Relaunch of Love Notions Olympia Dress

One of my favorite makes last year was the Love Notions Olympia. What's not to love? It's a flattering silhouette and goes together in a snap. So when they asked for testers for a relaunch, I threw my hand up in the air! I was thrilled to be selected and went on to make not one, not two but THREE Olympias.

My first one was a maxi. Truthfully, I am not a maxi dress fan (I always feel like a little girl playing dress up) and every time I've made one in the past, I've worn it once and then, chopped it, turning it into a knee length dress or gave it away. But not very many people were doing maxis and I found this perfect 4 yard piece of venezia fabric  I had received in a bundle so VOILA! Version 1 was born. I included pockets on this one. This is my "Girls Night Out" version (as evidenced by the glass of wine!)

 

My second one was the version I was assigned - knee length dress with 3/4 sleeves. Perfect for me as I had already intended to make another sweater version of the original pattern! This will become a work staple for me when the temperatures cool down. I skipped the pockets on this one (GASP!) to avoid extra bulk at my hips.

I thought I was done but then another tester posted a white version that I loved and yet another tester posted a swiss dot version that I loved so what's a girl gonna do?  Make a white swiss dot version with short sleeves for wearing on a Saturdays to run errands. I love the look of this one but it's a smidge too sheer for my comfort so I'm going to whip up a "slip" using some nude fabric and the Love Notions Luna pattern.

This was my original version that I made in January 2021:

This pattern goes together quickly and depending on the fabric, you can get a lot of different looks. All three are size small with A cup. I added a bit of width in the back to accommodate my broad back. My tip would be when you get to the step in which you attach the back bodice to the collar that you baste and sew slowly. Then, you can attach via serger for a clean finish.

Love Notions Patterns Luna Loungewear Relaunch - August 2022

If I'm gonna continue testing patterns, it appears that I should start blogging again! 

I was happy to test the relaunch of the Luna Loungewear pattern. I tested the knee-length nighty. My first version was a size small using a lightweight rayon knit using fold over elastic (FOE) for the neck binding, armhole binding and straps. The length of the FOE was a bit short in the first version but it still turned out very wearable!

 

For the second version, the suggested length for the FOE was lengthened and it worked much better for me although honestly, I would probably go a wee bit longer in the next version.  The following picture illustrates that my right shoulder is a bit higher than the other and it didn't occur to me to shorten the elastic on the left side. I didn't notice it when I was wearing; only in the photo. Oopsie!

The instructions couldn't be any more clear and this is a quick sew! I can't wait to make up a PF set with a cami length and shorts. If you're not a fan of FOE, a fabric binding is also an option. There is also the option to add a shelf bra. I skipped that for jammies but I would love to make a cami with the shelf bra to be worn during the day.