An honest review of two new patterns: Fabric Godmother Fleur blouse & IzzoSew Studio Rydal jumpsuit!

[@marywallace5248]

I think the looseness ( if that’s a word!) is the way the Fleur is meant to be. It looks really nice on you, easy breezy! I think you should embrace it, it is very cute. Your choice of gingham fabric is perfect too.

[@madebycathcraft]

Thanks Mary. I appreciate your thoughts on the fit of the Fleur😊

[@danutasullivan9500]

You look great in both garments, the Fleur particularly; it looks great .It's a shame you don't feel comfortable in it.. Thanks for the comprehensive review. Very helpful.

[@madebycathcraft]

You’re very welcome 😊

[@hestererlank8354]

Beautiful makes.

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much

[@paularoberts2129]

Hi Cath I love both outfits The top is especially nice You do look lovely wearing it But its how you feel yourself wearing it The fabric choice is good such a crisp look I think Have a great week Cath See you soon xx❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@madebycathcraft]

Hi Paula Thank you very much, I love the gingham fabric, I might see if I can spend a bit of time tweaking the fit and hope that will help for me to feel more comfortable in it. Hope you have a great week too Xx ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@paularoberts2129]

That’s a good idea Cath Thank you I will xx❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kateb271]

They both look great. Especially the jumpsuit. I thought I was the only person who didn’t think the Fleur suited them! I am gutted about mine, really unflattering on me. I should have lengthened the bodice but I don’t think it would have made a difference to it not shifting me to be honest. I seems to look great on everyone else.

[@jtea6863]

Two very lovely makes!!! And so different. The red really suits you and I like the color on you. The check is so cute! Whatever your hesitation I know that this is different from your other makes. Try it with white or black shorts. I can see you wearing it during the day on an outing. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much! 😊 Thanks I’ll give the Fleur a try with some shorts!

[@carolbibby3089]

Really like the Rydal jumpsuit on you Cath. I'm now motivated to try sewing one. It's so good to hear an honest review instead of hearing the patterns perfect. 🙂

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you! I have really enjoyed wearing the Rydal, I feel really great and comfy in it. I hope you enjoy it too if you try it. I’m so glad you found the pattern reviews helpful 😊

[@alisonwhite1942]

Beautiful job on your Fleur top. Great fabric choice and great job sewing it. You look beautiful wearing it. I see you getting lots of compliments. Well done!

[@madebycathcraft]

Ahh thank you very much 😊

[@nickymercer4398]

Hi Cath, I think they both look lovely. If I had to choose which suits you best, then it would be the Rydal jumpsuit, red really suits you. Have a good weekend/week 🥰

[@madebycathcraft]

Thanks so much Nicky. Hope you have a good few days too 🥰

[@Rangechick]

You are a very talented sewist. I very much your videos! I have also learned a lot with you.

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much! I’m so glad you enjoy my videos and find them helpful 😊

[@lindaeliis8239]

That top is so cute. I think that you would be happy with it as a dress.

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you! I think I might prefer as a dress too

[@TheFrenchSeams_vlog]

I think you look really great in both patterns! Thanks so much for the review on the rydel.. just bought it!! 😂😂😂😂

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much! Oh fab I hope you enjoy sewing up the Rydal too, can’t wait to see what fabric and pattern version you go for! 😁😁

[@AngelaEvers-tj1dg]

Another super video Cath. The jumpsuit is just fabulous and looks so good on you. Great fit. The blouse is also nice but something different for you. Really lovely sewing .

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much 😊

[@glorywipfli247]

I like both and I think the top fits just fine and looks very adorable. I liked the mixed gingham look.

[@madebycathcraft]

Ahh thank you very much 😊

[@constancegarcia8053]

Gorgeous makes 💖💖💖 Loving the jumpsuit 🥰

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much 🥰❤️

[@dorothytomniuk4106]

Love both makes. I don't notice the fit of the top that you weren't totally happy with. I hope it doesn't prevent you from wearing it because it's really cute on you!

[@madebycathcraft]

Ahh thank you very much! 😊

[@annsheldrake3554]

I’m not sure the blouse suits your body shape. But it is beautifully made and I love your use of the gingham in a different scale for the bows.

