News — Pattern Release

The Maple Cardigan is a classic wardrobe staple that you'll love to make over and over. You can whip up a Maple Cardigan with a relatively small amount of fabric (one and a half metres/yards) and this makes it easy to experiment with different types of fabrics without blowing the budget.

The pattern calls for a fabric that has a stretch ratio of 20% or more. Two-way stretch is fine, as is four-way stretch (which will give you a somewhat more drapey result). There's a "stretch gauge" in the pattern that will allow you to test a small swatch of fabric before you start.  Or if you are shopping online, check the product listing or contact the seller to ask about the stretch percentage before purchasing.

The Maple Cardigan pattern test team had lots of fun choosing fabric for their cardigans and you can see some of their creations in my previous blog post. They used a wide range of different knits including spandex jersey, french terry, stretch lace, linen mix jersey, bamboo jersey, double knit/ponte and double brushed poly.

I had fun rounding up the fabric resources links for this post. I've used some of these sellers and their fabrics to make my own Maple Cardigans (love the drapey Merino wool from The Fabric Store!). I've divided the fabrics into ones that you might choose for the Drape Front cardigan on the one hand and for the Band Front Cardigan on the other. But really, you can mix it up with any of these no matter which of the pattern options you choose to make.

First up is the very pretty Drape Front cardigan:

1. Double Brushed Poly from Raspberry Creek Fabrics

2. Premium Merino Wool from The Fabric Store

3. Double Brushed Jersey Knit Bohemian from Fabric.com

And for the classic Banded Front cardigan:

1. Peachy Pink Melange French Terry/Sweats Knit  from Wicked Fabrics

2. Crushed Mink Velvet from Tessuti Fabrics

3. Twinkle Night Sweater Knit from MaaiDesign

And because it's possible to get such a diverse range of looks out of the Maple Cardigan pattern, why not try one for special occasions with something a little more luxurious like the fabrics below. (Note: the picture of the Gold Sequinned Cardigan below is from Pinterest and was not made from this pattern but you could easily get this look using the Drape Front cardigan option.)

1. Telio Lux Metallic Knit Stripe from Fabric.com

2. Telio Stretch Velvet Burnout Circles from Fabric.com

3. Telio Ornamental Stretch Lace Navy from Fabric.com

4. Printed Sequin Jersey Knit Natural/Gold from Style Maker Fabrics

Picture of Gold Sequinned Cardigan above from Pinterest: Link

That's it for now! I hope you enjoyed this post and that you are inspired to grab the Maple Cardigan pattern and get sewing :)

Pattern link: Maple Cardigan for Women PDF Sewing Pattern

I'm excited to announce that the Maple Cardigan for Women PDF Sewing Pattern is now available in the Peach Patterns online store. The Maple Cardigan is a hip length cardigan with a slightly dropped shoulder seam and long sleeves. The cardigan is designed with enough ease for comfort and with a flattering, body skimming silhouette. There are two options which you can see below:

You'll love this easy-to-make wardrobe staple for so many reasons:

• It's quick to sew and is a great introduction to sewing with knits;
• There are two great options (a pretty Drape Front Cardigan and a classic Band Front Cardigan);
• You need only 1.5 metres/yards of fabric for all options/sizes;
• It looks great in a lighter weight knit for summer/warmer weather (try jersey mixes with linen, rayon, bamboo or modal);
• It's excellent made up in warmer knits for winter layering (try double brushed poly, stretch velvet, ponte, sweater knits, french terry);
• Can be made as a casual piece to team with jeans, as a work cardigan over a blouse and pencil skirt or as a special occasion cardigan (try stretch lace or velvet);
• The "Layers" feature means you can print either the multi-size pattern or only your own size;
• The pattern is carefully designed to minimise the number of pages required for assembly (and there is also a large A0 format for those who prefer to print on a single page at a copyshop).

My testers were so enthusiastic about this pattern and many of them made two or more cardigans during the testing phase (they are addictive once you start!). I'm so thankful to them for their hard work and constructive feedback and you can see their fabulous cardigans here (and check out their social media links for more sewing inspiration).

Left: Cassie @cmfedewa | Middle: Boon Kuan @limbksews | Right: Karen @poshbotscreations

Left: Lauren @threadh2o | Middle: Beck @becksews | Right: Katie @kak513

Left: Bianca | Middle: Kiaraleigh @chooknduck | Right: Karyn @libbyandmae

Left: Katie @kak513 | Middle: Siska @_siskamakes_ | Right: Kris

Left: Kris | Middle: Celine @cookiekhoo | Right: Katie @kak513

Left: Siska @_siskamakes_ | Middle: Katie @kak513 | Right: Lois @windsorwoollies

A big thank you to these wonderful ladies! And the pattern link again: Peach Patterns Maple Cardigan for Women.

I'm excited to give you a preview of Peach Patterns next pattern for women. The "Maple Cardigan" is a sewing pattern for a fabulous womens' cardigan which is sure to become a wardrobe staple. We are currently looking for testers who can make the cardigan and provide modelled photos between 24 June and 4 July 2018.

Some of the features of this pattern:

• Quick and easy sew;
• Two options (Drape Front and Banded Front);
• Looks great in a wide variety of knit/stretch fabrics including jersey, spandex, rayon and viscose jersey/spandex mixes, brushed poly, stretch velvet, stretch lace, french terry;
• Makes a fabulous transition piece for between seasons (using a lighter knit) or a warm layer in winter (using heavier knits).

If you're interested in testing the "Maple Cardigan", please apply via the Google Form.

