You have to check out the Day Shift Dress: https://www.instagram.com/sewlike/
To say I was disappointed not to be picked as one of the pattern testers for this pattern would be under selling the emotion. Honest though, it’s because I’m an impatient pansy, and I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on this pattern.
Let me back up... located on Instagram, running under the handle @sewlike, you will meet Aussie expat, Romy-Krystal Cutler, the designer and creative behind the Day Shift Dress.
So yeah, I had to wait, like the plebe I am.
However, Romy knew I was excited, if my many messages and stalker-ish behaviour didn’t clue her into the fact, I would have been surprised. So, she sent me the link to her Etsy shop as soon as the pattern went live. And guess what!! I was the first non-tester to purchase and sew her pattern. You can check out my IG if you don't believe me https://www.instagram.com/madebymejessieb/
(yes, I am competitive, and this is a brag, so sue me, I have a lot of enthusiasm)
This dress, it was well worth the wait, Romy has created a pattern that just speaks to be colour blocked, that is size inclusive, with instructions that will have your back, no matter your sewing experience.
I’ve made two dresses and two tops so far, and every piece of fabric that comes into my hand (which is a lot: people de-stash to me and I have a significant thrifting addiction), is evaluated for Day Shift Dress potential.
Now this is not a sponsored post, like I’m all for that sure, but in this instance, I purchased the pattern myself. This pattern cost $26.91 Australian, and I printed it on A0, coz A4 is a fool’s game. So, add in another $20 and I’m coming in under $50 for a pattern. Now you may all be thinking, well that’s some $$ there. Of course, I used my gorgeous Kylie and the Machine Lable to add that À la mode. https://www.kylieandthemachine.com/
This is not “fast fashion”, this is an independent designer, creating quality product, that allows me, the home sewist, bountiful opportunities to create. Let's see, so far, I have made 4 articles of clothing from this pattern, so we’ve already got the pattern down to $12.50/ article of clothing, say maybe $5 of fabric for each one, and that’s being generous, and we are still under $20 for each item. I say, that’s pretty good.
The first dress I made using a gorgeous white cotton tablecloth, that I'd thrifted, and I am so chuffed with how it turned out. The second, I made using damaged, thrifted purple paisley sheets and a purple dye'd remnant of an old kitchen curtain that was de-stashed to me by my sister’s friend when her Nonna passed. The third version was a top that I made using thrifted remnants of vintage cotton sailboats, and the fourth version, fully french seamed using linen remnants that I’d dyed green. (I enjoy using RIT dyes). I added tie closures to my green version- the others have button/loop closures.
Let’s talk sizing, my current measurements put me in the size 16 range, B: 110cm/ E cup, W: 89cm, H: 109cm. I made the 14, which is a size down, and the fit is spot on. Romy has made incredible pockets, but my true love, the thing I love most about this pattern is the sleeve! It’s a ¾ length, with a lantern style, that gives such a nice finish, whilst creating an eye-catching shape. Now if sleeves are not your thing, this pattern has a sleeveless option.
Making Clothes that fit you and suit your aesthetic doesn’t need to cost a fortune; Romy has your back with her inaugural pattern. She has created a pattern that is inspired and inspiring. This is definitely a beginner appropriate pattern, saying that though, it has features to entice a more experienced sewer. I have plans to teach this pattern in small group workshops (permission obtained of course!) and I just can't wait to see what @sewlike designs next.
Click the link to check out Romy's YouTube video detailing the Day Shift Dress, it is totally worth it.
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