Hello Sewers:
Today, I’m sharing my makes for the 2023 #BHMPatterndesigners Challenge hosted on Instagram by the lovely Nateida of SewNaturalDane. This was the fifth year anniversary of this amazing challenge that encourages participants to create an item designed by a black pattern designer. I served as an ambassador for the challenge by sharing inspiration and past makes on social media. I had the pleasure of traveling to Katy, Texas for the challenge’s first live event and celebration and I had an amazing time.
The first item I created was the Gathered Tunic by Beaute J’Adore Patterns. This is a quick and easy make with only to two pattern pieces. The front piece that’s cut on the fold and the back piece that’s cut on the grainline. It’s designed for woven fabrics with flow, stretch and drape. I chose a pretty pale-yellow stretch polyester crepe fabric that I picked up from Metro Textiles in New York City. Other fabric suggestions are silk, polyester and any fabric with 2-way stretch and drape.
This pattern is available in sizes Sm-XXL. I measured the pattern pieces because the included size chart was written in centimeter measurements and I wasn’t sure if the chart was for finished measurements or body measurements. I ended up sewing a size medium and graded out to a large at the hip. I also cut the bottom of the tunic at the size XS length size.
I like the fit of this tunic and the side gathering is a nice touch. However, I think it’d look equally as nice sewn without the side gathering. This pattern is great for advanced beginners who are comfortable with installing an invisible zipper.
The second make I created for the challenge is the the Lanelle Dress by Sew to Fit Patterns. This is a knit wrap dress pattern and it’s available in sizes 6-28 for full bust sizes of 37 through 59 inches.
I sewed a size 10 at the bust and graded out to size 14 at the waist and hips. I had to make some adjustments to the bodice because I didn’t realize that this pattern is designed for a C to DD cup and I am a B cup. I took in the bodice at the front and back raglan sleeve seams by one inch and I added a 1/2 dart at the shoulder to bring in excess fabric. I also shortened the front bodice piece to remove some excess fabric.
I enjoyed seeing how this dress came together in this beautiful cotton spandex ombre fabric designed by Nateida of Sewnnatural Dane that she gifted to me. I wore this in the fashion show at the live event and it was an absolute hit! You can check out even more of her available fabrics onAnn Spoonflower.
I met so many amazing people at this event including several friends from YouTube and Instagram.
I also attended some fun classes as well including a fabric flower class taught by Ann Ngo of YouTiqueBridal; a statement jewelry class taught by Monica Mondo-Teteh of That’s Sew Monica, Natural and Manmade Textiles by Professor Beverly Gatterson of the University of Houston, and the Power of Color Analysis by Audrey Schlorholtz.
To see my makes in action and to see all of the fabric and sewing items I picked up from the event, be sure to check out the video below:
This event is coming back in 2025 and I can’t wait to learn and celebrate with my sewing friends.
Until next time,
Happy Sewing,
Crystal
I'd love to know what you think!