I love Independent pdf pattern companies. They are amazing. I actually enjoy printing them and piecing them together too. It’s like a puzzle. My most favorite Indie Company is Love Notions Sewing Patterns. Early this year I became an Ambassador for them, meaning: I get first looks at new patterns coming out, have access to their patterns, receive personal Affiliate Links, write content for their blog among other things. It’s really fun and I feel super blessed to be part of their team.

I have been using Love Notions pdf Patterns to sew with for over two years. I was drawn to them because I fell right into their size range with very little to NO adjustments necessary. They have been such a game changer for my Hand Made Wardrobe. I thought it might be useful to list my Top 4 MOST used Love Notion Patterns. I purchased all 4 of these patterns mentioned for full price before I became an Love Notions Ambassador. They have been worth every dime spent.

For reference  my size is:

Height: 5’5″

High Bust: 35″

Full Bust: 37″

Waist: 32″

Hips: 42″

Below I will have links for content or tutorials I’ve referenced as well as affiliate links if you would like to check out the pattern for yourself.  I will also tell you the size I made for each pattern and the fabric I used. Here they are, in no particular order.

First up, The Harmony Blouse.

Skill Level: Beginner

Size: Medium

Fabric used: Mostly Quilters Cotton

“The Harmony Blouse is a ladies top meant for drapey, silk-like woven fabrics. It features a fitted bust and flared waist and hip. The hem is meant to hit at the high hip in the front and full hip at the back. The bust has darts while the back has a center back seam for shaping. A simple keyhole closure makes this a breeze to sew up and wear. Choose from four sleeve options: cap, short, flutter and sleeveless. This is a great top for the spring and summer months or even the colder months layered with a cardigan.”

I have made the Harmony blouse in various fabrics. The pattern description says that it’s best for the silk-like/drapey fabrics, but I love my woven cotton versions so much! They are super comfy and cotton prints are so fun. Woven Cottons are super easy for beginners to sew with as well. My favorite sleeve is the petal sleeve hack that I found a tutorial and pattern for on the Love Notions Blog. You can read more about that and get the free petal sleeve here. It’s such a simple pattern that you can add your own spin to it like I did right here by adding a 1″ gathered ruffle to the sleeve.

The Second pattern is the Forte Top and Dress

Skill Level: Confident beginner

Size: Medium, graded to a large through waist and hips.

Fabric used: Jersey Knit, Rayon Jersey Knit and ITY Knit

“The Forte top and dress is a great transitional piece to add to your wardrobe. Included are four body styles, two dresses and several sleeve options to mix and match. Mix and match the sleeve flounces or leave them off entirely. The Forte is meant for light to medium weight knits. Views B & D can even be made as dresses! Sizes XS-5X.”

This pattern is so good and has so many options! I fell in love with this pattern because of the Flounce Sleeve Ruffle. I don’t know if it’s because I’m an ALL boy mom or what, but I love flounce ruffles. I wrote a post you can read here on how to draft and add a flounce ruffle for ANY pattern. The Forte is also great for just a comfy loose t-shirt. Instead of adding the ruffle I just hem the sleeve under 1/2″ and call it good. This is probably one of my most worn knit shirts. I love that I can dress is up or down. Its sooooo good!

The third pattern is the Rhapsody Blouse and Dress

Skill Level: Intermediate

Size: Medium graded to large through waist and hips

Fabric used: Rayon Challis, Crepe and Cotton Woven

“The Rhapsody is the perfect top & dress for your summer wardrobe. This blouse & dress is meant for lightweight and drapey wovens. It features nine sleeve options, a flattering curved hem, gathering at the yoke and french seams so the inside looks as nice as the outside! The v-neck line is bound with self-made bias tape and can include ties to give it a beachy feel.”

If you’re feeling pretty confident and want to learn some new techniques, the Rhapsody is a great pattern. OPTIONS is what this pattern has. Lots of them. It teaches you how to do a back yoke as well as bias binding and french seams. The instructions are amazing and very easy to follow which makes adding your own little twist even easier. Like adding a ruffle to the bottom of your Rhapsody Dress.

The 4th and final pattern is none other than the Sabrina Slims Pants.

Skill Level: Confident beginner

Sizes: Knit-10 /stretch woven-12

Fabric: Ponte de Roma Knit, Liverpool and Stretch Denim

“The Sabrina Slims were inspired by the 1950’s ‘cigarette’ style pants most notably worn by Audrey Hepburn. The Love Notions take on this classic style features a wide, contoured waistband that sits at the natural waist. This is a slim-fit pant with negative ease. The Sabrina Slims are meant to hit at the ankle. Also included are optional welt pockets, back patch pockets, split hem, zipper hem and center front and back seaming. Three inseam lengths are included. Make the pants maternity by adding the overbelly waistband. These pants are meant for stretch wovens and stable knits.”

The Sabrina’s are hands down my most used pants pattern. I have made almost a dozen different pairs. I love them! They have so many options and a fitting booklet to help you get that perfect fit. It’s a super easy pattern to make because there are no fiddly closures. You just pull them on. My most preferred fabric to make them in is a Ponte Knit but I have made them in a Liverpool and a stretch denim.

This pattern has options to fit almost any style. Along with three hem options -plain, zippered and split- there are optional front and back pockets. It has two back pocket options, patch and welt. I tried the welt pockets on a pair of stretch denim Sabrina’s and I love them! I was always so intimidate to do these pockets but the instructions were very well written and easy to follow. I can’t recommend this pattern enough. Comfortable, easy to sew and super flattering. Just check out the hashtag #sabrinaslims every pair fits beautifully.

There you have it, My top 4 Most used Love Notion Patterns. The Harmony Blouse, The Forte Top and Dress, The Rhapsody Blouse and Dress and The Sabrina Slims. I hope this was helpful. These are just a few of the amazing patterns Love Notions has to offer. If you decided to make one of these patterns please share, I’d love to see them and fuss over how cute they are too.

Happy Sewing,

Koe

P.S.

Check out my newest post on the Love Notions blog. I show you how I turned The Girls Cartwheel Collection into a boys Spy/Warrior masked play-suit. It’s easier than you think.