Megan Nielsen's Protea Curve Review

-
I was given the opportunity to test the Protea Curve pattern and because of another project I only had a couple of days to left to sew it.  Being the slowest sewer in the world, I was stressing out because I did not know if I would have time to finish it.  This was such an easy sew - it was needless worry.

I love this dress on me - both versions.  Depending on what day it is and my mood, both versions are my favorite - just not on the same day😁.  Honestly I think this version would look good on any body type.

I get so many complements when I wear these dresses, particularly version 1. 

Version 1

Version 2 - The Bohemian

How I Did It

There were no surprises per say with this pattern.  I do PDF patterns almost exclusively so putting it together was easy.  Both are the C Version.

Because I was in a panic and I didn't think I had enough fabric I ran to my local JoAnn's and bought some 60" wide tencel I believe.  I ended up returning it because I realized I did have enough fabric - I just needed to use the crosswise grain.  Also I didn't really like the color of the tencel.

  • Fabric

    • Version 1 is an african wax that I ordered from Dovetailed in London.  When I purchased it I had no plan for it I just saw it and knew I had to have a piece.  I was a bit concerned because this fabric is a bit heavy and I wasn't sure I would get the "true" drape.  It turned out fine.
    • Version 2 (the bohemian) is also an african wax from Dovetailed.  I used 3 different fabrics for the top and 2 tiers - they were the same fabric just 3 different colorways.  Also had no plans for this fabric when I ordered it.  After making Version 1 I decided I needed to remove a bit of width to take out some fullness and shorten the length a bit more because of my height.

  • Pattern Adjustments

    • Version 1
      • Graded between size 22 and size 24 from the underarm down to waist
      • Shortened each skirt tier 1.5"
    • Version 2
      • Graded between size 22 and size 24 from underarm down to waist
      • Removed 1" from width on the waist and skirt tier
      • Shortened each skirt tier 3"

  • Some Construction Pictures





















  • Some Finished Pictures




















Conclusion

I am glad I had the opportunity to test this pattern - I love how I feel when I put it on.  It really is an easy, satisfying sew even for the slowest sewer in the world (me).  Because of the built in ease, you won't have to make many adjustments for a good fit.

I did not have enough of one fabric for version 2, but I had 3 different colorways and that worked out perfectly.

Another thing that I love about this pattern is she gives you different ideas to customize your dress and since I am the creative type that is a plus for me.  I am sure I will make this dress again sometime in the future.

What's Next

Cashmerette Ames Jeans and Harrison Shirt.  Also Helen's Closet put out a free dress pattern and I have it cut out but haven't had a chance to sew it up just yet.

Comments

Post a Comment

Enter comments here

Popular posts from this blog

Stylearc's Eme Dress

-
Image
 I bought this pattern when Stylearc had a sale.  What drew me to it was it's simple silhouette and the cocoon hemline.  You can dress the dress up or down and it looks good either way and it has pockets. How I Did It Look at the finished measurements for this dress, not your size.  This dress has a lot of ease and runs large.  I went one size down from my typical size and really could have gone down one size more possibly and still been fine. Fabric I ordered fabric for this make - surprise surprise.  I selected the Mod Spot Linen Shirting Print in Natural and Paprika  from Style Maker Fabrics. Pattern Alterations I would normally cut a 22 but based on the finished measurements I chose a 20. I struggled with that decision so much so that I added 1" to the hip area even though the finished measurements had more than enough room.  Big mistake and I had to remove it.  I continue to battle with loose and just too dang big. My Pattern Changes I removed 1" from the top I remov
Read more

