Sew and Tell with the Mayfair Top and Dress

Hi everyone!  July has snuck up on us, but we DO have a Sew & Tell Review for you all.  From now until the end of the month, we will have the Mayfair Top and Dress (and Spats!) from Terra's Treasures on sale for 25% off!  Below are some gorgeous photos and an excellent review for your viewing and reading pleasure.

 

Here are facts about this pattern: 

*  The top/dress comes as one file, and the spats come in a separate file.

*  The top/dress pattern/tutorial is 61 pages long and the spats tutorial is 8 pages long.

*  There are several options provided with the pattern such as either a 3/4 or short sleeve, ruffles or no ruffles, and 2 collar options (or omit it all together).

*  Suggested fabrics include: cotton, cotton types, seersucker, lawn, broadcloth, linen, and you'll need lace for the overlay.  You'll also need a knit stretch fabric with a 30% stretch for the spats.

*  A 3/8" seam allowance is included. 

*  All pages are numbered and labeled with the designer's name and pattern title. 

*  You'll find helpful information such as a Materials List, Size Chart, Yardage Chart, Finished Measurements Chart, Printing Instructions, and a Cutting Measurement Chart right at the beginning.

*  This pattern can be made in sizes 12-18m through a size 14. 

*  There is a color photograph to accompany each step in the tutorial.

*  Pages 1- 19 are the directions and pages 20- 61 are the pattern pieces.

*  Pattern pieces are all labeled with the pattern title and designer.

*  Pattern pieces have all sizes nested together with each size designated a different color. 

*  The pattern pieces and tutorial are professionally done, and you'll be very pleased with the quality of both.

 

Now, let's get to the fun part!  Katy M. was our amazing reviewer this month, and here's what she had to say about the Mayfair Dress...

 

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Hi everyone.  My name is Katy McKee, and I am reviewing the Mayfair dress by Terra’s Treasures.  I am a web designer by day, an aspiring seamstress by night, and a mother of 3 beautiful children 24/7.  I have a very busy schedule, so I am always looking for easy projects that can be completed quickly, but “cutely.”

 

 

I would consider my level of expertise to be intermediate.  I do make my own patterns from time to time (success alludes me at times) and always enjoy reviewing other’s work to learn new and old tricks of the trade.

First – let me start by saying that this dress is absolutely gorgeous, and I was really excited to get started on it.  The bones of the dress remind me of the old Victorian dresses you see in those faded black and white pictures.  Where the little girl is playing with her handmade doll, she has a bow in her hair (which has been rag rolled) and her cheeks are tinted with a touch of pink.  Everywhere a ruffle and a ribbon and no detail is spared. 

 

To create that same feeling in my dress, I chose very Victorian colors for my fabrics.  Pink linen for the main body of the dress, gray stretch lace for the top, and green damask velour for the spats and accent flower.  I added pearl buttons to enhance the Victorian flare.

 

 

Upon first glance of this dress, it looks very similar to other PDF patterns I have purchased.  The shape is very simple and the features aren’t anything I haven’t encountered before.  However, Terra’s Treasures’ skill level is on the higher end of intermediate, pretty close to expert.  While the pattern is easy to follow, it is very thorough in the desire to enforce correct technique.  This pattern is created with the longevity of the dress in mind.

 

 

The pattern is pretty easy to put together, but there are a lot of pieces.  It took me a total of a gazillion years… just kidding… about an hour to get the pattern pieces matched up and taped.  I always try to use card stock because its stiff edges make it easier to line up, and it doesn’t shift as much.

 

 

Following the instructions is easy… if you follow the instructions.  Because I sometimes go rogue and want to try something just a little different, I did improvise in some areas.

Rogue move #1 – I chose NOT to put an under-layer beneath the lace on the back, because it’s summer and I wanted the garment to be as cool and breezy as possible.  Plus, the lack of the under-layer is a little more modern, and my 8-year-old daughter prefers “cool and modern” to “Why did you go shopping in Downton Abbey’s closet?”

 

This adjustment proved to be slightly more difficult because I had to make minor adjustments to the instructions as I went along to accommodate the change.  Having done a lot of sewing for my children in the past, I recognized what those changes would need to be without having direction, but a beginner should probably follow the instructions as they are.  It is easy to get lost in this pattern if you don’t follow step-by-step.

