The Sewing Chronicles

I was very pleased to be chosen to test the women's Relaxed Top and Tunic from Mama Can Do It.  This pattern is designed for knit fabrics, and comes in a top length as well as a tunic.  There are several options for the peplum including a gathered skirt, a full circle skirt, and a half-circle skirt.  I decided to make the half circle skirt in the top length.  Since I wear short sleeves year round, that was what I made, but there is also an option for long sleeves.  This pattern comes together very well. The instructions and illustrations are clear and to the point, with the various options outlined clearly. There is even information on how to best grade between sizes. There are two pattern pieces for the peplum, two for the bodice, and the sleeve and neckband pieces. A confident beginner would be very successful in completing this pattern. I like the way it looks with either a skirt or my Fit Pants, also from MCDI.  I'm looking forward to making another version of this

When I saw the Mama Can Do It Fit Pants pattern, I knew right away that I had a fabric that I wanted to use to make capri pants with a yoga waist.  With fingers crossed, I dug it out of the pile and checked the stretch.  Luckily, it had the required 50% stretch, but only a two way stretch.  I wasn't sure of the fabric content as I had been hoarding this lovely purple for a while, but I plunged right in. I carefully cut out the skinny version sticking to the yoga line.  After I cut out the waistband, I decided to test it out. Oh, dear - not enough lycra (if any) and the waistband wouldn't go around my waist.  I considered using a cotton/lycra waistband, but none of my purples matched, and I couldn't handle the thought of a contrast waistband, so I decided to make it work, one way or another. Luckily, I had extra fabric.  I determined that the waistband was about 25% too small, so I cut one out that was 25% longer.  It fit perfectly onto the waist of the pants, but th

Mamma Can Do It has hit it out of the park with this pattern for pants which is available for both women and girls. This is a versatile pattern which includes wide leg, flared, straight, and skinny pants, as well as cut lines for shorties, mid thigh shorts, knee length, and capris.   There is an option for a yoga waistband or an elastic one. Oh and better still, there are three different pockets included: hip pockets, and back pockets either with a triangular point (like traditional jeans), or square. Whew!  There really are that many choices.  Seriously, you can make whatever type of pants you prefer, all from one pattern. I chose a soft French Terry for my first pair, and I am very pleased with the fit.   These pants can be made with nearly any type of knit fabric that has 50% two way stretch. These pants are the skinny option, with a faux fly, elastic waist and back pockets.  While it doesn't really show in the pictures, I did traditional jean topstitching on the faux fly an