We have a special treat for you all today! All of these lovely ladies were kind of enough to serve as pattern testers for the new Breakwater collection while Meg was finalizing everything. They’re here today to share what they have done. And let me tell you, that all did amazing (and these are only half of them!). Check out all the girls below, and stay tuned later this month – we will have round two with even more amazing ladies and their creations!
who: Sophie of Cirque Du Bebe
pattern tested: MN2103 Crescent Blouse
what did they think?: “This top is dreamy! I had so much fun testing this pattern, usually I steer towards prints but this pattern already has so many cute features and details I went with a solid, in a silk cotton. Though the pattern certainly has scope for lots of fun variations, I think if I was to make it again I’d play with some fleuro color-blocking. It’s comfy and a lovely fit, even if my shoulders only just fit into the cut outs, genetics can take the blame for that one.”
who: Ginger Makes
pattern tested: MN2103 Crescent blouse
any variations planned?: “I’m planning quite a few variations– I’d like to lengthen one into a dress, and make another with a pointed collar. I’m also really excited to make one using sheer fabric for the crossover hem for some extra fun.”
who:Sallie of Sallie Oh
pattern tested: MN2103 Crescent blouse
any variations planned?: “When I first saw the sketch for the Crescent blouse I was really inspired to make one that was dressy and feminine, a perfect summer date-night top! But now that I made that one, all I can think of is making a more relaxed version – almost sporty – maybe in white mesh with turquoise contrast binding.”
who: Melissa Esplin of I Still Love You
pattern tested: MN2202 Cascade skirt
what did they think? any tips?: “It’s imperative to trust the grainline on the pattern pieces! Megan knew exactly what she was doing when she drew up the grain lines. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I’m so glad I followed her instructions. It made the drape of the skirt just right on all sides.”
who: Michelle of Handmade Martini
pattern tested: MN2202 Cascade skirt
what did they think?: “This pattern was very easy to sew, and the resulting drape of the skirt is gorgeous. Even with basic cotton gauze, which is what I used, it’s definitely a statement piece.”
who: Michelle of Handmade Martini (again!)
pattern tested: MN2101 Eucalypt tank and dress
any variations planned?: “I’ve already finished one variation — a version with the front seam and contrasting fabric. I’ve got a Liberty of London fabric (with parrots!) on order that I’ll use for another version. It won’t be the last one I make, that’s for sure.”
who: Anna of Blogless Anna
pattern tested: MN2101 Eucalypt tank and dress
what did they think?: “When Megan sent me the proposed line drawings for her new collection, I was VERY excited about the Eucalyptus Tank & Dress. A woven tank was a missing item in my wardrobe, I loved it’s simple lines and all the possible variations. I made the tank and was thrilled with the result. It’s such a flattering cut for my body shape. In fact, I was so thrilled with my tank, I raided my Liberty tana lawn stash and made a dress straight after.”
who: Amanda of Bimble and Pimble
pattern tested: MN2101 Eucalypt tank and dress
any variations planned?: “Yup, I’m thinking a lace yoke version for spring… Just got to make it through winter first!”
who: Jen of Made On The Couch
pattern tested: MN2203 Tania Culottes
what did they think?: “I loved it. These are totally my kind of culottes. Not only do they look nothing like the horrid ones I was forced to wear when I was a girl guide (yep, that’s how cool I am), they’re SUPER practical for Perth weather- we’re in the top ten windiest cities in the world (or so the internet tells me), but I still love to wear pretty skirts- these culottes are totally the solution. You can also run around in them, sit on the ground without fear- there really isn’t anything that you can’t do with them. I’m pretty much in love. And seriously, when you bend over in them in a most unlady like manner, they are the most hilarious things to look at in the world. I don’t even know how to explain that. Anyway. Moral of the story? Awesome, sneaky pants inside a skirt. I am quite taken with them :)”
What about you?! We’d love to see what you’re creating from the Breakwater collection! Join the Megan Nielsen Flickr group to share what you’ve been working on, and check out what everyone else is up to!