Wanderlust by Willow & Co

10:31:00 AM,20 Comments

A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity to test for an amazing group of bloggers who make up Willow & Co, a pattern collective.  I have been splitting at the seams(see what I did there?!?!?  hehe) to share with you all the amazing patterns they have designed.  I was fortunate enough to get to test 3, yes that's right,  I tested 3 patterns for this glamping collection, the first of hopefully many from this wonderful group of women!  

Without further ado, let me introduce the Fawn Lily Top/Tunic/Dress.



This pattern boasts adorable character and features:
  • 3 lengths: top, tunic, and dress
  • 2 yoke options: button yoke and crossover yoke
  • 3 skirt options: gathered, pleated, and flat
  • 2 sleeve options: cap sleeve and pleated sleeve
  • 2 pocket options: inseam pockets and patch pockets
  • a HUGE size range: 3months-12years!!!!
  • wonderfully written instructions with step by step photos
  • line drawings
Rebecca from Rock the Stitch really outdid herself on this pattern, and testing for her was an awesome experience!


I adore all the options with this pattern, the fact that I can make countless tops/dresses/tunics, and with all the options she has included, each one can look so different from one another that you'd never know it was the same pattern!  We saw through out testing this pattern that every rendition of the garment allowed each individual to put her own spin on it and make it unique!  


I chose to test the tunic version, with cap sleeves, a pleated skirt, and button yoke bodice.  The bodice is my favorite part.  I love how such a simple addition of buttons to a bodice can create such a wonderful look.  In my head, this was the perfect pattern to show off multiple fabrics, and I'm so glad it worked out how I imagined!  I fell in love with this bicycle/scooter fabric and knew it would be perfect!!  And polka dots are among my fabric ever, so I knew I couldn't go wrong there!!


The construction of this garment is beautiful, inside and out!  You are left with something that not only looks good on the outside, but is just as pretty on the inside, and all you seamstresses out there know how important that is!


I really think everyone should pick up a copy of this come April 22nd!  I enjoyed sewing this and can't wait to make more!  What a perfect spring/summer garment for all those little ladies out there!



The second and third patterns I tested were for Hayley from Mouse House Creations.  I have had the honor of testing for this amazing lady a few times now, and I swear, she is something fierce!  I don't have enough words to even begin to tell you my admiration for this lady!  She's nothing short of amazing!  Ok, girl crushing over, back to the pattern.  

Let me present The Clover Shorts and The Persimmon Top & Dress.


Ladies, I see a lot of these in your futures.  The Clover shorts will become your go to pattern for summer shorts, and the Persimmon top & dress is the epitome of a classic girly sundress.  

The options on these patterns are amazing!  Let's start with the shorts!  

The Clover Shorts boast:
  • classic pleated front
  • flat front waistband
  • elasticized back
  • cuffs
  • belt loops
  • sash
  • pockets
  • optional waistband ruffle
  • higher rise in back(it was able to cover her cloth diaper!!!!)
  • HUGE size range: 6months-12years!!!
  • line drawings
  • Step by step easy to follow instructions featuring color photos
I really adore everything Hayley creates, but these shorts are special.  They are classic but with a modern twist, and can even be made extra girly with adding the optional ruffle at the waist!  And the fabric options for these are endless!  I decided to make 2 pairs to showcase 2 different looks!


My first pair was made from flannel.  It screams fall to me, although here in Michigan, you are never certain of the weather, so my little lady wore these to the zoo a few days ago with cable knit tights(yes, she wore thick winter tights in April) and boots!  Such a cute look!  She turned more than a few heads in this little ensemble!  


These cuffed shorts as just darling!  She doesn't really care about pockets yet, but I know she will love them as much as I do in a year or so, when she realizes she can store all her tiny treasures in them!

I chose to leave the ruffle off of both pairs I made, but will definitely be adding it to future pairs!  These shorts sew up pretty quick, and the instructions are beautifully written.  As always. Hayley really outdid herself with this tutorial.


Want to see pair number 2?????  I think you're going to like it!  ;)


Pair #2 just scream summer to me!  The bright colors, the gingham and polka dot combination....it brings a smile to my face!  Doesn't it make you yearn for a Popsicle and to run through the sprinkler??? 


