My blogger friends and I recently started a group we’re calling The Fitting Experiment in which we will sew up patterns and showcase them on our blogs so all our sewing friends can see the looks on each body type and help determine if a pattern is for them and some of the adjustments they might need if they were to sew it up.

For our first experiment, we tried out the recently updated Sabrina Slims from Love Notions. Sabrina is a “cigarette” style pull on pant with multiple options. See the line drawing from the Love Notions listing below:

I kept it simple and went for the basic side seams with no pockets. I’ve never really loved pockets on anything me made for myself so that was an easy choice. I did add the back pockets because I feel like they make the pants look more like pants.

I used the fitting guide extensively. This thing is gold. It tells you exactly how you want to do your muslin to achieve the best fit and also includes really helpful details such as the amount of ease you want to achieve at each location.

I started out with a size larger than I would have normally for my muslin and had pretty decent results, definitely wearable. I did end up taking so much out that I went down a size nearly throughout for my red pair. I think part of this was user error in taking measurements. My fleshy bits around the hip can be a bit tough to accurately measure as I feel like they’ll squish up or down as opposed to measuring a more rigid point like my waist.

I also ended up taking out more length in the crotch and just contouring a bit. I plan to wear these to work. I love that they’re pull on and don’t cut my gut. For this pair, instead of adding elastic, I went down a size in the waistband and added clear elastic to the top seam when piecing the lining to the outer waistband. I haven’t worn them for an extended period of time yet but I suspect I’ll be comfortable and not need to keep pulling them up.

I definitely would need to fine tune the crotch and hips further on my next pair but the main difference I would make is the pockets. Rather than waiting until the pants were constructed to put on the back patch pockets, I did it sooner based on the pattern placement marks. They’re just a bit far apart for my liking. This is a super simple fix and now I know better. When I make any pant in the future, I’ll just baste or use double sided tape until I’m 100% sure.

I learned a lot about my body and good fitting techniques by sewing two pairs of these.

A special thank you to Love Notions for sponsoring The Fitting Experiment bloggers with patterns so that we can share our thoughts with you. Love Notions has kindly provided a 20% off shop discount code for all our readers. Please use this code at checkout: FittingEXPSabrinas

In addition, Love Notions has given us TWO copies of Sabrina Slims to giveaway. For a chance to win, comment below. For more chances to win, comment on the other blogs too! You can check out their posts below:

• bigflynotions (you are here)
• Diskordia’s Curvy Sewing
• SequoiaLynn Sews
• Petite Font
• Liviality
• Jong Design
• Jot Designs
• Stiched by Jennie

Welcome to my stop on the Sofiona Designs Blog Tour. We’re helping the amazing Sofiona designers Sherri and Trisha to celebrate a huge milestone – – – a whole year of beautiful designs, spot-on drafting, superior instructions, and just all-around rad members of our sewing community.

Check out some of our amazing sponsors helping us to celebrate!

Raven Day

Today is all about the Raven. I sewed the dress version with the elastic waist, long ruffle, and back tie. This ruffle with a little lace has my heart!!!

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Check out the line drawing from the Sofiona website for some of the other options:

I love the elastic casings for the waist and sleeve cuffs. They sew up so quickly and are easier for my sweet pre-schooler’s independence (and my sanity!). My daughter is just under the size chart for the waist but shortening the elastic inside the casing means I can’t even tell!

The Fabric (and a coupon code)

The Raven can be made by light to medium-weight wovens or light knits. This pattern later inspired the Sofiona Rhubarb pattern drafted specfically for knits. You can see my Rhubarb dress here.

My first order with “the snob” was fabulous. I had a few questions that were quickly answered in the group from knowledgeable admins and fellow “Snobs”. Shipping to the US is a flat rate OR/ FREE for orders over a certain amount. The quality and color of everything I ordered is absolutely divine and the exchange rate is an extra win.

The Fabric Snob is giving 10% off orders from the entire shop Nov 4-10 with the code SOFIONA. Jump for joy:

A21 and the Balsam Bag

One of the things I love about Sofiona is that they donate a portion of their earning to A21, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking. To read more about the charity and Sofiona’s dedication to their mission, please click here. In addition, all profits from Sofiona’s latest pattern, the Balsam Bag, will be donated to A21. If you’ve been waiting to sew a bag, here’s a great reason to dive into it!

More Sofiona Inspiration

This post is affiliate-free. I received the pattern in exchange for sewing it up and telling you about my experience but my thoughts are entirely my own. This is a fabulous pattern by one of my favorite shops.
Check it out!

I got a head start sewing fall wardrobes this year. It was still 90+ degrees when I photographed most of these long sleeve loves. Good thing, because fall came virtually overnight.

