Molly Peasant for girls

Make ALL the patterns challenge

Pattern 6: Molly Peasant for girls by Sis Boom

Miss Kai decided she wanted to be Red Riding Hood for Book Week dress up day this year, she wanted a more grown up version though and had her heart set on a plain white dress. She pinned a tonne of inspiration idea's for me and we decided the Molly Peasant would be perfect for the look she wanted. We wanted the dress to be something she could wear on it's own as well. Miss Kai is very picky when it comes to wearing dresses and rarely let's me make her any so I was excited to get started on this project.

I quite like the Sis Boom patterns, and the fact I can just print the size I need. This is such a quick and easy pattern. The instructions were very easy to follow and I love that it is so easy to modify. We kept with the simplest options as that suited the look we were going for. I used the guide for working out the lengths of the skirt and it was perfect. 

Unfortunately Miss Kai got a really bad Throat Infection and ended up off school for two weeks so she missed Book Week dress up day. She managed to do a quick model for me though in between coughing fits. She loves this style and has asked for some more in other fabrics, so that is a huge win for a dress!!! Double win for me as it is such a quick sew. 

Now to get onto making the hood, I'll be organised for Halloween for once!!!

If you would like to follow my progress or even join me on this crazy challenge you can follow me on Instagram and use #makeallthepatterns to tag your challenge pieces. I would love the encouragement! 

Next up DYO Shirred Dress by Boo! Designs

Burda Pattern 7547 - A Maxi Dress

Make ALL the patterns challenge

Pattern 5: Maxi Dress Pattern 7547 from Burda

I absolutely adore Maxi Dresses and always try on numerous styles only to be disappointed that none suit/fit me, I am too short with too full a bust generally. I have only ever found 2 maxi dresses that worked, though even those didn't fit very well.

When I started sewing I always intended to make myself some maxi dresses that actually fit me properly. So five years later I have finally done it. I bought this pattern about a month after I got my sewing machine, I have pulled it out numerous times and then got sidetracked and never gotten past looking at it. 

So I measured myself up and I realised why ready to wear options never really worked for me, every one of my measurements is a different size, and they range over 10 sizes. I am still very much learning how to sew for adults (kids are so much easier) and learning what adjustments I need to make for myself. The pattern itself was OK to follow, but I really do prefer PDF Patterns instructions and support. Luckily I have learnt enough over the years to understand the terms & assumed knowledge so I could follow the pattern. I really need to learn the Full Bust Adjustment as that is the area I always struggle with. This dress was no exception and I got it wrong unfortunately. I was feeling really flat after I made it as it just felt and looked very sack like. 

I am also not a fan of the way the shoulders are done, you go to all the effort of making a lined bodice only to have your shoulder seams exposed. I think there is a better way to do it in the future. Otherwise it is a simple and quick sew, that I am sure if you were a more standard size would wield much better results.

Thankfully I am a member of some great sewing groups on Facebook and after posting the above photo I got some great and easy suggestions on how I could fix the dress without unpicking it all and redoing it. I decided on a simple fabric belt to wear under the bust. I am so much happier with it now and actually feel confident I could wear it in public without concern. 

I think I will try to make this pattern again, but with the adjustments I now know I need to make. It won't be a go to pattern for me though. 

If you would like to follow my progress or even join me on this crazy challenge you can follow me on Instagram and use #makeallthepatterns to tag your challenge pieces. I would love the encouragement! 

Next up Molly Peasant for girls by Sis Boom

Calla Lily Skirt

Make ALL the Patterns Challenge

Pattern 4: Women's Calla Lily Skirt by EYMM


I have loved the look of this skirt for so long, and kept thinking I'll make it one day.... I had this gorgeous green & black fabric I wanted to use but thought there is no way I have enough, I'll wait til I have lost some weight.... hmmmmmmm. Thankfully this challenge is pushing me to stop putting things off, so I figured I will see if I can make it stretch. What do you know I had plenty (even if I hadn't shortened it I would have had enough)

This is a huge deal for me to put these photos up for the world to see (outside the very supportive sewing groups I am part of) but if I am going to complete this challenge I am going to have to step out of my comfort zone and face it. One of the reasons I wanted to learn to sew was so I could make myself clothes that actually fit, I am a mix of sizes and it is very rare I can buy ready to wear and have it fit perfectly. So really it is shocking that this is only the second thing I have ever made for myself. I am determined to change this pattern...



