Closet case pouf

Hi sewing friends! Today I’m bringing you something a little bit different… still a sewing project, but it is not a garment…it is a pouf that you can sit on or rest your tired legs.

A while back I notice on Instagram that Closet Case Patterns created a free PDF pattern for a pouf that is perfect for that leftover pieces that might be to small for a top or skirt, but you still keep them because they are so beautiful or just hold some memories…I have many, many scraps like that which finally I manage to find a use for!

To receive the PDF pouf pattern first you need to sign up to Closet Case Patterns newsletter which will grant you an access to their Resource Library. There are few more free patterns and other tutorials available so it is definitely worth it….don’t worry they will not spam your mail box.

The pattern does not come with an instuction booklet but there is a sew along tutorial available on their blog, which takes you through the entire sewing process. The top and sides of the pouf consists of 12 pieces that you can color block however you like. I decided to match the top and sides on my pouf because I had enough of small fabric pieces to do so. I didn’t want to go to crazy, so chose six different patterns from my leftover bin and color coordinated them together swapping around pieces till I was satisfied with the layout…..it took me awhile if you wondering. Using 1cm seam allowance I sewn the pieces together in the way that is recommended on the sew along post ensuring to have the centre seam meeting at the same place. It can be a little tricky, but if you are careful and consistent with seam allowance it is doable.

All my scraps were some sort of light weight cotton fabric so I decided to use a felt fabric as a stabiliser. Didn’t want too many lines of stitches so just top-stitched individual triangle and did some slanted lines on the side panel.

I really like the idea of using piping and matching fabric covered button to decorate the pouf, so I went and did just that! I think it looks super cute.

The bottom piece is made out of two half circles which I also backed with felt fabric to increase durability. There is an option of using zipper or Velcro as a centre opening, and I used a matching green invisible zipper from my stash. The inside of this pouf is stuffed with all unwanted and unused scraps of materials that I stored in a bin bag hiding in my closet….still need a little more….an excuse to buy more fabric!!!

This is a fantastic project that is an ultimate scrap buster! I don’t think it can get any better than that!!!

~Have you consider making a pouf?~

Monika xxx

Pattern testing Pisco Dress by SBCC Patterns

Hi sewing friends! In today’s post I will share with you yet another pattern I had the honour to test before it’s release into the wild. This time it is a pattern by Betsy, from Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick Patterns. Few weeks ago I noticed a call out for pattern testers on Betsy’s Instagram Stories and straight away jumped into it without even thinking. In all honesty I need to admit that this was my very first time making a pattern by SBCC. Imagine my reaction when I realized that they cater for petite women in particular!!! OMG!!! This gets better and better! Will this be my TO GO pattern company from now on??? But enough of my rumbling…lets talk about the Pisco Dress!

Pattern

Pisco top/dress is a pattern designed for a knit fabrics. It comes as a semi fitted dress option that depending on your fabric choice can be made into more sporty and everyday dress or more of a cocktail and evening dress or you can make a cute top that is great for layering.

The pattern is drafted with princess seams, nice round neckline and a shaped armhole bands that I see myself hacking into a cap sleeves !?

What is great and very unique about this pattern is the option of mix and matching different bra sizes and lengths. It can be a little confusing at first but it is so simple and genius on Betsy’s part. First you have the option of picking a cup size between B,C or D, next you need to choose the lenght of your bodice and skirt. The pattern comes in two lenghts: petite and average and last you pick your size. Just brilliant!!! If you are short waisted pick a petite lenght bodice, if you are long waisted pick average lenght bodice and so on and so forth.

Pattern instruction shows clear illustrations of each step , but omit the fabric layout recommendation. This is understandable, because it would take pages to showcase every single mix option for each size and lenght, however it includes a detailed yardage requirements for all options.

Pattern adjustments

Based on my body measurements I chose cup size C with both petite bodice and skirt in size XL. My waist was falling slightly outside, but looking at the finished measurements I made a decision to try it as it is without grading. I am amazed by how well it fits me, especially on the back! I always have to make some sort of sway back adjustment, but this time it was not the case. It got me thinking…do I even have a sway back, or is it all about proportions???

Obviously this being a tester version it ws not perfect and Betsy made a couple of minor twicks to the pattern that eliminated armhole gaping and gave extra ease for bigger sizes.

The only alternation I had made this time was to “shave off” about 7 mm at the shoulder seam to reduce the gaping. Everything else is exactly as it is on the pattern and I couldn’t be happier!

Fabric choice

To make this dress I purchased this lovely navy Ponte di Roma fabric with white polka dots from 1st for Fabrics. It was £6.50 per meter and I got 2.5 meters because I was not sure at that point how much I will need it. It has perfect amount of stretch for this dress and it is not too heavy. I had used only 1,2 meter so have enough for another project! Looks like the top version will be great for some fabric scrap busting….some color blocking perhaps?!

Sewing the pattern

It took me about 30 mins to cut out the pattern pieces and 2 hours to sew the garment, which is super fast! The dress is made out of 5 panels ( 1x front, 2x sides, 2x backs) plus neckline and armhole binding. That is all!

Final thoughts

You probably guessed that I am absolutely over the moon with this pattern! It feels like it was drafted bespoke for my body. I will be using an re-using this pattern time and time again in the future and already planing to buy ALL of SBCC patterns!

~if you are petite you must have this dress ~

Monika xxx