Sinclair Patterns: Tango Tunic

I was so fortunate to be able to test the Tango Tunic by Sinclair Patterns recently.  I was not only thrilled to be a pattern tester and even more honored to be chosen to participate.  Here's the image of the pattern from Sinclair's site: Tango Tunic

I made the size 12 in a tall, which is exactly what my bust measurements are.  I don't have to lengthen from the bust to the apex or the apex to my waistline.  It's almost as if these patterns are drafted just for me.  :)

Here are my two versions: 

Let me tell you about the pattern. 

It's very easy to sew.  Yes, even with those bands it is easy to sew.  And, btw, those bands are the most time consuming part of the project.  After those are sewn on, this project flies together.

For the blush and off white sweater knit, I used two sweater knits in differing weights.  The blush is from Fabric.com and the print is from Sly Fox Fabrics.  I love them both! 

I had thought about making one with the cowl and one with the split collar but once I got the collar together, I decided I needed two with the cowl.  My next one will be a split collar.

The camo/gray version are both stash remnants.  The camo is a recent project left over and the gray, I think was purchased when Hancock's went out of business (I am still sad about that!)

For this pattern, if you can get your bust/height measurement correct, you'll be fine with this pattern.  All the testers commented that the length drafting is perfect.  It doesn't matter if you are petite, within the traditional measurements, or tall. 

Have fun with this pattern!  It's on sale for a little while.  Snatch it up before you have to pay full price!

Thanks for reading!

Sue   

Harper Cardigan by Sinclair Patterns

I have another review for a Sinclair Patterns.  This is the Harper Cardigan.  I just love it.  

This comes in various sizes and lengths so you can create a bunch of these and they can all be slightly different.  

I made the classic length in a tall size.  I love these tall patterns!  

I want you to see a close-up of this gorgeous knit I purchased from Treadle Yard Goods in Saint Paul, Minnesota last summer. 

Photos do not do it justice!  It's got so much variation in the yarns and the feel of it is just so special.  For the pockets, I cut them on the cross grain and used the selvage as the top edge.  

Did I mention the texture?  

This pattern is very similar to the uber popular Blackwood Cardigan.  I wanted to try this one since I just got it printed and taped together.  Plus, at least for the time being, it's free.

The drafting is exceptional.  The fit is exactly what I wanted.

I had to shorten the sleeves just a bit as they were too long.  That rarely happens!

Due to my limited fabric and my ineptitude at measuring correctly, I had to cut the front bands in half width-wise.  I still love this and I had no intention of wearing this closed or putting a closure on it.

I am quite smitten with this and will make more!

Thanks for reading!

Sue

Sinclair Harper Classic Cardigan

Comfy, cozy, camo! Sinclair Jemma tunic

I recently became aware of Sinclair patterns and that they make TALL sizes!  If you are over 5'6" like I am, this is a special treat! 

I had to try this Jemma Tunic in the tall sizes.  I made my size based on my full bust measurement.  I really love how this fits.  

My tunic is pretty long, almost to my knees but I think it is perfect for wearing with leggings and boots.

My fabric is a sweater knit I picked up at Fabric.com.  The manufacturer is Telio and if you've read any of my previous posts, you know I just love this brand!

This ribbed knit behaved beautifully, washes beautifully, and is a pleasure to wear. 

I love the large roomy pockets on this.  

That neckband is really nice too!

I hope you'll branch out and try Indy patterns if you are not familiar with them.  Typically, the drafting is exceptional and the instructions are full of details.

I'll be review more Sinclair patterns in the future. 

If you are interested, here's a link to their website: https://sinclairpatterns.com/

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

The Grace Transeasonal Coat

I've finally made the Grace Trans-Seasonal Coat for the winter.  This is a StyleArc pattern, and you all know, I am a big fan! Here's a description: 

This is an easy-to sew, unlined coat with a fabulous collar--wear it up hugging the neck or open to give a more casual look.  Great deep buttoned pockets that are able to carry all that you need. Interesting seam treatment along with bound edges gives this coat a unique look.  

The Grace coat is a fashionable over coat and will become one of your favorites.  

I made this with a wool melton I ordered from Fabricdotcom.  I just love the color and the feel of this wool.  It doesn't ravel at all.  

I decided to add a lining to this coat to make it a bit warmer and I just love adding fun linings to my coat.  Why be boring when you can be bold?  Since the pattern didn't come with lining or instructions to line this, I drafted my own.  It isn't hard and there are so many tutorials online, you can find one that's easy to do.

The lining is a rayon by Telio found at fabricdotcom.  Again, I am a huge Telio fan and wow is this fabric not only pretty but I love how the color compliments the olive wool.

