Sewing Pattern Sales

Where do you buy your sewing patterns?

In Singapore there is a limit to where to buy the Big 4 pattern so I went online and usually get it from Sewing Patterns.com. So far, they have been fabulous. Fast and I can get most patterns from the big company there.

I usually buy when there is a sale. There is a sale going on for Simplicity at USD$2.99 for one. Plus shipping and I usually get a few, it comes up to about USD$7 for one which is much cheaper than if I get it from Spotlight.

These are just some of the pattern I got from them recently.

I also bought some swim suit pattern from Kwik Sew.  They are on sale now at USD$7.99.

I made a swim suit for my girl using the above 3785 for my 7 year old using M. The size is right.  For my 2 year old, I used the now out of print K3606 but alas, the XL size is still too small for my chubby baby! I was so disappointed.  The pattern is so cute but..it was not to be.

So, in order not to waste the pattern, I will give away the pattern to any of my reader who is interested to have it! The pattern pieces are uncut and Kwik Sew really has good instruction on sewing with swim suit materials and elastic. So far, I can't find the Kwik Sew pattern in Singapore so for those of you who are interested, let me know at the comments column. If more than one reader is interested, I'll just random pick the number.  Apologise that this is for Singapore only and you have to pay for the postage which I will discuss with you if you are selected.

So, if you are drooling at the patterns, wait no further as the sale will end today!

Patterns patterns

I bought all these pattern recently from Sewing Patterns.com during their Simplicity USD2.99 sale! Even with the international shipping, it is still cheaper than getting from Spotlight.   

I really envy the sewers at the States where they can pop in their local fabric store and find 99cents patterns! I'm not sure where else can I find sewing patterns in Singapore except for Spotlight. 

SO when I saw the sale at USD2.99, I grab the offer.  To make the shipping worthwhile, I order a lot, as you can see.  I waited anxiously for the shipment to arrive since they go by United State Postal Service, I don't have a tracking number so I was worried it will not arrive.

It finally came last week, one pattern got some tiny tear, but it doesn't affect the paper patterns.  The rest  are in good shape. I can't wait to open them and sew up some fabulous dresses.  

As you can see, I love dresses. My resolution in 2012 is to sew fitted clothes for myself. I thought starting with pattern will be good idea. I got some pattern reviews online before I pick these few (er..many). I'm happy with my purchase.

The 2 patterns were from Spotlight.  Have already cut out the fabric for the above dress and my girl had ordered her version of coat and dress so hopefully I got some good items to show soon. 

Two tier skirts with pockets from Lisette 2064

Yup, I've got another pattern review here today.  I have recently turned to pattern shopping as opposite to fabric shopping since I've self impose a ban on buying more fabric till I've used them up! I'm not sure if it's working though cause I was tempted, yet again, by the recent Spotlight sale.  I was surprise to find Lisette sewing patterns and fabric on 50% sale! Can't passed them by and I grabbed 2 sewing patterns and fabric since it's 50% off!  

I've sew up 2 skirts for my girls using Lisette 2064. The instruction was really clear and I love it. Made the 2 skirts in a jiffy.  I think I took the most time trying to construct the color combination in my mind and matching the print using my existing stash.

You recall this color combination from my sister in law diaper bag? I really love the pastel color and I thought it would really look pretty as a skirt.  The pretty waistband and bias tape covered pocket edge were so sweet, don't you think? I had tried to arrange the flower print so that they will be by the side of the front panel.

I've followed the instruction pretty closely except that I made the skirt 2 tiers! Hence, a little time was spent trying to figure out how to sew the pocket on the 2 layers.  But once I got the hang of it, I was able to sew up another skirt quickly using cupcakes print and polka dots. This one is for little sister.

My girls love their new skirts. 

Me too.

So, I decided to, 

hmmm...hmmmm...., 

sew one for myself too : P

Took a little time to figure out my measurements and sew them up real quick. This time, I sew only 1 layer. The fabric is a vintage print cotton that I bought from Spotlight.  Really happy that I was able to use my existing stash : )  

I will share on how I amend the pattern to be a 2 tier skirts in my next post. So, come back soon!

