My York Pinafore : : A Helen’s Closet Pattern
Well hiya guys. I’ve got a couple of blog posts either ready to roll or close to so let’s jump right in…
Helen {that’d be Helen’s Closet} has released a new pattern…The York Pinafore.
It’s fun. It’s easy. It’s playful.
I got in early with this make as a pattern tester….and I’ve been wearing it frequently on the QT. It’s already become a warm weather favourite. No fuss. Cool. Nonrestrictive. Wear it with a tee or a tank…even over your swimsuit.
And that’s just spring/summer styling. I can totally see myself wearing the York with a turtleneck bodysuit and leggings in autumn. But…please….let’s not rush things…we’ve not yet arrived at summer here in lovely, green Vancouver.
I pattern tested View A…large scooped patch pockets, deep neckline and knee length. View B is shorter, has a high neckline and a cute kangaroo pocket. Obvs…you can mix and match elements to create your signature pinafore.
The neckline and armhole edges are finished with bias tape facings. Of course you can use purchased tape but Helen also includes a how-to for making your own bias tape.
There are instructions for doing a FBA on the York, but on me the result was a too low neckline. My best fit was using the pattern size based on my upper bust measurement with no FBA. With only two main pattern pieces, it’s pretty straightforward to paper fit to your body before cutting into your fabric. Please note that the final version of the York Pinafore has been altered slightly. The scooped neckline has been adjusted to make the curve less steep and the bodice has been shortened by 1/2″. I’ll be implementing these changes on my next make…the result will be a little more bust coverage.
Can pockets ever be too deep? Nu-uh, don’t think so. These are patch pockets with the outside edges integrated into the side seam. The inside top of the pockets are edged with bias tape.
High neckline at the back…cocoon shaped silhouette…no gaping at the waist.
Ta da. That’s really about it…this is a straightforward make….no challenging zippers or buttons.
Today, I’m also wearing a Megan Nielsen Rowan Tee. Fabric is Art Gallery’s Wild Bloom – Lively Rosebuds, purchased from Thread Count Fabrics. I played around a bit with the neckline…attempting a boat neck….but it wasn’t a complete success. I wanted it to appear wider but I’m maxed out on width…the neck ribbing is pretty much butted up to where the sleeve attaches to the shoulder. That being said, I still like the tee…and yes, it’s drafted for a close fit with a bodysuit option.
Okay…I tried to keep it short and sweet today as I’m popping back soon….
But…
All this chat about the GDPR Privacy Policy has been stressing me out. Seriously…I find the technical side of blogging confusing at best and this latest round of requirements has me pondering on pulling the plug. WordPress has updated my site to include the option of adding a privacy policy, which I have published under the About Me heading. But. There’s more to be done and I gotta tell ya…I’m floundering. I hope WordPress continues to offer simple, easy to understand, plugins that help me/us comply with the General Data Protection Regulation. Any and all help/advice is appreciated blogging peeps. Please share in the comments section or contact me via email. Mwaaah!
Wearing:
York Pinafore : : Helen’s Closet
16 Comments
I think it is a fun dress, but it does draw attention to your girls (). Then again, they are part of you so why be shy about them. I can understand thatit is such an easy thing to wear. Carefree. And the shirt is lovely.
Greetje
Oh too funny…I was just making a small edit to my blog post that sort of addresses this issue. The final version of the pattern has been adjusted slightly and the bodice will provide a bit more coverage.
I’ve also found that wearing a looser fitting tee makes for a much more ‘balanced’ look. Hmmmm…tight tees….maybe not for me, at least with this pinafore. It wasn’t until after the photos were done that I really noticed it, and although I kinda wanted to redo the pics…well…I just thought I should let it be.
A lovely look, Dear Sue!
Thank you Sabine!
Re GDPR, I want to pull my hair out trying to understand it. I don’t run a business website, just a traditional, info-only blog. (Haha, as much as blogs can be considered traditional.) So do I need to make modifications or not??
