My Nine to Five Indie Pattern Picks! [Sew What? Series TMS Indie Pattern Bundle #2]

[If you're new to my blog this is my daughter Mori]

OK Ladies and Gents, I'm working with Bundle #2 from The Monthly Stitch Indie Pattern Sale. So if you know me, then you know this is a little off from what I normally do but you know I put my own spin on these patterns.  I wanted to make a few pieces that could be mixed and matched. There were no pants in this bundle....BOOOOoooooo so I went with the super cute Alberta Pencil Skirt from Sew House Seven. Next on deck is the Anderson Blouse from Sew Over It and to complete the challenge I added the Melina Top from Ralph Pink. I used a navy blue cotton sateen stretch for the skirt and the Melina top and a stripe woven cotton for the Anderson blouse.

Although these patterns were given to me to promote these Indie Pattern Month bundles, the reviews are all me! So let's get started, shall we?

1. Sew Over It: Anderson Blouse
Hits:

• The blouse is a classic blouse that can be made over and over and over.
• Only 5 pattern pieces!!! 
• Pattern instructions has actual photographs...Yipeeee
• Quick and easy construction

Misses:

• I am not sure if it was just my copy but there were lots of lines missing. This could be a problem if this is your first time using a PDF pattern. The cuff was completely missing all the lines.[I did not use cuffs for my shirt]
• I had issues printing this pattern to the correct scale, so my sizing was off. I am going to reprint from another computer and see if that makes a difference.
• The construction could be great for a beginner but these instructions may be another story. Although there are pictures for the instructions may give a beginner a go for their money, just change, I'm not talking about any large bills.

2. Sew House Seven: The Alberta Pencil Skirt
Hits:

• I love this pattern! [this skirt begs for denim, I used a cotton sateen because I was making a work look but I will make another in denim for sure]
• There are only 5 pattern pieces
• Great pattern for a beginner
• This is a wardrobe staple

Misses:

• The pockets look cool but functionality is a little awkward for the pencil skirt

** I added piping around my pockets and in the side seams.

3. Ralph Pink: Milena Top
Hits:

• Love the look of this top, it's kinda futuristic! [Ralph Pink is going to be my go-to pattern when I want something special, their collection is A-MAZ-ING]
• Instructions pictures were great. This is how I put my top together by just looking at the pictures
• If you're looking for a sewing challenge, trying to see just how good you really are? This is it!

Misses:

• There are a lot of pattern pieces
• The instructions TEXT is not the greatest, I still don't know what size seam allowance they used for the instructions. The font was too light and I gave up looking for it. I used between a 1/4 & 3/8 seam when piecing all the strips together and 5/8 on the main seams. Heeeey Ralph did I get it right?? I was able to match everything up so I was happy. They need a bolder font.
• This pattern calls for precision sewing, I'm not kidding. Me and my seam ripper were working overtime. [this doesn't have to be a miss if you know what you're getting into]

**I did add a zipper closure to the front of my top instead of buttons. I also made my top a little more fitted. I think I did a pretty good job. 

When I chose this pattern I did not pay attention to the fact that it was a pattern that required more time for perfection. Duh, look at all those lines! The website does warn you or should I say informs you this is not easy task.

I would not advise anyone to choose a fabric with stretch, I think is was working against me in this project.

The Nine to Five Basic Bundle gets you  three patterns [Anderson Blouse, Salt Jacket and The Alberta Skirt] for 40% off their usual retail price.
If that’s not professional enough for you then perhaps you need the extended bundle.
The Extended Nine to Five Capsule bundle contains:
Salt experimental jacket by Oki Style
Anderson blouse by Sew Over It
Alberta Street pencil skirt by Sew House Seven
AND
Milena top by Ralph Pink
Beatrice pocket dress by Sew Chic
Washington dress by Cashmerette

These bundles are only on sale until 22 June so grab them quick – click on the buttons above to be transferred to The Monthly Stitch Shopify site and make your purchase.