I recently learned that the Greek independent pattern company AK Patterns names each of their patterns after a real sewist and shares a bit about that person in the pattern materials. How fun is that?! I was so thrilled to be selected to help test the Whitney, a wrap dress and top, not just because it is such a cute and feminine wrap, but because I adore my sewing friend Whitney. Whitney and I are both members of our local ASDP Chapter. She is always willing to help and is such an encouragement.

The Whitney is designed for knit fabrics making it very comfortable to wear and easy to fit. I made my Whitney wrap top out of a medium weight ponte knit knowing such a sturdy fabric would help the scallops keep their shape. In fact, I ended up not using any stabilizer in my scallops, ties, or facing  pieces because the fabric was so strong, and already quite heavy.


I found the pattern instructions for the Whitney very helpful and only made one slight adjustment when I sewed the scallops. Instead of using the drawing guide to outline the seamline on my scallops, I pinned the guide to the fabric and slowly sewed around the paper. After trimming, steaming, and using my clapper I love how they turned out.


My only critique is that when making this pattern again I would use ribbon for the interior ties. It was difficult for me to get the fabric ties turned inside out and sometimes I can see them through the exterior fabric.

Overall the Whitney top is a big win for me and my wardrobe. Made in a soft blush pink I plan to wear this most seasons, dressed up for work or down for casual date nights. The scallop feature makes this a pattern I would recommend for a moderate to advanced sewist.

fabric - $35
thread - from my stash
TOTAL: $47 value

I recently had the privilege of testing the Joey tank by Made Again Patterns. I love the mission of this company; Jessica designs her patterns with refashioning in mind. I have been recycling fabric since I was a 4-Her and love that Made Again gives a bit of structure to beginning refashioners.


All of the fabric and the thread that I used for this project were sourced from ReCraft Indy, a secondhand store for craft and hobby supplies with a focus on sustainability and environmentalism. And the button was an extra from a RTW sweater that was long since moved on from my closet.


I made my own bias tape for this pattern, sewing together pieces of what I think were once quilting scrapes. It was fun and didn't effect the appearance of the final product in any significant way since I positioned the joining seams at the same location on each arm.

I also appreciate that measuring the length needed for shoulder straps was included in the pattern instructions. Nothing is worse than constantly having to yank your straps back up all day!


This pattern is geared toward an "advanced beginner" and it was a fun weekend sew I would recommend to anyone looking for an easy, breezy summer tank. Just imagine all the refashioning possibilities!



Time estimate: 4 hours
Size: Small
Fabric used: cotton, unsure of specific!
Care instructions: cold water wash, line dry (just to be safe)
Cost: $3 estimated

Thanks for having me test the fern top Casey!

Time estimate: 3-5 hours
Size: 6
Fabric used: poly blend from my stash, 1 1/4 yards
Care instructions: cold water wash, tumble dry low

Cost to make fern top:
pattern - $14.00 value
fabric - from my stash
thread - from my stash
TOTAL: $14.00+ value

It was such an honor to be selected to join the Pattern Scout - Luna Crossbody testing group, and I love how my new cross body bag turned out!


As soon as I read the sewing instructions and learned that this pattern called for canvas I had just the right fabric in mind. I found this Rifle Paper Co. floral canvas at my local quilt shop and immediately fell head-over-heels. This small piece of fabric, purchased about a year ago, began my love affair with RPC! But it was such a small piece that I hadn't found the right project for it until this moment.

I also added some black duck canvas for an exterior piece and strap as well as some light pink quilting cotton for the lining and interior pockets. I finished the purse with a hardware kit from Pattern Scout.


I loved how quickly this bag came together. It instantly felt rewarding because I could see it taking shape. There are about five pattern pieces and they are small in size so this is an easy pattern to print at home. And I love Casey's illustrations, which made the whole project go smoothly!


The Luna Crossbody is the perfect size bag for all of my quick trips and errands with three pockets, four card holder slots, and an adjustable shoulder strap. Plus I'm just loving the fabric combinations and gold accents. My mother has already asked for her own version!


I had such an absolutely fabulous experience sewing up my first pattern test for Pattern Scout - the Luna Crossbody. I was originally excited just to be selected and soon found so much additional value in doing a small sew-along with other sewists and sharing real-time feedback. You can have the same experience by joining the Luna Crossbody sew-along!

Time estimate: 8 hours
Fabric used: 1 fat quarter Rifle Paper Co. floral canvas, 1/2 yard duck canvas fabric, 1/4 yard light pink quilting cotton
Other materials: gold and black hardware kits from Pattern Scout
Care instructions: spot clean as needed

Cost to make cross body bag:
pattern - $10.00 value
duck canvas - $2.50
hardware - $9.50
shipping - $3.00
*used floral canvas, quilting cotton, and thread from my stash
TOTAL: $25.00