Pattern Review: Love Notions Tidal Tank and Top

I test a lot of sewing patterns, but the vast majority of the time they are clothes for Levi.   I rarely sew for myself, but lately I've had the opportunity to test a few women's patterns.    This is one that I really like and plan on making more of.  

Pattern Description: Love Notions:   Tidal Tank and Top 

Comes with 3 lengths (top, knee and maxi), short sleeves, sleeveless or tank.     I learned that "tank" and "sleeveless" mean different things, "tank" is the narrower straps, and "sleeveless" is fuller coverage straps.   Option of banded or bound neckline/arm holes. 

Pattern sizing: Comes in sizes XS-XXXL.   I made the size small.  There are also instructions for a full bust adjustment.  

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern when you were finished sewing? yes

Were the instructions complete and easy to follow?  Yes, this is a super quick and easy pattern to sew up

Fabric used: Pattern is for knit fabrics, but woven fabric can be used for the middle panel (still need to try that!).   I used knit fabric I found at a thrift store for one, and Joann knit for another.  

Did you alter the pattern in any way?  I shortened the first one (purple) by about 2" at the "lengthen/shorten" line included on the pattern.    On the floral dress I chopped 3" off the bottom before hemming because I forgot to shorten sooner.   

Was there anything you disliked or would change?  Nope, it is great the way it is.   The pattern went through 6 different changes in the testing group to make sure it was perfect. 

Would you sew it again?  Yes, I have the top version printed and am going to try that next, my mom also wants me to make her one.  

Would you recommend it to others?  Yes

Do you consider the pattern beginner/intermediate/advanced?  Beginner with a knowledge of sewing knits, its a super fast and easy pattern for me, but the bands or binding might be tricky for someone new to knits. 

Shirts/dresses: Were the sleeves cut on the on the fold?   I haven't made sleeves, but they are different front and back.  

Does the pattern include layers for easy printing?  yes 

Seam allowance used in the pattern  3/8" 

Is the pattern cut or no cut pages?  No trim pages

Overall, this is a great pattern.  It is really really fast to make, and very comfortable to wear - no side seams!  

Pattern can be bought here

Viera Hospital Field Trip

Levi learned a lot on his field trip to Viera hospital today.   He was a bit apprehensive about going on this trip (worried about seeing blood!), but quickly realized that they weren't going to show him anything gross.    We had just a tiny group of 5 kids on this trip, but they split us into groups anyway.  

First, we looked at Radiology.   A teddy bear demonstrated how one gets an X-ray, and the kids even got to see what an X-ray of a bear looks like (he has some metal bits inside that showed up on the film).  

 

Checking out how the machine works...



They got to see real X-rays of people too, and were able to identify all of the "body parts" shown.  


After that, we saw the CT machine, and the bear demonstrated once more.




Next, they went to the ED, and looked at all of the equipment.   They were given hospital gowns to try on, tested the moving bed, the call buttons, and even the lights!   They also got their blood pressure and heart rate checked.  







There was a game of "who can put on the doctor gear the fastest"



Smurf hands!  



Lastly was the highlight of the experience, meeting the hospital's service dog Paco.   He comforts patients, but also has lots of training - he can pick things up off the floor, open doors and even get a bottle of water out of the refrigerator.

This is his "baseball card"


His handler "released" him so the kids could pet Paco.


And even check his heart beat along with some belly rubs!



The kids went home with a whole bunch of loot as well - a goodie bag, their doctor gear, a coloring book about nursing and even a pedometer!    It was a great experience and hopefully made the hospital seem a little less scary.    The staff was wonderful with the kids and complimented how smart homeschoolers were.    Thanks Viera Hospital!