Mabel Challenge Reveal - What did Tamlyn and Ruan think?

Hi everyone, we're back!, if you remember, Rachel challenged Tamlyn and Ruan to make the Tilly and the Buttons Mabel Pattern, watch now to find out what we think!
We're Ruan, Rachel and Tamlyn aka Northern Sewl Sisters
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[@georgianasstudio]

The Mabel looks beautiful on all of you.

[@sandiwalker761]

You all look fabulous in your tops. Hearing how resistant Tamlyn was to the style not being her, I think I have to give her extra points.Kudos to all 3 of you, though. I iked Rouan's bangs swept to the side in the pic. And I loved the birds in the background.

[@margaretbrown8128]

Here was me thinking Mabel would be too ‘frumpy’ for me and I’m in my early 60’s! Well done Ruan for the bold decision to size down so much (think yours is my favourite). I’m really surprised it goes with Tamlyn’s biker girl image but it just goes to show. Great experiment girls.

[@lizlisle7361]

Yes, it's the frumpy picture on the pattern envelope that I can't identify with and I'm 71!

[@makkasmum]

@@lizlisle7361 totally agree regarding the photo on the packet, but that’s how I felt about the Marnie & I e just cut my second on. 😊

[@lizlisle7361]

@makkasmum, thanks for replying! I'm not a marnie fan either, I have to admit. It's the loose, flowing style, I think, and the high neck. I prefer a V neck and a more fitted style. My favourite top is New Look K6351. It's a knit top and I've made it over and over again. I especially like to make it for summer in colour change fabric! I've adapted it to lengthen the sleeves for winter too and used a slightly warmer cotton jersey. It's just personal preference in the end.

[@angelalysandrou4830]

Mabel’s are all lovely ladies x

[@nancyblackstock3278]

Love the Mabel pattern on all three of you, beautiful. Here is a challenge - the Betty Dress by Sew over it. It is a dress my Mum looked stunning in in the 60's and still think it is a beautiful dress.

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you Nancy! And yes I think we should maybe open up voting to the public for a pattern they’d like to challenge all 3 of us with! 😈

[@dianemontavon5670]

You all look great in your Mabel's. Love them all

[@jennyturner6399]

Lovely Mabel’s ladies. I think it’s going to be hard to challenge Rachel because she embraces so many different styles. 🍓🧶🌈💙

[@jacmary6580]

Lovely Mabel’s ladies 😊 how about some sort of draping challenge? Or you each pick a pattern for the other that you think they will like but that challenges with a tricky sewing technique, jeans, or something like that? 😊

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Great idea!! 😊

[@DevonThreadTales]

I was totally on the fence about this pattern, but I love it more and more each time I see it. All three of yours are lovely. I’m glad you talked about the sizing as that helps soooo much, and great idea to try the top first “just in case” 😂 Love it ❤xx

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thanks lovely 🥰

[@maryellenoneill9061]

I had the same reaction to the pattern when I saw it….but you ladies all look fantastic in your garments.🥰. I like the drapiness of Tamlyn’s top. Nice fabric choice. Ruan and Rachel’s are great as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@janetyler1642]

All the Mabel’s are stunning and they do look great on both Tamlyn and Ruan❤️ perfect fabric choice too! I really wasn’t sure this pattern was for me. I like the dress but my body shape doesn’t suit peplums😉 I do really like the neckline and ended just lengthening the top without the peplum and adding elastic at hem. I love Rachel’s idea of the drawstring ties instead of elastic. Good luck in finding something to challenge Rachel 😃

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Oh what a great idea Jane! Love it when you can hack a pattern to something you feel more comfortable in 😊

[@justsewit_tk5477]

I think you girls a ll did a lovely job on your Mabels. I'm more an 8 in the sizing so the decision to size down given that I have seen how you all have made yours and how Ruan and Tamlyn have both sized down. I'm thinking that this would probably be the way to do when I get to make this (it's currently too cold to wear this here in Western Australia) for spring. I think it also looks beautiful at the proper size especially as a dress. You could take your pick really. Thanks so much ladies for showcasing this pattern.