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you, I agree, I’m not sure it suits me. I love the gingham too, I enjoyed playing with the scale 😊

[@cking7382]

You have a great sense of your style with a natural instinct for what looks good on you. Your jumpsuit is outstanding - that red is perfect! You inspired me to also make the Dovestone dress …. twice! The gingham top is creatively sewn and very on trend but I understand your discomfort as it isn’t quite your style, and I agree with you about the bust dart oddness. However, you still look lovely in it! 😊

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much! I’m so glad you love the Dovestone pattern too! Ah thanks yes I think I am going to try and tweak the gingham top and see if I can improve it a bit. Fingers crossed 😊

[@india1422]

This is the second jumpsuit I’m encouraged to try after seeing yours

[@madebycathcraft]

Excellent, I didn’t used to be a jumpsuit person but I think with the right pattern, they can be so comfy and stylish 😊

[@janspenno2241]

Nice jumpsuit! It reminds me of one from AK patterns an old one

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you! 😊

[@suebrown5500]

Great video and thanks for your honesty, which is very helpful ❤

[@madebycathcraft]

You’re very welcome, glad it was helpful 😊❤️

[@jennetthamilton971]

Wow, the jumpsuit looks amazing. Everything, from the style to the fabric choice and colour, suits you perfectly. Now the top, i agree, it doesn't suit you. Maybe a drapery fabric, or a different choice for trousers would make a difference. I even wondered about pivoting the darts to the waistline and lengthening the bodice more. And it could just be my style preference. I'm not a big fan of the shape, it reminds me too much of maternity tops/dresses i more years ago. I do like the tie front with the modesty panel behind. I really think a person exudes confidence when they love what they are wearing. And the opposite for the reverse. I would say try the top again, different fabric, slightly longer bodice and show us the results.

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you yes that would be interesting to see how it would look with darts pivoted to the waistline, I think I might prefer that. I think it definitely needs some tweaking or yes retrying in a different fabric. I will report back on any changes/new versions! 😊

[@threadtherapy251]

The gingham top would look good with loose fitting black trousers. I like the jumpsuit very much 😊

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much 😊 I will try the gingham top with my black saguaro trousers thanks!

[@michturner179]

Thanks cath. I have just bought the radial jumpsuit it looks fantastic on you …have a few jumpsuit patterns but think that one looks great too…..another great vlog. ❤😊

[@madebycathcraft]

Fab, I hope you enjoy the pattern! I am so pleased with mine, it’s really comfy and I love the wide leg style. Thanks so much for watching 😊❤️

[@jenniferewart]

Thanks Cath for yet another helpful ,informative video.Both makes are great and as usual for you, both are superbly sewn. I do feel that peplum tops , in my opinion ,work better in softer fabrics such as viscose, I just prefer the way they hang . I would very much appreciate your advice when making the Fleur dress, how best to finish the seam where the bodice meets the gathered peplum. I don’t have an overlocker and would welcome tips on alternative methods, ( my seams always end up messy !!!!!!)

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much 😊 Yes I think the peplum might be better in a more drapey fabric too. One option for finishing the waist seam would be to enclose the seam in double fold bias binding. That can give a nice clean finish.

[@jenniferewart]

Thanks Cath, I'm currently trying to enclose the seam using a flat fell seam and it's not going too well !!! I shall follow your advice next time.

[@liza_lou]

I love both garments and I appreciate the bow tutorial. I've been looking forward to seeing your gingham version of the Fleur since you shared your plans and I think I will make a gingham one too! I'm just wondering, perhaps the dart is sitting a bit low, could that be the fit issue? I admire your desire to get a good fit, after all that is why we sew our own clothes!