Rogue move #2 – I did NOT finish the ends of the ruffle.  My lace was very thin and so I simply folded it in half, long ends together.  This creates more of a “poofy” ruffle and adds some whimsy to the dress.

 

Rogue move #3 – I did NOT use a knit fabric for the spats.  I was really excited about these spats because it was my first time making them, but I couldn’t find a knit fabric that I loved.  In hindsight, I should have settled on a knit.  There were numerous adjustments that had to be made to the pattern to accommodate the non-stretch velour.  Do NOT try that at home, folks… unless you are into trial and error.  And in that case, go for it!

 

Rogue move #4 – and yes, I strayed that many times!  I hemmed an extra inch on the dress.  My daughter is a size 8 and this dress is a tall “8”, which is great because there is some room to play.  I was able to get the length just right on her.  So if your child is shorter it’s an easy adjustment.  And for all of us girls that know what it’s like to be tall… this pattern is a win for us, FINALLY!

I definitely think the end result is worthy of one of those old black and white photos. We’ve gotten so many compliments on the dress and my daughter loves wearing it… and those spats (I love saying “Spats!”).

 

As far as regrets… I have none.  I probably should have picked a thinner linen for the body of the dress because this dress needs a fabric that is easy to pull / ruffle… but the outcome is just too pretty to complain about.

 

Happy sewing everyone!

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 The dress, the girl, the photography... all stunning!  This is definitely a pattern you're going to want to have in your library.  It can easily be dressed up or down just by changing the fabrics to suit the occasion.  With the extensive size range, you'll be using this pattern over and over again throughout the years.  And don't be surprised if strangers stop you on the street to ask if you'll make their little ones a replica ;)   

Now be sure you head over to the website and get your copy for 25% off during July!  We'd love to see any version of this dress you've made.  You can share photos over in our Facebook Group.

And don't forget to pin this review so others can read about this pattern and save a little moolah while purchasing it! 

 

Go sew something magical!

 

Sew and Tell with the Metropolitan Pants

 

When I think of the Metropolitan Pants from Terra's Treasures, three words come to mind:  fun, funky pockets!  Now, if your style is a bit more conservative, and it's a solid colored pair of pants you're after, these will fit the bill just fine- just use the same fabric for the pockets as for the pants!  I, personally, am really digging the colorful contrast and think it's a great way to give a pair of kid's pants some spunk! 

 

I think you'll be impressed by everything these pants have to offer!  First off, the price is very reasonable (and even more so since we've got them for 25% off right now!).  Plus, you're getting a lot for your money.  This pattern works well for both boys and girls and can be made as capris if that's the look you're after.  The size range is from 0-6 months all the way to a size 10 (all sizes for each pattern piece are nested and color-coded), so you could just about make a pair for every kid in your house ;)  The welt pockets in the back are phenomenal, and the pattern's directions for how to make them are very detailed and include a lot of helpful photographs.  There are also functional pockets in the front, a flat-front waist band, and an elastic waistband in the back to ensure a good fit.  You'll end up with a very well-made pair of pants that will look great for school, church, or play-time!  Dress them up or down depending on your fabric choices.

 

Elisa wrote an excellent review of these and made her kids some pretty spiffy pants!  Let's take a look!

 

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Hi!  I'm Elisa from CharmingDoodle.com and am excited to be part of Sew and Tell.  I made two pairs of Terra's Treasure Metropolitan Pants, one for a boy, and one for a girl.  This is such a CUTE pattern and an easy sew.  I highly recommend it!

I have four kids (2 boys, 2 girls) and have only been sewing for about a year.  When I discovered the world of PDF patterns, I fell in love!  I'm always on the lookout for new patterns, and if a pattern can work for both my boys AND my girls...well, it's worth getting.

 

My two oldest are in 1st Grade and Kindergarten this year, and they have to wear school uniforms.  Their shirts have the school's logo, and their pants/skirts/shorts can only be black, navy, or khaki.  But the pants can have embellishments if they're small, so I chose to give this pattern a try and add orange pockets (at my son's request) and flowered pockets to my girl's pants to make them a little less 'uniform-y.'  The contrast fabric is the perfect punch to a pair of pants for them both.