And, since I added the lining, I decided to add another touch and that was to the piping between the facing and lining.  I made my own (naturally) and love the custom touch! 

The buttons, which I really like, are from Hobby Lobby.  Right now, that's the only place in Sioux Falls I can get buttons for garments.  I've really got to stock up on things like buttons, zips, etc.  You never know when you'll need something and no one locally carries it. 

Would you look at my welt pockets?  I decided to add that little 'lip' at the top edge to give this a bit more oomph.  I love it!

You can't see it, but I also idd double rows of topstitching on the major seams.  

This coat is very oversized.  Based on the modifications I made, this is a size down from my typical SA pattern use.  I think it's pleasantly oversized but not so much so.

Can I have you check out how deep those pockets are?  My entire hand, up to the wrist, fits well inside.  

Plus, that collar!  You can flip it up and I added the buttons at the neckline.  If HL had two more of the buttons, I would have added them to the flaps on the welt pockets.  Dang.  I'll have to see if I can get more online. 

Thanks so much for reading!  I got my new coat completed just in time for the snow!

Sue :) 

Rebecca Page Jo Jeans

Hey, another review from Rebecca Page as a brand ambassador!  This time, it's a pair of jeans.  This pattern comes in variations and sizing for the entire family.  

I am reviewing the Jo Jeans, or ladies jeans.  Here's a link to the pattern: Jo Jeans Rebecca Page

These are slim fitting jeans.  They come in a large variety of sizes: XXS to 5 XL.

I made a muslin for this pattern and am glad I did.  These were extremely thin through the calf area.  Otherwise, the fit was really good.  I did have to do a few alterations since I am taller than what this pattern company is drafted for.  

The back yoke, which you can't really see since my hands are in my pockets, is uniquely shaped.  I like it.

This has all sorts of classic jeans styling.  These are comfortable and easy to wear.  I think my fabric came from fabricdotcom.  Love that site for quality fabric.

Yes, I will be making more of this pattern.  Try it! 

Thanks for reading!

Sue

More from Pattydoo! The Nora Coat

Today, I have another Pattydoo review for you!  This time, I made this adorable 'coat'.  My muslin was made from a wool blend plaid and my final garment was made from Telio sweater knit.  

I just love the design lines on this and the fact that the hood is lined.  As with the first pattydoo pattern I tried, the drafting is exceptional.   If you are interested, a link to the pattern is below.

Pattydoo Nora coat

I chose to make my 'coats' more jacket-like with no closures and with a lighter weight fabric.  

So, here is my muslin.  I thought I had matched up the plaid on the front band area, but apparently not!  I didn't have enough fabric to recut, so I am living with it.  You can also see, my band facings are made from a solid black.  In hindsight, I should have cut the black as the piece you'd see on the right side.  

At least my plaids match across the front band area!   You'll notice too that the sleeves are a tad short.  I corrected that on my final garment.  I am hoping this fits DD2.  She's shorter than I am, so this sleeve length is hopefully perfect. 

I really like that the hood is lined on this.  It gives a very nice finish.  There are no printed directions for this and there are videos, but they are in German.  Although, you can see the steps so if you have some experience, you can simply follow along and create this with no issues.

There are also side seam pockets that are very nicely drafted.  I do believe it you lengthened the finished width by about 1/4" or so, you could catch them in the band seam and then they would't flop around at all.

Here you can see those pockets.  I did tack them down to the band at the top and bottom.

Here's my second version.  I used this blush colored Telio sweater knit.  This fabric is so amazing and lucious!  If I can sew about 10 more things without purchasing additional fabric, I am going to treat myself to a few more colors of this sweater knit.  I just love it! 

Here's the inside of the jacket.  No judgement on the sewing room please! You can see the band facing is cut in two pieces. This saves on fabric yardage for sure.

I just love the fit of this.  I lengthened the sleeves by about 2 inches.  With this knit, I did leave the pockets off as I wasn't sure how the fabric would behave with the pockets constructed per the directions. 

I really took my time with this and stabilized the front band area, the shoulders, the back neckband and of course the hemlines.

This might seem a bit weird, but I starched each cut edge prior to sewing together.  I think it made the fabric a bit easier to handle.  

I did edgestitch the facing so it wouldn't roll to the outside.  

The directions have you add a piece of bias to the back neckline, which I forgot to picture.  I highly recommend this step, especially if you are using a knit.  There's a lot of weight on that part of the garment with the two piece and layer hem.

I think I have a new layering piece this winter!

Thanks for reading!

Sue