We've got something super exciting to share with you today... We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Stevie add-on pattern!
The Stevie add-on pattern is a digital-only download of pattern pieces and instructions which enables you to turn our bestselling, beginner-friendly Stevie top and tunic into even more different styles of tops and dresses - including a three-quarter length sleeve, gathered skirt and oversized pocket. Our lovely customers have been asking for a sleeve addition for the Stevie pattern for ages and, well, we like to give the people what they want!
As this is an add-on pattern, you'll also need the original Stevie top and tunic pattern to use it. If you don't have it yet, grab the Stevie add-on bundle from our online shop.
We'd like to say a HUGE thank you to our model Kathy (who you may recognise from her sewing-obsessed Instagram account @sew_dainty) and her husband Mick for taking these stunning photos at home during lockdown. How fab does she look?!
Keep reading to find out why we're in love with the Stevie add-on pattern...
THE DESIGN
Stevie has a modern, boxy fit with round neckline and casual grown-on sleeves, with optional added cuffs. Using the original Stevie pattern, you can make it either as a top with contemporary cropped hemline that hits the high hip, or as a tunic dress that finishes above the knee.
The Stevie add-on pattern gives you the option of three new seriously beautiful design details. Make your Stevie suitable for the cooler months by adding gorgeous three-quarter length sleeves. The sleeves are stitched to the original drop-shoulder armhole seam "on the flat", making them super easy (and speedy) to sew - yay! Tilly is so excited about these new sleeves - she been dreaming about adding them to the Stevie pattern ever since she first designed it.
The add-on also includes a gathered skirt dress variation which transforms your Stevie into an oversized, extra comfy smock dress. Tilly has made three of these dresses so far and is officially OBSESSED! This dress is sooooo cute and comfy. You'll need to cut your Stevie front and back bodices around the waistline for this option but don't worry, we've including a handy template to show you exactly where you need to do this. The skirt is designed to join the bodice at your natural waistline, but it's easy to move it up or down if you'd prefer it more empire line or drop waisted.
We've also included a large patch pocket which you can add to either the gathered skirt or the original tunic dress. We've seen so many oversized pockets on garments on the high street recently and we wanted to join in on all the huge pocket fun!
All versions - whether from the original Stevie pattern or add-on pattern - have a two-piece back yoke which fastens at the back with either a cute bow, or a button and loop which is super easy to make with a hairband (yay for easy sewing hacks!). Since launching Stevie in 2018 we've seen quite a few customers wear this closure at the front. Why not give it a try?
THE SEWING PATTERN
The digital add-on pattern includes:
- three-quarter length sleeve
- gathered skirt
- skirt pocket
It also includes instructions on how to make all new variations. You'll need pattern pieces from the original Stevie pattern, plus the original instructions to refer back to for some of the steps.
The Stevie top and dress is suitable for beginners and is a brilliant project if you're new to sewing. There are no fiddly darts, set-in sleeves, zips or fastenings, meaning you can quite literally throw it over your head and go (don't forget your shoes though). However, it's not just beginners who can enjoy all the Stevie fun! If you're a more experienced stitcher, this is a super speedy project that you can whip up in a couple of hours. Perfect for when you want to get your sewing fix, but don't have the time or headspace for a big project.
There are loads of resources ready and waiting for you on our dedicated Stevie page, including sewing inspo, how to do a full bust adjustment on a dartless bodice and one of our most popular posts of all time - how to print fabric using a parsnip! We've also got a post coming verrry soon which will cover fitting the Stevie tunic and Stevie add-on pattern so watch this space for that.
The Stevie add-on is a digital-only pattern. Upon purchase, you'll receive a PDF pattern for immediate download. You can either print it at home on A4 or Letter size paper, or send it to a copy shop or pattern printing service to print large scale.
SIZING AND SUPPLIES
The Stevie add-on pattern comes in our extended size range with ten sizes – from UK 6 – 24, US 2 – 20, or EUR 34 – 52. You can see the exact body measurements on the sizing chart.
The Stevie add-on pattern is designed for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics, such as linen, double gauze, chambray, cotton lawn, viscose (rayon), Tencel (lyocell), sandwashed silk or crêpe de chine. If you're adding three-quarter length sleeves, go for a drapey fabric (for example, washed linen or linen viscose blend rather than crisp 100% linen). For all you jersey lovers out there, the gathered dress version would also be nice in a stable, low stretch knit such as interlock or lightweight French terry. Find out how much fabric and other supplies you'll need on our shop page.
As always, our resident fashion expert Louise is going to bring us an inspiration post soon so watch this space.
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Author - Nikki Hoar
Step shoot photography - Jane Looker
Model photography - Kathy and Mick Perchard
Model - Kathy Perchard @sew_dainty
Mustard viscose linen fabric - Sew Me Sunshine (kindly gifted)
Stripe linen and cotton blend fabric - Lamazi Fabrics (kindly gifted)
Yellow trousers made with the Safiya pattern from our book Make It Simple
Petrol woven necklace - Stitching Me Softly (kindly gifted)