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much. I hope you enjoy sewing the Fleur up in gingham too 😊 It could be that the dart is sitting too low, that’s a good point. I think I will have a play with the fit and see if I can improve it. I will report back on how I get on! 😊

[@lovesredsews]

Lovely makes Cath! The Fleur is quite oversized & it’s meant to be so I’m wondering if it’s more that you are not used to that silhouette as I think you tend to wear more fitted garments but I think it looks lovely on you & I love your use of different ginghams 😊

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much Claire 😊 Yes I think you’re right, it is a bit of a different silhouette for me! I need to try wearing it a bit and see if it grows on me 😄

[@pinkpaulasews4929]

I’ve got to say I think the Fleur looks great on you and so beautifully made ❤ I’m making a gingham Fleur right now and hope it looks as good as yours

[@madebycathcraft]

Ahh thank you ❤️ I hope your Fleur turns out well 😊

[@laurihuhn4727]

The jumpsuit is amazing, I love it. The gingham top pattern may look better with a less stable fabric. Gingham is a very stable cotton, try again with viscose, rayon or a fabric with more drape. It may work better for you in a dress. Peplums don't always work for some people, definitely not me and my long torso. I love your makes and vlogs, always well done.

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much! Yes I think I might prefer the Fleur in a more drapey fabric. I agree I’m not sure about a peplum on me.

[@kjean4662]

Beautiful job sewing, as always! On the blouse... what if you lengthened the body a bit and the peplum a bit shorter? Love the fabric combo!

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you! Yes I think a shorter peplum would be cute!

[@rinaeperron7746]

Cute blouse... but i understand what you mean about the darts... Sometimes i replace the darts with gathers in the same area. Its a loose enough fit that it might work. Or you could put the blouse on insude out and see if you could pin a more pleasing dart. Fab makes! I really enjoy your videos!

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you, those are great ideas, I hadn’t thought about adjusting the darts but I will give that a go as it would be great if I could improve the fit! Thanks I’m so glad you enjoy my videos! 😊

[@india1422]

Finishing seams. You can do it however you like, in whichever order will work 😊

[@india1422]

Yes, further to what I was saying, if you make a toile you can work out what to do with those I would also suggest wide-legged trousers

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you!

[@ll29123]

I made two fleurs and while the first came out too big, I absolutely love the fabric (cotton). I made my second one in a very thin cotton, almost linen? and it’s just not the same. Will perhaps try to make a crop top (top minus the peplum) next but I really like the pattern. I really like your version, especially the 2 gingams!!!

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much! I like the idea of a crop top Fleur without the peplum!

[@DianaThomas-er9os]

I think the Fleur style looks lovely, but either the skirt is too short for your shape (or the bodice is too short) you could add an extra tier to it and turn it into a dress quite easily and that would look super. Your fabric choice looks fabulous on you. I had the same problem with the Nell dress by Tilly and the Buttons, the bodice did not reach my waist by about 3 inches, and I had only made a toile so just made a longer skirt so that it looked OK on me, like an empire line dress. The nell has no darts, I went down a size but need to go down two more sizes because it was a very loose fit on me in the bodice. I took two 4cm darts in the back bodice as it hung away from my body in the back. I have the Fleur Pattern so I may eliminate the dart as I am a similar shape to you, but a bigger size, to overcome the problem you have experienced with the dart. Thank you for the tip. The Rydal Jumpsuit looks fantastic on you just love you in red too. I was so impressed I bought the pattern using your discount code. Thank you very much for the offer.

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you, I really like the idea of turning the Fleur blouse into a dress. I think it could definitely benefit for some tweaking. That’s very useful to know about the sizing and adjustments on the Nell thank you! Oh brilliant I am so glad you used the discount code and got the Rydal, I hope you enjoy sewing it up too! I have really enjoyed wearing mine!

[@india1422]

I’ve ordered some Meet Milk Tencel Jersey in Plum to try out the Rydal

[@madebycathcraft]

Oh brilliant that sounds lovely! Hope you enjoy sewing yours!

[@fionnualaryan7584]

Thank you

[@madebycathcraft]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching 😊

[@cindywilson3273]

I think this blouse looks very nice on you. When you are pulling it to show the issue it shows but otherwise it looks very cute and the fit seems just right.

[@madebycathcraft]

Ahh thank you, that’s nice to know the fit doesn’t appear too bad

[@nicolegooding7724]

The jumpsuit is fabulous IMO. The amount of gathering in the #fleurblouse may be too much for your slight frame. I wonder whether you'd like it more as a dress. If you took the peplum off and used your left over fabric to make a gathered skirt then used the current peplum as a bottom tier it may be more to your taste. Your pattern matching is glorious! As for the darts, perhaps if you lengthened them by a cm or 2 whether you'd like how they sit better.

