It’s time for another tester round up everyone! Our favourite part of releasing a new pattern! We have had so many beautiful makes come through in all variations for the Opal pattern. Our fabulous testers have given us their blessing to share their makes with all of you, trust me, you’ll love them as much as we do!
I just wanted to give a big shout out to our testing team, as they really do put in so much time to be part of the process. Especially during this strange year we are experiencing, we so appreciate the time and effort all of our testers put into the process for us. Without their feedback we couldn’t keep creating such high quality patterns…big hugs guys!
Make sure you check out their Instagram accounts and blogs to see what other sewing inspiration they are sharing! Let’s take a look!
WHO
Indu // Find her at @kaleidothought
MADE
View A // Tapered paper bag
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The tapered legs, followed by the paper bag waistband.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
For my next version, I want to make a View D knee length shorts for summer. I love the linen pair that I made, it’s a beautiful soft linen with both purple and pink threads and pairs wonderfully with both light and airy cotton tanks as well as my black turtleneck tee and sweaters.
WHO
Jessica // Find her at @mrsinge
MADE
View B // Wide leg
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The elastic waist makes for a comfortable and forgiving fit but doesn’t take away from the fabulous silhouette of the pants.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I want to make both shorts versions for summertime!
WHO
Erica // Check out her makes on Instagram @ezley_prezley
MADE
View A // Tapered paper bag & View C // Mid short with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
It was a really easy, satisfying sew. Things came together quickly. I used a cotton linen for the view C shorts and I can see myself wearing them all summer. So comfy and perfect for heading to the beach or to a casual brunch.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING ON MAKING NEXT
I’m planning to do a pair of the view A tapered pants and I have the fabric ready to go. I’m envisioning secret pyjamas style pants for work and anywhere. The shorts are great and I plan to make another pair in a size down. Haven’t decided on fabric yet though.
WHO
Grace // Find her at @grace.creating
MADE
View A // Tapered paper bag
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The way the paper bag waist fits, and the belt over the paper bag waist is such a cute detail.
WHAT SHE THOUGHT OF THE PATTERN
It was fun to make and made me look forward to creating different versions! It is also different than anything l currently have, which is fun. Thank you for the opportunity!
WHO
Kylie //
MADE
View A // Tapered paper bag
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
They’re actually the first pair of pants I’ve made that have fit straight off the pattern. I’m really thrilled with that!
WHAT SHE THOUGHT OF THE PATTERN
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this. This is my first time testing a pattern and I’ve really enjoyed the process!
WHO
Luna // Find her on Instagram @lunalorce
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
It looks cute. I made the paper bag waist. It’s slimming on me.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I’ll continue to make version A. It’s my favorite look out of all of them.
WHO
Melissa // Find her at @knit.sew.capsule
MADE
View C // Mid short with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The cinching effect of the tie belt and how it covers the elastic ;-) And those front patch pockets.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I’d love to make the tapered and wide pants version. And a short skirt with the tie, paperbag waist, and patch pockets seems like something I’d like if I wasn’t chasing my kids around all day!
WHO
Deepthi // Find her at @_made.by.dee_
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with patch pockets
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Slanted patch pockets and the ability to mix n match pattern pieces.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I am planning to do View D in the future.
WHO
Pam // Find her at @josephinesews or on her blog Josephine Sews.
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The generous amount of ease and how comfortable it makes these pants to wear.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I would like to make View A with the regular waistband, View B, and View D. I have not made any variations.
WHO
Vivian // Find her on Instagram @back.to.stitch
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
My favorite thing is how quickly the pattern came together and how flattering a fit it is, considering the fact it’s elastic and ruffled both!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
My next version will include patch pockets on the backside, and no belt loops or tie belt. Another version will have belt loops to allow me to wear my favorite leather belt.
WHO
Gabrielle // Find her at @gabrielle_upsewlate
MADE
View C // Mid short with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The top stitched front patch pockets with pocket facing. I’m sure the pocket opening won’t stretch out.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I’m planning to make View D for myself!
WHO
Leah //
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
As soon as I finished I started to wear them! So happy with how they turned out.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I really want to make a pair of paper bag waisted shorts with side and possibly back pockets.
WHO
Alene // Find her at @alenesews
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The paper bag waist on the pants is perfect! It’s a great length and fullness and looks so cute with the tie belt! And the Opal is SO comfortable which I didn’t expect since it’s designed for woven fabric.
WHAT SHE THOUGHT OF THE PATTERN
Seriously so well done Megan Nielsen and team! I can’t wait for the release and to make many, many more Opals!
WHO
Jess // Find her at @jessosaurusmeh
MADE
View B // Wide leg
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The different views available that you can mix and match and the tall leg length option.
WHAT SHE THOUGHT OF THE PATTERN
This was my first sewing pattern test and it was lots of fun due to a great easily sewn pattern, thank you!
WHO
Emily // Find her at @ems_sewing_lounge
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
It’s a wardrobe workhorse! It goes with everything in my closet and is comfy and stylish!
WHAT SHE THOUGHT OF THE PATTERN
I love the pattern so much! I am a new mom getting ready to go back to work, having the opportunity to test this pattern was a godsend. Now I have some new pants to wear to the office that I feel completely comfortable and confident in. THANK YOU!!
WHO
Amy // Find her at @amyloumagoo
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist & View B // Wide Leg with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Ease of construction.
WHO
Liora // Find her at @quiltychemist
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I’d like to make a short version of the tapered pants with a paper bag waist as well as one with just an elastic waistband.
