Lou Box Dress 1 Tester Roundup

Having people test a pattern is so essential for finding parts of the pattern that could be clarified as well as typos and errors. I had a great group of testers for my new patterns and today I’m going to share a few of the photos and quotes from the group that tested the Lou Box Dress 1. I'm so grateful to each and every one of them for taking the time to sew up a new pattern and provide feedback. (Click the photos to visit the their blog or Instagram.)

Alison aka @sewing.mistress in the Lou Box Dress 1

Alison aka @sewing.mistress in the Lou Box Dress 1

Alison aka @sewing.mistress in the Lou Box Dress 1

Alison aka @sewing.mistress in the Lou Box Dress 1

Alison was a total rockstar and sewed up two dresses! Here's what she had to say about the pattern:

"I thoroughly enjoyed sewing the Lou Box Dress 1 which was cleverly designed by Beth at Sew DIY. I found the pattern to be a very fast make with great illustrations and easy to understand instructions. The dress shape is very on trend and translates well with both formal and non formal fabrics. This is a pattern I would recommend for someone who is new to sewing or someone with more experience wanting a quick project that they can complete easily in an afternoon." 

"The Lou Box Dress 1 is a great addition to any wardrobe. It's fast to sew and a casual, comfortable dress to wear." – Angela

"I love the Lou Box Dress! Such a quick fun sew, and result is stunning! :) I love that the cocoon shape gives it a unique touch, not your regular shift dress <3" – Diorella

"This dress makes the most perfect cocoon dress. It is quite roomy in a knit fabric so make sure to size down from your normal size. I found this dress to be perfect for lounging at home, but you can also dress it up for that coffee date. Now I want to make another one is a woven fabric! For the #sewingtall guys out there:  I am 1.76m tall and only added 2cm's but could even do without it!" – Laura

"This is an easy pattern, with lots of versatility! After sewing my first one, I didn’t even have to look at the tutorial to sew the second, except for where I changed the sleeves. I love the different pocket options and the way you can combine this pattern with the top and other dress for even more options." – Mari

"This was the perfect weekend project dress, and great for beginners. It is comfortable with an interesting shape—a really high impact dress for just a few hours of work! It is also really adaptable based on fabric choice...I can see it being formal or very casual. I can't wait to remake this in a sweatshirt/jersey fabric. Also—POCKETS!" – Chloe Skye

"This pattern was so quick and easy, and such a dream to sew up! I would definitely want to make more of these in a variety of fabrics, lengths and styles!!" – Kristi

"I love this dress! Simple lines, but interesting and versatile with the pocket and sleeve options and ability to use woven and knit fabrics." – Melonie

"Fans of the versatile Lou Box Top will love this expansion pack. The cocoon dress style is peak #secretpajamas, and just begs to be made up in a cozy knit and worn to work!" – Maddie

"A super quick sew. When you need to get a new outfit in for a short getaway, definitely this one! I am taking mine to Bali the day after tomorrow!" – Sally

"This is a simple and fun sew. I used a linen and love the way the dress drapes from the shoulders. The pattern and instructions are clear and the dress sewed up in a couple hours. I made my first one for a friend, but will be making the next one for myself!" – Marilyn

I want to give another BIG THANK YOU to all of my testers. I couldn't do it without you! If you'd like to get your own copy of this pattern, you can find it in the shop here. Until Tuesday, Jan 9, 2018 at midnight Pacific time, you can get 20% off the Lou Box Dress 1 and Lou Box Dress 2 individual patterns with the code LOUBOXDRESSLAUNCH (bundle not included).

Lou Box Dress 1 & 2 Bundle PDF Patterns
Sale Price: US$22.00 Original Price: US$28.00

New in the Shop! – Introducing the Lou Box Dress 1 & 2

Today I’m very pleased to announce the launch of two new pdf sewing patterns – the Lou Box Dress 1 and the Lou Box Dress 2. I’ve been working on these patterns for a year now and I’m so excited to finally share them. They are both variations of my most popular pattern, the Lou Box Top, using the same sizing and the same guides to Mix & Match. Each pattern can be used on its own or combined with the Lou Box Top or the other dress for seemingly endless possibilities. These patterns are both easy to wear and easy to sew with lots of opportunity for variations to make it your own. 

When I first started thinking about expanding the Lou Box Top pattern, I was focused on adding sleeves, as they are one of the most requested hacks. Somehow along the way of making many, many samples, I ended up with two dress designs plus the sleeves! I had so many ideas, it was really tough to narrow it down but I’m really pleased with how both of these designs came out. I’ve been wearing both of them a lot this last year. Both patterns work really well in both woven and knit fabric and there are detailed instructions for sewing the dresses in both types of fabric.

The Lou Box Dress 1 is a loose-fitting cocoon style dress. Worn alone, it’s perfect for warm summer days. Paired with a sweater, tights and boots, it will take you through the colder months. Make it in linen for a casual and sophisticated look or use sweatshirt fabric for extra coziness. The blue and cream striped dress is View A sewn in a medium-weight knit fabric (similar to ponte in weight) from The Fabric Store. It features a medium scoop neck, 3/4 length sleeves with cuffs, in-seam pockets and a knee-length skirt. View B is sewn in a lightweight linen and features short cuff sleeves and patch pockets. 

The Lou Box Dress 2 is a loose-fitting gathered waist dress with a ballet neckline, scoop pockets, a knee length skirt and dolman sleeves. The floral print is View A made in a lovely woven rayon fabric from The Fabric Store. View B is sewn in a light-medium weight knit fabric and features full-length tapered sleeves and a low scoop back. 

I have a sewalong in the works that will roll out over the next month or so. The sewalong will include tips, tricks and photos. (In the meantime, if you need a little extra help, check out the Lou Box Top Sewalong, many of the steps are the same.) The patterns can be purchased individually or as a bundle for a savings of 25%. Until Tuesday Jan 9, 2018 at midnight Pacific, you can get 20% the individual patterns using the code LOUBOXDRESSLAUNCH at checkout. I hope you love these patterns as much as I do! 

Lou Box Dress 1 & 2 Bundle PDF Patterns
Sale Price: US$22.00 Original Price: US$28.00

DIY Boucle Coatigan – Review of the Jill Coat by Seamwork

DIY Boucle Coatigan – Review of the Jill Coat by Seamwork

A month or so ago, I was suddenly and surprisingly inspired to sew a coat. I don’t need to wear coats very often in LA and really never thought that I’d take the time to make one. But I’ve been feeling cold more than usual this fall, mostly due to living in a new neighborhood closer to the ocean and a new house with heating issues. The heating issues are going to be addressed (it will take some $$$$) but in the meantime, why not sew a coat? :)