[@northernsewlsisters394]

You are more than welcome. I hope you have success with it to when you make it 😊

[@lucythomson4629]

A great challenge. Lovely to see your different versions and hear your thoughts on the pattern ❤

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@thesewinggardener3637]

Love the Mabels what about making some trousers for your next challenge such as the Closet Core Mitchell or Pietra pants? Xx

[@paularoberts2129]

All amazing Ruan absolutely fantastic so your colours xx❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@runningsewandsew]

Brilliant challenge. I loved your dress Rachel from the moment you wore it here on Coronation Day. Ruan those colours pop on you and Tamlyn you are so clever at choosing the right fabric for your style. I loved all three. I joined in but my vlog has been delayed….. great challenge I loved it. I wouldn’t have made Mabel without it and I love it xxx

[@cecilehoare3053]

I think the Esti set should be the challenge! Your tops and dress are great!!

[@northernsewlsisters394]

He he. Only time will tell 🤪

[@susanhealey6294]

Love all your makes ladies, suits you all. Just brilliant! Can't wait to see what you come up with next x

[@mmgg9337]

Love love love Ruan’s version ❤

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you ☺️

[@elainemariesews2683]

You all look great in your Mabel’s

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you 😊

[@jackiegenandt6661]

So cute ladies!!!!

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you ☺️

[@sewvertonmakery]

Love all of your Mabel’s. It looks fabulous on all of you and I love that Rachel set you such a fabulous challenge ❤

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thanks lovely ☺️

[@SewLikeDotty]

Gorgeous Mabel’s girls x

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you Alison 😊

[@sewmeinoz3059]

I would love to see you all make Named Clothing Kielo Wrap Dress for the next challenge.

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Aww thank you. I think all 3 of us have made it but watch this space as one of us may be making it for another vlog 👍🏼

[@alisonkemp1671]

I have the top cut out Struggling with shirring but will persevere 😊 Yours all look fabulous xx

[@northernsewlsisters394]

You can do it! Trial and error on some machines I think. If you have a Brother machine I do know that you have to tighten up the bobbin holder x

[@alisonkemp1671]

I do have a Brother and have found specific information on that - plus I bought a spare bobbin case that I can adjust to my hearts delight without affecting anything else I might want to sew. I’m sure I will get there with shirring with some trial and error 🤣

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Yay!

[@helencunnell5917]

well just to say you all look fab, just shows that the fabric can make or break it. xxx

[@patternpouchnest9529]

Haya. All your Mabel's look great 🙂I said to you guys previously about how I swapped out the bodice front elastic as it is unnecessary & I omitted the front seam as I do not like that on me. I do all the shirring at the same time as well 🙂I made 6 in the end 😄vlogged about them. I will make the top version hopefully soon. Challenge yourselves to make something from a vintage pattern from a decade you least like 🙂Thanku 'sew' much for sharing 🪡✂🧵🙂

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you! You are the queen of the Mabel 🥳

[@nanahelensews]

I also wrote this dress off as I am quite short, very straight up and down and thought it would be too flouncy. You have made me think and I’ll probably have a go at the top to see if I like it. It suits you all and love each of the fabrics.x

[@annscott4031]

They all look fantastic. I’ve never done a top with a peplum (or done any shirring), as I have it in my head that it won’t suit me. Maybe I need to re-think this.

[@northernsewlsisters394]

I think it surprised us too. Definitely worth having a try 😊

[@Thebakerthatsews]

Fabulous Mabel’s - you all look great xx

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you Liz ☺️

[@makkasmum]

You’ve all done a fantastic job. Ruan that fabric is gorgeous. I love them all.

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you ☺️

[@lavadajenkins2955]

I love them all!!

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you 😊

[@jeanlinder1310]

Y'all look great!

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you!

[@SewMyTime]

What a result! I too wrote off this pattern but now re- thinking. They all look so good. This is a great concept and I cannot wait to see the next challenge.

