Pattern of the Month, Reviewer Round up - The Juniper Cardigan

The Juniper Cardigan was the latest pattern to be reviewed in the Pattern of the Month review series that I've been running.

There are so many wonderful creations, and they're all so different — from modern colour blocked long-line Junipers to stunning bright red cropped versions that wouldn't look out of place on an old Hollywood movie set.

There are also plenty of little tips in each review as well if you're thinking about adding a Juniper to your handmade wardrobe, so make sure you click through to read the reviews in full.  Oh, and I did a full Juniper Cardigan Sew Along in case you're interested :)

I'm taking a small break from the Pattern of the Month this month as I tie up a few little loose ends here and there. There should be a new one of these in a couple of months though, and if you've been wanting to join the group, keep an eye out, as I'll be opening it up again soon :)

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What I Sew

I am having a dusty-pink moment at the moment (having nearly finished my Wainthropp cardi in just that colour) and this amazing cropped Juniper by Wis really has my heart singing.

With the addition of the contrast plaid, I'm planning to somehow raid Wis's wardrobe so I can have a turn wearing this beautiful Juniper. Planning my trip across the world as we speak...

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Sew and Such

Elly made both versions of Juniper, a fun springy (dusty!) pink cropped version and a stunning, long-line quilted black version.

I love the pop of colour the buttons lend to Elly's black version, and I love that she chose to button it all the way down. It really changes the silhouette of the long-line version, and it's an easy adjustment to make (just add extra buttons!!).

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Izzy Sews 

Everyone needs a cropped Little Black Cardigan in their wardrobe, right?! And when made from a ribbed fabric (or quilted like Elly's above), it really elevates the piece and gives it some subtle interest. 

Plus, the stripes on the saddle shoulders will run horizontally across the shoulder, adding even more perfect detail. Add some shiny jet black buttons and you have the perfect wardrobe staple. 

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Sweet Mama Sharon

Sharon's fabric choice is just stunning! I love how she has styled her long-line Juniper with slim-fitting pants. I know I usually tend toward vintage-styles, but Sharon has really showed how modern you can make the Juniper silhouette.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of Sharon's Juniper cardigans with additional pockets (which you can download for free here).

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My Sewing Thread

Donna has gone one step further and turned her long-line Juniper into the perfect robe! Just add a little waist belt and you're done. And made up in a rib, you can really see the saddle shoulder detail: subtle but perfect.

I don't know why I hadn't thought of this, but Juniper made up in a cosy merino with some flannel pj's is just about the cosiest outfit I can think of right now.

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Blackberries in the Sun - Masustak Eguzkitan

Now that autumn has nearly settled in down here, I know I'll be craving bright colours and handmade clothes that lift the soul. Maider's Juniper is just what the doctor ordered.

Made from soft velour and with a contrast burnt orange waistband and sleeve cuffs (and paired with a little crab decorated dress!!) you can't not feel happy in the depths of winter.

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Back 40 Life

Jodi went for classic greys when choosing her fabric combination. All three tones complement each other perfectly and show off the design lines in the cardigan so well.

Also, Jodi's is another gorgeous example of a modern take on Juniper. This is definitely one of the things that excites me most about these reviews — seeing how people can take one of my 'vintage inspired' patterns and make it modern simply with colour choice.

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My Dear Lizzie

Angelica's Juniper is going to be such a pretty garment in spring — especially when paired with a full skirted fit & flare dress like the one she's wearing in these photos.

I'm so looking forward to seeing Angelica's rainbow of Junipers, I would very much heart that <3>

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Ronkita

I've seen this Michael Miller fabric around and have been eyeing up a length for myself (I shared a beautiful Gable Dress by Emily made up in this exact fabric on Instagram a few months ago...) and I was so pleased when I saw Vanessa use it to make her cropped Juniper.

I love the contrast of the pink button bands, cuffs and waist band, and the addition of the pink snap buttons really do just top it off.

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Aude's Workshop

Even though Lise didn't end up being a fan of the fabric she chose, I love how it looks in pictures! The subtle shimmer of the threads really does catch your eye and you can see that there is something different about the shoulder line, so it draws you in to have a closer look.

I can't wait to see the grey wool jersey version Lise has in mind (when she finds the perfect fabric. If you know of any, leave a link in the comments, I'm sure Lise would be very grateful!)

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It's getting cold down here now, and after seeing all of these amazing Juniper Cardigans, I think I might need to lock myself away in my sewing room for a bit and whip up another for the chilly mornings ahead...

xx

J

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The Pattern of the Month - The Afternoon Blouse & Shift Dress

It's time for the second Pattern of the Month Reviewer Round Up, The Afternoon Blouse & Shift Dress - as voted by the Reviewers themselves.

It's an oldie but a goodie, and it was incredibly heart-warming to know that people still love the pattern and want to stitch it up all these years later. 

Did you know it was the first pattern I ever released, 3.5 years ago? Two years after the initial release, I extended the pattern and released the shift dress - definitely the best decision ever.

