I was generously offered the class tuition and pattern for Kid’s Romper Revamp, both by Figgy’s Patterns, and asked for an honest review. What a privilege! I enjoy pattern testing, and I know a little bit about how much work designers put into their patterns. If I can in any way help, I’m all for it.
So I made up the romper using two knit remnants I purchased from local Gray’s General Store and finished it with three thrifted buttons. HEADS UP, Shelly, the owner of Figgy’s Patterns, is trying to start up a Portland-area studio for kids to learn to sew. ZOMG contribute. Please. Many children do not get access to learning these skills in homes or in schools.
First, the pattern itself. As per usual by Figgy’s (and her previous project with Karen LePage, Sewing For Boys), the pattern was drafted perfectly. The romper is sure to be a kids’ favorite; most kids adore one-piece garments. It has plenty of ease and a lot of care in seam finishes and yokes for a comfortable wear. My daughter slept in the romper last night and went swimming in it the next day!
Fabric choices; the romper is designed for any combination of knit or woven, which is unusual for many patterns. I made things difficult by picking two retro-80s knits with stripes, stripes that I then felt bound to match perfectly. Of course, this is not my first rodeo, so it was doable. The biggest challenge here was probably the pockets. But as you can see I PWNd the business.
The pattern is best suited for a child who likes to wear his or her waist at his or her natural waist. My son wears clothing at his waist, but my daughter wears clothing way low on her hips, which is not the intended design silhouette. However, there is enough wearing ease my daughter could wear it her way just fine.
The contrast stripe (hot pink and black) was such a large stripe I felt compelled to line things up as best I could: Big pink buttons complete the front because this romper was ALL about the early 80s.
Freckled avenger!
Very cute side slits and ties:
Now, a few words about the Craftsy class.
The romper is what I’d consider an advanced beginner/intermediate pattern. However, Shelly’s class was extraordinary in that she went through so many techniques that it is my opinion someone brand-new to sewing could sit down with the class, proceed (with patience!) and end up with a garment they’d be proud of. As per all Craftsy courses at this time, one can write notes during the video, and even ask specific questions during a lesson, which the instructor will answer.
Shelly’s class covers a lot of ground. She talks over tips on working with knits, as well as working with knits and wovens at the same time. She discusses needle and fabric selection, finding and cutting along the grainline, stitch width and length, specialized machine feet, gathering, pressing, thread-snipping during construction, machine-basting, basting with Wonder Tape, seam finishes, top- and edgestitching, and demonstrates some seam-ripping technique.
The class also covers adapting the pattern for a romper pant, and a sundress. Shelly takes quite a bit of care to discuss the trickier parts of the romper: the slit facing and button loops, for one. The videos are perfect for those who find written and pictorial instructions inadequate.
For new sewists: I’d advise making sure this is a garment your child would like to wear. Rompers are on-trend right now and I think it’s wonderful dedicated stitchers like Shelly provide options for our children. A homesewn romper means a romper a child can customize every little detail. I think that’s pretty keen!