[@sewlittletime]

All beautiful versions ...I agree with Rachel, I would put ties into the neck area. I do like this pattern, just the shirring putting me off making it as never done it before! X

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Karen you can do it 💪🏼

[@marybethpazdernik9672]

Ruan and Tamlyn- well done! You managed to make this top much sleeker by significant downsizing and more sophisticated with your fabulous fabric choices. Great demonstration of knowing your bodies and your own styles and "re designing" pattern to suit. Ruan, I think the length of your top is great so if in the future you remove the inch in length from the bodice I suggest adding it to the peplum.

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Yes I will definitely do that! And thank you for the lovely compliments 🥰 (Ruan) x

[@soandiesews]

You all look fabulous ❤❤

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thanks lovely 🥰

[@RhondaLorch]

Lovely Mabels good women. Isn’t it amazing how we get stuck on what we think is our style. Robs us of new opportunities!💕🇨🇦

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Yes! Exactly this. Was good to get out of our comfort zone 👍🏼

[@cindywinkler4172]

I love them all! Rachel thar dress suits you beautifully, Tamlyn and Ruann, they suit you both perfectly!! I'm so inspired to cut mine out and give this a try😊 Thanks for this video

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Yay! Thank you!

[@karenbensdon4643]

Three gorgeous Mables on three amazing ladies.

[@northernsewlsisters394]

You are so kind 💕

[@sallydingle321]

Ahhh.. Well done girls.. they all look amazing 👌💖🖤💙. It's brilliant seeing you all make the same pattern and how fab they can look in different fabrics 👌. Not sure how you can challenge Rachel... she can do goth and pritty really well 😜.. bit of a challenge for you both for sure 🤔😁🥰😘

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Ha ha. I know exactly what you mean Sally! I have something in mind though 😈 🤣 (Ruan) x

[@sallydingle321]

@@northernsewlsisters394 can't wait to see 👍😁

[@dizzyquiltsandsews]

I love your Mabels and thought this was such a fun challenge. What a great way to try new things! Can’t wait to see what Ruan and Tamlyn come up with next!

[@sharonrush731]

You all look lovely

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you 😊

[@ivli5729]

Wow girls! You look amazing in your Mabels! 🤩 I think I have to get this pattern 😂

[@glendavizecky7581]

Lovely makes!

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you 😊

[@xxmadebymejuliexx]

I think your next challenge should be fitted trousers to go with your Mabel tops 🤔🧡

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Eeck! 🤣

[@jackiecaine3220]

Gorgeous Mabel,a ladies

[@lynnelyons5171]

Fabulous ladies, totally rocking the look in your own inimitable way. Inspiration for all your followers. 💜

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you so much!!

[@tracyrowen945]

They all look fabulous. They all suite your style 🥰🥰

[@loriannpayne4483]

Great fabric choices for all of you! Each version works for you. Glad you all tried the pattern. So fun to see yours in person Rachel!

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@SEWDOITEMMA]

What lovely Mabel’s ladies … think it’s going to happen in July for me, definitely convinced me ❤

[@lizlisle7361]

I think it's the pattern envelope that puts me off. It really does look so totally frumpy. I saw a picture of Tilly herself wearing it and it looked really good... But I don't think I could get past that picture on the envelope. Still, there are plenty of other patterns out there.

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Yes it’s hard to sometimes look past the front cover but I’m so glad we did on this occasion 😊

[@anitawilliams4978]

I love all of your Mabels. Can't wait to see what you come up with for your next challenge

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you so much. Watch this space 🥳

[@jennyallan8794]

Mabel looks gorgeous on you lovely ladies 🤩

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you! 🤗

[@annetimmins1915]

You all look fabulous, ladies! ❤ Ruan, I've just made a Donny shirt out of your fabric, and I love it! 😊

[@Ms4Marie]

This episode made me smile 😊 Your great friendship is clearly evident-and your sewing 🧵 makes were perfectly suited to each individual/unique style, based on the joy and confidence in which you all expressed!

