Birkin Flares Testers, Part II

Kimberly from Straight Stitch Designs

Today I have a treat for you - a few more photos from the testing phase of the Birkin Flares release! If you haven't checked out the first HUGE roundup, you can see it here. And here are a few more...

(Testers' blog posts linked after each set of photos. Click on any image to see a larger version.)

Kaysie from KZJO"Studio

Nienke of Pienkel

Rachel of Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Whew! I think that covers all my testers. I had such a fabulous group of ladies working on this with me, and I can't wait to show you the Kendall Skinnies they've been sewing up. Here's to all the handmade jeans in 2016! xoxo

Call for Testers: Birkin Flares Sewing Pattern

Edited November 6, 2015: I have closed testing for now as I have received 200+ applicants. Thanks so much to everyone who applied! I will be in touch soon. xoxo The much-awaited Birkin Flares are getting REALLY close to testing! And of course, that's where I need your help. PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY BEFORE APPLYING.

Here is the pattern description:

Inspired by 1970s fashion icon Jane Birkin, the Birkin Flares are a high-waisted, flare-leg, classic jean. These jeans feature a universally flattering high waist (but not too high) with classic five-pocket styling, a curved yoke and a straight-cut waistband. The Birkin Flares are equally perfect with your comfiest tee or a flowy, silk blouse, and the inseam can be adjusted in multiple ways to lengthen/shorten or create a deeper hem. In waist sizes 24-35, the sizing closely mimics that found in ready-to-wear, designer jeans.

Here's the tentative schedule for testing:

• Thursday, November 5 - Call for Testers
• Sunday, November 8 - Testers will be notified (fabric details will be sent to testers in case any supplies need to be ordered)
• Friday, November 13 - Complete pattern sent to testers (I know, I know, bad luck! Hopefully I will get it done sooner.)
• Monday, November 23 - Photos & feedback due from testers

I understand this is a somewhat tight schedule given that some of you will need to order supplies - but don't worry; I am the most laid-back person around. I want my test to be done quickly, but I am also reasonable and will work with everything to make things happen. I would really like to get it complete before our Thanksgiving holiday here in the U.S., however. Just be sure to add in the notes on the tester application any anticipated problems. Please also note - jeans are NOT hard to make! The most difficult part of it is getting your topstitching just right, and I'll give you loads of tips for doing just that.

As for choosing a size, the sizes are based on ready-to-wear, designer jeans that you would see in a department store like Nordstrom or Macy's. They start at 24 and go up to 35 (roughly US 0 through 16-18 according to ASTM standard measurements). If there is demand, I will increase the upper end of the size range at a later date. I want to make sure the fit is nailed down before going any higher.

Here is the size chart (click to see larger):

If you are in-between sizes, you should go DOWN a size as the pattern calls for stretch denim with at least 2% lycra/spandex/elastane. I will be providing some sources to my testers as well as a small discount on denim and jeans-making supplies and some of my favorite shops. Testers will need approximately 2.25-3 yards of denim (or medium- to heavy-weight stretch woven like corduroy, velvet, twill, etc.) fabric plus pockets, but I will send definite amounts when the selected testers are notified.

For your reference, I am 5'6" inches tall and wearing a size 27 in these photos with 1" removed in the length for a 33" inseam (the pattern is 34"). I am wearing tall heels in the photos. My measurements are 28" waist, 37" hips.

Please ask any questions in the comments below, and I will do my best to answer them. I plan to close testing on Sunday, November 8, 2015, but I reserve the right to close it sooner if I get an overwhelming response.

White tee in above photos: Lark Tee by Grainline Studio Orange tee below: Elise Tee (free pattern) by Fine Motor Skills

SYRAH Skirt by Selvage Designs for Perfect Pattern Parcel #6

Woohoo, I'm off sabbatical! And I'm releasing a new pattern today! Isn't it all just so EXCITING?! Introducing the SYRAH Skirt by Selvage Designs:

It's a maxi skirt (or a maxi-hi-lo, or a knee-length skirt) with a side-ruched OR flat waistband and...wait for it...a built-in slip for extra coverage! And no waistband elastic to dig and cause discomfort! It's pretty much everything you could every want in a comfortable, everyday skirt. I absolutely LOVE the built-in slip so I can use those thinner (but usually more awesome) fabrics and not worry about the dreaded panty-show-through effect!

Here are all the options from which you can choose:

And here's a closeup photo. I'm modeling the ruched-side version. I love the slimming effect this version has. And since the ruching is only on the sides (flat front/back), there's virtually no bulk added.

This is my oh-my-god-why-are-these-hikers-staring-at-me-while-I-take-photos-of-myself pose. It really never gets any easier.

A little more about Pattern Parcel...

