Jaime's Horse Lovers Madeleine Skirt

Amber and I are slowly making our way through the Victory Patterns catalog of designs. My newest sew is the Madeleine Skirt. We actually suggested this very pattern and fabric combo on our blog on our Stock Show style trend report and I've been dreaming of making it ever since.

Pattern: Madeleine Skirt by Victory Patterns
Materials: 4 yards of 44" wide fabric and two buttons
Size Made: 6
Alterations: I had to cut the front skirt in two pieces and seam it together as the pattern piece doesn't fit onto 44" fabric (hence my 4 yards)

I love horses and absolutely love this all-over horse print from Ellen Luckett Baker's Folk Modern collection. A skirt seemed fitting for this heavier weight linen-cotton blend from Japan and I loved the over-sized pockets and overall straps of the Madeleine Skirt.

The large pockets of this skirt were surprisingly simple to sew and I love the top-stitching details on this skirt. I used a bright green thread for this that matched my corozo green buttons. The skirt is fitted on the waist with a zipper and button closure. Because of the volume of the skirt, I was able to make the size for my waist measurement only and be confident that it would fit elsewhere. The adorable suspenders are attached with buttons on both sides so they are easy to remove for a more casual look.

I did have to make a simple modification to make this skirt out of 44" fabric. The pattern is written for 60" fabric only and it is made for the front to be cut out in one piece and would only use 2 1/4 yards. I had to use this 44" wide horse print  which was not wide enough for the front skirt panel. I cut the front piece in half, added in a seam allowance, and matched the print to seam it in the middle.

Another win from Victory Patterns!

Catnap Dress Contest: Amber's Pleat-tastic Ava Dress

To keep up with the stitching madness here at Fancy Tiger Crafts we have entry number three, Amber! This contest is producing some hardcore adorable!!

Amber Corcoran

1) Tell us about your dress - which fabric and pattern did you use? Did you make any alterations? 

I used Kitty Dreams in Green for my Ava dress. This was my first time making the Ava dress from Victory Patterns. I couldn't resist the fancy-pants pleat action at the sweetheart neckline. I've made two garments from Victory Patterns before this one and they were both happy successes, so I knew I could count on the Ava to be a great pattern!

2) What obstacles, if any, did you have to overcome for this challenge? 

Obstacles? This challenge was a dream. I relish the opportunity to stitch up cat clothing any ol' day. I've never ironed so many pleats before, but that was fun, actually.

3) How many other cat clothes do you already own? Can there be too many? 

Well, lets see...I have four other cat garments already, so this is number five and I'm already working on number six. There has been mention by a certain person that maybe I have enough cat clothing...but I disagree with that person. There can never be enough cat clothing!

4) Do you have cats? How many and what are their names? Do they like your cat dress? 

Egon is my only pet and he likes to keep it that way. He is very particular about things, wanting everything to happen according to his whims. He likes to look his best and is most happy when he has his summer do, a lion cut. I think he appreciates style, so yes, he must love this fancy dress.

5) How do you keep cat hair off your handmade garments? 

Cat hair is a major problem with this fluffy beast around. I can never quite get it all off of my clothing, no matter what I do. The sticky rollers are the best, and once I've de-haired I have to leave the house immediately. I've considered dyeing Egon black so I can dress in my favorite dark colors...

6) Why should you win the Catnap Dress contest?

If the contest is judged at all on most pleats, I stand a good chance of winning.

Lola Sew-a-long!

Amber and I just took a trip to Cozy Town in our new Lola dresses! Lola is a pattern from Kristiann of Victory patterns! This pattern is written for comfy fleece or french terry jersey - so perfect for the cool weather that's moving in. Winter is coming, you guys, and we're ready.

Lola seemed intimidating at first - it was more pieces than I've ever put together in a stretchy fabric and my first time working with a thicker fleece. It came together surprising quick and easy. I'm always reminded of how forgiving and wonderful working with jersey is. Easing sleeves and matching seams is a cinch when your fabric has some stretch to it!

This pattern is made to be sewn on a serger so it is extra quick - seams come together at the same time that they are finished! We only used our sewing machines a couple of times to hem the top of the pockets and add the triangle detail at the top. Speaking of pockets....dresses with large pockets are the best!

I choose to use our Hemp/Organic Cotton Fleece in a pale pale green color. The fabric is super soft on the inside and so warm and cozy! I had to finagle the pattern a bit for fit as I fell into two different sizes for my bust and hips (a common occurrence). The results worked out great and the stretch of the fabric means extra room. We don't carry the ribbing fabric that Kristiann calls for to finished the cuffs, neck and hem, so Amber and I just used the fleece in the same manner and it worked out great.

Amber choose to use a geometric print fleece fabric that is limited edition so act quick if you want to be a twinsie with her! The grey on black print looks bold and will perfect for a cold winter's day. Snow will arrive tomorrow here in Colorado so it's time to sew some cozy garments!

Amber's Roxanne Top in Nani Iro Birds Eye

--amber

I've been dreaming of making the Roxanne by Victory sewing patterns, and when the new Nani Iro arrived it was on!

The Roxanne comes with two versions, a collared sleeveless top and a flowy sleeved version with a skinny neck tie. For me the triple pleated collar was irresistible, but since I wanted sleeves for fall I decided to combine the two versions.

Cute collar town!

The instructions for this pattern were so well-written by Kristiann of Victory Sewing Patterns. I love that she walks you through the basic measurements for your garment and explains how to alter your pieces if needed. 

I finished my Roxanne by adding a tie at the back waist. This gives a little more shape to the voluminous pleated shirttail. I love it! The double gauze Nani Iro fabric is soft and cozy and my new top is so comfortable and easy to wear!

I can't wait to take on more of Kristiann's patterns!

Victory Patterns are Here!

We are thrilled to be stocking Victory Patterns! Victory Patterns are designed by Kristiann from Toronto Canada. These patterns have been available for a while as pdf downloads from Kristiann's website and are now available in print form! The packaging is lovely and the best part is no more taping together pages. Victory Patterns are sophisticated, fashion-forward designs. Victory Patterns feature an instruction booklet with step by step instructions with diagrams. We can't wait to start sewing with these! Stay tuned to see all our creations.