroads pattern, please click HERE

 

If you would like your very own FREE version of View G of the Crossroads pattern, all you need to do is sign up for the Design's by Call Ajaire Newsletter! Simple as that! Thanks Ajaire! Your awesome!

 

 

If you need more inspiration, look no further!! Check out what some of the other amazingly talented testers did with the Crossroads pattern!!

 

Happy sewing!

 

~ Zoe ~

 

Ajaire's Blog

The cream of the crop! Love your stuff Ajaire!

 

 

 

 Kreatica

Gorgeous girl, perfect sewing!

 

 

Topstitched 

Check out that pattern matching neckline!! OMG!! Amazing!

 

 

 

 Penny Sew Vintage

Sublime sewing and a stunning example of the cross in block colours!

 

 

Kate Will Knit

 Such a fun example! Loving those fabrics, super sewing!

 

 

Frullemieke

Stunning maxi version!! Loving that fun print!

 

 

Lilah - PDF Pattern by Sansahash

 

Hey there! Welcome! Let me share with you one of my recent sews  ~ Lilah ~  a pattern test for new PDF pattern label - Sansahash.

 

This gorgeous top or dress pattern comes with sizes 6 months to 12 years included.

 

Lilah boasts a stunning racer back.

 

This pattern has a lined bodice and can be sewn in either woven or knit fabric.

 

My versions are top length, sewn in woven fabrics. The woven version does require a button (or snap), front placket closure.

 

 

Lilah is a fabulous beginner sew and looks stunning in simple or fancy fabrics.

 

In this version I added a pleather trim - just for fun! This is simple to do, just stitch the trim to your bodice bottom (right sides facing) before you sew your skirt on.

 

Add some bling buttons for some extra shine!

 

The Lilah tutorial is clear and easy to follow, with step by step illustrations and layered pattern pieces.  

 

 

I really enjoy how quick this sew is, paired with the dramatic, sporty back, just a fabulous Spring or Summer dress/top!

Paired with bubble shorts (this is the Berry Bubble shorts pattern by Mummykins & Me), Lilah is just too cute!

 

 

 

Oh come on Mum! Enough with the photos!

 

For this version I added piping and larger buttons 

For more on this pattern or to purchase, please visit the Sansahash website HERE.

 

To purchase Lilah via Etsy, please click HERE.

 

Or to garner more inspiration and hear all the latest Sansahash news, join the Facebook Fan Group HERE.

 

 

 

Happy sewing!!

 

~ Zoe ~

 

Psssst......a little look at what's up next!!

 

 

Kamaria - Sansahash Patterns Debut!

 

The new kid on the block is here!! Let me acquaint you with Sansahash Patterns! Brainchild of Mgeni (formerly of Bella Sunshine Designs) and Christine – sewer extraordinaire!

 

Their very first pattern release with Sansahash is Kamaria. Kamaria is a versatile pattern, it can be sewn as a dress, top or sunsuit!

 

This halter neck style pattern boasts a paper-bag waistband ruffle option (go on, say that 6 times fast! LOL) The ruffle option can be applied on the dress and sunsuit version.

 

The sunsuit has options for pockets, I did find them to have a petite opening when using them with the ruffled waistband. However, my daughter was able to get her hands in ok and there was room in them for a lolly or 5!

 

Is your princess still diapering? No problem! The pattern includes the option to add a snap placket to the sunsuit crotch.

 

The ruffles can be completely omitted for a different look (or a quicker sew!)

 

This is a pattern that suits adventurous beginners to intermediate sewers. No one step is difficult, although certain steps can be fiddly and need doing carefully. I’m talking here about attaching the skirt/bottoms to the top...... I recommend plenty of pins and patience. The top version would be considered a beginner sew, so if you’re unsure where to start, give the top a go!

 

 

This beautiful pattern includes a full range of sizes, 6 months to 12 years (approximately.)

 

 

The tutorial is written clearly and illustrations of each step make sure your garment is made perfectly!

 

Pattern pieces are layered (a feature I really, really love!) So you only need to print the size(s) you need.

 

While I found this pattern suits those who have a serger (overlocker) as well as a normal sewing machine, you don’t strictly need one. If you use French seams or adjust your hems you can still create a professional looking garment, inside as well as out.   

 

Now, to the best bit! Talking about my sews!! (Because come on, I know your here to see the photos!!)

 

 

During the testing process I actually sewed up 3 versions. The first one I accidently misread the skirt dimensions – completely my own fault! So my dress turned into a little peplum like top!

 

My "stuff up" version

Version Two

 

The second version sewed needed refining a little, but is still a good example – although I don’t have any nice photos!

 

 

My final reflects the actual released pattern and I just love the way this pattern can be made to achieve different looks. I loved the idea of the top bodice having a separate, almost blouse like look, hence my choice of white poplin.

 

 

 

 

For my sunsuit version I wanted to pick fun fabrics which would really appeal to my daughter (as she doesn’t love sunsuits!! But she looks so fantastic in them!)

 

I love sewing the Kamaria pattern, it’s so classy and really looks great on children of all ages! Some of the tween testers sewed up some real beauties! And I can see myself revisiting this pattern again and again over the years.

 

 

If you would like to see more or purchase your own copy of Kamaria, please visit the Sansahash Etsy store HERE.

 

To join the Sansahash pattern group to find more inspiration, see the latest specials and patterns, PLUS show off your own work, please click HERE.