It has been FOREVER since I last posted. This year has gone by in a flurry of settling into our house, then unsettling again to renovate, then trying to keep up with tradesmen and the kids and all else going on. Anyhow, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel with the renos (more about that another time), and I'm so happy to be able to spend some more time with my blog, 'cause I love chatting with you guys!
Even though the year has been crazy I've kept myself sane with plenty of crafting, and I'm loving my first ever dedicated sewing room. I feel very spoilt in this house to have it, and I love to tuck myself away in there to escape into my own creativeness for a bit.
One of my most recent sews was this lovely Finley and Quinn robe, which I was so super-lucky to test for Heidi of Pollywoggles. I've tested for Heidi before, and when I saw the opportunity to test this amazing pattern I just couldn't say no. Then to be invited to join the blog tour for this one as well ... well, that just makes it all the more fun!
So, for this project I took the time to go shopping for some fabric (rather than just using something from the stash because, well, I didn't have anything suitable any excuse for some fabric shopping, right!?!) This pattern's great 'cause it will work for loads of different fabric types from fleece to fannel to cotton, and of course some minky. This minky was on sale at my local fabric store, and blue is Bethany's favourite colour at the moment so it was just meant to be. And boy is this robe soft and snuggly. It did create a little fluffy snow-storm in my sewing room as I cut it out, but it was absolutely worth it for the end result, and I would highly recommend some minky when you have a go at this pattern.
So about the pattern ... Heidi has totally nailed this one in my opinion. The length is great for a summer or winter weight robe, and the comfy loose-fitting style will suit any kiddo and is perfect for both boys and girls. I also loved the way the collar goes on with this robe, and that Heidi has even thought to join the belt to the robe so it doesn't get lost ... no more searching for the belt, and finding it weeks later being used as teddy's scarf in the toy-box. (hmmmm we may have had a situation like that before in our house!) Heidi has thought of everything. It's an easy-to-follow pattern, and is recommended for a confident beginner, which I would totally agree with. Anyway, Bethany loves her new robe, and Hannah has told me in no uncertain terms that she needs a new robe too! Lucky it's heading in to summer here in Sydney right now, so I've got a bit of time up my sleeve before she'll need it, huh!
So now for the important bit ... did you know you can get this pattern for FREE!!!! Yep, the full Finley and Quinn pattern for all the sizes (12mths to size 10), and it's ABSOLUTELY FREE. To get yours, head over to the Pollywoggles Patterns Sewing Circle group on Facebook, (and join up if you haven't already!) and you'll find the code to use when your order the pattern. I just can't believe how generous this is when I've seen first hand some of the hard work with creating and testing and adjusting that Heidi has done to make sure this pattern is perfect. It's free only for the rest of the year, so don't waste any time.
Oh, and if you head to the Facebook page or the website you'll also see some great pics of robes from some of the other testers. It's one of the reasons I love pattern testing. The same pattern can appear so different with another person's fabric choice or style options thrown in. Did you see Zoe's post about her Finley and Quinn Robe yesterday? ... I love this fabric choice!
And coming up in the blog tour over the next few days are: The lovely Tamara from Lunatiek, then Bieke from Biezonder, and finally Rachelle from That's Sew Venice. So much sewing talent right there with those ladies!
Anyway, thanks so much for having me Heidi, and of such a fun sew.
I'm hoping this post marks the beginning of some more regular posting from me, but we all know how life has a way of getting in the way sometimes. I have a few drafts in the works, and I'm hoping to share them with you all soon!
Everyone loves a snuggly, warm, soft and comfy robe