SewSynSewn

Some of what I have sewn
from Designer Stitch Designs

Shown above, the Indu pants

New pattern release. When I first saw the tester call for these pants, I thought, no, I wouldn't wear these, but decided to think outside the box. I am so happy I decided to sew these up. Very comfortable to wear, and received many compliments wanting to know where I bought them. These can be styled many different ways, and come in two versions. 

I enjoy sewing and testing Designer Stitch designs, I feel I can be creative.
Here are some of DS designs I have enjoyed sewing.

Below is the Synthia Top.

Next is the Santi skirt, I made mine out of a jean fabric with contrasting top stitch and a tie belt. I also paired the Santi skirt with the Kat top from Designer Stitch.

The Tanner Culottes, mine were made from a blue jean fabric.

The Frida Dress/Tunic, show here with an applique sewn in, white cotton eyelet fabric, and trims.

The Gyspsy dress/tunic, show here is the hi/low dress version, made from a challis rayon fabric.

Shown below is the Ravanna wrap pants paired with the Ella cami.

The Kristen dress, I just love this dress, made out of a soft peach skin fabric, love how it flows.

Below is the Eleni Top/Tunic/Dress/Maxi, made with a rayon challis fabric.

Below is the Kiera skirt, a fun skirt layered with ribbons.

The willow Kimono shown below, made with a re-purposed silk fabric and rayon fringe and trim.

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Shown below is the Synthia Top.

 I enjoyed sewing the Synthia, not just because it was named after myself, but because it is such a feminine top that can be dressed up or down. I chose to dress up by wearing a black skirt and heels, and pairing it with a small clutch. I also made the Alyse tapered pants, by Designer Stitch, to have a more casual/dressy look. I feel the Synthia was made to my taste, I love to wear a garment I have made with chiffon fabric, as this one was, it gives a soft look. I specially love to wear garments designed by Ann Grose, she has given a lot of detail and thought into the Synthia top.

Designer Stitch is known for well drafted Pdf patterns, easy to understand and well written instructions. Once you find your sizing with DS patterns, you'll pretty much use the same size in all her patterns. I love DS pattern and being a part of the testing team. Thank you Ann Grose for great designs.

Click on the aff link for your pdf copy and more information on all designs.
http://designerstitch.com/?affiliates=12

Thank you

Frida, New pattern release and sale.until 10/11.

Frida 

New dress release by

Designer Stitch

I have been admiring everyone's Frida all week long. An opportunity to be creative, that's all I can say about the Frida.

Recently I had the privilege of testing the "Frida" dress/tunic/top, for Designer Stitch. We were given us the opportunity to be creative with the Frida and use the original artist Frida Kahlo, as an inspiration. I saw the movie, Frida, to get inspiration and to understand the artist better. I wanted my Frida to be Mexican inspired to were to Latin events.

My Fabrics.

I found the white embroidered fabric at Hobby Lobby, it was ripped in several places. I was able to get the manager to sell me the beautiful embroidered fabric at a great discounted price, this became my base for the Frida dress, I was able to sew all torn areas, then I looked for my trims. D.S. gave us many resources to look at and to come up with our own ideas. There was a lot of color, embroidered fabrics, lace fabrics, etc. I chose to use the white cotton, embroidered fabric, for the dress. I then found a colorful flowered embroidered applique that I sewed on. I was so inspired by Frida and wanted a Mexican, Bohemian, vintage look for my dress. 

Frida comes in various lengths to choose from and sleeves as well. 

Be inspired and create your own Frida, click on the link for more information and to see all the tester's Frida, and your pdf copy.
http://designerstitch.com/shop/frida-top-tunic-dress/?affiliates=12

Thank you Ann Grose for all your designs and inspirations.

Frida Road Trip

SewSynSewn

"Frida Road Trip"

Some about me. I am Synthia Lee Gerritson, from 

California, U.S.A.

I have spent the last 4 or so years testing patterns for various designers, I love it. I have been sewing for decades, but since testing for designers, I have learned so much from all.

Recently I had the privilege of testing the "Frida" dress/tunic/top, for Designer Stitch. DS has given us the opportunity to be creative with the Frida and use the original artist Frida, as an inspiration. I was very nervous about sewing the Frida. Nervous I wouldn't find the right fabrics etc. I saw the movie, Frida,to get more inspiration from and to understand the artist better. 

My Fabrics.

I found the white embroidered fabric at Hobby Lobby, it was ripped in several places. I was able to get the manager to sell me the beautiful embroidered fabric at a great discounted price, this became my base for the Frida dress, I was able to sew all torn areas, then I looked for my trims. D.S. gave us many resources to look at and to come up with our own ideas. There was a lot of color, embroidered fabrics, lace fabrics, etc. I chose to use the white cotton, embroidered fabric, for the dress. I then found a colorful flowered embroidered applique that I sewed on. I was so inspired by Frida and wanted a Mexican, Bohemian, vintage look for my dress. I was uncertain about the length. The first try out was too short, I then decided to add a lower ruffle and was very satisfied with the look. All along receiving much needed feedback from the designer, Ann Grose, xoxo.

I am very pleased with the results, hope you will like it too. I will write a full blog regarding the Frida dress upon it's release.

