When Meg of Sew Liberated asked me to review her latest pattern, the Paloma Top/Tunic/Dress, I jumped at the chance. I have sewed many of her kid's patterns with great results. Plus, I love any excuse for a little selfish sewing!
The pattern is designed for knits, read: scary to sew, great to wear. I'm here to tell you, there is nothing to fear, and all kinds of comfortable to gain. I have the world's most basic machine, no walking foot, no "stretch" setting, and I had no trouble. My only advice: use a brand new stretch needle, switch needles if things start going awry, and test out your zigzag stitch on a practice swatch.
Okay, now let's get to the details. I scored this fabric for a song at the Fabric Outlet. I opted for the dress option. According to the pattern, I measure as a size large, but I cut the medium, and I think it's plenty flowy. When I got to the hemming step, I tried it on and decided to chop off three inches. With all that fullness on top, I wanted to balance it with a little leg. So I made it a little less earth mama, and little more hoochie mama. I don't usually wear full tops, and now I'm wondering why. I love this pattern and will surely be making more versions. I feel like it would be the most functional and forgiving early-maternity and post-partum top ever.
Want to make your own? I've got two to giveaway! Simply leave a comment before June 15th 8 pm PST for your chance to win. Giveaway now closed. As if that's not cool enough, Small & Friendly readers also get 10% off your whole order at the Sew Liberated Shop! Just use the coupon code: small friendly (offer good until 6/22)
Don't dig volume? Just belt it and cinch it.
The dress earned Jude's highest praise: "Mommy, you look pretty like a mermaid."
Be sure to check out what the other bloggers on the pattern tour have created:
Tuesday, June 5th: Sew Caroline
Wednesday, June 6th: Old House Mama
The digital Paloma pattern is also available on Craftsy. And don't forget to show off your creations on the Sew Liberated Pattern flickr group.
