Every so often I decide that I don't have enough to do and I test a PDF sewing pattern for a designer. This basically means I am one of the 1st people to make the pattern and help the designer get the fit and process right to make the best product that they can. Often this involves many remakes of the same design some of which end up in the rag pile.
Well this last week I was fortunate to test the Terrific Mum's Tee from Plucky Butterfly designs. I came in on the second round of testing which meant most of the main issues had already been picked up.
Now before I get into telling you my thoughts on this pattern I thought I would show you what the designer herself had to say about the pattern and where the original idea came from.
Well this last week I was fortunate to test the Terrific Mum's Tee from Plucky Butterfly designs. I came in on the second round of testing which meant most of the main issues had already been picked up.
Now before I get into telling you my thoughts on this pattern I thought I would show you what the designer herself had to say about the pattern and where the original idea came from.
"Did you know there is a story behind each and every pattern I have created??? There is not ONE single pattern I offer that doesn't have a deep story behind it. Many of you know I sew a lot for children with disabilities, mainly being sensory issues and cancer. I also sew for homeless children. Right now I have a true addiction to helping homeless children feel pretty. I personally never ever take time out for myself. I never stop to look in the mirror, fix my hair to make it beautiful, nor do. I take time to throw on make-up before running out the door. Taking time out for myself means less time spent with my own children or less time devoted on running off to deliver food or clothes or water. That is how the MumsTerrifc knit shirt came to be. Because I took on a challenge as a self healing/acceptance project and was forced to stop and acknowledge my own self and realize that I too was important. That. I too mattered. I am a big mama, I call myself Full of Life, not plus size!!! I will tell you over and over again, be kind, offer someone a hand up in this world, rather it is a smile or random act of kindness. you have no clue what journey each person in this world is on and you don't know their pain. Some of you may know my pain...I have shared bits and pieces here and there. but do you know, that through this journey on creating this awesome Mums pattern for you, I myself have gone through some tremendous heart aches. Facing fears I have never dreamed of facing in my life. I could have thrown my hands in the air and said I can't do this, but truth is, I pushed even harder for all the Mums in this world. This new pattern getting ready to hit the final stages of testing soon is a true labour of love...it's a true journey through pain. I am sitting here waiting to hear the hardest news of my life. And while I'm waiting I'm thinking of all the Mums out there that need to feel loved and appreciated and feel as if they matter in this world too!!!! Please know and understand that I, Ms. Plucky, am unusual. I truly create from the heart. I create to tell a story. I don't create to bring you the latest up to date fashion....I create with a story to tell you and BOY and BOY, this is the best story to be told wrapped up in a free pattern. Why?? Like I said earlier, offer someone a hand up in this world. You have no idea the journeys one is walking or the pain they are going through. But what we all know, is MUMs are Terrific. And that my friends is what this story is all about...MUMs of the world. So hold tight and in a matter of time, you all will have one awesome. Mums Terrific Classy. Knit Shirt pattern in your hands!!!
Ms. Plucky"
Ms. Plucky"
How awesome is that! Right!
OK on to the shirt itself. I decided right off that I was going to make 2. one for me in the biggest size ( I am politely called fluffy or plus sized ..................I'm not, I'm fat and I know I just like chocolate too much ...... but I digress!) For my self as I said I made the largest size 3x and I chose to make it in a very light weight 4 way stretch jersey. This was the 1st draft of the pattern (see the green top for the amended version) I liked on this version that it had a slightly slouchy fit and I will be keeping my original copy of the pattern just for that fit ;)
OK on to the shirt itself. I decided right off that I was going to make 2. one for me in the biggest size ( I am politely called fluffy or plus sized ..................I'm not, I'm fat and I know I just like chocolate too much ...... but I digress!) For my self as I said I made the largest size 3x and I chose to make it in a very light weight 4 way stretch jersey. This was the 1st draft of the pattern (see the green top for the amended version) I liked on this version that it had a slightly slouchy fit and I will be keeping my original copy of the pattern just for that fit ;)
The pattern is very well written with the designer's sense of humour shining through it. one of the key differences to this pattern to other t-shirt patterns I have made is that the neck line is hemmed rather than use a binding. This allows the scoop to lie totally flat and is very comfy and flattering. The pattern calls for using a double needle here but the sewing fairy's (or Zoe) have hidden mine so I used a simple stretch stitch on all 3 of mine. Unfortunately this didn't give as polished a finish as I wanted but I know that with a double needle as the pattern calls for I will get that nice clean finish.
One of the issues I have as a fat girl is that sleeves are always too tight and they dig in or cause pulling and making it look like a top doesn't fit as nicely as it does on my skinnier compatriots. With this top that wasn't an issue. the sleeves and arm scythes are roomy enough without being too big and flappy (you know what I mean here right? ;) ) .
When I made the revised version of the 3XL The issue of the neck slipping of the shoulders was fixed and the top looked even better
One of the issues I have as a fat girl is that sleeves are always too tight and they dig in or cause pulling and making it look like a top doesn't fit as nicely as it does on my skinnier compatriots. With this top that wasn't an issue. the sleeves and arm scythes are roomy enough without being too big and flappy (you know what I mean here right? ;) ) .
When I made the revised version of the 3XL The issue of the neck slipping of the shoulders was fixed and the top looked even better
In order to put this top through a totally thorough test I decided to make one for the fussiest, most particular (when it comes to clothing) person I know ........ Zoe's Mawmaw!
I looked though my fabric very carefully and picked out a pattern that I knew she would wear. this was a slightly heavier weight jersey to what I made my shirt out of.
When she tried it on she commented how nice the fit was and that it was something that she would wear on a regular basis (High praise indeed!!)
I looked though my fabric very carefully and picked out a pattern that I knew she would wear. this was a slightly heavier weight jersey to what I made my shirt out of.
When she tried it on she commented how nice the fit was and that it was something that she would wear on a regular basis (High praise indeed!!)
To sum up I will say that this is a pattern that every seamstress needs in her wardrobe. It is a fast and easy sew (to give a "mummy" time frame the green top took me from the opening credits of Frozen until the opening strands of "Let it go!" so under an hour from taping to wearing! Everyone can find that small amount of time to make themselves something pretty right!?
Thank you to Pam for allowing me to test and keep an eye out on the blog as there are some exciting things coming soon!
Thank you to Pam for allowing me to test and keep an eye out on the blog as there are some exciting things coming soon!