Fabricistas Explore : Cutting Line Designs Part One

Happy Monday Fabricistas!

Welcome to the very first post in our Fabricistas Explore series. Today we have a special two part blog post for you! We have selected four of our lovely Fabricista Bloggers to try out patterns from Cutting Line Designs, the newest pattern company added to our store. Today we have bloggers Dina & Marica. Make sure to check back Monday 10/22 for part two with Ann & Sue!

"This or That"

Dina from My Superfluities

Pattern: This Or That
Fabric Used: Striped Linen and a Brushed Floral Jersey

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I loved that they were so very detailed, but to be honest, they were SO detailed that I was a bit overwhelmed at times at the sheer amount of information.  I think a beginner will be appreciative, however, some of the explanations were a bit clunky, so if Cutting Line is interested, I think a sewalong (online or a video) for these patterns would be wonderful for a sewer who might like a bit more handholding.  

I especially liked how they clearly marked when to use what seam allowance.  It was also marked on the patterns themselves.    

What did you like or dislike about the pattern?
I dig that there are two different shirt patterns in one package.  I love the simplicity of the box top and the definitely more intricate design features of the this or that top.  It is like, "Hey, I'm going on a trip, let's make one fancy top and one top for tooling around town in..."  Very ideal for people who like to tackle two projects at once, but only can stomach so much intricacy in design and need a simpler design for one of the projects.
I feel like the designers were very careful with their measurements and it translated to a very easy time when applying the bias trim to the neckline and sleeve hems.  That is a mark to me of a very well though out pattern. 

Did you do any pattern alterations or design changes?  
I had to grade from a small to a medium at my hips in the this or that top.  I may need to bring the stairstep hem on the top as I am not sure the longer length in the back and side with a shorter front hem flatter my frame.  I think it is super pretty as is on my dressmaker dummy, but on me, meh.  I did tack it up with the hem all even and it looked really nice, so I may do the alteration sooner than later.
I did really like the box top on me, and it fit well right out of the package, with NO alterations necessary on the x-small/small size! Yay!
Would you sew it again? I would!  I think the unique design on the this or that top is very interesting and the fact that you can play with color-blocking or stripes (as I did) or different patterns or textures makes it a winner.       
You also can never go wrong with a top that takes no time at all to sew up like the much less involved box top they offer with this pattern!

 (Click Photo To Enlarge)

"Light & Shadow"

Marica from OverdriveAfter30

VIEW A:

Fabric Pattern: Light & Shadow

Fabric Used: Red/Golden Tan 100% Linen Yarn-Dyed Stripe Linen

Were the instructions easy to follow? 

The instructions were well written and very detailed. The steps were easy to follow and any beginner would understand the instructions.  My only issue was I did not read carefully for the facing and assumed the pattern required two pieces.  I spent about 10 minutes trying to figure it out realizing that the neck facing is just one piece.  I also at first did not understand pressing the interface towards the outer piece and realized after.  It still turned out just fine.
What did you like or dislike about the pattern? 

I love the pattern after making it. The only issue, I would have graded the small to the medium from the waist down based on my body type.
Did you do any pattern alterations or design changes?I did NOT make any alternations to the pattern but will the next time around and grade between sizes from the waist down.

Would you sew it again? 

Most definitely!

Any other comments you'd like to add about the pattern? 

This is a classic top and I plan to make this using a sturdy knit such as a PONTE knit during the fall.

 (Click Photo To Enlarge)

VEST:

Fabric Used:   Goldenrod 100% Linen

Were the instructions easy to follow?  

The instructions were well written and very detailed. The steps were easy to follow and any beginner would understand the instructions.

What did you like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the pattern after making it.  At first, I was skeptical about the cowl neck but after sewing it up, I fell in love.

Did you do any pattern alterations or design changes?

I did NOT make any alternations to the pattern.  I honestly felt for this view, I would lengthen it by about an inch the next time around.
Would you sew it again? 

Most definitely!
Any other comments you'd like to add about the pattern? 

For the cowl neck, linen is perfect and drapes beautifully.

(Click Photo To Enlarge)