Menu
From The Workroom / News & Updates

Breakwater pattern tester round up: part one

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!

About Author

Holly writes part time for the Megan Nielsen blog– sewing like crazy, creating tutorials and sewalongs. She has been sewing since she was a little girl, and has her degree in apparel design. Now she’s a stay at home mama, and spends all her free nap times at her sewing machine.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

8 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Ginger
10 years ago

Wow, girls, you sure outdid yourselves! So many gorgeous pieces!

Kelly
10 years ago

They all look fantastic! Everyone is so creative.

maddie
10 years ago

Ah! All of these ladies look absolutely wonderful!

Tina LaChance
10 years ago

great variations! I would love to play with those dynamically simple designs!

stephanie
10 years ago

Everyone looks gorgeous! Great variations and it’s always nice to see what people do with a pattern and how they approach it differently :)

crystalpleats
10 years ago

All of these garments are so gorgeous and further show the creativity in your new collection.

Michelle
10 years ago

Love the post! How does one become a pattern tester?

sallie
10 years ago

Gorgeous ladies!! Thanks again, Megan! It was such a pleasure!