StyleArc's Londdon Woven Pant - Sheer Comfort

-
Image
One word says it all - comfortable.  When this pattern came out a few months back, I loved it but wasn't sure if I would like the pants on me.  I am so glad I went with my first reaction because I love them on me.  If you are on the fence about this pattern - don't be - you will look great in them just like me 😁. I did sew during August 2023 but had several disappointing sewing failures including this pattern.  The failures were all my fault.  Sometimes my brain checks out on me and forgets to tell me that it is on vacation😊. Londdon Woven Pant How I Did It I knew I needed a drapey fabric and had a fabric that I bought for another project - that was my failure pair.  Waist down I where a 22 in StyleArc patterns and I know this, but for some reason I decided I needed a size 24 and I was drowning in the pants.  The pants looked really really bad on me and it was my fault because I chose the wrong size. At first I gave up and thought I was right that this pattern would not look
Read more

Total Comfort - Style Arc Kim Swing Top and Laura Knit Leggings

-
Image
The more I sew the more I want easy to sew and comfortable to wear.  These two patterns fit the bill.  I finished the top about a month ago and the leggings about 6 months ago but am just now getting around wearing it and taking pictures. StyleArc Kim Swing Top & Laura Knit Leggings How I did It I will only will focus on the top since I already reviewed the leggings here .  This top was only 3 pieces, front, back, and the sleeve. What really drew me to this pattern was its angle lines and length.  I have made about 10 pairs of the Laura Knit Leggings and I need some tops besides the 3  hoodies  I made to wear with them. Fabric I ordered some bamboo jersey knit for this top - OMG it is so soft against my skin.  I used some kind of ITY that I bought at my local fabric store for the leggings.  In other words I did not use anything from my stash of fabric (I already had some bamboo jersey in my stash). Pattern Alterations/Adjustments Shortened the sleeve 1"   Shortened the top 3&q
Read more

StyleArc's Tommie Jeans Skirt Is Singing My Love Language Today

-
Image
When this pattern came out I knew I wanted to make it and bought it immediately.  Well it's been a few months since I purchased and I am so glad I finally got a chance to sew it up.  I like it even more than I thought I would. Tommie Jeans Skirt This skirt is singing my love language today and I am feeling myself in it.  BTW this skirt was pressed but I did not have time to take pictures before I went out so excuse the wrinkles. How I Did It Fabric I bought this fabric sometime ago from JoAnn's in the kids Pop section.  I didn't have a specific pattern in mind, I just liked the fabric.  It is called  light tie dye denim knit - a 8 to 10oz I believe.  I didn't realize it had any stretch until I went to JoAnn's site to look it up.  It has very little stretch though. Pattern Adjustments I shortened the length 3" Yoke and waistband - I have shared this information before and where I got it in previous posts.  Once you get a good fit on a yoke and waistband you can
Read more

Love Notions Crescendo Jeans

-
Image
I was a tester and I tell you this pattern took me way back to the 70's era I believe.  When I saw the 4 options, I knew immediately I wanted to make the flare version.  I ended up making 3 pairs with one going in the give away pile. This pattern has 4 leg styles (flare, boot, straight, and skinny), 2 butt options (curvy and straight) and 3 inseam options (petite, standard, and tall).  That is one of the things I love about Love Notions Patterns - you get multiple options. If you have been too afraid to make a pair of jeans - this is the pattern for you.  It has a faux zipper and an elastic waistband. Version 1 - Muslin Version 2 - Disaster Version 3 - Final The fabric requirements call for a 10 - 12 oz stretch bottom weight fabric with at least 25% stretch.  Fair warning, if you have lots of curves like me stay away from anything lighter than a 10 - 12 oz fabric unless you go up a size otherwise you get version 2 which is a hot mess. I did purchase fabric for this project for vers
Read more

StyleArc's Logan Shacket - Version 1

-
Image
I have an Air Force jacket that I bought about 10 years ago.  It's roomy, comfortable, and ridiculously warm.  It has been my go to coat/jacket since I bought it.  It is now beginning to fall apart and I needed something to replace it.  When I saw StyleArc's Logan Shacket I thought it would be the perfect replacement. Logan Shacket What I Needed to Replace How I Did It Fabric I saw this beautiful rich merlot corduroy and wanted to use it, but they were sold out of it at the time.  The weather was changing and I didn't want to wait for the fabric to be restocked.  So I chose a reversable quilted jersey knit instead. It wasn't the color I wanted but I loved that it was quilted.  The pattern calls for a woven (non stretch), so I knew I was taking a risk by choosing a knit. I knew I was in trouble, when I tried to stitch on the top pockets.  The fabric moved all over the place and I couldn't stitch a straight line if my life depended on it.  It was down hill after th
Read more

