A Matchy Matchy Skipper Top

I recently signed up to be a tester for a new pattern by the Matchy Matchy Sewing Club. I haven't done this kind of thing for ages, but I thought that their new Skipper Top & Dress pattern was really cute -- and it's available now on their website!

This is reminiscent of their very popular Collage Gather Top, as it's also a panelled boxy top with gathered sections. The Skipper has gathering on the central panels, though, not the outer ones like the Collage, which appealed to me a little more. 

There are 3 views in this pattern - a short top, a mini dress/tunic, and a midi. I just tested the top view, but am planning on making the short dress as well in future. The patch pockets on that view are very cute. 

The style of Matchy Matchy is quite patchworky and quirky, with many of the samples on their website made of patchworked gingham. The patterns lend themselves to this kind of sewing, with their multiple panels. They also lend themselves to using small pieces of fabric, because of that panelling. 

I went to the other extreme with my version - I did an all black top! I had a small, lightweight greyish-black piece of cotton poly that I picked up at the thrift store a while back, because I liked the weight and drape of it. It was just perfect for this top. I decided to use the flat front view (there is also the option to gather the front panel as well as the back). After tracing and measuring, I also decided to add 3" to the length, as I'm not a real wearer of cropped items. The pattern has been adjusted in its final form to have a bit more length on the top and mini-dress views, so I probably won't have to make this adjustment on any future projects and neither will you if you make it!

The neckline is finished with a bias facing, and unfortunately my fabric didn't press as nicely as a cotton would so I did end up with a few bumps in my neckline finish, but that's a small issue. The fit on this is perfect for me, and I really enjoyed making it. The mini-dress has fun pockets and I'd make that with the gathered front panel. The midi has a side seam pocket option. I think that this is a quick and straightforward make and would be a good addition to the collection for newer sewists, due to its easy construction. But it would also be a good one for anybody who likes to use scraps, colour block or pattern block their projects. In basic black this is going to be a go-to for me. 

Scroop Patterns Robin Dress

I don't often test patterns, but this pretty dress by Scroop Patterns caught my eye and so I offered to be a tester for it. The Robin Dress is a princess seam button front dress, with different cup sizes for a bust ranging from a 30" - 59".  I made mine from a rayon twill from my stash. The pattern is now available from Scroop Patterns here, and it is 25% off for the whole launch week. I'm so happy to finally share my version.

Scroop Patterns is a company based in New Zealand, and so it was with delight that I realized I had enough New Zealand paua shell buttons to feature on this dress -- they've come from my sisters' trips to NZ, I always ask for buttons or fabric as gifts :) I think they match this lovely fabric well.

The pattern is well made; aside from my normal shortening, I didn't have to make many adjustments to it. I took half and inch out above the waist and an inch below. It's drafted for 5'7" so obviously this 5'2" person needed to take some length out. 

It's a relaxed fit; the back skims the body nicely, just to my preference! I suppose you could add ties to the side seams at the waist if you wanted to pull it in a little, but I like it falling loose like the pattern is designed.

I made the short view, View B. In View A, the length is more midi and there are side seam pockets. In this view it is knee length and has really cool patch pockets that are sewn in between the side seam and the princess seam. I love them! You can sort of see them in this picture. 

The only real adjustment I had to make was in the sleeve. In my muslin, I found the straight sleeve too tight around my bicep. I tried the flutter sleeve option as well, but found it overwhelmed me. So I used the full bicep adjustment from my old classic Singer fitting series book, and added one inch to the bicep. It worked perfectly and I love the way it looks in the final version. 

This is going to be a fabulous summer dress; light, fitted, comfortable, great pockets -- what more can I ask? Just that we can actually get out this summer, hopefully to somewhere further than the back yard. I hope you are all doing well and staying occupied and hopeful. Sewing is helping me to maintain some routine, creativity and joy, and I hope it is for you too. This springy Robin Dress is a mood lifter! 

Check it out on Scroop Patterns and take advantage of the 25% launch discount for this fun 90s style dress.