Free and Easy... Sewing the Agnes by Halla!

I love trying new things when it comes to sewing. I love learning new techniques, how to do things different ways, and figuring things out. For the most part, I also enjoy trying new-to-me pattern designers.

This was my first ever pattern by Halla - the AGNES. Yep, I downloaded it a long time ago when it released, but this was my first time ever making it! I downloaded it with intentions of trying it because it was so popular. It may have been popular because it's a FREE pattern (you can get the code to download it in the Halla Facebook Group), or it may have been really popular because it's FREE and REALLY AWESOME. This blog tour gave me a chance to find out for myself!

I participated in this blog tour put together by Kate of Sewing from Scratch... the idea is that we would all sew the same pattern, but make it our own. If we love it as is, we sew it as is. If we want a cute bow (Gwen😉), we add a cute bow, if we want to make all the adjustments to get our perfect fit (Sequoia), that's what we do. I was one of five bloggers to sew and share the Halla Agnes this week, and it has been REALLY FUN!

Planning My Agnes...

Initially, I planned to make myself a dress. I was going through my stash trying to choose which fabric I wanted to use. I ran across a little piece of this floral mustard fabric. I bought this fabric back when I tested the Wardrobe by Me Miri Dress. I made my first version from this fabric, and saved the piece I had left... thinking that surely I would find something to do with it.

If you've followed me for long, you know that I love making matching items for my sister and me. We have so much fun going places wearing the same thing, or wearing coordinating outfits. So I got busy trying to come up with a plan of how I could use this fabric to make something for Leah.

After unfolding the fabric, I realized just how limited my choices would be. There was not much left over at all!

I recently colorblocked my first thing for myself here. I've color blocked for the kids before, but not much for myself. So I got the idea that maybe I would color-block the Agnes.

I paired it with several solid fabrics I had on hand, and ultimately chose this dark, forest green, as the best match.

How I Did My Color-Blocking

So this part is way easier than it might sound. If you've never color blocked anything before, it's really pretty easy.

• Take your pattern piece and draw a line where you would like to separate it. I just kind of guessed how I wanted mine done. Since I had never made this pattern before, I didn't really have an idea of the fit or where anything hit, but I knew that I wanted the green on top, and I wanted it to be above the bust. It was easy enough. This pattern was really easy to work with since the piece is the same for the front and the back of the top/dress (with separate neckline cutlines). On a different pattern that has separate front and back pieces, you'd want to measure to be precise to make sure that your color blocked area matches up on the front and back pattern pieces. If you're new to color blocking, a pattern like this is an easy one to start with!

• Cut your pattern piece apart along your line. Then you'll need to add seam allowance. You could choose to either add the seam allowance now, or just remember to add it when you are cutting your fabric.
•  I tend to work quickly, get distracted easily, and forget things, so I decided that it would be best if I went ahead and adde the seam allowance before starting to cut the fabric. You need to add the seam allowance since you're cutting it apart. The pattern already includes seam allowance on all other seams. Remember, this is a NEW seam, so we have to add it ourselves!
• You can add whatever seam allowance you prefer sewing with. I chose 1/4" since that's what is already included on the other pieces. I wanted to keep it consistent

• Now you're ready to cut your fabric! Go ahead and cut your front and back top, front and back bottom, and your band pieces or sleeve pieces. 

• You will assemble your front and back pieces, sewing front top to front bottom right sides facing. Press your seam. If you wish, topstitch your seams now.

• You now have a front and a back. Assemble the rest of your top/ dress according to the pattern instructions!

Our Measurements are the Same...

You know how at some point in your life, you just decide to forget it, and you don't actually do your hair, or put on makeup EVERY SINGLE DAY? I think it happened for me after Daniel was born. 😆 Well when we got ready to take the picture, we looked at each other, and well, I had makeup on that day, so that's why the photos are of me! haha But I gave it to her immediately after. Maybe we can get pictures of her in it too one day! 😉😜

Don't you love it when you take a risk, try a new designer, and actually love it? 

I don't know why I waited so long. My sister now has one Halla Agnes. And since sewing that one, my mama has THREE! I don't have photos of her wearing them yet, but they are SO FLATTERING on her! This top really does look amazing on everyone! The semi-fitted bust and swingy hips are super flattering! I think I'll have to take some time to make one for myself next! 

This is one of my mama's tops in some beautiful fabric from Amelia Lane Designs

THANKS for reading my blog post! Now for the FUN PART!

THE CONTEST ENTRY!!

You may have heard, each day of the tour, you have a chance to enter to win a credit to HALLA to get a pattern! So TODAY IS MY DAY! 🎉

All you need to do to enter to win is:
(1) Subscribe to my blog 
(2) Comment on THIS POST for an extra entry!  Comment anything you like! 

Easy Peasy! 

On SATURDAY, I'll go through the comments and choose a winner! 

Finally, the Fabric Snob has decided to offer us a discount to their site! Use code "BUCKYBABE10" to receive 10% off your order there!

Be sure to follow me on my Instagram and Pinterest too! 

Thanks for stopping by! Once you've entered my draw, be sure to find the others on the tour for even more chances to win! We're EACH giving away 1 Halla Pattern code. That means 5 chances to win!! All draws will be made on Saturday, May 4, 2019 so you have time each day to read, enjoy + enter each sewist's contest.

Monday - Kate from Sewing from Scratch adding a V-Back to the Agnes Dress (for an additional entry, visit her YouTube video, too!)
Tuesday - Gwen from Crafty Curly Couture making the Agnes Tank
Wednesday - Sequoia from SequoiaLynn Sews demonstrating an FBA, floaty sleeves and a scoop neck.
Thursday - Laura from Custom Made by Laura colour blocking the Agnes Tank
Friday - Stephanie from Sarcastic Sewist adding a quilted yoke and slim dress line to the Agnes Shirt