So I’m really getting into sewing. It’s pretty much become my new obsession. I love being able to create something so practical for myself and my family. And I love that I am getting better at it all the time. Recently I’ve been finding that having a creative time at some point during the day helps me stay motivated to get more mundane tasks complete (like washing the never ending pile of dishes, ugh). It is also gives me some much needed ‘Me’ time sans babies (I love my babies to bits, but building cool lego towers isn’t always a great creative outlet for me… although, you should see some of my lego towers… just sayin’). So far in my sewing adventures I’ve learned that Sewing mama = Happy mama!
I don’t remember when but at some point in my sewing blog perusing, I came across a new pattern company called Willow & Co. They are a group of pretty amazing designers with some pretty sweet patterns. I saw that they were having a pattern tester call and thought it looked kind of interesting. Without really knowing what ‘pattern testing’ meant, I signed up. And I was actually chosen! Woot! I tested 2 patterns and pretty much had a blast doing it. There’s something kind of unique about a whole bunch of people sewing the same thing at the same time.
Anyways, so the first pattern I tested was the Hawthorn sweater. I am in love with this pattern! It combines all of my favourite things about a pattern; it’s great for boys and girls, it’s a perfect staple item, it comes in lots of sizes (6m to 12 years!!) and it is super practical. I made up the Hawthorn in sz 12-18 months with a grey sweatshirt fleece (found at the thrift store). It’s a little big on him now, but I expected that. It should be great for camping trips this summer. I am very tempted to make one for myself by hacking the size 12… stay tuned 🙂
This pattern has some pretty sweet finishing techniques. The inside looks so professional… I just can’t recommend it enough!
I also got to test the Aster Cardigan. This is a super cute, cropped cardigan that can go with pretty much any outfit. I made this is size 2T with a greenish, tealish colour jersey fabric (also from the thrift store). The collar was upcycled from a black t-shirt (again from the thrift store… I like thrift stores. It’s a bit of a problem…). Everything about it fit Leah perfectly! Also, I’m pretty sure this is the start of her modelling career (Ha!).
Now I did not get to test the Mulberry Tunic, but I got it once all the patterns were released because I thought it looked so cool. I have yet to make the Mulberry, but based on previous experience I’m pretty sure it will also be an excellent pattern. More on that soon!
For today, I leave you with this…
I like both these patterns and love both these babes!