I made myself a fall dress using this lovely Art Gallery cotton lycra. I used the Bella Sunshine Designs (affiliate link) Emmaline bodice and popped on the Sahara skirt. This pattern is so lovely. Fits like a dream and super fast because you’re using bands instead of lining. BSD is actually running a mash contest right now. Check out more details here. Hey, I recognize that lady!

My son got several pair of Railway Joggers. I love Sofiona for their terrific fit and superb contruction. There are always fabulous design elements that give even basic things like pants a little extra style. Isn’t he the coolest looking little dude styled up in this P4P free beanie and sneaks? I used a sweater knit for the hat and the joggers are actually an old sweatshirt of mine. I love how they have just the right amount of structure.

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Check out little dude in his Hip 2 B Square top (affiliate link) from Goober Pea Designs. Yep, this hat gets around! I had some scraps from Simply By Ti’s striped cotton lycra and it was a great feature fabric for this pattern.

Don’t worry, Diva Girl was NOT left out. By any means. This dress hound settled for a skirt and a top. The skirt is Arcus (affiliate link) from Sofilantjes and made from FT scraps with a DBP waist. The top is a 3/4 sleeved Maggie (affiliate link) from BSD in baby FT.

I also recently made her a long sleeved Rhubarb dress from Sofiona. This is made from Art Gallery CL. I think it was 100 degrees this day in the park but she had so much fun all dressed up and playing in the stream. Oh child!

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I used the popular Every Which Way Dress from Duchess and Hare to make my daughter a few dresses awhile back. I’m so happy I am finally remembering to share them!

I made the dress with a collar and a vintage length and I adore the result. The way the dark chambray mixes with this gorgeous floral makes the pattern sing.

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My miss has grown a full inch over the summer though so I decided to make an extra long skirt for her second one and wanted lots of twirling fullness so added to the width as well.

Both versions are totally twirl-worthy!

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The main fabric on both dresses is quilting cotton. I love using quilting cotton because it is so widely available locally and there are tons of adorable prints and is often at a lower price point. I rarely iron either, I find that simply hanging the dress and hand pressing out the wrinkles while wet mostly does the trick. Phew, this mom doesn’t have time to iron everyday wear.

These two dresses are worn for school, play, painting, for life. I imagine they would constitute as church or other dress up wear for other little ladies but She lives for pretty dresses so why not enjoy them daily? I imagine this pattern would be super spectacular in special occasion fabrics too!

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Today I’m guest blogging for Bella Sunshine Designs as part of their Back to School Blog Series. I made the cutest dress, please come check out the full post here.

It has been raining in the Midwest. Nonstop. No joke. My friends have flooded basements and there looks to be a pond in my backyard. And little people have been inside for days upon days. (My mom sanity is running thin.)

My daughter asked why it is raining. I had more than one smart comment in my brain. But 4yo brother had the perfect answer “Because the grass and birds need a drink. And then it will be sunny again”.

Oh, he’s a clever one.

Summer is Coming

So, I’m starting to sew for those sunny days. I recently helped test the new Moss dress/top pattern from Sofiona Designs. It has several length options and can be made with or without the hood. Check out the line drawing (source).

My version reads cool dress than swimsuit cover up but it was designed to suit (#mompun) both functions. The Moss is actually being released as a bundle with the new Sofiona Narwhal swimsuit. Check out the amazing binding options on that btw (source)!

My version reads cool dress than swimsuit cover up but it was designed to suit (#mompun) both functions. The Moss is actually being released as a bundle with the new Sofiona Narwhal swimsuit. Check out the amazing binding options on that btw!

I love the deep back V on this dress. This is the higher cut line. It is gorgeous.

The construction is uber thoughtful throughout. The binding facing on the neckline is super clever in how it finished the optional hood and turns the ties. While totally dreamy (bindings ARE dreamy!), it might be better suited for an intermediate seamstress or adventurous/patient beginner.

I love this relaxed, almost raglan looking accent on the front:

My divalicious daughter selected maxi length which hits right at the ankle bone for the size 3 length. This means, she reaps the drama of the length without the mobility accidents. Fantabulous!

Tea Time

Last year was the beginning of a tradition where my daughter and I go to a fancy tea at the local butterfly house. Naturally, we wear coordinating outfits. This was our attire from last year. Tea 2019, we went for this fun yellow floral. I think it is some sort of cotton feel poly blend.

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We had a total blast and the Moss clearly goes well with delicious red velvet cupcakes!

This post does NOT contain any affiliate links. I received a copy of the pattern in exchange for testing this pattern, which includes sewing up multiple versions and providing feedback on things like fit, construction, and tutorial edits.