New Horizons Designs Melbourne | Sewing Pattern Review

Sharing is caring!

It’s nearing the end of summer and I want to get one more summer sewing project in on the blog. I can honestly say that to date, this is one of the sewing patterns I have literally made multiples of – all for myself! The New Horizons Designs Melbourne sewing pattern has definitely become one of my go-to patterns for sewing.

Even with ready to wear clothing, if I find something that I like, I rarely buy multiples. But there’s something about the Melbourne sewing pattern (and let’s face it – most sewing in general for me), that I felt compelled to sew up multiples.

This pattern is intended for knit fabrics and can be made with either a regular sewing machine or a serger.

At first glance, this pattern did not appeal to me. I am not usually a fan of gathered, empire waists. Sorry, but I’m paranoid and I tend to associate gathered, empire waists with maternity wear. So why would I want to look like I’m expecting when I’m not. But this pattern has a very subtle, gathered empire waist. In fact, there are hardly any gathers at all and so it does not come out billowy and maternity-like. Also, if you choose the right fabrics, with a lot of drape, it will hang and fall nicely, not making it look like you are expecting.

This pattern offers the following options:

With all these options, you can make a variety of items without them all looking the same. I’ve sewn up a number of shirt lengths, as well as a few dresses.

Fabric Options for the New Horizons Designs Melbourne Sewing Pattern

As mentioned, fabrics with a lot of drape that hang nicely look best in my opinion. Here are some of the fabrics that I would recommend.

Shirt Length

As with any sewing pattern, there can be a bit of trial and error at first. I wanted some light and flowy summer tops and so I used some rayon spandex from So Sew English. My first Melbourne was the sleeveless, crossover in rayon spandex. This was much like a tank top in the bodice, but I found the tank straps too narrow and my bra strap would show. This was easily remedied by using the bodice pattern for sleeves, but not attaching any sleeves – so basically a sleeveless version. I simply turned the edges under and used my Babylock coverstitch machine to hem.

My second version of this top also made with rayon spandex was perfect. It’s so light and airy – it’s perfect for hot, summer weather.

Incidentally, the first version I made, I ended up passing on to a work colleague/friend who was expecting and at 8 months pregnant, it fit her perfectly. Okay, don’t let that turn you off…I know I said I didn’t like maternity wear, but she did look cute in it and loved and light and flowy it was. The crossover bodice will also be perfect for her when nursing her baby.

I tried a similar version, using the regular bodice (not the crossover). This turned out nicely too. I used MVC fabric from So Sew English. This fabric is a bit heavier and a bit stiffer and perhaps didn’t hang or drape as nicely. However, it is not as sheer as the rayon spandex. It also makes a great summer top. This will be a great layering or transition piece for spring or fall.

I also made a top out of this luxuriously soft rib modal fabric, also from So Sew English. I wasn’t too sure if it would work as a dress as I would worry that the length would cause the garment to sag down with the weight. Not that it’s a heavy fabric, but it’s certainly heavier than the rayon spandex. This version has the regular bodice and elbow-length sleeves. This will make a great transition piece for fall as well.

Dress Version

By simply extending the skirt or peplum portion of this pattern, you can make a dress in any desired length. My go-to dress length is just above the knee and so I made a few versions of these.

My first dress version was made from a patterned rayon spandex from So Sew English. I received this fabric in a mystery box – it isn’t something I would have initially picked for myself, but it’s quite a subtle and pretty snakeskin pattern (if that’s possible?). Well, I really liked how this dress turned out – I ended up purchasing the pink version of this fabric as well.

This dress was made using the regular bodice and sleeveless. I also added pockets – I put pockets in everything because I can! Refer to my blog post on how to add inseam pockets found here.

This next version is made from triblend. It has short sleeves, the cross-over bodice and is a bit longer. Again, it has pockets. I will say that triblend doesn’t breath as well as the rayon spandex and so this is not necessarily the best in really hot weather, but it would be great for spring.

This last version (I told you I made a lot!) is made from some rayon spandex I found in the bargain basement of my local fabric store. You have to love a dress that costs $4! I decided to have some fun with this one and alternate the striping. Matching stripes can be a challenge. If you’re like me, when it’s a bit off, that’s all I see! However, making the stripes hang vertically, as in the skirt portion), you don’t have to worry about that!

I squeezed this dress (size 4) out of 1 metre (about 1.09 yards) of fabric! That said, I had to cheat a bit – the back portion of the skirt was cut as 2 pieces, instead of on the fold. Then I sewed it together so that it was one piece and continued on with the pattern. That was the only way I could squeeze it in. This trick works well when trying to squeeze something out of limited fabric. It works great for “back” pieces – like the back of the bodice or the back of the skirt, where a seam showing will not be a big deal.

I personally find the cross-over bodice more flattering on me, but it’s great that there is more than one option in this pattern.

My Overall Thoughts on the New Horizons Designs Melbourne Sewing Pattern

Usually, when I get a new pattern, I’ll make it once or twice. Quite often the first one is like that first pancake – the tester. I modify from there. As mentioned, I don’t think I’ve ever made multiple items like this before from a sewing pattern.

The pattern is well written and easy to follow. The bodice fits perfectly. The just had to shorten the peplum or skirt part, which is par for the course with me as I am only 5’1.

Here is one I made for the fall. For this one, I used double brushed polyester (DBP) fabric which is a bit cozier due to it being brushed. This is a great transition piece for spring or fall with the 3/4 sleeves.

Not only is the Melbourne sewing pattern easy to make, but it’s also easy to wear. It’s casual and perfect for everyday wear. Just look at how many I made!

Want to remember this review of the New Horizons Designs Melbourne Sewing Pattern? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.