The Best Bang For Your Buck~ Love Notions Spring Sale

Edited to Note: 2023 Fall sale begins Monday 10/2/2023. There will be a new blog post for the 2023 sale with details on how to win a free pattern coming! Be on the lookout!

In honor of the 40% off site wide sale at Love Notions this week, May2-6, 2022~ I decided to put together a list of patterns that I think give you the most bang for your buck! Not sure which patterns to add to your collection? Well, keep reading to see why these 5 patterns are a great bargain!

*****GIVEAWAY CLOSED******

1. Sloane Sweater

Why?

• Hackability: The Sloane is so easy to hack. It’s a great basic that can be used to recreate so many different RTW garments.
• Options: The pattern has so many options to choose from. Hood, pockets, yoke, elbow patches and 2 body styles are all included!
• Versatility: This pattern can be used to make a dressy sweater or a comfy sweatshirt!
• Easy to fit ~ which makes it a great pattern to use for gift giving.
• Can be worn year-round: One of my new favorite things to make is short sleeved sweatshirts with the Sloane.

Sloane Hack #1

This is Sloane (View B- Boxy fit) with a short sleeve. You can just fold up the pattern to the length you desire. My underarm seam is about 5″ long. I typically make the sleeve longer, and then decide once I have the top on. I have also created a split hem on this version(which I might do on all my Sloanes now!)

To create a split hem simply:

• Cut 2 bands about 1″ shorter than the width of front and back body pieces.(You are using the original band piece from the pattern.) I prefer to have my bands looser, since I’m a pear shape. But you can adjust this if you want.
• Fold each band RST and stitch in a 1/2″ seam across the short ends. Trim corner to reduce bulk. Turn right side out and press well.
• Baste the long raw edges together is desired. Mark the center point of the bands and set aside
• Construct top as per directions.
• Mark center front of front and back body pieces.
• Pin bands to the body, matching center points and side seams, stretching slightly to fit.
• Make sure to butt the front and back bands together very closely so you don’t end up with a gap.
• Stitch seam~ I recommend basting with a straight stitch first so you can check the fit.
• Stitch in a 3/8″ seam with with serger or conventional machine.
• Press seam towards body and topstitch through the top and seam allowance.(This keeps the seam allowance up)
• NOTE: I did NOT shorten this Sloane for my height (5 feet) so it is longer on me, which my was desired look.

Sloane Hack #2

This is the View A body which is more fitted with a curved hem. I’ve shortened the sleeve on this as well for Spring/Summer. To add some interest, I simply turned the sleeve and bottom hems to the outside and stitched in place. The neckband is also made using the reverse side of the French Terry. When finishing the pocket edges, I again, turned the wrong side to the outside and stitched. This gives it a more casual and beach feel, which is exactly what I was going for.

Click HERE to see a whole blog post dedicated to my Sloanes. You can read about several other hacks and RTW copycats that I have created.

Click HERE to see a mini blog tutorial on a split side seam Sloane.

2. Terra Tunic

Why?

• This pattern is soooo versatile. It can be casual or work appropriate depending on fabrics and options chosen. Most of mine are casual~ I’m a retired teacher!
• Options: 6 neckline variations (and they are all awesome!), 4 sleeve lengths, elbow patches and welt pockets
• Can be worn year round! (It would make a great beach coverup)

Terra Tunic Hack~ Test Run

This is my tester version of a V-Neck Terra Tunic with facings instead of a neckband. I’m thrilled with how it turned out. This fabric is an ITY which I normally love, but this one was horrible to sew with! Im looking forward to making another one of these now that I know I like the look. Be sure to be on the look-out for it in the Love Notions Facebook group.

How to create a facing for the V-neckline:

• Take your front body pattern piece, place a piece of pattern tracing cloth(I use Pellon Easy Pattern 830) on top and trace the v-neckline, shoulder and center front.
• Measure 2″ away and mark. Use a French curve to connect the markings. This is your front facing.
• Repeat the process for the back using the back body pattern piece.
• Sew front and back facings together at the shoulder.
• Pin and stitch facing to the neckline right sides together.
• Clip at V being careful not to go through stitching
• Press facing and sew allowance away from the body.
• Understitch, then turn facing to the inside and press
• I chose to topstitch 1.5″ away for the look I was trying to achieve.

