Siena  (Women’s, Youth, Baby) is such fun pattern for summer, no matter which version you decide to sew up! I got to sew for myself for our February Sew-a-long, but now I’m back to sewing for my youngest for the SALs. Haha!  I’m going to show two versions – a youth mini with plain waist, and a high-low with ruffled waist. I’ll also show the faux drawstring on one of them.

Check out the line drawings below for more info on pattern options, as well as sizing information:

Before we get started, there is a ton of helpful beginner information between the M4M and P4P blogs, in case you are new to knits, or new to PDF patterns in general:

• New to PDF patterns? Check out our helpful tips here
• New to sewing with wovens? Dana has some great tips here.
• Not quite sure how to measure yourself accurately? Don’t worry; check out the post here!
• Wondering if a pattern is “true to size”? Read more about sizing and intended fit here.
• Having issues printing? Most issues can be resolved by using our FAQs/troubleshooting tips
• Looking for some gathering suggestions? Look no further.
• Looking here for more extensive grading help!
• Not in our official SAL group yet? Join here 🙂

Our first day is all about prep! First, be sure to measure yourself (or the person/people that you are sewing for) accurately. The tutorial includes information about grading and mashing, but you can also check out the blog linked above!

After you’ve measured, you’ll want to decide on making the pattern as is, or sewing it up using a hack! Check out the Siena hacks here.

Then, you’ll want to choose your fabric and gather your supplies. Definitely look for apparel wovens for the Siena! If you use a quilting cotton, just keep in mind that the gathers will seem bulkier and it will not drape as well as you might hope. For children, this may not be as important! Be sure to check the tutorial for more fabric suggestion information.

Next, go ahead and print your pattern! Be sure to print a test page and measure your 1″ square before you print the whole pattern.  Once you’ve got your pattern pieces printed and assembled, go ahead and cut out your fabric so you are all ready for day 2. Remember that even if your pattern is only off by 1/16″, that’s 1/16″ PER INCH, not total. Definitely reprint if you notice your test square is off!

Don’t forget:

• Make sure you are taking an accurate and consistent seam allowance; seam allowance is already included on all pattern pieces.
• Be sure that your pieces are cut on the fold or as mirror images, however it’s indicated on the paper pattern piece
• The waist band is not a separate pattern piece
• There are a LOT of pages; be sure to make use of the print chart at the end of the written tutorial to conserve paper and ink!
• Get friendly with your iron; pressing often will make a big difference in how polished your garment looks

Want to sew along with me? Check out today’s video!

If you have questions about measuring yourself, printing, putting your pattern together, or cutting your fabric, you are always welcome to post in our SAL group so we can help you! Be sure to check in each day during the SAL, and look for daily posts to enter our giveaways. We can’t wait to see what you create this week!

 

DAY 1: PREP

DAY 2: SIDE SEAMS + WAIST CASING

DAY 3: ADDING TIERS

DAY 4: ADDING WAIST ELASTIC

 DAY 5:  HEMMING

DAY 6: OPTIONAL: FAUX WAIST TIE + CATCH UP