To read each individual review, click their name at the top to be taken straight through - enjoy!

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A Fox in the Wardrobe

Chloe's gorgeous Afternoon Shift dress looks perfect strolling the streets of France. Throw on a pair of stockings and some lovely flats, and it's the perfect, comfortable autumn outfit.

Chloe chose the back box-pleat variation for shaping the back.

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Anakiequilter

Why make one when you can make three? It is called The Afternoon Blouse & Shift for a reason... it's quick! You should be able to whip one up in an afternoon.

Rhonda made two shift dress versions and a blouse and I think you'll agree that they look beautiful. And in such a fun array of fabrics — perfect for an up-coming Australian summer.

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That's Sew Kat 

I love how Katherine has styled her Little Black Shift. It really shows the versatility of the pattern and what a great piece it is for transitioning between seasons. 

Katherine also made the shift with the back box-pleat for shaping, but she decorated it with one of the buttons she used on the front. I can't believe I've never thought of doing this — it's such a sweet detail.

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The Stitch Sisters

The Stitch Sisters both made Afternoon Shift Dresses — Nikki made the pointed neckline (blue) and Rachel made the rounded neckline (tartan). And again, more beautiful autumn styling!

Head on over to their YouTube Channel to see their dresses in action!

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Plum Kitchen

One of my favourite features of the Afternoon Blouse & Shift Dress is that the neckline is such a great way to showcase special/novelty/statement buttons, and Kristina's Kitty button is a choice after my own heart.

Kristina styled her crisp cotton poplin blouse with jeans and clogs and opted for a stunning silk/linen blend for the shift dress, showing that both types of fabric work a treat.

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Princesse et Tresors

 

Nadine made two different blouse versions, both in stunning pops of colour with more statement buttons.

Using a fabric with no print can really show off the neckline if you want to make a real feature of it, as Nadine has done. And I love how crisp and clean her versions look — a perfect blend of vintage-inspired and modern.

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Puns n Needles

Accacia also took the opportunity to make multiple garments from the pattern, and when I started getting the reviews in for the Afternoon Blouse & Shift Dress pattern, it became rather apparent just how many reviewers were making multiple variations.

Accacia put a dart into the bust of both of her versions after doing a FBA, and I think the fit looks beautiful on her! Head over to her blog to read more about her process. The blouse is her toile (and a damn fine wearable one at that!) and the shift dress her final make.

Oh, and let's not forget the cat getting into the action in the background. And up a tree no less.

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Sandra Loves Sewing

Another 'why make one when you can make three?' moment.

Sandra has gone above and beyond and showcased the pattern in such a lovely array of fabrics — from cotton voile, to a medium weight crisp cotton to a slinky polyester.

Sandra made no adjustments to the pattern and I think it looks amazing on her straight out of the packet!

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Stuff Jo has Made

Jo's breezy rayon fabric choice is such a winner here. It highlights the kimono sleeves perfectly and just takes the over all vibe of the blouse up ten notches.

And I can't not mention the styling here — the boots, the skinny jeans and the roof-top garden deck — what's not to like?!

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The Ravel Out

Sylvia shows just how versatile one Afternoon Blouse can be.  From office-wear paired with the ultimate black wiggle skirt, to casual weekend wear in a pair of fitted pants.

Plus, the colour she chose is amazing, and I adore that teeny little button she chose for the neckline. While a statement button works beautifully, I love seeing the smaller button nestled perfectly in place.

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Tracey

Tracey has the winter styling for The Afternoon Shift Dress perfected! Layered with a fitted long sleeve top, some tights and a pair of boots, all you need is a cardi and you're out the the door.

I also think that Tracey is one of the only reviewers to top-stitch her neckline down. There is plenty of room for your head if you also prefer this option (and I've done it for most of mine as well — it provides more security, especially when you have a grabby toddler). It can also be made a feature of by using contrasting thread.

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Sweet Sprocket

Another amazing statement button but this time it's on a Little Grey Dress! Sarah went with the rounded neckline and also opted for the back-box pleat shaping - a popular choice among the reviewers, it seems!

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Suzy

Suzy went for a bright summer / autumnal fabric here, and it looks ready for either sunshine or layering up. I especially appreciate the pop of colour in her statement button, and the mirrored flower-and-petal pattern makes a striking contrast to the pattern's neckline. 

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Marian Serenity

Marian's fabric is a stunning broiderie anglaise and it makes such a stunning dress. 

Can I also point out the gathered shaping at the back? This is the other option that is included for shaping the back if box-pleats aren't your thing. It's cinched in with elastic, making it incredibly comfortable.

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Such a fun, bright and inspiring bunch of makes - thank you so much reviewers! 

You can also check out some tutorials I've done for the pattern below:

• Adding waist ties (blouse & shift dress)
• Inserting a Back box Pleat (shift dress)
• Inserting Back gathers (shift dress)

xx

J

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