Parcel #6 includes:

Syrah Skirt by Lauren Dahl (exclusive release!)

Bronte Top by Jennifer Lauren

Julia Cardigan by Mouse House Creations

Hudson Pant by True Bias

Zsalya Dress by Kate and Rose

BONUS PATTERN: Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll

Bonus Pattern:

Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #6 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That's only $5 a pattern. The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll. Vintage inspired silhouette is had two flattering necklines and a gorgeous skirt. The Odette Dress pattern goes from a size 4 through a 24!

How Pattern Parcel Works:

Here at Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel. We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we've raised over $12,000 for classrooms in need!

What are you waiting for?! Go grab your Parcel now!

Summer of SOLEIL: Final Roundup!

Whew. You've seen quite a few SOLEILs over the last few weeks, but can you believe there are still MORE amazing creations to see?! Sadly, this is the last week of the tour...womp womp womp...but I'm sure you'll be seeing lots more around the blogosphere in the coming months. Let's get right to it! First up, we have Vanessa's gorgeous girl in her rayon challis (!!) version. Yes, I KNOW! I absolutely love it. Her photo is above in the featured spot.

Second, I love the color/print blocking that Heidi at Elegance & Elephants did. I always love the things she sews for her kids! Adorable!

Next, Tasha at Glitter + Wit completely remixed the pattern to come up with this incredibly creative version. Click through to see the details.

Abby from Sew Much Ado added some sleeves to her version with great results. I love the stripes!

And wrapping up the tour, we have Karly from Paisley Roots with this laid-back, super cool version. Her daughter is so beautiful - I always love seeing Karly's creations on her!

Have you made your SOLEIL yet?! You can purchase the pattern here in the Selvage Designs shop! Enjoy!

FOXGLOVE is Live! Let's hear it for the testers!

I can't even believe it! FOXGLOVE is live today on Indiesew! It will be offered there exclusively for two weeks, so go buy it and support this growing new venture (and, you know, my business!)!

BUY NOW on Indiesew

Oh, you're not fully convinced that you NEED this pattern? Then let me show you my AMAZING testers' photos. Get ready for an epic post because I had a LOT of fabulous gals helping me to get this pattern just perfect. Be sure to click through their photos to read more on their blogs.

Heidi from Handmade Frenzy takes the featured spot above with her black and white geometric version. She has a ton of great photos on her blog so you can see different views.

Monica of Adirondack Inspired made this woven version of the tank. You have to see the rest of her photos. Gorgeous!

Made by Momma features this lovely, drapey geometric print on her jewel-tone version. Love it!

Deux souriceaux kept it simple (which I LOVE!) with this solid, knit version with topstitching. There are so many ways you can customize this tank!

Teresa of Dandelion Drift...um, can you say gorgeous? This one was done in a lightweight linen with great results. And I just adore her photos.

Juliette of Chickpea Sewing Studio used this super-fun knit from Jo-Ann. She also shows you how she took a little fullness out of hers to give a slightly different, more fitted look. Be sure to check out her instructions on her blog.

Kimberly of The Nest Creations made this sporty version to update her everyday mom uniform. She looks so happy and comfy! And the stripes? Fab!!

Patterns & Projects features this lovely woven version. Oh yes - knits OR wovens for this pattern (in case you didn't already figure that out!). Love the versatility and these great shots.

Nienke from Pienkel is a bit taller, so she lengthened her top according to the instructions in the pattern to get a great result.

Sew Charleston made a couple versions, but I just adore this print on her. Isn't she adorable? You can see her color-blocked version on her blog.

Shawnta from Shawnta Sews made this uber-cute chevron version for her daughter. This is easy-to-do by cutting your fabric on the bias and matching up the stripes!

Emily of The Lady and the Gents blocked the back of hers with lace. You have to click through to see her full blog post!

Shannon from Little Luvins made this version out of a brilliant Liberty of London fabric. She lined hers with white lawn to keep it from being see-through. So smart!

The following testers haven't blogged about their tanks just yet, but still be sure to check out their blogs - prepare to get inspired!

Stephanie of Swoodson Says

Rachel from Once Upon a Sewing Machine

Allie of Indiesew

Jodi of Sew Fearless

Linda of Sew Happily Ever After

Jennifer of A Jennuine Life

Maris of Sew Maris

Melissa from Rebel & Malice

Sarah of DIY Interrupted

Marah of Riding the Bonnieway

Nadja doesn't have a blog yet, but she made this fab version!

And finally, a big thanks to Kim, Cecillia and Susanne who don't have blogs but provided great feedback and help in the process.

So, not to get all competitive here, but who made YOUR favorite version of the FOXGLOVE? And how would you style YOURS?! I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.