Diaper bag from Simplicity 2924

I found this pattern pack from Spotlight and love that it comes with so many pattern pieces for 7 items! Yes, 7 - 2 designs diaper bag, baby bib, tummy pillow, burp cloth, changing pad, diaper wipes bag and pacifier clip. Wow!  My sister in law is going to have twin babies come May and I thought a diaper bag will be nice for her.

I bought the floral fabric sometime ago from Spotlight and made a lunch bag from it but the rest of the fabric was sitting in my drawer waiting for another project.  I finally found a baby pink polka dot fabric that match nicely with my floral print.

back view with back pocket

I took some time to plan the construction as I use 2 fabric instead of 1 so need to be sure where each fabric goes.  With the interfacing pieces, it can get confusing.  But I love how it turn out!

The inside of the bag has 4 big elasticized pockets to carry all the necessities for the baby. I just love the beautiful floral print at the base!

The interfacing that I've used are medium weight but I feel that the bag is still too soft and didn't stand up well. I've followed all the steps in the pattern and it was really simple. Instruction is well written and clear.  Minor adjustment made was I cut the fabric to be 1" shorter as the original design was too big.  I also added batting to the strap as I thought it would be more comfortable on the shoulder.

I love the elasticized side pockets that is big enough to contain the water bottles and milk bottles.  I used the  inner fabric for the elastic casing so that it has a contrasting effect. Just need to cut the side pocket piece to be 1" smaller and add in the contrasting strip to be 2" and sew them before you attach the side pocket.

Another view of the side pocket with the big back pocket.

The bag view of the bag with strap.

Butterick 5612 - A Review

I've sewn up a Tunic for myself using Butterick 5612. I  bought the downloaded version from Print2Sew. It is not completed yet since I've not yet sewn on the buttons.

I chose View B but did a few modification.

The fabric is some light weight blue cotton that I bought sometime ago from Fabric.com.  I've chose size 10 for the top and size 12 for waist and hip.  But it was still gaping at the neckline for me so I cut off some length from the neck band before attaching to the neckline.  The instruction for the placket was a bit confusing and the small picture doesn't help too. In the end, I just use my common sense and attach it. Not sure if it's the right method but it works.

In my opinion, the sleeve was also too big and it could use some slimming down. I didn't adjust the sleeve though since I can wear them rolled up.

The casing for the drawstring was quite a hassle so I did away with it and just sew 2 belt loops at the waist area and insert the drawstring through.

Here's the back view of the tunic. The raglan sleeve style tunic is quite nice on me since it is not so form fitting and the drawstring at the waist gives it some shape. I also love the 2 big pockets that is just the right size for me!

In my next post, I'll be sharing a tutorial on sewing on buttons and button holes using the sewing machine.  Stay posted!

Sewing projects in the pipeline..

I fell in love with this dress that I pin on Pinterest.

So I took the courage and order it online at Butterick website. It was USD$8.99 for the online version. 

Was so excited last night when I downloaded the pattern pieces, all 30 pages of it! Lay them out and scotch-taped them, cut them and put them aside for cutting of the fabric later. Havent' bought the fabric yet but look forward to get one in the lovely fuchia colour. So bright and cheery.

Hopefully I'll not pull hair and shelf the project half way long the road and I'll be able share my dress soon. But first, I will do a muslin first, just in case I spoilt the precious fabric.

Also in the pipeline...on my Pin!



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Pattern Review - A one-piece dress

I made this! [please ignore the crease as I was in a hurry to show u guys : P ]

Following the pattern from one of my favourite japanese pattern book that I blog about the other day.

The back view with the cute ribbon tie

Just like the pattern book!

It pattern is easy enough. I decided to add the dart last minute as it really looks like maternity wear on me : (

The model is really thin so maybe that's why it looks good on her. But I still like my dress. The top is cotton and the skirt is a suiting fabric.  Hmmm..I need to tie up my hair to show the ribbon tie when I wear this one!

Will be making another one from the book another time. The book is full of sweet designs and I love most of the look. You can get them through Amazon or at Kinokuniya @ Orchard Road.