There are so many great things about testing pdf patterns! First, you get to see and sew a great pattern before the general public gets access (Woot!). Second, helping the designer iron out all of the kinks in the pattern directions, as well as the construction and fit of the finished garment. Third, you often get a free copy of the pattern. All in all, it's a win!
My most recent pattern testing experience was for an amazing designer at Stitchwerx. The task was to test the Tiddly Wink Toppers Square Beanie in size 18mo-2T size. Challenge accepted! After all, I have 2 adorable Littles at my disposal: Miss A & Miss C.
Thankfully, I had some knit fabric on hand that would fit the bill, so I got right on the challenge. The instructions were clear and concise. The pattern pieces were marked clearly and were very easy to piece together.
The final product? ...cute, comfortable and cozy. In one afternoon, I was able to make 2 hats sized 18mo-2T...and one that was sized 3T-6 for Mister D (Miss C's big brother)! Check them out!
My most recent pattern testing experience was for an amazing designer at Stitchwerx. The task was to test the Tiddly Wink Toppers Square Beanie in size 18mo-2T size. Challenge accepted! After all, I have 2 adorable Littles at my disposal: Miss A & Miss C.
Thankfully, I had some knit fabric on hand that would fit the bill, so I got right on the challenge. The instructions were clear and concise. The pattern pieces were marked clearly and were very easy to piece together.
The final product? ...cute, comfortable and cozy. In one afternoon, I was able to make 2 hats sized 18mo-2T...and one that was sized 3T-6 for Mister D (Miss C's big brother)! Check them out!
These hats turned out so well that I decided to try the adult sizes. This time for my nephew, Mister J!
(Good looking bunch of kids, aren't they?)
My nephew's head measured between the Adult Medium and Adult Large sizes, so I made the Large. Being that these hats are knit, it's a forgiving pattern.
(Good looking bunch of kids, aren't they?)
My nephew's head measured between the Adult Medium and Adult Large sizes, so I made the Large. Being that these hats are knit, it's a forgiving pattern.
(Let me take a moment and confess: In order to get pictures with the hats on, I had to resort to bribery...M&Ms. Don't worry, each kid only got a total of 3 M&Ms for the duration of the photo session.)
Here's the whole crazy bunch of Littles in their Tiddly Wink Toppers, all in anticipation of getting their third M&M. Mister D's Topper is actually the second design offered with the purchase of this delightful pattern: the Round Slouchy.
Here's the whole crazy bunch of Littles in their Tiddly Wink Toppers, all in anticipation of getting their third M&M. Mister D's Topper is actually the second design offered with the purchase of this delightful pattern: the Round Slouchy.
Here are Miss C and Miss A wearing their new Tiddly Wink Topper Hats. Isn't their ensemble well coordinated? lol (I was photographing the dresses the same day and didn't want to take the time to have them change.)
Miss C was distracted during the photo shoot by the many "flowers" in my front yard and sharing them with her friend, Miss A.
As decorative options, I decided to make a coordinating flower pin for Miss A's hat. I also sewed a decorative button onto Miss C's hat for some interest. Love how versatile these hats are.
Miss C was distracted during the photo shoot by the many "flowers" in my front yard and sharing them with her friend, Miss A.
As decorative options, I decided to make a coordinating flower pin for Miss A's hat. I also sewed a decorative button onto Miss C's hat for some interest. Love how versatile these hats are.
Having finished four fun hats for four amazing (and downright good looking) kids, what do I do? Try to figure out different ways to utilize the pattern.
My next thought was "I wonder how these would look if I upcycled a tee...". The first step in this process was to find an old tee that had enough stretch to accommodate the pattern. So off to Goodwill I went! I found 2 tees that were made of a light knit with no stains or holes (or so I thought). I made another Square Beanie in size 18mo-2T and one in size Adult Medium. Below are the pictures and description of my "upcycled" project:
My next thought was "I wonder how these would look if I upcycled a tee...". The first step in this process was to find an old tee that had enough stretch to accommodate the pattern. So off to Goodwill I went! I found 2 tees that were made of a light knit with no stains or holes (or so I thought). I made another Square Beanie in size 18mo-2T and one in size Adult Medium. Below are the pictures and description of my "upcycled" project:
Since finishing the six hats that are pictured in this blog, I've had people request their own Tiddly Wink Topper.
Note: For warmth and "cuteness", the store-bought fabrics work really well. For people who simply want a stylish addition to their ensemble, a light-weight, upcycled tee is one of the best (and least expensive) options. Although people liked the adult-sized skull Slouchy, they prefered, by far, the lighter weight Slouchy made from an upcycled tee as it was more "slouchy" (not to mention that they can wear it year-round and not just in cold weather).
The end result?
Everyone LOVES Tiddly Winks Toppers!
I have plans to make several more upcycled Tiddly Wink Toppers for friends and family. In fact, I've already purchased more materials for upcycled Tiddly Wink Toppers.
I know, you now want to make your own hat wardrobe, right? You're in luck! Stitchwerx has the patterns for purchase. To purchase the patterns, go to:
18M-Lrg Adult Sizes Listing: https://www.etsy.com/…/sale-reversible-slouchy-beanie-sewing
Preemie-12M Baby Listing: https://www.etsy.com/…/…/sale-reversible-slouchy-baby-beanie
(All ten sizes Preemie-Lrg Adult) Combo Listing: https://www.etsy.com/…/sale-preemie-to-adult-reversible-slo…
Note: For warmth and "cuteness", the store-bought fabrics work really well. For people who simply want a stylish addition to their ensemble, a light-weight, upcycled tee is one of the best (and least expensive) options. Although people liked the adult-sized skull Slouchy, they prefered, by far, the lighter weight Slouchy made from an upcycled tee as it was more "slouchy" (not to mention that they can wear it year-round and not just in cold weather).
The end result?
Everyone LOVES Tiddly Winks Toppers!
I have plans to make several more upcycled Tiddly Wink Toppers for friends and family. In fact, I've already purchased more materials for upcycled Tiddly Wink Toppers.
I know, you now want to make your own hat wardrobe, right? You're in luck! Stitchwerx has the patterns for purchase. To purchase the patterns, go to:
18M-Lrg Adult Sizes Listing: https://www.etsy.com/…/sale-reversible-slouchy-beanie-sewing
Preemie-12M Baby Listing: https://www.etsy.com/…/…/sale-reversible-slouchy-baby-beanie
(All ten sizes Preemie-Lrg Adult) Combo Listing: https://www.etsy.com/…/sale-preemie-to-adult-reversible-slo…