NEW SIZES for Beatrix!
That's right – I've got another pattern update for you this week!! I'm excited to announce that we've updated our beloved Beatrix Sewing Pattern and it is now available in an updated size range with brand new features! Just like the Gemma update last week week, Beatrix now includes fourteen sizes (A-N) and is designed to fit chests 32-66 inches [81-168 cm] and hips 35-70 inches [89-178 cm], joining Garnet, Citrine, Ruby, and Cleo in our most inclusive size range!
It's no coincidence that we updated these two patterns together; they're based on the same block. Beatrix and Gemma share a curved hem and both have two different front dart size options. Beatrix also has short and ¾-length sleeves, a (NEW) shoulder dart, neck facings, and a fun button placket* in the back.
*but if you're truly “Button-Adverse/Fearful/Terrified,” we've got your back (see what I did there?) with my handy “How to Make Beatrix Without Buttons” tutorial!
As far as skill level, Beatrix is a true skill-builder, but I've labeled it “advanced,” which means that we recommend some prior experience with garment sewing before jumping into this one. However, I think you'll find that the Beatrix instructions really teach as you go. It was fun to recollect just how many tips and tricks I had written into this one as I edited the update.
WHAT’S NEW?
New views and instructions
Probably the biggest change to this pattern (besides the size range) is that I decided to simplify the pattern views with this update, which meant rewriting the instructions. The previous version of Beatrix featured a view a with the classic curved hem and two sleeve lengths, plus a view b with separate sleeve, button, and hem bands, which necessitated an entire second set of instruction steps for the second view. It was so complicated to manage two sets of pattern pieces AND write two pattern instructions when we first released the pattern back in 2015 that I nearly threw in the towel. Seriously. So when we decided to update it, I realized I couldn’t update both versions, so I picked the (far) more popular one, and I kept the separate button placket and combined it with the short sleeve for a second view. Now, view a features a 3⁄4-length sleeve and built-in button placket, and view b features short sleeves with a button placket from contrasting fabric. And of course you can still swap the sleeve lengths between the views!
A fresh new look, metric, layers, and a projector file!
Even though the main reason to update Beatrix was to add new sizes, we've also updated the entire pattern to give everything a fresh new look. Other additions include metric for all of the charts and instructions, LAYERS for all of the pattern piece files so you can select just the size(s) you need when you print them or have them printed, and Beatrix now comes with….drumroll please…a PROJECTOR FILE so you can project the pattern pieces if you have a home projector setup!! I’m especially excited about this last one, and can’t wait to explain how that works for those of you not familiar with how sewing projectors work…it’s pretty cool.
Adjusted pattern pieces, added new shoulder dart
As usual, I couldn’t resist the tweaking the fit, so I did make some adjustments to the pattern pieces, including the size and location of the dart on the front bodices (Beatrix has always included two different front bodice pieces for smaller and larger chests) since we had to redraft and regrade the entire pattern, and adding a shoulder dart. You may also notice that there is a bit more ease built into the bodice than in the original pattern, though that will depend on which dart (larger or smaller) you use. In the old pattern, the larger dart bodice had a lot more ease than the smaller dart bodice in the same size, which was a pet peeve of mine. I corrected that in this version; now they have different amounts of room in the chest, but the same fit through the waist and hips, if that makes sense.
What’s the same?
With the Beatrix update, you get the same classic design as before; it’s a truly timeless, transeasonal design. Just like the old version, the updated pattern includes two views and two sets of front bodice pieces with two dart options. Beatrix still comes with both print-at-home and large-format (A0 for print shops) pattern pieces, clear step-by-step instructions, and access to a buffet of Beatrix-related tutorials on the Beatrix page, including a Beatrix sewalong on my site with photos of each step.
GET INSPIRED…
Take a look at some beautiful versions of Beatrix from our lovely preview testers in a variety of sizes and fabrics…
Asmita @elephantinthestudy made two versions of Beatrix; a gold one in lightweight linen with a sanganeri hand-block indian cotton print for the placket, and a printed sanganeri hand block indian cotton featuring a small elephant print. She made some adjustments including a forward shoulder adjustment, raising the armpits, and shortening the hems slightly. She also added handmade pottery buttons to the gold version and piping to the placket on the elephant printed one - delightful details!
Jessica @jessicawaldegar (below) sewed up a Beatrix in a gorgeous flowy cotton/tencel blend that she picked up from Sew to Speak.
Tiffany @TiffanyMakes made this colorful short-sleeved version out of a multicolored ikat. Love those fun colors, plus check out that great contrasting button placket!
Amy @modernpearlco made this stunning black and white cotton Beatrix with a fabric called “Dot Dot Dot Light” that she found at Seams; she tested both Gemma and Beatrix for us and says “Loving the fit of both of these patterns. The length is just perfect.”
What if I already purchased Beatrix?
If you already purchased the Beatrix PDF from my shop, I’m offering free access to the update until the end of this month. I’ve automatically sent out updated links to everyone who purchased Beatrix in the past; click the download link for free access to the update. If you don’t see the email in your inbox yet, please check your spam folder and make sure you’re using the same email you purchased the pattern from. You can also click the original download link provided when you purchased the pattern, if you have it.
If you purchased the print pattern before May 2023 (this is when we began selling the Beatrix print pattern “as-is, without access to future updates” and discounted it in anticipation of the re-release), forward your purchase receipt to “rae AT made-by-rae.com” until the end of this month and I’ll send you a free PDF update.
IMPORTANT: Free access to the update for previous owners will expire* on September 30, 2024, so please download and save your updated Beatrix pattern right away!
If you purchased the pattern from my shop and didn't receive an automatic update, please hit reply from your purchase email receipt and I'll get you set up with a new link.
*Due to my limited work hours this fall and the fact that I no longer have an administrative assistant (Jess!) to help fulfill update requests, I am limiting the amount of time that I will send out free updates from now until the end of this month (9/2024). After that time, please repurchase the pattern from my shop for access to the update.
I really hope you love this update! Beatrix is a truly classic design, and I'm excited to finally bring this update to you!
PS. If you made it this far, get the Beatrix pattern for 25% off from now until the end of the month, September 30, 2024 by entering code YAYBEATRIX at checkout.