· Sewing Pattern Buddy app ·

Happy Monday, everyone! :-)  I was approached by Megan of Kwirky Kiwi about trying out her app for organizing sewing patterns and I loved it so much that I wanted to share this with all of you!

I don't know about you, but I tend to amass patterns in batches and I'm quickly reaching the stage where I can't remember every detail of every pattern I own.... I'm happy to report that the Sewing Pattern Buddy app is the end to my woes!  Megan has designed the app with so many opportunities to organize and categorize patterns according to your personal favorite method and I've been so impressed by how intuitive and easy it is to navigate. :-)  This app is free for up to 25 patterns and is just $6.99 NZD (approx $4.99 USD) for unlimited storage!

Despite being a Millenial, I'm very decidedly *not* tech savvy, but I'm here to tell you- if you already have a smart phone, you're tech-y enough to figure out how to utilize this resource too. ;-)

The app has a wide range of customization already built in with different filters for Pattern Company/Number, Garment Type, Era/Year,  Personal Rating scale, Tags, Previous Makes, Pattern Completeness, and Pattern Type.  There is also space on each pattern listing for measurements, fabric requirements, personal notes, skill level, place/time acquired, purchase cost, printed/unprinted, condition, relevant website URL, location in your stash, and number of copies!

The categories come empty, all the better for using your own organization method.  I really love that I'm able to add specific design elements to the "tag" section.  Frequently I'll be looking for a pattern that incorporates princess seams/long sleeves/collar/etc and having an easy filter to find them is so helpful!

After backing up the photos and info, the app is fully navigable without internet or data- which is huge for me since I'm on a no-data plan!  The images are clear and zoom-able, so if I need to see details from the envelope back I still have access to that information. The app takes up less space on my phone than any other app I've downloaded- I really haven't found a negative to this app. ;-)

This app really is all could ask for as a pattern database and I'm excited to keep adding to the database!  This probably settles me firmly in "nerd" category, but I'm not ashamed.  I love organization so much that the thought of spending this evening adding more patterns to my personal catalog adds a little spring to my step today, haha! ;-)

· Disclaimer- I did receive the expanded app as a gift from Megan without the requirement for posting, and all opinions are my own! ·

· Cornflower Blue ·

A couple years ago, JoAnns carried a few lines of fabrics from Denise Schmidt that I was absolutely smitten with!  I made sure to snatch them up when I saw them on clearance, but, as in the case with this blouse- there was frequently only a yard or so left.  Perfect opportunity for a blouse!

I was inspired by a cute blouse from a movie set in the 1950s and I decided to use my trusty kimono-sleeve bodice sloper as the base.  Well, I'm not sure what the issues were... but man. This was one stinker of a project.  My basic pattern did not work AT ALL but I'm not one to give up without a major fight.  I beat it into submission and it's still not awesome... but it's passable. Good thing it has cute details and is fabric I love. ;-)

Target had the cutest flats this spring and I've been tickled pink with how well this color fits into my work wardrobe as well!
The blouse closes at the side with snaps.  I have been using zippers at the side of blouses without center front openings, but I'm not always sold on that- they can get so bulky feeling and the zipper pull can tend to be lumpy under skirts.  I decided to take a page out of pre-1940s sewing and try out a snap placket and it's been great!  I used snaps on a heavier-weight blouse as well, but that was a dismal failure.... so I still don't have a favorite method, haha!

I talked more in detail about this skirt over here- happy to have another blouse to wear with it!

The "bow" on this blouse is just a strip of fabric pinched in by a fabric tube in the middle.  I sewed the ends of the bow to the blouse, but left the sides free to keep the 3D effect.

Buttons on the shoulder add a fun touch and a little something to set it apart. Part of my woes with this blouse involved too little overlap and various other shoulder issues.  A few tweaks mid-project and a little extra grace.... and I'm safely to the other side and successful! ;-)

Do you find that you frequently change gears due to necessity?  I seem to have this happen to greater or lesser extent, but I think it's one of the reasons I love sewing- overcoming difficulties, challenges, and puzzles is right up my alley!  I usually find that I'm happier with the result than the initial idea as well!

· photos by the ever-amazing Kathryn! ·