I think as long as you’re not sending out ads to subscribers’ email addresses, and you’re not selling subscribers’ names or other info, and it’s easy to unsubscribe (it is, I just checked your email notification, and “unsubscribe” is right at the top), and you’re not giving away freebies in exchange for email addresses, then you’re okay. But I’m sure you’re still doing what I’m doing and monitoring all the info traffic out there for some EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND advice and plug-in updates and whatnot.
I know sooooo little about it Priscilla. I’ve gotten a ton of emails from business websites asking me to either re-subscribe or confirm my preferences and I’ve done so without thinking that my blog falls under the same laws. From the bit I understand, my blog does indeed need to be GDPR compliant. That being said…you’re right….my email followers have voluntarily signed up for post notifications and have the option to unsubscribe at any time. That may mean that I don’t have to do anything further with my email subscribe list but I honestly don’t yet know.
Woohoo, a fun, gorgeous pinafore. Do my eye deceive me or you said “two-pieces” to the pattern. That’s my kind of pattern. Hahaha. And you also said cocoon shape, a description I’ve never heard before, a good one. I love a good boat neck too. Great make and excellent photos! It’s so greeeen. Sometimes it’s good to see one’s environment through another lens for extra appreciation.
About GDPR, argh. Yeah, HELP US, you blogging platforms! I’ve read so many “easy” fixes that leave my eyes spinning. I want to comply, I do, but how…? Grrr. I’m exhausted.
Yep….front and back…well plus the pockets, but technically you could leave them off…or fark a set of pockets off of a thrifted pair.
Seriously, I would have thought that blogspot would have an update, or a easy to follow list of what to do. Le sigh. By the way…you opened this can of worms for me, LOL. {I would have learned about it at some point anyways…}
This is such a fun dress, Sue! As I read through your post, I could see all the many ways you mentioned styling it for different seasons. It is truly a flexible piece–and to think, it’s an easy make as well! (Even I grasped how it went together! Yay!)
Regarding GDPR: exhausting is the word of the day. I have no idea how to truly be compliant. Like you, I have WordPress, so I’m following along like a blind duck, listening for the sounds of the quacks that tell me what to do next. (Pun intended.) I have yet to update my About page with this info. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the advice Priscilla Bettis gave above is 100% correct. Perhaps one of the advantages of having a tiny following is not showing up on some European radar as infringing on these rules. This may be something we need to discuss thoroughly next week.
And speaking of next week–YAY it’s almost here!! I can’t wait to see you.
Hugs,
Sherry
YAY. OH Yah. We gonna see each other soon girlfriend!
Let me know if there’s any garments, or patterns, you want me to show you when you visit. This is one you could easily do…in the smallest size.
Ho ho…I got that pun. Well done. I put the privacy policy up, but….shamefully…I don’t know if I was supposed to edit it at all? Ugh…it’s too much. It is a comfort that we aren’t alone in this…so many of us small bloggers are unclear of exactly what to do.
Ok great dress…I was so sore I couldn’t fit in testing this…all the versions I’ve seen so far look so cool and comfy.
And GDPR malarkey. It hadn’t even occurred to me it would affect us at all and now I’m thinking I need to check it out!!! Xxxx
I was wondering why I hadn’t seen your version Sarah. I’ve missed out on testing garments a couple of times due to personal commitments. They’re always ones that I know I’m going to want to sew too.
GDPR…had not been paying attention to it…thinking it was a EU requirement that didn’t affect us, but I have been informed otherwise. So….????? To my knowledge the sewing community has not been discussing it at all on blogs or social media. If/when I get more information, I’ll share. xo
I was thinking the same as Greetje, that the style of the neckline and low sides does call attention to the girls, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing 😉 When I was a kid we called that style a jumper, which you wore over a turtleneck in the winter.
Yah…we called these jumpers too. My friend’s Mum sewed a lot and she always came to school with the cutest jumpers…especially the winter versions.
There have been a few of us noticing the…ahem…emphasis. I do think when I make the pattern according to the revised edition things will look more proportionate…however, I think I will revise further and add a little width to the pinnie. We’ll see…
I love your posts, and I want to follow you, please send me each post you make to my address. I love your look.
[…] Who remembers my first York Pinafore, seen above, and blogged here? Oh my goodness…I wanted to like that garment so much….but…..no matter what top […]