Ok guys, I know I go on about how much I love our testers…but I think you’ll agree from the makes we’re about to show you…they absolutely ROCK! The Olive pattern can look so different depending on the fabric you choose or the little details you add, which is why I love it so much!
Our testers have absolutely knocked their makes out of the park, made their own twists on the views and made us do a little jig of joy because of how fabulously they turned out! I hope you enjoy their makes as much as we do and be sure to take a look at their Instagram accounts & blogs for endless sewing inspiration!
WHO
Tania // Find her on Instagram at @tania.ho
MADE
View B // Dress
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The neckline!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
Another dress in a more drapey fabric (maybe tencel).
WHO
Lisa // Find her on Instagram at @lisa_sewingaddict
MADE
View B // Dress & View A // Blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The neckline is super flattering (hello collarbones!) and the binding technique around the v-insert makes the inside of the dress look so pretty.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I’m planning to make a peplum top by cropping the dress, but adding a drawstring at the waistline to allow it to be pulled in.
WHO
Tsalia // Find her on Instagram at @tsaliarh
MADE
View B // Dress
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The clean finish bias binding on the inside of the neckline! It just looks so pretty!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
Yes, I am thinking of making the dress version in a drapier fabric. For this first version, I used contrasting fabric for the bias binding at the neckline, the pocket and the sleeve cuffs. I like the inside neckline finish of the garment so much that I think it could look really cool if the neckline finish was on the outside of the garment in a contrasting fabric!
WHO
Samantha
MADE
View A // Blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
It is a quick sew!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I hope to sew up the dress, too!
WHO
Chelsea // Find her on Instagram @onthemarkdesigns
MADE
View B // Dress
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I ended up loving the v neckline and the cuffs on the sleeves!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I am thinking of doing one in a lighter fabric in a smaller size!
WHO
Lucia // Find her on Instagram @lucia_fl
MADE
View A // Blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Learning the technique to sew an V insert!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I’d like to make the version A with the arm bands of the B. Also, the version with long sleeves making the sleeves with scraps of other projects, making stripes with the different fabrics.
WHO
Jenni // Find her on Instagram @jennisewssomething
MADE
View B // Dress
WHAT SHE THOUGHT OF THE TEST PROCESS
Thank you so much for the opportunity to test this pattern. I had fun making it, and I’m sure I’ll have fun wearing it out too.
WHO
Connie
MADE
View C // Long sleeve blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Finishing the facing with my own bias tape & the ease of construction fit for both woven and knit.
WHO
Elisa // Find her on Instagram @elisa.prinz
MADE
View A // Blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The simplicity and the versatility of it.
WHAT VARIATIONS SHE MADE
I omitted the triangle to make it very low cut, because I like the way it looked with a top underneath. And I used a (somewhat) contrasting visible bias binding on the neckline and sleeves
WHO
Stephani // Find her on Instagram @stephaninikole
MADE
View B // Dress
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The clean finishes inside and out and the nice deep pockets!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I am going to try slimming the fit a little bit and I want to try a cute tied sleeve band.
WHO
Christina // Find her on Instagram @christina_alphabet or at Fetch & Bloom
MADE
View A // Blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I love the grown on sleeves for version A, they are so simple and effortless. Including the V and patch pocket gives this shirt some whimsy ( I used contrasting fabrics).
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
View B will come to fruition as soon as my fabric arrives.
WHO
Penny // Find her on Instagram @sewmuchpenny
MADE
View B // Dress
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I loved the great instructions on the pockets and the way they sewed up – perfection!
WHAT SHE THOUGHT OF THE TEST EXPERIENCE
This is my first pattern test. I really enjoyed the process so thanks for letting me be part of it.
WHO
Hari
MADE
View A // Blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Lovely finishes and not needing many alterations.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
Long sleeve version for winter. I colour blocked this version because I was using up fabric scraps and included selvedge on pocket.
WHO
Shirley // Find her on Instagram @craftsy_moments
MADE
View A // Blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The dolman sleeves + v insert + pocket give the pattern a casual yet unique look and also lots of flexibility to play around with fabric placements.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I would attempt a hacked peplum top or to hack the gathered skirt to other styles and make a dress version in future makes.
WHO
Caroline // Find her on Instagram @caros_time
MADE
View B // Dress
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Cute dress, lots of options
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I am keen to try all the versions and with different fabrics like linen.
WHO
Lisa // Find her on Instagram @ellejaysmakes
MADE
View A // Blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
This was a perfect combination of a fun and simple sew, with an ‘extension’ technique for interest.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I’d like to do a version which combines an opaque fabric and a coordinating sheer or lace panel insert and/or sleeves.
WHO
Helen // Find her on Instagram @helen.c.sews
MADE
View B // Dress
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I loved how many variations there could be – I used the dress version as I had 2 meters of a beautiful fabric that I wanted to use up, but it was outside my personal style, so I’m looking forward to trying the blouse options, and lengthening to a shift. I also enjoyed the comprehensive instructions.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I’d like to try both of the top versions, and lengthen the top to a shift dress.
WHO
Michelle // Find her on Instagram @michellegw
MADE
View A // Blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Simple, yet different summery top.
WHO
Cassie // Find her on Instagram @cassannebarry
MADE
View B // Dress
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I think there is lots of room for creativity with this pattern when it comes to modifying the v panel to mix fabrics or add an interesting feature!
WHO
Holly // Find her on Instagram @cotton.creature
MADE
View C // Long sleeve blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
This is a lovely simple pattern, but the added detail at the neckline makes it interesting, different and gives so many opportunities to get creative. I made the blouse version which is so beautiful and versatile, and can be dressed up or down easily.
WHO
Cherie // Find her on Instagram @mammamade
MADE
View B // Dress
WHAT SHE PLANS TO MAKE NEXT!
I’m considering mashing it with the Eucalypt top and making the waistline higher up.
WHO
Ana // Find her on Instagram @mujerconaguja
MADE
View A // Blouse
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I loved the way the armholes are finished. It looks great.
// LOOKING FOR MORE OLIVE POSTS? //
- Sewalong Intro Post
- Inspiration and Ideas
- Tester Round-Up (this post!)
- FBA with dart added
- Neckline Prep
- Patch Pocket
- V-Insert Option 1 (clean finish)
- V-insert Option 2 (topstitch)
- Bias Sleeve Finish
- Sleeve Bands
- Long Sleeves
- Pocket and Skirt
- Hemming
- Bonus Hack – Dress ties
- Bonus Hack – Elastic Hem Cropped Top
- Bonus Hack – Shift Dress
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNolive and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
Don’t have the pattern yet?!