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Oh thank you! We are very lucky 💕

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

All the garments look good so it’s interesting how we dismiss something as not us. I did exactly this as this style is so much part of my past. Of course you added your style with the fabric choice. Well done 😊

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you ☺️

[@jennetthamilton971]

All 3 versions are lovley and look totally different because of the fabric choices. I like the idea of sizing down, the fit looks so much better. I think if i were to make the top, I would just make a version with no shirring at the waist. I have no idea what the next challenge should be, but I'm sure it will be interesting.

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you! 😊

[@christineeaton]

You lovely ladies have spurred me on to make the Mabel. I'm in my sixties as the lady in the previous comment. Now to decide the fabric. Cotton lawn of viscose ? Maybe both we'll see. Thanks, looking forward to your next challenges.x

[@clairey1111]

You all look beautiful in your Mabel’s, can’t wait to make myself one too. 😊

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you. Hope you love it too!

[@suzettesingson1002]

All versions are beautiful! You three are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@northernsewlsisters394]

You are so welcome!

[@maureencapobianco3596]

All beautiful versions! The fabric choices are all lovely too! 😊

[@karenlowes7802]

Wow, you all stepped up to the plate with amazing results😊

[@graceinwood-nan-that-sews-9852]

Loving the Mabels, well done ladies. How about making jeans! I weren’t keen on the Marnie until I saw Ryan’s and made two!

[@madebykarenmarie]

Lovely makes, ladies! I love that you are trying to challenge yourselves and to step out of your comfort zones. That is very inspiring! It will not be easy to challenge Rachel. I feel like she has sewn so many styles. However, I would love to see you make eirher something a bit tailored, like a waistcoat, or something with a bit of retro, like cargo pants.

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you 😊

[@lesleysmith7452]

You all look gorgeous!! 😍 I thought the same mmm not me but maybe!!!

[@makeitsew2023]

oh my goodness, I have exactly the same fabric to make another Mabel dress as Tamylyn! Good choice 🤣

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Yay! Such a gorgeous fabric 😍

[@clothedit]

Such a lovely challenge. They look amazing 🤩

[@lorrainewhiting1267]

They are all lovely. I think you should challenge Rachel to the new Tilly pattern

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you 😊

[@joellendeluca7683]

Great choice -these are fabulous! Am inspired, thanks! 🌞

[@northernsewlsisters394]

You are so welcome!

[@mrsworldofwayne7735]

They look great 😊

[@lynnshepard7485]

Inspiration for all of us who turned away from this pattern! 😘

[@northernsewlsisters394]

It was a nice surprise! 👍🏼

[@gingerninja_sews]

They all look fabulous x

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you 😊

[@christinadore8537]

All three makes are fabulous and look great on you. One suggestion for another challenge could be the Zadie jumpsuit?

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you! I think we have all made the Zadie but maybe another jumpsuit pattern would be good. Thank you for the suggestion 😊

[@ZeldaSews]

All of your tops look beautiful. I would never get away with a strapless bra, so those tops are out for me.

[@northernsewlsisters394]

Thank you! Rachel wears hers with a bra so it can be done 😊

[@dianeovenden]

Ruan just do some more rows of shiring on the waist. They all look beautiful 😍

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Makes us not want to be so mean 😂😂😂😂

[@northernsewlsisters394]

🤣🤣

[@natasha4467]

Well done Ladies, but let’s be honest it’s still a frumpy look and if it wasn’t a Tilly pattern no-one would have taken a second look at it. Soz

[@northernsewlsisters394]

We all have our opinions but the idea of this vlog was to challenge us to take a pattern we didn’t think would work for us and try to make it our own. I for one don’t feel frumpy in it at all! I think Tilly got it right with this one, this style is all over the high street and they already have over 500 tags on instagram so they must be doing something right. Not all patterns can be for everyone (Ruan)

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

xXX👍👍👍