WHAT SHE THOUGHT OF THE PATTERN
I love being part of the testing process – I learnt so much and as someone who started sewing relatively recently, its so special to part of the community this way!
WHO
Holly // Find her at @tracedwear
MADE
View C // Mid Short
WHO
Ana // Find her at @lazosyapertas
MADE
View B // Wide leg
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Wide leg and inseam pocket.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I will sew View D for summer and other View B with tencel fabric.
WHO
Rachael
MADE
View C // Mid short
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Definitely the inseam pockets. They just turn out so beautifully.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I have a slim pant with elastic waist and belt planned in rayon.
WHO
Emina // Find her on Instagram @madebymedu
MADE
View A // Tapered leg
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
Clarity.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I want to make a pair of shorts. No variations this time.
WHO
Beth // Find her on Instagram @thelittlesewingb
MADE
View C // Mid short
WHAT SHE THOUGHT ABOUT THE PATTERN
I’ve always avoided the high-waist pant because I have a short torso but these pants are amazing and I feel really good in them!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I’m currently cutting a dressy pair of black viscose pants. They’re also comfy I might make some pajama shorts out of some novelty quilting cottons too.
WHO
Myra // Find her on Instagram @makingmodamyra
MADE
View B // Wide leg
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The waist and not having to fiddle with the crotch curve.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I made pajamas out of old cotton sheets as a muslin, View B wide leg. I made the View A pant out of drapey mid-weight black linen/rayon blend and added a deep hem. I will definitely make more – with paper bag hems on some for fun. I also want to make some in silk and some in wool twill. They wear like sweats but they look nice for everyday. Awesome.
WHO
Emma // Find her on Instagram @sewdoitemma or her blog Sew Do It Emma.
MADE
View B // Wide leg
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I chose this Viscose for Version B and it suits it well as it skims and floats down the leg. You could go to town with various drapey fabrics which could be either dressed up or down.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I plan to make some shorts for the summer. I also would like to try the paperbag version.
WHO
Stephanie // Find her on Instagram @_stephanie_sews_
MADE
View C // Mid short
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The ease at which this pattern came together. And it’s suitability for naptime sewing – everything could be done in short and sweet bursts of effort!
WHAT SHE THOUGHT ABOUT THE PATTERN
Thanks for allowing me to test this pattern! I had a lot of fun making my first pair of shorts, and it was a great confidence booster for a beginner.
WHO
Kirsty // Find her on Instagram @kiwisewswien
MADE
View A // Tapered leg
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The quick construction time and the range of options, these will make up well in so many fabrics to give completely different looks.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I made a View B with the View C pockets and one back patch pocket. I really like the balance of the wide leg pants, they are a great shape on.
Come summer I am planning on a few pairs of shorts.
WHO
Julia // Find her on Instagram @juliaallissoncost
MADE
View C // Mid short
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I like that they are comfortable, easy to put on, and require no fly assembly. There is a lot of potential for using fun fabrics. It could be pajama pants, dance shorts (with the right material), lounge pants, or breezy around-the-town pants.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
Yes I plan to make a long pants version! I’m also planning to paint on my shorts version to make them more exciting.
WHO
Alana // Find her on Instagram @art_n_craftytimes
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I love these as a staple piece to add to my work wear wardrobe. Well drafted, and the inseam pocket instructions are the best I’ve seen – so they have the best pockets I’ve ever sewn!
WHO
Lorena //
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist
WHO
Kynthia // Find her on Instagram @kyncreations
MADE
View D // Long short
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I love how easy it was to put together! The hardest part of it was trying to choose a suitable fabric.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I am planning for view A in solid chestnut!
WHO
Maree // Find her on Instagram @sew.maree
MADE
View C // Mid short
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
All the included options! To make pants or shorts with pocket variations. Loved the belt loops to make the shorts really classy. Loved the wide elastic belt too.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I would like to make View A with a normal waistband and front patch pockets.
WHO
Rachel // Find her on Instagram @yondercouture
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
I loved the fit and ease of construction. I’ve purchased a few similar patterns, but this one has such a polished look.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I would like to work up versions of of each option. My next make would be a pair of wide leg pants.
WHO
Simone // Find her on Instagram @sewing_stripes
MADE
View B // Wide Leg
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
It was a straightforward sew and the variations are very classical and stylish.
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I want to make another pair with the tapered leg but with the elastic waist and belt. Combine View A and D.
WHO
Megan // Find her on Instagram @sewinginthe6ix
MADE
View A // Tapered leg with paper bag waist
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
So comfy – secret pajamas for the win!
WHAT SHE IS PLANNING TO MAKE NEXT
I added back patch pocket to View A. I’d like to try the short inseam side leg shorts next!
WHO
Louise //
MADE
View C // Mid short
HER FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE PATTERN
The simple, floaty design of the shorts.
// LOOKING FOR MORE OLIVE POSTS? //
- Inspiration and Ideas
- Tester Round-Up (this post!)
- How to Lengthen Or Shorten the Pants
- Inseam Pockets
- Patch Pockets (back pockets and front patch pockets)
- Seams (crotch seam, inseam, side seams)
- Belt Loops and Belt
- Waistband (B & D standard elastic waist)
- Paperbag Waistband (A & C)
- Hemming
- Bonus Hack – Cargo Side Pockets
- Bonus Hack – Drawstring Waistband
- Bonus Hack – Elastic Hem Joggers
- Opal Hack Ideas
// SHOW US YOUR CREATIONS! //
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNopal and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