A Labor of Love - Logan Shacket - Version 2

-
Image
This version was a labor of love.  It took about 2 days for the quilting.  I love version 1, but there were some adjustments I needed to make and I wanted to use a woven.  It was still a struggle to sew because of the thickness but I am pleased with the outcome.  This shacket weighs a ton 😊.  Even though I have already done a review here - I will do another full review because the sew on this one was completely different. Quilted Logan Shacket How I Did It Fabric I am happy to say that everything used for this project came from my stash.   Because I loved the quilted fabric I used with version 1, I wanted to use another quilted fabric that used a woven fabric as its base.  I went searching at online fabric retailers and wasn't willing to pay the price, besides they did not have the color selection I wanted. Out of frustration I went looking at my own rather large fabric stash trying to find a woven that wasn't already slated for something else.  I did not want to use this str
Read more

Be Mine Balloon Sleeve Top by Pattern Emporium

-
Image
Y'all it was the sleeves that captured my attention and I knew I had to have it.  I have more patterns than I can count waiting to be sewn and have had some for years, but that didn't stop me from buying another 😂. Be Mine Balloon Sleeve Top Not only do I love the sleeves, but there are a lot of  options given and you can do so many things with this top.  This is now a favorite pattern for me.  How I Did It I am doing good using my fabric stash, but I have to admit it has been really hard not salivating and ordering when I get the emails about new fabric.   I got this fabric some years back at an estate sale for a $1/yd and I believe there was 8 yards on the bolt.  I have made 2 tops with this fabric and still have some left. Fabric Cotton gauze from the stash Pattern Adjustments  I cut a 20 and graded out to a 24 at the bottom edge I shortened the sleeve 1" I shortened the bodice 1" above and below the waist (total of 2") For the next version, I will only short
Read more

Isle Jeans by Chalk and Notch

-
Image
When I saw this jeans pattern I knew immediately that I wanted to make them.  This pattern reminded me of a pair of "sailor" pants.  Third time is a charm because it took 3 makes for me to get it right and it was all my fault.   I have come to realize I am well beyond age of starting to sew at midnight and staying up all night thinking I will end up with a garment that is pleasing to me 😂. Isle Jeans Version 3 How I did It I had cut this pattern out months before I actually starting sewing it.  To say this pattern was a journey for me is an understatement.   This was my first time sewing a Chalk & Notch pattern and because I am a lazy sewer, I refused to do a muslin.  Besides, I had made jeans before and I knew I could apply my prior yoke and waistband adjustments to get a perfect fit for me with this pattern also. The Journey Version 1 had me in tears and I almost threw this pair in the trash and admit defeat.  Why - I started sewing when I was already tired and kept pu
Read more

Love Notions Vivace Dolman

-
Image
I couldn't  continue to sew the LDT forever 😂 - I had to move on to another pattern.  Whenever I try a free pattern from a company and I like it, I like to purchase at least one pattern to support the pattern designer.  It didn't hurt that on Friday's Love Notions offer a $5 pattern - that is when I bought this one. How I Did It I am continuing to use fabric in my out of control fabric stash 😁.  One great thing about this pattern is you can use a knit or woven.  It has different pattern pieces for the knit and the woven Fabric Top A rayon batik that I bought from Stylemaker Fabrics August 2020.  They don't have this particular fabric but the do have plenty of rayon batiks  here . Dress A knit from my local Joann's that has been in my stash for maybe 5 years or more.  Pattern Adjustments Top (woven pattern) I blended between a 2X and 3X So why did I do a FBA for the top?  I never need this adjustment.  Based on the pattern instructions, I needed to do it.  Against
Read more