Talor Tank

Made for Mermaids has just released a totally amazing tank in the perfect time for summer.  This shirt is a seriously fast sew.  We're talking like 20 minutes start to finish (once my pattern was put together...and even that didn't take long!)

The Talor Tank is the girls version of the Free Spirit tank from designer Patterns for Pirates (the designers behind Made for Mermaids and Patterns for Pirates are sisters.)  and they're offering a mommy/daughter bundle this weekend only!  

The Talor Tank comes in sizes 1/2 all the way up to size 14 and has top, tunic, and dress lengths, as well as a full back or racerback option, AND curved, highlow, or straight hemlines and several options for adding a bow to the racerback!  It's packed full of options.  I've already made Kessa two and she loves them.  I see a lot more in our future!

(promise my hemline isn't that wonky, it was just windy!  lol)

Pier 7

I got the pleasure of testing Terra's Treasureshttp://terrastreasuresdesigns.com/ new Pier 7 top pattern (which is also part of the Bundle Up Salehttp://bundleupsale.com/!)  Like all Terra's patterns is unique and cute!  

(you'll have to pardon my photos.  My photographer is the size of most 5 year olds and I didn't think to get her a stool!  lol)

It's hard to tell in my pictures/with the fabric I chose but there are 5 cute little pleats/pin tucks in the center of the bodice.  The bodice neckline has a facing that super easy to put in and several testers left off the flutter sleeves if those aren't your thing.

The bodice skirt can be gathered with shirring or with elastic and I think this would be totally adorable as a maternity shirt too!!!

The pattern is written for light weight, flowy woven fabric but I know at least one tester used knit fabric and her top was adorable!  

Women's Bundle Up Take 2!

It's Bundle Up time again!!!  The Bundle Up sale consists of ELEVEN brand spanking new patterns that are perfect for the rest of Me Made May and all that self care sewing you've been meaning to do.  

With the Bundle Up you can pick and choose which patterns you actually want and get some rocking good prices!  You have to buy at least 6 patterns to be able to bundle up but the more you buy...the more you save!!!  

PRICING DETAILS

•$4.50 each for 6-7 ($27-31.50 total)
•$4.25 each for 8-9 ($34-38.25 total)
•$4.00 each for 10 or more ($40- $44 total)

 I got the pleasure of sewing up Greenstyle's Jillian Tank and Love Notions Bluezette dress.  (Be sure and stop back later this week when I'll be sharing my take on Terra's Treasures Pier 7 top which is also in the Bundle too!)

First, let's talk about this Bluezette.  I made one of the most simple versions but this pattern has sooo many options you could probably make a dozen or more and never have two alike!  Three different sleeve options (tank, cap, and this 1/2 length), 5 different skirt options (maxi, tulip, half circle, high low, knee length), and two different bodice types (fitted and more full so it looks like it's been tucked in) make this one of the most versatile patterns I've seen in a long time.

I choose the fitted bodice with the knee length skirt and the 1/2 sleeves.  I'm already itching to make another one with a circle skirt.  The bodice is a comfy knit and the instructions for lining or doing facings are incredibly clear and easy to follow.  One thing I LOVED about this pattern was the fact that it has hyperlinks between different options!  It makes jumping from one spot to other as simple as clicking your mouse button.   It comes in sizes XS to XXXL and has no trim pages, layers so you can print only the size you want, and lots of ideas and inspiration for great dresses!

Next up is Greenstyle's Jillian tank. Here's what the pattern description says - "The Jillian comes with so many options! An outer, layer tank, an inner tank, a bandeau, and a sports bra are all included in one great pattern. The outer tank can be made with a dressy chiffon and layered over the inner tank for a night out. Or, you can make it sporty by using your favorite performance knit for your trip to the gym or out for a walk."

I used a lightweight burnout knit for my outer tank.  The binding instructions push this over the top making it incredibly professional looking.  You can also use a lightweight flow-y woven fabric for the outer tank.   

The inner tank can have a build in sports bra and there are instructions for making your own binding for the straps and using 1" FOE.  I chose to go the FOE route and omitted the built in bra and this tank was incredibly quick sew up!  The fit is great and the back is super cute!  I see a lot more of these in my future!  Once you have the pattern cut you can probably whip up both the inner and outer tank both in under an hour!

If you want to check out some more reviews be sure and stop by all the other bloggers on the tour!