I'm pretty sure this little lady feels the same way I do about these shorts.  She was able to run and chase her brothers, and I love the higher rise in the back on these!  We use cloth diapers, and many times shorts and pants do not have a high enough rise to cover her diapers.  But have no fear, this pattern takes that into account so you will not be showing anything off!!

Ok, I want to show you more, but to do so I need to move on to the next pattern.  Are you ready???  I think you are!

The Persimmon Dress & Top features:
  • options for partial or full lining
  • center panel
  • pleated side panels
  • optional ruffles along side panels
  • pockets
  • dress and tunic lengths
  • HUGE size range: 6months-12years
  • links on how to make your own bias tape
  • easy to follow step by step instructions with color photos
  • line drawings


I just couldn't pass up an opportunity to make both the dress and top options for this pattern.  I instantly thought this as a top would pair perfectly with the Clover shorts, and boy was I right!!!


Every time I see this photo I die!!!  Cuteness overload right there!!  Ok, remember when I asked you before about the Popsicle and sprinkler???  Well, if you answered no, I'm sure you've changed your mind!  This reminds me of something I would have worn as a little girl, but with a modern twist!  I love that it can be made with the center panel as an accent!  


And let's talk about the pleats!!  Do not be afraid, these are so easy to do and Hayley explains it beautifully!  The construction on this pattern is wonderful, just like all of her patterns.  She explains everything down to the very last detail!  


Sorry for the photo overload, but I already warned you I LOVE this pattern!!  The combination of the top and shorts are fantastic, and I'm pretty sure we will be seeing lot's of this combination over the coming months!!

Last but not least, I'd love to share my favorite.  I always think little girls in sundresses are just darling, so I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make a dress too.  And this pattern really spoke to me!  I had the PERFECT fabric in my stash that was a perfect match for this dress!


It doesn't get better than white clip dot fabric, ruffles, and lace!!!  This to me is the perfect girly sundress!  Want to see the whole dress???  You sure????  Ok, you've twisted my arm ;)


Gorgeous, right?!?!?!  I fell in love with this pattern even more after this dress!  I LOVE how simple and classic the look is!  This is the perfect dress to showcase a single fabric, or do what I did with the top and pair a few of your favorites together!


Normally I steer away from white altogether, but this pattern was calling for some flowy white fabric!!  Warning, TONS of photos coming up!  I just have to share these!  Just keep scrolling if you don't care about a beautiful little girl in an adorable white dress!!! haha



  

I am just beyond pleased to have been able to be a part of testing these patterns!  All 3 were remarkable and you would be crazy if you didn't make them part of your pattern arsenal!  So, don't forget the date.  April 22nd.  Chant it, write little notes at your desk, put an alert on your phone, write in on your calendar, do whatever you need to do to remember that date!!!  You won't regret it!  

Thanks again to Hayley and Rebecca for giving me the chance to test these amazing patterns!!!  You ROCK!!!!


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20 comments:

  1. Wow, you've been busy! I adore that white Persimmon!

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  2. WOW, you have been busy and it all looks AMAZING! Thank you, thank you.

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  3. SO adorable!! You did such an awesome job on all these!

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    1. Thank you so much!! And Thanks for the opportunity to test for you!!! :)

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  4. Wow! I can't even pick my favorite! Just beautiful! Love it all!

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  5. I want to go fabric shopping with you! haha They are all beautiful. Great job. My little is seriously going to have a drawer full of clover shorts by the end of the week, such great patterns! -Rachel

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    1. Aww, thank you!!! Yes, the clover shorts rock, don't they?!?!? Seriously a great pattern!!!

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  6. These are fantastic!!! I love them!

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  7. I am in awe!! Everything is so beautiful!! I cannot wait to get my hands on these patterns!!!!

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  8. Oh my goodness!!!! Adorable!!! Can't wait for these!!

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  9. Gorgeous !! well done!! Thanks so much for all your hard work!!!

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  10. I can't believe I haven't commented yet! You did such a fantastic job on ALL of these!

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