 

Let's talk about the sewing details:

 

Overall, these pants are very easy and quick to sew.  Any adventurous beginner can sew these, and expert sewers can have fun adding unique details to this pattern.  From the time I cut out the pieces to the time I was finished sewing (I made both pairs at the same time) it was about 2 hours.  One pair would be even faster!

 

The big challenge in sewing the pants is figuring out what size to make.  There's no size chart with the pattern.  I made a size 7 for my son but they are tight at the waist so next time I would make an 8.  My daughter wears a 5/6 and I made a 6.  It fits her well and there is even some room to grow.  So if in doubt or if your child is between sizes in ready-to-wear, I'd make these in the bigger size.

 

 

There are only a few pattern pieces to cut out, and it's a bit confusing at first to determine which ones should be the contrast fabric for the pockets (if you make them with contrast fabric...you could just make them solid and they'd be cute too).  If you want to use contrast fabric, you'll cut out the pieces shown in the second cutting layout diagram with your contrast fabric, and the other three pattern pieces shown from your main fabric.
 

I admit that I was a bit intimidated at first by the look of the welt pockets.  I've only sewn welt pockets one other time, but it didn't take long to get the hang of them.  The instructions in the pattern are very clear, and if you read it carefully and look at the pictures provided, you'll be a pro at welt pockets in no time.

 

 

 I finished my son's pants first and after they were done I wished I had topstitched them with orange down the sides of the pants.  But I didn't want to pick them apart to do that...so I left them as is and decided to topstitch my daughter's in pink before I finished sewing the legs together.  It was an easy detail you can add to give the pants some personality.

I also made another pattern change to my daughter's.  After making my son's pants, I saw that the waist of these pants sits pretty high.  I actually cut them down over an inch for my daughter. To do that, I just cut the front pieces shorter at the front waist and then made the pocket piece deeper so you'd still see the pretty contrast fabric.  I did not cut the back piece down, instead I just folded it down more than the pattern calls for, and my elastic casing was bigger.

 

 

 I plan on making these pants again in the future and will probably try to add a zip fly to them.  The shape is really nice, and the length is great, so I think there's an endless amount of possibilities for these pants.

 

And oh, the compliments my kids have gotten.  It's pretty unique to have orange welt pockets for a boy, and I'm often asked where I bought them.  Little do they know that anyone can make these great pants with Terra's Treasure Metropolitan Pants pattern.  Hope you get it and whip some up too.

 

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How sweet are those two?  And didn't those pants turn out great!?!  I adore the flower print used for the pockets on her daughter's pants.  If your kids have to wear school uniforms, this might be a great option for you.  The school year has only just begun, and you've got plenty of time to sew up a few pairs to last throughout the year.  And at 25% off, you can count this as back- to- school savings :) 

 

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Pair it Up!!

 

Let's take a look at a few other of our Back To School Favorites!

 

 

First up is the Classic Polo from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop.  This is definitely one of those patterns you need in your collection!  It can be made for both boys and girls, with shorts sleeves or long sleeves, and has an optional chest pocket.  It can be made in sizes 3m- 12 years.  Love the way this one comes together!

 

 

 I think it's the plaid fabric, but this dress just SCREAMS back to school to me!  This is the Colette Dress from Petite Kids Boutique.  It is available in sizes 12m- 6 years.  You can make it with sweet little puff sleeves or sleeveless and with or with a sash.  The back has a button closure, and it features a full, twirly skirt.  Add the sash and puff sleeves along with some fancy fabric, and you've turned your school dress into a creation she can wear to church, for pictures, or any other special occasion.  Very versatile!

 

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 Hope all of your children (or grandchildren, nieces, nephews...) are off to a great school year!  Don't forget to head over to the website and purchase your Metropolitan Pants for 25% off for the next few days.  And if you are already planning to make your little one's Halloween costume, or if I just now made you think that's a pretty good idea, take a look at our Handmade Halloween Costume Contest!  We're giving away over $300 in prizes!  It's going to tons of fun, and we'd love for you to join us!  Find the details by clicking on the banner below :)

 

 

 Go sew something magical!

 

 



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