I was lucky enough to be a pattern tester for Shwin and Shwin’s Sunshine dress a couple of months back.

I had to hold off on showing you all until it was listed in their shop, but if you click the link above you can go straight to the pattern now!

As you can tell Izzy adores it!

And I’m pleased too! My first bodice, and no unpicking required. The instructions were really clear, but still made me feel like a pro.

I think I’ll probably make a few of these with variations. In fact I made one for Ethan’s friend and it came together really quickly, I just hemmed the bottom instead of adding the casing to turn it into a bubble bottom.

It’s much more like a top that way, which make it really versatile!

I think it’s going to be my go-to bodice pattern for a long time :)

Oh and although I got the pattern for free to pattern test this is just my own thoughts, Shauna doesn’t even know I’m writing this post! I just fell for the pattern!

Sorry I’ve kept you waiting so long for this. I’ve been MIA for a month as both my kids had birthdays and I needed prep/recover time :)

Here’s the easiest way I know to make a super comfy and cheap maxi skirt.

Start with a rectangle of jersey fabric (or another one that doesn’t fray and is stretchy) which is about 1 and 1/4 time bigger than your waist. It doesn’t need to be exact, I just wrapped the fabric round my waist and put my finger to hold where I needed to chop. The length should be a little longer that you think you need, just to allow for any errors. When you try it on you can chop off some excess fabric if you need to.

You’ll also need a piece of thick elastic which fits snugly around your waist.

Fold the fabric in half right sides together, pin and sew down the side seam with a long zig zag stitch. If you don’t use a zig zag you’ll risk the fabric puckering as it has a tendency to stretch when being sewn. It’ll also allow for flexibility when you’re wearing it.

Next make the waistband by overlapping the elastic end one inch to form a circle and then sewing a square to join them. Then turn the skirt right way round and attach the waist band using this method.

Lastly try on your skirt and trim the bottom if necessary.

So easy!

I apologise for the wierd feet. Firstly I need to give them some tlc. Secondly I’m so coordinated that I managed to hit my toe on the pushchair wheel while it was moving. My nail has snapped in half and is really gross and painful. I’ve just squashed it down and covered it up with a plaster.

S’all good if you can’t see it. :)

Anyway I LOVE how comfy it is. Plus there are a few extra benefits I hadn’t though of.

I can wear a skirt and not have to shave my legs.

You could wear it as a maternity skirt as it’s stretchy enough to go under a bump.

It’s cheap. And it’s like wearing pajamas. I’m not even kidding. (Now I KNOW you’re gonna make one too!)

I’ve done the instructions for jersey fabric, if you want to use cotton (which I’ve also done) then just make the following adjustments:

• use fabric 1 1/2 times the width of your waist. This means that there’s more room to move in a fabric that wont give.
• You can go ahead and use a straight stitch for the side seam, though it’s probably a good idea to finish the seam with a zig zag stitch or serger.
• Hem the bottom of the skirt, so make sure you add on an inch or two to the length depending on your hem width preference.

And as always I’d LOVE to see pictures if you do one yourself!