Who's ready for a new Sew & Tell Review?? I know it's been a little longer than normal since we've posted a new review, but have you seen all the other fun posts we've been making recently? We've got a giveaway currently running to win a $25 gift certificate to the Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops website and we had our Knit-acular, Spectacular post to help you choose the right knit fabric for all those adorable and super-comfy knit patterns that are popping up everywhere!
But back to the review... this week we are featuring the Rilla Top from SweetKid3! How adorable is that?!? It's the perfect top to pair with those ruffle pants we all love to make :) Every little girl needs at least one shirt like this hanging in her closet! It's roomy, airy, comfy... perfect for those hot summer play dates, but definitely stylish enough to be part of your little girl's nicer "boutique" wardrobe. The size range is great, too- it comes in sizes 12m- 12 years. You'll be able to make this one year after year!
The top comes together quickly, and as long as you know how to shirr, there shouldn't be anything difficult in store. Take a look at this tutorial if your Brother doesn't want to play nice while shirring. Mine never did until I tried what the tutorial said to do. Now it's a piece of cake! There are no pattern pieces to cut out and piece together, just measurements used to cut your fabric. A great beginner pattern that is still interesting enough that even more advanced sewists will want to give it a try!
Our friend, Jamie A,. sent in the following review.
Growing up, there was a family friend that was very crafty and taught me some very basics in sewing. Sixteen years later I got back into sewing. It was like riding a bike. It just came back to me. Besides what Barb taught me 16 years ago, I am very self-taught. My first sewing project I attempted to make myself was a scrub top for work. I literally took and old top, cut it up, and made a new pattern. It didn’t turn out so bad. I was then introduced (somehow) to PDF patterns. I have found some amazing designers that have helped me. I would say I am an advanced beginner.
I made the Rilla Top by SweetKid3 out of a woven cotton fabric. This pattern is very easy. From beginning to end, it took about 45 minutes. There was quite a bit of shirring with the size 12 I made. But if you know how to shirr, this pattern is a breeze. What’s nice about the shirring is that it stretches so the top will last a few years.
I did try to stick to the pattern, but I found that attaching the straps first was a bit of a pain while trying to shirr. So I took the straps off and added them after I was done. I also didn’t do as many rows of shirring on the top. Since my daughter is only 7, the shirring was a bit far down for my liking.
I thought this pattern was very well written. It is simple, but turns out really cute. I feel like this pattern runs true to size. There are several options for this top included in the pattern. You could not shirr the bottom, add a ruffle, make the straps halter style, shirr a few rows on top and the middle, add a flower etc.
LOVE IT!!!
Very versatile. The Rilla Top looks great paired with jeans and wedges, and she looks so happy to be modeling it for us! I'm also picturing it with a pair of skinny jeans tucked into some cowgirl boots, or maybe even with some length added to make it a "bubble" dress. I wonder how that would look?!? Someone sew it up as a dress and send us a picture! Pretty please?? For our Australian friends, you can easily layer this top over a long-sleeved tee or turtle neck for added warmth. Plus, Jamie gave us some great ideas of different ways to "spice up" the Rilla Top that will help you get more bang for your buck with this one!
The best part? It's 25% off right now!! Yay!!
Pair it up!
Because we know you all are always looking for the latest and greatest ruffle pants, take a look at the Carnival Pants from Foofoo Threads. The tuxedo ruffle going down the side is a unique take on the classic ruffle pants style. Make the ruching in a fun, contrasting print or keep it the same fabric as the rest of the pants to simply add some visual interest. The pants can be made in either the floor length, cropped, or capri versions. Be one of the first people to put your daughter in a pair of those pants or to offer it in your shop! They'd look great with the Rilla Top:) Available in sizes 6m- Girls 6.
We don't want to forget about you, ladies, so here's a great top for you!! Make a Rilla Top for your daughter and a matching Sunny Halter Top from Seamingly Smitten for yourself. It's got a flattering fit and can be made in sizes XS-XL. Sew it up in about an hour! You and your daughter can have new shirts in about 2 hours... what a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon! You can dress this top up or down depending on your fabric choices and how you "accessorize." Don't forget that you deserve the fruits of your sewing-labor every now and then!
Head over to the website to get your Rilla Top for 25% off for the next few days!! If you need a last minute Mother's Day gift, we offer gift certificates! Maybe you should mention to your children you'd like to receive one so you won't have to fake delight over their subpar gift this year (or does that only happen to me?!?) I should show you a picture of the cow PJ's I got for Christmas this year ;)
Go sew something magical!!