It’s the last week of August, which means that I’m feeling both sad and happy. Sad that summer is over and we’re back at work after a very fun and relaxing vacation and because school is about to start again. But happy that it’s finally time to introduce you to our newest collection of patterns!
This season we have something for everyone. A new pattern for boys (I know!), a fantastic classic dress for special occasions, and a sporty dress or tunic for everyday wear.
Field Trip Cargo Pants and Raglan T-Shirt Pattern
First off, a pattern for the boys! Need I say more?
The cargo pants are fun to sew and include lots of great little details like front and back pockets, three-dimensional cargo pockets at the side seams, a waistband facing, belt loops, a faux fly, and articulated knees. (If you’re not familiar with this strange word “articulated,” it means that they have a little shaping for easy movement which is oh-s0-important for active kids.)
The raglan t-shirt is simple, classic, and clean. We’ve included a chest pocket, just because we thought it looked great and because we have a pocket theme going on with this pattern. I love raglan t-shirts because I think the contrast color at the sleeves and neck looks great, and this raglan T is really quick and easy to sew. I’ll show you later how this pattern is also great for the girls.
Fairy Tale Dress
Next up is our super fancy dress, the Fairy Tale Dress. I’ve been meaning to develop this pattern for a while now. It’s a full-fledged, knock-your-socks off dress designed specifically for special occasions but also completely appropriate for everyday.
The pattern includes two views: a sleeveless version (pictured here) with a big bow at the back and a tulip-sleeve version with a delicate waistband and bow detail. Both versions are fully lined, include an invisible zipper, and even have a crinoline skirt to help give a little extra fullness. (Of course, you can eliminate the crinoline if you’re making this dress for everyday use.) This is a very fitted style, much more so than our other patterns, so we recommend that you measure carefully and make a bodice muslin when sewing this pattern. It may be a little extra work, but you’ll love the results!
Book Report Dress
And finally the Book Report Dress. It’s great not just for the days when you need to stand up in front of the class to make a presentation, but also for pretty much any other occasion, special or everyday, as well.
My favorite detail on this pattern is the two pockets hidden at the waist seam, but it’s got lots of other great details, too: two gentle pleats at the neckline, buttons at the shoulders, a classic tailored pleat at the back yoke, long sleeves with a simple cuff, and a shirt-tail hem. This dress can also be worn as a tunic with leggings or pants underneath. I’m kind of wanting this in my size, much as I hate to admit it.
I’ll introduce you to each style in greater detail over the course of this week, staring tomorrow with the cargo pants and raglan t-shirt. The patterns are already printed and on their way to our warehouse. We expect to have them ready to sell here on our website early next week.