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you those are great ideas, I hadn’t thought of altering the darts, I will get my pins out and give it a try. I also hadn’t considered changing into a dress but that’s a really good plan too!Thank you very much!

[@janspenno2241]

I love the fleur. Have you tried to tie the middle bow a little tighter? It looks as though it is less tight than the others? It may make the fit better

[@madebycathcraft]

Thanks I’ll give it a go 😊

[@jennywoolliscroft5259]

I love both garments on you. Would it be possible to mash the 2 front bodice patterns together to do away with the darts but keeping the armholes for the sleeveless version? I haven't got the pattern yet, so I am only guessing!!

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you yes that might work well, good idea!

[@jennywoolliscroft5259]

Glad you like the idea. Can you please let me know if it works if you give it a go as I am about the same size as you. I won't be making this for a while as it is winter here now.

[@madebycathcraft]

@jennywoolliscroft5259 yes will do 😊👍

[@cherrybrook140861]

do you think the fleur might drape better when it’s washed and softened up .they both look fab on you . enjoyed your flog

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you. Yes that’s a very good point, I think it might actually soften up, fingers crossed 🤞

[@janspenno2241]

I think on the drawstring, one reason for the drawstring in the channel is that with eyelets, sometimes, it’s harder to feed through. Ask me how I know!

[@madebycathcraft]

😄😄 yes indeed!

[@suusanne89]

Love these patterns. Maybe a dumb question, they suggested 40% stretch. How do you know how many stretch is in a fabric. I really don’t get that in the sewing community? Because it was 5% elastan and 95% bamboo. Im so confused 🫣

[@madebycathcraft]

Hi there, it’s not a dumb question at all. Some online fabric shops are quite helpful and list the stretch percentages as part of the fabric information. I got the bamboo jersey from Minerva and they do include that info. You can also calculate yourself using a ruler to see how much the fabric stretches by. If you google ‘measuring fabric stretch’ you should be able to find some tutorials. Hope that helps 😊

[@suusanne89]

@@madebycathcraft thank you!! I'll look online for the measuring " tool "

[@india1422]

I Did I hear you say you think the darts are not quite correct ?if they are an upward pointing dart then it should be lower than your bust point. Your bust point is usually your nipple but not always! It’s the most protruding part. Wearing the bra you will wear, locate your bust point and look at the end of the dart. It should point to your bust point- taking a ruler along the stitch line. Is it too low, too high? The dart point should be 1" or 2" away from BP. I’ve just had to lower the😊dart on my Nell. Very easy

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much, that’s really helpful, I will have a look and see where it is sitting on my Fleur blouse thanks!

[@CarolAReece-ii1ry]

Not my favorite top on you but love the jump suit ☺

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much. I feel the same 😊

[@chlomo2618]

I have to admit I don't think the Fleur suits you as well as all the other lovely clothes you make. The two scales of gingham are fun, and the fabric looks great on you, but that style is perhaps not really you. I see what you're saying about the darts; I can't work out what's going on there from here, but I agree that it doesn't look quite right. The jumpsuit, on the other hand, is an absolute winner! It looks fantastic on you. The colour was a great choice, as was the combination of short sleeves and three quarter leg. I think you'll get so much wear out of it!

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much, I really love the jumpsuit 😊 Thanks yes I think the Fleur doesn’t feel so much my style.

[@LenaBeckwith]

Relax, the garments looks great on you..if you were as big as I am then.....😂

[@madebycathcraft]

Ah thank you!

[@kylieharrison3782]

I think your gingham top might feel a bit better with wider or straight leg pants not skin tight jeans. Or even perhaps wear the top with shorts. That will help with getting the proportions more comfortable. I think your jeans with that length top directs an observers eyes to areas of the body you might only want attention from an intimate partner. I hope I said that in the least offensive manner. The jeans I think might feel better in a tunic length top that covers the intimate area.

[@madebycathcraft]

Thanks I appreciate your thoughts

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

xXX👍👍👍

[@madebycathcraft]

😊❤️ xxx

[@jennyturner6399]

💙🧶🌈🍓

[@madebycathcraft]

😊❤️🩷💙

[@SewCraftyGal]

Beautiful makes

[@madebycathcraft]

Thank you very much 😊