How to beat the sewing blues with Pattern Parcel #6.

‘I am having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, I told everybody. No one even answered.

Next week, I said, I’m going to Australia.’  

This sums up how I’ve been feeling lately and explains my blogging and sewing hiatus!

Sometimes being a parent sucks! Sometimes being a parent in a foreign country SUCKS! Sometimes being a parent in a foreign country that doesn’t speak your language REALLY SUCKS!

To top it all, I saw my eye doctor yesterday. He complimented me on my improved complexion. After six years of discomfort and unsightly acne, my rosacea is finally clearing up – wrinkles, greying hair and spots weren’t the best combo. My doctor then told me, I now need glasses.

‘It has been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

My mom says some days are like that.

Even in Australia.’

Extract from ‘Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day’ by Judith Viorst.

Thankfully Jill (Made with Moxie and Pattern Parcel), threw me a sewing lifeline.

Pattern Parcel #6

Pattern Parcel #6 is a collection of five über cool, easy breezy indie patterns that you get to name the price for. Plus a sixth bonus pattern, if you pay over $32. That’s only $5 a pattern.

Pattern Parcel #6 is a perfect mix of sporty, practical, cute and fancy patterns – separates and dresses. In a week, I’ve already made four of the six patterns! If you put your mind to it, I’m sure you could whip up at least half of these in a weekend – albeit a sewing retreat type weekend, sans distractions!

Zsalya Top by Kate and Rose Patterns Review

First up, my review of the Zsalya top by Kate and Rose Patterns. With this pattern you can make a dress or a top with bracelet-length or short sleeves. I went with the longer sleeved top in a size small based on my body measurements.

Fabric

In keeping with the folksy vibe of the pattern, I used a black cotton lace fabric with a cotton/cupro lining on the body and sleeve cuffs.

Construction

The pattern instructions are straightforward and easy to understand with illustrations and written explanations for each sewing step which made sewing the top up using the ‘clean and fancy method’, a breeze.

Key Design Features

For me, the winning features of this pattern are the curved front and back yokes and the crossover ‘faux wrap’ neckline on the front bodice. There’s no wrap gaping and it’s got a nice high v-neck.

The sleeve edge detail is cute too.

Modifications for next time

This was my first go at this pattern but next time, I’ll reduce the width at the side seams a smidgeon. I think the pattern is fairly true to size but it is a loose fit so if like me you prefer a more svelte look, then you may want to reduce the width a touch.

The sleeves are really comfortable and practical for the cooler months ahead but I’d like to try a short sleeved version of this. I think shorter sleeves would help reduce the voluminous look of the top.

Don’t miss out on these patterns, the sale ends October 31st so go buy them now. Name your price and how much you want to give to the educational charity.

Thanks so much Jill and Danny (@Pattern Parcel) for giving me the chance to try out these patterns. They got me out of my sewing rut for sure! Also thanks to my helpful neighbour and fellow sewing blogger Alex for taking some of the pics.

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Have fun sewing,

Christine