Edited to Add: Here are my two Terras with the neck facing hack completed. I’m am loving both of them!

Click HERE to see read more about these Terra Tunics

Click HERE to see a whole blog post dedicated to my many Terra Tunics

3. Arlington Sweater

Why?

• Options, Options, Options!!!! Two shirt lengths, a dress, 3 necklines, 5 sleeve options ~the combinations are endless with this pattern!
• Versatility- between mixing up the pattern options and fabric choices, you can wear this anytime or anywhere!
• Great for your work wardrobe, date night or just hanging around the house!
• Another pattern you can use year round!

Click HERE to see a while blog post dedicated to the Arlington.

4. Forte Top and Dress

Why?

• This pattern includes 2 completely different style tops and a dress options! It really is like 2 patterns combined into one. I haven’t made all the versions yet, but there’s time!
• Options: 4 top styles, 2 dress styles, 6 sleeve options.
• The sleeves can be mixed and matched with the different top/dress options
• I’ve heard from many sewists, that View C with just a plain short sleeve(just leaving off the ruffle) is their FAVORITE T-shirt pattern!
• This pattern is often overlooked, but can be used to fill up some holes in your wardrobe.

5. Rhapsody Blouse and Dress

Why?

• Again, it’s all about the options! So many other pattern companies only offer additional sleeves, etc in “expansion packs” at a cost. Did you know that this pattern includes NINE sleeve options!!!
• Versatility: This pattern can be dressy or casual depending on options used and fabric selected. It looks great for work, but also really cute with just a pair of jeans.
• Looks great on ALL body types
• Can be made/worn all year long. Although is is designed for lightweight and drapey fabrics, it can be worn layered all year long.

I’ve only made one Rhapsody so far. It’s a cute flutter sleeve version that I color blocked ( due to only having one yard of the dot fabric to work with). I do have a few planned this spring.

UPDATE: I’ve now made about 9!! You can read all about them at this newer blog post. Rhapsody Blog Post

Visit this blog post to see how I created a ruffle sleeve hem on my Rhapsody blouses seen below. It’s my favorite version to make!

Other great patterns that are also a good bang for your buck:

• Sybil Skirt: 7 styles to choose from
• Men’s Dockside: Polo, henley and crew all in one pattern!
• Resolution Bottoms: 5 styles including plain leggings, Moto legging, bootcut yoga pants, straight cut yoga pants and joggers
• Allegro Bottoms: 4 pant lengths including shorts, 2 skirts and a jogger option

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You can check out my personal top 5 Love Notions patterns HERE. Note there might be some overlap on these 2 lists.

I’d like to add that the new Aria Button Down, is also a great bang for your buck, and a new favorite of mine. This pattern is included in the 2023 Spring 40% off sale. You can read more about my Arias HERE.

Thanks for visiting my blog. If you’ve enjoyed reading this post, consider subscribing to my blog. To see all of my makes, be sure to follow me over on Instagram @sewmarymac

Mary Anne 🙂

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You can purchase any Love Notions patterns HERE.

This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.

To receive an additional 10% off the pattern prices, use this coupon code Marysews10 . This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $5 Feature Friday pattern. And yes, it CAN be used during ANY 40% off sale! This code changes quarterly. If you find this code isn’t working, be sure to visit my latest blog post for the updated code. Code as of Oct 1, will change to LOVEMARY10.

I am currently a Love Notions Ambassador. I am given access to all new patterns for free. I purchased most of the patterns above on my own before becoming an ambassador. As always all opinions are my own.

How To Win a Free Love Notions Pattern From Me!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED for 2022 sale. Please check my blog this week for my 2023 Sale post and a chance to win a free pattern from me!!

So if you’ve read this far, you must really want a chance to win a free pattern! To enter my giveaway for a free pattern, make sure to do the following:

• Follow me on Instagram @sewmarymac
• Watch for my Free Pattern post on Instagram
• Leave a comment on my Instagram post telling me what your favorite SewMaryMac blog post is.

Winner will be chosen on Friday, May 6, 2022. Winner will be asked for their email address so that I can pass it on to Tami (of Love Notions) who will be giving you your free pattern code.

Fabric Resources

Raspberry Creek Fabrics

Mily Mae Fabrics

Stylemaker Fabrics

Spring Sale ~ May 2-6, 2022