Hello everyone! As I write this blog post there are so many changes in the works for my family that I can barely think straight. The most exciting of all is that our youngest child is graduating from high school next week. I can’t believe that my baby has reached this milestone in his life. To say I love him is beyond an understatement. He’s such a wonderful young man and so full of life. He loves to dance (like his mom), hang out with his friends, and eat. He plans to attend our local community college for two years and then transfer to the school of his choice. We’re proud of his accomplishment and can’t wait to see where God leads him.
Coral Peasant Blouse
When I saw this pattern, my first thought was to make the mini dress and wear it as a top. There is an option for a top with View B, but I prefer the longer version. There are so many styling options for this dress. Leggings, jeans, capris, and shorts would all look lovely paired with this beauty. I knew I wanted to make it in a light, springy fabric, so I chose this gorgeous 100% Cotton Embroidered Eyelet fabric. I paired mine with white leggings and tube top. See the pattern review below for more details.
Pattern Review
Pattern Description: Misses’ peasant style mini dress, and top by Cynthia Rowley have elastic neckline and sleeve band; romper has additional elastic waist for a cool effortless look. This Cynthia Rowley pattern is Easy-to-Sew.
Pattern Sizing: XS – XL (I cut a size S)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did
Were the instructions easy to follow? Very simple instructions are easy to follow. Perfect for a beginner.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the simplicity of this pattern, which makes it a quick project. I also like the fact that it will work with so many different types of fabric.
Fabric Used: I used a 100% Cotton Embroidered Eyelet. (HERE).
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make any alterations or changes to this pattern.
Would you sew it again? Yes, but I would like to try it in a knit fabric with a lovely floral design.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes.
All Photos Courtesy of CEMO!
I have no earthly clue how I missed this!! I googled looking for a tut on the shorts because Im franken patterning those with S2406 cold shoulder top. Imagined how tickled I was to find your update here! Thank you for continuing to inspire, Anita! Of course, I LOVE the top and its giving me great ideas!
All the loves,
Shonna 🙂
WOW! I wanted to see if any fab ladies had completed this pattern and who do I find? My darling!! Great work. Feeling inspired <3
Hi Anita. I’m not a beginner but I’ve been following your videos. I’m getting ready to make the new look maxi skirt. Are you going to continue the videos and if so will you be showing a sway back adjustment? Thanks! Love all of your outfits.
Hey Sharon! I’ve completed the Beginner’s Course, but I will be back later with more videos. Yes, I will be showing a sway back adjustment. It’s the adjustment I do on a regular basis. I have some other things coming too, but I’m taking a break for a minute to take care of household matters. LOL! Thanks for your support!
I normally wear a small or medium in department store sizes, my waist is a 30 at the belly button I have a medium cut but your more curvy than me so I think I might go to an xs but that might be too small. Never made anything with a pattern before! I usually make my own or use tutorials please help I want to make this today!
OMGosh Summer! I’m so sorry that I didn’t read this on the day that you posted it. You will choose your pattern size for this one based on your bust measurement. If you’re not sure what size to cut you can do a muslin (practice garment). Just trace your pattern piece onto your fabric, instead of cutting it. That way, if it’s not the correct size, you still have your pattern intact. Use a cheap fabric for your muslin that is similar in fabric content to your fabric that you will use for your wearable garment. Hope this helps.
thanks! it does help. but i also have a new question. are hem allowances added in the pattern? and im using a bed sheet as fabric, was going to use that thick part that goes at the top of the bed as the bottom hem. could that work?
Yes, Summer, hem allowances are allowed in the pattern. The bed sheet will work fine for this pattern because the hem on the top has a wide hem. Have fun!
Hi Anita, I love your videos. The only problem is that I was unable to make your first item because according to the skirt measurements it wouldn’t have fit my hips and I have no idea how to adjust it. ? Will you be creating videos for altering patterns or maybe use patterns that go to larger sizes perhaps? You’re such a great teacher so I look forward to creating something I can wear.
Oh Sandi, I’m so sorry about that. You’re the 2nd person to mention the sizing issue. The last person needed a size 22, so I made sure to choose a pattern with that size for Project #4. Yes, I will have to be mindful of that when choosing the pattern for the next project. Unfortunately, the pattern for Project #4 has already been chosen and the pattern’s largest size is a 22. There is a technique, called “pattern grading,” which is used to increase or decrease the size of a pattern. I won’t be covering that in the Beginner’s Course, but there are many videos on YouTube that you can check out to learn how to do it. For Project #5 I will look for a pattern that includes plus sizes. Thanks for the feedback. Every request helps me to think in new directions and get better. I appreciate it.
Sorry Anita but one more question before I let this one go. Would you suggest I try to use stretch knit fabrics as an option as well to allow for some give in the hips? I’m normally a size 16-18 but these patterns are wiggling me out because of the buns we sisters have since I’m like a pattern size 14 on the top. ? I do still intend to look at those pattern grading videos because I don’t want to be limited to knit fabrics. Thanks a lot.
Hey Sandi! No problem, feel free to ask as many questions as you like. I’ll answer what I can and research what I can’t.
Usually, when you’re substituting a knit fabric when the suggestions on the pattern envelope are for a woven fabric, you would go down in size if you want a closer fit. But for your situation, I think it would be fine to use a knit and cut the same size as you would a woven, to allow some give in the hip area. I would say get some cheap knit, in the same weight as the fabric you intend to make your wearable skirt, and make a practice garment. This is called making a muslin (practice garment). Only go as far as you need to try the skirt on to see how it fits in the hip area. You don’t need to finish the garment. I hope this helps.
Very much! You are awesome. I’m not quite ready for grading but I’ll give this a try. Thanks for your help and for being here and doing this. I’m positive it’s a labor of love.
You’re welcome, Sandi! Yes, it is a labor of love indeed!
are all the sizes included in the pattern, xs, s, m, ect.
Hi there Ivy! Yes, all sizes, XS-XL, are included in one pattern envelope.
Yup, I like the eyelet for this dress/top!The coral is stunning with the white, lvoe the look lady!
in case you don’t know how to pronounce lvoe try love!
LOL! I missed that.
Thanks, Michelle!
I am making the romper … Can’t wait !
I can’t wait to see it!
Great job! Looking forward to more pattern reviews!!
Thanks Martha! So glad to hear that you’re interested in pattern reviews, because more are coming in the future.
Nice top love the fabric
Thanks Lizpaye!
Very cute Anita! I love eyelet fabric and the color is perfect for spring and summer.
Just wondering, where did you find white leggings? They are really hard to find in stores.
Thanks Sheila! I purchased the leggings from Kohl’s.
Very cute
Thanks Marie!