I hope you’ll enjoy this (long-overdue) round-up of the Peach Patterns Mama Leilani Top & Dress PDF Sewing Pattern. Part 1 (this post) explains all the different options that come with this pattern, tips on sewing and links to blog reviews.  Part 2 contains some great fabric suggestions (lots of crafty eye-candy there!) and an online resource list.

Top (with Single Ruffle Overlay): Sewing this option is recommended for an easy way to get to know the Mama Leilani pattern! It doesn’t require much fabric and you can quickly get a feel for the fit and gain the confidence you need to make the dress. Team your Mama Leilani Top with shorts or jeans for everyday wear or a pencil skirt/ slim fit pants for a dressier look.

Top (with Double Ruffle Overlay): The extra layer and fabric folds that are a feature of the double ruffle are really pretty and emphasize the feminine look of the top. 

It’s important when making the double ruffle option to use a fabric which behaves well during sewing and when the top is being worn.  Lightweight is better for this option! Think rayon, lightweight lawn, voile or gauze. Or (if you’re game!) try chiffon, crepe or other silky fabrics. (Part 2 of this series has lots of suggested fabric options for you to check out).  Also search Google and Pinterest for tips on sewing silky or slippery fabrics and use a combination of pattern weights (food cans can double as these) and lots of pins when cutting. 

A few customers have asked whether constructing the double layer is complicated and the answer is no! With both pieces right sides out, you simply baste the shorter ruffle over the top of the longer ruffle around the neckline and armholes. Then turn the piece wrong side out and attach it over the top/dress (which is also wrong side out in this step) in the same way as you would a single ruffle. (The sewing instructions contain all the details you need).

Knee-Length Dress: For the perfect easy-wearing summer sundress you’ll want one (or more) of these in your wardrobe. Or create a special occasion dress with the pattern by using black silk or crepe (just add heels and your favourite statement jewellery to complete the look). In fact the Knee-Length Dress looks equally good with summer sandals or heels. And as with the top, you can add a single or double ruffle overlay.

High-Low Dress: Add some drama with the High-Low Dress option. The three-quarter length makes it a more dramatic option for evening wear and date nights while still really practical to wear and walk in.

Adjustable Strap or Shoulder Ties: You can choose to make regular shoulder ties or adjustable straps for your Mama Leilani Top or Dress. If you’ve never made adjustable straps before you’ll be surprised how easy (and satisfying!) they are to do. The sewing instructions contain a full photo tutorial with a thorough step-by-step explanation. Check out Part 2 of this blog series for links to suppliers that offer a range of pretty ring and slider hardware packages to make your adjustable straps. 

Creating a Faux-Romper Look: Mama Leilani Top teamed with Avalon Shorts

After releasing the Leilani Romper for Girls, lots of you asked for it to be offered in ladies sizes. After getting more thorough feedback we discovered customers wanted a slightly more practical option and decided to create a bundle of two patterns that give you the look of a romper but all the practicality of separates.  The Avalon Shorts for Women are easy-fit pull-on shorts and their relaxed boxy design is the perfect match for the Mama Leilani Top.  Get the patterns together in a (discounted) bundle and make them in the same fabric for an instant romper/playsuit look.

The shorts can also be purchased as a standalone pattern here (and are a great summer staple that you can wear with any of your favourite tops or tees).

Mama Leilani & Leilani Dress for Girls Bundle: 

The Mama Leilani was a spin-off of the previously released Leilani Dress for Girls. Get the women’s and girls' pattern in a (discounted) bundle and make one for your mini-me as well!

Layering, Embellishing, Pattern Hacks:

Add a cute cardigan or jacket over the top of your Mama Leilani for when the weather cools.

Try embellishing the top or dress with a lace overlay or hem. Or add pom-poms or trim to the ruffle overlay or hem.

If you're feeling adventurous, there are lots of ways you can modify the pattern to put a unique touch on your top or dress. Sarah of Sweet Meadow Threads made a dramatic maxi dress with her Mama Leilani pattern after seeing a similar one on Pinterest.

Blog Reviews: Some of our lovely testers wrote blog reviews of their experience making their Mama Leilani Tops and Dresses and you can check those out below:

Dagbjort made the Top with Single Ruffle and the High Low Dress. 

Read Dagbjort's blog post.

Susana made the Knee-Length Dress. 

Read Susana's blog post.

Tiffany made the Top with Single Ruffle and the Knee Length Dress.

Read Tiffany's blog post.

Sarah made the Knee-Length Dress.

Read Sarah's blog post.

Angeline made the Knee-Length Dress.

Read Angeline's blog post.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to check out Part 2 of this series which covers fabrics options and ideas for making your Mama Leilani: "Mama Leilani Top & Dress": Fabric Resources & Inspiration.

I'm so excited to announce the tester call for Peach Patterns first womens' dress pattern. Following on popular demand for a "mama" version of our Leilani Dress for Girls which was launched last summer, we will soon have a grown up version available.  The Mama Leilani sewing pattern will have the added options of a top length, a single or double ruffle and adjustable bra-style straps (as well as ties).  You'll find the link to the tester sign-up form at the bottom of the post.

The dress pictured is the Knee-Length option made in a lovely flowy rayon from Blackbird Fabrics (fabrics with a great drape-factor are essential to the design of this dress!) The other options are shown on the pattern cover illustration.

The Mama Leilani is quick and easy to sew and will be your go-to top or dress for summer. It looks great in vibrant prints for everyday or you can glam it up by using a special fabric with the high-low version for a dramatic night-time look.

INTERESTED IN TESTING THE MAMA LEILANI TOP OR DRESS?

APPLY HERE 

(Note: I will be running the test from 19 to 26 October 2017 in a closed Facebook Group which you would need to join.) The Size Chart and Yardage Chart are included on the form.

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