The pattern is very simple and easy to follow. The longest and hardest part was putting the pattern together. Printing on A4 means the guide lines don't match up, so you have to use the pattern lines and measure to make sure it is straight. This is something the designer knows about and she is upgrading all her older patterns like this one so they are as easy to put together as the new ones. It's not complicated at all just a little more tedious than her newer patterns, still a lot easier than some other's I have used.

It took me about 30mins to cut and sew this skirt (not including the pattern). Got to love knits and styles that don't need to be hemmed. I was umming & ahing whether to do a lettuce edge hem, but in the end decided I like the clean lines. It was by far the quickest thing I have ever made.

Because I am so short, (smaller than the XSmall size) and my waist size is quite a bit larger I had to alter the pattern to get the right length. I think I may have gone a little too short, I just don't feel comfortable with the highest point in the front. Thankfully I quite like the asymmetrical look with it off to the side, and feel quite comfortable with it. When I make it again I will add some length back. I would advise if you are making it, to make it on the longer side as you can always shorten it whilst hemming.

I can't wait til Summer when I can get more wear out of it!!!

If you would like to follow my progress or even join me on this crazy challenge you can follow me on Instagram and use #makeallthepatterns to tag your challenge pieces. I would love the encouragement! Plus what an awesome way to see all the amazing patterns out there for me to buy! Hehehe I'm not sure if the reasoning behind this challenge has sunk in yet...

Next Up is a Maxi Dress Pattern 7547 from Burda

Freestyle Harem Pants, Shorts & Capri's

Make ALL the Patterns Challenge

Pattern 3 Freestyle Harem Pants, Shorts and Capris by EYMM

I decided to make some pants as other than leggings I have never made pants. I chose the Freestlye Harem pants as fussy miss Kai needs some long pants that are not jeans or leggings and she actually approved of this pattern. It is getting so hard to sew for her now, so I let her choose the patterns and fabric.

I've never sewn with Viscose before which the pattern recommends as it has good drape. I adore the feel of it and as miss Kai is incredibly sensitive to clothing I figured it would make her happy too so off we trotted to Spotlight (there was a 40% off sale after all). I let her choose the fabric, she has a good eye for it. I also grabbed some cotton lycra for the cuffs as Miss Kai was adamant she needed the cuff version. 






Then life got busy and I let it sit for a week.

I finally got to it Monday and boy is it a quick sew. The viscose was a little tricky to work with but I kept with it and managed to keep it under control. I think I really need to get a walking foot if I am going to keep sewing with knits.The cuffs were are bit awkward but that's pretty normal and each time I sew with knits I find I get a little better at it.




I really like the layered pattern pieces. Having the option to just print the size I needed was great as was the no trim pages. The only thing I would have liked was some clearer pictures/instructions showing the pleats as I have never done them before. I ended up doing box pleats which I am not sure is right, but they look fine. Overall a good pattern with great fit so I am very happy with it. The big positive is Miss Kai actually loves them and is happy to wear them! Got to love that especially as it is a rare event now days!

If you would like to follow my progress or even join me on this crazy challenge you can follow me on Instagram and use #makeallthepatterns to tag your challenge pieces. I would love the encouragement! Plus what an awesome way to see all the amazing patterns out there for me to buy! Hehehe I'm not sure if the reasoning behind this challenge has sunk in yet...

Next I am going to sew myself something (the second time ever!!!!) Women’s Calla Lily Skirt by EYMM

The Potato Chip Skirt

Make ALL the Patterns Challenge

Pattern 2: The Potato Chip Skirt by Tie Dye Diva

I just love the simple elegance of this pattern. I saw this little man style fabric in my stash and just thought YES... I love creating things that are a little bit different or quirky so this was a perfect fit for me and it happens to be quite on trend at the moment according to Miss Kai. Miss Ley however feels it has too much mans stuff for her LOL, this from the kid that is obsessed with Dragons and Minecraft. 

