Tag Archives: diy

Andi Set Top

So, have you ever made something thinking it might not exactly be your style and it ends up being something you absolutely love? This is the Andi Top from the Swimstyle Andi set. I was curious about the design, which is what made me apply to be a Swimstyle Ambassador in the first place. It has a certain style and flair that is so unique and when you see the drafting, you’ll know what I mean.

My version of the Andi Top has these billowy long sleeves that are attached to a bodice with a deep V and these ties that can be adjusted. I have quite a modest amount of tummy showing but the main idea is that it gives shape to the bust area without needing darts. It’s a very flattering top. I’m positively happy about the ruching created by these ties and the channels in the front. 

For my measurements of 35-inch high bust, 38-inch full bust and 33-inch waist, I’ve made the Size L. It’s a great fit but it’s quite cropped so next time, I would lengthen by an inch. For this top, I sewed a narrow hem or a cheat’s rolled hem by sewing a straight stitch ¼ inch from the bottom of the hem and then pressing the hem up twice.

If you’re like me and can’t work a loop turner for all the money in the world, you could use some bias binding to make the tie for the blouse. It really saved my sanity. I know everyone has their special tool or technique, but it really stresses me out when I have to make a narrow rouleau. I simply folded the long edge to the middle and then folded over again in half and edge sewed the tie.

The Andi Top is made for woven fabric. My fabric is a sheer lightweight textured cotton. I had this on my Make Nine 2024 list where I wanted to use up nine pieces of fabric from my stash. I thought it was a perfect pairing because it’s very easy to gather this fabric. I also love the subtle texture woven into the fabric. The top probably appears quite white, but it is more of a soft beige.

I will definitely be sewing the matching skirt to this Andi Set. It’s been such an enjoyable sew. I noticed that Swimstyle Patterns have some unique features like the tabs that make it so easy and accurate to match up the pieces. I was grateful for this because my fabric did not really have a right side or a wrong side, so these tabs made it easy to tell where the pieces needed to be attached. The comprehensive illustrations helped there as well!

Thanks for reading and happy sewing!

X Em

Lotus Jar Skirt

This was a special pattern test as this is the inaugural pattern release from Linen Lab which is a family-owned fabric company based Korea. Another thing that makes this special is that they have based it on traditional Korean Hanbok. Just reading the history and background of the design was so interesting.

The Lotus Jar Skirt has a unique shape where the skirt billows out then taper back at the bottom of the skirt. The shape and how it’s held is determined by the type of fabric you use. Of course, the more structured fabrics show the shape more obviously. I’ve used two contrasting linen fabric with medium weight and drape. I’m thrilled that it’s holding that beautiful shape of the lotus jar which is so elegant. The skirt has a half elasticated waistband which is so easy to fit and wear. 

The instructions are accompanied by photographs so it’s probably going to limit the use to those who work off a computer. I think you could print the instructions, but it might not be as clear. Generally, if you have some basic knowledge in sewing, it’s not hard to follow. It’s an enjoyable sew to bring together and doesn’t take too long either. 

Sizing was pretty spot on for me. My waist being 33 inches and hips measuring 40 inches, I made the size 12 without any modifications. My height is 167cm and the skirt is a midi length as intended by the pattern. Conveniently, the skirt has been drafted with shortening and lengthening lines. My second favourite feature apart from the fabulous shape of the skirt are the big pockets!

I loved testing for Jo-Anna @sewingwithlinen who the designer of the skirt is. It was easy to give feedback and any questions were quickly answered. It’s a fun pattern to sew with potential for it to look different according to the fabric that you choose. There’s even the potential to hack it into an A-Line skirt! I think that Linen Lab might be making this a free pattern for their customers!

Thanks for reading and happy sewing!

X Em

Sorrento Shorts

When Eloh Patterns released the Sorrento Shorts pattern, I was quick to jump on and buy it because I love the look of that flat front and I find semi elasticated trousers and shorts to be quite comfortable. Anything that doesn’t squeeze me in the middle! These shorts come with the bonus of extra big pockets, and I love the little flare facilitated by the pleats in the front.

It’s a straightforward pattern to sew and fit. I made a size 12 with my waist measurement of 33 inches and hip measurement of 40 inches. I did receive an email after my purchase with updated instructions about choosing the right size as the waistband is narrower than the hips. I usually look at both hip and waist measurements before deciding on a size. Sometimes I grade between sizes. I was unsure why that instruction had to be updated in the pattern? I did my usual try on before attaching my waistband and everything worked out fine in the sizing.

The pattern suggests medium weight fabric, so I chose to use some leftover poplin from my stash. Feeling very pleased that I’m working through my stash this year. If I’m honest, the motivation to get through the stash is so I can justify buying some great fabric that I’ve bookmarked. Just waiting for sales! The poplin has worked very well for the pattern.

Seam allowances. This pattern has 2cm as the seam allowance due to French seams. I must be honest and say that I overlocked my seams as I only tend to use French seams with thin, lightweight, or delicate fabrics. I know it’s the choice of the seamstress and the pattern maker but I was wondering if the French seams would be bulky in this category of fabric? I ended up trimming all my seam allowances down to 1cm to reduce bulk. I guess you can argue that 2cm is not that far from a 5/8-inch seam allowance which is quite standard for woven fabric patterns so I didn’t necessarily have to trim the seams down. 

Generally, my one little criticism is a storm in a teacup because overall, Eloh patterns has impressed me. The fit, design and instructions that included illustrations are an excellent standard. I won’t hesitate to purchase more of her patterns. It was a really relaxing sew which is much needed after a stressful week. I love how sewing focusses my mind on something completely different for a while. Also, straight after sewing, I put them on, and they are superbly comfortable to wear! Great for the heatwave we are experiencing.

Thanks for reading and happy sewing!

X Em