Syntia Lee Gerritson

The Women's Traveler's Top by Ellie and Mac

Traveler's Top by Ellie and Mac

Click on the aff link for more information and to purchase your pdf copy.
http://ellieandmac.com/womens-travelers-top-pattern/?aff=89

I was happy to test the Traveler's top, I feel it's just my style. I first made one out of a light weight sweater knit fabric. The light weight cape is good for cool summers or to dress up. the second I made out of a grey french terry fabric, the hood is a grey and pink french terry too. I love my test version of grey Hooded Cape, it's feels so warm and non confinding, this will be my go to for winter.
The Traveler's top can be made from various stretch fabrics.
There is no age limit to dressing the way that makes you feel happy. The Traveler's top is useful and stylish.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Come see all the testers beautiful creations for the Traveler's top.
http://ellieandmac.com/womens-travelers-top-pattern/?aff=89

Road Test for the "Kristen" dress.

Designer Stitch, the Kristen dress

On sale now until 9/11/2017.

Click on the link for more information and to purchase your pdf pattern.
http://designerstitch.com/shop/kristen-dress/?affiliates=12

I had the privilege of testing the Kristen dress. I wasn't sure I wanted to test the Kristen because I wasn't sure I would wear it. As always, Ann know's best, I am so glad I did test the Kristen. The Kristen is one of the most comfortable, woven dress I have ever worn. I made the dress out of a woven-peach skin fabric, very soft and flowy, easy to sew with. I added the neck and arm ruffles along with a sash.

After making a muslin first, I did have to adjust the bodice by cutting an inch off across the front and back from the underarm. 

Wearing the Kristen dress to a Winery and car show, gave me the feeling as if I was, don't laugh, as if I was wearing a regal dress, like in "Pretty Woman". 

The Kristen is a beautiful and flattering dress that is suitable for all figure types.

Designed with a princess style bodice the Kristen offers cups sizes for
fine-tuning the fit of your garment. Cup Sizes – B, C, D, DD.

Add a choice of ruffles at neckline, center front and armhole
with the added option of a soft flared sleeve, the Kristen
dress will flatter and enhance with its soft and flowing
pleated flared skirt.

Thank you for reading my Blog, click on the link below to purchase, this is an aff link. Come and see all the other tester's beautiful Kristen dresses.

http://designerstitch.com/shop/kristen-dress/?affiliates=12

My Test version of the "No Show Thong", so worth it with today styles. On sale until 7/28, midnight central time.

https://greenstylecreations.com/collections/new-releases/products/no-show-thong-sizes-xs-3xl

With today's outer garments being that of active wear, such as; leggings, tight
shorts, skin tight skirts, etc., what under garments are best to wear that won't show through or feel uncomfortable?

I had the pleasure of testing the "No Show Thong" by Greenstyle Designs. I have never worn a thong in my life. Never wore a thong because I felt they would be very uncomfortable, possibly crawling where they shouldn't be. I applied to test the No Show Thong because I was curious on how the fit would feel, and if they were comfortable.

After finding the right fit, V2, I am completely sold! I now own several pairs of undies I can wear with my tight fitting, active wear garments, with no show lines. Instructions are very very simple, beginner friendly. A couple of pattern pieces, and a quick (approx) 10 min cut and sew.

The trick is the fabric, very important to use 4 way stretch fabric that won't curl. Do the test, stretch the fabric and if it curls it's not the right fabric. No binding needed, just the no curl fabric, a light weight nylon/spandex or light weight supplex.

For the nude colored Thong I used a supplex fabric. for the white Thong, I used an active wear spandex, and the coral color with no lace is also a supplex fabric. it seams that some of the active wear won't curl. Stretch lace was used as well for the nude and white undies. If not using a rotary cutter (which I didn't), when cutting with the scissors, make sure you stay in the same cut line and avoid going outside of the same cut line or you will get the zig zag look. Should have a smooth cut line. I used a small zig zag stitch to sew these up, which allowed me to get close to the seam edge.

Note the no show undies with my tight fitting pants. I can honestly say, my undies stayed put, they did not go where they shouldn't, a huge plus for me.

Pictures below, notice how there are no seams around the legs, this is the no show effect you get by not using seams or bindings, only using a non curl fabric. I used a wider elastic because I wanted a higher rise, you can use a narrow one or none at all. See how my edges do not roll.

I can honestly say, after wearing these with several tight fitting garments, I am sold! Thank you for reading my blog, hope it was helpful. To purchase your Pdf copy, click on the link below. On sale now for $6.50.
https://greenstylecreations.com/collections/new-releases/products/no-show-thong-sizes-xs-3xl

My test version of a great fitting Halter Maxi Top/dress.

Ellie and Mac has created another fun design the Halter Maxi Top/Dress. it had been years and years that I last wore a halter anything, didn't feel I could pull the style off. I love this dress, so comfortable to wear, especially when it hits over 100 degree.
Click on the (aff) link to purchase your copy right now at 50% off at check out, until 7/31.
http://ellieandmac.com?aff=89

I made the maxi halter dress out of cotton lycra fabric. I literally used fabrics that where left over from previous test garments. I made a point of staying within the same color family. Next time I will only use 1 tier and elastic around the waist to have the shorter and fitted version. I rather happy how the maxi halter dress turned out.

Also available as a separate pattern, the Halter top from Elllie and Mac patterns and it's free.
http://ellieandmac.com/womens-be-trendy-halter-top-pattern/

For the Halter top. I also used scraps of left over cotton lycra fabric for this top.

This blog uses (aff) link. Thank you for reading my blog, Click on the link to purchase the Halter Maxi Top/Dress or the Halter top. Today for 50% at check out for maxi dress only until 7/31.
http://ellieandmac.com?aff=89