 As Miss Ley was not a fan of the fabric and Miss Kai not a fan of the style I decided to make it in a size 6. Miss Ley measures slightly bigger than the size 6 but she could still at least model it for me. It took the promise of some Minecraft skin packs to convince her to model it, and as you can see by the clenched fists it was bitterly cold this morning in Melbourne. I wish she liked it as it is just so stinkin' cute!!! I have grand plans of making a matching bag and headband for it, but will have to see what I have in my patterns that I haven't made yet :-/ 

I found this pattern very easy to follow and am very happy with the finished product. I love that there are the options for the reversible skirt as well and will give that a go in the future. It goes together so quickly which is always good. The only fault I could pick is it isn't mentioned in the hemming instructions to ease in the fullness of the hem. I learnt this the hard way in my early days of sewing and it was a very frustrating experience. It is just general knowledge to me now, but if you have never had to do this before it is a very frustrating experience. It's not really a fault of the pattern, just something I wish had been in the pattern I originally learnt this lesson from so I notice it now it other patterns.

As this fabric is not a very heavy fabric (the pattern calls for heavier fabric preferably so it can hold it's shape) I decided the lined version was the best option. I did tweak it a little however. I personally hate separate linings on skirts and both my girls do to (just a personal preference, nothing at all wrong with them in general) Instead of hemming the lining separately, I skipped a step and basted the lining and main skirt together at the waist first. Then whilst hemming I trapped the lining fabric inside the main skirt hem. I quite like this finish. As an added bonus I didn't have to change my overlocker thread to finish the side seams as they are all enclosed with this method, YAY.

Next up is the Freestyle Harem Pants, Shorts and Capris by EYMM.

The challenge begins...

Make ALL the Patterns Challenge

Pattern Number 1 - The Disco Dress by Ainslee Fox

I have been admiring this pattern for so long even though I had it I just never got around to making it. I really don't know why, most likely has something to do with the fact I hate the piecing the patterns and tracing off my sizes so I just keep making the same ones over and over.

As my girls already have more clothes than they will ever wear (seriously it is insane how much they have) I decided to make this one in a size 2 and use some of the cute Dora fabric I have left over from Miss Ley's infatuation with Dora that suddenly ended last year and was replaced with How to Train Your Dragon and Skylanders.

I am very impressed with this pattern. It was my first Ainslee Fox pattern and when this challenge is over I will definitely be happy to purchase more of her patterns. It came together very easily and the finish is just lovely.

I absolutely love all her little tips throughout the pattern and found myself saying OMG why did I not know this a couple of times. I wasn't so keen on the hand sewing but I know it gives a better finish so I sucked it up. I think I need to spend some time practicing getting my hand stitching nice and even.

If you would like to follow my progress or even join me on this crazy challenge you can follow me on Instagram and use #makeallthepatterns to tag your challenge pieces. I would love the encouragement! Plus what an awesome way to see all the amazing patterns out there for me to buy! Hehehe I'm not sure if the reasoning behind this challenge has sunk in yet...

The next pattern on my list is The Potato Chip Skirt by Tie Dye Diva

Soooooooo Many Patterns!!!

Sitting here tonight checking out Pinterest and all the amazing PDF Patterns I just HAVE to buy!!! Never mind the hundreds of patterns I already own and haven't even looked at yet, there are just so many more to get....

Something made me actually looked through my files and I realised out of the more than 200 patterns I own (PDF & Paper) I would be lucky to have used 30 of them. At this point I came to the conclusion I may have a slight problem that needs addressing.

So I am setting myself a challenge... 
I am going to make at least one of every pattern I currently own before I purchase any new patterns! I would like to accomplish this by the end of the year (as there are just so many patterns I need to buy hahaha)

Hopefully by the end of the year I will have hundreds of reviews and be ready to buy lots more patterns to try out!!!

I am starting my challenge with The Disco Dress from Ainslie Fox Boutique.