Pattern Review: Sofilantjes Hibernis Cowl Shirt

This past week I've been in testing for this super cute new shirt from Sofilantjes. I've never tested for Anne before, but I was part of her blog tour a little while back so I already knew what her patterns were like, and that she's a wonderful person to work with behind the scenes.  This pattern is on sale for just $5 for the next two days and you can grab one here!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LISTING PHOTO HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I jumped on the tester call as soon as I saw it posted.  You had me at princess seams and unique pockets; add in that big cowl and those shoulder tabs, and I'm so in.

I was chosen to test and given option A (no pockets or princess seams) with short sleeves and the cowl.  I was a little nervous about the cowl because Rylea gets weird about scarves sometimes and I thought she'd hate it.  I was totally wrong.

Not only does she love the cowl, but she's been wearing it with other shirts (thanks to those tabs that snap and unsnap), and she's been wearing it as a headband too because she's weird sometimes.

The trickiest thing about sewing my shirt up was the cowl.  Thankfully, Anne included written instructions, line drawings, photos, and a video all for that one part of the tutorial.  I had no problems with my cowl at all and the end result is very professional.

I've got some super awesome fabric that I've set aside for another Hibernis for my girl.  This time we're going to do those fabulous pockets and seams!  I'm guessing there will be a million little Shopkins and Lalaloopsy Dolls hiding in there.

The Hibernis Cowl Shirt is now ON SALE but only for 2 days so grab it now or you'll be kicking yourself later.  I highly recommend this pattern, and I'm looking forward to seeing all the awesome creativity in Sofilantjes group!

Details:

• Sizes 12m - 14y (80 - 164) 
• Dutch and English versions
• Layered pattern pieces
• Line drawings/pictures/video tutorial
• A4 and letter size trimless pattern pieces
• View A: princess seams and pockets
• View B: no pockets
• Make the cowl with tabs or without
• 3 different sleeve lengths (short, 3/4, long)
• Banded hem

Summer Surprise Anniversary Tour: Pattern Hack & GIVEAWAY!

Hi and welcome to my stop on the Summer Surprise Tour! Happiest of anniversaries to Sofilantjes and Anne; we know we're going to see many many more awesome things from you this coming year.

 

A part of the anniversary goodness, Anne is re-releasing her Summer Surprise pattern with an all new layout.  The pattern now includes the layers feature which is so easy to use and saves ink and paper when printing all your patterns, it's really a fabulous addition to an already fabulous pattern.  Don't forget to download your update if you already own the pattern and if you don't, keep reading for a coupon code!

 My girl is a very slim 6 year old.  She has the chest measurement of a 3T and the height of a 6T.  Anne has drafted regular and slim sizes (both included in the same pattern download) so I chose to do a slim 3T on my girl.  Perfect fit!

As you may (or may not) know, I'm an upcycler by trade.  I take tee shirts and turn them into something else.  I've made dresses, pants, skirts, shorts, you name it.  So, I stayed true to form here and turned one of my girl's favorite Elsa tees into a dress for her.  Here's how I did it.

I started with my tee and my front pattern piece all assembled and ready to go. I also grabbed my sharpie (because I like to live dangerously), and scissors.

Cut the sleeves off the shirt and cut the front of the shirt away from the back.

Then, once I laid my pattern piece on top of my shirt, I realized I was going to need more fabric added to the panel to make it work.  I added an extra strip of solid blue to the top to give the shoulders some color. I just measured how much more fabric I'd need and, considering seam allowances, I rough cut piece from my scraps and serged it on.

Then, once my panel was large enough, I laid my pattern piece on top, traced it, and cut it out.  Easy peasy.  I did the same thing for the back as well, and I had myself a cute little color blocked dress.

I kept the curved hem of the tee in tact and used that as the hem of her dress.

Pair the dress with some mommy-made leggings and you've got a winner!

And now, for the good stuff!  Use the code "anniversary" to get 25% off the Summer Surprise Tunic & Top!  And enter the giveaway below!  There's a new one everyday so make sure you visit all the bloggy stops on the tour and enter them all :)  Happy sewing!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Inspinration - The Craftiness in Me - Van Je Veel - Boutique Birdie - Tory Frail Designs - Wining Wife - Keep Calm and Carrion - Moon Star - Circle Meets Line - Amazing Adventures with Buba and Bug - Manning the Machine - Sugarplum Cuties - House of Estrela - Create 3.5 - Handcrafted by RED - Lulu & Celeste - Rebel & Malice - Two Novembers - From a Box - Sprouting JubeJube - Maryall Made - Phat Quarters - Knot Sew Normal - Sew Happily Ever After - All Things Katy